And a Happy Zoo Year

Dine with celebrities this Sunday night to benefit the Zoological Society of Florida's mission of conserving wildlife for future generations.

Also, if you've not been to Miami MetroZoo for a while, check it out! Model searches are every first Saturday of the month through April.

You can also find out about the upcoming "Feast with the Beasts".

Fa la la la la

la la la la... Happy Hollandaise Sauce!!


Please visit these previous holiday-related posts:


Dec 11th - Find out how you can join NORAD and track Santa's trip


Nov 30th - More Santa fun and games - yes, Rudolph is allowed.


Nov 29th - An excellent, potentially life saving program called "Tow-To-Go"

To you and yours, from me and mine, have a Holly Jolly!

Mom's spit happens

Remember when you were a child and your mom would come at you, wiping something or other off your face? First though, she'd moisten her finger or a tissue... ahhh memories.
Perhaps you've kept the circle unbroken? Now there's a spittle-free way to clean the face of your loved ones - MomSpit is alcohol, rinse, and germ free!

Opa-Locka's Green Factory

An Opa-Locka based company has launched its first line of 100% organic t-shirts. The Green Tee Clothing Company uses certified 100% organic cotton, bamboo, recycled materials and water-based inks. Proceeds go to conservation organizations and it's a local company - support your hometown and all. You can find Green Tee's at Urban Outfitters for $30-$45.

Snakes, llamas, & Yaks, oh my!

Too many South Floridians seem to be releasing their exotic pets into the wild; usually, the Everglades. Not only does dumping unwanted pets threaten our native species, it's not very nice. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for animal lovers willing to adopt unwanted exotic pets. You can sign up by phone until December 21st at 850-926-0128.*
If you own an exotic pet and don't want to, South Florida's first nonnative pet amnesty day is February 23rd, 2008. You can give up your unwanted exotic at Miami MetroZoo, no questions asked. No, husbands don't count...



* A formal certification process will being in January, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old, with no history of felonies, wildlife or animal cruelty violations, and no resource or captive wildlife violations for the past three years. Adopters must have knowledge of natural history and caging requirements and have the proper facilities for the animals they are interested in adopting. There is no fee for being a certified adopter.

Keep tabs on Santa

The North American Aerospace Defense Command or NORAD is the organization in charge of NTS - NORAD tracks Santa. You can track Santa in 3-D, and check out the SantaCam, even send Santa an email.

For more fun and games with Santa, see my November 30th entry.



And just remember... it's not stalking if it's Santa!

Time you got some leverage

A new on-line service allows you to purchase, register, and trade gift cards. With Leverage, you can also track balances, manage frequent flier mileage, and keep track of other loyalty programs. You can even earn interest on gift cards you register with Leverage. It takes a minute to set up an account and the best part, it's completely free.
Susan Wise has more gift card trading sites listed on her December 4th blog entry.

Dreidel, I made you have to pay

What do you get when you combine Hannukah and poker? No Limit Texas Dreidel
Chips are substituted for Gelt (thin chocolate coins) - although you can buy Gelt, too.
You check, bet, raise, or fold based on the strength of your dreidel hand. Could bring on some interesting tells - L'Chaim!

Your mission... find Steven

Tyler, that is... and tell him where to find me!! But seriously, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler in town for a very good cause.
The 9th Annual Biker's Bash dinner/auction at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Friday, December 7th, 6p to 11p. A special Red Wing Motorcycle Company designed guitar will be auctioned off and word is, Steven will personally sign it for them at the event. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs. The weekend culminates with the 20th Annual Toys in the Sun Run, whereby tens of thousands of motorcyles will make their way from the Isle Racing & Casino in Pompano Park, to Markham Park in Weston.
A LITE FM Stress Saver Traffic Tip:
There will be temporary road closures on I-95 SB and I-595 WB to accommodate the bikes. Parade of cycles leaves Pompano at 10a, Sunday December 9th.

I love you, Steven....

Hey Ladies! Helio's in town

Sure he's the champion of Dancing With The Stars, but did you know that Helio Castroneves is also a two-time Indy 500 Champion. That may explain why he drives you crazy.. makes your heart race... all right I'll stop.
Helio will be at Homestead Miami Speedway on Thursday (December 6th) and you're invited to watch him do some off-season tire testing. You may prefer to see him cha-cha, but I'm thinking he'll be fulfilling the need for speed.

Weston's where it's at

This Sunday, December 9th, is the 10th Annual Weston Holiday Home Tour. Trolleys will depart at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the the Weston Town Center clock tower. Tickets are $40 bucks in advance and benefit Kids In Distress.

Then the following Friday, December 14th at 7 p.m., there will be a benefit concert for the Desmond TuTu Peace Foundation at Cypress Bay Auditorium in Weston. Admission is $7 bucks and performers include: Jim Wurster & the Atomic Cowboys, Brian Franklin, and Eric Adzima.

Will you bury me?

You've heard the joke - What are the 3 rings of marriage? The engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering!

Well, what happens to the first two rings when the suffering ends via divorce? For some, the ring is sold, returned, or redesigned.

But for those who need closure and/or have a wicked-good sense of humor, there's the Wedding Ring Coffin. An actual miniature solid wood coffin that comes with an engraved brass plaque.
Sample engravings include: "I Do.... NOT!" and "Six feet isn't deep enough!" or create your own.
You can opt for a open or closed casket, too.

