What's Hot Tampa Bay (January Issue 2010) by What's Hot Tampa Bay

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What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

www.asibe.com

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CONTENTS Lifestyle • Health • Art • Fashion • Sports • Entertainment Rising Star Keith Thurman Interview

Shining Star An interview with Brian Johnson of AC/DC by Steve Luongo

Pairings

pg.

Beer Pairings for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Council Oak

This One’s For You by Todd Kieth Tampa Artist Emporium Joyce Koerner & Richard Stewart by Sandra Jarrett

Be Positive Don’t Stop Believing by Dave Norrie

Fashion Focus 22 How to conceal figure flaws and those unwanted pounds by Ro Martinez

Millionaire’s Minute 28 Alternate investments you’ve never heard of by James Cordier

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Volume 1

G N I N I SH STAR pg.

ISSUE

Brian Johnson

PHOTO BY Donald Weber , Getty Images

The Dish 30 Hot Street Treats that will make your ball drop by Eddie Shumard Bringing the right wine for the right occasion? by Dave Madera Holiday Flava by Lance Nichols

Adam vs. Eve Santa Claus: A Man’s Man

Elite Traveler Lovin’ St. Lucia by Tammy Levent

Star Sightings & More!

Talks with What’s HOT about what it’s like to be a part of the rock legend, AC/DC.

Step Up to the Plate in 2010 50 by Ryan Watson More Than A Game THE OUTBACK BOWL by Ryan Watson

Denard Span

Clifton Smith

Rochelle Alvarez

Gasparilla- Hard Rock Style! 36 by Lance Nichols

What’s Hot at LIT 62 What’s HOT was at LIT in Channelside for a retro-style evening of elegance.

Children’s Cancer Center Blue and White Party by Phillip M. Haywood Jr.

Be Healthy Fit in my 40’s by Conna Chillura

Hidden Stars Monstah Lobstah by Ian Beckles

Celebrity and event photo galleries

Happy New Year

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

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PUBLISHER Ian Beckles

EDITOR Dave Norrie ART DIRECTOR/LEAD DESIGNER Ruben Carbonell WEBMASTER/SENIOR DESIGNER Bert Price DIRECTOR OF SALES Billy Castro PUBLICIST Brandi Kamenar SALES & MARKETING David May CONTROLLER Dayle Urquhart PRINTER Done Right Documents CONTRIBUTORS Ten Minute, Brian Elledge, Laura Hunt SPECIAL THANKS Audrey Woods COVER ARTIST Ruben Carbonell

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S HOT IN TAMPA BAY? WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SALES PEOPLE. WE ALSO OFFER INTERNSHIPS IN FASHION, PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN CONTACT US AT Info@whatshottampabay.com

12 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Keith

“ONE TIME”

Thurman WH: Boxing is a rough sport. It’s not like little league baseball growing up. So when and how did you decide you wanted to put on the gloves? KT: I can remember back to an exhibition of an amateur boxing event at Bel Air Elementary which was put on by a guy who would eventually be one of my trainers, Ben Getty. I was 7 years old and I saw he had one of his smaller amateurs go up against the biggest kid in school. After that I grabbed a sign up sheet and I’ve been boxing since. WH: If you weren’t boxing what would you be doing? KT: I’ve always liked computers, and if I wasn’t boxing I think I’d be into something like graphic design. WH: The life of a fighter isn’t always an easy one, so what’s been the most difficult thing that’s happened to you? KT: Life happens every day. I try to stay focused on the future and try not to allow the past to hold me back. I’ve always been fighting for others and I bring my family with me into the ring. Boxing has provided me with a life, an opportunity. Though it may be a simple life, it’s my life. This is my experience and this is all I got. WH: When people talk about Keith Thurman, what would you like them to say? KT: I hope they say that I’m a young and upcoming prospect, that has put in the work and continues to work hard. And I hope they say that they enjoy coming out to support me and the boxing world in a positive manner. I’d also like to hear that I’m going to be a World Champion because that’s what I’m fighting for. WH: What do you see happening in 2010? KT: Big things. I’m excited for 2010, and I’m ready for big things to happen. I’m ready to rumble! The time has come for national exposure and definitely getting into the ranks. WH: What does the word, AS*I*BE mean to you? KT: Boxing! It’s all I need and I have faith it will carry my life and my being. Photo by Bert Price

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Brian Johnson of AC/DC by Steve Luongo

Only a handful of bands demand instant credibility at the mention of their name. Even fewer can be spoken about as rock n’ roll legends. But in the days before the outfits were more important than the riffs and the soul of a band wasn’t carefully constructed by a video director, AC/DC ruled. When Scottish born brothers Malcom and Angus Young combined talents with lead singer Bon Scott, they captured lightning in a bottle and a unique sound which produced the legendary album Highway to Hell. But just a year later, in February of 1980, Scott, who was only 33 years old, died after a night of heavy alcohol consumption. The group considered disbanding but decided to hold auditions for Scott’s replacement much to the dismay of many fans who thought replacing his unique vocals would be impossible. That was until they heard the raw and raspy Brian Johnson. Johnson joined the group and the band put out their first album with him as front man, Back in Black, in July of 1980. To this day, Back in Black remains the second highest selling album of all time second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller with an estimated 49 million copies sold. AC/DC was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2003. What you may not know is that although Johnson has traveled the world and played to millions of fans across the planet, he calls Sarasota, Florida his home. Rock n’ Roll history resides in the Sunshine State. What’s HOT: Let’s go back to the beginning of your career with AC/DC. How did you feel about replacing Bon Scott? Brian Johnson: “It was just one of those things. He was a lovely, lovely man and I had worked with him about 6 years before, when we were both starving young musicians in England, in Northern England. He was over with his parents from Australia when we met him. And he said to his boys, ‘There’s one singer in northern England that I really like, and he’s called

G N I N I H S STAR Brian Johnson.’ And the boys never forgot it. They never really did forget what he said. And when he passed on, they just sort of started to look for me. They said, listen, why don’t I get in the band? So basically, it was bittersweet. It was a bittersweet moment if you can imagine that. It was sort of happy and sad at the same time. But they were big shoes to fill and I knew I had to give it a shot. You know it was either do or die. So you try the best you can, and fortunately, the first thing we did was Back in Black, which the boys helped me write, really a classic. ‘I’ll give it a shot,’ I said. And it did actually go on to be one of the biggest selling albums the world has had. It was good. I felt like part of the family.” WH: Back in Black was such a major success and it was so fast for you. How did you handle that? Did you suffer from immediate success syndrome? BJ: “Absolutely! I remember when I got me first check. I’ll never forget it. Nineteen years old and it was a check for $36,000. And I went ‘WOW!!! What’ll I do?’ So I went down and bought a Chevrolet Blazer. But I lived in New Castle in the north of England near the Scotch border. I bought a Chevy Blazer, an SUV. And it was black and white; the same colors as my football team’s colors. I was the king of the road! It was the biggest, nastiest, most wonderful American thing! It almost looked like the Space Shuttle compared to those teensy little English cars you see running around. And I may have gone over the top a little bit, but I’m only 5’5 ½” and I think it was this syndrome of being little and I wanted to be big. So I bought a Sherman tank.” WH: I have to ask about your racing career. How did you get into racing? BJ: “I got into it about 12 years ago as a birthday present. And I just got more and more into it. And now it’s just me life. I just love it. I was racing in Atlanta – I don’t like to talk about it, but I won. And I’ve gone to Seabring – I don’t like to talk about it, but I won. I just love being in it. I love the thrill of the revved engine. And you

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 15

Brian Johnson interview know it’s not much different from getting on stage for a concert. You know, you have to have a controlled aggression. You can’t just get up there, jump in the car and be filthy bloody fast immediately. You have to pace yourself, you know? It’s the same with a concert. It’s good for me that it’s controlled. You can’t let the lid lift over your eyes and just snarl your way through it. It’s just not going to work. And it’s the same as being on stage. You know, you have to be up for 2 ½ hours, and you can’t just go dancing around, because after that, you’re going to need oxygen. We don’t have stuff like professional footballers – ‘I want a time-out. I’m just pooped. I’ve been running from these BIG guys.’ You know what I mean?” WH: How long have you lived in Sarasota?

doing my kicks.”

