What's Hot Tampa Bay Issue 13 by What's Hot Tampa Bay

Lifestyle and Health • Art and Fashion 1 Sports and Entertainment Volume 2 • Issue 13

free

Tedd Webb in the studio also in this issue:

Jen Holloway at saks fifth avenue Tony Ludovico: a day in the life LeGarrette Blount Noemi Bosques The Fox Jazz Café and more

“The Best Seafood Dish in the Bay Area” -Ian Beckles

Contents

Erica G A List d one the B Way The Fox Jazz Caf e Date Nig ht Style F ile Fashion Fo The Elit rward e Travel er Tech Tal k Adam vs . Eve TSK: No emi Bosq ues Hidden S tar

10 12 14 16 18 22 28 60 64 76 82

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2 Issue 13

LeGarr Blountette pg.

Tony Ludovic o pg.

Jen Holloway pg.

Lifestyle •

42 Health • A rt

• Fashion

Tedd pg. Webb

• Sports •

Entertain

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Publisher/Editor in Chief Ian Beckles senior Editor Dave Norrie style/copy Editor Foster Fox Art Director/Lead Designer Ruben Carbonell Fashion Editor Ilka Figueroa Website and media Drew Satmary staff Photographer Jim Burkett Photography Advisor Paul Pelak Publicist Brandi Kamenar Sales and Marketing David May Controller Dayle Urquhart contributors Jason Johnson, Alyssa Hyman, Lindsay Todd printer Done Right Documents Cover Photo by: Ross Krisson www.itsross.com contact us at

info@whtbmagazine.com

What’s Hot Tampa Bay 3411 S. Dale Mabry, Ste D Tampa, 33629

WHTBmagazine.com What’s Hot Tampa Bay is published 12 times per year, monthly, and is printed by Done Right Documents. All contents copyright 2011 by What’s Hot Tampa Bay Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Manuscripts, artwork, photographs, inquiries, and submitted materials are welcomed and will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. However, what’s hot tampa bay cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All materials received will be treated as intended for publication and will become the property of the magazine and subject to editing. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of what’s hot tampa bay or its employees.

he average person utilizes five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing. Yet, for Erica Gerbolingo, fashion serves as an innate sixth sense. The passion that Gerbolingo has for all that is fashion comes from her upbringings in one of the biggest fashion havens in the world, New York City. In New York City, Gerbolingo honed her fashion prowess by working as a fashion stylist. Yet, she was hungry for new horizons and opportunities. Five years ago, Gerbolingo set her eyes on a new canvas which would provide her the platform to take her talents to the next level. Once in Tampa, Gerbolingo knew she had something special. “There are so many untapped resources in Tampa that we don’t know how to take advantage of or maybe don’t even know how to find and I want to be a helping platform for that,” said Gerbolingo. Gergolingo’s name soon became synonymous with fashion around Tampa. From local fashion events to model boot camps, she became an integral thread to Tampa’s budding fashion scene. “Within that amount of time, I have met a great deal of people and have helped quite a few models launch their modeling careers to the next level,” said Gerbolingo. As Tampa’s fashion scene evolves, Gerbolingo finds her fashion fire pushing her to do more. Recently, Gerbolingo started up her company, E G event management, LLC. The drive behind the company is to help local artists, musicians, and local clothing boutiques get more recognition. “My goal is to see Tampa’s fashion and entertainment industries grow into a great starting point for our upcoming generations of artists to come,” said Gerbolingo. “My company itself will be the central station for models, photographer, designers, promoters, magazines and etc; Kind of like the eye of the hurricane.”

www.ericagevents.com erica.g@ericagevents.com

813.375.2450

“A” LIST DONE THE

WAY LEGO.i.AM

Has Will.i.am created a new genre of hat couture? The Black Eyed Peas rapper showed off his fun and funky fashion sense when he sported this ball cap made of Legos® at the American Music Awards. Talk about taking you back to your childhood! Legos are the ultimate in retro. Plus, if the award ceremony gets boring, he could just take it apart and build something else. That’s what we call fashion functionality! This wasn’t the first time Legos have been a fashion statement. Even some very proper British ladies showed off their towering headwear at Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot, and fashion designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac created a whole line of L ego-inspired clothing for a show a few years ago. Who knows, maybe Legos can rebuild the fun fashion scene brick-by-brick.

FAT GIVING

Who would’ve guessed liposuction and charity work could go together? Spearheaded by Dr Herod Richards of the London-based Klaxon Institute, a new liposuction technique, “stretch-and-blow” (get your minds out of the gutter, people), injects fat into people instead of removing it, operating the opposite of traditional liposuction. So, you’re probably wondering, how is this charity work? Well, the good doctor hopes to use “stretch-andblow” to solve our world hunger problem by using the fat removed from liposuction patients and injecting it into less fortunate people in third world countries. By doing so, the fat acts as a reserve that they can live off for months at a time, helping people who have little or no food. Are tears rolling down your face, yet? If you are thinking of having some fat removed here and there and want to learn how to donate, please visit www.klaxoninstitute.co.uk and find out how a cosmetic procedure to help you look better in the Western world can benefit people around the world .

FIVE-STAR DIGS FOR FLOUNDER

You know when you are about to go on vacation, and you have that daunting task of finding a fun, safe, clean environment to take your pet to while you are away? Most people do this for their dogs, cats and we suppose an occasional odd exotic pet or two. Well, have you ever thought to do that for your goldfish? In case you HAVE, and you live in Amsterdam or are traveling out of the Amsterdam airport, then consider yourself lucky. D-Reizen travel agency came up with a genius solution for all the fish owners out there, and that is the very first GoldFish Hotel. Fish owners leaving Amsterdam for a vacation can drop their fish off at the world’s first hotel for fishies. This luxury hotel features four floors of fish sized rooms, while boasting a tennis court and pool complete with lifeguard station and water slide. Wow, sounds like a new meaning has been given to “swimming with the fishes” because this sounds like a hotel we would want to check out for ourselves!

WHAT ARE YOU IN THE MOOD FOR? So we all remember how totally awesome mood rings were back in the day, right? You would go buy one and then get your little booklet on what each color represents in reference to your mood, convinced it HAD to be true. Now, French designer Philippe Boulet has designed a line of illuminated, “emotional” furniture. The LED lighting system within the furniture actually changes colors depending on the environment, climate or by the mood and “flavor” of the person in the room. The pieces are trendy too, and add a hot glow. This could come in handy when you have people over and you can’t read their mood…we wonder if they come with a handy booklet on what each color means, too? www.philippebouletcreation.com

PARTY ANIMAL

This is right up our alley! You can now throw the bash of a lifetime without ever lifting a finger! The next major attendant at our soirée will be the THKR4 Robot. It’s a true Party Bot, one that can do it all, such as entertain your guests, open the fridge, pour and serve drinks, greet guests and give back massages…yes, back massages. This mechanical party animal will trot around your fabulous function like a dancer. So sit back, relax, and let this party machine pop bottles FOR you! www.philippebouletcreation.com

ALL DOLLED-UP

My Barbie® is hotter than your Barbie! No, but really, there is an actual Miss Barbie Pageant held in Venezuela each year. The contest involves Barbie contestants all done up by their owners and presented as pageant queens. The pageant encompasses all components of an actual human pageant with judges, special dresses and costumes, and a considerably large audience. We wonder what they do for the “talent” portion of the competition.

See more at www.whtbmagazine.com

Photos Courtesy of Michael Blitch/ michaelblitchphotography.com

Situated in a pocket of West Kennedy Boulevard near the Howard Frankland portion of Interstate 275 that one would almost miss if they blinked, the Fox Jazz Café is arguably one of our finer jazz clubs and restaurants. It’s also one of the quaintest, with just a handful of tables that get cleared away when the set ends so that people can dance. No matter how many times you’ve heard “Black Orpheus” or “The Girl from Ipanema,” they always sound new again here. Music is viewed with a certain reverence; no one talks when the performers are on. Fox

A Musical Destination in Tampa A brand new club in the heart of Tampa’s nightlife neighborhood makes jazz fun again. by Foster Fox Style Editor

I woke up one morning and smelled the coffee: Tampa seems to be on the rise as a musical destination. I stopped later that night and smelled the roses: around 7:30 one evening I saw Kym Purling jamming at the Fox Jazz Café. Another time, I saw the Dan McMillian Jazz Orchestra, a monthly installment. If these names don’t get your attention, they’re not the owners of the names who are at fault. They’ve done their homework. I’m doing mine. Don’t let the dog get yours.

There are so many restaurants and clubs opening up in Tampa Bay that feature some sort of nightly gimmick that it may be worth quitting your job to dedicate yourself more fully to your education. The syllabus which I’ve gleaned from and leaned on since early last year is our monthly guide to the Tampa Bay scene called What’s Hot Tampa Bay. On any given night in Tampa Bay you have about 50 venues from which to choose. If you’re a jazz freshman, there is a standard answer when the question is asked, “Where should I go to see jazz?”

is a fervent supporter of the arts, and it’s no wonder: music is one of the cornerstones of culture. Live jazz, blues, tango—the sounds are always fresh, and so is the food: Fox offers a full-service restaurant for lunch and dinner. Most gigs start around 7:30 p.m., slightly later on the weekends. Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights. To make a dinner reservation or to reserve a table, call (813) 639-0400.

www.foxjazzcafe.com

Date Night: Your Bay Area Guide By: Lindsay Todd

Do you have someone special in your life? Whether you’re new to dating or have several years of marriage under your belt, it is so important to share some quality time with one another. With a plethora of ways to stay in touch these days from phone calls, texts, e-mails, and social networking, you can connect with anyone without ever being in the same place. In your relationship, though, there’s a difference between connecting and a connection. That face-to-face interaction with bonding and physical contact is what allows the human body to produce a hormone and neurotransmitter called oxytocin, known to most as “the hormone of love and cuddling.” Oxytocin offers many positive health benefits such as reducing cravings, calming, increases sexual receptivity and counteracts impotence, eases depression and anxiety, and it even counteracts the effects of its evil cousin cortisol, “the stress hormone.” With most of us living a busy lifestyle, we owe it to our health to leave the paperwork at the office, turn off the iPhone, and cuddle up with someone special for some quality time. I’ve compiled a list for Bay Area daters of all types sure to leave you full of oxytocin by the end of the night!