While we're talkin' funerals, howz about the Men-Of-Mortuaries 2008 Calendar. Fourteen handsome funeral directors and morticians without their shirts... it's to die for!!!
Proceeds from the calendar benefits breast cancer foundation KAMM Cares. The organization was founded by Mr. June 2008.

Charity tennis, anyone?

This weekend brings the 7th Annual Andy Roddick Charity Exhibition to Boca Raton. Sure, Andy will be there, as well as Maria Sharapova, James Blake and others. The serves happen this Sunday afternoon at Boca Pointe Country Club. The Kid's Zone opens at 11:30 a.m. You can find out about tickets by calling the Andy Roddick Foundation at 561-620-9449.

Speaking of Santa...

It's the big guy's busiest time of year, but not so busy that he can't give you and yours a phone call. You and your kid can even track Santa upon his departure from the North Pole (noon on Christmas Eve), as well as receive messages from Santa's sleigh on your phone.
Then there's the excitement of Santa & Mrs. Claus' blog and the reindeer cam!
Can you name all the reindeer? Let me know if you had to sing to do it!

'Tis the season to be giving

Should you want to give during the holidays, but you're not quite sure who, what or where, let me give you a few giving ideas:

Maybe you'd like to send something to our troops.
Perhaps you'd prefer to help those within your zip code?
Have oodles of frequent-flier miles? You could send a wounded soldier's family to visit!
Clean out your closet - gift old glasses or shoes to those in need.
Purchase DVD's or video games to hospital-bound kids!
Animal lovers, you can train your dog to be a therapy dog for nursing homes and hospitals.
Help to build or remodel specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans.
Literally give the gift of life by donating blood!

Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la

Casting call for Miamians

A new reality show is in the works - The Fabulous People of Miami - and you could be in it. Pink Sneakers Productions is currently casting for the new series to show what life is really like in Miami.

Here's the skinny:

If you appear to be in your late 20's or early 30's, are unmarried (but not necessarily unattached), are interested in having your life documented on national television, and live a fascinating life filled with exciting and dramatic stories, send your name, contact information, a short bio, and photos to... miami@pinksneakers.net

A great, free holiday gift

For the 9th year in a row, "Tow to Go" will help you make one of the safest, smartest decisions with which you may ever be faced. Let's say you have a bit too much eggnog at a holiday party, or a holiday happy hour excursion becomes a little happier than expected; do you really want to take that chance of getting caught driving under the influence? Or, worse still, hurting someone else because you were driving under the influence?
You can call the toll-free "Tow to Go" number, 1-800-AAA-HELP, and a AAA contractor will take your vehicle and YOU home, free of charge. "Tow to Go" is offered through January 1, 2008. It's a no-brainer, so keep this number with you and potentially give the gift of continued life to you and those around you!

When Black Friday comes

Destruction of property, people clawing at belongings, thousands injured while others able to rejoice - A sold out Hannah Montana concert? The California fires? The Bangladesh cyclone? No, it's the biggest shopping day of the year... drumroll please... BLACK FRIDAY!!!!
Crazed bargain seekers, er um, I mean savvy shoppers will be up at all kinds of early hours to get the best deals on the hottest gifts.
I will still have pumpkin pies dancing in my head, so enjoy yourself and if you have a moment, let me know what you bought!

Jive Turkey

A turkey sat on a backyard fence
And he sang this sad, sad tune
Thanksgiving Day is coming gobble gobble gobble gobble
And I might be eaten soon

Gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble
I would like to fly away
Gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble
I don't like Thanksgiving Day!

Hope your Thanksgiving Day is filled with food, song, fun, and love!


Five little turkeys sitting on a fence.
The first one said, "My I'm immense!"
The second one said, "I can spread my tail."
The third one said, "Don't catch it on a nail!"
The fourth one said, "I can gobble at you."
The fifth one said, "I can gobble-gobble too."
When along came a farmer, Who stopped to say, "TURKEYS LOOK BEST ON THANKSGIVING DAY!"

The Keys to a Dream House

You may have read Susan Wise's November 14th post... it was all about the HGTV Dream House that was built in Islamorada. It's 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 3 floors (I'm sensing a theme here), and is said to be worth about $2.2 million. The house was built by Keys native, Juan Dellanos, whose Dellanos Construction is based in Tavernier.
Soon, you'll be able to not only take a tour of the home, you'll be able to register to win it!
Tours will be $20 and run January 3rd though March 2nd, with proceeds going to the Florida Keys Children's Shelter. The online sweepstakes to win the house will be open January 1st through February 19th. The Dream House winner will be announced March 18th. Let me know if you enter and, Good Luck!

Knox's gel in tins

Remember former South Florida news anchor Danielle Knox? In a where-is-she-now-moment, Danielle is playing pretty. Knox and her sister have started a skin-care line, Play Pretty Beauty, named for a term their grandma used. While Danielle enjoys maternity leave, you can enjoy her body butters, candles, lotions and potions, all made with natural ingredients. You find the products online, in some South Florida Spas and in a few GBS stores. Or, you can call 305-527-6004... now, go play pretty.

Just wanna have fun?

The White Party festivities begin this Wednesday and runs through Monday, at various locations in Miami Beach. Care Resource's 23rd Annual White Party, considered the first major AIDS fund-raising party evah is Saturday, November 24th - Cyndi Lauper will perform!

Money! From the IRS no less

More than 4,000 South Floridians are owed his or her 2006 tax-refund check. The Internal Revenue Service has released the list of those owed. Find out if you are on that list - if yes, lunch is on you!

