Sunday, November 30, 2008

And now... something for the kids....

I just brought you some info on a nightclub party that's great if you're 18 or over. But what about the younger people in your life? I was just reading about a couple cool things that are going on at Jungle Island.

They have animal encounters where you actually get to interact with the wildlife after learning about them from an animal trainer. How cool is that? I wish more things like that had been going on when I was a kid. Right now, they're still promoting the Lemur Encounters and the Chillin Penguin Encounters. It'll cost you $45and all kids have to be accompanied by an adult. Check with them before going, because there is an age limit on the Lemur show. Their MySpace page and contact info is located here.

Need Something To Do Tonight?

Don't worry, I got you covered. I saw an announcement on MySpace that Club Buster recently started a Sunday Night party called Prestige. It's being held from 9-2 AM and happens every week. Need some more information? You can reach them at 964-673-4690. You have to be 21 to drink, but you can still get in if you're 18.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Art Basel

If you live in, or are planning to be in, the Miami area this week you might wanna check out Art Basel. It's an annual event that celebrates Art and Music and also has other cool stuff going on. I haven't had the chance to go myself, but I've written announcements about it before and it sounds pretty cool. It's also being billed as a free event and, if I remember right, there are supposed to be kid-friendly things to do as well. If you want more information, check out this article or their website.

Also, check out the video below. It should give you a feel for what the event will be like. There's also this link to another one. Enjoy and see ya next time!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Quick link...

After I finished my post I started browsing local news sites and came across this page telling people about local events. These are listed as happening in St. Petersburg.

If you're in the Tampa area, check out this article. It's about a new social networking site that connects people living in the area. According to the article, the different parts of the network operate similarly to Facebook.

Well, that's about it for now. Take care and I'll see you next time. Hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This Day in History....

There's a youtube channel that fills people in on events that happened at Walt Disney World I just discovered and I think it's really cool. Check out November 28 below....



I think it's cool getting a glimpse into the past like that and seeing how much things can change. So what do you all think? Is this a cool thing or do you think it's boring? Be sure to post your thoughts below. I'd love to read them. Take care and see you next time!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Local Acts....

Hello, out there!! I thought I'd stop by the tell you about a couple cool local acts. The first one is AJ (the R&B General). His music is a bit hip-hop as well and I love the track "Solid". Let me know what you all think. He's also won contests on BET's 106 and Park.

The next back is Wonderful Johnson. They have more of a rock/alternative sound to their music. I love their song "Open the Door", which sounds like it came out of the 70's. What tracks do you like? Comment and let me know! According to their MySpace linked above, they'll be performing in town at The Blue Monkey on November 26th. Check their page out to get more info about the show.

Well, that's all for now. Take care and see you next time with more local news and video!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Traveling with Pets....

Vacation planning can get really stressful. There is so much to think about, that we often overlook some of the most important details. Especially when we're traveling with pets. Before you load the pets into the car, consider some of these tips.

Animals are like people, with distinct personalities and temperaments. If your pet is easily upset by changes in their routine, you might want to consider having a friend or family member care for them at home. If this is not a possibility, make sure during your trip to stick as close to the animal's normal routine as possible. You might also want to pack a couple of favorite toys or pillows to add more familiarity. You might consider a sweater, as well, just in case they have to be separated from you for a bit while using public transportation. Having something with your scent on it will help with any separation issues.

The first thing that should be on your agenda when planning your trip with a pet is a visit to the Veterinarian. The vet can prescribe medications that can help keep your pet calm during travel, as well check for any problems that may need to be dealt with first. You can also refill any medications they are already on so you’ll have enough to take along with you. Getting current on their shots is also important, especially if you are using a form of public transportation or you are crossing state/country borders. Don't leave the vet's office without checking into one more thing: microchips. Microchips are quick and easy to implant, done with a needle right there in the vet's office. Most of the time, the animal doesn't even know anything is happening. Implanting one of these into your dog or cat will greatly increase your chances of getting your pet back if they get loose. The microchip includes your pet's name, vet information, medical information and other important facts. When a lost animal is brought into a shelter or vet office, they are scanned with a hand-held scanner that pulls up all the information. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to mail in the forms you will need to fill out to make the chip active. Also, don't forget to ask your vet if they have any recommendations in case your pet finds itself in need of care while out of town. If your vet cannot help you, make sure to look up that information yourself. Thanks to the internet, you should not have any trouble finding listings. You are not done yet. Before leaving the Vet, make sure you ask about Heartworm prevention and flea/tick protection. This is more than just a good idea, in some places it is required to protect the local animal population. Now, you are ready to move on to the next phase of trip planning: shelter.