Dinner and a Movie:

CinéBistro: (21+) @ Grove, Wesley Chapel/Tampa & Hyde Park, Tampa Forget about those chain restaurants. Let’s combine your love of fine dining and cinema with this unique venue sure to impress any date. “CinéBistro allows its customers to enjoy the splendor of watching a movie in their own specially reserved, ultra-luxurious high back leather rocking chair, eat a sumptuous gourmet meal served in their seat, sip premium cocktails and fine wine, and then retire to the terrace for delicious coffee and dessert.” CinéBistro promises “an experience you will never forget.” If you want dinner, just arrive 30 minutes before your movie starts. Tickets range from $11.50-$14.50 each with discounts for Military and Matinees (anything before 4pm). They offer 3D movies as well for $3 extra. The full, chef-prepared menu offers items like Ginger Tuna and Salmon Spring Roll ($13) and BBQ Pork Rib Stack ($16.50) along with salads and sandwiches, desserts, movie treats, sodas, coffees, and a selection of wine and cocktails. Check out their website below for a full menu and movie listings. www.cobbcinebistro.com Ruskin Family Drive-In: @ 5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin A drive-in theater is something every couple should experience at least once in a lifetime. The Ruskin Family Drive-In makes for a perfect date night! For the small price of only $5 per person, you are the proud viewer of TWO new movies. The first movie begins around 7pm, followed by a 15-minute intermission, and then the second movie. The 2,000 ft outdoor screen is nestled between some trees giving the look and feel of a drive-in that many of us have, ironically, only seen in the movies. They are open year-round, rain or shine, even on holidays! They offer clean restrooms, a safe parking lot, and a snack bar where you can purchase an entire pizza for less than $6! You’re also able to bring your own food if you like. My fiancé and I recently enjoyed date-night here and we brought some homemade chocolate-covered strawberries. This is a family-friendly establishment, so no alcohol on the premises. Also, be sure to bring cash as they do not accept checks or money orders. You can listen to the movie via outdoor speakers or through your car stereo. Be sure to start your engine periodically so it doesn’t die! During cold nights, you can bring blankets and snuggle up with your significant other in the comfort of your own car. With dinner and two movies for under $20, there’s definitely a reason to drive out to Ruskin on your next date night. Movie listings are changed out ever couple weeks and can be viewed at their website below. http://www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com

Romantic Evening:

Sail into the Sunset with Sunset Cruises @ 4927 U.S. Hwy 19, New Port Richey Picture this: You and your significant other board a beautiful sail boat at Gulf Harbors in the evening a couple hours before sunset. Along with a platter of fresh fruits and cheeses, sandwich bites, and a bottle of champagne, you bring your favorite music to listen to as you cruise down the channel heading for the open Gulf, toward the setting sun in the distance. You catch a glimpse of the famous, yet elusive “emerald eye” that everyone’s talking about (a green flash as the sun dips into the ocean). Soon the stars begin to decorate the night’s sky above you. The entire world around you disappears and it’s just the two of you on your sunset cruise. Forget about work, stress, Facebook, the neighbor’s barking dog, or anything else that’s been getting in the way lately. If you want a romantic way to connect and share some quality time under one of our beautiful Florida sunsets, Sunset Cruises has exactly what you need! The Windsong Sailing Charter Sunset Cruise is only $275 for 6 people. (If you’re on a date, please leave the other 4 at home!). They offer a choice of platters to order, or you can bring your own food. You must make a reservation! Check out their website for more info and to view their sunset gallery today! http://www.windsongcharters.com/cruise_sunset.htm

Hands-On Adventure:

Dade City Wild Things Animal Rescue @ 37245 Meridian Avenue, Dade City Are you ready for a wild experience? Look no further than Dade City Wild Things Animal Rescue. The saying, “Diamonds are a girls’ best friend” will have an entirely new meaning when your significant other meets Diamond, a white tiger cub. For $200, you were able swim with this white tiger cub, a once in a lifetime experience up until she weighed 40 pounds (due to federal regulations). Another tiger cub was born recently, and they have a wide variety of animals that the public can feed, hold and interact with. It’s a great way to spend the day with someone special doing something only a small percentage of people will ever experience in their lifetime! All fees are 100% donated to the care of the animals and are also tax-deductable. While certain private tours allow photos, video is prohibited. The animal sanctuary offers interactions with more than 150 exotic animals including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, jaguars, kangaroos, monkeys, and many more animals and is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9am until 5 pm, offering tours at 9:30am and 2pm; and they will soon offer night tours. The animal experiences and programs range in price from $50 to $1,000, so you’ll want to be sure to check out their website and decide which is best for you. http://www.stearnszoological.org/

More Date Ideas @ WHTBMagazine.com: More Hands-On Fun: Where to Dance the Night Away Unique, Rotating Restaurnt with Amazing Panoramic Views of St. Pete Beach

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style stylefilefile Terri Funaro: Terri Funaro: A Stylish Career A Stylish Career

by Foster Fox Fox by Foster Style Style EditorEditor

style file

with a career that spans 20 years and two states, Terri

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When working at Vassarette as an assistant students the desire to dream of great things for their selves, designer, she designed a collection of lingerie pieces whiletalent. students the desirewith to dream of great things for their What’s Hot Tampa Bay selves, her designer, she designed a collection of lingerie pieces while Funaro and shares mentor new talent. Funaro feels that “there her boss was away on vacation. When she came back, he to cultivate to cultivate and mentor new talent. Funaro feels that “there insight art, her and her achievements. her boss was away on vacation. When she came back, he on herjoy than toambitions create something from nothing… was so taken by the collection and by Funaro’s fashion is no greater is no greater joy than to create something from nothing… was so taken by the collection and by Funaro’s fashion the path from an idea to a finished functional, chutzpah, he put the collection into production. The brass to follow to follow the path from an idea to a finished functional, chutzpah, he put the collection into production. The brass well made, beautiful product.” Ten years later, she’s still at Vassarette weren’t the only ones who were in love with well made, beautiful product.” Ten years later, she’s still at Vassarette weren’t the only ones who were in love with ter herFox collection: Intimate Fashion News featured it in their doing that. doing that. her collection: Intimate Fashion News featured it in their Those who can, do; those who do bridal, teach. When the Cat’s Away... magazine. Not too shabby for taking a chance… Editor WHTB: What is your idea of perfect happiness? magazine. too shabby forTale” taking a chance… In the prime of heris career conquering New York, Funaro Vassarette. ThisNot is where our “Terri begins, where Terri Funaro WHTB: What your and ideaafter of perfect happiness? 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The Whether it’s a instill child r, she designed a collection of lingerie pieces while students the desire to dream of learns dustry, she knew that designsomething new & students the desire to dream brass at Vassarette weren’t the to cultivate and mentor new talent. Funaro feels that “there dustry, she knew that designlearns something new & s was away onwasn’t vacation. When she came back, he ing lingerie herintrue is thrilled and it shows on selves, great things for their only who were love ing ones lingerie wasn’t her true isof thrilled and itmentor shows on is no greater joy than to create something from nothing… withbridal her collection collection: Intimate to cultivate and taken by the and by Funaro’s fashion calling; was. Success their face or a student who new calling; bridal was. Success their face or a student who to follow the path from an idea to a talent. finished functional, Fashion News featuredinto it inproduction. The brass Funaro feels that “there is proud that they overcame when one follows her h, comes he put the collection isyears that joy they overcame comes whenNotone isproud no greater than tostill create their magazine. too follows shabby her well made, beautiful product.” Ten later, a difficult task and isshe’s proud passion: her rapidly igniting rette weren’t the only ones who were in love with something from nothing… to for taking a chance… a difficult task and is proud passion: her rapidly igniting of their follow project…even if an idea doing that. career took her to Visions apthe path from ection: Intimate Fashion Newsapfeatured it in their of their project…even if career took her to Visions perfect we can both share in how far theyfunctional, have well On… to ainfinished parel,Terri where she expanded her lingerie portfolio. It didn’t it’s notit’s not perfect we can both share how far they have parel, where she expanded her lingerie portfolio. It didn’t ne. NotThough too shabby for taking a chance… WHTB: What is your idea of perfect happiness? Funaro was soaring to made, beautiful product.” come. They went the distance and saw it through, even if Ten stop there. Ultimately she moved from Visions to Jena come. They went the distance and sawlater, it through, even if stopheights, there.achieving Ultimately Jena years she’s still doing new greatshe moved from Visions to Aside good family & they friends, not from easy. Ithe focus on allhealth that is of good & all that Bridal to design what she’d always wanted. More peopleTF:it was n… it was not easy. I focus on all that is good & all that they that. success the notoriously Bridal into design what she’d always wanted. More people accomplished rather than any imperfections. They It any would have to were be the in thecompetitive fashion media began toshe take notice of her extraoraccomplished rather than imperfections. They were fashionmedia industry,began knew that designing lingerie wasn’t in the fashion to take notice of her extraorFunaro was soaring not afraid to take the journey with me and that is half of moment that someone dinaryhertalent: Seventeen, Brides, and comes WWD,when the one bible of her WHTB: What is your idea of perfect happiness? true calling; bridal was. Success follows not afraid to take the journey with me and that is half of dinaryher talent: Seventeen, Brides,herand WWD,apparel, the bible ofbattle. the I always tell themhealth that they canand only get better heights, TF: the good of family friends, it can would have passion:achieving rapidlycame igniting career took to Visions discovers that they do the fashion industry, calling, featuring her work: she where the Aside battle.from I always tell them that they can only get better the fashion industry, came calling, featuring her work: she to be the moment that someone discovers that they can do something with time & practice, no one gets worse. she expanded her lingerie portfolio. It didn’t stop there. Ultimately she uccess in the notorieven landed the cover of Modern Bride, quite a coup for something onsomething their own… with time & practice, one gets learns worse. their own…whether it’sno a child new and is evenfrom landed thetocover of Modern quite a coup for on moved Visions Jena Bridal to design Bride, what she’d always wanted. WHTB: What is your current statewho of mind? ompetitive fashion inany bridal designer. WHTB: What is your current state of mind? thrilled and it shows on their face or a student who is proud they Whether it’s a child who More people in the fashion media began to take notice of her extraorany bridal designer. TF: I’m probably as distressed asproud everyone else about theifthat overcame a difficult task and is of their project…even it’s not TF: I’m probably as distressed as everyone else about the sheThose knew that designdinary talent: Seventeen, andbridal, WWD, the bible of the fashion learns something who can, do; thoseBrides, who do teach. state ofperfect this we country and theinworld. I don’t know ifnew thewent&the can both share how farworld. they have come. They Those who can, do; those who do bridal, teach. industry, came calling, featuring her work: she even landed the cover of state of this country and the I don’t know if the gerie wasn’t her true and shows was always this greedyeven &iscorrupt or if weIitjust hear and saw it through, ifthrilled it was not easy. focus on all on that is a coup forafter any bridal designer. New York, world distance In theModern primeBride, of herquite career and conquering world was always this greedyrather & corrupt or if we just They hear In the prime of her career and after conquering New York, good and all that they accomplished than any imperfections. bridal was. Success their face or a student who more about what is going on in the world. On a personal Funaro packed up her gowns, her family, and her omnimore about what is going on in the world. On a personal Funaro packed up her gowns, her family, and her omniextremely happy thatisI’m creating clothes that proud that they overcame when one follows present New Yorkher accent, and high-tailed it to Tampa. note I’m note I’m extremely happy that I’m creating clothes that present New York accent, and high-tailed it to Tampa. a difficult task and is proud her rapidly igniting Funaro is for onesomething fashion to designer who thus livesbegan up to Looking do in Florida, theher

erri Funaro:

Stylish Career

“...there is noisgreater joy than to to “...there no greater joy than create something fromfrom nothing… create something nothing… to follow the path from an idea to to to follow the path from an idea a finished functional, wellwell made, a finished functional, made, beautiful product.” -Terri Funaro beautiful product.” -Terri Funaro

“...there is no greater joy than to create something from nothing… to follow the path from an idea to a finished functional, well made, beautiful product.” -Terri Funaro

Courtney Turpyn

with a career that spans 20 years and two states, Terri with a career that spans 20 years and two states, Terri Funaro is one fashion designer who lives up to her Funaro is one fashion designer who lives up to her name. Funaro’s collection debuted at Fashion Week name. Funaro’s collection debuted at Fashion Week Tampa Bay leaving attendees and industry insiders Tampa Bay leaving attendees and industry insiders alike buzzing about what is to come for this promising alike buzzing about what is to come for this promising talent. Funaro shares with What’s Hot Tampa Bay her talent. Funaro shares with What’s Hot Tampa Bay her insight on her art, her ambitions and her achievements. insight on her art, her ambitions and her achievements.

A few of Funaro’s designs... I think are beautiful. If I’m not creating something I get were cranky. not afraid to take the journey with me and that is half of the battle. WHTB: What is the mostwith deplore in practice; yourself? I always tell them that they cantrait only you get better time and no one gets TF:worse. I’m impatient & demanding. WHTB: What is the trait you most deplore in others? WHTB: your current state mind? TF:What It’s ais tie between beingofself absorbed & whining. I TF: I’m probably as distressed as everyone else about the state of this hate it when people whine about something instead of country and the world. I don’t know if the world was always this greedy doing something their situation or moving and corrupt or if we just hear more about what is goingon. on in the world. What do you happy consider thecreating most clothes overrated On a WHTB: personal note I’m extremely that I’m that I thinkvirtue? are beautiful. If I’m not creating something I get cranky. TF: External beauty….is that a virtue? True beauty comes WHTB: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? from within…. TF: I’m impatient and demanding. WHTB: What is your favorite occupation? TF:What Fashion course. Anything WHTB: is the design, trait you of most deplore in others? creative or anything that involves problem solving. I can’t TF: It’s a tie between being self-absorbed and whining. I hateimagine it when people whinethrough about something instead of at doing something about their going the day working something that is rote. situation or moving on. BORING!!!! WHTB: What is your most marked characteristic? WHTB: What do you consider the most overrated virtue? TF: I’m quite efficient, can always figure out the fastest TF: External beauty…is that a virtue? True beauty comes from within… & easiest way to get something done and I’m not afraid to attempt something new…I know I’ll figure it out – WHTB: What is your most marked characteristic? eventually! TF: I’m quite efficient, can always figure out the fastest and easiest way to getWHTB: somethingWhat done and I’m not afraid to attempt something do you most value in your friends?new…I knowTF: I’ll figure it out–eventually! Loyalty and caring. WHTB: When and where were you happiest? WHTB: What do you most value in your friends? TF: The TF: Loyalty andhealth caring.& happiness of my family is always first. So if everyone is O.K., then it’s a great day. Life can change onand a dime I’myou well aware of the terrible things WHTB: When where&were happiest? TF: The and happiness of my is always first.it’s So when if everyone thathealth happen every day. Onfamily a personal level I’m is okay, then it’s a great day. Life can change on a dime and I’m well creating something that I think is beautiful. awareWHTB: of the terrible happendo every day. On a personal level it’s On things what that occasion you lie? when I’m creating something that I think is beautiful. TF: So as not to hurt someone else’s feelings. (No, you didn’t your foot in lie? your mouth!) WHTB: On just whatput occasion do you WHTB: If you could change one thing about yourself, TF: So as not to hurt someone else’s feelings. (No, you didn’t just put your what foot in would your mouth!) it be? TF: To have more patience. WHTB: If you If could thing about what would WHTB: youchange couldonechange one yourself, thing about your it be? family, what would it be? TF: To have more patience. TF: I accept people as they are …for the most part…and work with what I’ve got. There are no perfect people and I’m no were near perfect, so I don’t dwell on ”what ifs”. I should also say that I’m very lucky…if I had a family

want to change that. WHTB: yourchange most treasured WHTB: What If youiscould one thing possession? about your family, what TF: Myit be? photos & Christmas ornaments. I get several would TF: Iyear accept people as they what are…for mostwere part…work with what each that represent thethekids interested in I’ve are no peopleI and I’mbaby’s nowhere near perfect, so I don’t atgot. thatThere point. Soperfect of course have first Christmas, dwellcharacter on “what ifs”. I should thatinterested I’m very lucky…if every & sport that also theysay were in, all ofI had a family member who was an addict or alcoholic then of course I’d want the handmade ones (like pretzel frames & Ginger bread to change that. men that were made in preschool). Now I have college graduation and isa your beer most mug.treasured The ideapossession? was that they would WHTB: What TF: their My photos and Christmas ornaments. I getown several take ornaments when they had their tree,each butyear I that represent in atI that of course I don’t thinkwhat thattheI kids can were part interested with them. alsopoint. haveSohome have baby’s first Christmas, character sport thatIthey -made ones from family &every friends that Iand treasure. evenwere interested in, all of the handmade ones (like pretzel frames and gingerbread have a few from my grandmothers tree….I’m a sucker for men that were made in preschool). Now I have college graduation and a Christmas…not in was the that commercial but Iornaments totally buy beer mug. The idea they wouldway take their when they into peace on earth, good will towards man & giving tokens had their own tree, but I don’t think that I can part with them. I also have homemade ones from family that I treasure. gifts to let others know that and youfriends think they’re specialI even have a few fromWho my grandmothers tree...I’mdesigners? a sucker for Christmas…not in the WHTB: are your favorite commercial way Oscar but I totally buyRenta, into peace on earth, good They will towards TF: Valentino, de la Edith Head. men and giving tokens and gifts to let others know that you think they’re allspecial. create beautiful clothes that are timeless, elegant & beautifully made. WHTB: areyour your heroesdesigners? in real life? WHTB: Who Who are favorite TF: first thought peopleEdith whoHead. do They the right thing TF:My Valentino, Oscar de is la Renta, all create beautiful are timeless, elegant beautifully byclothes otherthat people, whether it’s and treating themmade. with care & respect at work, in the neighborhood or helping the less WHTB: Who are your heroes in real life? fortunate. It’s the “man in the trenches” everyday that TF: My first thought is people who do the right thing by other people, makes up a society. It takes a lot atofwork, people with whether it’s complete treating them with care and respect in the neighbormany different talents & skills to keep the world going. hood or helping the less fortunate. It’s the “man in the trenches” everyday When was the time you were thankful things with we many that makes up alast complete society. It takes a lotfor of people different talents and skills to keep theelectricity, world going.good Whenroads. was the last take for granted…running water, time youtowere for things weget takehis fordue….. granted…running I’d like see thankful the everyday man not just water, electricity, good roads? I’d like to see the everyday man get his due…not the few sports superstars & actors that people fawn over. just the few sports superstars and actors that people fawn over.

For contact Terri at (352) 688-2933 or Formore more information, information, contact Terri at (352) 688-2933 or terri.funaro@yahoo.com terri.funaro@yahoo.com www.terrifunarodesigns.com www.terrifunarodesigns.com

CASE clothed

Nicole Maternity & Mariah Carey by Foster Fox Style Editor If you you turn turn on on the the television television or or surf surf If the internet, it seems that, from the the internet, it seems that, from the looksof ofher herever-growing ever-growing midsection, midsection, looks Mariah Carey needs maternity clothes. Mariah Carey needs maternity clothes. The ordinary woman might head to the mall and supplementordinary her closet by stocking at atostore The woman mightup head the like, mallsay, andMothsuperhood Maternity. Mariah Carey is not such a person. plement her closet by stocking up at a store like, say, Rather, her styling team, dismayed by the “pregnouture” Motherhood Maternity. Mariah Carey is not such and styling impressed by Nicole’s Maternity’s acurrently person. available, Rather, her team, dismayed by the aesthetic, contacted the designer for a few samples “pregnouture” currently available, and impressed that by Mariah Carey could wear to her myriad of appearances. Nicole’s Maternity’s aesthetic, contacted the designer Daulton, the creative behind Nifor a fewNicole samples that Mariah Careymind could wear the to her cole Maternity brand, says, “Women’s clothing should myriad of appearances. reflect their individuality while providing comfort to any body type.” Regarded as the “Vera Wang of maternity wear”, Nicole had a difficult time finding clothes that were chic enough while pregnant, so she launched her own maternity line. Ten years and three children later, she continues to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship and style that her discerning customers and even high-profile mothers-to-be have come to love and appreciate: Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), Faith Hill, and Nicole Alstott have been seen wearing Nicole’s designs. So, thanks to Nicole, when Mariah Carey makes an appearance on HSN and needs a smart ensemble, or when she insists on only the best for the White House, Nicole Maternity is always on Mariah’s speed dial. And when she opens those five-octave pipes, she will glow, and not just because she’s pregnant. www.nicolematernity.com 1-888-424-8228

www.nicolematernity.com 1-888-424-8228 Nicole Daulton, the creative mind behind the Nicole Maternity brand, says, “Women’s clothing should refl ect their individuality while providing comfort to any body type.” Regarded as the “Vera Wang of maternity wear”, Nicole had a diffi cult time fi nding clothes that were chic enough while pregnant, so she launched her own maternity line. Ten years and three children later, she continues to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship and style that her discerning customers and even high-profi le mothers-to-be have come to love and appreciate: Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), Faith Hill, and Nicole Alstott have been seen wearing Nicole’s designs. So, thanks to Nicole, when Mariah Carey makes an appearance on HSN and needs a smart ensemble, or when she insists on only the best for the White House, Nicole Maternity is always on Mariah’s speed dial. And when she opens those fi ve-octave pipes, she will glow, and not just because she’s pregnant.