I won't tell you where to go

But I will tell you to get there early if you're going by airplane. Airports expecting a busy holiday, to the tune of 27 million passengers worldwide between November 16th and November 28th. What does that mean for you, oh weary traveler? Looonnngggg lines at security checkpoints, delays, and crabby people (certainly not you, of course).
A few things you can do to help yourself: wear easy on/off shoes, know the 3-1-1 rule and follow it, and double-check your person and your carry-on bags for any no-nos before you get in the security checkpoint line. It really will save you, and those of us behind you, a lot of grief!
Bon Voyage!!
If you do want to share with the class where you are going, post your comment please!

Elephant ears & jawz?

Thursday, November 14th at 5pm, is opening night for the 2007 Broward County Fair. It's at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium, 1401 NW 55th St. This weekend will be theme nights for the Fair - Friday is School Spirit Night, Saturday is Baby Beautiful Day, and Sunday is Senior Day. One of the special attractions this year is "Jawz". It's the first time this traveling live shark show hits North America. Host Phillip Peters will swim with the sharks right before your very eyes! The Fin I mean Fair runs thru November 25th and raises money for local schools.

Somewhat easier to be green

It was just last week, at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, that the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid debuted. The new, 2009 model, will be available next summer. Sooner, you can shop green; from clothing and linens, to used books, to furniture and housewares, and even chocolate!

With all this verdant beauty going around, allow me to paste a previous blog posting and maybe this time, I'll get some recycling help!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

It Ain't Easy Being Green
It REALLY ain't!!! The recycling program in my community was discontinued (a story in and of itself) about 8 months ago. I have been trying ever since to find a place that will accept residential recyclables, to no avail. I've called cities, counties, visited web sites and I'm truly shocked at just how difficult it is, in the year 2007, to recycle. I am willing to drive my stuff to most anywhere in Broward County. Please let me know if you know of a place that will take one or all of the following: newspapers, plastic containers, cans, and cardboard. Thanks.

It's a Wonderful Potterville?!

Potter for the Holidays? Usually that name is associated with all that's bad... courtesy of the holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life. In this case, or should I say, TRUNK, it's Harry Potter , not Henry. Harry Potter Books 1-7 in Hardcover; the packaging for the books is locking storage trunk - all the better to keep the Jelly Slugs away from the others. It'll take a bit of Galleons to buy the set, but to a muggle addicted to Potter... it's like finding Zuzu's petals!

Visit Daryl Hall's house

Daryl Hall, half of the famous duo Hall and Oates, is inviting you into his house this Thursday night! Don't get too excited, it's over the Internet - Live From Daryl's House is what Daryl calls a "light bulb moment"; the thought of he and some friends just jammin' in his living room or on his porch, and then posting it for all to see. Hmmm.. now if I can only figure out what to wear....
If you do tune in, let me know what you thought of the performance - post a comment, please!

"Bodies" is back

Bodies... The Exhibition is now showing at Las Olas Riverfront. I saw this exhibit earlier this year and it's truly fascinating. Explore how your body works from the inside-out... Dr. Oz will be so proud! Have you seen the Bodies Exhibit? If so, let me know what you thought - post a comment, please!

UnderWars: A Nude Hope

Between MySpace and YouTube, we have no shame left... so with that in mind comes Jockey's UnderWars. Adult men & women are invited to post videos of themselves dancing around in their undies. The under things do not have to be Jockey brand, but your video must be uploaded by November 15th to have a chance at the $5,000 prize. Oh, and keep it clean (but fun)!

Even if you don't wish to enter, it's fairly entertaining to watch some of the videos. Tell me who's dancing (or Jockey's) you enjoyed most - post a comment, please!

Left turn for southpaw's brain

Are you left handed? Do you know someone who is? Scientists are finding a big difference in brain development between lefties and righties. A left-handed person's brain is said to develop more freely, which could explain why many famous people are left-handed, including no less than 8 of our Presidents. There are more and more products to make life easier for lefties, so this holiday season, show a Southpaw you care!
Are you a lefty? Tell me about the trials and tribulations - you know, smeared ink and the like. Post a comment, please!

Be a Warrior in Pink

Sure, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, but that's no reason to stifle your role in helping to eradicate the disease. If you purchase a Warriors In Pink T-shirt (or scarf, hat, etc.), 100% of the net proceeds goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support research and raise awareness. While your on the site, you can also register to win a one-of-a-kind 2008 Warriors In Pink Mustang.

Hola Dolly! Baby Abuelita

One of my vivid childhood memories, is that of my grandmother singing "Luna Mezzo Mare (Lazy Mary)" to me. While I don't think it was her intention, years later I realized my grandmother was treating me to a very risque little ditty (explains a lot).
Recently, I read a story about two Miami women who'd created a grandparent doll that sings Spanish nursery rhymes and thought, "What a great idea!". Abuelita Rosa wears her bata de casa, y Abuelito Pancho proudly dons his guayabera. There are "baby" dolls in the line as well as books and, you can even purchase ring tones... Campanitas!
This Saturday, November 17th at 4 p.m., Baby Abuelita Dolls will be in the "Miracle on 136th Street" Parade at The Falls .

What did your grandma, abuela, nana, or mimi sing to you? Let me know - post a comment, please!

Have organ, will donate

Robert Goulet, actor and singer, died this morning while awaiting a lung transplant. Goulet, 73, had been diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in September. Find out more about what being an organ donor means... to you and others.

This cereal's killer!