Anyone who has moved with a pet knows that finding a place that will accept your pets can be difficult. Your vet can be a good source of information for places that allow pets. Some will also board your animals just in case you have decided to leave them at home. Another great resource is petswelcome.com. It has listings for pet-friendly hotels, beaches and parks. You can also exchange ideas with other pet owners through their message board or read about international animal policies.

Your best bet when traveling with pets is to go by car or plane. Many bus and train companies do not allow animals at all. If you do go by car, take a hint from the sites out there and get a special harness to secure your dog in the car. Also, make sure you have the dog’s harness or leash readily available, as your dog will need an occasional pit stops to get out and take a short walk. Cat carriers are another essential item for your check list. If you travel by plane, make sure you discuss their policies regarding pets in advance so there are no surprises.

No place recommends this, but if you absolutely must leave your dog in the car for any reason, make sure it is for a very short amount of time and leave a couple of windows open a little bit and park in the shade to keep them cool. Many animals (and kids) die each year from being left in a car that was too hot.

As with any trip, you do not want to wait too long to make these plans. If you pets had to get shots, some places require you to do it in a certain time frame before your arrival. You also do not want to find yourself without a place to stay during part or all of your trip because you waited too long to reserve a room at a pet-friendly place. Following these simple travel tips will ensure a safe and pleasant trip for you and your pets, wherever you decide to go.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Some Great Videos...

Hello! I'm back and today I wanna share some videos with you that will let you get more of a taste of Florida. The first one shows off the scenery as you drive down South Beach. Another one lets you see Ocean Drive and the Everglades National Park.





Hope you enjoy them! I'll be sharing some more videos from the same person who did the second one soon. They have several great travel videos to help you out when coming here. Here's the link to their site. I love watching videos like this. There is some much of Florida I haven't seen, so it's cool getting the chance to learn about what else is out there. Speaking of- I'll also be filling you in on some of the events coming to the area as well. Take care and don't forget to visit us on MySpace!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Some Helpful Advice....

Being Savvy is about much more then watching your bank account, checking out your mechanic, or looking for the best doctor. It's about knowing how to look out for your spiritual and emotional well-being as well. One of the most important ways to do this is by knowing when to walk away from a toxic person or situation.

We've all been there- you have a friend that suddenly hasn't got the time for you unless they need something, a family member who is over critical or controlling, or a significant other who is treating you badly. Oftentimes, we put up with bad behavior from people because of blood ties or good memories from the past. Sadly, these things blind us to the truth of the situation: we need to say goodbye.

Removing yourself from the influence of a toxic person can be one of the hardest things you'll ever do, especially in a family situation. We've heard "blood is
thicker then water" so many times, it becomes ingrained in us. This makes us feel like we "owe" them our loyalty no matter what, often at the cost of our own
well-being.

How do you know if it's time to cut someone off? There are many signs. If the thought of visiting the person makes you nervous or upset, chances are you should be staying away. Similarly, if you find yourself feeling physically drained or tense while around the person, that's another sign. These physical symptoms are your body's way of telling you something's not right, and you need to listen to it. When you tell someone about something that's important to you or go to them for advice and they can't manage to show an interest, you're better off finding someone else to go to. Same goes for a person who can't respond to anything you say or do without being negative or making it all about them. Obviously, if someone ever lays a hand on you in a fit of anger, get out.