WH: You are so funny. Are you always this WH: Yes, but were you looking forward to it. funny? BJ: “I got suckered into it. But all the guys who BJ: “I love to laugh. I really do. You get people were doing this are just so wonderful. And it’s in music who are miserable. They have no right good to do a good cause without making a big to be miserable, no right whatsoever to be publicity stunt. We just went out and no one got miserable. Because they are in a position that any money or anything. And it was for a charity everybody wants to be in, and I can’t stand it. I where all the money goes straight into the hands just want to smack people who are very wealthy of the beneficiaries. It was just a wonderful way and famous, and people adore them and love to do it rather than doing a big TV thing where them. And when you see them talking to people it costs more money to put the bloody thing on and they’re miserable, I just want to kick ‘em.” than the money that you’re going to get. But this was good. We just got back into the trenches, got WH: How did you feel about being inducted our hands dirty, traveled on buses, (thought we’d into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? probably run out of underpants before the end.) And the thing of it is, at the end of it all, good

BJ: “You wouldn’t believe it unless you were there. There’s really no way to describe it. I mean, Jesus, the people that were there. And the wonderful talent Steven Tyler who inducted us, was the funniest I’ve ever seen him. He was just hilarious. And there was one of me best friends in the world, Greg Billings. He’s from Clearwater. You know the Greg Billings Band? They are absolutely excellent. In fact, we go to London together. Each and every year we go WH: No, you’re not boring me at all. Let me ask with the wives. And we stop over in England and you, has your style changed at all over the last get on a big old canal barge and have great fun. couple of years? We sing songs, get drunk, fall off the boat, and guess what? Get back on the boat, have another BJ: “Well, the thing is, there are changes. You drink and sing another song. “ get older just naturally, you know, you just have to pace yourself a little more. I mean I’m in full WH: How did you get into the Classic Rock training most of the time, and I was gearing up Cares Concert? for the first time in 5 years to play with the band. It’s been a hell of a long down period. Those BJ: “You know, there’s Cliff Williams who’s songs that were sung then were sung by a young friends with Mark Hitt and Steve Luongo. And man. I look back at those rippling muscles, Cliff rang me and said ‘Brian, would you just and the legs like the cart horses that could run come down and have a talk and see if you fancy forever. Now it’s just a bugger because me doing this?’ And I thought he was just talking diaphragm keeps getting in the way when I’m about doing just one gig – the sneaky little git. BJ: “I’ll be in Sarasota 19 years now, and I’ll be in Florida 25 years. Sarasota’s my home now. It’s where I live. It’s where all my friends are. I just love it here, apart from the crazy American sport you play here. Why can’t you get a good soccer game here? What happened to the Tampa soccer team? I don’t mean to bore you. I must sound like one big bowel movement.”

And then it turned out to be three weeks.”

stuff happened. It wasn’t just a benefit. It wasn’t just people coming to sing and have a good time; you had an added bonus, you know? What we did wasn’t coming across as pompous and shitty, you know what I mean?” WH: What excited you most on this tour? BJ: “The fans! I hadn’t seen any fans in so many years. We had requests coming in from Germany, England, and France. We even had some people coming over on charter flights to see the gig. I thought it would be a good interesting gig to watch, but I didn’t think it would cause the excitement it did. It was so long since me and Cliff (Williams) had performed, but I guess even half of AC/DC was better than none, the good half. But you know, the John Entwistle Foundation is a wonderful revolving door of a band. It’s a great thing.” For more information on the John Entwistle Foundation, visit www.johnentwistle.org. Go ahead, make a difference in the life of a child.

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This One’s For You

There is a good reason why beer is one of the world’s most popular drinks: It goes with everything—or simply nothing at all by Todd Kieth

It’s easy to see why Americans love their beer: Unpretentious, casual, and refreshing, beer’s qualities are remarkably similar to what we Americans like to imagine ourselves to be. Just as our appreciation of wine has deepened over the years, so too has our recognition that beer’s complexity of aromas and flavors equals, or possibly surpasses, that of wine.

manager at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. She suggests deciding whether you want the beer to complement your meal or contrast with it. If your food is spicy, choose a mild variety for contrast (heavy spice would obliterate delicate beer). If you’re enjoying a rich, creamy dessert, a creamy beer blends nicely (cream stout with chocolate, for instance).

Humorist and beer enthusiast Dave Barry recognizes this. “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer,” he asserts. “Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” Barry was speaking tongue-in-cheek, of course, but he would no doubt appreciate the range of beer choices at Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. With more than 20 types of beer available, it’s a sure bet Barry would find just the right one to go with his slice of pepperoni. “There are generally no rules when it comes to pairing beer with food, so drink what you enjoy,” says Michelle Waterhouse, beverage

Most beer drinkers wash down buffalo wings and pizza with lagers (think Budweiser, Miller, Coors, Yuengling) to truly quench their thirst. Others enjoy pilsner (Samuel Adams) with a sharp cheese or curry because it has the zip to stand up to more complicated fare. With a burger or steak, a crisp European lager cleans the palate (Stella Artois, Heineken, Amstel Light). And if your choice is stout (Guinness, Murphy’s), it’s likely that you’re eating grilled meat or even chocolate. So whether you are taking a break at Center Bar, Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Floyd’s, or Council Oak, feel free to experiment. You’re sure to find some new favorites.

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 19

BEER PAIRINGS: Suggestions at Tampa and Hollywood’s Council Oak

RAW BAR SAMPLER +

Samuel Adams Boston Lager With the king crab, shrimp, oysters, and such, you just have to think, “Seafood, Boston, lager.” It just goes with the whole theme

COUNCIL OAK CRAB CAKES +

Yuengling A light and refreshing lager like Yuengling holds up very well with the richness of this popular appetizer.

DECADENT CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE + Black & Tan The dessert has grappa cherries and Chantilly cream, so this draft mix from the bar— a combination of half Guinness and half Bass Ale— matches well with its chocolaty flavor.

ROAST PRIME RIB OF BEEF +

Guinness Stout This is a robust beer to go with a robust steak— a classic pairing to enjoy.

OZZIE’S SPINACH SALAD +

Blue Moon This Belgian wheat ale, spiced with orange peel and coriander, is a great match with this salad that features dried cherries, pine nuts, and a cherry vinaigrette dressing.

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Joyce Koerner & Richard Stewart by Sandra Jarrett, Tampa Artist Emporium

Our art section this month features contemporary artist, Joyce Koerner, and fine art photographer Richard Stewart, both known worldwide. Joyce Koerner, a former northeasterner, found her way to Florida as a summa cum laude graduate of University of South Florida with her degree in art history. She presented her early work throughout the East coast over the years, and then began experimenting with cartoon images popularized by Roy Lichtenstein and found her niche. Joyce since is in demand all across America as well as Europe and Asia. Her contemporary cartoon characters find their way on walls in both framed works and large murals. The commentary in her work can be distinguishing to the owner and commissioned specifically to one’s liking. These clever characters are entertaining and a conversation piece for any collector.

Richard Stewart, our represented Photographer this month in What’s Hot Tampa Bay, is an award-winning photographer having worked as a journalist and p hotographer for more than 30 years. Receiving his B.A. in communications from the University of California at Berkeley, Richard then traveled extensively, following his dream. An early project was a book on Istanbul which he wrote and illustrated. Now a resident of Tampa Bay, Richard focuses on fine art photography, adding to the collections of several private collectors. All of his work is printed using state-of-the-art archival technology. You can experience an array of Koerner’s and Stewart’s work at the Tampa Artist Emporium along with 100 local area artists who come together to present in all forms and mediums. The Tampa Artist Emporium is where you can enjoy the unique, affordable works of our full- time resident artists, ever changing for your return visits. The gallery offers a collection of photography, jewelry, ceramics, paintings and sculpture. Please visit our website for gallery events and openings www.tampaartistemporium.com. Support Local Art.

