The Story Matters
Calendar p. 12 The Nutcracker, Madeline, Almodovar, Green Porn, Lots of Music and 101 Doggie Dalmations
Vol. XXIV No.51
December 17, 2009
Visit us at miamisunpost.com
GOIN’ GREEN ECOMB Partners with Miami Beach to Tackle the Issues P. 10
STAFF P.2
MAYHEM P.4
HISTORY P.6
POLITICS P.8
CALENDAR P.12
FASHION P. 16
BOUND P.17
TRAVEL P. 20
411 P. 21
Letters Give Our Servicemen the Honor EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeffrey Bradley
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com ACCOUNTING Sandie Friedman
Stuart Davidson Marguerite Gil Mary Louise English Jennifer Fragoso
To the Editor: We don’t need a Pagan Egyptian pyramid, an evil eye that appeared on Ancient Greek Warships, & Latin words of a secret Masonic order on our American currency. What we do need is a picture of American servicemen raising an American flag who made it possible for us to continue using this currency.
John Hood
SALES DIRECTORS Jeannette Stark Jamie Nunez Stuart Davidson
Paula Pellegrino Joe Robertson Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Felix Stark (1929-1995)
Susan Richard
Aristotle Ares Miami Beach WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM OUR READERS FOR PUBLICATION. IF YOUR LETTER IS USED, PERSONAL INFORMATION IS FOR VERIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY. T HE LETTER WRITER' S NAME AND HOMETOWN WILL BE PUBLISHED. P LEASE KEEP YOUR LETTER TO 250 WORDS OR LESS. LETTERS@ MIAMISUNPOST. COM OR P. O. BOX 191870, M IAMI B EACH, FL 33119
Meet the SunPost Contributors Dr Mary Jo Almeida Shore W RITER Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore writes the 411 column for the Miami SunPost, with a focus on nightlife, fashion, society, and celebrities. She also curates the monthly Social-lite guide for Miami.com, highlighting the premier society events in town. Almeida Shore’s work appears regularly in 944 Magazine and on 944.com. In addition to her contributions to Socialdiva.com, Time publications and City Beautiful, Almeida-Shore was also instrumental in the launch of two society web-sites, Thedaisycolumn.com and Innercirclemiami.com. She is currently in the process of launching her own website, Miamisocialholic.com.™ Almeida-Shore earned her Doctorate degree from Florida International University in 2004 in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has served as an educator in Miami-Dade County: five years as a teacher and fifteen as an administrator. A seasoned grant writer, Dr. Almeida-Shore garnered over $1,000,000 in funding for educational programs, including the establishment of a Teacher Leadership Mentorship Program, computer lab and a Mandarin Chinese Program for the school district. During her tenure with the Miami-Dade County Public School System, she served in the capacity of lab instructor at Florida International University, wrote curriculum and presented innovative educational projects at national and international educational and research conferences, even presenting at the World Congress on Reading in Auckland, New Zealand in 2000. Her interests include her two sons, Max, 9, and Rocco, 5; fashion, fabulous fêtes, world travel, skiing, photography, painting, and reading. For over 17 years, she and her husband, Michael, have been permanent fixtures on the South Beach scene and at just about every “happening” event in town. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, (the eldest of five children) Almeida-Shore cherishes the inimitable insanity of family; and believes in the endurance of love and friendship and in the healing power of a great laugh.
Page 2 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Kim Steiner
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - ines@miamism.com
CHOCOLATE PORN Took this at Epicure in South Beach while going to pick up my fave cake (Chocolate Blackout in case anyone ever feels the need to pamper me). This display called my name a few times and since I couldn't be the only one partaking in debauchery.....I decided to take a photo and incriminate viewers as well.
The Cats Meow
Christmas Gift Alert!
B.E.D. introduces a new, sexy Thursday dinner party with the launch of The Cat’s Meow, a frisky mix of burlesque performances, interactive acts and irresistible new menu. The gastro-lounge has joined forces with Christopher McCoy, from Swank Entertainment to produce the “bohemian culture show” and supper club featuring contemporary song and dance numbers laced with comedy, as well as more exotic displays of exhibitionism such as contortionists, fire acts and dramatic theatre. A night at The Cat’s Meow is an experience unique in all of South Beach. Its visuals are reminiscent of the dark theatrics of early 20th century Paris – think Moulin Rouge meets Miami Beach. 8 & 10 pm. B.E.D., 929 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For info: 305.532.9070
Although, John Hood reviews the new Todd Oldham book on illustrator Charley Harper, in Bound this week, we felt that his work deserved an extra mention on this page as well. We have run it in full glorious color, after all he spent his entire career surrounded by glorious color. At right, a few images of animals from the book. What a wonderful Christmas gift. Available at Books and Books. $49.95 Page 4 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
The Real Isidor Cohen: By Seth H. Bramson mrfec@yahoo.com
As noted in last week's column, Isidor Cohen was Miami's first permanent Jewish settler, he arriving on the shores of Biscayne Bay on February 6, 1896, more than two months before the first passenger train of the Florida East Coast Railway did so and Cohen was there to greet Henry M. Flagler and other FEC officials when that train pulled in. A signee of the City of Miami's charter, Isidor Cohen would have a great and beneficial influence on a just-founded Miami and would be part of the city until his death on Thursday night, June 25, 1951, following which an entire city would be in mourning for one of its most beloved pioneers. Cohen opened his first store in what is now downtown Miami, he noting that by the year following his arrival a number of other Jewish merchants had begun to open businesses. One of them was Jacob Schneidman and following the terrible December 25, 1896 fire, which destroyed the wooden storefronts then on Twelfth Street (later named Flagler Street), Isidor and Schneidman entered into a partnership in which each owned part of the other's business so that, rather than compete, they would simply expand their mutual business interests. Jacob died from cancer in 1903 and Isidor then purchased Schneidman's half of the businesses, apparently from his widow, Ida, who returned to New York. In August of 1904 Cohen went north, ostensibly on a buying trip. At some point during the trip he contacted Ida and they were married shortly thereafter, Isidor adopting Ida's son, Murray, and then returning to Miami with his new family. On June 1, 1905, daughter Claire (later Claire Weintraub) was born, the first Jewish baby born in Miami. In 1908 son Edward (Eddie) was born. As is still customary with the Miami Herald, which conveniently and all too often continues to display gross disinterest in facts, the paper erroneously reported, upon Eddie's death on June 26, 1967, that he was 64 years old and that he was the first Jewish child born in Miami, completely oblivious to the fact that Eddie was 59 when he died, that Claire was three years years older than Eddie and that she was actually the first Jewish child born in Miami. In 1900 Cohen recognized the need for a formal merchants group and was at the forefront of organizing the Miami Board of Trade. Two years later the Miami Merchants Association was holding meetings and in 1903 Isidor became president of that group, with John Burdine as secretary. By 1907 Cohen was also serving as treasurer of the Board of Trade and in 1913 the two groups