Better Immigration Policy Is Possible And Needed By James Massa September 21, 2023 Share Americans have been waiting for "comprehensive immigration reform" since 1986, when President Reagan granted amnesty to most illegal immigrants in the country -- roughly 3 million at the time -- in exchange for lawmakers' promises to secure the border. Congress quickly reneged on those promises. Four decades and eight amnesties later, the border has never been less secure, employers continue to hire illegal workers with near impunity, and the illegal immigrant population has ballooned to roughly 12 million and is growing every day. Better immigration policy is possible and very much needed. Yet both political parties have failed to deliver reforms that promote economic fairness for American workers -- especially the most vulnerable in our society -- while safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. Voters across demographic and ideological lines all recognize the system is not working and broadly support such an approach. Legal immigration has accelerated over the last four decades. Since 1990, when Congress raised immigration levels, the United States has admitted around one million legal immigrants annually. That number is double any level recommended by congressionally appointed panels, and doesn't even include millions of additional guest workers, visa overstayers, or illegal border crossers. Federal Law Enforcement Officers have already encountered almost 2 million illegal immigrants at the southern border this fiscal year, on pace to surpass last year's record 2.4 million. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, the foreign-born population could reach 51.7 million by the end of President Biden's first term -- constituting 15.5% of the total U.S. population, the largest share in history. This influx has harmed American workers, especially those with lower levels of education. There are now around 50 million people in the United States between the ages of 18 and 64 who are not working. Some don't want to work. Others don't have to work. But many find it impossible to obtain work at fair wages in reasonable conditions due to desperate economic migrants. It is distressing to constantly hear that tens of millions of Americans are too lazy or incompetent to hire. Even more troubling is the argument that the solution is to bring in tens of millions more foreign workers. Many U.S. employers simply refuse to recruit, train, and retain available and willing Americans. Too many businesses have become reliant on cheaper, unprotected, more compliant foreign workers. What is happening to those Americans who are brushed aside and become merely a data point in monthly reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics? The ongoing tragedies include drug addiction, suicides, and violent crime. Policymakers must consider the effects of having so many Americans out of work, and how immigration, both legal and illegal, has contributed to those outcomes. America has long welcomed newcomers, and most Americans support continued, legal, permanent immigration -- but within sustainable parameters. Stopping the recent surges of illegal immigration and reducing numerical levels of legal immigration held widespread support from leadership of both parties. Presidents Clinton and Obama spoke in favor of it. Senator Bernie Sanders called the idea that the United States should admit as many foreign workers as employers demanded a "Koch brothers proposal" as recently as 2015. President Trump endorsed Senator Tom Cotton's RAISE Act, which would have roughly halved legal immigration by ending chain migration. Democrats and Republicans must recommit themselves to stopping illegal immigration and reducing annual immigration to reasonable levels. The party that supports sensible immigration reform will win the battle for American workers. < Previous News Next News >

A Beautifully Baked Beef Dinner Thu Apr 06 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rethinking Career Decisions: Why College Is No Longer The Unquestioned Path By Feature Impact Jul 23, 2026 For Generations, Students Have Been Told A College Degree Is Key To Landing A Well-Paying Job And Building A Stable Future. Long Treated As The Gold Standard For Post-Secondary Education, Albeit An Expensive One, The Four-Year Degree Is No Longer The Unquestioned Path To Career Success. New research from the U.S. Career Institute, an online career training provider, suggests many Americans are rethinking what education and long-term job security actually look like. While college remains a popular path, 26% of adults surveyed said certifications or skills-based programs are the safer choice. Just 18% said the same about a four-year degree. In fact, if given the chance to do it all over again, 27% of respondents said they would choose a different path entirely, and 33% said they would look for something faster or more affordable. Knowing what they know now, just 17% reported they would make the same choice again; meaning more U.S. adults are now willing to ask if college is the right call. Cost is Getting Harder to Ignore Long sold as an investment that would pay for itself in time, the price tag that accompanies that college degree is increasingly scrutinized. While 38% of survey respondents said paying for college feels like a necessary investment despite the expense, 29% said they question whether it's a worthwhile expenditure. What's more, 32% of respondents said they would reconsider investing in a college education if student loan debt exceeded $10,000, even as the price of obtaining a degree continues to climb. AI is Leading to Job Security Concerns The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is adding another layer of uncertainty. In fact, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. believe office-based and white-collar workers are the type of employees most likely to be replaced by AI in the next five years. As automation becomes a bigger part of workplace conversations, it's also influencing how people think about their futures, with more than half (54%) of respondents reconsidering their education or career path due to concerns about job security or automation. For some, that reconsideration is already translating into action. A quarter of respondents (25%) have already completed a certificate or skills-based training program while another 29% said they've seriously considered pursuing one. Stability is Taking Center Stage Prestige, job title and earning potential have long influenced post-secondary education choices. However, stability has become the most commonly cited factor influencing career decisions today, named by 53% of respondents, ranking it above prestige and status. That same mindset is shaping the advice people give younger generations. For those starting their careers now, 30% of survey respondents said they would recommend a certification or skills-based program while 24% said they'd still recommend pursuing a four-year degree. For many careers, a college degree remains a requirement. However, it may no longer be the only path forward for every student entering the workforce. To explore skills-based training and certification programs as an alternative, visit: https://uscareerinstitute.edu . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