ABOUT THE EMPORIUM

The Tampa Artist Emporium strives to bring high-quality art to the Tampa Bay Area and collaborates with various art organizations to actively promote art education and develop community awareness in the arts. In addition, the facility also hosts events which present a rare opportunity for tconsumers and admirers to view one-of-a-kind art and meet the artists behind the pieces. For instance, the first Friday of each month hosts Emerge, a show featuring the work of up-and-coming artists, allowing them an opportunity to exhibit their work in a recognized gallery. So whether the works of emerging artists or that of full-time residents, The Tampa Artist Emporium offers an exceptional selection in all mediums providing designers with a choice for all clients and price points. The Tampa Artist Emporium located at 3415 Bay to Bay Blvd in South Tampa between S. MacDill Ave. and S. Dale Mabry. Please visit our website www.tampaartistemporium.com

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HOW TO CONCEAL FIGURE FLAWS AND THOSE UNWANTED POUNDS

Fashion Focus

by Ro Martinez

“Plus-size women willingly pay for quality, style and comfortable clothing. Many are in the workforce, where looking good is almost as important as performance. Larger women no longer feel the need to wear only black or tent-like clothing. Department stores and specialty shops have sales personnel who can answer any questions about proper fit and will put together a great looking outfit.” - Modeling At Any Age (Seaside Publishing, Copyright 2008) No matter how hard we try, at this time of the year the scale seems to creep up and gaining 10 pounds is not unusual. Those office parties, house parties, family dinners and the stress of trying to do it all do not help. We tend to eat more when we dine with others or when we are in front of a buffet. Before we know it we do not feel good about the way we look or how our clothes fit. Getting ready for our next event becomes a chore, and now we have nothing to wear. While there is no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, wearing the proper wardrobe and undergarments can effectively conceal those unwanted pounds. Have you ever asked, “Have you lost weight?” only to hear the response, “No, it’s the outfit.” This emphasizes the effect clothing can have on how you look. Undergarments provide the much-needed foundation and allow clothing to fit properly. The larger the size the more important the proper undergarments are. Control top pantyhose and a good underwire bra with built-in support will become an asset. As a fit model I worked with manufacturers trying on samples and making fit comments before the garments were sold to stores and eventually the consumer. I learned one thing: most people do not wear the right size. Just because you may be a size 12 for one manufacturer does not mean you will wear a 12 for all brands. You may be a 14 in one designer brand and a 16 in another. What makes it more difficult to make a selection is the additional breakdown of junior, missy and women’s sizes. Although there are standards, every manufacturer has their own sizing chart. Since everyone wants to have the best image possible, find your correct size and become familiar with a variety of brands. This will help you select a properfitting garment, one that is both comfortable and will disguise any figure flaws. Our plus-size model Molly in the “before” photo wears an improper fitting top, undergarments that offer no support and a skirt that is too long for the type of sandals on her feet. She has also tucked in her top bringing emphasis to her full midsection. In the “after” photo she is wearing a look for a night on the town; one color from head to toe elongates her body. The dress has simple classic lines without buttons, pockets or zippers that can stop the eye near the midsection. A splash of color around her

shoulders and neck draws your eyes upward bringing attention to her beautiful face. Jewelry will have the same affect. Don’t be afraid to show your arms or to wear a halter dress as long as you are wearing your correct size. Plus-size women tend to cover their arms, but as you can see from this photo, there is no need to. Kelly Matchbitz, Certified Image Consultant, said this about the wardrobe plus-size women choose, “What I notice about my plus-size clients is that they try to camouflage their weight by wearing ill-fitting, oversized, shapeless clothing. Tunic tops that are too large and do not fit the shoulders. Shift dresses that are boxy and have no shape to them. They should choose fabrics that skim the body instead of clinging to the curves. Draw attention to a great feature. Most people have at least one great feature; their neck, collar bone or back. Highlight the positive and take the focus away from the negative by using accessories such as necklaces or scarves.” Weight gain for women tends to occur in one of these areas; bust, midsection, hips, thighs or bottom. The following tips will help detract or camouflage each of these areas:

AVOID -

• Garments with buttons that pull in your fullest area • Short tops, tucking anything in or belts to cinch a garment at the waist if you have a full middle • White or light colors on the bottom • Pockets on the front or side as these can add bulk • Clothing too large; making you look sloppy, or too tight; making you look like a stuffed sausage

DO TRY –

• Wear longer tops in a stretch fabric • Use accessories around your face to bring color and the eye upward • Go for a longer blazer left open • Wear dark slacks with a flat front • Wear monochromatic colors from top to bottom with a contrasting blazer

No matter what size you wear or how much weight you gain at the end of the year, selecting proper fitting garments will not only allow you to look your best but also boost your confidence. Let’s face it: when you look good, you feel good. Increased confidence leads to you becoming more positive, more productive and a person others want to be around. Before you reach for just any dress for that black tie event, review the points above because first impressions do count!

www.modeling-beginningtobooking.com Ro Martinez, Acting and Model Coach, Author www.totalfashionmakeover.com Kelly Matchbitz, Certified Image Consultant Ross Krison, Photographer / Photo Credit

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BE POSITIVE

by Dave Norrie

2010. It’s hard to get used to saying that number. Many than ever in terms of politics and we’re continof us probably looked at that number when we ually let down by the people who we thought were kids and figured we’d be getting around in were role models. flying vehicles like the Jetsons by now. Not too long ago, I was listening to the radio and Ask yourself this. As we put to bed the first heard the Journey song “Don’t Stop Believing” decade of the new millennium, how many of us and thought to myself, ‘what a simple motto to are exactly where we want to be? How many of try and live by as we enter 2010’. Because I think us are perfectly content with our career path, our when you do stop believing, it opens the door love life, our social life, where we live, what kind for things like alcohol and drugs to enter your of car we drive, our emotional happiness, our life and take over. They become a substitute for happiness and dull the pain of our unfulfilled bodies, etc... expectations in life. Whether it’s material or emotional, dreams and a hope for a better future are what keep us living But this isn’t about drugs and alcohol and it’s day to day. If we stop dreaming or stop believing not some type of cheerful Hallmark card. This that there is a brighter tomorrow then what do is about urging all of you reading this to keep believing, because dreams are what fuel us. we have left? Nothing. That’s the correct answer. We die internally. New Year’s. Typically the time when we set new goals for ourselves, make resolutions and have a wellspring of internal optimism. After all, January 1st marks a new beginning. However, if you’ve looked at the value of your house lately or gasped at the fact we’ve hit 10 percent unemployment, it’s easy to let your mind turn to the negative. The country seems more divided

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING? Look, let’s say you’re 22 years old or younger. I know where you are. You have goals and dreams but they are so far off, there is so much time to achieve them. After all, you’re in your early twenties; now is the time to live life carefree and have fun.

Ok, in general, if you’re in your mid- to late twenties, hopefully you’re working toward your goal, chasing your dream. You’re on a career path, maybe in a relationship that seems to be going somewhere and you’re still feeling invincible. It’s still easy to wake up and be positive. But then here is where it gets hard. You’ve hit your thirties or forties. With a decade or two to look back on, you vividly remember being 20 and saying, “in five years from now, I’ll be married, have a kid or two and be in a great job.” But oh shit, maybe that didn’t happen. And it rarely does. Life rarely pans out the way you imagine it in your youth, for better or worse. And at this stage, we can kid ourselves that time is on our side, but it’s not. We lost a decade. Although we didn’t really “lose it.” Hopefully you learned a hell of a lot in that decade and won’t make the same mistakes twice. Maybe you went through a long relationship or divorce. Or maybe you worked in a job for a number of years then one day you realized “this sucks, I gotta do something else. I can’t take this shit another day.” Maybe, like so many Americans, you got laid off and wake up thinking each day ‘what now’? (continued)

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BE POSITIVE “...Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up....”