Imagine going into a restaurant and having your choice of 60 brand-name cereals. No, not buffet- style, but with a waiter or waitress asking if you'd like your bowl of 1/2 Reese's Puffs and 1/2 Golden Grahams with Skim, half and half, lactose-free, whole, 2% or soy milk. Reality is upon us my cereal lovin' friends, via the Cereal Connection in Plantation. You can also add toppings to your cereal, from fresh fruit to Oreo cookie chunks. Here's to staying crunchy in milk!

Cellphone account shortcuts

Ever wonder if you, or your teen, have any minutes left on the cell phone? Need your balance, pronto?
Fret no more! There are free ways to find out your account information from your cell phone.
Then, continue chatting or texting away.....

New park opens next week

Central Broward Regional Park will have its grand opening November 9th, 4pm - 9p.m.
The $70 million park is 110 acres with cricket, football, and soccer fields, and a 10 acre lake.
You'll find the park on the northeast corner of Sunrise Blvd. and 441.

Nike Women's Marathon - Just DID it!

We did it!!! Team In Training members Marsha, GeGe, Roberta, Ammal, and Me, Kimba, under the guidance and support of Coach Barry walked 26.2 miles in the Nike Women's Marathon. For me, Marsha, GeGe and Roberta, it was our first marathon!

Kudos also goes to the entire South Florida Chapter of Team In Training - they include lovely ladies and gents from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We had runners, walkers, run-walkers, participating in the full, or half marathon.

Over 20,000 women (and about 900 men - nice odds, huh?) walked or ran this past Sunday on the streets of San Francisco. Team In Training members raised over $18.5 million dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, with about $240,000 of that from the South Florida Chapter. Ladies and Coach, it was an honor to be in your presence for such a momentous occasion.

I met a lot of incredibly cool people during the five months of training - plus got into better shape... bonus!
If you'd like to be part of a thrilling experience, you can find out more about the upcoming events Team In Training has planned.

P.S. They're not all clear across the country!!

Fall back this weekend

In August, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This changed the dates for Daylight Saving Time beginning this year. DST began on the second Sunday in March and will end, or fall back the first Sunday in November. And remember, Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery(R).

Walk is going on!

Have you seen Matt Gregory? He's in Broward County en route to the Keys... walking! He started in Washington state and will end in the Keys. Matt is walking to honor the memory of his Mom, who passed away in 1999. It's an incredible journey - good luck, Matt!

I will be taking a similar, yet shorter journey. Friday, October 19th, I will leave for San Francisco (flying, thank you) and on Sunday, I will walk 26.2 miles in the Nike Women's Marathon. I do so in memory of Raymie, Ms. Fagan, and all those affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma... wish me luck!!!

Celebrity authors coming to sign books

Lance Bass - Out of Sync

Time: Friday, October 26, 2007 8:00 PM
Location: Books & Books, Miami Beach 933 Lincoln Road 305-532-3222
Note: This event is an Autographing Only.


At sixteen, Lance Bass received a phone call from Justin Timberlake that would change his life forever. Soon after, he left his small-town home in Clinton, Mississippi, to join an emerging musical group called *NSYNC. Two years later *NSYNC was inspiring Beatles-esque mania around the world, becoming the face of the new MTV generation, and earning the all-time record for most album sales in a single day (more than one million) and in a single week for No Strings Attached. He's remained in the spotlight ever since, and here he talks in depth for the first time about his childhood, his astonishing experiences as a young man and Christian growing up in one of the biggest bands in the world, his shock and frustration at the band's eventual dissolution, and his subsequent career, including his four months in Russia, training to become a cosmonaut. He also frankly discusses life as a gay man -- his first same-sex relationship at twenty-one, his struggle to keep his sexuality hidden from *NSYNC's fans in case it jeopardized the band's success, and the true circumstances that led to his decision to publicly come out at the age of twenty-seven. Full of fascinating behind-the-scenes lore and revealing insights from a pop star who, until now, has been notoriously private, Out of Sync (Simon & Schuster, $23.95) is the book that millions of fans have been waiting




Dann Gershon and Gina Gershon - Camp Creepy Time

Time: Saturday, October 27, 2007 6:00 PM
Location: Books & Books, Coral Gables 265 Aragon Ave. 305-442-4400

Einstein P. Fleet is forced to attend camp in the desert despite his best arguments, and man-eating spiders are the least of his problems. The camp is haunted, the campers are turning into monsters, and his counselors are aliens plotting to sell the kids to an intergalactic zoo (once they completely transform into mummies, vampires, and werewolves). He writes home and relays his predicament, but his parents don’t believe a word of it. Einstein may have been able to survive seventh grade, but will he be able to save himself and his fellow campers from a terrifying fate?
 In Camp Creepy Time: The Adventures of Einstein P. Fleet (Putnam, $16.99), both authors’ writing debut, Dann and Gina Gershon weave a hilarious and spooky story that you won’t be able to put down. Gina, an actress, and her brother Dann, an entrepreneur, invite you to join them this evening for a Halloween party that’s not for the faint of heart.

Mel's Bracelets

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One story to that end is about flight attendant Mel Simmons. Mel's friends, in honor of her kindness, continue to raise money. To date, they've raised more than $2 million dollars for breast cancer research.

They're heeeere... recent releases of interest

Carol Anne is back!- It's the 25th anniversary of Poltergeist ! Directed by Steven Spielberg, the Poltergeist 25th Anniversary Edition arrives on DVD October 9th.