Annual Doc & Dine Fosters Community Connections And Raises $50,000 For Broward Health Foundation South Florida Sun Times Mar 26, 2026 Business And Community Leaders, Residents And Fellows In Broward Health’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program, Broward Health Physicians And Broward Health Leadership Gathered At The Wharf Fort Lauderdale To Support The Broward Health Foundation’s Annual Doc & Dine, Raising More Than $50,000 To Enhance Patient Care And Expand Services Across The Broward Health System. Presented by Merrimac Ventures, Doc & Dine provided a unique opportunity for supporters to connect directly with physicians, residents and healthcare professionals who deliver exceptional care to patients throughout South Florida. The evening fostered meaningful conversations while raising vital funds to advance innovative programs, cutting-edge technology and compassionate care initiatives. Broward Health’s GME program, designed to support the region’s growing physician workforce, continues to grow at a historic pace. Broward Health currently has its largest GME class in the health system’s 88-year history and now supports 365 residents and fellows, a 9% increase from 2024 to 2025. Broward Health recently unveiled a new 28,250-square-foot GME facility, a state-of-the-art space designed to support the region’s growing physician workforce while prioritizing resident education, collaboration and mental health. “This is a special opportunity for the community to engage with Broward Health’s dedicated healthcare professionals who deliver the highest quality care to patients throughout South Florida,” said Broward Health Foundation President Don Eachus. “We appreciate everyone who attended and are grateful for the continued support of our generous sponsors.” For more information about the Broward Health Foundation please visit: www.BrowardHealthFoundation.org . Previous Next

Discover The Magic Of Boca Black Box: South Florida’s Most Unique Center For Arts By Austin Torres September 19, 2023 Share In the heart of Boca Raton, Florida lies an entertainment gem founded in August 2015. Presenting the Boca Black Box - a unique establishment brought to life by the visionaries Randy Singer, Larry Berfond, and Scott Levine. Positioned just a stone's throw away from Glades Road and the Turnpike, this theater is more than just a venue; it's a sensation. Inspired by the aura of classic New York-style settings, Boca Black Box immerses you in an atmosphere that’s both intimate and grand. With its 275 well-positioned seats, you're guaranteed an unobstructed view of the stage. Looking for that extra touch of luxury? Opt for one of our six VIP Tables, which can host up to eight guests, promising an elevated theater experience. Adjacent to this, discover Box 2.0 @ Boca Black Box. This little sister of the main theater, though smaller with its 72-seat capacity, guarantees an unforgettable experience. Its 'first come, first serve approach means every visit is a new adventure. “We’re unusual in the fact that we have five different shows a week, and additional shows in the theater next to us, Boca 2.0,” said Berfond. Indulge in meticulously crafted specialty cocktails, a wide selection of liquors, wines, and beers tailored to elevate your theater escapades. For the ones with an appetite beyond beverages, the vicinity boasts numerous restaurants offering gastronomic wonders perfect for a pre- or post-show treat. And what's a theater without snacks? Delight in any one of several thoughtfully curated theater bites, promising to make your stay even more memorable. As they embark on their ninth year, the calendar for Boca Black Box is more diverse than ever. According to Co-Founder Larry Berfond, Boca Black Box hosts five distinct shows a week, ranging from top Comedians to Chart-Topping Jazz Artists, Rock Legends, and Big Bands from Sirius Sinatra Radio, and more. From side-splitting Comedy Shows to High-Energy Rock Concerts and even the riveting excitement of micro wrestling – there’s always something brewing at Boca Black Box. Dive into nostalgia with their monthly Motown Night, featuring original artists and tributes, like the upcoming Marvin Gaye Night. Or swing to the rhythms of the Frank Sinatra Orchestra, reassembled exclusively for their esteemed audience. Through their relationship with Sirius Sinatra on Sirius Radio, Boca Black Box hosts a multitude of events for fans of Frank Sinatra. Among their major acts is Landau Eugene Murphy, a winner on America’s Got Talent. "We pride ourselves on authenticity. No tracks, only live orchestras and bands. We believe in keeping the essence of performance alive," said Berfond. Boca Black Box also has the ultimate Rod Stewart experience which includes Rod’s original drummer Carmine Appice, who co-wrote several of his hits including the 1978 classic, “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Boca Black Box’s love for entertainment doesn’t end at their doorstep. “We’ve booked prestigious venues like the Aventura Cultural Center and The Coral Springs Center of the Arts. Plus, our theater in Port St. Lucie helps us bring this incredible talent to South Florida," said Berfond. With the adjacent Boca 2.0, dual experiences are on offer. Imagine enjoying a rock concert in one room and a stand-up comedy in the next. Such is the versatility of Boca Black Box. Tired of the discomfort of crowded clubs? The idea for Boca Black Box came about after the founding members were inspired to open a venue that would offer premium entertainment that wouldn’t be mired by the busy, uncomfortable, and fast-paced environment of typical Floridian clubs. “We presented a place where any night of the week you can find something fun to do,” said Berfond. “It’s nothing like a disco or a club, and you already have your seat so you don’t have to worry about rushing there.” And the cherry on top? Order your drinks via text without missing a beat of the performance. As you depart, embrace our gratitude with a free ticket to one of their shows, as a parting gift encouraging guests to return. “Our favorite part about this business is being out and about and hearing people share memories of their experiences at Boca Black Box,” said Berfond. So, if you haven’t experienced this jewel, it's high time you did. Dive into a world where top American talent meets intimacy, ensuring every seat gives you the best show in town. Come immerse yourself in the magic that is Boca Black Box. It’s not just a show; it's an experience. “If you haven’t been to Boca Black Box you owe it to yourself to come discover a place where you can go to see some of America’s top talent in an intimate setting, where every seat is a good seat,” said Berfond. For more information regarding Boca Black Box, you can visit their website at: www.bocablackbox.com - Or contact them by Phone at: (561) 483-9036. Or email at: info@bocablackbox.com . Boca Black Box is located at 8221 Glades Road, Suite#: 10, Boca Raton, Florida 33434. < Previous News Next News >