street style

Name: Darby Ze Occupation: Personal trainer Going to: The Gold & Diamond Source’s VIP party About the look: “Eclectic.” Jumpsuit from New York, Damier Canvas clutch from Louis Vuitton, Michelle watch, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Name: Heidi Kiffin Occupation: Interior decorator and shop owner Going to: The Gold & Diamond Source About the look: “Charismatic.” Earrings from parents, bag from California, dress from Neiman Marcus, shoes from Nordstrom in San Francisco

{GOLD & DIAMOND SOURCE} {GOLD & DIAMOND SOURCE}

a Formal Dress

Budget

How to select

by: Ro Martinez

“To help someone find their dream dress and make a sale, we must know one of many things: their budget. Whether it’s one hundred dollars or less or 100 dollars and up, we have a dress for everyone. We want a person to be comfortable with the amount they are spending along with how they look and feel in the garment. Photos: Ross Krison Photography

Models and hair styling: Ro Martinez Fashions by: OM Fashion Inc.

www.itsross.com www.modelingatanyage.com

Clearwater, FL

727-725-2288

By definition, formal wear is what is worn to special events such as weddings or black tie affairs, suitable for formal occasions. As a model, I learned the importance of having one or two formal dresses for those special events to make a positive impression and to look my best. Today, our way of life has become more casual and very few people can reach into her closet and pull out the perfect black tie ensemble. Our relaxed way of life has lessened the need for formal wear, and some may choose to get married barefoot at the beach or go to a formal function in casual clothing. The rest of us still want to dress in formal attire when the occasion calls for it. It is that special occasion such as a wedding, prom or cruise that requires us to have formal attire. When the time comes to purchase formal wear we are unprepared. Our budget, body type, or event may make us feel restricted. These restrictions make it difficult to enjoy shopping for that special day. I view these so-called restrictions as positive because they narrow our choices for us. If there was no budget and if one had a perfect body and great sense of style, he or she may have too many choices. Regardless of your budget there is a dress for you; from the young teen who will buy her first formal dress with her saved allowance, to the bride whose parents will spare no expense to give their daughter the fairy tale wedding she dreams about. The key is to realize what your budget is before you head out to shop so you will not be frustrated. • Lowest End-borrow from a friend or family member • Low End-purchase from a consignment store, thrift shop, or garage sale • Middle-find your garment from the sale rack • High End-have a personal shopper assist you in a upscale boutique • Highest End-one of a kind custom made garment A great sense of style does not have to be cost-prohibitive and it can be developed. The key is to make something look high end by the way you coordinate and accessorize it. Not knowing what you like isn’t necessarily a lack of personal style. If you are accustomed to living in jeans and a simple t-shirt, that is your personal style. If you’ve worn a uniform to work for years you may not have ever needed formal wear. Spend time looking at catalogues and window shopping first before you attempt to make a purchase. Not knowing the style, color or price range of your garment is like a kid in a candy store: everything will look good and at the same time you will not be able to make a decision. If you factor in a time crunch, the stress level grows. Knowing your body type and what looks best on you will help facilitate your choices. This may be difficult, especially if you’ve gained or lost weight. In my book, Modeling at Any Age, I wrote: “Department stores and specialty shops have sales personnel who can answer any questions about proper fit and will put together a great looking outfit.” The proper guidance given by someone knowledgeable in the industry will make shopping such a pleasure that it may actually be a fun experience. Events can simplify your choices by dictating the type of garment needed. For a black tie affair, the look is formal and elegant. Black is certainly ap-

propriate but other colors and luxurious fabrics such as silk, silk organza, or velvet will fit in as well. The proper garment will make you stand out and be remembered. Men also have a need for formal attire; not just for weddings but for business and charity events. This includes everything from the tuxedoedo, vest, dress shirt, and even shoes and socks. In many cases, a tuxedoedo rental store is the answer, but for the man who often attends formal events, purchasing his own tuxedo might be more economical. My advice to anyone shopping for that perfect formal garment is to take your time and do not purchase the first thing you see. Try several items on and even go to different stores before you decide. Having a well-fitting garment in your favorite color will help you focus on the event rather than an ill fitting garment that is not “you” and one that was not within your budget. Halina Minkowicz- Ilendo and Monika Ilendo, owners of OM Fashions, have many years’ experience fitting their customers and helping them find just the right dress for their events. This is their advice: “When helping a customer, we ask them about their budget, event, size, and detail.

Event

“In order for a customer to buy a proper garment for their special day, we must know what event it is. For example, if it was a mother of the bride looking for a dress, we would strongly recommend a long elegant evening dress, no matter the venue. If a young girl is looking for a homecoming dress she will most likely look for a short evening dress. In our opinion, knowing what event the customer is attending is as important as knowing what size they are.

Size

“This is the most important detail in helping a customer. We have 12 years’ experience in the business; we know most people’s sizes from the moment they walk through our door. Even though our guesses may be correct the size a person buys also depends on the style and gown they have chosen. Most companies cut their sizes smaller. For example, a woman who is usually, in every day clothes, a size 14, she might need a size 16 or 18 in evening clothes.

Details

“From color to the person themselves, detail means a lot. Every person has a different shape. Some may have to trim the hem or tighten the straps of their dress. When a woman comes in to look for bridesmaid dresses for example, she might have the color(s) picked out already. When a girl comes in for a prom dress, she might not. All of this is something that may seem of little importance but in reality is very important.” (continued pg. 24)

Ro Martinez, model, actress, author, and modeling coach has been in the business for almost 25 years. Her multimedia exposure includes TV, film, and commercials. She has appeared in catalogues, magazines, newspapers, on magazine covers, on the Internet, and even on billboards! Ro holds modeling and acting workshops focusing on people of all ages, sizes, and ethnic groups, and guides them toward successfully entering the exciting and glamorous field of modeling. Her book Modeling At Any Age is a step-by-step, comprehensive, easy-to-read guide that can be followed by anyone and is sure to give an edge to those ready to enter into the exciting, glamorous, lucrative field of modeling. For information on becoming a model or actress, visit www.modeling-beginningtobooking.com or email Ro at romartinezmodel@hotmail.com

How to select a Formal Dress

(continued)

What our photographed models shared with us about their formal wear: “Picking the perfect dress has always been a daunting task. Wedding pictures will be around for many years to come, so I really wanted to get this one right! I knew I wanted something classic, something that complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses and it had to look fabulous on me, but I needed something that wouldn’t over emphasize my large bust. I gave my list of “wants and needs” along with my measurements to Helen over the telephone. When I arrived, she had already picked out 3 beautiful dresses that she thought fit all my needs. Although all 3 dresses were absolutely gorgeous, the very first dress she showed me was “The One”! After a few simple alterations, the dress fit perfectly and I was extremely happy... and relieved. Now I have time to focus on other important details and not worry about my dress. For my next special occasion dress, I know where I’ll be!” -Kimberle Coy, mother of the bride

“I have always tried to be a sharp dresser. When time came around for a formal dance, I thought I would like to wear a tuxedo. I had never worn one before, so it was a big step for me and I really didn’t know where to start. From pictures in magazines, I decided that I definitely wanted some color other than gray or black for the vest, but I thought the black tuxedo coat and pants and white shirt were definitely for me. I had never been fitted for a dress suit or tuxedo before so I didn’t really know where to start. One of my friends suggested that I go to a tuxedo rental place and check out what they had. I did that and was able to look at the different vest colors that were possible. The people at the store measured me for fit and made suggestions even down to shoes and socks. I went for the light blue vest. I think the vest, the jacket and the pants go great together and I feel really “sharp”. Rocky Means, young person for dance “I’m a simple girl who loves jeans and casual t-shirts. Choosing a wedding gown for my wedding day was extremely stressful due to me not knowing much about dresses. While visiting numerous bridal boutiques throughout the city of Tampa, I came upon Helen who pre-selected many gorgeous gowns for me to try on. She knew exactly what type of dress would fit my body perfectly. With Helen’s help, I was able to buy my dream wedding gown for my special day. I couldn’t have done it without her.” Tangela Ewin, bride “Although I normally would not have chosen this style, the dress surprisingly made me feel so elegant and I could picture myself walking into the school dance and feeling very special. I can’t wait until the next time I have to shop. I just may take a second look at that budget rack” Alexa Ventrone, school dance

Is Mexico Safe? By Tammy Levent

Tammy Levent CEO, Elite Travel

Tammy@elitetravelgroup.net

www.elitetravelgroup.net An American Express Agency

hen headlines read that fourteen men were decapitated and a total of 31 bodies were found over a single weekend in Acapulco – and that was only the first week of January 2011 – you’d think tourism to Mexico would grind to a halt. But with over 13,000 murders in just the last year, and more than 30,000 murders within the last four years, tourism is actually on the rise. In fact, there are more tourists going to Mexico now than before the drug wars, most of them from North America. Are people risking their lives for cheap vacations?

Let me throw another number at you. 20. Only 20 of all of the deaths over the last four years were of United States citizens, and a large majority of those were related to the drug trade. The violence making headlines in Mexico has been between cartels and the government, and between cartels and Mexican citizens. And the violence is concentrated along the Northern border, about 1,000 miles away from Cancun. In fact, the driving distance between Cancun and Ciudad Juarez, the most dangerous city, is greater than the distance between Los Angeles and Boston by about 500 miles.

