The American Kleptocracy: A Government of Liars, Thieves and Lawbreakers Thu Sep 08 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stay, Play & Save This Summer - There’s Much For Locals To Love This Summer, And For Those Seeking A Quick Daycation Trip South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2025 This Summer, Visitors And Locals Looking To Save On Travel Without Sacrificing Style Or Sunshine Can Find Their Idyllic Getaway Just Steps Away From The Sand And The Hustle And Bustle Of The A1A Strip At The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. With Summer Marking Florida’s Slow Season, Guests Can Enjoy Reduced Hotel Rates While Soaking Up Everything This Boutique Beachside Resort Has To Offer – From Two Pools And Day Access To Amenities Via ResortPass, To Entertainment And A Bevy Of Daily Food And Beverage Specials That Bring A Flavorful Experience To Each Day. Whether You're A Savvy Traveler Visiting The Sunshine State, Or A South Florida Resident Looking For A Staycation Retreat Close To Home, The Kimpton Shorebreak Delivers An Affordable, Laid-Back Escape In The Heart Of Fort Lauderdale That Offers The Opportunity To Unwind And Save In Style All Summer Long. Florida Residents Rate Those who live year-round in the Sunshine State know that they don’t have to travel far to enjoy a sunny beachside getaway, and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is welcoming all Florida residents with discounted accommodations. Anyone who can show valid Florida ID will receive 20 percent off the best available rate and have the resort fee ($40/day) waived for their stay. Raise the Rooftop Enjoy a $50 credit and explore the innovative new food and cocktail menus at Escape Rooftop Bar – the property’s welcoming rooftop pool and lounge. Soak in the best views of Fort Lauderdale, including magnificent western-facing sunsets and Escape’s Sunset Happy Hour offering drink specials 30 minutes prior to, and after, sunset. All summer long, “Raise the Rooftop” every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with guest DJs. #SquadGoals Summer is a great time for bachelor and bachelorette gatherings and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place to get the party started for gals and guys wishing to honor their nuptials-bound pals. For any room block of six or more rooms, receive 10 percent off, and the same discount applies to the group’s dinner bill at the hotel’s delicious coastal Italian restaurant, La Fuga. Upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary Limoncello toast to set the tone for the stay while daily beach yoga offers a refreshing recovery from the night before. The package also includes a VIP amenity for the group host and a reduced resort fee. To book this package, contact: sales@shorebreakfortlauderdale.com. For more information on the summer specials listed here as well as special rates for IHG Rewards One members, longer stay specials and many more, visit: https://www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com/hotel-deals/ ResortPass There’s much for locals to love this summer, and for those seeking a quick daycation trip in Fort Lauderdale, the Kimpton Shorebreak is the perfect destination to relax, soak up the sun and take advantage of the property’s special Day Pass and Day Room offers available via ResortPass. For the reduced rate of $40 per adult (ages 21+ only), purchase of a Day Pass grants visitors access to spend the day enjoying the resort’s rooftop and courtyard pools, lounge chairs and towel service, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 10% discount on food and beverages from La Fuga or Escape Rooftop Bar, and $10 valet parking. Additionally, visitors can enhance their daycation with the Shorebreak’s Day Room offer which is available for the reduced rate of $119 for two people. Purchase of a Day Room includes use of a private guest room from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with in-room seating and work areas, mini-fridge and Cable TV, fitness center access, plus Day Passes for up to two guests including all of the amenities within the Day Pass offer. Room type will be assigned at check-in and will be based on availability. All room cancellations require 72-hour notice. For more information or to purchase a ResortPass, visit: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/kimpton-shorebreak-fort-lauderdale-beach-resort Sip & Savor Shorebreak-Style at La Fuga Located on the lobby level of the Kimpton Shorebreak, La Fuga is the resort’s signature restaurant that showcases spectacular coastal Italian cuisine from Executive Chef Michael Mayer. The charming restaurant welcomes guests with comfortable booths and a buzzy central bar, complemented perfectly by stellar live jazz performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with no cover charge! The perfect spot to enjoy Happy Hour, which is available daily from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and offers specially priced bites and drinks at the bar and lounge, La Fuga also features an exciting lineup of nightly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the week including: Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Negroni Night – specialty negronis and classic negronis for $10 each; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; and Spritz Night – signature and classic spritz cocktails for $9 each; every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Making the destination even more enticing to residents and visitors looking to savor exclusive dining deals this summer, La Fuga is participating in Visit Lauderdale’s annual Dine Out Lauderdale Restaurant Months which