Thomas Edison

SUCCESS CAN STRIKE AT ANY Martha Stewart was a stockbroker of all things And maybe it will, maybe it won’t, but the key at age 30. It wasn’t until she and her husband here is the belief, the hope, the dreams. TIME Whatever the situation, good or bad, we evolve and we adapt to changes in our world. It’s the pursuit of happiness which drives us to get out of bed each day. There are endless examples of how, if you open your mind to possibilities and follow your dreams, you can achieve the unachievable. Al Jarreau, the famous jazz vocalist, didn’t release his first album until he was 38. Comedic actor Jim Carrey may have felt dumb while living out of a Volkswagen van and working as a janitor early in his life. But after inking a $20 million deal to co-star in the Cable Guy in 1996, he wasn’t so dumb after all. In May of 2007, ventriloquist/comedian Terry Fator was performing at a state fair in Houston, Texas to an audience of one, a 12-year-old boy. Certainly one of the most humbling experiences of his life. One month later, in June, he made his first appearance on America’s Got Talent, eventually winning the Grand Prize of $1 million. On May 13, 2008, Fator signed a five-year deal to perform nightly at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. The deal was reported to be worth $100 million. At the age of 40, Harland David Sanders was cooking chicken out of his living quarters at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky. At the age of 65, using $105 from his first Social Security check, he began to fund potential franchisees. At 74, the Colonel, as he became known to America, sold the Kentucky Fried Chicken corporation for $2 million to a partnership of Kentucky businessmen.

restored a beat-down farmhouse in Connecticut that she realized her true calling. Without dreams we’re dead. We’re a blade of grass. My point is, we all have dreams. I’ve been chasing dreams for as long as I can remember. I’m strug- YOU ARE NOT ALONE gling to be a writer. I’m struggling to find true love. There have been a handful of jobs and a The next time you’re at a stoplight at a busy handful of women. Times when I’ve wanted to intersection and cars are just passing one after throw in the towel and times when I’ve thought, another, remember that each person thinks they “now I have something.” are the most important person on the earth. And in every single car passing there is a dream. It’s easy, especially in today’s economy to feel like Some are fulfilled, some are on their way to you want to shake your hands at the sky and ask being fulfilled and some will never be realized. why. But, I have a roof over my head, food in my But everyone has one. With all the celebrity stomach and some money in my pocket. watching that goes on these days, perhaps our dreams are skewed. Everyone can’t be rich or be on television. And many of those who are, aren’t truly happy anyway. I’m not one of those people who makes a big deal out of quotes, in fact, nine out of 10 times they annoy me. But I came across an excellent one that inspired me and I’d like to share. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison Read it, then go back and read it again. It’s so true. Don’t give up the quest, whatever your dream may be, because it could happen the next day. At least if you try your best you can’t look back and say, ‘what if ?’

So, I think back to those Journey lyrics again, DON’T GIVE UP. DON’T EVER “Don’t stop believing.” If I thought my life was at its best point right now, I could cope with that. GIVE UP! I’m certainly happy and I know there are a lot of In March of 1993, eight weeks before he died of people worse off. cancer, former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano delivered a speech at the The famous opera singer Andrea Bocelli was But I believe in every new day. I believe in God. ESPN ESPY Awards. If you’re a sports fan, working as a lawyer, moonlighting at a piano bar I believe in destiny. I truly believe the path I’m surely you know of it. It captivated the audience at age 30. Twenty years later, he’s sold over 70 on will lead to my dreams. and the world because here was a man who knew million albums worldwide. (continued on Pg. 61)

28 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Article Title by author

Playing the Percentages: The High Probability Strategy of Writing Option Premium on the Futures Markets By: James Cordier, Liberty Trading Group, Tampa, FL

investors with no prior experience have been very close to their entry levels, meaning even testing the waters of this highly leveraged, and if they accurately predict the ultimate market direction, they will often be stopped out before often misunderstood investment vehicle. the market makes the move they were anticiInvesting in commodities, however, is not for pating. This is why many new investors will lose everyone. With the leverage comes faster and money in commodities and miss out on much sometimes sizable profits. But leverage can also of the price movement happening in today’s result in the opposite effect of faster and more markets. significant loss. Despite the CRB monthly index, individual commodities markets can fluctuate up But what if a trader did not have to decide? and down to different degrees on a daily, weekly What if he did not have to determine which or even monthly basis. Because of the leverage, way the market was going to move? What if, they are most often traded on a short term in exchange for giving up his chance to make basis rather than buying and holding for the a large windfall with one big move, one could long term. While commodity index funds have free himself from the daily whims of the market gained more popularity in recent years, and settle for making smaller, yet surprisingly most individual investors get their first consistent gains over and over? In this situation, taste of futures by buying a contract of your profits would be limited on each individual crude oil or selling a contract of gold. If trade but your probabilities of success on any their outlook for prices of the particular individual trade would be high. commodity is correct, they can reap a substantial profit. If this type of investing sounds interesting, then the strategy of selling options might be for you. The caveat, of course, is that one must be on the right side of a particular market In selling (or writing as it is sometimes called) when it decides to move in its chosen options, one does not have to decide where the direction. What many new traders do market is going to go. One simply has to decide not realize is that it is nearly impossible where the market is not going to go. He selects to consistently guess at the short term a price level above or below the market that direction of any market. In addition, he believes the market will not reach within a With energy prices back in the news and precious because of the leverage in futures contracts, certain time period (for our purposes, generally metals such as gold making all time highs, many many investors are forced to place stop orders 30-60 days). He then sells an option at this With the stock market’s latest rally deemed “questionable” by some, interest rates at nearly zero and real estate prices still in the dumps, many mainstream investors are starting to consider alternative investments as a means to hedge or outright replace their portfolio’s equity holdings. One such alternative that has gained a large investor following as of late is the commodities market. Despite what many conservative financial advisors preached in the ’80s and ’90s, investing in commodities is going mainstream and with the current trend in commodity prices, it is no wonder why these markets are attracting so much attention.

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 29

price level and collects a premium for doing so. If the time period elapses and the market has not attained this price, the option expires and the investor who sold it keeps the premium he collected as a profit. The approach, in and of itself, is similar to the one used by insurance companies across the globe. Is there risk in this strategy? Of course. But no more risk than in buying or selling a futures contract. And in many cases, much less. Just like an insurance company, you will have to pay out from time to time. But remember, insurance companies make hefty profits by collecting many premiums, but only paying out on a few. If you begin selling options, you would be operating this way too. I once had a trader ridiculously argue with me that selling options takes all the “fun” out of trading commodities. Maybe so. But if you are like me, you are not investing for fun. You are investing for profits. This gentleman’s argument was offset by another conversation I had a few months later with an elderly gentleman who called in to inquire about working with us. After exchanging some initial information, he told me he wanted to work with us because he liked selling options and that was the only strategy he used. I asked him why he only sold options. His response was one I’ll never forget because it captures the entire rational for selling premium.

strategy may warrant further study for their the market has moved beyond its strike price. It portfolio. is for this reason that buyers of options generally need the market to make a moderate to largeFor those unfamiliar with options, an option is a scale move in order to show a profit. Most of the contract that gives the owner the right, but not time, this will not happen. However, occasionally the obligation, to buy or sell a specific commodity a market will make a considerable move in or security at a specified price. However, the favor of the investor, in which case his small buying or selling of these options is a market in investment in the option can show a substantial and of itself. Many traders like to buy options profit. This is what attracts small speculators to because, for a small premium, they can gamble option buying. that the price of a specific commodity or equity will make a large move in their favor. In most Sellers of options, however, do not require the cases, the market will have to move quickly and market to make a big move in order to profit. dramatically in favor of the option buyer for the An option seller wants the options to expire option buyer to make money. worthless – for in that circumstance, he makes his profit. And the option will expire worthless, Buying options is generally a favorite strategy as long as the strike price has not been reached. of small, individual investors trying to take a Therefore, unlike the option buyer, he can profit small amount of capital and turn it into a large if the underlying market moves in his favor payload. The statistic that these speculators (away from the strike price,) remains steady, or ignore is that it has been estimated that options even if the market moves moderately against his held to expiration will expire worthless approxi- position. The risk to the seller is that the undermately 80% of the time. This means that the lying market price moves beyond the strike price premiums buyers pay to purchase these options of the option. There are, however, many ways to will be lost approximately 8 out of 10 times. manage this risk. Several of these are discussed in our book, The Complete Guide to Option But where do these premiums go? To the sellers, Selling 2nd Edition (McGraw-Hill 2009) and on of course. Selling options has been a base our website www.OptionSellers.com . strategy of professional traders and commercial hedgers for years. They sell options, and small, For the purposes of this segment, the example generally lesser capitalized investors buy them. below illustrates the concept of selling an Most of the time, the options expire worthless option. For this example, we are supposing that and the professionals and commercials take the an investor is neutral to bullish the natural gas money. This is why we recommend the strategy market. of selling options to our clients.