Ronnie Lukshinski’s New Hocke Shoppe: Provides Fast Cash For Pawn & Unique Jewelry & Watches For Collectors by Marylynne Newmark October 19, 2022 Share Ronnie Lukshinski is a great guy with a positive outlook. His interests are eclectic and his personality sparkles like the jewelry and watches that surround him in his pawn and jewelry shop on NE 167th Street in North Miami Beach. Even the name of his business, A New Hocke Shoppe, is an indication of his creativity and humor. Actually, an upscale pawn shop where shoppers from all socio-economic levels come for fast cash or to peruse the diamonds, gold and silver under glass and other rare and collectible items. Ronnie says he also takes pride in specializing in new and used designer handbags like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. Ronnie has been at this same location more than 27 years and is not new to the jewelry business. Many old-timers to the area may remember him as owner of two fine jewelry stores in the old Diplomat Mall on Hallandale Beach Boulevard almost three decades ago. Always intrigued by jewelry and watches, Ronnie spent a lot of his early years attending shows, frequenting estate sales, and visiting pawn shops as a collector and for resale. After selling his jewelry business in Hallandale, he returned to that pasttime until he met the previous owner of the shop he now owns. “After all,” he said, “this is what I love, so why not buy it?” So, Ronnie became a pawn broker, a professional who offers secured loans to people with items of personal property used as collateral, much like collateral used in banking for personal loans. Lending money for collateral or pawn can be traced to the earliest ancient cultures when individuals could acquire flexible currency quickly in exchange for cattle, produce and home grown goods, but would be able to retrieve back their belongings at pre- agreed terms. Assyrian, Babylonian and Hebrew laws were written thousands of years ago to create ethical codes for the exchange of goods for currency, involving charging interest. Pawn loans, however, involved temporarily trading valuables for funds that could be purchased back by a pre-agreed later date. Interestingly, the origins of pawn shops have roots in China about 3000 years ago. Working independently, pawnbrokers would offer short term credit to peasants. Ancient Greeks and Romans continued the tradition and created business entities serving the mainstream communities, using goods as collateral that could later be retrieved. These loans assisted business owners to purchase stock, meet payroll, and finance extravagances for the wealthy. Recognized as a legitimate enterprise, back in the 14th century, it was known that King Edward III of England was a frequent browser of pawn shops throughout Europe. Even Queen Isabella of Spain pawned her jewels to finance Christopher Columbus’ voyages. During the 1800s with the growth of manufacturing and the influx of immigrants, people flocked to pawn shops to help them through the week. At one time, it was noted that there was at least one item in pawn shops for every man, woman and child in New York City. They would pawn clothing, tools, quilts and anything of value, only to retrieve them as soon as they could, often on a payout basis. But the New Hocke Shoppe is more than pawn. Ronnie Lukshinski does appraisals for insurance, and buys jewelry that customers are ready to trade. When values on hold for pawn are not retrieved by the agreed time, he is able to place them into stock. Customers love coming in on a regular basis just to browse his unique items, often offered at amazing prices. Pawn customers in need of fast cash appreciate the considerate services of his staff. Last year, Wilmar M. wrote in the Local Guide, “Best place ever. Very helpful and friendly staff. They are not just (here) to make money. They really do help you out of a jam.” Ronnie also buys gold and silver for scrap at competitive rates. As for fine jewelry and watches, he offers sellers the highest dollar market value. Collectible items move quickly, especially if Ronnie or Olga are aware of customers’ interests. Musical instruments, estate jewelry and collector pieces are of particular interest to regular customers. And… those regulars bring others. One reviewer on Yelp (Roseanne M.) sized it up perfectly by writing “This Pawn store is addictive. Whether you are there to buy, sell or just peruse their wares, the delightful staff is always happy to assist.” She added a thumbs up and rated the New Hocke Shoppe as 5-star. Ronnie’s affable, easy-going and accommodating personality may be rooted in his early years in the hospitality field after arriving in New York from Israel in 1980. After visiting friends in South Florida, he fell in love with Miami. “What’s not to love?” he asks. “It’s paradise on earth,,, and the people are great.” With many international friends and customers, Ronnie speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew and quoting him, “un peu Francais.” Whatever language he uses, twenty-seven years in the same location certainly speaks for itself. In fact, it shouts out good service, loyalty and trust. The New Hocke Shoppe: 754 NE 167th Street, North Miami Beach • 305-945-4999 < Previous News Next News >

