Hotspots! January 5, 2023 (Issue 3801)

Genesis Health Institute Holiday Party

Photos: Coco Alarcon

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Happy New Year and welcome to 2023. Listen, if you're serious about making this year your healthiest and most productive on record, then you've simply got to make exercise one of your top priorities. No more excuses; procrastination is fruitless, just get moving and do it. Whether you've never darkened the door of a gym, or just looking to up your game, here are 25 indisputable and urgent reasons why you need to exercise in 2023!

Health

1. Exercise is great for mental health. It can alleviate depression and anxiety, battles fatigue, and gives you more energy all day long.

2. Exercise bolsters and fortifies your immune system making you more resistant to colds and flu.

3. Exercise sharpens mental processes helping you to think on your feet and in any situation.

4. Exercise is a creative and potent way to occupy your mind and help you burn off steam when you are worried about life's little difficulties.

5. Exercise improves posture by doing such things as flattening your tummy and eliminating lower back pain.

6. Exercise can help curb and even eliminate excessive health care costs.

7. Exercise improves flexibility at the joints.

8. Exercise helps lower blood pressure and your resting heart rate.

9. Exercise prevents the loss of muscle mass due to aging and inactivity as it helps to preserve and build lean muscle.

10. Exercise helps burn excess blood sugar caused by poor nutrition and daily stress.

11. Exercise revs your metabolism to burn more calories even while you are asleep.

12. Exercise is good for pets. Taking your favorite pooch for a walk is a superb excuse for getting up off the couch after a hard day at the office.

13. Exercise is a great way to meet new people and make friends.

14. Exercise is a wonderful excuse to get outside and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

15. Exercise improves coordination and balance as it makes you more stable and resistant to falls and accidents.

16. Exercise helps improve appetite as well as curb your appetite against stress eating or grazing out of boredom.

17. Exercise lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises your good cholesterol (HDL).

18. Exercise can greatly decrease the risk of certain types of cancer.

19. Exercise improves the supply of oxygen to your cells helping you to move more freely and breathe more deeply.

20. Exercise improves and enhances sex drive!

21. Exercise lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes in most people by combatting obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

22. Exercise prevents bone loss and increases bone density thereby decreasing your risk of osteoporosis.

23. Exercise, especially doing regular cardio-vascular activities like swimming, biking, and walking, greatly improves your cardio-vascular system making you more resistant to heart attacks and heart disease.

24. Exercise is the only effective and inexpensive “fountain of youth” available to all of us. Face-lifts, fillers, and Botox may give you a temporary lift, but regular exercise will help you look and feel younger for years on end!

25. Exercise helps improve self- image making you a happier, more confident, and productive person at work, at home and in your relationships.

A Perfect Strategy to Develop Your Best Ass-sets

For building a strong shapely butt (your glute muscles) you can't beat lunges. I prefer step-up lunges. Stand facing an aerobic step or stair of about mid shin height or a little higher. Your feet should be a long stride away from the stair or step. Begin by taking an exaggerated step forward with your right leg, stepping with your foot onto the stair or platform. Bend the forward knee in line with the floor but keep your rear leg as straight as possible as you drop it down to stretch the glutes. Push

Health & Fitness Special Issue

1back off the front foot (the front leg does all the work; the back leg merely helps your balance) and return to the starting position. Now step forward with your left leg onto the platform and repeat the exercise. Alternate legs and do 12-15 reps of two to three sets per leg.

You can do walking lunges using the same exaggerated lunge movement if you have the space in the gym or if you have access to a parking lot or track by your home. Holding a dumbbell in each hand as you lunge adds resistance to the exercise and makes it tougher.

Another great glute buster is the wide-stance squat. Any type of squat is sure to work the lower body, but wide squats will target the glutes most effectively. Stand erect, holding a barbell positioned

on the back of your shoulders. The Smith machine can also come in handy here if you are doing squats on your own. Assume a stance with your feet

spread wide apart and your toes pointed outward. Now squat down until your upper legs are parallel to the floor. As you descend keep your chest elevated, shoulders back and abdominals tight. Push back to standing position immediately upon hitting the low point, pausing when you reach the top to consciously squeeze the glutes one to two seconds. Perform three sets of 10 – 12 reps.

