French Chic Wines For Less: Climate Change Can Help You Find Better And Cheaper Wine Thu Jul 18 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spritz Into Spring: The Ultimate Guide To Happy Hours In SoFlo Thu Apr 18 2024 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

CIA Operatives Dodge Danger, Confront Terrorist Attacks and Face Corruption from Within April 25, 2024 Share In the real world, “espionage is not a tuxedo and a martini,” quipped prolific author Jeffrey S. Stephens, who has written extensively about missions involving CIA operatives and national security. “They work in the shadows. They're in danger,” he added. “There's so much that goes on that we don't know about — so many near misses that we can never hear about for obvious security reasons.” In his two-book Nick Reagan Thriller Series, Stephens blurs the lines between fact and fiction with detailed descriptions of real places, looming threats from very real terrorist cells and a realistic portrayal of the networks of people required to pull off large acts of terrorism. In The Handler, the first book in the series, Nick Reagan and his partner, Carol Gellos, are drawn into an international hunt to locate the anonymous terrorist determined to unleash a series of unholy attacks on America. Readers first meet Reagan as he traces a trail of clues to China in search of the Ghost Chip — a new technology that turns cell phones into detonators and renders them untraceable. In the hands of terrorists, the Ghost Chip would be catastrophic. An Authors.com reviewer called The Handler “a heart-pounding ride with great narratives … It’s got it all — spies, assassins, guns and terrorist cells … If you liked Vince Flynn novels, you would love Stephens’ super-cool CIA operative Nick Reagan.” The second book in the series takes all that to another level. While the good actors are easily identified in The Handler, it is a bit more difficult to tell the heroes from the villains in Enemies Among Us. A thriller where some of the “bad guys” are U.S. government figures, including some in our own Central Intelligence Agency, the story is as current as today’s headlines. An award-winning author, Stephens says the saga intends to throw light on some real-life transgressions happening all around the globe, including in our own country. “The highest praise I can offer,” said Chris Beakey, author of the Amazon bestseller Fatal Option, “is that I devoured the entire novel in two sittings and continue to be fascinated by its large, suspenseful spell.” Throughout the Nick Reagan Thriller Series, the author toggles between perspectives, giving readers a chilling look inside the minds of Islamic terrorists hellbent on carrying out heinous acts, while simultaneously, CIA operatives risk their lives to thwart the awful carnage. “Many may have thought the continuing threat from terrorists was over,” Stephens said, “but as we have recently seen, it remains incredibly current and violent … while few would believe that corruption within our own intelligence services and the highest levels of corporate power are something we are dealing with in real time.” The Author A native of New York City, Jeffrey S. Stephens is a successful attorney in private practice, admitted in both New York and Connecticut. Stephens has lived for more than 30 years in Greenwich, which is where he and his wife, Nancy, raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor. Stephens is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, Targets Of Deception, Targets Of Opportunity, Targets Of Revenge and Rogue Mission, as well as the Anthony Walker murder mystery Crimes And Passion and the Pencraft First Place Award-winning novel, Fool’s Errand. For more information, please visit: www.jeffreystephens.com - or follow the author on Facebook (Author Jeffrey Stephens), Instagram (jss50) and Twitter (@j_stephensbooks). Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Handler-Nick-Reagan-Thriller/dp/1637585829/ < Previous News Next News >

Hot In The City 2025 - Piegari Ristorante Unveils Fresh Summer Delights South Florida Sun Times Jul 23, 2025 A Miami Fine Dining Favorite Is Celebrating Summer 2025 With An Array Of New Offerings And A Streamlined, Casual New Neighborhood Vibe. Piegari Ristorante, The Celebrated Italian-Argentinian Restaurant In The Heart Of Wynwood, Is Reintroducing Itself To The Magic City With Vibrant New Menu Offerings, A Reimagined Guest Experience, Flavorful New Mocktails, And Nightly Happy Hour Offerings. Ensuring The Utmost In Hospitality, Guests Will Receive A Complimentary Welcome Drink – A Refreshing Blend Of Vodka, Grapefruit, Orange, Fresh Lemon, And A Hint Of Mint. Pours before plates, if you please. Available nightly from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., imbibers will find the new Happy Hour featuring 50% off all signature cocktails. This includes the restaurant’s most popular cocktails, which can be enjoyed at the bar or table: the Belladonna (Una Vodka, raspberry-sage infused syrup, and lemon juice); the Golden Wolf (Lobos 1707 Mezcal infused with Jalapeño, Lobos 1707 Joven Tequila, and pineapple juice) and the Mediterranean Breeze (Gin Mare, cucumber and mint infused Ketel One, and lime juice syrup). For those seeking great tastes without the buzz, Piegari now offers zero-proof versions of the above as well. Now, onto the plates. Before sampling from the generous new summer specials, a guest at Piegari would do best to begin their journey with one of the brand’s signature favorites. They include but are not limited to fresh and creamy Burrata, served with prosciutto di Parma, ripe tomato, and peppery arugula; Polpo alla Griglia – grilled octopus with Campari tomatoes, black olives and potatoes; Scampi alla Piegari – shrimp tossed with olive oil and garlic; its world-renowned Corde di Chitarra alla Carrettiera – guitar string pasta tossed with a light tomato sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes and black olives; its equally famous Ravioli alla Piegari – spinach and ricotta ravioli delivered to the table in a cast iron pan, baked in a sinfully delicious creamy tomato sauce, topped with Parmigiano, and Milanese alla Napoletana – breaded and fried filet mignon served with fresh tomato sauce, ham, imported cheese and a side of corde de chitarra pasta tossed with butter. Piegari’s Summer 2025 Specials Carpaccio Di Pesce – Made with Fresh Seasonal Fish, Frisée, and Fresh Orange Veal Milanese – Pounded Breaded Veal Chop served with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes Scaloppine Al Limone – Veal pounded with Lemon, with White Wine and Caper Sauce, served with Garlic Spinach Risotto Milanese Al Frutti Di Mare – Zafron Risotto with Seafood Fettuccine Al Nero Di Seppia – Squid Ink Fettuccine with Baby Shrimp Tossed in a Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce, and Red Caviar Salmon Alla Griglia – Grilled Salmon served with Spinach Alla Romana Sweets at Piegari deliver, but none more than its ever-changing Gelato Del Giorno – a different flavor every day of the most luscious gelato made-to-order. Additional indulgences include Crepés al Dulce De Leche o Nutella, a warm crepe with dulce de leche or nutella served with fresh whipped cream, berries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream; Tiramisu and Flan with cream and dulce de leche. “We’re still the same Piegari so many have grown to love, but we’ve made some small yet meaningful changes – new flavor-driven mocktails, more personalized service, and thoughtful touches – to ensure every visit feels unforgettable,” says Ruben Navarrete, General Manager. In sync with a more casual summer aesthetic, Piegari is kicking off its shoes, metaphorically speaking. Gone are the starched white table linens and the brigade of white-jacketed front-of-house staff. Guests will now encounter a still sophisticated and chic space, dressed down a bit with simple sand-colored place mats and chic black slacks and white dress shirts. The 160-seat restaurant is a mix of cozy booths, banquettes made for lounging, and front-row tables near the open kitchen, which features a glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled fresh pasta station. Piegari also has a beautiful private dining room, perfect for a curtained-off seated dinner party or a cocktail soiree. Piegari Ristorante Miami is located at 137 Northwest 26th Street, Miami, Florida 33127 in the Wynwood Arts District. The restaurant will offer dinner only throughout the summer, Tuesday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information and to stay updated on restaurant news, follow Piegari on Instagram at: @piegariusa. Previous Next

Goo Goo Dolls Headline Benefit For Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation South Florida Sun Times Jul 30, 2026 Goo Goo Dolls Will Headline The 2026 Red Gala Benefiting Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, Presented By Robins & Morton, On Saturday, October 24th, 2026 At Pier Sixty-Six In Fort Lauderdale. This year’s Red Gala chairs are longtime hospital supporters Deana and Andrew Koenig. Andrew Koenig is CEO of CITY Home, the recently rebranded CITY Furniture. One of South Florida’s premier philanthropic events, the Red Gala brings together community and business leaders, healthcare champions and generous supporters for an unforgettable evening benefiting the patients and families of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, inspiring patient stories, live and silent auctions, a special donation moment and an exclusive concert by Goo Goo Dolls, the multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY Award-nominated band whose chart-topping hits have resonated with audiences around the world for decades. The Koenigs have been dedicated advocates for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for many years through philanthropic giving, event leadership and hands-on involvement with patients and families. One of their significant contributions is the CITY HOME Family Lounge inside the hospital, which is a special place for families to gather, rest, and find comfort during their child’s hospital stay. The Koenigs have championed initiatives such as the annual Mother’s Day and Pink Pumpkins events, inspired by the memory of Andrew’s late mother, Doreen Koenig. CITY HOME team members visit the hospital to spend time with patients, host activities and help create a festive experience for children receiving care at the hospital. “Deana and Andrew are extraordinary partners to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and our Foundation,” said Kelley Morris, President of Memorial Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We appreciate their passion and their ability to rally the community in support of our mission. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership as Gala chairs. With the philanthropic support of the Koenigs, our presenting sponsor, Robins & Morton, and all of our Gala sponsors and attendees, we can continue to provide the highest level of quality care for our patients and support for their families.” During last year’s Red Gala, more than $3 Million was raised to advance life-saving care for children in our community, surpassing its fundraising goal and demonstrating the community’s commitment to pediatric healthcare. “We are honored to chair the 2026 Red Gala,” said Deana and Andrew Koenig. “This hospital has touched the lives of so many children, and we have seen firsthand the difference compassionate, world-class care can make. We look forward to bringing our community together to raise the funds that will transform what is possible for these children and their families.” Funds raised through the Red Gala support advanced technology, innovative research, family-centered programs and other initiatives that enhance care for children and families served by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. To reserve a table or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Abbie Beltz at: ABeltz@mhs.net . Or: (954) 265-7224. About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com . And connect with: @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. Photo credit: Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Memorial Foundations The Goo Goo Dolls Andrew and Deanna Koenig Previous Next