Become A Teen Ambassador: Interested In Arts, Journalism and Marketing, Join the Program August 18, 2022 Share What is a Broward Center Teen Ambassador? The Broward Center Teen Ambassadors are a group of twenty-four high school students that work with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to share their passion for the performing arts and encourage other young people to experience the offerings at The Broward Center and its affiliated venues, The Parker Playhouse and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Once the Ambassador's are selected they will have the chance to attend and review Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows, Classical Music Concerts, Jazz Concerts, Operas, Dance and Family Shows in order to share their unique perspective. They will also have the opportunity to learn about the business of the Performing Arts and get a glimpse behind the scenes of what it takes to put on a show. As an added benefit High School students can earn Community Service Hours as a Broward Center Teen Ambassador. So if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Teen Ambassador, The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is now accepting applications from high school students interested in Arts, Journalism and Marketing to join its 2022/2023 Broward Center Teen Ambassador Program. High school students attending public, private or home school in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties are invited to apply to the Program. Teen Ambassadors are provided with behind-the-scenes experiences, exclusive educational opportunities and are invited to attend performances in every artistic discipline at no charge. Each year, up to 24 students are selected for the Program which runs from October through May. Teen Ambassadors are responsible for sharing their experiences at The Broward Center and affiliated venues with the community by posting their experiences to the Teen Ambassador Website and their personal Social Media Channels. Detailing their experiences through written and video reviews, these students offer a teen perspective of live performances as they gain exposure to a variety of performance styles and genres. They also participate in monthly meetings with their peers as well as Theater Industry Professionals, gaining unique insights into the Business of the Arts. To be eligible, students must be at high school level as of August 2022, hold an unweighted B Average, have access to a computer and at least one Social Media Account and be able to attend one meeting per month at the Broward Center. Applicants must complete an Application, submit a copy of their 2021/2022 Report Card and a Letter Of Recommendation from someone other than a Parent or Legal Guardian, such as a Teacher. All Applications must be completed Online by Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Mailed or in-person Applications will not be accepted. Applications submitted by a Parent or Legal Guardian on behalf of the Applicant will not be considered. All Applicants will be notified of the results by Friday, September 23rd, 2022. The first meeting, which is mandatory, will be held on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Visit: https://www.browardcenter.org/education/programs/scholarships-internships-teen-programs/teen-ambassadors Call: (954) 414-6904. Or for more information, Email: teenambassador@browardcenter.org . The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org Like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/browardcenter/ At: https://www.facebook.com/browardcentereducation/ Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at: @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/BrowardCenter Join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter The Broward Center 2022/2023 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Bank of America, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are proud sponsors of the Broward Center. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier Performing Arts Venues, The Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 130,000 students annually. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org . < Previous News Next News >

The Water Damage & Mold Solution Experts: 1st Priority Restoration Can Work Directly With Your Insurance April 7, 2022 Share If your home has been damaged by water from a leaking pipe, intruding water from all the current rains or mold damage from moisture over time. How are you going to address these problems in your home? A Restoration Company such as 1st Priority Restoration is usually the first company to call following significant damage to a home from floods, water damage, sewage backup and other major water events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve the home, protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. Flood damage can be found in any geographical area, regardless of elevation. The causes of flooding can range from natural disasters, burst pipes, leaking pipes, rain storms or sewer lines that are backing up. Even in a condo, you could have a water leak in your wall, under a toilet or behind a kitchen cabinet creating mold that can cause damage to your property and your health. 1st Priority Restoration can find the source of the leak, fix it, restore your property and work directly with your insurance. Regardless of the cause, restoration professionals are called upon to repair water damage, mold damage and restore flooded properties. The water damage restoration process is highly regulated in order to ensure that properties damaged by flood or sewer events, can be effectively restored to a safe space for a homeowner to remain safe during the cleanup. You need a company such as 1st Priority Restoration who you can trust to do the job correctly. The process is simple, when 1st Priority Restoration arrives, they will thoroughly walk through your home and discuss the areas that need to be cleaned & restored to their original condition. Your insurance company adjuster or claim representative may recommend what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end, it is your decision to make. In the past year, we have all heard the word “Mitigation” more times than we can count, but with water damage, that is exactly what needs to be done. Water damage restoration does not stop at restoring your real estate back to proper functioning. The professionals at 1st Priority will inspect the underlying causes that have caused the water damage in the first place and make sure there won’t be a reoccurrence. They will repair all of the damaged structures and replace the materials to make your property safe, for years to come. If your property has been exposed to water damage, you may have to do water mitigation. Strict actions are required in water mitigation, such as: removal of damaged materials such as drywall and flooring. Molds and mildew that have accumulated in areas in your property will be disinfected and deodorized to restore a healthy environment. Further cleaning and deodorizing should be done to make sure that your real estate is back in tip-top shape. Water damage mitigation should happen immediately after flooding or water buildup. Take