Here's an ass shaper that requires no weight, just a flat bench. Kneel on a flat bench with the left knee, holding the bench with both hands for stability. Hang the right leg toward the floor with the knee bent 90 degrees, keeping the back flat and your head up. Pause wit h the leg lifted as high, and as straight, as possible, then lower the leg back to the starting position. After 10-12 reps, switch legs and repeat the exercise. Do several sets per leg.

The above exercises are not only great for building a great butt, but they are also excellent overall exercises for your entire lower body. Be consistent with your training, keep good form, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.

R House Escandalo Saturday Dinner Show

Photos: Coco Alarcon

Jurassic World Live Tour

Returns to Miami Jan 19-22

Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans returns to Miami from January 19 – 22 at the Watsco Center.

By Scott Holland

With unrivaled arena production quality, Jurassic World comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than 40 feet in length, take center stage. The production features more than 24 filmaccurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed, and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers.

Jurassic World's unmistakable score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real

Dallas Taylor

Gyrospheres roll through the valley and scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save anew dinosaur from a terrible fate. With pulse-pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline, this show is guaranteed to make memories that will last another 65 million years.

It was a pleasure to sit down with actor, Dallas Taylor, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?

I started performing when I was around 11 or 12. I needed to do something for a summer, and my parents signed me up for Theater Camp. I fell in love with it and have been doing it since then. What was your first professional gig?

My first professional gig is when I worked for Busch Gardens in Tampa as a character actor in the Sesame Street area. When did you know performing would be your career?

I think around high school when I joined the theater academy. After I started learning my skills I knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. How long have you worked for Jurassic World Live and how did you get cast?

This is my second season after the pandemic. I started with the show in 2019, so its 3ish years now. I got cast by going to a Feld audition.

Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?

I did Sesame Street Live, also with Feld, and I got to portray “The Count,” which was very satisfying for my inner child. What's your fantasy role (a role you haven't played but want to)?

I have always wanted to play Jack in “Into the Woods.”

Is it hard being on the road all the time?

It certainly has its challenges, as we move to a different city every week. However, I love traveling and I love that it's such a cornerstone of my job. I consider myself privileged to be able to see so many great places.

How well do you and your castmates get along?

We all get along great. We spent 2 ½ months rehearsing and training together before we got on the road. We are very close and supportive of each other. We are one big family.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Warm, soft, and head-in-the-clouds (please hyphen this so it's one word…LOL).

What do you do for fun?

I am an avid video gamer. I travel with my Nintendo Switch all the time.

What should our readers expect from Jurassic World Live?

This show is set in between the first two movies so you can expect to see all kind of dinosaurs walking around. We do have a life size T-REX which is about 40 feet from nose to the tip of her tail. It really is something to see. We also have lots of action…pyro, explosions, motor bike stunts, and martial arts. There is also a romantic sub plot. And at the core of this experience is a story about family and how you can find it in some unlikely places.

For more information on Dallas, follow him at: Instagram.com/dallydallio

Jurassic World Live Tour takes place at the Watsco Center (1245 Dauer Drive, Miami) from Jan 19-22. For tickets, which start at $25, go to: ticketmaster.com or the venue Box Office.

Lit Bar Flockfest Santa Sip & Strut

Photos: Coco Alarcon

Tina, The Tina Turner Musical Broward Center January 17-29

By Scott Holland

By Matthew Murphy

The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series presented by Nicklaus Children's Hospital is delighted to announce “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” will go be at the Broward Center from January 17 to January 29.

The cast is led by Naomi Rodgers (Frozen) and Zurin Villanueva (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along, The Book of Mormon) who will evenly share the role of Tina Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week. Also starring are Garrett Turner as Ike Turner, Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Ann Nesby as Gran Georgeanna and Lael Van Keuren as Rhonda.

“It has been years since I toured the US and I am very excited that my own musical can now bring my music and story to my fans in their home cities across America. It's a homecoming and that is very special to me,” said Tina Turner.