Are tourists risking their lives traveling to Mexico? Not any more than with any other trip, as long as they are flying. I wouldn’t recommend taking a road trip from the U.S. to Mexico – and the State Department doesn’t either – but if you fly in and out of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or Cabo San Lucas, you’ll not only be safe, but you’ll enjoy some incredible deals. Yes, there are places you shouldn’t go, and here’s the list: border cities like Ciudad Juarez, Coahuila, and Tijuana, and West Coast cities like Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mazatlan, Durango, Michoacán, and Acapulco. Now, here are the places you should go. Cancun is not just for Spring Break, and the coastline from the Riviera Maya through Playa del Carmen is among the most romantic in the Caribbean. And these locations on the southern tip of Mexico are offering unbelievably cheap all-inclusive package deals. Would you like to stay for three nights in a Ritz-Carlton room with an ocean view for $160 per night with a bottle of champagne thrown in? You can in Cancun. El Dorado Seaside Suites on Kantenah Beach on the Riviera Maya is currently offering a three-night deal for $183 per person, per night, which includes food, snacks, and all beverages, in a suite that comes complete with a hammock on the balcony. The deals change every week and rates vary depending on travel dates, but low prices abound. One recent package included round-trip airfare from Miami, airport to hotel transportation, and three-nights at the four-star ME Cancun for $515 per person. The rooms usually go for $350 per night. One of the

hottest new resorts on the Mayan Riviera is NOW Sapphire Rivera Cancun. The resort is a sexy Mayan fantasy with thatched roofs, a pool/lagoon, allinclusive gourmet food and nightly parties. Even this luxury resort is offering 50% off this spring, and up to $400 in resort coupons for spa treatments, fine wine, and romantic dining. You won’t ever have to leave the property, unless you want to soak in the local culture with a day trip to Tulum or Chichen Itza. Other hotspots are Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, which are also far away from the drug-trafficking routes. While the deals on the West coast aren’t as low or as common as on the Yucatan peninsula, you can still find a few. For example, Dreams Resorts in both Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are offering 50% off during spring. However, with all these unbelievable deals flying around, you need to be careful about ones that sound too good to be true. I recently found a website offering a “one-day only sale” for five nights at a five-star resort for only $349 per room. Not per person, per room. The resort named on the website is an exceptional property with many glowing reviews, but it’s not cheap. Sure enough, the website with the deal was not the real website of the property. Between the border violence and the weak economy making headlines, expect low prices to continue tempting tourists to Mexico for a while. In 2009, Mexico was the tenth top international tourist destination based on arrivals, and its ranking is predicted to improve over the next ten years. As for safety, don’t let other travelers trample you in their mad rush to take advantage of Mexico’s vacation rates, and you’ll be fine.

En Route Through the pen of Alaric Lambert, Tony Ludovico.

photos: © AlaricLambert.com

6 a.m.: call time for my ride to pick me up and drive to the Orlando International Airport from my Tampa residence. We arrive at 7:30 a.m. and check my 50-pound Pelican case and duffel bag. Getting through security is always a challenge; my electronics, cameras, housings, batteries, and hard drives send them through the ringer. An hour of TSA torture later and I break for the gate, open my 17” MacBook® Pro, throw on Sony Pro-Monitor Headphones and play my DVD. Ricky-Bobby is at the kitchen table saying grace to Baby Jesus—I’m all smiles. As a seasoned pro, I allow myself two hours at the gate in case of any changes. Just as Talladega Nights’ credits show up my plane begins boarding. The best part of working with Ron is he always insists on booking me first class, so I’m always first to board the plane. These seats are huge; they have TV, movie channels, and are really comfortable. I load up Inception on the in house movie screen; two hours fly by…Costa Rica. 4 a.m.: my hotel room phone rings. “Hello, this is jour wake up call.” I throw on some fresh clothes and beeline to the airport to catch a puddle jumper in to Golfito. Monkeys, trees, and kids running across the runway are in my view as we descend. Greg, the owner of the Zancudo Lodge, escorts me to my room. Immediately I unpack the Pelicans first, set-up my housing, charge batteries, organize dive gear, and prepare a day bag for the excursion. I get out and explore the lodge with my camera. (See photo) It was beachfront property so the breeze was steady and soothing. Greg calls me to meet up in the dining area where we discuss his ideas for Ron and me to shoot, being that we are all getting something out of this. It’s a win-win for everyone. Greg and I grab a seat at the lodge’s outdoor bar with a view overlooking the sunset on the Pacific Ocean. Grilled lemon wedges divide six tiger shrimp plated aside a crisp green salad and dijonnaise dressing. I don’t normally drink but this ice cold el Presidente is pretty f@#!ing good! I’m calling it an early night as Ron’s puddle jumper lands at 6 a.m. and it’s offshore business time, baby!

Makaira (Greek for “sword”) The Call

It’s an 80˚F, 65% humidity noon at San Jose Airport and Esmerelda is waiting for me with a hand-written Tony Ludovico sign. I hop in a 1993 faded red four-door Toyota Corolla and head for the Sleep Inn within downtown San José, across from the infamous Blue Marlin Bar. Surprisingly the rooms are really nice and the food is good too. I drop my gear in the room, go down to the restaurant and grab a kick-ass rib eye. My phone rings and Ron has some bad news. “My flight is canceled, bro; I’m not coming in until tomorrow.” I’m thinking, Great. Now I’m stuck in San José for the next twenty-four hours . . . I figure it’s a great chance to catch up on much needed sleep.

It’s 3 p.m. on November 15th. I’m in my editing bay at home when I get a phone call from Ron at PelagicGear.com. “Bro, how would you like to go to Costa Rica for the week?” I’m always up for a trip so I’m like, “yeah, book the flights. Where exactly are we going?” “The Zancudo Lodge in Golfito, Costa Rica,” Ron replies. This time of year is a transition stage in the seasons going from their winter to their summer. Anything from a Marlin to a Dorado is there, so I’m definitely excited. However, our main objective for the trip is to shoot all my new clothing for the 2011 PelagicGear.com spring catalog.

Gearin’ Up I started packing the evening of November 29th. I’ve been doing this for years so I have the packing down to a science. I usually travel with two hard cased pelicans, my Pelagic® backpack, and an Outdoor Products® duffel bag stuffed with my dive gear and clothes. By nature I’m a freediver so I travel very light. My dive gear consists of two sets of Hatch custom carbon fiber fins, two Cressi masks and snorkels, a weight belt by Omer with up to twelve pounds of weight. Whether I wear the full Deep Thought™ neoprene wet-suit or an Omer Lycra® skin suit will determine how much weight I’ll attach to the belt. Since its November, the water is cooler, so I’ll most likely wear the Deep Thought suit and ten pounds of weight. Other than that I’m a t-shirt, flip-flops, and board shorts kind of guy.

The Excursion It’s 5:30 a.m. on December 1 and somebody’s already banging on my door. I go out on the porch and the wind is howling. (Mother Nature, the keeper of my life). Bienvenidos, Costa Rica! I gather up my gear and go downstairs to eat breakfast with Greg. I walk down to the dock, get on the boat and pick up Ron at the airstrip. It’s a ten minute run up the river on Greg’s 31 foot tricked-out custom center console, hecho in Costa Rica (see photo above). Ron is hanging out at the end of the dock as we arrive. (continued)

parking lot during the evening hours. By the way, this place makes one heck of a date . . . Walk through my gallery and submerge into the calm blue, grab a bite next door, walk two blocks west to the boardwalk and enjoy a blissful evening with your lady. However, if you’d like to see my first gallery, I am conveniently located in South Tampa on the corner of El Prado and Dale Mabry Highway. Please visit www.TonyH2O.com for specifics.

December 5, 6 a.m.: We are heading to fifty-six miles offshore; it’s a threeand-a-half hour ride in one to three foot seas accompanied by 10-15mph overcast winds. Not looking too good for us, but we are charging on. Trolled all day, a couple promising sings but overall nothing. Not a damn thing, welcome to my world. December 6, 2010: It’s our last day. Make it or break it! Seas lie down to 1 foot or less after another fifty-six mile run. Ron is hooked up to a nice blue marlin. I get dressed, gear up, and ready to get in the water in under five minutes, no sweat ‘cause this fish is giving Ron one heck of a fight already. I’m waiting an hour and a half as Ron battles this 400 lb+ beast. I first lay eyes on a makaira cruising about 10mph alongside the boat. She was all lit up in bright blues, purples, and silvers as the sun worked its magic in between pockets of clouds. I fired off over 100 frames in a matter of ten minutes. This moment here is what my life is all about . . . focused. Ron got her boat side, unhooked, revived, and let her go for me to snap my last 15 frames as she swam off into the blue. These last frames would later become the “Makaira” Limited Edition. What can I say, the last hour of the day . . . A day in the life of Tony Ludovico.

My life is an emotional roller coaster but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Peace out.

got something for you to John Hancock back in the production office!” exclaims Tony. I get goose bumps as I sign my name to “Makaira” for the first time. Wow! She is gorgeous. I walk this 60” giclee into the gallery area and hang it in the private viewing room. 60” “Makaira” Giclée sells for $2,200. (Not to shabby for a guy who slept on his little sister Joann’s couch for three quarters of his career.) By the way, the Sarasota Gallery is phenomenal, let me tell you. It’s my dream and it’s real! The gallery sits on the corner across the street from The Ritz Carlton hotel’s entrance and exit. Our property borders the fine restaurant Ceviché whom we generously allow to valet their cars in our

“The wind is howling, let’s just chill out and focus on catching rooster fish on the beach. There’s a sweet spot we can cast jigs for some moonfish to use as bait right up the way,” says our captain. We all agree: it’s just too rough to go offshore. The moonfish are on circle hooks as we continue to unsuccessfully rooster fish. We call it a day a couple hours into it and head back to our rooms. Ron is pretty spent from the seven-plus hours of traveling. I meet up with the guys for dinner again at the same outdoor bar. The wind continues to delay our offshore venture for three solid days. All of us are getting concerned with the delay of game here…time is running out.

The Edit Seated comfortably in my digital editing suite at home, this is ironically the most nerve-racking part of the process. Filing through hundreds of shots from the trip, I locate the one. As love at first sight, I spot her and begin to make my move. From Photoshop I examine the metadata, sharpness, light, color, contrast, luminance, and begin to process the image. Shooting it in raw format enables me to process the image in my digital darkroomknown as a Quadcore 293gHz, 16G RAM, 17 TB storage on Dual Apple 30 inch HD monitors all for a friendly $15k at your local Apple Store :) Not to mention the 30 thousand dollars of camera gear you can catch me swimming with the fishes with. I’m 100% Sicilian, so crazy runs in my blood! Go big or stay home.

The Final Touch I walk into my 3,800 square foot TonyH20 world headquarters in Sarasota and shake hands with the gallery owner, coincidentally named Tony. “I

The Truth about Growth Hormone A

nabolic steroids have been around for decades. Daniel Duchaine’s quest for knowledge on the effects of anabolic steroids is ultimately what lead to his title as a “guru” on this topic. He truly was a legend of his own time, as he knew the physiological effects of anabolics inside and out. There is no doubt that professional athletes used anabolic steroids and growth hormone to enhance their athletic performance. After all, how could we not, with all of the other countries using performanceenhancing pharmaceuticals to increase athletic performance. When used in “super physiological” doses, these pharmaceuticals can suppress the body’s natural production of the very hormones it needs to get us to the next level. But the truth is, when we are in our 20s, these levels start to decline both in men and women. This is what causes us to age and lose our agility and speed when it comes to performance sports.

ceuticals that stimulate growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) mimic the body’s own production of this naturally occurring hormone. This takes place in the hypothalamus, which is actually the “dietary center” of the brain. It tells us when we are hungry and when we are full. In turn, GHRH stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. Keep in mind that this is a natural process. This hormone is naturally produced by the pituitary gland. As a result, we start to notice an increase in lean muscle mass, improved skin tone, improved sleep patterns, enhanced sexual performance, and the list goes on…… When we couple this with GHRP6 (Growth Hormone Release Peptide 6), we now stimulate the release of growth hormone itself. So without taking growth hormone directly, you can indirectly stimulate your body to both secret and produce growth hormone, without suppressing your own natural production.