Also just released, Clapton: The Autobiography by Eric Clapton. From learning his "sister" was really his mum, to falling in love with his friend's wife, to his heroin and alcohol abuse, to losing his 4-year old son in a tragic accident, Eric holds nothing back; and then there's all the music history to go through. Seems as though the book should be more than 352 pages! Eric is happily married with two young daughters , and he has another daughter from a previous relationship. Clapton has said, "The last 10 years have been the best of my life". Well sure, word is, bidding for the rights to publish Eric's life story was over $6 million dollars.
An aside to the falling-in-love-with-his-friend's-wife portion of the story. That wife, Patti Boyd, recently released her autobiography. For more details on her best selling book, see my blog dated 8/28/07.

Use hazard lights properly

Early this morning, while driving through driving rain, many of my fellow motorists had their hazard lights on - the only problem is that they were moving! It is illegal to drive with your hazard lights on in the rain (or not). It can also be dangerous, adding to the problem of a low-visibility downpour. The nonmoving violation could cost you $70, or worse, an accident.


The 2007 Florida Statutes
Title XXIIIMOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 316STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.--

(7) Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway or except that the lamps authorized in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9) and s. 316.235(5) are permitted to flash.

(10) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

Kick Him to the Curb Club

Had it with the bad boys? Want to share your wrong-guy stories with some like-minded ladies?
Join the Kick Him to the Curb Club; the ladies meet the third Thursday of every month, at Gizzi's Coffee, 2275 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach. The next meeting is October 18th!

Tennis anyone?

The 7th Annual Andy Roddick Charity Exhibition is set for Sunday, December 9th, in Boca Raton; Special guests include Maria Sharapova and James Blake. There's also a dinner/dance/silent auction the night before. All proceeds benefit local children's charities.
You can also purchase tickets by called the Andy Roddick Foundation at 561-620-9449.

A stealthy way to get your kids to eat right

Jessica Seinfeld, wife to Jerry & mom to three young children, was going bonkers trying to get her kids to eat vegetables. A happy puree mix-up got her kids eating healthy, and the chill'uns are none the wiser. Mrs. Seinfeld's new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food, will be out October 5th.

Going out for din-din? Cheat before you eat

Know before you go! You can search inspection records for over 7,500 South Florida restaurants. I'd certainly want to know the potential for extra protein in my meal... if you know what I mean.

Lizards as you've never seen them

Florida native Lily Capehart has the ability to hypnotize lizards. If that weren't nutty enough, after hypnotizing the lizards, Lily dresses them up and then has her dad (a professional photographer) take pictures. Lily and her lizards have appeared on Letterman, Ellen, and Don Francisco Presenta!

CYKCP (Control your kid's cell phone)

OMG! AT&T has launched a new service whereby you can control your child's cell phone, and then some. You can block calls, limit when phones can make or receive calls, restrict text messaging and talk times, set allowances for ring tones and other downloads, and filter out websites you don't want your kids accessing from his or her cell phone. Talk about control - you'll no longer have to MYOB!!
The Smart Limits service is offered by AT&T and costs an additional $4.99 per month per line.
CUL8R...

It Ain't Easy Being Green

It REALLY ain't!!! The recycling program in my community was discontinued (a story in and of itself) about 8 months ago. I have been trying ever since to find a place that will accept residential recyclables, to no avail. I've called cities, counties, visited web sites and I'm truly shocked at just how difficult it is, in the year 2007, to recycle. I am willing to drive my stuff to most anywhere in Broward County. Please let me know if you know of a place that will take one or all of the following: newspapers, plastic containers, cans, and cardboard. Thanks.

YIPPEEEEEE! The Bridge Tender returns

Jeanie Curtiss has her job back and rightfully so. My original post on July 30th told the story of the lovely Ft. Lauderdale bridge tender who lost her job, trying to do the right thing. Many of you expressed your outrage to the Sun-Sentinel columnist who wrote the story, and the company that fired Jeanie. The outpouring of protest letters, the monetary donations to Jeanie, and even offers of help job hunting proves that South Floridians have zero tolerance for unjust behavior and even more heart. Kudos to you.

The best tips & tricks for hungry chicks

Hey, hungry girl! I think this is one of the best web sites for food information and smart food choices evah! Definitely click on the "Chew The Right Thing" feature; basically, a what you should bite, and what you should fight food-list. Mangia!

How many songs have been written for you?

The woman who inspired George Harrison to write "Something" and Eric Clapton to write "Layla" and " Wonderful Tonight", has written her story. Pattie Boyd's autobiography, 'Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me', was released today. Should make for interesting, voyeuristic reading!!

Disposable Undies?

Because sometimes life is more important than laundry... that's the tag line of a product called Once. It's a single-use panty that's been created to celebrate the modern woman - YAY us!

Top 10 signs he's a fantasy football addict

Top 10 signs you're a fantasy football addict

Roger Rotter / FOXSports.com Posted: 2 days ago
Getting married has remedied many of my bad habits, such as eating with my mouth open, letting laundry pile on the floor and failing to put items back in the refrigerator after I've made myself a sandwich and have retired to the couch for an afternoon of TV.
Thankfully, my wife knew that "in sickness and in health" also means that my addiction to fantasy football may never be cured.
Still, there's much to be said for being responsible, though not just with your fantasy football team. Based upon my experience and hearsay, here are 10 signs that will let you know if you are a fantasy football addict. That can be good or bad, depending on your point of view!