kicks off on August 1st and runs through September 30th, 2025. As part of the annual culinary celebration, La Fuga is offering a special three-course dinner menu for just $60++ per person which includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a pour of Limoncello and a glass of wine. The restaurant’s Dine Out Lauderdale menu will be available nightly to guests from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Savory items from the special menu include Bruschetta – oven roasted tomato, basil, olive oil and balsamic; Polpette di Vitello – veal meatballs, mascarpone polenta, puttanesca and parmigiano; Tagliatelle al Ragù' Bolognese – house made pasta with bolognese; Pappardelle – San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and olive oil; and Pollo alla Cacciatora – roasted chicken, porcini, tomato, ligurian olive & polenta. For dessert, guests can indulge in sweet treats on offer including Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Cannoli. Escape Rooftop Bar In addition, the Kimpton Shorebreak is also home to Escape Rooftop Bar, offering loungey poolside vibes and spectacular rooftop views of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal. Serving sunsets daily, the west-facing rooftop is an imbibers paradise and the ideal location to sip stellar cocktails and wines, and enjoy delicious bites and tapas, all while watching the sunset. In addition to Escape’s daily Sunset Hour featuring specially priced wines-by-the-glass, cocktails and bottles of rosé, 30 minutes prior to and after sunset, the rooftop bar and lounge offers a vibrant lineup of weekly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy. Weekly programming at Escape includes In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from Noon – 9:00 p.m.; Tequila Tuesday – house margaritas or tequila straight up for $10; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Soundscape by Escape – enjoy the Soundscape of DJ Reall and refreshing cocktails poolside on the rooftop; every Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturdaze at Escape – refreshing cocktails, skyline views and live set from DJ Blcknsss; every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from Noon – 10:00 p.m. The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. For more information, visit: www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com - Telephone: (954) 908-7301. Previous Next

Florida Attorney General Fights To Protect Women And Girls Fri May 17 2024 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Working Side By Side: Hallandale Beach Police Department Hires A Community Relations Specialist To Help Assist With Connecting Individuals To Resources By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper May 11, 2023 Share Over the years our City has seen its share of homeless people. We always have had individuals at the Off Ramps of I-95 Panhandling and on our main corridors. Throughout time there are always some people that fall into hard times and need basic necessities like food and shelter. Today’s reality is that increasingly we are seeing Panhandlers and individuals sleeping in bus shelters or even worse simply on the ground. Let me make it clear, it is not legal for people to be camping out. We are trying what we can within the Law and the parameters of human kindness to address this new reality. Recently, Chief Michel hired a Community Relations Specialist Iman Sandifer to work directly with homeless people and other quality of life issues. He will be working side by side with the Hallandale Beach Police Department to help answer complaints and other situations where he can assist with connecting individuals to resources. There are many reasons why there are more homeless people. In my opinion there are many but there are four major reasons. Changes in the Laws, Drugs and Mental Illness. Years ago, Police Officers would pick up indigents on drugs or alcohol and take them to jail. From there, they would end up in the system or transferred to a Mental Health Hospital. In the 1980’s President Reagan moved to shut down the Mental Hospitals as this continued over the years. It is not a Democratic or Republican Issue, it is a Societal Issue. Mental Health Treatment was moved to a Community Based System. There was a big push to stop forced treatment of the Mentally Ill. This combined with Big Pharma pushing Oxycontin giving us the Opioid Epidemic and then with COVID-19 has cities around the country witnessing and trying to deal with a real crisis. With this said there is very little we can do when it comes to the many homeless people who are simply unwilling to get help. Our Police Officers can offer to take individuals to the Broward Outreach Center. We cannot force them to go. We can encourage them to get help if they are medically in need and take them to a hospital. I have met with a few chronically homeless people over the past years and tried to help. They continued to not want to get help or change their circumstances. With homelessness comes Panhandling. Recently there was a Supreme Court Ruling that has drastically changed a Municipalities’ ability to regulate any type of Panhandling. The ruling did not get much fanfare due to other rulings like the Roe Decision. The Supreme Court ruled that solicitation of money is a form of Free Speech. Our City to my knowledge has never fined or arrested anyone for Panhandling, we simply have taken a move along approach, but now we will see more Panhandling. A few years back we adopted an Ordinance Banning Panhandling on our roadways. The Ban was based on Safety Issues. At that time there was a Shelter in Hollywood. As a way to support the Homeless