So, you've taken stock of your relationships and you've realized there is someone in your life you could do without. What do you do now? One of the best things is to go cold turkey. Cut off all contact. Each time you answer the phone or reply to that e-mail, you're allowing them to step in and exert a bad influence on you. This is especially true in the case of a fair weather friend. If they can't bother to pick up the phone once in a while or send you an e-mail unless they want something from you, don't bother trying to initiate contact. There isn't a point to it, and you have no obligation to, even if you may feel you do. They have made it clear how they view your relationship, so trying to force anything else will do nothing but frustrate you and leave you more hurt and confused then you already were. If you find that you absolutely must respond to something they said, let it all out in a letter and then destroy it. That way, you can purge yourself while not stirring things up any further.

Sometimes, the cold turkey method isn't possible. Maybe you live too close to the person to make sure you never come into contact with them. Maybe they're a family member you're inevitably going to see when you go to that holiday gathering or birthday celebration. In these cases, it's best to say a polite hello and try to remove yourself from their presence as quickly as possible. When you're around the person, do not volunteer information. If they ask something, keep your answers short and to the point.

The stock in trade of a toxic person is mind games, so you may want to develop some of your own mind tricks. Try to find something else close by to focus on and tune them out. It doesn’t always work, but can be helpful. If the person starts asking rude questions or being too invasive, try throwing out a polite “why would you like to know?” or “I don’t want to discuss that.” You may also want to prepare to be around them ahead of time by mentally psyching yourself up with some affirmations or promising yourself a reward later for getting through the encounter calmly. If all else fails, make sure to seek out the help of a professional who can help you develop other tools for dealing with them. They can also help you to deal with any of the negative feelings the person in question has ingrained in you.

Removing a toxic person from your life is one of the hardest things you'll ever do.... but it will also be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Allowing
yourself to be torn down by someone is doing no one, including them, any good, so don't just sit back and take it. Make a clean break now and save yourself the
stress and the possible negative effects to your health that come with it.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Event Watch

Hello, again. Hope everyone’s having a good week so far. I thought I’d stop by and share a few cool events with you. The first is a very family friendly thing: Santa’s Enchanted Forest. For those who don’t know, it’s an annual Christmas-themed carnival. This year, it’s running from November 6th until January 4th, so you still have plenty of time to check it out. They’re also open from 5PM until 12 AM. Check out this video on youtube to get an idea of what the event is like:



If you decide to go, the event’s located at 7900 SW Bird Rd in Miami. You can get more information by calling (305) 559-9689. I definitely recommend it… I used to love going to this when I was a kid and there’s plenty there to keep even older visitors happy. To me, it’s part of the Christmas tradition.

If you’re looking for something a little less kid-friendly, UVA is going to be holding a Ladies Night every week starting on November 12 and running at least until May 13th. It’s a dance-electronica kind of club. Not a fan of electronica? Don’t worry. I’ll be getting together a list soon of other clubs and what they play. UVA is located at 2626 Ponce De Leon Blvd in Coral Gables. If you want more information about the club and Ladies Night, call (305) 476-8111.

Finally… I have a little something for people who love art and history. The Historical Museum of Southern Florida is going to be holding an exhibition called “Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida”. That start tomorrow (the 12th) and runs through February 18th. The Museum’s located at 101 W Flagler Street in Miami and can be reached by phone at (305) 375-1492. So, there ya go… some fun events happening around here. There’s plenty more where that came from, too. Stay tuned and I’ll fill ya in on them. Take care and don’t forget to comment and share your stories if you go to them. Also, stop by and say hi to us on MySpace.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Hotel Watch

Good evening, everyone! I thought today I'd fill you in on one of the many hotels there are in Florida to give you an idea of places to stay if you're a tourist thinking of coming here. Tonight, I'm talking about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel

Since its creation in 2003, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has positioned itself as a major force in South Florida night life. The grand building, located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, is home to many big name concerts, comedy acts, magic and more. Whatever you are looking for, the Hard Rock will most likely have it. In the past year, it’s gotten even better.

Recently, the Hotel added Paradise. Paradise is made up of several different clubs and features a variety of entertainment. The unique buildings feature Improv comedy, Vegas and Broadway-influenced acts and a Jazz club. In addition, guests can visit an Irish-style pub or check out the Dueling Pianos club.