His response was, “Because I’m not a very good trader. Selling options is the only way I can make Options are traded on the open market, just like money in the market.” futures contracts or stocks. They can be bought and sold just as easily as buying or This quote has stuck with me through the years selling a futures contract or a share of and I liked it so much I put it in our book. stock. Most major futures markets also However, this in no way should suggest that offer a corresponding option market option selling is the holy grail of trading or that for each contract. For instance, if one the strategy is a sure way to fast returns. Selling wanted to trade gold, one could buy option premium in the futures markets is still or sell a gold futures contract, or one a highly leveraged endeavor. While the odds could choose instead to buy or sell do favor the seller, losses can and do occur. gold options. The options, of course, Selling puts or calls in the futures market is are based on their corresponding not for the squeamish and you should be sure or underlying market. Therefore, if that before investing, you have a good idea of one bought or sold a February Gold the risks involved, the markets you are trading option, it would be based on the and how they work. You may want to consider February Gold futures contract. working with somebody that is familiar with these concepts. It is a good idea to commit only There are two types of options, puts and calls. the more aggressive portion of your portfolio At the risk of oversimplifying the difference, to this type of investment. In other words, keep buyers of calls want the market to move up, buyers of puts want the market to move down. Junior’s college fund in the CD. These option buyers generally believe the market While the strategy of option selling is far too is going to move towards or eclipse a specific complex to condense into a single article, we price level. With options, this specific price level hope to be able to give the reader enough infor- is referred to as the strike price. An option will mation in this piece to decide if the investment generally show its greatest increase in value after

MARCH 2010 NATURAL GAS (NYMEX)

In October 2009, with March Natural Gas trading near $6.00 per btu, an investor is neutral to bearish the natural gas market over the long term. However, the approach of winter has him uncertain about the short term direction of the market. Rather than trying to outguess the futures market in the short term or buy a put option below the market and hope it moves (continued on Pg. 79)

30 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Takin’ it to the Streets

The Dish

by Eddie Shumard

This New Year’s Eve be inspired by the simple and bold flavors of street food from around the globe. The simplicity in design and boldness of flavors has inspired chefs from around the globe. The ultimate in comfort food—sometimes sweet and savory, other times spicy and sour. These handheld delights entice our palates and are the perfect strolling food, a portable piece of deliciousness. Street food is a hot trend right now in big cities all across the country. Mobile food trucks of gourmet proportions have sprouted up from New York and Chicago out west to San Fran and LA. These entrepreneurs have taken to the streets to peddle their handmade crafts just as so many do all across the globe. Bringing big flavor and a simple comfort to the masses. So in the spirit of street food and the creativity and comfort it inspires and instills, here are some recipes that will dazzle your guests with bold flavors and imaginative presentation.

CANDIED PERSIMMON & APPLE SKEWERS

Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar 1 ½ cups water 1-cup light corn syrup Bamboo skewers Fruits of choice

Inspired by a traditional Chinese street treat called bing tanghulu, a long skewer filled with hard candy-coated sugar is an exciting and sweet addition to any New Year’s Eve bash. Typically the skewers show up in big cities like Beijing in the fall and winter and Clean and cut fruit into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove use a variety of fruits, including but not limited to strawberries, rind or skin so the flesh is exposed. Skewer one after another kiwis, mandarins, and the uber-traditional hawthorn. onto bamboo skewers. For great fall flavors and seasonal fruit use persimmons and apples; for more color and flavor use some of Florida’s exceptional seasonal fruits like oranges, tangerines, strawberries, and grapefruits. This is a simple recipe that will transport your guests to the bustling streets of China. The bright-colored fruit and the glass-like sugar create a visually stunning and supremely delicious addition to your New Year’s Eve spread.

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Heat to 300 to 310 degrees F, or until a small amount dropped in cool water forms a hard, brittle thread. Holding skewers, carefully dip fruit into sugar, turning to evenly coat all the fruit. Remove and place on confectioners’ rack or wax paper lined baking sheet. Cool and serve. These can be made ahead of time. Store in a cool dry place.

THREE-WAY LOTUS ROOT CHIPS

Ingredients: 1 large lotus root Frying oil 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar ¼ cup lime juice 4 tablespoons lime zest 2 tablespoons orange 2 tablespoons lemon zest 2 cups coarse sea salt 2 tablespoons chili powder ¼ cup Sichuan peppercorns

Lotus root is quite easily available in Chinese/Thai/ Vietnamese stores. Check Oceanic Oriental Supermarket (1609 N Tampa St., Tampa, FL 33602-2646, (813) 228-8110). Look for smooth skin that is orange/pink in color. They should have an even cylindrical shape. Older lotus root will become more fibrous and not suitable for this recipe.

Peel lotus root and use a mandolin or sharp knife to cut thin chips (approximately 1/8-inch thick.) Soak in water and two tableFlavored salts: spoons of lemon juice for two minutes, remove and pat dry. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and put a pot of salted water to boil.

Mix 4 tablespoons lime zest with ¼ cup salt and 2 tablespoons chili powder or to taste.

Blanch lotus root in boiling water for four minutes and remove to a bowl of water, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and ice to stop the cooking. Remove and pat dry.

Mix 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons orange zest, and 1⁄4 cup sea salt (fine.)

Mix two tablespoons oil with coarse sea salt. Once chips are dry, mix gently and evenly in oil and place flat on an unlined oiled baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes, adjusting time in oven based on the thickness of your slices, turning them once midway.

For yet another flavor combination toast 1/4 cup of Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, grind to powder and add to equal parts coarse sea salt. Or, just salt and serve.

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 31

HOMEMADE CHORIZO AND MASA CORN DOGS The corn dog is an American Classic served on street corners and ballparks all across the country. The pen-ultimate in food on a stick, its simple design and contrasting flavors and textures along with its portability has delighted young and old since the early 1900s. To take the corn dog to the next level, use chorizo sausage with its smoky heat, and add masa to your batter for that south of the border taste and texture. If making your own chorizo from scratch doesn’t fit into your schedule, look for cured chorizo sausage in your local market in the ethnic section. Usually the best place to find great chorizo is at a Latin meat market. El Noa Noa in West Tampa (4215 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 354-9216) is clean and has a great selection of specialty items.

Chorizo Chorizo: 1 ½ lb lean boneless pork loin or butt ½ lb skinned salt fatback 2 cloves garlic 1 small red chile, dried or fresh minced 2 t paprika ½ t coarse ground black pepper ½ t salt, to taste ¼ C red wine vinegar

Rinse fatback thoroughly in cold water, getting all salt off, cut into strips and grind smooth in food processor until only a few flecks remain. Wipe down sides throughout. With your hands, mix all ingredients except vinegar, mix in after spices and squeeze through hands to mix completely. Test small blob in skillet. Wrap tight in sausage shape in plastic wrap freeze. Boil in water to fully cook.

Corn Dog Batter 3 3 3 2 1 2 3 2 2

cups cornmeal cups masa cups plain flour 1/2 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt tbsp. sugar c. buttermilk 1/2 c. water eggs

In large mixing bowl mix all dry ingredients. Add buttermilk and water. Beat in eggs and mix well. If batter gets stiff add small amount of water. Cut chorizo into bite-sized pieces and place on small bamboo skewers. Dip in batter and fry in deep hot oil until browned. Slowly lowering the corn dog into the fry oil, making sure batter is holding to the chorizo. You can hold onto leftover batter for a few days in the refrigerator. Serve with coarse ground mustard and/or a chipotle ketchup.