An uplifting comeback story like no other, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n' Roll.

One of the world's best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” is recommended for ages 14+. The production includes loud music, strobe lighting, haze, gun shots, scenes depicting domestic violence and strong language.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Zurin Villanueva (who plays Tina) for this Hotspots exclusive Interview:

At what age did you begin performing?

I started at the age of 9, as my mom saw I had the same desire as she had for dance, and she put me in dance class and it never really stopped from there.

What was your first professional gig?

When I was 15 and in LaGuardia High School, I got chosen for Nick News for a Black History Month special. I was hired to perform slave narratives. When did you know performing would be your career?

I decided I was doing this at the age of 9. Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?

This is so hard, but I think its either Sarah in Ragtime or Ti Moune on Once on this Island.

I did both those parts regionally. What's your fantasy role (a role you haven't played but want to)?

There is a list, but the top two are probably Aida, or Millie in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure playing such an icon?

Yes definitely, not only because of who Tina is, but because of how they built this role. Its 2 hours and 45 minutes and you do not leave the stage.

Is it hard being on the road all the time?

Oh yes, it's very difficult as you have to keep up with travel, and housing, and all this while you are way from your loved ones. On the positive side I get to see people in other states that I haven't seen in a while, and I get to explore new cities all the time.

By Evan Zimmerman

How well do you and your castmates get along?

Pretty well, although this is our first leg of the tour, so we are in the Honeymoon phase.

Describe yourself in 3 words? Goofy, sensitive, and creative.

What do you do for fun?

I perform for fun, but outside of that I like to make things with my hands like sewing or crocheting. I also play the Ukulele and I am starting drumming classes soon. In addition, I meditate.

What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Tina: The Musical”?

You can expect to go on a roller coaster ride of emotions and a journey that is unparalleled and pays off with the most amazing concert. I promise everyone will leave happier than when they came. Tina Turner has the most beautiful fans, and we get to borrow them for a few hours. When we get to the end of the show, get ready for a party!

For more information on Zurin, follow her at: Instagram.com/Zurinspired

Individual tickets for “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” range in price from $41.75 to $155.75 with a select number of premium seats available. Tickets are available at Browardcenter.org and Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 954.468.0222, or at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Office located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312.

Zurin Villanueva

Follow These

20 23 5 Tips to Declutter & Organize

Your Home & in the New Year

By Christina Giaquinto

The start of the New Year is always an exciting time filled with resolutions to live healthier and happier for the next 12 months. One surefire way to do that is cleaning up and decluttering your home, as clutter takes up physical space, drains mental energy, and causes a ton of stress and anxiety. Eliminating clutter in each room is an impactful way to make a living space really feel like a calming sanctuary.

If you are struggling to figure out how to best declutter your home in the New Year, not to worry! In my experience as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (DIY customizable closet units that organize any space in your home), I have discovered these helpful decluttering tips:

1. Before Starting, Ask Yourself 2 Questions

There are two questions to ask yourself: do you have too much stuff or not enough space? If you do not have enough space, there are a few solutions. First, create a new closet system. Oftentimes, our spaces are completely underutilized and simply not designed properly. Many times, we have more space than we think. This does not mean you have to make a huge investment or start an intimidating construction project. For example, just by changing your single rod closet to double hanging, you instantly double the space. The most transformative thing you can do to organize when you do not have a lot of space is to redesign the system.

Modular Closets is just one highly effective system that is easy to design yourself or with their team and instantly transforms your space! Also, always utilize your walls when you do not have a lot of space — hooks are a great way to organize things such as hats, purses and necklaces.

If you do not have a lot of space, you have to honor and accept the space you have. You may need to simplify things a bit more and work on practicing the process of letting go of some more of your items. Things are not bad, as they create our environment and add purpose and meaning to our home. However, we have to honor the space we have and allow things into our space that don't create clutter.