By the time we are in our 30s, the aging process becomes more apparent. Men start noticing receding hairlines. Women are engaging in the same exercise programs they have for years to stay fit and trim, but now see that they have to work even harder to get the same results. Let’s not forget that nutrition plays a major role in this process as well. When we were younger, we could train hard, and still eat pizza and have fabulously ribbed abs. Today, the foods that we eat contain so many pesticides and toxins that it is not surprising that our cancer rates have sky rocketed over the past decade. The children of our future generations are more obese than ever.

At Infinite Vitality, we utilize hormone replacement therapy as an effective means of giving back to the body what it begins to lose through the aging process, thus inhibiting this process and its effects. Unbalanced hormones lead to a decrease in energy and overall well-being, so it’s only natural that when these hormones are brought into proper balance, energy levels and well-being are restored. Ultimately, it is our hormones that determine whether we feel healthy or sick, young or old. Hormone depletion and imbalance is not a required part of aging; it can be changed and controlled, leading to a younger and healthier you.

The anti-aging process begins with each individual having a comprehensive hormone panel, evaluated and monitored by a qualified AntiAging Specialist. When prescribed in physiological doses, pharma-

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What has been your favorite experience in working with Bay News Nine? Being the Bay Area’s first Transportation Reporter! When I started in 1997, no local media outlet had a reporter dedicated solely to transportation issues so I was constantly scooping the other stations on highway project announcements, interstate closures, airport changes, etc. What’s the most unusual experience you’ve had on the job? Covering the 2004 hurricane season! Nothing can prepare you mentally or physically for that kind of challenging experience. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne changed my news career and life forever. What are your favorite places to hang out in the Bay Area? As long as I’m on one of our beautiful Pinellas County beaches or on a boat with a fishing pole in my hand, I’m one happy girl! I see you started your broadcast career in Atlanta and were even Miss Georgia in 1992. What brought you to Florida? The launch of Bay News 9 brought me to Tampa Bay. I knew if I could get my foot in the door at a new TV station, I would have a tremendous opportunity ahead of me. Were you ever nervous in front of the camera when you started out? No way. I didn’t have time to be nervous. I was hired during my college internship to be a “video jock:”. I landed the job around 11am on a Wednesday morning and was on the air hosting the show that same night. Name 3 artists on your iPod: Pitt Bull, David Guetta and DJ Tiesto You seem to do a lot of volunteer work in the community. What’s your most rewarding experience working with local charities? Volunteering at the Make A Difference Fishing Tournament for special needs kids, for sure. Whether the kids reel in a minnow or pin fish... to them, it’s the size of a shark and they love every minute of it!!!

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Jen Holloway at Saks Fifth Avenue

and cooking with my passion for helping others. But what makes the cookbook unique is that every recipe is dedicated to a cancer victim or survivor, along with a photo. This way, when you use the recipe, you’ll always be reminded of why you purchased the cook book and those who need our help. Are there any big events or opportunities in your future that we could get a sneak peek on? I’ll just say that The 180 isn’t my last invention..... Who or what inspires you? The children I have been blessed to work with through The Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know. I once performed on stage at The Grand Ol’ Opry! Spring is coming soon. What are your favorite spring fashion trends? Flip flops and bathing suits!!

Tell us a little about your exercise invention, the Workout 180, a few years back that was featured on Everyday Edisons: I came up with the idea because I never have time to go to the gym. After searching everywhere for a full body, affordable device to use at home, I came up with nothing...so I decided to make my own. Necessity is the mother of invention!! What is your all-time favorite movie? “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. I’m a true romantic. What’s your favorite comfort food? Dark chocolate covered strawberries, for sure! If you could spend a day in the life of anyone, past or present, who would it be? My cousin and fellow inventor, Micajah Clark Dyer. In 1874 Micajah received a U.S patent for his “flying ship.” Micajah’s patent was sold to The Redwine Brothers who reportedly sold it to the Wright Brothers. (www.micajahclarkdyer.org)

What is the most important thing about life that you have learned through your various work experiences interacting with the public? I’ll refer to one of my favorite quotes : “Mastering others is strength, but mastering yourself is the True Power.” ~ Tao Te Ching Anything you’d never do?? Definitely. I’d never be in a reality TV show. I’ve turned down two opportunities to audition for The Bachelorette. Where’s your favorite vacation spot and why? Harbour Island, Bahamas...better known as Brieland. If you’ve seen the pink sandy beaches there, you’ll know why it’s my most favorite vacation spot in the world. Plus, the fishing is awesome if you know the right locals!!

Interview by Lindsay Todd

Jen Holloway at Saks Fifth Avenue credits: Location:

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Caught in the Webb by David Norrie

You don’t meet Tedd Webb. you experience him for the first time. And for a talk radio junkie like myself, meeting a local legend of the airwaves ranked high on my bucket list of things to do. Mostly because I admire people who can be both entertaining and educating. Not an easy combination. And if I were to tell you fifty percent of what was said and done during my morning spent with him, you’d most likely tell me to get in touch with either a priest or a police officer. What I can tell you is this: there are only a handful of people I know who truly live life by their own set of rules, and Webb is one of them.

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS Having cut his teeth in broadcasting at the tender age of 14, Webb has used his tenure behind the mic to perfect his craft. Along side Jack Harris, he co-hosts the morning show AM Tampa Bay on 970 WFLA from 6 to 9 am, a staple of the Bay area media landscape. Describing Webb isn’t easy. I suppose I’d have to say he has the brain of a professor, the mouth of a trucker, and the libido of a 17-year old, which is exactly why he and I got along so good from get-go. And trust me, it didn’t take long to get right into the good stuff. The interview kicked off with the question, “What’s the first thing you’d do if you were President?” “I would lock up every goddamned liberal in America, shoot them with a sh*t gun and then arrest them for stinking,” he replied without hesitation. The candid nature of his answer, although artfully stated, came as a shock

even to my concretely conservative ears, because above our heads on this day was a television littered with the mug of Arizona gunman Jared Loughner. Surely, even though off-air, this would be considered inflammatory speech by those very same liberals who he detests. However the allegorical nature of a fictional sh*t gun, he would argue, should soften the severity with which some of his detractors may take it. Is it because he’s been around so long that he can get away with it or is it because his eloquence with words is undeniably endearing? Maybe it’s as simple as he truly doesn’t give a rat’s ass about how his words are construed? “So, I take it that you would accept the job as President?” I followed with. “O yeah,” Webb retorts. “I’d like to have it because I’d put an end to all this political correctness in this country. My first executive order would be to start using words like midget again.” Little people of the world, please don’t pick up your phones to protest, because Webb has offended those of a much higher stature. Much higher.

DON’T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE Webb is a Jefferson High School alumnus, although he did most of his time at Jesuit. Interestingly enough, getting kicked out of parochial schools is something he seems proud of. One particular experience, in his junior year, is something he recalls vividly. “One time I had to write 10,000 times on a sheet of paper that I wouldn’t say the word f**k,” he explains in that familiar radio voice. “Because I told Father [Joseph] Doyle to ‘go f**k himself’.” (continued)

Caught in the Webb (continued)

“Believe it or not, thirty years later, I was giving a speech at Jesuit and I told the story. Honest to God, Father Doyle was in the audience and he stood up and yelled, ‘it’s true’ and he pulled the 10,000 words paper out of his jacket.” I’ll admit I was a bit shell-shocked at this point in the interview but, like Webb, I was raised Catholic and said some things during my juvenile years that were foolish. Thankfully, he reassured me that we would both be alright because “we Catholics have the power of confession.” Siding with him, I asked what was so wrong with that foulest of four letter words anyway. How did that particular set of three consonants and a vowel draw the ire of authority across the country? Again, I learned something interesting about this man and that is, if you pose a question to him, he will never not have an answer. He told me that back in the days of the Pilgrims, when they would catch them having sex, they would put them in the stockades and post signs under them which read For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. After a while, there became so many that they just began to abbreviate it. “You see, it’s not such a bad word,” he said. And it was at that point I knew Webb was not such a bad guy. He has a soft spot, and in that soft spot is a sense of humility reserved for a very select number of people. He credits Father Doyle and a teacher he had in 7th grade, Sister Rosalie Ragussa, as being two of the most influential people in his life. However his highest honor lovingly goes to his mother, a child of the [Great] Depression whom he says had an incredible amount of “stick-to-itiveness” because “she never gave up when things got tough.” Doyle and Ragussa, on the other hand, were people who never gave up on Webb, the adolescent. Despite his defiance and his abuse of the English language, he was taken on by each as a “tough case.” And although he loved to test authority, his silver tongue got him out of more trouble than it got him into. Being quick witted meant that when other kids would have to stand and recite a 2-minute speech, Webb was asked to go five-minutes.

Why? “Simply because they [his teachers] knew I could,” he said. Eventually the young boy would use his talents for something other than mischief. And it’s a good thing, because in the world of morning radio, you can’t be a slacker. Webb is in bed by 7 p.m. most nights and up for work at 1:45 a.m., after all, it takes a lot of preparation to make four hours of daily airtime seem effortless. And for loyal 970 AM listeners, his voice and a good cup of coffee are the only way to start the day. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Once I got a taste of it, radio simply became a passion,” Webb said. “I never found myself complaining about waking up early or saying they don’t pay me enough.” From 1981 to 1983 he was a part of the Q Morning Zoo as many fans recall. Then, later in 1983 he found a home at WFLA where he and Harris reign today, often playing the perfect Good Cop/Bad Cop combination, with of course Webb being the Bad Cop. Looking back on his days of raising havoc as a teen, he knows he was a handful. That’s why in 1986, when Webb was honored by Toastmasters as “Communicator of the Year”, he sought a bit of redemption from above, bringing Sister Ragussa along as his guest. “I’m a shy guy,” he said, “and she got me to stand up. She never quit on me.” Father Doyle would not go without proper atonement either. Twenty five years after getting kicked out private school Webb found the Priest whom he had put through the wringer so many times, writing him a letter that read, “thank you very much for being an a** hole to me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it.” (continued)

Caught in the Webb

ly p m i s s ’ “It ver e I ended my interview with Tedd with n I . . . n 13 rapid-fire questions, to which he didn’t hesitate once. a passio saying self y Here we go. m d n fi pay 1. Beyoncé or J-Lo? Beyoncé t ’ n o d they 2. Phil Hendrie or Neil Rogers? gh.” u Phil o n e me

(continued)

Surely I had hoped he was paraphrasing the letter, but that wouldn’t be Webb would it? Some guys just have a funny way of showing their appreciation, I suppose, and he is quite confident that his means of expressing himself doesn’t necessarily guarantee him a spot in hell.