Shelter, the CEO had Clients selling a newspaper called the “Homeless Voice.” They began a Legal Challenge to our Rule that does not allow the selling of items, especially on our medians. Rather than going to court, we made an annual donation to the center which actually helped people and eventually, it closed. This New Ruling still has not been fully evaluated to see if it nullifies our Current Regulations. It does, however, allow Panhandling at our City Hall, in Parks, Bus Shelters and Sidewalks. People can hold signs and ask for money. There is a difference between Passive Solicitation and Aggressive Solicitation. Holding a sign and asking for a donation is different from harassing and threatening someone for money. Our City Attorney will be analyzing the New Ruling and our Ordinance. The Law impacts Public Property only. It does not prevent Stores and Business Owners from having Panhandlers removed from their property for Trespassing. We all empathize with the homeless people. San Francisco took the approach to keep piling on assistance. They also allow Quality-Of-Life Issues to be ignored. This pattern has been repeated in many cities. There needs to be a better way, but small cities like Hallandale Beach cannot do it on our own. I always tell people to call me directly with these issues. Or you can call the Hallandale Beach Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line to report situations at: (954) 765-4321. Many people just turn the other way. Others like to give money and food. There is no right and wrong. With Mr. Sandifer joining the Hallandale Beach Police Department, hopefully we can change the pattern of Chronic Homelessness here. Happy Mother’s Day! As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

From Iowa to Elvis: Destined to Fly, The Fascinating True Story of the Pilot to the King Thu Oct 27 2022 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cinema Paradiso: New Programming Brings More Hollywood Thu Jul 15 2021 05:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Head To Bikini Bottom: The SpongeBob Musical Presented By Slow Burn Theatre Thu May 30 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Brightline Aventura Station Construction: West Dixie Highway To Close In Preparation For The Station April 8, 2022 Share Brightline is actively constructing new areas of their rail line to bring passengers from their Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stops to Orlando and beyond. The team is hard at work to continue the exciting expansion plans. Service connecting South Florida to Central Florida is expected to open in 2022. Part of those expansion plans are another three additional stops along the South Florida Express line including stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and The Port Of Miami. With expansion comes construction and West Dixie Highway will be closed soon as part of those plans. West Dixie Highway in northern Miami-Dade County will close through October 2022 as Brightline continues work on the Aventura Station Project. That part of West Dixie Highway, south of the Aventura Mall will close between Northeast 202nd Street and Northeast 195th Street beginning as soon as the beginning of April, continuing through October of this year. Brightline’s Aventura Station will be located across from the Aventura Mall. Here are the details to get your commute prepared for the road closures in Miami-Dade County, West Dixie Highway between Northeast 202nd Street and Northeast 195th Street. Construction crews will have a full road closure 7:00 a.m., Thursday, April 7th, 2022 through October 2022. The detour around the closure is as follows: • Southbound West Dixie Highway traffic will be directed to travel west on Northeast 206th Street or Northeast 202nd Street and turn south on Northeast 26th Avenue which joins with West Dixie Highway south of Northeast 193rd Street. • Northbound West Dixie Highway traffic will be directed to continue north on Northeast 26th Avenue and travel east on Northeast 202nd Street to access West Dixie Highway. Motorists are encouraged to proceed with extra caution through the work zones and adhere to the posted detour signs, speed limits and other signage. Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, continues investing in advanced safety measures focused on technology, enforcement, engineering and education. The company has invested tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure along the South Florida corridor. Several of the safety initiatives include the addition of red light cameras, channelization through community greening projects and partnerships with local schools and organizations, including 211 and Operation Lifesaver. “Innovation in safety is key, and we’re constantly monitoring the industry to determine if there are new ways to prevent illegal activity on the railroad corridor,” said Robert Gatchell, Brightline’s Chief Of Safety and Security Officer. “While investing in technology is important, we continue to reinforce that the public adhere to the laws and stay off railroad tracks.” Red Light Cameras As part of a proactive investment in technology, Brightline is collaborating with leading technology providers for intrusion detection via red-light cameras. Through this surveillance technology, Brightline aims to monitor and implement railroad safety features to reduce trespassing and illegal activity along the corridor. For more information visit the Brightline web-site at: www.gobrightline.com . Or contact Katie Mitzner, Brightline’s Public Affairs Director at: (407) 502-3587. Or e-mail her at: katie.mitzner@gobrightline.com < Previous News Next News >