2. Turn Decluttering Your Clothes Into a Game

Who doesn't love a fun game?! If you want to quickly declutter your clothes, turn it into a game by committing to accomplishing the task in one day no matter what. By setting the goal to finish the decluttering process in 24 hours, you will feel energized and inspired to get it done. On a practical level, the best way to ensure you get it done fast is by creating piles and categories. This is going to make it much easier to declutter and decide what you do not want anymore. In my own experience, this is the #1 way to declutter fast. Another idea is to have a friend or family member help! Decluttering can be emotionally tiring physically and mentally, so it is always great to have support. Your friend may also want to keep some of the items you are looking to give away, so it's a win-win for both of you!

3. Take a Break if You Feel Overwhelmed

If you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed while decluttering, pause and hit the reset button. Decluttering is both physical and emotional so there may be moments where you feel overwhelmed, and this is completely natural an d okay. So first and foremost, please know it is okay to feel that way! If you put too much pressure on yourself to get it all done at once, you can easily burn out and take even longer to declutter your home.

Second, pause and step away for a moment. Sometimes all you need is a breather, a glass of water, and to step away from the clutter. Third, if you find the process overwhelming, set the timer for 15-minute increments so you can work within an allocated amount of time.

4. Avoid These 10 Decluttering Mistakes

If you want to optimize the process of decluttering and cleaning up your home, make sure to avoid these blunders:

1.) You do not have to throw everything away.

2.) Be honest with yourself if you truly need that item.

3.) Do not let the object take over you. You control the object. Always remember that.

4.) Do not start the process until you have categorized it into piles.

5.) Do not declutter with everything still in the space. Empty out everything until

the closet/room/space is empty.

6.) Do not throw it all away without seeing if you can donate it locally.

7.) Do not keep your clutter to have a garage sale UNLESS you have that garage sale booked in the calendar.

8.) Do not declutter without a goal and intention for your space.

9.) Do not declutter without a snack on hand ;) It gets tiring!

10.) Do not be so hard on yourself. This process is a lot. The fact that you are working on your space to make it better is truly such an accomplishment.

5. Follow My 8-Minute Rule to Keep Your Home Tidy

Keeping your home neat needs to be an ongoing, daily process, as it will prevent clutter and chaos from forming over time. Luckily, you can easily do this in less than 10 minutes a day! Just set a timer for 8 minutes and spend that time ridding counters of any clutter, picking items off the floor, and putting things where they belong. I like doing this before I go to bed, as it puts my mind at ease and completes my day. However, you can do it at any time that is right for you!

To Wrap It All Up

Ridding your home of clutter is an excellent way to live healthier and happier in the New Year, as messiness can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Optimize the decluttering process by first asking yourself if you have too much stuff or not enough space. Also, turn decluttering your clothes into a game, take a break if you feel overwhelmed, avoid 10 of the major cleaning mistakes I have seen others make, and follow my 8-minute rule. This will help you keep your home tidy and chaos-free in Year 2023 and beyond!

Whatever clutter you can eliminate in 8 minutes is fantastic. Also, this will eventually become a habit that you enjoy doing each day. And when it becomes a part of your daily lifestyle, your space will never get messy and chaotic. Remember, the goal is not to put every single item away (of course, that is awesome if that happens!); the objective is to put whatever you can away until the timer goes off after 8 minutes.

Christina Giaquinto is the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets (DIY customizable closet units that organize any space in your home). Christina focuses on giving her clients the tools, methods, and techniques to transform their lives and homes through decluttering and organizing. She combines spiritual coaching and organizing to help her clients let go of things that do not spark joy and happiness. Her work has been featured on sites like Popsugar, Women's Health, Reader's Digest, Realtor, The Spruce and Yahoo. www.modularclosets.com

Naked Crab

1140 Seabreeze Blvd. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954.564.1000 • boceanresort.com/dining Daily 7am - 11am & 6pm – 10pm

Located at the B Ocean Resort, this OpenTable Diner's Choice Award-Winning restaurant serves up a blend of fresh, local ingredients and contemporary dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a weekend seafood brunch, locals and guests can relish in a seafood tower to share with the table or take advantage of the dry-aged prime steak. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a full menu of traditional staples and specialties like lump crab benedict and crab avocado toast. Dive into one of the best seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale!