merged to form the Miami Chamber of Commerce with Isidor Cohen as its first secretary. Not to be outdone, Ida was an early member of the Miami Woman's Club, for many years their only Jewish member. She went on to found several local organizations but her greatest achievement and accomplishment would be spearheading the formation of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged (now Miami Jewish Health Systems) on SW Third Avenue, in 1940. The superlatives of the Cohen and Weintraub families are nearly endless. Daughter Claire, upholding the family's tradition of service, would not only found the March of Dimes Miami Chapter but was responsible for bringing the Museum of Science to life, becoming its first president. In 1928 she graduated in the University of Miami's first class and some years later would be presented with an honorary doctorate from that now world-class institution in recognition of her achievements and accomplishments in the community as well as her contributions to the school. Murray Cohen would become one of the first Jewish employees of Florida Power and Light Company, likely brought in by that company's very first Jewish employee, the beloved Hy Hyman. Eddie Cohen would become a long time and highly respected sports writer for the now-defunct Miami Daily News. Suffice to say, the family's legacy would require a large book, but to put the story into proper perspective, the work that the family did on behalf of all Miamians, not just those of the Jewish faith, is the stuff of legend, and the Cohen family and its descendants deserve to be honored (if not revered) for as long as there is and will be a Miami. Next week: We return to Miami Beach and look at the bathing casinos.
Page 6 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Seth H. Bramson is America's single most published Greater Miami history book author, twelve of his seventeen books dealing directly with the villages, towns, cities and people of Miami-Dade County. Company Historian of the Florida East Coast Railway he is Adjunct Professor of History at both Barry University and Florida International University.
Above: Photographs such as this are both priceless and irreplaceable, for they show the people, the attire of the times, the event, and the venue. Claire and Sydney were married on Tuesday evening, October 16th, 1928 at Temple Beth David but prior to the wedding Claire, standing in the exact center, was shown at the Cohen home with her bridesmaids, ring bearer and flower children. It must have been a gala event! Above Left: Ida holding new born grandson Albert Weintraub, he the son of Claire and well-known Miami attorney Sydney Weintraub. Right and Left: The Cohens were friendly with people of all religions and social standings and among those friends were presidential candidate, lawyer (Scopes trial) and politician William Jennings Bryan and his daughter, Florida’s first female U. S. congressperson Ruth Bryan Owens. On April 20th, 1925 Ruth wrote to Isidor from her home in Coconut Grove to thank him for presenting her with a copy of his then new book, “Historical Sketches and Sidelights of Miami, Florida.” Upon being appointed US minister to Denmark in 1933 she took the time to write a note to Claire and Albert, her photograph having been taken, apparently, on board the ship on which she went over on.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 17, 2009 • Page 7
Politics COLUMN
!Y K!
In this time of Thanksgiving... Thank You! Miami Beach
JB On Good Government By Jeffrey Bradley
It appears the Dermerite Suburbanite mentality is alive and well on Miami Beach. We’re talking about that oddly inverted “urbanism” practiced by the Dermer regime that placed such emphasis on autocentricity — cars going faster with more of them — at the expense of public transportation. (That these policies also proved disastrously pedestrian-unfriendly is almost beside the point and fit for another column.) Concerning the demise of the K and R bus routes, the city manager’s Letter to Commission (LTC) #2972009 dated October 28 states: “Initially it was thought that the loss of these routes would provide an opportunity for the City to partner with MDT to establish new circulators in the North and Middle Beach neighborhoods. These new circulators would provide transit service within routes which would have been otherwise impacted by the elimination of the Route K and Route R and they would also provide a higher quality transit service through a reduced fare and more frequent headways.” How so? How did we go from this fairly auspicious beginning to longer wait-times going fewer places taking longer in smaller buses? One reason is that “partnering with the county” is always an iffy proposition because that entity is ignorant of what constitutes rapid transit and, besides, we’re talking the County Commission here. And though far from a local malaise — the half-penny sales tax of 2002 meant to expand routes and improve service countywide continues seven years later instead to shrink them — this one matters to us. The nonsensical attitude of reducing mobility in a worsening economy proves the point that anyone who doesn’t understand that successful public transit is always subsidized doesn’t understand public transit. See, the point is not to make it cost-effective, but to provide an alternative to the stranglehold of gridlock. Smart cities understand this crucial difference; they make public transportation a priority. Case in point of how the county’s misunderstanding of this premise trickles down to the city: Many of our public high schoolers with no other transportation option now have one bus an hour to get them to and from school instead of three. I ride the buses, and have since Jump Street here on the Beach. And I’m not dumb but I can’t understand a) the exact route of the 115, and b) when exactly it comes. What we’ve got is a confused hodge-podge, a stormy petrel of transit ineptitude, a political compromise that promises nothing and delivers nothing. When I’m suddenly waiting more time for a crowded bus that no longer goes where I want it to go, somebody dropped the ball. Anybody using public transportation (read buses) regularly on the Beach will tell you of the grueling experience. It’s that frustrating waiting that’ll kill you — Ford forbid you have to transfer! — especially if you’re waiting at a phantom bus “shelter,” some patch of dirt by the side of the road or, better yet, a rickety bench occupied full-length by a bum. The transit experience on Miami Beach is you’ll always end up waiting longer for a bus than riding it. Instead of fighting to decrease headways and improve service, the city obliged the county’s ardent desire to cut costs by cutting service. The county has things its own way again because the Beach rolled over. This cave-in, in essence, means that we met their demands with nothing given in return except a “combined” circulator, “evaluated,” at some future date, to “improve transit service quality.” C’mon. Why not improve that “transit service quality” now? The commission clearly punted rather than taking this vexing issue by the horns. What’s lacking is the political will to do better. But so it ensues when those with no grasp of the issues set policy. No doubt most commissioners consider these efforts more than adequate when in reality they’re oblivious to the fact that they’ve screwed the pooch. We’ve said this repeatedly, and we’ll say it again: When our commissioners are obliged to use public transportation two weeks of every month, things will improve dramatically <a snap of the fingers> that quick. So, here is the state of public transportation years after BayLink, years after the commission voted streetcars as the preferred mode of public transport, years after a supporting referendum was approved by the voters: bad and getting worse. But we do have a ton of new parking spaces.