Cue The Sparklers! Celebrate Fourth Of July Weekend With A Bang In South Florida June 27, 2024 Share South Florida gears up for an explosive Fourth of July weekend, promising an array of festivities across the region. Whether you're looking to indulge in luxurious accommodations, family-friendly activities, or vibrant social scenes, there's something for everyone to celebrate America's birthday in style. One of the most anticipated events this Fourth of July is the "4th On The Green" extravaganza at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Nestled in Aventura, this iconic resort offers a day filled with gastronomic delights, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display that promises to light up the night sky. Guests can expect a feast for the senses, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. with local food trucks dishing out delectable treats, unlimited beverages to keep the party going, and a lively atmosphere with a DJ spinning tunes that will have everyone dancing. For families, there are specially curated children's activities to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day. Ticket options cater to different preferences, starting at $165 per adult and $75 for children. Those looking to elevate their experience can opt for VIP Packages priced at $180 per person, which includes premium food and beverages as well as an exclusive viewing area for the fireworks at 9:15 p.m. For those who wish to view the fireworks without buying a ticket for the "4th On The Green" extravaganza inside the resort, the fireworks will be viewable from the Don Soffer Exercise Trail Loop which circles Country Club Drive. For those planning to make a night of it, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa invites guests to extend their stay and enjoy all the resort has to offer, ensuring a holiday experience to remember. To secure your spot at this unforgettable celebration, tickets can be purchased via: https://www.exploretock.com/turnberryislemiami/event/489786/july-4th-fireworks-on-the-green-2024 For further details, visit their website at: https://jwturnberry.com/. The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is located at 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180. Pembroke Pines Independence Day Celebration Celebrate Independence Day with Food Fun and Fireworks Thursday, July 4th, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at 7400 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024! Join in the Independence Day Celebration to take part in the Pie Eating Contest, rides, activities, food trucks, and live music by Sekond Nature from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. Bring the entire family for games and activities from 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. No coolers, pets, or fireworks permitted. For more information, please call: (954) 392-2116. A Miami Style July 4th For a VIP Miami Fourth of July getaway, the InterContinental Miami offers the Tropical Tranquility Package. This exclusive offer includes a luxurious overnight stay and access to a private cabana where guests can unwind with frozen cocktails and enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay. The weekend's festivities kick off with a poolside BBQ (additional cost) and a live DJ providing the soundtrack to a memorable evening. The highlight of the night is an exclusive rooftop viewing of Downtown Miami's fireworks from the VIP Skylawn, promising a panoramic view of the city's skyline illuminated in celebration. Guests interested in this serene escape can find more information on the InterContinental Miami's offerings by visiting their website: https://www.icmiamihotel.com/offers#offer-21528 - Or call: (305) 577-1000. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Independence Day in luxurious style. If you prefer not to take part in the InterContinental Miami's festivities, next door at Bayfront Park the 4th of July Celebration returns this year with fun-for-all-ages entertainment. The festivities feature live music performances by local musical artists. The highlight is a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display at 9:00 p.m., lighting up the sky and reflecting off Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Bayfront park is located at: 301 North Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132. For more information, call: (305) 358-7550. Looking for a more laid-back celebration? Magic 13 Brewing Co. in Miami's Little River neighborhood invites you to join their Fourth of July festivities. Known for its expansive Key West-Style patio, Magic 13 Brewing Co. promises a vibrant atmosphere complete with games, live music on their new outdoor stage, and mouthwatering food offerings. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a food lover, or simply seeking a lively gathering, Magic 13 Brewing Co. welcomes all with open arms. Families are encouraged to join in on the fun, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed Independence Day celebration. Stay updated on Magic 13 Brewing Co.'s latest events and offerings by following them on Social Media: @magic13brewing. For those interested in hosting private events, inquiries can be directed to their website at: https://magic13brewing.com/private-events/. Flagler Goes Country Newly opened and already making waves, 511 Bar & Lounge in Fort Lauderdale invites you to their "Flagler Goes Country" Fourth of July Bash on Friday, July 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Partnering with Garrison Brothers Whiskey, this event promises a unique blend of live music featuring the Cuban Cowboy, Gabriel Key and his band, along with tantalizing food