Toro Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library 1825 Griffin Rd. • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • 954.686.1200 torodaniabeach.com • Tue – Sun 5pm – 10pm At Toro, all dishes are intended to be shared family-style and paired with classic Latin cocktails all hand-muddled with fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables...a celebration of Latin cuisine. Toro blends Pan Latin cuisine with South American, Japanese and Chinese influences. With a very elegant atmosphere, choose anything from ceviche, chicken, seafood, lomo saltado, juicy churrasco or their signature Toro Burger. Don't forget to check out their extensive beverages and wine list. Private Dining is available at Toro, whether you're planning an occasion for 2 or 200. Enjoy!

The Islander Grill & Tiki Bar 181 S Ocean Ave. • Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404 561.842.8282 • islanderpalmbeach.com

Mon – Thu & Sun 8am – 10pm • Fri – Sat 8am – 11pm

The Islander Grill and Tiki Bar is located beachfront in the awardwinning Gold Crown Palm Beach Shores Resort. The Islander's restaurant and tiki bar provides great food, live entertainment, and true island hospitality. The Islander also offers the most comprehensive event services on beautiful Singer Island. With daily entertainment & specials, we can highlight their baby back ribs, coconut grouper, Maine lobster & the slow roasted prime rib.

Verde

1103 Biscayne Blvd. • Miami, FL 33132 786.345.5697 • pamm.org/dining

Mon 11am – 4pm • Thur 11am – 8pm • Fri – Sun 11am - 4pm

Located at the Pérez Art Museum in downtown Miami, Verde is a modern, casual restaurant with limited indoor seating and outdoor seating on the first floor terrace. Verde recently launched a new winter menu that includes brand-new dishes and unveiled a refreshed, new look following a series of enhancements to its indoor and outdoor spaces. This is the perfect place to enjoy art and great dining over their specialty cocktails or curated wines.

B Ocean GFLGLCC December Mixer Photos: Coco Alarcon

ACROSS 1 Barrie's boys

Enjoys Quentin Crisp 10 Gomer Pyle's branch

Actor McCormack

Any song by Johnny Mathis

Marilyn Monroe facial feature

River to the Colorado

Start of a quote from Brittney Griner

Antoni Porowski of “Queer Eye”

“Family Matters” nerd

Hrs. in P-town

“Xena” deity

Genetic info carrier

More of the quote

HMO concern

Sommer of film

Lyon king

Nice Nellie

Scouring pad

More of the quote

1

"Aren't ___ lucky one!"

Shooters' org.

Fruit center

Ask from one's knees

Pen for talking animals

Male actor named Julia

End of the quote

Excavate again

Sniff out

Wilde country

Firm-fleshed fruit

"___ On Down the Road"

Richard of “A Summer Place”

Rash action

A Brit soldier may shoot it off

Ridges on condoms

5 Tinkerbell portrayer Julia 6 Tickled pink 7 Certain plugs 8 Cartoonist Browne's "penile" name 9 "___ America First" (Cole Porter) 10 Shadows of the moons of Uranus, e.g. 11 Emulate three men in a tub 12 Miss, to Mauresmo 13 “Kiss of the Spider Woman” setting 19 Do a mole's work 21 “Death in Venice” author Thomas 25 Foam at the mouth 26 STNG guy under Picard 28 Communicate manually instead of orally 29 Haul ass 30 Practiced Cather's art 31 Vag, euphemistically 32 Lubricated

36

37

38

39

40

42

43

Use of a homophone, perhaps

49 Bonehead

Clay of “American Idol” fame

Ginsberg's kind of poet

Colette's Parisian heroine

Gaza Stripper, e.g.

Deep desires

57

2

3

Like an opera melody

4 S&M

>>>>>>

Doe in Disney's “Bambi”

59

Recipes

As a new year approaches, most of us (as always) have promised ourselves to live healthier lifestyles and eat healthier foods. This pasta salad is a quick and easy favorite of mine. Remember, carbs are necessary just like proteinjust watch the portions.