Top 10 signs you're a fantasy football addict

10. You check your fantasy team's box score while the rest of the family opens holiday gifts.
There's nothing wrong with checking your fantasy team's performance in the fantasy title game. Just make sure it doesn't coincide with opening holiday gifts together with family. But is it mere coincidence that the fantasy championships arrive at the same time as the winter holidays? Or is this a test by league executives and TV programming gurus to see where your faith truly lies?
Yet there's much to celebrate if you win titles and put championship rings on your fingers. It's a wonderful feeling when you check the box score at midnight on Christmas Eve and your team has defeated your most despised rival. Good cheer to all! Who cares about gifts, right?

9. You'd rather watch a Thanksgiving Day blowout instead of feasting at the dinner table.
Though you live out of town hundreds of miles away from your parents, you cannot pull yourself away from the TV and avoid watching Detroit get thumped 49-0 by Denver late in the fourth quarter. Who needs to give thanks at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day when you can thank the Lord for creating fantasy football after your player scores three touchdowns in a game? Hey, touchdowns still count for fantasy in lopsided games.

8. You miss work for one straight week using the excuse that the DirectTV installer never showed up so you can study up on the weekend's big draft.
It's imperative that you have to watch 1,536 hours of football to stay atop of your fantasy league and expertly switch channels at every break in the action without missing a play.
And you'll do anything to make sure you know every statistical detail about each fantasy football player, including their red-zone conversion rate in trip-right formations, to gain an edge on your league foes.

7. You arrive an hour late at a date with a hottie because you were picking up players on the waiver wire.
She's gone and so are your chances of scoring with a future lingerie model. But you secured the player who will land you a championship. Thank you, Kurt Warner, Larry Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew.

6. You're the best man at your friend's wedding and you remember to take your cell phone to consummate a trade, but not the ring, on the morning of the wedding.
You never know when the frantic owner who wants to unload a star after one bad week for three mediocre players will change his mind.

5. While your wife is busy preparing for a romantic night out on your Paris honeymoon, you sneak away to check your fantasy team in the hotel lobby. (This really did happen. ... What can I say? I'm an addict, too!).
Remember, due diligence is what keeps a fantasy marriage going!

4. You list your fantasy football league entry fee as a tax deduction for work-related expenses.
Yes, those 50 man hours you spend per week on the work computer come in handy!

3. The $100 US Savings Bond that was supposed to go to a nephew was spent on a fantasy football entrance fee.
You know you'll win the league and then split the earnings later ... or maybe 10 years later.

2. You spend more time studying for your fantasy football game than your college final history exams.
Twenty years later, will I remember which bills Congress passed in 1904 or that I won at fantasy football in 2005?

And finally, here's the No. 1 sign that you're a fantasy football addict:
1. Your biggest fantasy involves a trophy, and it's not found in the Playboy Mansion.

George Carlin's 'Baseball and Football'

Baseball and Football
by George Carlin
Baseball is different from any other sport, very different. For instance, in most sports you score points or goals; in baseball you score runs. In most sports the ball, or object, is put in play by the offensive team; in baseball the defensive team puts the ball in play, and only the defense is allowed to touch the ball. In fact, in baseball if an offensive player touches the ball intentionally, he's out; sometimes unintentionally, he's out.

Also: in football,basketball, soccer, volleyball, and all sports played with a ball, you score with the ball and in baseball the ball prevents you from scoring.

In most sports the team is run by a coach; in baseball the team is run by a manager. And only in baseball does the manager or coach wear the same clothing the players do. If you'd ever seen John Madden in his Oakland Raiders uniform,you'd know the reason for this custom.

Now, I've mentioned football. Baseball & football are the two most popular spectator sports in this country. And as such, it seems they ought to be able to tell us something about ourselves and our values.

I enjoy comparing baseball and football:

Baseball is a nineteenth-century pastoral game.
Football is a twentieth-century technological struggle.

Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park.The baseball park!
Football is played on a gridiron, in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium.

Baseball begins in the spring, the season of new life.
Football begins in the fall, when everything's dying.

In football you wear a helmet.
In baseball you wear a cap.

Football is concerned with downs - what down is it?
Baseball is concerned with ups - who's up?

In football you receive a penalty.
In baseball you make an error.

In football the specialist comes in to kick.
In baseball the specialist comes in to relieve somebody.

Football has hitting, clipping, spearing, piling on, personal fouls, late hitting and unnecessary roughness.
Baseball has the sacrifice.

Football is played in any kind of weather: rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog...
In baseball, if it rains, we don't go out to play.

Baseball has the seventh inning stretch.
Football has the two minute warning.

Baseball has no time limit: we don't know when it's gonna end - might have extra innings.
Football is rigidly timed, and it will end even if we've got to go to sudden death.

In baseball, during the game, in the stands, there's kind of a picnic feeling; emotions may run high or low, but there's not too much unpleasantness.
In football, during the game in the stands, you can be sure that at least twenty-seven times you're capable of taking the life of a fellow human being.

And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:

In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll be safe at home!

R.A.D. could save your life

RAD stands for Rape Aggression Defense. RAD is a nationally recognized, 12-hour program
designed to teach realistic self-defense techniques to women age 14 and up! Classes are offered by the following:

In Broward:

Coral Springs Police Department
Free
Call Officer Karla Hines
954-346-1227

Broward Sheriff's Office, Cooper City
$25
Call Linda Victor
954-435-2000


Once you graduate RAD, you can retake the course as many times as you want, anywhere, for free.