Page 8 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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COVER STORY
GOIN’ GREEN ECOMB Partners with Miami Beach to Tackle the Issues Written by John Hood You may have noticed something unusual spring up on Lincoln Road over the last week or so. Strange, almost space-age-looking contraptions, with the Universal Recycling Symbol discreetly emblazoned above a firm directive. To the uninitiated, the odd structures look like simple trash cans. But these gleaming bins are much more than mere refuse repositories; they’re for “Recyclable Material Only.” And they happen to be but the first of many more such contraptions that will be placed along Miami Beach’s main thoroughfares. They also mark a brave new mindset in the quest for a cleaner and greener city. It’s a remarkable achievement really, especially when you consider the hoops that have to be jumped through to get something done in the public arena. And none of it would be possible without the great good efforts of an organization called ECOMB. ECOMB stands for the Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches. Formed in 1994 by Clifton
my enthusiasm, offered me the position and I accepted. She had worked out of her home office for the first seven years, and I did the same thing. And it wasn’t until 2007 when we received a grant from Miami-Dade County that I was able to move to an actual office. And for the first time, we had some funds to pay the executive director.” ECOMB may have only had a single official staffer since its inception, but it’s been guided by a sevenmember board and backed by a cast of volunteers that number in the thousands. And whether ECOMB is hosting one of its monthly beach cleanups, the annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup or is one of the many teams who assemble for the Florida portion of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, those numbers have continued to grow. As have ECOMB’s activities. According to its fact sheet, “the organization has also sponsored and organized underwater cleanups as well as dune restora-
“So all you go-get-’em grant writers looking for action, and all you altruistic corporations looking for bona fides, look no further. ECOMB is here, and it could use your help.” Cloud, Lisa Liotta and Victor Varella, ECOMB could serve as a model upon which all good nonprofits should operate — if, that is, the nonprofits are lucky enough to be headed by someone who epitomizes commitment. See, up until fairly recently, ECOMB didn’t have the money to pay even its executive director, let alone field a staff. And, aside from volunteers, it’s basically been a one-person show. Yet for each of the past 15 years, the outfit’s managed to make an indelible mark on Miami and its Beaches, and they’ve never once bellyached about having to do so without benefit of even the proverbial shoestring budget. The first executive director was Lisa Liotta, who served until 2001. That’s when Brazilian-born, UCschooled Luiz Rodriquez stepped up to the position. And he’s been full-stepping ever since. “I was a volunteer for over a year,” says Rodriquez. “I started when I first moved to South Beach from California. After Lisa retired, the board, noting
tion and tree-planting projects; promoted eco-sensitive awareness seminars; and has been recognized for addressing a diverse number of environmental issues such as the promotion of smart buildings in the residential and commercial MiamiDade real estate market, the lack of trash receptacles in Miami Beach neighborhoods, the impact of the plastic straws and flyers on city beaches (‘Ban the Straw’ campaign), recycling awareness campaigns, amongst others. “In 1998, ECOMB spearheaded, organized and produced the annual Arbor Day event that has been included in the City of Miami Beach application to be recognized as a ‘Tree City USA.’” ECOMB works with many high schools and universities too, including FIU, and has “been credited for initiating a project with [the school’s] students to reintroduce native species of dune plants to the Miami Beach environment, a project that the City of
Please see Green on page 18
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
THE NUTCRACKER
Page 12 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30:
101 DALMATIONS A topsy-turvy musical adventure story full of songs, dance, and spectacle. This family-friendly tale is about Mr. and Mrs. Pongo, a pair of spotted dogs, whose puppies are dog-napped by Cruella de Vil. 101 Dalmatians is a one-of-akind show with a surprise ending that will leave everyone cheering. Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks, B.T. McNichol and Dennis DeYoung. 8pm. $70. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. For info: 786-468-2000 or arshtcenter.org.
December 18
DANCE The Nutcracker Do not miss Artistic Dance's performance of The Nutcracker. This holiday favorite is filled with snow, sugar plums and beautiful ballerina’s in frothy white tutu's. Don't you just love Christmas? Gusman Center, 174 E. Flagler St., Miami. 8pm. Tickets start $13. For info: 305-372-0925 or ticketmaster.com.
December 18
MUSIC Classic Russian Melodies Catch Russian renowned and fabulous pianists Natasha Marin and Maria Demina as they take over the Ritz-Carlton South Beach for a candle lit piano concert of Russian favorites. The evening starts with cocktails at 6pm. $80. Ritz-Carlton South Beach, 1 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. For info: 786-276-4000 or ritzcarlton.com
December 18
CLUB Eclectic Couture Catch an interesting evening at Set created by Miami club kings, Eric Milon and Michael Capponi. Electric Couture and Boutique Digital Girl Runway Show with sounds by Ron Luna and
Chicco Secci in the main room along with John Cash spinning hip hop upstairs. SET Miami, 320 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. FOr info: 305-531-2800 or setmiami.com
December 18 MUSIC No Mercy
Acoustic duo, Raffa and Rainer, two local Miami musicians will be playing the Wynwood Social Club this Friday from there new album, No Mercy. The CD Release party will begin at 8pm. Cover is $10. Wynwood Social Club, 2501 NW 2nd Ave., Miami. For info: 305-576-5066 or wynwoodsocialclub.com.
December 19 FILM
Never Get Married The premiere of a new movie Never Get Married, written and directed by local Florida brothers, Johnny “J-One” Pierre and Peaty James (AKA John Pierre). The movie was inspired by their friends and relatives tales of marriages that descended into infidelity. 7pm. $15. Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. For info: 305-674-1026
December 19
SHOP Shoe Guru
Calling all fashion mavens. Hang with one of America's top shoe designers, Steve Madden when he hits Macy's Aventura for a meet and greet. Pick up a free tee or tote, Actress Julissa Bermudez will host and DJ Ross One will spin. Also, win a pair of Maddens. 2pm. Free. Macy's Aventura, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. For info: 305-682-3300.