Cheat Sheet Shrimp Salad

1 box of Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Pasta Kit Ranch and Bacon

6-7 jumbo shrimp

1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

1 tablespoon of butter

Dash of sea salt

¼ teaspoon of cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon of dry oregano

1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning

½ cup of mayonnaise

3 tablespoons of Italian dressing

Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the Suddenly Salad pasta. Meanwhile, peel and devein your shrimp, and over medium high heat, add your butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted completely, add the minced garlic and then the shrimp, and cook completely about 2 minutes on each side until opaque. Take your shrimp and chop each one into 5-6 pieces. Add to the pasta along with the Italian dressing, salt, pepper, oregano, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well. Best if refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve as is, or over a bed of romaine lettuce. ENJOY!!

Hard Rock Hollywood Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Celebrate the Holiday Photos: JR Davis

5 Ways to Burn More Calories in the Gym

Whether you relish long hours working out in the gym, or you just want to get in and get out and do a good job, no doubt you want to make each moment count. The following techniques will help you melt away fat, build muscle and burn more calories swiftly and efficiently!

1. Tune in to your workout, tune out distractions. Multi-tasking is helpful at work, but texting, e-mailing, and watching TV while you're on the recumbent bike or lifting weights can take serious attention away from exercising. Unless your workout program is on your phone, put it away and pay attention to your breathing, heart rate, muscle contractions, stretching and most especially your proper form when lifting!

2. Give it your all; put everything you've got into it. The more muscles you use, the more calories and oxygen you burn. When you are power walking or on a cardio machine, grab some weights and do curls and shoulder raises. As you work lower body, move arms and torso, and make them feel it, too. Let go of the rails on the elliptical or treadmill so that your core muscles must work harder to keep you stable and in motion.

Health & Fitness Special Issue

3. Challenge yourself and be creative. Doing the same old thing all the time is boring and after a spell, results will diminish. Gravity is a great calorie burner, when you walk, bike or run, do it at an incline. Mix up doing weights with some weight bearing exercises like push-ups, jump squats and dips. Jump rope, jog around the building, or hop on a cardio machine between sets to give an extra calorie burning jolt to ordinary weight training.

4. Drink heavily.

Yes, but let me qualify that! Besides refreshing and cooling you, hydrating with plenty of icy cold water can bump up your metabolism by about 5% as your body works to warm the fluid. Coffee is the best pre-workout drink. Besides revving up your metabolism, caffeine gives you a

renewed sense of well-being so that exercise will not seem so intimidating. Pre and post workout drinks generally contain too much sugar and other things you don't need like NO2, creatine, and guarana.

5.

Picture

your intended results, dream big and work even harder. Visualization is a proven technique whereby you picture the muscle group you are working in the mirror and in your head. Then with perfect form, execute each rep of each set focusing upon the muscle contractions and stretches. Besides visualization, many guys report achieving great results by training with a buddy or partner who is just a little fitter and stronger; that little bit of friendly competition can push you to work that much harder!

Making Meaningful Changes in the New Year

Without Changing Who You Are

By Amos Sullivan, SunServe Life Coach-Youth & Family Services with contributions from: John Marler, SunServe, Dir. of Communications

Making changes in your life for the New Year is a terrific way to improve your overall well-being, but it is essential not to redefine who you are in the process. Many people make the mistake of thinking that to change their lives for the better, they must completely overhaul their identities. This is not true - in fact, it can be counterproductive. In this edition of "Ask Amos," we will identify key areas of life to focus on while creating a plan to make improvements.

The first question of 2023 comes from Courtney in Fort Lauderdale. Courtney asked Amos, "What advice would you give someone that always seems to abandon their 'new year, new me' resolution without adopting any meaningful changes in their life?"

Courtney, I appreciate this question and want you to know you are not alone when it comes to "resolution fails." If you want to make fundamental and lasting changes, make minor tweaks to your routine and outlook. Identify the areas of your life that you are not happy with and find ways to change them gradually over time. Do not try to do too much at once or force yourself into a new persona - be patient and let

things evolve naturally. In short, do not worry about who you are - focus on what you can become.

Remember, the best way to make lasting change is by taking small steps rather than drastic leaps. You do not need to redefine yourself to move towards your goals - be willing to grow and evolve. You can achieve anything this year with effort, patience, and perseverance.