action immediately, because letting your property sit in water can cause further damages and expenses. Materials soaking in water collect microbes and spread water-borne diseases. Furniture, wood flooring and walls will crack, sag and collect fungi after prolonged exposure to moisture. If your property is particularly old, it may be time to replace materials such as pipes to prevent a reoccurrence of water damage. If pipes are behind walls, it may require more extensive repairs. The water mitigation process will depend on how long your property has been exposed to water. Air humidifiers and drying equipment must be turned on around the clock in areas with severe water damage. Mold spores are especially dangerous to health and thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be done as part of the water damage mitigation. It is advisable to get the temperature, humidity and moisture of your property tested to see if it has been restored to normal standards, 1st Priority professionals can handle the entire process. After 1st Priority Restoration evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you QUICKLY with an estimate or contract/services. LEAK DETECTION: One tiny water leak can create huge problems. An undetected water pipe leak will not only dramatically increase your utility bills, but it can also lead to even more expensive water damage and mold. If you’ve had higher than average water bills, constantly have to refill your pool or hear running water, it’s time to call the leak detection specialists at 1st Priority Restoration! Is water pipe leak detection possible if the pipes are behind a wall? Yes, using the newest state-of-the-art detection tools, highly trained technicians are able to locate water pipe leaks that are hidden behind walls. They can even provide water plumbing leak detection within concrete slab foundations. Will insurance cover the cost of plumbing leak detection services? That all depends on your home's insurance plan. In many situations, when there is a need for water damage restoration, many insurance companies will cover the related costs. 1st Prior-ity Restoration representatives can work directly with your homeowners insurance to verify the need for the plumbing leak detection service, cause of the problem and the repairs that will be required to fix the situation. NEVER FOOL AROUND WITH MOLD & MILDEW: When it comes to mold and mildew, we cannot take those potential hazards lightly. A mold problem can cause you to experience dizziness, anxiety, depression and even hallucinations. If you have been experiencing a diminished attention span or problems with your memory, it might be a good idea to have your home inspected for black mold by a mold remediation crew. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. At 1st Priority Restoration, this is what they do 365 days a year, nobody knows how to prevent potential dangers like they do. By dialing: 1 (800) 617-1112 – you can save financially and your health as well! MOLD AND YOUR HOME: Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the outside air can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags and pets, which can be carried indoors. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery. With all of the rain and storms we have been having these past months, you can see a pattern of mold growth that will last. From leaks, flooding / driving rain, mold growth is a certainty in South Florida. If you are concerned that you might have a mold or mildew problem, it is best to call the professionals. Your health is your most important asset, so just like you go see a doctor for tests, your home needs tests too. VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: There are some important ways that we can prevent the spread of mold and what you can do to get rid of it. Keep an eye out for hidden leaks: Wet spots on your ceiling, the baseboards or on the floor are a telltale sign of a leaky pipe or roof. Your home's pipes are behind drywall, which can leave a small leak unnoticed. Mold can grow behind those walls and filter into the air through ducts or pipes. At 1st Priority, they can come in and assess the situation before it gets worse. Did you know that many air conditioner systems/ducts are susceptible to mold growth? They often trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for spores. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms create a lot of excess heat and humidity, especially here in south Florida – whether it is from a shower, stove or even a dryer, all of these areas should be well ventilated. Education is key to anything – when our health is at stake – knowing that mold spores can lay dormant for years after they are produced and could begin growing again at any time, it is extremely important to know. Because of this, regular cleanings and having 1st Priority Restoration to depend on, will certainly make our lives much easier. Ever wonder why you or your children wake up coughing and sneezing on a regular basis? The CDC may have the answer. According to the CDC, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, sneezing and wheezing in otherwise healthy people and in individuals susceptible with compromised immune conditions. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Even in some nonallergic individuals, mold can cause symptoms of irritation in the eyes, skin and airways. For example, the "black mold" Stachybotrys, a-long with some other types of mold, produce toxins known as my cotoxins that can cause irritation of the skin and airways in susceptible individuals. Some-times, people may develop severe reactions to mold exposure, but cleaning and sanitizing by professionals you can trust. EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING: With decades in the business, 1st Priority Restoration is a reputable company with over 20 employees that are licensed and insured. They have been doing all types of cleaning, sanitizing, leak/mold detection and water damage restoration for more than a decade. "We use the most efficient cleaning and water removal equipment to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the job we do for them. We try to use nontoxic (Green) safe chemicals for all mildew treatments. In all of the years that we have been helping our customers with water damage, they have always been pleased with the work that we do and we have never received a single complaint!” YEAR ROUND SERVICE: If you have lived in south Florida for any period of time, you already know that the weather is ever changing, for that reason, the rainy season can happen at any time. It doesn’t have to be a tropical system to cause flooding and everything that goes along with it, a leak or burst pipe can happen at any time of year, 1st Priority Restoration is available to help get your home back to a healthy environment for you and your family. What continues to separate them from anyone else is that they can take care of all of your water damage problems - as well as conducting leak and mold detections, working with your insurance company and your adjuster. By calling 1st Priority Restoration, you are getting a business that understands it all and is ready to spring into immediate action 12 months a year. From ceiling repair, drywall replacement, structural damage, roof leaks, floor repair, furniture cleaning, mold removal and treatments. CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS SATISFIED: "If a customer calls and is not completely satisfied with any of the work, the crew will return promptly to your property. We strive to make our customers 100% satisfied with our work and will stand by that." Proud member of the Better Business Bureau. $25 OFF MOLD TESTING! 