IT’S IN THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT Being the father of three, and with just as many grandchildren, Webb isn’t your run of the mill Dad. Maybe it’s because he is a product of the 60s, a generation reared on sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, a mantra of which he holds firmly to today. The music of his generation is what seems to be his calming voice these days. He lives for it. And although talk radio puts bread on his plate, deep down inside he’s an FM guy who’d rather be singing. It’s not hard to find him harmonizing behind the mic at a local bars with his band very cleverly named WTF (West Tampa Four). Yes, the rock ‘n’ roller in Webb is always lurking, waiting to jump out and join in on any conversation that surrounds musicians or lend his voice to a song. The guy loves music almost as much as he loves the female form. Almost! Having published two books, Butt Of Course and A Black and White Tribute to Women, it’s hard to make an argument for music. And there is no doubt he possesses a certain charm when it comes to the opposite sex, always ready with a clever one-liner. For instance, upon passing a young lady who asked Webb “How are you?” he quickly replied, “pretty good, ask around” without breaking stride or glancing her way. Now that’s smooth. Male or female, Webb is a guy anybody would love to party with. Anyone except maybe Ron Reagan Jr. If you’ve listened to Webb even once, you know passion is not an emotion he hides, and he recently made national news by telling Reagan Jr., point blank, that he’d like to kick his ass. The now infamous incident occurred when Reagan, Jr. was on air with Webb and Harris promoting his new book that details his relationship with his father, the former President. Like a good hockey fight that starts from the drop of opening puck, the verbal jousting between the pole opposites began almost immediately and went on for nearly six minutes, at

3. In terms of who you most resembled in 1973, Gabe Kaplan or Santana? Gabe Kaplan 4. In terms of our borders, Mine Fields or Machine guns? Both 5. Boy shorts or T– backs? T backs 6. W or H.W.? W 7. Cheech or Chong? Cheech times humorous, at times uncomfortable. Webb, the staunch conservative though, saved his best line for last, telling Reagan Jr., “I’d like to buy two copies of your book, one to poop on and one to cover it up with.”

8. Olbermann vs. Tyson or Matthews vs. Pacquiao? Olbermann/ Tyson

My advice? If it comes down to a verbal skirmish, you want Webb on your side. Because like the lyrics of his favorite musician Van Morrison, he’s just a wild and crazy guy, tearing at the seams.

9. Doo Wop or Hip Hop? Doo wop

GETTING BACK TO WHERE YOU ONCE BELONGED If you’re like me, you often find yourself listening to radio personalities thinking, “yea, I could do that.” But in reality, it’s a gift very few possess. Yes, anybody can talk, but few can get paid for it. Because before IMAX, before DVD, before TV, there was radio. It’s what started it all.

10. Hi-Def or Hi-Fi? Hi def 11. John Madden or Joe Maddon? Joe 12. Van Morrison or Van Halen?

“It’s raw and it’s immediate,” Webb says of its staying power. You can see a lot in 48 years of broadcasting. When you’ve met the likes of Muhammad Ali, Lou Rawls and Burt Reynolds, you know you’ve been around. Webb has also seen history unfold in front of him, recalling being on the air when JFK was assassinated and when the planes hit the Twin Towers on 9/11. And while he loves to joke around, there is another side to this man, a side which takes his job very seriously and puts his heart and soul into each morning’s broadcast. I wrapped up my time with my new friend Tedd talking about the two things we agree on most, music and politics. Maybe I liked him so much because, like me, he longs to see America get back to the place it once was, a country where feelings weren’t so fragile and people had the balls to say and do what they knew was right.

Van Morrison 13. Sopranos or Corleones? Corleones

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He’s Too Sexy For This Column? Adam Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? That Simon and Garfunkel lyric from “Mrs. Robinson” always rings in my head. I didn’t live in the Yankee Clipper’s heyday, but I often refer to that line because it begs the question, what happened to men of character? Eve, it seems that with each passing year another tube of testosterone is sucked out of the average man. The scourge on masculinity has never been greater. And the final proof on that comes in the form of this past November’s People magazine, in which Ryan Reynolds was named “The Sexiest Man Alive” for 2010.

Charlton Heston is rolling over in his grave. I mean we all know the honor has always been kind of a crapshoot in terms of manly credibility anyway. On the one hand you

have Harrison Ford (1998), Denzel Washington (1996), John F. Kennedy, Jr. (1988), and Sean Connery (1989). These are guys who, in my book, can throw a football, go out to dinner not giving a crap about their hair, and who I’d trust to have my back in a bar fight. Juxtapose that with past winners like Mark Harmon (1986), Ben Affleck (2002), Jude Law (2004), and now Reynolds. All these guys I’m pretty sure were picked last when schoolyard football games were being played. For all I know, Jude Law may have been a male cheerleader and I’m guessing Affleck was the “Safe date” for the prom. I guess the term “Man” has taken on a different definition in these modern times. You women love him. Gay dudes too. I hear you pining over him. Me? I see him telling a joke over the intercom on a Southwest flight or asking if he can hold a dressing room for me. Plus, I think the average Joe like me wonders how the hell the guy made it in the first place. I know he was on Nickelodeon...where he sucked. Then somehow he found his way into roles of terrible movies like Van Wilder and Waiting…both of which sucked as well. But then he made the worst decision an up-and-coming actor can make in Hollywood, starring alongside Sandra Bullock in The Proposal. Clint Eastwood got a

pass for The Bridges of Madison County, an equally bad chick flick, but Reynolds is no Eastwood.

In fact Reynolds one slice of credibility came from the fact that he was schtupping Scarlett Johansson. But I think he dumped her following an intense one-onone water polo match against Clay Aiken. Oh, one more thing; he’s Canadian. What does that say about where the state of sexiness lies? The next thing I’m supposed to believe is that Howie Mandel is the funniest man alive or Bryan Adams is the best singer alive? We’re talking about a country that produced Alex Trebek, Martin Short and Dan Akroyd—not the best looking people on earth. I know how you’ll defend this choice, Eve. You’ll talk about his six pack abs and his sense of humor. Abs don’t make the man and Reynolds is one step away from being the next cast member

on Saturday Night Live, that’s how comically talented he is. What’s sad is that this was People magazine’s 25th Anniversary of their “Sexiest Man” issue. Put some balls behind the pick, for crying out loud. I mean, Nick Nolte in 1992 had everybody scratching their heads and George Clooney winning it twice (1997 and 2006) goes to show you that the gay vote does figure significantly, but Reynolds looks like the kind of guy who spends more time shaving his forearms than his face. Like his former lover, Alanis Morissette, wrote in her song about him, “he’s got one hand in his pocket and the other one’s keeping the closet door closed.”

Eve Oh Adam, why must you turn everything into a “if he looks better than me he’s got to be gay” thing? Don’t be like that, because quite honestly sometimes I think the laws of masculinity cease to exist in your world. However if you were up against someone like, let’s say,,,Chaz Bono as sexiest man alive, you would win, hands down. It’s about Sex Appeal. It’s about hotness. So what exactly makes a man sexy, you ask? Well it

certainly isn’t the likes of Gary Busey, although when your boy Nick Nolte graced the cover of People magazine, many readers confused the two actors. I assure you, they did. And to be confused with Gary Busey does not help one’s street credibility. So let me pinpoint the obvious. Sexy means a great face, great body, a little swagger, and a small touch of raw untamed sexuality. Being able to move on the dance floor doesn’t hurt either. Look at Justin Timberlake. If dancing says anything about a man, I’m sure he’s got a position or three in the sack. . I’m all hot and bothered just thinking about it. Maybe it’s the Sicilian in me. Who knows? But Adam there’s also that “it factor”… that certain something that you can’t pinpoint. You know what I mean, right? When you’re in their presence, all you can think about is them tearing your clothes off to get to your hot sweaty flesh and ravishing you with just a plain and simple kiss, Sort of like the way Dan Marino made you feel back in the day when he was doing

those Isotoner commercials. Thanks to something I like to call “research”, I found that the origin of the “Sexiest Man Alive” came from…that’s right, a female. In the mid 80s the magazine was getting ready to do a story on Mel Gibson and a female editor said “Oh my god he’s the sexiest man alive!” Then another person suggested they use that as a cover line. So when you suggest that People magazine put some balls behind the men they pick, think about what you’re saying. Remember, this is not Time magazine’s “Person of the Year”…Or your high school yearbook’s “most likely to succeed”. It’s the sexiest man alive. Not the manliest man alive. In other words readers want to see some eye candy. Look at Johnny Depp (2003). He’s grungy/”dirty elevator sex” sexy. Jude Law (2004) could get me to do anything he wanted in bed or over the kitchen counter, for that matter. And that accent! Denzel oozes sex from every pore on that smooth chocolate skin of his. SEX, Adam. Sex. And not only are

these men sexy as hell, they were each the hot commodity the year they won the title.

Unfortunately for you, Ryan Reynolds is the hot ticket this time around. Maybe his movie choices have little to be desired. Okay, and his choice of women for that matter. I mean really, what was he doing with Scarlett when he clearly could have been with me?!? Those luscious pecs and rock hard abs. He has a body women could love for minutes…uh, I mean years. His face has discrete sexiness and his sense of humor (yes, he has one… don’t hate) could possibly make some deserving female laugh AND have an orgasm at the same time.

Did I just say that? Anyway, I remember what a hottie he was in 2 Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. Not to mention that he was the only thing that redeemed that awful show. Then I drooled over him years later in Smoking Aces. And come June 17th he will be in my face; literally. Green Lantern opens in 3D. God I hope he’s shirtless. I’m sure the editors of People magazine don’t partake in some sort of scientific analysis or side-by-side comparison to pick their Sexiest Man. Instead they probably just make a list of who’s hot at the time and who will sell magazines. Maybe they’ll take a random poll or two, but that’s about it. Speaking of polls, I took one myself and asked my guy friends what they thought about the 2010 Sexiest Man Alive. Sadly enough they didn’t care much about it, just as you probably shouldn’t. Man-up Adam!