These are the five most talked about aspects of life people wish to change for the New Year:

• Physical Health: One practical way to improve your physical health is to start a regular exercise routine. This could include going for jogs or walks and working out with weights or machines at the gym. Practicing yoga or Pilates are also great forms of exercise that can help you build strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Mental Health: Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting inner peace and clarity of mind. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation and you would like to speak to someone, SunServe has a team of Mental Healthcare Professionals that can listen. Do not hesitate to contact them for no-cost care today, by phone at (954) 764-5150, via email info@sunserve.org, or online www.sunserve.org/contact. All contact is private and confidential, and no person is turned away for any reason.

• Social Connections: Nurturing meaningful relationships with family members and friends is an essential part of life that should never be overlooked or taken for granted. Being available for loved ones regularly by engaging in conversations about shared interests is one fantastic way to strengthen social connections; another is by simply lending an attentive ear whenever someone needs someone else to talk things through without judgment or interference from outside sources.

• Professional Growth: Investing in yourself professionally by taking courses, attending seminars, and reading up on industry trends

are excellent ways to enhance professional growth over time. Networking with other professionals in your fields can also open new opportunities that may lead to career advancement.

• Financial Stability: Setting up a budget can help you take charge of your finances and plan for the future. Allocating money each month towards savings or investments is one surefire way to increase financial stability in the long run. Additionally, finding ways to cut unnecessary expenseslike reducing food waste or switching off appliances when not in use - can make all the difference in managing your finances effectively.

Create a plan for yourself and stick to it. Celebrate and practice gratitude often. Congratulate yourself, even for the small victories as they come. Your life will have changed at the pace you determine works best for you instead of chasing an unattainable goal set arbitrarily.

Good luck on your journey to a better life this year! Remember, you do not have to reimagine yourself to make changes - be willing to grow and evolve. With the right effort and dedication, you can achieve any goal that you set for yourself. Have faith in yourself and take it one day at a time. Here is wishing you all the best on your 2023 selfimprovement journey! Happy New Year!

Thank you for reading this edition of "Ask Amos." If you would like to send me your question for future articles, please email it to AskAmos@SunServe.org. If we choose your question, you will receive a gift card to a local South Florida business. Until next time folks, stay happy, healthy, and well.

Broward Center Murray & Peter’s A Drag Queen Christmas Photos: Scott Holland

By Romeo San Vicente

1947 holiday classic “The Bishop's Wife” starring Cary Grant, so there's also a multigenerational appeal. Burgess recently appeared on “Live With Kelly and Ryan” where he discussed the project, and anticipated that it's a couple years away from making the future seasons bright, but we'll be ready to give it our ticket money when it drops down from musical heaven.

Titus Burgess Wants “The Preacher’s Wife” on Broadway ASAP

Titus Burgess, star of the late great sitcom “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” is also on his way to being a Broadway mogul. He bought the rights to the 1996 movie, “The Preacher's Wife,” and is developing it as a stage musical, which makes perfect sense. The hit Whitney Houston/Denzel Washington-starring comedy-drama, with its

Christmas setting and gospel music soundtrack, is tailor-made to be adapted for a crowdpleasing theater experience. The story involves a minister in a financial bind and an increasingly estranged marriage, both of which need a little boost from a visiting angel. Obviously, this is all based on the

Daniel Craig will once again play 'Queer' Daniel Craig is back onscreen in Rian Johnson's “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” and just in case you haven't paid attention to the finer details of this sequel, his detective character Benoit Blanc is now openly gay. So, let's all raise a glass to the former James Bond doing that again as he moves onto his next starring role in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming

Photo: Flickr

Photo: Flickr

adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novel “Queer.”

Written in the early 1950s but not published until 1985, “Queer” is the semiautobiographical novel about a gay U.S. ex-pat in Mexico City. A follow-up to Burroughs' “Junkie,” it's more or less about Burrough's own experience of getting off heroin. Craig is, of course, no stranger to gay roles, having played queer in the '90s indie drama “Love Is the Devil” before he was an A-lister. No other casting news or production information for this one just yet, but there'll be more to come soon.