December 19
XMAS Cauley Square Christmas Fair A festive time at this quaint village in Goulds. Horse carriage rides with Santa Claus, pony rides, games, activities and lots of antique shops. noon to 4pm. $5, $3 kids. Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village, 22400 Old Dixie Hwy. Goulds. For info: 305-258-3543 or cauleysquare.com.
December 19
FILM Almodovar’s Greatest Hits From the amazing Spanish Director Pedro Almodovar, comes The Flower of My Secret. A film about Popular romance novelist Leo (Marisa Paredes) who takes a job at a newspaper under a pseudonym. Fed up with writing meaningless books and on the verge of splitting with her husband (Imanol Arias), Leo banishes her overwhelming depression by pretending to be Amanda Gris. She's hired by newspaperman Ángel (Juan Echanove), who's unaware of her true identity and assigns her to review her own romance novel. 7pm. $20 five-ticket package. Tower Theater, 1508 SW Eighth St., Little Havana. For info: 305-643-8706 or mdc.edu.
LEFT: SOPRANO MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN. FAR LEFT: A SCENE FROM THE FLOWER OF MY SECRET.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost •December 17, 2009 • Page 13
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
ISABELLA ROSSELLINI
December 19
December 21
This is not to be missed! The incredible voice of Canadian Soprano Measha Brueggergosman as she performs a special presentation of four works titled A Tale of Two Cities: Paris and Vienna. British conductor Mark Wigglesworth, will guest conduct the New World Symphony for these four pieces. 7:30. $33. Lincoln Theatre, 541 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach. For info: 305-673-3331
Coconut Grove artist Glenn Terry will show his 1981 locally-made, half-hour Christmas film special in which he and his buddy search for the elusive Coconut Grove holiday spirit. It includes Tony Sconovacca singing, Green Christmas. 7:30pm. Free. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. For info: 305-442-4408 or booksandbooks.com
December 20
December 21
Opening with poet Maya Angelou's authoritative whispers as she recites I know why the caged bird sings, As Seen Through These Eyes bears witness to the art of the people whose compulsion to create art in the most dire of circumstances sometimes saved their lives, but also aided thousands of others to touch upon their experiences from within the most oppressive man-slaughter in recent history. Trauma often transforms into powerful art. Hilary Helstein's commanding documentary explores the creation of art in the most grave and horrific circumstances. As Seen Through These Eyes chronicles the art and music created during the Holocaust in concentration camps. Helstein's film weaves testimonies and works of art that speak volumes to offer insight the human condition and desire to create beauty in the face of horror. 8:15pm. $6. Bill Cosford Cinema-University of Miami, 1111 Memorial Dr. Coral Gables. For info: 305-284-4861 or cosfordcinema@miami.edu
A multi-media exhibit of paintings, sculpture and photography from local artist Ilana Lillenthal. The show highlights different artists' hands in various settings, gestures and expressions in a variety of media like resin and fiberglass. Words, quotes and statements will be spread through the gallery. Lilienthal Art Studios, 96 NW 29th St. Miami. For info: ilanalilienthal.com.
MUSIC A Musical Tale of Two Cities
FILM As Seen Through These Eyes
December 20
ART Through the Eyes of Love Last day to see this diverse collection of art, fashion and photography symbolizing the depth of local artists' thoughts and feelings relating to HIV/AIDS in honor of World AIDS Day. Noon to 8pm. Free. Miami Beach Community Center, 2100 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For info: 954-730-7730 or miamibeachhealth.org.
FILM Local Christmas Tales
ART Show of Hands
December 22
FILM Green for a Cause As part of the Environmental Film Series in collaboration with ECOMB, The Miami Beach Cinematheque will be showing Green Porno, a series of short films written and directed by Isabella Rossellini. Also playing will be Water's Journey - Everglades: Currents of Change; A short film on the Everglades and its limit to absorbing mankind's ever-growing impacts. 8pm. $10. Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Española Way, Miami Beach. For info: 305-673-4567 or mbcinema.com.
PLAYDATE FOR KIDS December 20
THEATER Girly Christmas Based on the popular book series Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, this delightful musical begins with the narration, "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” The day begins like any other day for the girls and their caretaker Miss Clavel, but soon ends in disaster when everyone but Madeline gets the flu. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. A Special Holiday performance of this wonderful children's classic. 5pm. $15. Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For info: 305-444-9293 or actorsplayhouse.org.
DO YOU HAVE A KID PLAYDATE SUGGESTION? SUBMIT IT TO KIDS@MIAMISUNPOST.COM. IF YOUR DATE IS PUBLISHED, YOU WILL WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.
Page 14 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • Page 15
Fashion COLUMN
Shopping:
A Local Guide for Gift Giving and Receiving By Jennifer Fragoso The number of shipping days left until Christmas is becoming fewer and fewer, making it anyone’s guess whether or not your gifts will arrive on time. How about instead of clicking your mouse through a virtual checkout this year you click your platform heels instead and check out some of these neighborhood shops carrying products made by local artisans. If you need a little more incentive to shop locally — walking burns more calories than clicking your mouse. ABOVE: CONCH AND CORAL NECKLACE BY COSTA JEWELRY IS ORIGINAL AND AFFORDABLE AT $295.00. LEFT: THE LITTLE ROSE BAG BY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN CHERRY IS PERFECT FOR ANY HOLIDAY EVENT. BELOW: CHINOIS RED CRYSTAL NECKLACE BY COSTA JEWELRY $595.00.