. What are your thoughts about becoming just the second undrafted rookie in NFL history to rush for more than 1000 yards (finished with 1007), the most among rookies this season? L. It’s exciting; it’s a lot of fun going out there and playing as a rookie. I’m very grateful.

Are there any running backs that you emulate or run like?

I don’t really compare myself to anybody. I don’t know anyone out there that runs like me. I have my own style, it’s “different.”

What are your plans for the off-season? I don’t have any bumps or bruises or injuries to heal over the off season, so it will be nice just to rest a little bit. I am going to a wedding of a former teammate of mine in Jamaica this February.

What’s the dating scene for you now that you’re in the spotlight? I have a girlfriend that I’ve been seeing for three years now.

Does she attend your games? Yes. As a matter a fact, she’s been to all of my home games, including college. The only game she missed was the Seattle [Seahawks] game. She was out West visiting her family and got home that evening.

What did you think about the throwback uniforms? I think they’re the best in league when it comes to throwback uniforms. Interview by Wayne Cathel and photos by Ross Krison.

Are you into the social media Facebook thing? No, I’m gonna have to get an “official” Twitter page cause there are about 6 Twitter accounts out there and everyone thinks it’s me.

Are you into the latest electronics? IPod, iPhones? Yeah, I have an iPad that I listen to music on. (continued)

(continued)

What are you listening to on that iPad? A song called “Never Would Have Made It.” it’s a gospel song by Marvin Sapp; I listen to that song before every game.

Are you a gamer? I like to play Madden, NCAA, Call of Duty, and a little Nintendo Wii, and some Mario Cart here and there.

Do you live in Tampa? I’m living in Tampa right now, but I do travel the 3 hours to visit family and friends in Perry, Florida. That’s where I’m from.

What was a favorite NFL football team that you had growing up? I always liked the Miami Dolphins as a kid growing up.

Do you play any other sports? Football field in Perry, FL.

©Wayne Cathel

I bowl and play some hoops…my bowling and my basketball is a little above average.

Did you ever run track in high school? Yes, most of the football team did to stay in shape in the off-season. I ran the 4x100 and long jump.

(continued)

How about hurdles? No, I saw too many people fall and get hurt.

What about your hurdling over players? The turf is a little more forgiving than the track surface.

What are your expectations for the 2011 season? With me,

Mike Williams, Josh (Freeman) and our receivers coming back, you know,

with all of us rookies coming together and still being together next season is going to be a huge thing for us. All of us came from different programs and different times and it took us time to adjust, but when everything got in sync, well you saw how powerful our offense can be!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to seeing how good our offense will be next year. Thanks to:

www.itsross.com

Small Changes = Big Results Fred Pressley, NESTA Certified Sports Nutrition Coach, Max Muscle South Tampa

ver hear the adage, you are what you eat? Hmm, I have never turned into a bull from eating steak, a fish from eating salmon, or a bird from eating chicken, although sometimes I wish I could fly away. But I see people who eat doughnuts with tire tubes around their waistline and people who eat high sugar/high fat foods with fat around their arms and unsightly wrinkles below their butts. So perhaps there is something to that old adage stated above when it comes to nutrition and exercise. Proper nutrition and exercise is more a behavioral issue than anything else. Pay attention to your behaviors and habits when it comes to eating and incorporating supplemental nutrition. When you make small changes in your habits and make them consistent, those small changes become the norm. Small changes in your habits can mean big results towards successfully reaching your fitness goals. Here are some examples of small habit changes that I think make a huge impact:

1. A few days a week, instead of your shot of 5-hour ENERGY® or coffee, get up early and start your day with some egg whites with multigrain toast or oatmeal.

2. Stop guessing and write things down. Keep a food and exercise log to see if you are making progress, or if you are cheating too much.

3. Join a running group or exercise class at your local gym. People will look forward to you coming and that can be a great motivator for you.

4. Set goal objectives that start with “I will…” and commit to them, such

as: “I will lose 2 pounds per week,” “I will gain 2 pounds of muscle per week,” “I will eat 4-5 small meals per day,” “I will fit into those J Brand skinny jeans.”

5. Commit

to someone other than yourself: your child, spouse, best friend, or lover. When we are accountable to someone else we are more likely to follow through.

Being healthy is a long-term commitment. It is human nature to look for the quick fix or the “magic pill.” There are no shortcuts or fast rides when it comes to losing weight, gaining muscle, and being healthier. Get off the rollercoaster and develop healthy habits that become normal habits that you will be able to maintain for the rest of your life. This way takes more discipline, hard work, and consistency, but it will last a lifetime and you’ll be happier with the results. For more information on health, fitness and nutrition, contact Fred Pressley at getmaxfit@yahoo.com or visit Max Muscle South Tampa at 1540 South Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33629.

1540 South Dale Mabry Hwy • Mon-Thur 10-8, Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 • 813-253-2300

Mention What’s Hot and receive 20% off a purchase of $50 or more.

76 BS: What motivates you to fight? NB: Lots of things. One, among many, is my daughter. She spends a lot of time here. I want to make this worth it, not only for her, but for my family also. [My family] has very little history of accomplishing anything. Very few have a good history in school. They’re all housewives or farm girls, so I definitely want to excel in something that’s superior to that. I refuse to be a mediocre wife. I want to be a wife, but not just a wife. I don’t want to just be a graduate student, but a champion. I want to eventually be remembered for something that’s huge.

By: Basil Spyridakos Photos by Jim Burkett

BS: You’re ranked 8th in the nation. You just defeated Cameron Cruz in a state tournament. This was for the Olympic Trials?

he 2012 Olympics are a little over a year away, and Tampa Bay once again has an athlete to stand behind. Female boxing debuts at the 2012 Games in London, and Noemi Bosques is climbing her way to the top, attempting to follow in the footsteps of the great Jeff Lacy. What’s Hot Tampa Bay sits down with the 8th ranked female boxer in the nation, as Noemi breaks down her family, being a mother, and excelling as an Olympic hopeful.

NB: It’s one of the tournaments for the Olympic Trials. BS: Tell me about the Olympic Trials and what you have to do to propel yourself into the Olympics. NB: There’s a long process. Even once you qualify, for example this past tournament, you have to qualify top four to be involved in what’s called the “Box-Offs,” and then you have a series of tournaments after that to qualify you into the Olympics. So, basically all year you have to be fighting. You have to win this and keep fighting, then do this and keep fighting against other countries. You just have to keep winning.

Basil Spyridakos: How did you get started with boxing? Noemi Bosques: I started when I was four or five years old. My dad would hold up his hands and be like, “Throw a one-two with this hand first then this one.” He’d grab me and wrestle with me. It was awesome, especially for a little girl to have that attention from her father. Then, of course, being a teenager I would always play around with the guys outside. I didn’t like to play with dolls. We all put on gloves and go at it! There were no rules back then though. Officially, I started training when I was 18 years old at 66th Boxing Club in Pinellas Park and that’s where I started learning and fighting. BS: You mentioned your father. It seems like he was a huge inspiration. NB: Absolutely. My dad, [when I was] growing up, was a pastor of a church. He made his mistakes like every man does. [Fathers] are not perfect. He made a huge mistake and it’s the reason I admire him because

(continued)

he came back strong, and right now he owns his own radio station in Orlando. He’s an inspiration, not only in my life, but also in other people’s lives by talking about his experiences. He talks about how not to be perfect, but to make it a goal to be your best. He spent a lot of time talking to me about how to work your psychology and how to be strong mentally, and he’s got all my respect. BS: What brought you to 4th Street Gym? You could’ve picked a few different places. Why here? NB: I did go to a few places, but it was the environment here. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they have what they call a “group circle” where they do a whole bunch of floor exercises and I became fond of that challenge when I first got here. I was 140 pounds when I got here and I noticed rapid weight loss at this gym because of the group circles. Then I started getting better and they were motivating me to push myself and wanting to do it more. The challenge kept me wanting to come here. Oh, and great sparring too. BS: It seems like there aren’t too many girls here, so I’m assuming you have to spar with the guys. NB: There’s just one other girl here and she’s a pro. Jenna “Cowgirl” Shiver, you’ve probably heard of her. She’s been the only girl I’ve sparred with on a regular basis. The rest are amateur guys. They’re strong. They’re fast. Sometimes it can be hard, but I could see myself getting better with time. When I see myself getting better, it makes me want to keep sparring with the guys.

Noemi Bosques (continued) Sherman Henson (Noemi’s boxing coach): She has the best chance of representing the U.S. in the upcoming Olympics in London, England. Each day she keeps getting better and better. She’s like a sponge. You spill something, she absorbs it. She’s always looking to improve herself. And that’s all you can ask for from any athlete or boxer. BS: What would it mean for you to represent the United States in London for the 2012 Olympics? NB: That would be a huge deal because I come from a family where everyone’s a housewife. Everybody was a farmer when they were teenagers picking coffee beans in Puerto Rico. I’d be the first person in my family to create something that would be legendary. Not only in my family, but the whole world, because women’s boxing has never been a part of the Olympics before. I would be a legend in my family, but also a legend forever. BS: That’s a positive way of looking at it. I like that. Speaking of “legendary,” when I say to you: Winky Wright, David Santos, Jeff Lacy, what do those names mean to you? NB: To me, Jeff Lacy and Winky Wright and David Santos, they’ve all been our hometown champions. And everyone may have their opinions of them and what their careers are currently going through, but Jeff Lacy won the bronze medal in the Olympics. He’s the first one out of St. Petersburg to accomplish that. He’s a role model. Jeff Lacy is someone that I look up to and respect.

BS: Lacy was the first. How much do you want to be the first woman? NB: That would mean everything to me. That would be a lifetime of stories, a lifetime of opportunity. I don’t only see it as boxing. Being involved and winning something like that would open so many doors. I’m ready for it. BS: Are there any charities you support and are involved with? NB: My favorite one is definitely the KO for Breast Cancer. They have shows on a yearly basis. I’m a fan of that charity because it’s something that has affected every family. Everyone knows someone who has had breast cancer or has died from it. I feel like I can help them and I keep fighting for their shows. I would love to continue to work with them. IHOP has the Miracle Network for children at the hospitals. We work with them two or three times a year. Make-A-Wish Foundation. Those are some of the ones that we work for. BS: You’re becoming quite the popular lady in the Tampa Bay area. Do you have something to say to your fans out there? NB: Keep your eye out for Noemi Bosques. Not only am I trying to strive to be the best fighter, but the best entertainer as well. I try to go out there and give it my all every time. The best part is I don’t look all rough and mean. I’m also a lady. BS: Good luck in the upcoming Olympic Trials. NB: Thanks. www.kobreastcancer.com wishcentralfl.wish.org