Delray Beach Police Department
New class begins Sept. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Free
Call Sgt. Adam Rosenthal
561-239-2828

Florida Atlantic University Police Department
New class begins Aug. 29th, 6-10 p.m.
$10 FAU students, $20 alumni and $30
general public
Call Sgt. Tammy DiGrazia
561-297-4229

In Miami-Dade:

University of Miami - offered through the Dept, of Public Safety Contact person: Betty Helms, radsofla@bellsouth.net or 954-655-7587 / John Pepper 305-284-6666
Barry University - contact person Ed Londono, elondono@mail.barry.edu or
305-899-3063
Coral Gables Police Department - Community Affairs Unit, contact person used to be "Trish" 305-460-5401
Aventura Police Department - Contact Person Olga Burns, bttrfly0165@bellsouth.net or 305-466-8900

Help Victims of Hurricane Dean

Food For The Poor rushes aid to the Caribbean
Coconut Creek, Fla. (August 21, 2007) -
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief organization working in the Caribbean, is responding to the needs for assistance in the islands battered by Hurricane Dean. Nine people have been killed, and thousands have been left homeless. Damage in Jamaica, where the 145-mph hurricane passed just to the south, includes collapsed buildings, flooding, landslides, and impassable roads.
Food For The Poor staff members are assessing the damage across Jamaica and have encountered many downed power lines and trees blocking the roads. Staff members have successfully reached Portland Cottage, which sustained the worst damage.
Susan James, a Food For The Poor staff member on site in Jamaica, said current reports show that Portland Cottage, which suffered the closest brush with Hurricane Dean, is “worse than after Hurricane Ivan, and Ivan was terrible. The water level was higher than in Hurricane Ivan and three-quarters of the village is gone.
Shipments of 120 containers of relief supplies are en route to St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Supplies will be distributed through Food For The Poor’s extensive network of churches, hospitals, schools and orphanages. Food For The Poor’s centrally-located warehouse facilities in Spanish Town will serve as the staging point for relief operations in Jamaica.
According to Robin Mahfood, President of Food For The Poor, “Roofs were ripped off homes. The poor have lost all their belongings, and people fled for their lives. This hurricane has affected many of the countries we serve. So many countries are in dire need of emergency supplies.”
In order to ship and distribute 5.5 million pounds of water, food, blankets, lumber, roofing materials, generators, kerosene lanterns and other emergency supplies, Food For The Poor needs to raise $2 million. Additionally, new housing and housing repair materials have become an immediate priority. Food For The Poor is able to construct new homes for a cost of $2,600 per house.
To assist with the work of Food For The Poor, visit the Web site at www.foodforthepoor.org or call 800-487-1158. Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation and the largest charity in Florida, does much more than simply feed the millions of hungry poor in 16 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. Since 1982, we have provided clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and emergency relief, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

Water Restrictions still in effect

We are still under water restrictions in South Florida. For Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, we're in a modified Phase II & III. Regional water supplies are still low, so conserve as much water as you can.

Passport delays inevitable

With the new laws and rules in effect, passports are taking longer to process. Even if you pay for expedited service, you'll wait longer than usual. By years' end, the State Department plans to have things back to normal. Until then, you can actually check to find out how long you'll have to wait to renew your passport.

Let this learned Lady inspire you

Friday, August 10th, Bathsheva Weinstein received her bachelor's degree in history from Florida Atlantic University. "Yeah, and?", you ask? Mrs. Weinstein collected her degree 12 days before her 82nd birthday!!! She began her quest about 14 years ago without so much as a high school diploma.

Get a lot Batty!

Thwap! Swerk! Dap! Batfest, doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo, Batfest! Every evening, from March through November, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats come flying out from under a bridge in Austin, Texas. So what does Austin do? Have an annual Batfest, of course. Arts, crafts, and bat watching among the festivities this September 1st and 2nd. Best advice for Batfest 2007? Wear a hat.

Five-Alarm abs and pectorals

The South Florida Firefighters Calendar 2008 is about to be unveiled. From August 16th through the 19th, you'll have several opportunities to purchase the 2008 calendar, and meet the Firefighters in all of their taut, rippled flesh. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Your eyes will benefit, too.

For this artist, size does matter

Saw an article about Micro-sculptor Willard Wigan in the latest issue of People Magazine and could not believe my eyes. I'm also surprised Mr. Wigan's eyes still function - he makes sculptures that fit atop the head of a pin, or in the eye of a needle. Why? Because he can!
Oh, to have his patience...

If it's your kind of party...

My disclaimer: I am in no way endorsing any candidate, contender, or political party -
I am simply dispensing the information. Thanks.
Barack Obama will campaign at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium on August 25th. Proceeds from the $30 bucks-a-person soiree will go to the Miami-Dade Democratic Party.

Let's hear it for the girls!

A big "hip, hip, hooray" for the double X chromosome!

First, Barbara Morgan; she was the runner-up when a teacher was chosen to go into space some 22 years ago. She was watching from a Nasa viewing area as colleague and chosen teacher, Christa McAuliffe boarded the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger. Then, 17 years later, Mrs. Morgan was in a NASA plane waiting to escort the Space Shuttle Columbia home. She was scheduled to fly on Columbia's next mission. Finally, tonight, Barbara Morgan is in space. The Space Shuttle Endeavor lifted off for an eleven day mission on the International Space Station.

Next, we get local! Ms. Dana Torres of Parkland, broke her own American record in the 50 meter freestyle at the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis. She broke her first record at 14 - she broke this latest record at 40... 16 months after giving birth to her daughter!

Last, certainly not least, and while we're still in the pool, Leila Vaziri of Ft. Lauderdale. She started swimming at age 7 at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex and, 15 years later, hopes to make the Olympic Team. The Summer Olympics in Beijing, China begin one year from today.
Swim, Leila, Swim.