Jewelry: Costa Jewelry, made by Patricia Costa, is simply put, “pearlicious.” These hand-strung freshwater pearls and gemstones will make any woman swoon this holiday season. Ladies, I recommend breaking out the scissors right now and cutting out a picture of your favorite Costa piece with the words “I want this for Christmas” and slip it into your guy’s briefcase, wallet or six-pack of beer. Hopefully he will get the hint. Costa Jewelry can be found at En Evance; log on to enavance.net or call 305-576-0056 for more information. Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks is a line inspired by the boundless imagination of a child at play in her grandmother’s jewelry box. Bonnie Koch has taken her childhood interest and turned it into her business. She creates unique statement pieces of jewelry by embellishing vintage ornaments with modern elements. With prices ranging from $55 to $300, you will certainly find something for most everyone on your gift-giving list without breaking your holiday budget. You can find Bonnie’s Vintage Rocks at: By the Strand Salon, 4487 Weston Road, Weston; 954-389-4888 and Shelah’s Boutique, 5959 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs; 954-255-3833. Francisca Bastos has created Reflections of Rio, a jewelry collection inspired by Rio de Janeiro, for this holiday season. The bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings are all handmade and set in 18-carat gold with stones like lavender amethyst, praziolite and crystal quartz. It would behoove you to send the hubs to Francisca Bastos’ showroom in Bal Harbour to pick up one of her many tasty treats to put under your Christmas tree this year. Log on to franciscabastosdesign.com for showroom location and more information.
GETTING PINNED $110.00 IS A "HALF-NECKLACE" MEANT TO BE WORN ACROSS THE NECKLINE OF A FAVORITE TOP OR TO EMBELLISH ANY ONE OF YOUR LBD'S. FAR LEFT: SHOE IN BRACELET BY BONNIE'S VINTAGE ROCKS
$110.00.
Handbags: Beautiful People has done our favorites Little Rose and Flat Rose in great holiday colors like Cherry and Silver. Pick one up for yourself or your favorite handbag addict at Emporium in Coral Gables. For more information log on to beautifulpeopledesign.com. Steals & Deals: BeachBugSwimwear.com is mix & match Brazilian swimwear for Moms and kids of all ages. Beach Bugs is having a last-hurrah sale and although it will be sad to see a SunPost
favorite go, let’s help them make their final days fabulous. Get 50 percent off everything and free gift-wrapping now through 12/31/09. Log on to beachbugswimwear.com and enter GOODBUYGIFT at checkout.
Cherry Bomb Boutique is celebrating the opening of its new boutique by offering 15 percent off all holiday and BLACK PEARL AND GARNET NECKLACE FROM COSTA JEWELRY IS QUITE THE PIECE AND A NYE party essentials. With prices ranging STEAL AT $495.00. from $30 to around $330, the extra 15 percent discount is a truly special gift. Stop by and check out the wonderful assortment of clothing and accessories; you just might find a little something for yourself and your Secret Santa. The sale runs through 12/31/09. Call the store directly or email info@cherrybombboutique.net for more info and any possible sale restrictions. Cherry Bomb Boutique, 1517 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305-397-8036. Now that you’ve got the skinny on the local talent, go out and shop, shop, shop for the betterment of our community and your own sanity.
Final Note: ABOVE REFLECTIONS OF RIO RINGS BY FRANCISCA BASTOS, NOTICE THE DETAILS IN HOMAGE OF THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF RIO $475.00.
Page 16 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Enjoy this holiday season and remember kindness is a gift that can be given in abundance no matter what your budget, so give it freely and often — you won’t regret it. Merry Christmas!
Bound COLUMN
The Colors of Our Life Todd Oldham’s Homage to Charley Harper
Japanese and Thai Specialties! "Enjoy Exotic Dishes of the Orient"
By John Hood
With all the dark and lonely nights, the gray days, and the salt-and-pepper view of the world, sometimes a cat just wants to get uninhibitedly colorful. I don’t mean acid flashback, let’s-smash-the-kaleidoscope colorful. I mean simple, bold and ultra vivid c o l o rful. The kinda colors we see in nature, but more real. And the kinda images we find there too, but less busy. I mean clean lines and clear strokes in ever brighter hues that don’t so much defy definition, as they surpass it, on the way beyond imagination. When the postman rang with a package from Ammo you can bet he didn’t have to ring twice. Ammo’s outta San Francisco, and they publish absolutely beautiful books. I’d reviewed their Zoe Strauss’s America some months back. Then when I’d interviewed Todd Oldham and found out that he had worked with the house on a couple series, I requested to review some of those too. Thing is I wasn’t sure if I’d asked for Oldham’s design-minded Hand Made Modern or the new children’s spin-off, Kid Made Modern, or if I’d asked for one of the “Place Space” series which features such locations as John Waters’ home and the real Bedrock City. Or if I’d asked Ammo to send his Charley Harper monograph they’d recently re-issued. When I’d spoken with Oldham he’d raved about Harper. And I did remember being keen to see what all the fuss was about. Boy, was I delighted to find that Ammo had sent the Harper. The book – which is really too magical to simply call a book – is entitled Charley
THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS:
Harper: An Illustrated Life (Ammo $49.95). It’s 12” x 8.5” and 424 pages thick, which, I suppose, does give it the characteristics of a book. Oh yeah, and it’s got pages. So there is that. But otherwise it’s visionupon-vision of sheer colorful. Yes, I mean the colorful I was referring to above. The kinda colorful that wipes out the darkness and sheds light on the gray. A colorful that takes your breath away. Something keen and bright and just plain good feeling. An antidote to ugly and awful and irksome and icky. And just the sorta colorful I needed that day. And for some reason I seem to be needing it more and more as the days pile up on me, which is kinda ironic considering I never knew I needed it before. Hell, I barely even knew who Charley
Harper was. Sure, I think I remember The Golden Book of Biology that was handed down through generations of public school kids from the early ‘60s on through the advent of video. And I imagine I’ve stumbled upon one of his wildlife drawings somewhere at sometime or another over the years. But I didn’t know the cat. And I definitely
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didn’t know just how much I could be stunned by his work. But stunned I was, and am. And stunned I bet I’ll be for some time to come. Because each image excites some small part of my happy place. It’s odd. And it’s certainly not something I’m used to. Hell, I’ve spent most of my life ricocheting back and forth between scowl and smirk. And generally, if there’s no bloodspill, I’m bored. So yeah, this is kinda kooky. And I kinda dig it. Besides, like I said, sometimes a cat just wants to get colorful. Kid colorful, if you will. Ignite the child-like mind. I don’t recommend doing it every day, or even for long stretches. Hey, even sugar can lose its sweetness. But with all the doom and gloom, it’s nice to have a little cure-all that you won’t regret in the morning. Mr. Harper called his work “minimal realism.” I call it an absolute joy. Thanks, Todd!