Eddie Shumard is a local Chef, in South Tampa at Chefs On The Loose ( 3401 West Bay to Bay Boulevard Tampa, FL 33629-7042 (813) 835-7300) www.chefsontheloose.net, and at Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe in Seminole Heights (5119 North Nebraska Avenue Tampa, FL 33603-2365 (813) 234-1000). He can also be found at Oceanic Restaurant Equipment (1609 N Tampa St Tampa, FL 33602-2646 (813) 228-8110). Think global, Eat Local.

32 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Bringing the right wine for the right occasion?

by Dave Madera

o you’ve been invited to a holiday party and you were asked to bring the wine. You find yourself pacing back and forth in your local wine store trying to find the right one but you can’t make up your mind - there are too many choices. The guy at the counter recommends a few things but, to you, he might as well be speaking Greek. So what is the best solution? Here are a few suggestions that may help you the next time you go to a party and want to turn some heads with the bottle you bring along. Budget an issue? No problem. SAUVIGNON BLANC: Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for a white wine; it is always fairly priced and very versatile in flavor. When choosing one keep region in mind. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs tend to have more grapefruit in their flavor profile, sometimes being too tart for the crowd. Californian Sauvignon Blancs have a little more complexity and may be more satisfying. These wines possess hints of lemon, grapefruit and a little green apple. California is always a safe choice. I generally steer towards Sauvignon Blancs from France myself, especially from the Sancerre region. Wines from Sancerre (a region in France in the Loire Valley that specializes in Sauvignon Blancs) seem to have that refined flavor that includes lemon and fresh cut grass but also have a certain crispness that make the wines give off a mineral water characteristic. Having these features, in my opinion, makes Sancerre a versatile crowd pleaser with no aspects of the wine offending anyone.

rising up the ladder of Pinot production. Relatively cheap to buy, New Zealand Pinot can pretty much satisfy any palate. Suggestion: Kim Crawford, 2006, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand-$15.00

Medium Body Pinot Noirs: This is an area that’s a little harder to shop for. Pinot noirs from Burgundy, California, and Oregon fall under this medium body category. My favorite of the three come from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Wines from Oregon have not only the bright fruit that satisfies most people’s curiosity but it also has texture that gives the wine that little extra edge that makes you stop and think about what you have in your glass. You will pick up hints of Raspberry and plum. You might taste a little bit of tobacco or even a cherry twizzler. Whatever you smell or taste, I will guarantee you a great experience in wine.

Suggestion: Hippolyte Reverdy, 2007, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, France- $25.00

Suggestion: Penner-Ash, 2006, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon - $53.00

PINOT NOIR: Where do I begin? This is a tough wine to pick

Full Bodied Pinot Noirs: Again, each growing region produces

correctly, but if you do, you could be the talk of the party. Pinot noir has the biggest spectrum of flavor you can find in a wine. From being soft and juicy, almost drinking like grape juice to being big and robust, having flavors of mushrooms and leather and having enough backbone to pair with meat dishes. I will try to break down Pinot Noir into three broad levels to better help you in selecting a wine that better suits you and the guests.

Soft, Juicy and Fruity Pinot Noirs: This is a characteristic in Pinot that has the broadest range. Pinots from France to Oregon can be classified here but my favorite fruity pinots come from New Zealand. Relatively new and trying hard to establish itself, New Zealand is quickly

wine that falls into this category but the true creator of silky, big and lush pinots are our friends from the region of Burgundy. Burgundy is regarded to be the most difficult region to understand because of how complex the region is. Having hundreds of different growing regions within its borders, Burgundian wine is more for the seasoned veteran than for the beginner because of all the small details you look for when purchasing. I mean, have you ever really looked at the label of a Burgundy Pinot? You can’t tell what the name of the wine is! The trick to these confusing labels is that region it is from is usually highlighted in bold in the center of the label and the name of the wine is smaller lettering underneath it. Being categorized by region and even sub-region, it can be very difficult to make a clear choice when it comes

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 33

to Burgundy so I would suggest bringing these Pinots to a wine dinner more than a holiday party - unless of course you are trying to impress the crowd. Suggestion: Louis Latour, 2005, Pinot Noir, Nuits St. George, Burgundy - $53.00

Budget not an issue? No problem. So you want to impress the masses and you have the money to do so? Well that’s where this just gets fun! There is nothing like the feeling of dropping some cash on a pricy wine and feeling justified when you are drinking it. What’s even more fun is to pick an outstanding wine that nobody has ever heard of and being able to drop some knowledge on it. I love the feeling of wowing people, especially if you have a room full of “wine snobs”. They pick up the bottle and stare at it, wondering how come they have never heard of such an incredible wine. One thing that drives me to try and be creative in my wine selection is to pick the underdog. Sure, I could spend $150.00 and get a bottle of Quintessa or Nickel & Nickel at my local liquor store but so can anyone else. Why not be different? Why should you pay top dollar for just for the label and not for what’s inside the bottle? Nothing against those wines but I like those smaller boutique wines that are harder to find; a wine that if you called the phone number listed on the cork, the owner of the winery would probably answer. So the next time you go to buy a bottle of wine and you have a few moments to explore your options, don’t go to the big corporate store, go to a neighborhood specialty wine shop and browse for a bit and ask questions. If the store clerk is anything like me, then they would love to tell you about the hidden little gem in their portfolio. These are two varietals that are very well suited for any party.

CHARDONNAY – Always a great way to impress the crowd but don’t just buy any Chard you find on the shelf. Here is a hint when drinking a fine Chardonnay, keep it out of your fridge. The ideal temperature for Chardonnay is 55 degrees. There are two regions that I suggest that are world renowned for making amazing Chardonnay – California and Burgundy.

Suggestion: Peter Michael ‘Belle Cote’, 2005, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California - $100.00 Peter Michael is one of the premier Chardonnay producers of our time, proving year in and year out that there are few competitors in California that can match his expertise. Possessing rich flavors of pear and peach with nice acidity and finishing like a creamy blanket on your tongue, Peter Michael is hard to find but I guarantee you it will astound any Chardonnay drinker at your party. Suggestion: Francois Raveneau ‘Butteaux’, 2004, Chardonnay, Chablis, Burgundy - $125.00 Regarded as one of the premier Chardonnay producers in Chablis, Francois has definitely made a name for himself in Burgundy. Totally

different from California Chardonnays, Chablis’ tend to be more on the fresh and crisp side than buttery and luscious. This Chablis will sparkle in your mouth with its minerality and citrus notes that would make a perfect partner for some oysters.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – So many to choose from, so many great producers, so how do you pick a needle out of a haystack? Just keep on tasting. After all, that’s the fun in wine drinking, right? Keep on tasting until you find that one that grabs you by the palate and you will never forget it for the rest of your life. Here are a few of my favorite Cabernet and Cabernet Blends that have done that to me. Suggestion: Shafer ‘Hillside Select’, 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, California - $225.00 I will always remember this wine for two reasons. It was the first wine I ever tasted that made me realize what good wine was all about. It was also the first time I realized what I wanted to do with my career in the restaurant business. Picture drinking a chocolate covered strawberry covered with a rose petal…sounds pretty sexy, huh? That’s what I experienced with the very first sip of this Cabernet. Shafer is hard to get but websites and specialty wine shops should have a bottle or two sitting around. In my opinion, it is the best dollar for dollar California Cabernet that I have ever tasted – and I have tasted all of them. Suggestion: Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petite Verdot, Pauillac, Bordeaux - $300.00 and up Yeah I know, this one has sticker shock, but this wine is the Bentley of all wines. It is actually easy to find but you will definitely be dishing out the money for it. The 2003 vintage is not the best but it is one of the most affordable in recent years. Big, bold and very powerful this Bordeaux has lots of flavors of dark dusty berries that are lying in a mushroom farm. Mmmmm! Everything you would want in Bordeaux. Hopefully some of this will help you in your next trip to the wine shop to pick something for that party. You don’t always have to pick the favorite, most popular wine, just like in sports; sometimes those underdogs can sneak up on you and surprise you. Remember one thing though, any person can tell you what is the best wine to drink but it is ultimately up to you to be the judge. Hope you have fun finding the right one. Cheers!!!