You make me proud to be part of the muliebrity posse!

Pay extra for a specific seat on a plane? NOT!!

One airline already does it, more are thinking about it... the it, charging extra for a window, aisle, or exit seat. We already pay hundreds of dollars to board an airplane, but this would mean that everyone flying would have to sit in the middle seat if they wanted to NOT PAY EXTRA. What about planes with only 2 seats in a row? One would be aisle, one window - would you automatically have to pay extra? We no longer get fed, pillows and blankets are scarce if not completely gone, and now we should pay for the privilege of sitting in a very confined space for hours! Travelers can research the best seat in the house or on the plane as it were...

You may have unclaimed cash waiting for you

Find out if Florida owes you unclaimed cash, goods, or even property. Many South Florida celebs are on the list of being owed: Alonzo Mourning, Burt Reynolds, Wesley Snipes, Joe Namath, Olli Jokinen, Hulk Hogan, and Gloria Estefan. See if you make the list!

Idol is as Idol does

Here's the scoop for those of you planning to audition for American Idol. I just wanna say, "Good Luck, we're all counting on you".

SoBe Macy's reopens in time for Sales Tax Holiday

The department store formerly known as Burdines will reopen the South Beach store on Saturday. Opened in 1953, the now Macy's needed a facelift - after all, it is South Beach.
Part of the 4 month renovations included restoring the landmark "Sunshine Fashions" sign.
You'll find the new and improved 91, 118 square feet of shopping at 1675 Meridian Ave. For more information on the Sales Tax Holiday, go to my 7/26 post.

Sheikra, Montu, & Kimba, OH MY!

Join me this Saturday, from 4pm- 8pm, on 101.5 LITE FM - I'll be broadcasting live from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. I'll give you an audible sensation of the rides, including the new "floor less" Sheikra. I promise not to hit the Hospitality House until 8:05 pm *giggle snort*!

Keep it on LITE FM for your chance to win a free family getaway to Tampa Bay. For all the details, just look north of this post.

Help victims of Minnesota bridge collapse

Here's the information to help:

Twin Cities Red Cross Responding to Hwy. 35W Bridge Collapse
The Twin Cities Red Cross is responding to the 35W birdge collapse and is providing mass care, mental health counseling and more to those on scene.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster.

The best way to help those affected by this and other disasters is to donate money and/or blood.

To make a financial donation - CLICK HERE or call 612-460-3700.

To make an appointment to donate blood to replenish stocks used by the 35W bridge collapse disaster and other disasters, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.givebloodgivelife.org.

You can also mail financial donations to:

American Red Cross - Twin Cities Area Chapter
NW 5597
P.O. Box 1450
Minneapolis, MN 55485-5597

Thank you for your support.

Faith Hill teaches class

Last weekend, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's Soul2Soul tour stopped at the Cajundome in Louisiana (Tim's home state). While Tim was greeting fans, one fan decided a handful of Tim would be much better than a concert T-Shirt! Faith certainly didn't appreciate the trespass onto private property and scolded the fan with, "Someone needs to teach you some class, my friend". There was more verbal, but this is a family show! All I can add is, Go Faith, Go Faith!

Shaquille's Big Losers

Six South Florida kids who are morbidly obese + one very large basketball player = incredible weight loss. Shaquille's Big Challenge lost big time in the way of pounds; the kids gained confidence and healthier lives. Kudos to Chris, Walter, James, Kit, Ariel, and Kevin... you rock!

A worthy cause, Love me bridge tender

If you scroll all the way down me blog, you'll see the familiar purple and green link to Team In Training. There's a little more detail about the Nike Women's Marathon for your reading pleasure! This information, combined with the fact that 1 year and 4 months after back surgery I will walk 26 miles for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, will hopefully earn your monetary donation. One dollar, five bucks, twenty smackers, one-hundred big ones, it's all good and all very much appreciated. Let me thank you in advance.


Did you hear about the bridge tender who got fired for doing her job? Unfortunately, it's not a joke. Note to Tri-Angle Maintenance: Rehire Jeanie and it'll just be water under the bridge.

That's the Spirit, Winterfest changes course

Spirit Airlines is planning to add 10 new routes from Ft. Lauderdale. Spirit is asking for your ideas and you can submit your proposal through August 10th.

The 36th Winterfest Boat Parade is changing course! Used to be the pretty boats motored up from the Port Everglades/17th Street Causeway area north to Pompano. The 2007 themed "Magical Movie Moments" Parade will now begin at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on the New River... the end point remains the same. The parade that really floats is scheduled for December 15th, 6:30 p.m.

Sales Tax Holiday, Shark Week, & how to tell the difference

The back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday runs August 4th thru the 13th. Applies to books, clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $50 or less. Also tax free, certain school supplies selling for $10 or less. I think we're gonna need a bigger cart...

Television with bite! The 20th Anniversary of Shark Week has begun on the Discovery Channel... set the DVR and be afraid, be very afraid.

SJP clothes line, Snickers has gone to the dark side

Sarah Jessica Parker has a clothing line called Bitten. Every item is $19.98 or less and can be found at Steve & Barry stores. I know what you're thinking - we don't have a Steve & Barry Store in South Florida. As of August 1st, we will; Steve & Barry's will open at The Mall at 163rd Street in North Miami Beach.

On a sweet note, the new dark chocolate snickers is advertised thusly: It's like peanuts, nougat and caramel were kidnapped and thrown into a dark chocolate limo.
Absolutely true - precisely the sensation upon ingestion... just so you know.