Ways Color Can Make Your House a Haven Thu Feb 03 2022 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Savor The Flavor For A Worthy Cause: Feeding South Florida To Host "Wine And Bourbon Experience" Thu Jul 20 2023 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Does Your Child Need Academic Assistance? September 10, 2022 Share The Afterschool Program provides Aventura Waterways K-8 Center students with academic assistance including: homework, guidance in specific areas of study and the opportunity to engage in fun cross-curricular games at the Aventura Community Recreation Center. The City will provide bus transportation at dismissal time only from the school to the recreation center on all school days. Parents or Guardians are responsible to pick up their child/children from the Recreation Center no later than 6:00 p.m. The Program Fee is $285 per-month along with a one-time $25 Registration Fee. The Fee includes: all activities, supplies and transportation. Snacks will be provided. Food Service, Snacks and Water Bottles The Afterschool Care Program will provide an individually wrapped snack for your participant. If you choose to bring a snack from home it must be nutritional, non-perishable and individually wrapped. We do not refrigerate or microwave any foods. Please make sure your child’s lunchbox has their name on it. It is important that all employees and children stay hydrated. Please be sure to send your child to the daily program with a closed top water bottle that has first and last name written on it. City Facilities have bottle refill stations to refill the water bottles throughout the day. Program Arrival Procedures Students will be transported to the Aventura Community Recreation Center from Aventura Waterways K-8 Center by bus. A YMCA Employee will be on site and on the bus to receive the children. They will be responsible for performing the initial health screening and signing in each child upon arrival once they enter the bus. Students must go straight to the bus at the end of the school day. The bus will depart no more than 10 minutes after school has dismissed. If a student is required to stay after school for any reason, it is the responsibility of the Parent or Guardian to pick the student up from school. if a child will be absent from the program and will not need transportation from Aventura Waterways K-8 Center. A Parent or Guardian must call the Aventura Community Recreation Center at: (305) 466-3883. Or Email to: crcenter@cityofaventura.com For more information, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at: (305) 466-3883 Or via Email at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com . Registration can be completed exclusively Online only with a valid account through the City's Online Registration System (ORS) at: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/aventura-fl/catalog Schedule: Monday through Friday from dismissal time through 6:00 p.m. Location: Aventura Community Recreation Center, 3375 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Health & Safety Please be advised that the City of Aventura’s Community Services Department has carefully planned and prepared this program with the safety of its community in mind. Safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and Miami-Dade County are being followed. The safety and health of the Aventura Community is important and the City of Aventura takes all of the necessary steps to ensure its safety. To read the complete 'Parent Handbook' and policies go to: https://www.cityofaventura.com/427/Parent-Handbook < Previous News Next News >

Loss Can Be A Tricky Thing: Quick Fixes Are Not Solutions Thu Jul 13 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Get Some Class This Summer: Sign Up For Adult Classes In Acting, Musical Theater Singing And Improv Fri May 24 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rock Out, Laugh & Learn: At The Parker This October September 14, 2023 Share Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is the envy of concert halls, comedy clubs and theaters this October as it hosts legendary musicians, one of today’s top comics, a one-man tour-de-force by a Broadway showstopper and a mash-up of comedy and science guaranteed to ignite the imaginations of young students. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents bring Toad the Wet Sprocket to The Parker on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Toad the Wet Sprocket is still making new music and touring with the same spirit of unwavering independence that started it all more than three decades ago. They continue to support their most recent release, Starting Now (2021), as well as their previous album New Constellation (2013) and EP The Architect of Ruin (2015). Fans will enjoy the comforting familiarity of the Billboard-charting hits "Walk on the Ocean," "All I Want," "Something's Always Wrong" and "Fall Down" while also being familiar with tracks with lyrics that resonate for so many life milestones like "The Moment," "I Will Not Take These Things for Granted" and "Transient Whales." The concert features special guest The Verve Pipe. Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, come to The Parker in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Labeled "a psychedelic-blues institution" by Rolling Stone Magazine, no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years than founding core members Kaukonen and Casady, who were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2016 Grammys®. One of the finest singer-songwriters in music, Guitarist and Vocalist Kaukonen is a highly respected interpreter of Roots Music, Blues, Americana and popular Rock-And-Roll. Casady, considered one of rock's greatest and most original bassists, made his sweeping melodic mark helping to create the "San Francisco Sound" with the legendary rock group Jefferson Airplane and went on to record with Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Warren Zevon, members of the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker and Gov't Mule. Marking the 20th Anniversary of its seminal album, The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot performs in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. That triple-platinum record included the chart-topping hits “Meant To Live” and “Dare You To Move,” establishing the reputations of band members Jon Foreman (Vocals, Guitar), Tim Foreman (Bass), Jerome Fontamillas (Keys, Guitar) and Chad Butler (Drums). Delivering a unique blend of emotionally intelligent and uplifting brand of alternative rock, Switchfoot has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide of their 13 studio albums (including 2009's Grammy® Award-Winning Hello Hurricane), racked up a string of alternative radio hit singles and performed sold-out tours in more than 40 countries. The alternative indie-pop band Arlie appears as a special guest. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents bring Blue October to The Parker on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Since 1998's The Answers, Blue October has been touring the world, generating north of one billion total streams and charting 16 hits. In 2006, Foiled earned a platinum certification and yielded signature anthems "Hate Me" and "Into The Ocean," kicking off a prolific streak. In addition to six consecutive Top 30 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200, Blue October scored three straight number 1 entries on the Top Alternative Albums Chart with Any Man in America (2011), Sway (2013) and Home (2016). The title song from I Hope You're Happy (2018), considered the band’s seminal album, vaulted all the way to number 14 on the Alternative Chart and is still one of their most popular streaming songs. 2020's, This Is What I Live For bowed in the Top 20 of the Top Rock Albums Chart and spawned a radio hit with "Oh My My," which was a Top 10 single on Alternative Rock Radio. Todrick Hall “Velvet Rage Tour” delivers this internet sensation, television superstar and Broadway showstopper in his ninth and most electric tour to date at The Parker on Monday, October 9th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. A new era of inclusivity, individuality and acceptance is celebrated with his greatest hits from Straight Outta Oz, Forbidden, Haus Party and Femuline, as well as classics from his 13 new albums. Hall channels his energy into a beautiful velvet rage of empowerment that every rebel, freethinker and dreamer can applaud. Singer-songwriter Marisa Monte brings her “Portas” tour to The Parker on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 and Friday, October 13th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Portas garnered Monte her fifth Latin Grammy® Award for the hit song "Vento Sardo." One of Brazil's most internationally acclaimed stars for more than thirty years, Monte is joined by special guests Arnaldo Antunes and Vitor Araújo. JM Family Enterprises presents the Smart Stage Matinee Series performance of Doktor Kaboom and The Wheel of Science at The Parker on Monday, October 16th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The original Doktor Kaboom performs an interactive science and comedy show that keeps young audiences riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. The creation of Actor/Comedian David Epley, Doktor Kaboom is a captivating character who creatively blends theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. This performance is recommended for students in grades 5 to 7 and supports the Science, Math and SEL Curricula. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Outback Presents bring Heather McMahan to Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker as part of the TRUIST Comedy Series on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Named "The Next Big Thing" in a profile by The Hollywood Reporter, McMahan is back on the road bringing giggles nationwide. A beloved standup comedian, podcaster (Absolutely Not With Heather McMahan) and the best friend everyone wants, McMahan is currently developing a half-hour comedy for NBC based on her life. Recent appearances include guest stints on The Today Show, Netflix's Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin’s Ladies Night Live and the Netflix feature Love Hard. Celebrating David Bowie at The Parker on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. interprets Bowie's greatest hits. The all-star band features: Adrian Belew (Bowie, NIN, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Talking Heads); CdB Creator/Producer/Featured Artist Scrote; Spacehog's Royston Langdon; Guitarist Eric Schermerhorn (Bowie, Iggy Pop, Seal); Sax great Ron Dziubla (Jon Batiste, Joe Bonamassa); Bassist Matt McJunkins (Puscifer, A Perfect Circle); and Drummer Jeff Friedl (Devo, A Perfect Circle). LA Weekly proclaims, "The prolific work of David Bowie has been begging for a proper musical tribute since he died, and it finally got one with the Celebrating Bowie Tour." Also in October, music fans can enjoy Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles presented by Sun Concerts, LLC on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 and Oh What A Night! presented by Rocklands Entertainment on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222 and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. The Parker The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >

2024 Is the New 1984 Thu Feb 15 2024 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)