Rachel Maddow's 'Ultra' in feature development with Steven Spielberg

Now that Rachel Maddow hosts her successful MSNBC news show one night each week, she's been working on lots of other projects, including the podcast “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra.”

What's that? It's an eightepisode series that explores right-wing extremism and an attempt to destroy democracy in the United States during the 1940s,

including a 1944 sedition trial, even as the country was embroiled in World War II. Now Steven Spielberg is developing the true story into a feature film project — as producer so far, director position as yet undecided — with Tony Kushner (“Lincoln”) and Danny Strong (“Dopesick”) in talks to write. More as this turns into something tangible, but it's always good news to know that Maddow is using her power for important stories that need telling.

Drag isn't going anywhere

We were taking drag for granted there for a bit, silly us. We thought that with the global popularity of “RuPaul's Drag Race” and more drag queens moving their careers into the mainstream, that the art of drag was no longer controversial. All you must do is pay attention to the news for a day or two to know that's not the case at

all (briefly, the anti-trans movement has decided to take on drag, too, just to make queer peoples' lives more difficult whenever they can). So, though it might seem a bit odd to cheer for one performer to have a monopoly on the business of drag, we're still glad for any positive development on that front, and it comes in the form “Drag Race” expanding its global reach even further. MTV just announced the expansion of the franchise into Brazil, Mexico and Germany, with the first ever “Drag Race Global All Stars” series to air on Paramount+ globally. Then there's “RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race,” which will return for a third season on VH1, and, of course, the 15th season of the original competition show drops in January. The bigots can protest all they want; we're thrilled to see the queens thriving.

Romeo San Vicente knows you can't stop the beat.

Photo: Flickr

Photo: VH1/MTV

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By Andreus Quinones

take a bite, it won't hurt you.”

Dear Andreus,

As the new year approaches, I feel so much pressure to live a healthier lifestyle. My boyfriend is super fit and goes to the gym regularly. I used to be in better shape, but after the pandemic started, I put on a good 50 pounds. I am starting feel really insecure about how I look, and I feel like my boyfriend's eyes are wandering a bit more towards guys who are in-shape. I am not a gym kind of person, and I am also Latino, so I love to eat! I don't know what to do. I do wanna make some changes. Sincerely, Carson S. Dear Carson, Our lifestyle comes with constant pressure, with fit guys and gym bodies everywhere. The first thing that I will tell you, is to never change for someone else. If you are going to make changes, make them for you! I am also Latino, so I understand the love of food. However, food choices and portions can make all the difference. You don't have to go to the gym. You can find comfortable routines to do in the comfort of your home and go for regular walks after you eat. Don't be pressured by the culture, but I do encourage a healthy lifestyle. Rome was not built in one day, so work up to it –and don't let all the gym bodies make you feel insecure. We are all not meant to be the same.

Dear Andreus, My husband's mother comes to visit us once a month. She lives a couple hours away. He is definitely a momma's boy, so every time she comes, she brings food. She seems to bring everything that I don't eat – a lot of fried foods, and meat. Whenever she comes, she kind of

forces me into eating things that she has made, and my husband doesn't stop it. He will usually chime in and say, “Oh take a bite, it won't hurt you.” I end up doing it, but then I feel sick to my stomach. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, because I have already expressed that I am more of a vegetarian. What should I do?

Sincerely, Ashton V. Dear Ashton, I always say that – “delivery is everything”. Meaning, that sometimes it is not what you say, but how you say it. Because you are being careful not to hurt your motherin-law's feelings, your NO, might come out a bit passive. You may need to be a bit more direct, and follow-up with your dietary restrictions or preferences. I am sure that she is being motherly, and likely doesn't see anything wrong with what she is doing, and I am sure it is harmless. It is up to you to provide clarity. Otherwise, it will never stop. You can also try telling her the things that you like and ask her if she knows how to make them. Change the narrative. Mothers like to feel needed, so give her some dishes to make that you like and see what happens. I hope this helps!

“Oh