Love to Write? Then the SunPost Wants You! We are looking for freelance contributors to write on a whole host of subjects: WINE POLITICS ART MUSIC PEOPLE THEATRE ARTS COMMUNITY KIDS SUBMIT A WRITING SAMPLE TO: kim@miamisunpost.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 17, 2009 • Page 17
Green cont’d from page 11 Miami Beach has continued and expanded.” Despite all that, Rodriquez says, “we like to consider ourselves a sustainability organization. Our goal is to promote sustainability in Miami-Dade County.” It’s that simple. As you might suspect, ECOMB also boasts some very high-profile friends in the proverbial high places, among them Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, who was chairman of ECOMB’s board between stints on the Miami Beach City Commission. Commissioner Gongora, who jokes that he “won’t clean his bedroom, but will gladly clean up for ECOMB,” recently resigned from his post as chairman in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety. And he’s recused himself from any votes concerning the organization or its activities. That means Gongora had to sit out what has to be the greatest news of ECOMB’s history to date: this month’s announcement that the City of Miami Beach would lease the group their own building for $1.25 a year. Yes, that’s right. ECOMB will now have its own freestanding headquarters on And Rodriquez, who only received the keys on Tuesday, has already mapped out and begun to effect a two-stage development that will see the edifice become a kind of beacon of green. “I’ve been trying to lease this building from the city for some years now,” Rodriquez says. “Initially it was office space; then we wanted to get a building, so we could cultivate a great environmental center. We’re calling it the Miami Beach Center for the Environment. “We’ll have to spend some time in cleaning and painting and preparing the whole move,” he continues. “That will take us several weeks. And the actual office space is quite small; it’s like 220 square feet. However, there’s a huge screened-in veranda, and our goal is to apply for a permit and enclose that area, which will increase our usable space by four times. So we can have our offices, and we can have a conference room for training and things like that.” And though Gongora may have recused himself from the vote that gave the good group its own much-deserved headquarters, it’s a cinch that his continued concerted efforts, whether in one of the annual Big Sweeps or as chairman of the board, did much to help his fellow commissioners see how important it was for ECOMB to have a home base. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why one of former Commissioner Saul Gross’ last votes was to give ECOMB its new headquarters. During his two terms as Miami Beach commissioner, Gross chaired the Commission’s Sustainability Committee, which he inherited from Gongora, who’d then briefly lost his seat. And it was then and there that he was first swayed by Rodriquez’s intense motivation. “Luiz is remarkable,” says Gross. “He moves a thousand miles an hour, with ideas and initiatives and information. His passion is infectious.” Gross not only supported ECOMB as commissioner; he supported the organization as volunteer, participating in “a bunch of” beach cleanups, often with his son. And it is there where Gross says he sees the most tangible results of ECOMB’s efforts. “It’s something the government really should be doing,” says Gross. “But they’re not. ECOMB has stepped in and done it for them. And they’ve done a great job.” Rodriquez is just as much a fan of Gross, and he says that “through his leadership on the Sustainability Committee” ECOMB really was able to accomplish more than he imagined possible. And certainly more than they would’ve been able to do had they not a loyal and effective ally. In light of that collaboration, this Saturday ECOMB will be giving Gross the Environmental Stewardship Award. It’s one of four they’ll give out at the Shore Club during ECOMB’s Green Holiday Bash. Page 18 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Shore Club GM Tim Nardi has known Rodriquez for three years, and he credits ECOMB with helping them become the first certifiably green hotel on Miami Beach. In fact, it was a concerted nine-month effort, and Rodriquez worked with Nardi every step of the way. Nardi is also the chairman of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, which helped start the recently formed Green Hospitality Council, of which Rodriquez is one of the co-chairs. And he’s got nothing but praise for Rodriquez and ECOMB. And ECOMB has undoubtedly left a mark on Shore Club. Each week, without fail, the hotel initiates its own clean-up campaign on the block of beach directly behind it. “It’s all volunteers,” says Nardi. “And they’re all enthusiastic.” Also receiving the Environmental Stewardship Award will be former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, “for his vision, and for his leadership in terms of environmental issues,” says Rodriquez. “He really made a huge difference in South Florida by bringing to the surface issues like climate change and global warming.” A third award will go to Lynn Bernstein, who is ECOMB’s liaison with the city. “Every time we do a cleanup in the city it goes through Lynn,” says Rodriquez. “She’s our contact to Public Works, Sanitation, Parks, the Police Department, and she has volunteered at every cleanup we’ve done over the last seven years. Always on site to make sure everything runs properly.” And because “the City of Miami Beach provides a lot of manpower and material support for all of ECOMB’s cleanups,” the last award will be given to the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments. “Any support that ECOMB needs, they provide,” says Rodriquez. And he’s eager for people to know just how much the city comes through for them. Another great friend to ECOMB is Dana Keith, founder/director of Miami Beach Cinematheque. Keith and Rodriquez go back years; in fact they met after Rodriquez helped out with the annual Brazilian Film Festival. And since this past summer, ECOMB and MBC have run a monthly series called Cinema Green. Like everything both organizations do, it’s a heady mix of keen and good-for-you, where worthy and often underplayed films like Who Killed the Electric Car? and Food, Inc. have been shown to packed houses. When MBC moves to its new digs in the old City Hall building in summer 2010, “ECOMB will be instrumental in guiding us green,” says Keith. And it’s a task that Rodriquez is certainly suited for. Meantime next Tuesday’s Cinema Green will feature Isabella Rossellini’s delightfully kooky Green Porno and episode two of Wes Skiles’s Water’s Journey — Everglades: Currents of Change. And if you happen to miss both Saturday’s holiday bash and Tuesday’s green screening, there will be a third Shore Club event, on Sunday, December 27. Anybody who knows Sunday at Shore Club knows that’s when TAI Entertainment does its “Shore Thing.” That means the models and the bottles will be out in full force, and you can bet your ass they’ll all be recyclable. But above all the fun, “ECOMB really needs funds,” says Rodriquez. “I have been a one-man operation for many years. Our goal for 2010 is to raise enough funds through grant writing, corporate sponsorships or partnerships, and donations or fundraising events, so that we can have a professional team working with us. And we can actually pay people for their services.” So all you go-get-’em grant writers looking for action, and all you altruistic corporations looking for bona fides, look no further. ECOMB is here, and it could use your help. Considering it’s done nothing but help us over the last 15 years, that’s the least we can do. ECOMB’s Green Holiday Bash, Shore Club, Saturday, December 19. ECOMB & MBC, Cinema Green, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Tuesday, December 22. ECOMB Is a “Shore Thing”, Shore Club, Sunday, December 27.