trucks and special vendors. Boasting a chic interior and a laid-back backyard patio adorned with twinkling lights, 511 Bar & Lounge offers a trendy ambiance perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike. This neighborhood gem is set to become a staple for those looking to unwind and enjoy a memorable holiday weekend. Stay connected with 511 Bar & Lounge and keep up with their latest updates by following them on Instagram: @511bar_. Located at 511 Northeast 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, this hotspot promises an evening of festive fun under the stars. "Under the Sea" Parade and Family Fun Day Don't miss the festivities set for Thursday, July 4th, 2024, in the City of Sunrise. Themed floats and marching units will wind their way west along Sunset Strip, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., from Northwest 12th Street to City Park, where the excitement will continue! Children can enjoy snow cones, the park's playground and splash pad, and a fun zone with an inflatable water slide, obstacle course, rock wall and more. (Swimsuits recommended for kids!) Celebrate freedom with an '80s freestyle concert outdoors at Amerant Bank Arena, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, Florida 33323! Enjoy hours of continuous music featuring DJ Johnny Quest and chart-topping artists The Cover Girls and Lisa Lisa. They'll launch our fantastic fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.! For more information, call the City of Sunrise Leisure Services Department: (954) 747-4600. The City of Hollywood will also be having their yearly July 4th Spectacular on Hollywood Beach, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. there will be a DJ and a Live Band Viva, with offshore fireworks at 9:00 p.m. Read the entire story about Hollywood's July 4th Spectacular in this week's Sun Times on page 10A. As South Florida prepares to celebrate America's birthday, these venues stand ready to offer residents and visitors alike a variety of ways to mark the occasion. Whether you prefer a luxurious escape at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, a relaxed getaway at the InterContinental Miami, a lively gathering at Magic 13 Brewing Co., or a spirited evening at 511 Bar & Lounge, there's no shortage of options to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a bang. From family-friendly activities to exclusive rooftop views of fireworks, South Florida's Fourth of July festivities promise something for everyone. Make your plans now and join in the celebration of freedom, community, and fun in the heart of the Sunshine State. For more information on these events and to secure your spot, visit their respective websites. Let the countdown to Independence Day begin, South Florida style! < Previous News Next News >

Retiring And Ready For Medicare? Here's How To Make A Smooth Transition From Your Employer's Health Plan Thu Oct 10 2024 18:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Curating A Memorable Vacation - Ways To Invest In The Experience Of Family Travel By Family Features Feb 25, 2026 Travel Has A Way Of Slowing Time Down, Creating Memories For Loved Ones That Last Long After Suitcases Are Unpacked And Regular Routines Return. For Many Americans, Their Most Treasured Family Memories Took Place On A Vacation Or Trip Rather Than At Home. In fact, nearly 67% said they value a core memory more than a physical souvenir after a vacation, according to a survey commissioned by Holland America Line, a cruise line that has been exploring Alaska for nearly 80 years. What's more, almost 86% of survey respondents said they have looked at photos or videos from a past trip to lift their mood, and more than 90% said positive travel memories can improve their mood during difficult times. With Alaska on the travel bucket list of more than two-thirds of Americans, it's a destination that is influencing experience-focused family adventures. Explore Curiosities Travel is about more than seeing new places. For many Americans, it's also a time to learn, explore new interests and slow down. Booking a cruise can encourage those behaviors. According to the survey, 61% of Americans are more likely to try new foods while traveling on a cruise, and nearly half (48%) said they've discovered a new interest or hobby during their cruise, including wildlife, food, history or culture. For example, cruise guests may be able to try local specialties, like fresh Alaskan seafood, reindeer sausage, birch syrup and Alaskan berries, while on board. Unstructured time is part of the appeal of cruises, with 28% of respondents sharing they read more during their trips. Focus on Nature Nature-focused destinations stand out because they offer experiences that feel rare and immersive, especially in places where wildlife and landscapes are central to the journey. More than 4 in 10 survey respondents said seeing wildlife in nature would be the most memorable family vacation experience, compared with about 12% who said meeting a character at a theme park would stand out most. Whether spotting whales, watching glaciers calve or seeing the Northern Lights stretch across the Alaskan sky, the landscape being part of the experience helps define the journey. To help guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska, including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions and more, Holland America Line carries a wildlife expert on board. Plus, a wildlife spotting guide points out native animals found along the cruise route and a map with the best places to see each species is included. "Guests tell us time and again how profoundly nature shapes the memories they carry