The biggest draw, of course, is gambling. If you can name it, The Seminole Hard Rock will most likely have it. Housed in a building that is over 100,000 square-feet, the casino is open 24 hours a day. Guests can choose between a variety of poker tables and video poker. There is also Cleopatra, Spam, Wheel of Fortune and many other popular games. The Hard Rock doesn’t just pay out big to its winners. It also gives them their fifteen minutes of fame by
posting their names and pictures on the website.

Still haven’t found what you want? Keep looking, because the Hard Rock also features many shops and restaurants. One of the most popular restaurants is the Council Oak. The red and mahogany-decorated establishment features steak, seafood and fine wines. Steak lovers will enjoy being able to choose their own cuts from the butcher shop on premises. You can even get a taste of Native American Culture with the kids by visiting the Seminole Okalee Indian Village. The Village features arts and crafts, animal shows and a shop where you can pick up souvenirs. You can even reserve space at the Village for parties.

Of course, no look at the Hard Rock would be complete without discussing the Hotel area. The 4-star rated building has 500 rooms packed with amenities. Some of these amenities include stereos and computers with internet access. There are also three phones in each room, making it a good choice for those on working vacations. Don’t worry about packing little extras for your trip, because the Hard Rock has you covered. Each room features bathrobes, irons and hair
dryers available to guests. Rooms also feature spacious bathrooms and safes to store valuables. In addition, each bed is made with Egyptian cotton linens and features maid service. Its location is another benefit to staying at the Hard Rock. You are only a stone’s throw from all the wonderful things Miami and Fort Lauderdale have to offer.

Whether you are a family on vacation, a couple looking for romance or single and looking to have a great time, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is sure to have something you will love. For more information about the Hard Rock, visit the website at www.seminolehardrock.com or call 954-327-7625. Reservations can be made through the website or by calling 1-800-937-0010.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Some stress relief tips....

Well, now that the election season is over, you might need a little help relaxing. I'm here to give you some tips about how to use meditation to reduce stress. Meditation has a reputation as being something yogis somewhere do or former hippies. Over the past few years, though, it’s become much more acceptable. People all over are discovering not only spiritual benefits, but health benefits as well. You don’t have to sit around cross-legged chanting “Om” to get the benefits of meditation. There are many ways to join in on this popular practice.

First... let's talk check list. Here are some things you might want to consider getting together when developing a meditation routine.



  • Library Card (optional)

  • DVD rental service (optional)

  • A quiet place to perform your meditation

  • Comfortable clothing

  • Relaxing music or Meditation CDs/DVDs (Optional)

  • Meditation BooksInternet Access (optional)


Now... here are some guidelines to consider that will help you develop a great routine for you:


1) First, do all the research into the various forms of meditation you can. Borrow/Buy books, research the topic online or ask people you know who meditate about their practices. The more research you do into the topic, the better you’ll understand the different ways to meditate and find the method that’s right for you.


2) Once you have finally settled on a method, develop a schedule for it. You can choose to schedule your meditation time in the morning when you get up, in the afternoon or before bed- whatever time works best for you. You can also choose to devote only a few minutes each day or a longer time several times a week.


3) Once you have figured out what practice works best for you and what times you want to meditate, you’re ready to find a place to meditate. You can choose to meditate in your backyard, a quiet room in your house or even join a class. The most important part is finding a place where you’re comfortable and can fully devote yourself to it.


4) Being comfortable is the key to any meditation session. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and you’re sitting in a way where you will not feel any pain or other discomfort. Tight pants or a numb foot will keep you from losing yourself in the moment and you’ll end your session feeling as bad or worse than when you began.


5) Be consistent. Meditating can be a lot like working out. We know it’s good for us, but we can get distracted by other things and let it slide. To make sure you keep it up, give yourself some kind of reward every time you finish a session. When your tired or busy, a reward can give you the push you need to tough it out.


Here are some other things to keep in mind:


1) Give yourself time. You might not feel the benefits of meditation instantly, but you will if you keep at it.


2) If a certain type of meditation starts making you uncomfortable, find a new one.


3) Start slowly with your routine. Give it a few minutes a day at first, building up to longer sessions over time.
That's all for today. Be sure to come back through out the week, though, because I'll be sharing some Florida election results, helpful articles and local information. In the meantime, stop by and see us on MySpace.