1st Priority Restoration 1-800-617-1112 1-800-996-7919 Closed Saturday & Jewish Holidays < Previous News Next News >

Alerting Aventura: CodeRED - Keeping Residents Safe Just In Time For Hurricane Season Fri Jul 19 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Frank V. Sacco A Healthcare Pioneer September 5, 2024 Share Frank V. Sacco, FACHE, a visionary healthcare leader and the Former President and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), has died. He was 77 years old. Mr. Sacco led Memorial for 29 years and oversaw the Hollywood-based organization’s growth from a single hospital to one of the largest public healthcare systems in South Florida. His relentless focus on safety, quality, and the highest quality patient-centered care was the foundation on which the modern-day Memorial was built. Those values and the internal culture he cultivated and instilled remain in place to this day, nearly a decade after his retirement. “Frank Sacco’s influence and accomplishments can’t be overstated, and I’m proud to carry his legacy forward in the role where he had his greatest impact,” said Memorial Healthcare System President and CEO K. Scott Wester. “His loss is felt by all those in our Memorial family and throughout the healthcare industry.” Mr. Sacco’s career at MHS spanned 41 years, which included several management and administrative roles prior to being named CEO in 1987. During his time at the helm, five hospitals were added, including Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, to the original Memorial Hospital (now Memorial Regional Hospital), and a nursing home, and primary and urgent care centers were established. At the time of his retirement in 2016, Memorial employed more than 11,000 and had grown its annual net revenue from $115 Million to nearly $2 Billion. “I leave with the joy of knowing that I have used every fiber in my DNA to make Memorial Healthcare System successful now and well into the future,” Mr. Sacco said at the time. Mr. Sacco passed at home in Ormond Beach with family by his side, after a battle with Cancer. “Frank was not just a leader, but an extraordinary mentor, friend, and a champion for all those that entrust us with their care,” said Leah A. Carpenter, Memorial’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “He was a man of great integrity, courage, humility, and vision. If we can continue to be steadfast in the values and foundation he laid, while continuing to put the patient at the forefront of everything we do as providers, then his legacy will be fulfilled.” Memorial was the first healthcare system in Florida to take over the delivery of primary care for the uninsured. Other accomplishments during Mr. Sacco’s tenure included: · The growth of clinical service lines, including Cardiology, Cancer, and organ transplant for adults and children, which ensured South Floridians had access to complex care close to home · The creation of the Memorial Health Network (MHN), a physician-led, professionally managed organization that today operates a clinically integrated network uniting more than 3,000 providers and improving care delivery for nearly 300,000 patients · Earning consistently superior rankings from Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s that solidified Memorial’s status as one of the nation’s most financially viable, safety net healthcare systems. Dr. Stanley Marks, Former Chief Medical Officer at Memorial and a longtime colleague and friend, described Mr. Sacco as a master strategist. "It’s hard to imagine Memorial without Frank. His commitment to patients, clinical quality and safety transformed healthcare at Memorial and throughout South Florida. Some hospitals tried to emulate his vision, others tried to compete, but most realized that Memorial set a new standard for healthcare. Frank is responsible for that." Prior to his career at Memorial, Mr. Sacco served as a commissioned officer in the Army Medical Service Corps, after which he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree in healthcare management from Florida International University. He was a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a volunteer leader of numerous industry and community organizations. In 2011, the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners honored Mr. Sacco’s leadership and vision by naming the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital campus for him. The previous year, Hollywood (FL) city commissioners proclaimed June 16th “Frank Sacco Day.” The list of the many other awards and accolades he earned during an illustrious career is lengthy and significant. In addition to a loving family, Mr. Sacco leaves behind a culture of care and compassion that remains the hallmark of the Memorial Healthcare System. A Celebration of Life that is open to the public will be held Friday, September 6th, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. To honor Mr. Sacco with a donation to his preferred charity, visit the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundations at: www.mhs.net/give-back - Select “Frank V. Sacco Fund” in the ‘Designation’ dropdown box after clicking on ‘Donate.’ < Previous News Next News >