Dave Madera General Manager/Wine Director Mise en Place Restaurant 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 110 Tampa, FL 33606 813-254-5373

36 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Article Title by author

The Captain of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino John Fontana.

When title sponsorship of Tampa’s historic Gasparilla Pirate Fest became available earlier this year, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Seminole Tribe of Florida were more than happy to step up their presenting sponsor status to title sponsors of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The biggest reason? According to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino President John Fontana, it’s quite simple. “Gasparilla is the premier event in central Florida each year and a very important celebration for the Tampa Bay community both socially and economically.” Together with the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, Seminole Hard Rock felt it only made sense to recognize Mike Alstott as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest due to his sense of responsibility on and off the field, responsibility being a renewed emphasis at the 2010 event. On and off from 1910 through 1973 various past Kings of the Krewe were considered Grand Marshals. However, a four celebrities served including: 1959 – Roy Rogers; 1986 – Gov. Bob Martinez; 1989 – Woody Woodpecker and Andy Panda J. (Selected as Grand Marshal in 1989 to salute the Grand Opening of Universal Studios Orlando).

“It’s truly an honor to have been asked to serve as the Grand Marshal for such a prestigious event here in the Tampa Bay area. It’s exciting to know that after over 100 years the event is more popular than ever and I believe that with the Seminole Hard Rock’s participation this event will be taken to a whole new level. I’m looking forward to being the Grand Marshal in next year’s Gasparilla parade and I am thrilled to be part of such a strong community tradition.” Mike Alstott, Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Alstott will ride on the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino float, now called the Grand “The naming of the Gasparilla Parade of Marshal float, which was made by Kern Studios the Pirate’s Grand Marshal honors a unique in New Orleans and features cards, live music individual or event, and is reserved for an and a gigantic guitar. It will be the 9th float in the individual that combines leadership and integrity 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. in their professional and personal life, while being recognized as an accomplished figure by In addition, Seminole Hard Rock is planning their peers and their community. These qualities to unveil a special promotion where one lucky are central to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and Player’s Club member will have the chance to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in selecting ride on the Grand Marshal Float. Details are the Grand Marshal, and Mike fits all the criteria, forthcoming. including being one of the greatest Buccaneers in history” said Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Seminole Hard Rock as title sponsor brings a Captain Jim Robbins and Seminole Hard Rock fun, exciting celebrity culture to the parade and Hotel & Casino’s President John Fontana in a the opportunities for a successful three years is joint statement. imminent.

38 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

by Tammy Levent

Oprah named St. Lucia “One of the 5 places to see in your lifetime.” The Pitons, two volcanic spires rising out of the water, were named a United Nations World Heritage Site, placing them among the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. There are many reasons to love St. Lucia. It’s not overdeveloped, and while tourism is its main source of income, the place still manages to feel unspoiled. The real island, its natural beauty and the character of its people remain unaffected.

As the CEO of Elite Travel, I constantly fly to stunning tropical islands – but St. Lucia has held a special place in my heart. When I got married in 1998, St. Lucia was off the radar for honeymoon locations; no one was going there. But Sandals just built their Grande Lucian resort, so my husband and I decided to check it out. I’m not one to sit at a resort all day, so I rented a jeep to explore the island. As we were driving, a man standing on the side of the road jumped onto the back of our jeep and scared us half to death. I had no idea what was going on, whether he was going to kidnap or kill us. Another man, seeing the commotion, came over to calm us down and explained that when locals want a ride somewhere, they just hop on a vehicle going in that direction. My husband and I were still shaken, and this man – named Simon Says, like the game – offered to take us around the island then and there. He was a taxi driver and native, so he knew every part of the island. I didn’t know anything about St. Lucian culture or food or anything, and he loved being able to teach us about his island. We pulled over to the side of the road and learned how to eat breadfruit. He brought us to the hot springs, the best snorkeling places, and when we were hungry, he took us home to his house and asked his wife to cook us a delicious meal. The trees, plants and waters of St. Lucia are beautiful, but what made that an unforget-

table honeymoon, even though I am now single, was getting to know the island through Simon. I lost track of Simon, even though I returned to St. Lucia many times. But five years ago I asked around Soufrière if anyone knew a “Simon Says.” I found him, and it turned out that since he drove me around on my Honeymoon, he has changed careers from being a taxi driver to a private tour guide. Now, he runs Simon Says

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 39

Tours, and he still takes his tours home with him where his wife cooks them delicious native St. Lucian food. Meeting Simon over ten years ago changed both his life and mine, and made me fall in love with St. Lucia forever. St. Lucia has much to offer in food, natural beauty, activities and luxury. For shopping, the 100-year-old market at Castries on Saturdays is a must-see—not for the tourist knick-knacks, but for the food market where there are fruits and spices even chefs might not recognize. The Craft market has baskets, wood carvings, and the work of local artists. Soufrière market is another good bet, especially for Cuban cigars. On my last trip to St. Lucia, Simon introduced me to the most authentic and fun island food experience: the Friday Night Fish Fry. At Anse-la-Raye, locals cook the fish they caught earlier in the day in front of their homes. Locals and tourists eat side by side at long tables to the tunes of reggae, and dinner costs around $5. Less authentic, but still fun is the Sunday buffet brunch at Ladera resort’s open-air dining room. Diners can enjoy the panorama of the Caribbean sea framed by the Pitons while savoring locally harvested native ingredients.

island. They were married at the gorgeous Jalousie Plantation (now the Tides, Sugar Beach), but the Body Holiday at LeSport provided many of their activities while on the island: fencing and archery lessons, waterfall climbing in the jungle, a bicycle tour through the rainforest, and a day at the hot springs. Ziplining through the treetops, snorkeling between the Pitons, or slathering on mineral-packed mud are a few other options. Driving around the island can be an adventure in itself, as I found out ten years ago. But, for those who don’t mind rough roads, few street signs, possible hitchhikers, and asking for directions, it’s a great way to see the island. If the attractions of St. Lucia inspire even more wanderlust, Martinique is a ferry ride away. Martinique is known for its French flair, Creole and French cuisine, and its rum. There are distilleries all over the island that welcome visitors for rum tastings. Because the island is part of the French Republic, currency is in Euros and French is the most commonly spoken language. Several ferry lines connect the two islands. Roundtrip tickets on L’Express des Isles are $116 for adults. A more luxurious way to travel to Martinique is to charter a private yacht for a day trip, which costs around $1200 for 10 people. Then you can explore at your own pace.

There are so many ways to work off the calories of island cuisine and have fun doing it. I organized the Biggest Loser “I Do Redo” wedding for Marty and Amy Wolff in St. Lucia precisely because fitness was a priority for them—and because this is my favorite

Ladera

WHERE TO STAY

in St. Lucia

The Tides, Sugar Beach

The Tides is an understated, elegant and very luxurious all-inclusive resort. The service, food, location and British Colonial design of the resort itself is top notch, but the relaxing atmosphere is what stands out to me the most. And, waking up to an ocean view and a plunge pool in one’s room is heaven. Of course, while it is relaxing, there is always something to do. The snorkeling at the nearby marine reserve is fantastic, and if you haven’t been scuba diving before, take advantage of the introductory class that is part of the package. Rates range from $240 to $1500 depending on the room, or villa, and time of year.

The open rooms might surprise you at first, since they are missing a 4th wall, but putting a wall between you and this view would be a crime against nature. There are only 9 villas and 23 suites in this boutique resort, which is more like a collection of luxury tree-houses, if tree-houses had private plunge pools. Activities range from a chef’s cooking class on Caribbean specialties, to horseback riding to romantic sunset sails. For the ultimate romantic experience, splurge on the Hilltop Dream Suite, ranging from $715 to $1025 depending on time of year. But even the “Petit Piton” suites have plunge pools, and range from $380 to $680.