home," said Robert Morgenstern, Senior Vice President of Alaska Operations at Holland America Line. "Wildlife sightings, time outdoors and shared moments linger long after the cruise ends, especially for families exploring Alaska together." Reimagine Family Time For families, travel often creates time for bonding that daily routines simply don't allow. More than half of the survey respondents said their best family memories occurred while traveling together, and more than 4 out of 5 (82%) said some of their strongest family bonding moments happened during a vacation or family trip. In addition to shared memories, more than 91% said travel had a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being. As travelers look for relief from routine and overstimulation, finding experiences rooted in nature, exploration and shared moments can help create lasting memories and emotional connection. To learn more about Alaska travel and book your next family adventure, visit: www.hollandamerica.com . Previous Next

When To See Your Vet? Spotting The Difference Between Urine Marking and Urinary Problems August 24, 2023 Share Once pets have learned to urinate where it is appropriate, whether it is outdoors or in their litter box, it can be frustrating for owners when their pet urinates elsewhere in the house. While your first instinct may be to reprimand them for the unwanted behavior, you should first consider if they are simply marking or if there is a bigger health concern at play. Urine marking, a natural behavior for dogs and cats, is when pets release small amounts of urine in multiple places, whether it is on new objects in the home or their favorite spot. Marking typically occurs when pets are relieving stress or signaling ownership of their territory to other animals. Urinary diseases, on the other hand, are an unwanted and often painful experience for pets that will most likely require veterinary attention. But because urinary diseases result in increased urination, similar to urine marking, it can be difficult for owners to spot the difference between the two. Dr. Genna Atiee, a clinical assistant professor in small animal internal medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says owners can differentiate between urine marking or urinary diseases by keeping a watchful eye on their pet’s bathroom habits. “There are some easy things to tip an owner off that something is medically wrong, such as blood in the urine, visible pushing or straining to urinate, crying out in pain when peeing, unpleasant-smelling urine, or urinating near the door or around the litter box,” Atiee explained. “Increased drinking can also indicate that there is a kidney problem,” Atiee continued. “Kidneys are responsible for maintaining water balance by pulling water out of what they filter from the blood, leaving waste in the urine behind. But when the kidneys lose function, they can no longer pull water effectively, so pets have to drink more to avoid dehydration and urinate more as a result.” Additionally, the amount of urine a pet releases at one time can help differentiate the type of urinary disease. “Dogs and cats with inflammation in the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra, may urinate frequently in small amounts,” Atiee said. “On the other hand, dogs and cats with kidney disease may urinate large volumes of urine because they cannot filter urine appropriately.” If an owner notices symptoms of a urinary problem or is concerned about their pet’s peeing habits, Atiee encourages them to take their pet to their veterinarian because a urine test can reveal whether there is a health concern. “A urinalysis can show us many things,” Atiee said. “For example, how concentrated the urine is, as a low concentration can indicate the kidneys are not working well; if there is evidence of infection or inflammation; what the pH of the urine is because a high pH can indicate a urinary condition like UTIs or kidney stones; if there is protein in the urine; and sometimes even show us evidence of cancer.” Once the vet has ruled out any medical conditions causing a pet to urinate more frequently, owners can consider behavioral training for marking, as this can help them spot abnormal bathroom behavior in the future that may be the result of a medical issue. Atiee specifically suggests that owners work with a veterinary behaviorist or reputable trainer in order to change marking behavior. “Marking is a very disruptive behavior that can lead to resentment and unnecessary expenses if marking ruins furniture, carpet, or hardwood floors, which may result in an owner altering the living situation of their pet, either moving them outside or by rehoming them,” Atiee said. “A behaviorist or trainer may be able to help alter this behavior, preserving the human-animal bond. Veterinary behaviorists have achieved board-certification in the specialty of veterinary behavior, so an owner can look for a veterinarian who is specialized in that field.” Another way to prevent dogs or cats from marking include using products that are intended to smell unappealing to pets, typically containing scents such as citrus or mint. Atiee recommends owners carefully use these products as they may be irritating to animals who are sensitive. Understanding the difference between marking and urinary health concerns when pets pee more than usual can prevent any urinary diseases from worsening. Nevertheless, both urine marking and urinary problems should be treated so that your pet can live a stress-free and healthy lifestyle. Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: www.vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . < Previous News Next News >