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411
Jill Viner and Barton G. Weiss at The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation dinner onDec. 8 at Prelude by Barton G.
Edie Laquer, Michael Lefkowitz and Stephanie Sayfie-Aagard at The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation dinner on Dec. 8 at Prelude by Barton G.
Kilian Hennessy at the The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation dinner on Dec. 8 at Prelude by Barton G.
ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa
Hector Torres and Alejandra Torres
Joanna Baboun and Lilo
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ONE Bal Harbour owners and brothers, Jorge Arevalo and Juan Arevalo and his dog Harry
Ines Rivero and Dimitri
Karim Masri, Barbara Herrera and their dogs Roy, TLO, and Lea
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 17, 2009 • Page 21
The 411
Beau Beasley's Birthday party
Luke Worrall, Kelly Osbourne, Louis van Amstel at Armani Exchange's Cool Shades of Style dinner at the Delano.
SETH BROWARNIK/RED EYE PRODUCTIONS
COLUMN
The Lull is Hardly Dull By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@aol.com
Elliot Monter and Beau Beasley
It seemed that before we could hit “send” on the Art Basel story (be sure to check it out at miamisunpost.com) we were already being asked about New Year’s Eve plans. Hold on a minute! It’s still a couple of weeks away! And we will have the lowdown for you soon enough. For the time being, we invite you to relax and enjoy “The Lull” (you heard it here first), a term we are using to define the days between major party weeks in Miami, such as those between Basel and NYE, NYE and Super Bowl weekend, Super Bowl and Winter Music Conference… you get the idea. And while we might expect these days to be used for recovery, there is still plenty of fun to be had.
last Saturday with a group of shirtless A|X male models in tow. Rady opted for A|X’s signature denim jeans while Cassidy had her hands full of party dresses. The one item they both scooped up: A|X’s aviator sunglasses. On Saturday night, Cassidy hosted friends and VIP guests at the Armani Exchange “Cool Shades of Style” dinner at the Solarium atop the Delano Hotel. Guests included Michael Rady, the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, Kelly Osbourne and fiancé Luke Worrall (in matching Andy Warhol-inspired hairstyles), David Cassidy, Wilmer Valderrama, and Victoria’s Secret supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio and Doutzen Kroes. At the party, guests tried on the latest styles of A|X shades and danced along to music by DJ Berrie.
ARMANI MINUS THE STICKER SHOCK
Beau Beasley with Michael Shore
Armani Exchange, which for 17 years has brought “Affordable Armani” (not an oxymoron) to South Beach, celebrated its facelift and expansion last week with a bit of fanfare. If you’ll recall, 17 years ago most of Lincoln Road was condemned by the city and Ocean Drive was a retirement community. Yet Armani Exchange set up shop to bring hip and stylish clothes to the pioneers of the SoBe we’ve come to know and love (most of the time). President & CEO Harlan Bratcher told the 411, “A|X was the first designer flagship store on South Beach, and Giorgio Armani was the first designer to offer a ‘diffusion line’ (that’s a fancy way to say cheap, chic designer duds). The average price for a designer piece is just $50, but it’s not a ‘one-time-wear.’ Affordable Armani is still Armani.” Other designers following in Armani’s footsteps by creating diffusion lines include Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs. Armani Exchange’s new look features sleek, futuristic styling and 6,200 square feet of shopping space. The mega-store embodies Giorgio Armani's new retail store concept, boasting trademark-accessible Armani attire inspired by street-chic culture, fashion freedom and personal style. A|X now carries an expanded collection, including clothing, accessories, footwear, eyewear, watches, jewelry and dance music — yes, music, so you can bring home the tunes you jammed to in the dressing room. Bratcher says, “A|X is fast fashion which changes every four weeks, targeting the shopper who needs something to wear right now. That means great sales all the time and a reason to come back time and time again.” As we speak, you can buy any item and pick up another at half off. To celebrate the store’s relaunch and to shop, Melrose Place star Katie Cassidy and co-star Michael Rady made in-store appearances
Kim Kardashian and Alonzo Mourning, Grand Marshalls of Winterfest in Ft. Lauderdale
Page 22 • Thursday, December 17, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAGITTARIANS! Also on Saturday night, socialites Nancy Malnik and Beau Beasley both celebrated birthdays with huge bashes. Anyone who’s been to a Malnik party or passed by their Palm Beach manse knows they don’t tend to do things “small”; after all, Al Malnik had the late Michael Jackson at his 70th birthday bash and a team of synchronized swimmers and full orchestra at last year’s Make-a-Wish garden party. So it should come as no surprise that Nancy Malnik’s ‘80s-themed party in Boca Raton was an over-the-top affair. Nicole Miller, Scottie Pippen and Russell Simmons all showed up to jam to a performance by Tone Loc, of Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina fame. The party boasted the requisite ‘80s party props: Rubik’s cubes, Ms. Pac Man and break dancers. Even more thrilling than the seemingly endless array of food — filet, sushi, seafood — were the Thriller and Fame shows — quite the shindig indeed. Way south of the Dade/Broward county line, Big Brother alum and international party fixture/image consultant Beau Beasley celebrated his birthday with a stylish bash atop the vertigo-inducing W South Beach penthouse, which boasts sweeping views of just about everything! The entire place was adorned with enormous balloons, roses and candles in different shades of purple, Beau’s favorite color, complimenting the guests’ purple-hued outfits. The DJ on the rooftop kept everyone who was allowed in (the party exceeded capacity and broke at least a few fire codes) dancing until way past the official ending time. Later, Beau, his fiancé Elliot Monter and friends partied at Wall, enjoying bottle after bottle of Moet. About the party, Beau says, “I wanted everything to be lush and chic — so my BFF Ann Marie helped make it all happen. My partner, Elliot, was very supportive of my big 3-O celebration as well. Cavalli
Katie Cassidy and Michael Rady at Armani Exchange
Alessandra Ambosio and Doutzen Kroes
Vodka and Dziaq Liqueur sponsored the liquor for the party with bubblegum ‘Beautinis’ and yummy grape shots. It was so great having all of my friends in one place and I'm so happy everyone (who could get in, that is) had a wonderful time!” Forgive the cliché, but “Beau knows”… how to throw a party!