Mystic Coffee: A Downtown Hollywood Gathering Place May 31, 2023 Share "I have traveled the whole world, and everywhere I went, there were coffee houses," said Ivan Lopez, a native of Chile and owner, with his wife, Argentinian-born Agustina Avila, of Mystic Coffee at 2000 Harrison Street #8. "And always, I have had in the back of my head to open a coffee house, and I have been collecting ideas." When other business brought them to Florida, they decided to stay. Soon an opportunity to open a coffee house arose, and the couple jumped on it. "There was no coffee house in Downtown Hollywood where you could sit, talk and work," Lopez continued. "Plus, we follow a healthy lifestyle, and I also realized that there was no bakery in the area where we could find the no-sugar, organic, gluten-free things we wanted." And so was born Mystic Coffee, which recently relocated a few steps down from their original location to a space nearly triple the size. Lopez and Avila designed it to be more than just a coffee house, and it's evident upon entering the large, beautiful, and welcoming space. "We took our design ideas from all over the world," Lopez explained. "We wanted a place where everyone could come to sit and talk, with different areas, a community table, a library, and all different types of styles in one place." Beyond the design, and more important, is the food and drink, with the menu designed by Avila, "the genius behind the menu," said her proud husband. How does she do it? "A lot of training, a lot of courses, and just practicing, and trying and trying and trying," she laughed. "It's super fun in the kitchen, like a lab. It takes a lot of research to achieve the right recipes." Everything at Mystic Coffee is sugar-free, using other natural sources to add sweetness and flavors. Everything is organic, all baked goods ("treats") use almond flour and are non-gluten, and there are options for all diets: keto, vegan, gluten-free, and other food sensitivities. Mystic Coffee carries a full range of sandwiches on different breads, salads, soups, empanadas and more; always healthy, always organic, and free of any processed ingredients. Among the most popular items on the menu are the lemon and banana breads ($3.95 - $22.00), the Mystic Toast (creamy avocado, tomato, eggs, mozzarella cheese, greens, and seasoning ($15.95), and the chocolate-covered marzipan with almond flour, rose petals and crunchy almond topping. ($3.00). The clear winner from the coffee menu, they said, is the Mysticcino ($6.50), "the perfect blend of 10 super mushrooms, cacao, vanilla, cinnamon, and monk fruit with an espresso shot and the milk of your choice." (The mushrooms don't affect the taste but "are all good for you," promised Avila.) Mystic Coffee often hosts a line-up of meetings with full menus, yoga classes, and talks on a variety of psychological and "mystic" topics. (Both Lopez and Avila are trained in psychotherapy, among their other varied skills.) Event space and catering are also available. "From a business point of view," said Lopez, "Downtown Hollywood has a lot of potential — just look at all the building, all the new projects. You can see what's going to be happening in the next few years; there’s going to be a lot of opportunity." Indeed, with its redevelopment, new investment, increased foot traffic, and streetscape improvements, which continue to attract new businesses and more people to Downtown Hollywood, the couple believed the time was right for a place that is clean and healthy, a place where you can work, talk, and feel comfortable — and drink coffee. "We want to be part of the growth of the city," he continued. "To build something that makes people want to come to Downtown Hollywood. A place that makes people say 'We need to go to Hollywood and go to Mystic Coffee.'" Mystic Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm; they are closed on Sunday. For more information or to place an order for pick up or delivery, contact: 954-516-9770, Or: orders@themysticcoffee.com - Or visit: www.themysticcoffee.com Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage located at 251 S. 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street). For more information about redevelopment projects, businesses, new investment, and streetscape improvements in Hollywood's Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at: 954-924-2980 or visit: www.HollywoodCRA.org < Previous News Next News >

Divide And Conquer: The Government’s Propaganda Of Fear And Fake News By John & Nisha Whitehead May 9, 2024 Share “It is the function of mass agitation to exploit all the grievances, hopes, aspirations, prejudices, fears, and ideals of all the special groups that make up our society, social, religious, economic, racial, political. Stir them up. Set one against the other. Divide and conquer. That’s the way to soften up a democracy.”― J. Edgar Hoover, Masters of Deceit “Nothing is real,” observed John Lennon, and that’s especially true of politics. Much like the fabricated universe in Peter Weir’s 1998 film The Truman Show, in which a man’s life is the basis for an elaborately staged television show aimed at selling products and procuring ratings, the political scene in the United States has devolved over the years into a carefully calibrated exercise in how to manipulate, polarize, propagandize and control a population. Take the media circus that is the Donald Trump hush money trial, which panders to the public’s voracious appetite for titillating, soap opera drama, keeping the citizenry distracted, diverted and divided. This is the magic of the reality TV programming that passes for politics today. Everything becomes entertainment fodder. As long as we are distracted, entertained, occasionally outraged, always polarized but largely uninvolved and content to remain in the viewer’s seat, we’ll never manage to present a unified front against tyranny (or government corruption and ineptitude) in any form. Studies suggest that the more reality TV people watch—and I would posit that it’s all reality TV, entertainment news included—the more difficult it becomes to distinguish between what is real and what is carefully crafted farce. “We the people” are watching a lot of TV. On average, Americans spend five hours a day watching television. By the time we reach age 65, we’re watching more than 50 hours of television a week, and that number increases as we get older. And reality TV programming consistently captures the largest percentage of TV watchers every season by an almost 2-1 ratio. This doesn’t bode well for a citizenry able to sift through masterfully-produced propaganda in order to think critically about the issues of the day. Yet look behind the spectacles, the reality TV theatrics, the sleight-of-hand distractions and diversions, and the stomach-churning, nail-biting drama that is politics today, and you will find there is a method to the madness. We have become guinea pigs in a ruthlessly calculated, carefully orchestrated, chillingly cold-blooded experiment in how to control a population and advance a political agenda without much opposition from the citizenry. This is how you persuade a populace to voluntarily march in lockstep with a police state and police themselves (and each other): by ratcheting up the fear-factor, meted out one carefully calibrated crisis at a time, and teaching them to distrust any who diverge from the norm through elaborate propaganda campaigns. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest propagandists today is the U.S. Government. Add the government’s inclination to monitor online activity and police so-called “disinformation,” and you have the makings of a restructuring of reality straight out of Orwell’s 1984, where the Ministry of Truth polices speech and ensures that facts conform to whatever version of reality the government propagandists embrace. This “policing of the mind” is exactly the danger Author Jim Keith warned about when he predicted that “information and communication sources are gradually being linked together into a single computerized network, providing an opportunity for unheralded control of what will be broadcast, what will be said, and ultimately what will be thought.” You may not hear much about the government’s role in producing, planting and peddling propaganda-driven fake news—often with the help of the corporate news media—because the powers-that-be don’t want us skeptical of the government’s message or its corporate accomplices in the mainstream media. However, when you have Social Media giants colluding with the government in order to censor so-called disinformation, all the while the mainstream news media, which is supposed to act as a bulwark against government propaganda, has instead become the mouthpiece of the world’s largest corporation (the U.S. Government), the Deep State has grown dangerously out-of-control. This has been in the works for a long time. Veteran Journalist Carl Bernstein, in his expansive 1977 Rolling Stone piece “The CIA and the Media,” reported on Operation Mockingbird, a CIA campaign started in the 1950’s to plant intelligence reports among reporters at more than 25 major newspapers and wire agencies, who would then regurgitate them for a public oblivious to the fact that they were being fed government propaganda. In some instances, as Bernstein showed, members of the media also served as extensions of the surveillance state, with reporters actually carrying out assignments for the CIA. Executives with CBS, the New York Times and Time Magazine also worked closely with the CIA to vet the news. If it was happening then, you can bet it’s still happening today, only this collusion has been reclassified, renamed and hidden behind layers of government secrecy, obfuscation and spin. In its article, “How the American government is trying to control what you think,” the Washington Post points out “Government agencies historically have made a habit of crossing the blurry line between informing the public and propagandizing.” This is mind-control in its most sinister form. The end goal of these mind-control campaigns—packaged in the guise of the greater good—is to see how far the American people will allow the government to go in re-shaping the country in the image of a totalitarian police state. The government’s fear-mongering is a key element in its mind-control programming. It’s a simple enough formula. National crises, global pandemics, reported terrorist attacks, and sporadic shootings leave us in a constant state of fear. The emotional panic that accompanies fear actually shuts down the prefrontal cortex or the rational thinking part of our brains. In other words, when we are consumed by fear, we stop thinking. A populace that stops thinking for themselves is a populace that is easily led, easily manipulated and easily controlled whether through propaganda, brainwashing, mind control, or just plain fear-mongering. Fear not only increases the power of government, but it also divides the people into factions, persuades them to see each other as the enemy and keeps them screaming at each other so that they drown out all other sounds. In this way, they will never reach consensus about anything and will be too distracted to notice the police state closing in on them until the final crushing curtain falls. This Machiavellian scheme has so ensnared the nation that few Americans even realize they are being brainwashed—manipulated—into adopting an “us” against “them” mindset. All the while, those in power—bought and paid for by lobbyists and corporations—move their costly agendas forward. This unseen mechanism of society that manipulates us through fear into compliance is what American Theorist Edward L. Bernays referred to as “an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country.” It was almost 100 years ago when Bernays wrote his seminal work Propaganda: “We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of... In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons...who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.” To this invisible government of rulers who operate behind the scenes—the architects of the Deep State—we are mere puppets on a string, to be brainwashed, manipulated and controlled. All of the distracting, disheartening, disorienting news you are bombarded with daily is being driven by propaganda churned out by one corporate machine (the corporate-controlled government) and fed to the American people by way of yet another corporate machine (the corporate-controlled media). “For the first time in human history, there is a concerted strategy to manipulate global perception. And the mass media are operating as its compliant assistants, failing both to resist it and to expose it,” writes Investigative Journalist Nick Davies. So where does that leave us? Americans should beware of letting others—whether they be television news hosts, political commentators or media corporations—do their thinking for them. A populace that cannot think for themselves is a populace with its backs to the walls: mute in the face of elected officials who refuse to represent us, helpless in the face of police brutality, powerless in the face of militarized tactics and technology that treat us like enemy combatants on a battlefield, and naked in the face of government surveillance that sees and hears all. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, it’s time to change the channel, tune out the reality TV show, and push back against the real menace of the police state. If not, if we continue to sit back and lose ourselves in political programming, we will remain a captive audience to a farce that grows more absurd by the minute. 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 . Carl Bernstein's 25,000-word cover story, published in Rolling Stone on October 20, 1977 can be found online at: https://www.carlbernstein.com/the-cia-and-the-media-rolling-stone-10-20-1977 < Previous News Next News >