COMING UP: RA! RA! FOR THE HOLIDAYS Now through December 23, RA Sushi in South Miami is teaming up with the Toys for Tots Program by giving away one complimentary appetizer per table that donates a new and unwrapped toy (minimum donation value of $10). With a good deed checked off the list, it’s time for a well-deserved Christmas in Tokyo cocktail — RA’s seasonal Asian twist to the champagne cocktail. This Saturday, December 19, from 8 p.m. to midnight, RA invites fans to celebrate the holiday season at “RA’s Naughty Holiday Party.” We don’t recommend you sit on the laps of Dirty ‘Ol St. Nick, his sexy helpers or trusty elf. Local favorite DJ Johnny the Boy will spin while guests enjoy food and drink specials. Everyone is asked to bring a “Naughty Holiday Party” flyer to the restaurant the night of the event to enter in a raffle for great prizes such as RA Sushi gift cards. Flyers will be available at the restaurant prior to the party and also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RAsushiSouthMiami (winner must be present to collect prizes). We do recommend you take the opportunity to enjoy RA’s new menu, which includes a delicious tapas section (our favorite — the seared tuna appetizer). You’ll also love their new dessert, Banana Split Maki, even if you’re not a “health nut.”
TOYS FOR SHOTS The Opium Group is hosting its annual toy drive for needy children this week through Sunday, December 20. Any guest who donates a new and unwrapped toy will receive complimentary admission at SET, Louis Bar-Lounge, Cameo Theatre and Opium Hard Rock. The fun started at Mansion on Wednesday. For more information about the toy drive, visit: theopiumgroup.com.
FASHION WITH A CONSCIENCE Shopaholics and dog lovers will delight in this shopping event. Throughout the month of December, Lilac and Lilies in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (229 Commercial Blvd.) has partnered with Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) to donate 10 percent of all sales to the fundraising auxiliary of the Humane Society of Broward County, which provides food, shelter and medical care to local stray or abandoned animals. The store sells designer collections from Black Halo, Elizabeth & James, Jay Godfrey, Rebecca Taylor, Yoana Baraschi, Free People and Habitual, to name a few. Clients can participate by just mentioning the word “PAWS” at checkout. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.lilacandlilies.com or call 954-530-3109.
LAUGH OUT LOUD Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and cut the party-season pressure with some “laugh out loud” comedy and music. Kitchen 305, located in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, is proud to present Like Father Like Son by Guy
Katie Cassidy and Michael Rady
and Sal Richards. The two will take center stage in the Tiffany Ballroom on Saturday, December 19th, at 9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit I Love My Child with Autism (ilovemychildwithautism.org). Guests can enjoy Absolut Vodka cocktail specials, 50/50 raffle and a free drawing for a chance to win a weekend stay at the hotel. Tickets are $20 at the door; get your money’s worth and arrive by 8 p.m. For more information, visit newportbeachside.com.
Kelly Osbourne and fiance Luke Worrall sported a pair of A|X shades at Armani Exchange's Cool Shades of Style dinner at the Delano. SETH BROWARNIK/RED EYE PRODUCTIONS
HAVE A BALL… A MATZO BALL If the chorus of one of your favorite songs starts like this, “David Lee Roth lights the menorah, as do Kirk Douglas, James Caan and the late Dinah Shoreah”… then the 23rd Annual Matzo Ball is for you! The nation’s largest Jewish singles party returns to Miami on December 24, 2009, at Cameo Nightclub on South Beach starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online (www.matzoball.org) for $25 in advance and cash only at the door. VIP tickets are also available for $150 and include a three-course non-kosher nosh at SUSHISAMBA prior to the event.
Tracy Mourning, Lisa Pliner and Lisa Petrillo at Jade Ocean for Fashion For Dummies Book Launch
CASH FOR CLUNKERS FOR THE LIONS CLUB From now until December 31, you can trade in your old glasses for an upgrade and help the Lions Club all at the same time! Whether you are sporting last season’s styles, Coke-bottle creations or just wearing the wrong frames for your face, Hollywood Eyes (2011 Harrison St., Hollywood) can help with their new “Cash for Clunkers” campaign. Bring in any old or used pair of glasses and receive $25 toward the purchase of a new set of frames. Choose from the latest styles from Oliver Peoples, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co., RayBan and even Jimmy Choo. Prescription lenses can also be fitted to almost any frames in the store. For more information, call 954-923-5367.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Jordin Sparks is in town this week touring the Eden Roc and solidifying plans for the Jordin Sparks Super Bowl Experience, a charity event she will be hosting on Wednesday, February 3. Other celebrities confirmed as of now are JoJo and David Archuleta. For more information, visit www.sparkssuperbowlexperience.com. Dwyane Wade was seen having dinner with girlfriend/actress Gabrielle Union at 8 oz. Burger Bar in Miami Beach. The couple was enjoying some burgers and sharing a sundae on Monday night. A-Rod spent Friday night at WALL at W South Beach. He and his friends showed up around midnight ready to party. A-Rod drank Grey Goose with club soda and Red Bull all night while DJ Ross One kept the music going. Rodriguez was in high spirits as he mingled with the crowd, took pictures and even chatted with one fan for 10 minutes. On Saturday night, A-Rod and Ingrid Casares hung out outside of Living Room and later at Wall, following the Armani Exchange dinner at the Solarium at the Delano. Kilian Hennessey, creator of Kilian perfumes, along with Jill Viner, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barton G. hosted an exclusive dinner at Prelude by Barton G. at the Arsht center last Tuesday to benefit the Kids Hear Now Foundation. The gala fundraiser is scheduled for April 24, 2010.
Jill Martin and Ana Cristina Defortuna
Deborah Slack, Tara Solomon and Andrea Greenberg at Jade Ocean for Fashion For Dummies Book Launch
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 17, 2009 • Page 23