Body Holiday at LeSport

The Body Holiday LeSport focuses on rejuvenating mind and body, which they do with many fun activities, healthful food, and daily spa treatments. There are fitness classes, yoga, water sports, pilates, fencing, archery, golf, tennis and Circus Arts, where you can learn to fly on a trapeze or walk a tight rope. After all that, it’s a good thing that daily massages are included. Rates are around $600-$700 per night.

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Cause for Paws at Michael Murphy Gallery

1. Tanya Romero, Eric Brown 2. La’Daska Mechelle, Crystal Brooks, Amanda Faulk 3. Ann P, Kevin McBride, Debra O’Neal Nashbar 4. model, La’Daska Mechelle, Debra O’Neal Nashbar 5. Michael Murphy, Tania Romero, Michael Malatin 6. Jonathan Collazo, Teresa Williams 7. Eric Brown, C. Todd Marks, Jennifer West Marks 8. Alina Romero, Teo Romero, Lirieth Romero-Cruz 9. Artwork by Tania Romero 10. Jennifer Serrano Lyle , Heidi Damon 11. Diana Molina, Henry Kasprow

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 41

Gold & Diamond Source VIP Party

1. Steven Weintraub, Julie Weintraub 2. ‘Bunny Couture Bikinis’, Henry Kasprow 3. Raymond Cedeño and partner from Fred Astaire Dance Studio 4. Don Germaise, Brandi Kamenar 5. Kevin McBride, Meredith Walusek and Paul Spence with Spyker 6. Meredith Walusek 8. Tina Wright Clayton, Michael Clayton 7. Michael Clayton, Tina Wright Clayton 9. Kevin G Lajeunesse, Ann P 10. Michael Murphy, Debro O’Neal Nashbar — Photos by John Kantor, www.CiaoPaparazzi.com

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Star Sightings

What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 43

16 01 Blue and White Party guests

09 Laura Hunt, Ronnie Kroell

02 2010 Seminole Hard Rock calendar girls

10 Hector “Macho” Camacho and Winghouse Girls

03 Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla 04 Laura Hunt, True Religion Designer Jeffrey Lubbel, Freeway Fashion’s Cougar Hjelmeseth

11 Antonio Tarver 12 Dayana Franco , Chris Noth (Mr. Big)

05 Don King, Scott Gerhardt

13 Boxer Kassim Ouma

06 Billy Castro as Elvis

14 Jeff Lacey , Winky Wright

07 2010 Seminole Hard Rock calendar girls

15 Michael Asmer and some lovely ladies

08 Blue and White Party guests

16 Ian Beckles , John Lynch

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What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com 45

SOUTHERN CHARM

Gorgeous Southern Traditional nestled on a tree canopied lot in an exclusive gated community. This two story residence combines the graceful lifestyle of the old Floridian homestead with the innovations and upgrades to make this home a timeless classic you’ll fall in love with. As you drive up, you’ll notice the stunning Hardiplank siding elevation with wrap around brick front porch, french doors, bay windows and lushly landscaped lot. Step through the beveled glass door onto glistening solid oak wood flooring and take in the triple crown molding, tray ceilings, beautiful views to the backyard/pool area and all the natural sunlight that brings the outdoors in. This home features 4 spacious bedrooms (two with bay windows and window seats), 3 full baths, 2 half baths and a bonus room. The master suite of this home is located downstairs and features a sitting area, two spacious walk-in closets, and garden tub with his and hers vanities. Kitchen with 42” Hickory cabinets, Corian counters, breakfast bar, and large eat-in area surrounded by bay windows, cozy brick fireplace in family room, formal living and dining rooms with beautiful wood flooring, tile in kitchen and all wet areas, solid wood cabinetry through-out, freshly painted interior, three car side entry garage and a large covered lanai overlooking natural black bottom pool/spa with brick pavers. Don’t miss the pool bath and pool storage closet off the lanai. This lovely home is located in a 24 hour secured gated community of executive homes set amongst a naturally wooded landscape on 1/2 acre plus home sites. Amenities located within the community for your enjoyment include over 5 miles of wooded trails, 2 playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer field, covered pavilion with picnic tables and a nice clubhouse, local amenities nearby and some of the best schools in the county. Come take a look today!

Offered at $525,000.

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SANTA CLAUS:

A MAN’S MAN

Adam

all know the story about Louie da buddy Ted Nuget, toss back a few Elf. When he accidentally gifted a cold ones and go shoot us some young George Michael the “G.I. Joe baby seals.” vs. The Intruders” play set during the Christmas of ’73 against his parents’ wishes that was it, the Big Man was furious.

n this era of political correctness and touchy-feely emotions, I just want to raise a glass and give a toast to my man Santa Claus. Big ups for the jolly guy who represents the male gender the way it was “I’m sorry Mr. Cringle? Is that intended, with a robust belly and an all you can say? I’m sorry? You’re fired!” And Sweet Lou, as he was iron fist. known in Elf circles, was the second John Wayne, Fred Williamson and longest tenured Elf in the North Charlton Heston would be honored Pole. He was from the Greek isle to sit down for a game of poker and of Crete and made his reputation by fashioning a young Napoleon a Macanudo with Claus. Bonaparte a pair of size 6 lifts when the kid was just 23 months old. You He’s got it all: know the rest of the story. Sweet suit – Check. Dope pad with lots of land – Check. Exotic pets – Check. Pimped out ride – Check. Man hair on the face - Check. Obedient wife – Check.

I mean, come on, Saint Nick don’t play. He wakes up December 24th, draws the curtains open, pops in Cool Moe D’s “I Go To Work” and takes care of his business. You won’t ever hear him complaining about the long hours GI Joe Intruder Commander or the size of his territory. And he wouldn’t be caught dead with a I gotta hand it to Claus, he’s remained a Man’s Man all these Bluetooth. centuries despite being bereft of the Talk about role models? Who better company of other manly men. And to personify the male species? Since that’s not to say he’s not tolerant of 270 A.D. he hasn’t faltered. He’s those men who are, shall we say, not like Donald Trump in many ways, as stout. I mean, when Hermey the a powerful man of few words Elf ran away to become a dentist, who lets his actions speak for he may have clowned him a bit, but themselves. “Hey you been good? for the most part he was cool with OK then, here’s a ’lil something for that. ya troubles.” Or, “What, you poured itching powder in your kid brother’s Thank God for Yukon Cornelius, drawers and gave him a reverse that’s all I can say. At the end of wedgie the first day of school? Get the day, when Mrs. Claus was outta my face, and don’t even say bitching about only having one outfit and Rudolph was getting all the word ‘TOY’.” sensitive about his freakin’ nose, it When you’re in charge of Christmas was the red-bearded, pick-wielding you don’t have time for errors. We Cornelius who, like a true man of genius, said “Chris, let’s call my

malan Nike factory filled with child slave laborers. That is so typical of a guy. “Oh no, I’m just being a CEO!” Santa insists. “I’m delegating. I’m making sure this ship is headed in the right direction.”

Oh yeah? I’ll bet ya a plate full of Christmas cookies that the real organizing and inventory of toys and travel routes gets done by an Elf, Mrs. Claus, or a combination of both. They’re the ones making sure he stays “dependable” and satisfies all those wish lists. And what do And in return it was Santa who got they get in return? Nada. Cornelius out of trouble with the law after that incident at the mall in Then they have to stay in the North which he punched a guy working at Pole, and he gets to mount the sleigh on a kiosk for asking to polish his nails. Christmas Eve and carouse around the world, stuffing his fat face with cookies Yeah Eve, they just don’t make and drinking excessive amounts of dairy. Yeah, how’s that stomach treatin’ them like Ole Cringle anymore. ya Santa? I bet somebody’s getting a floater and a heavy dose of Airwick for Christmas.

EVE

dam, you WOULD pick an overweight, lazy, overhyped old man in a bad suit as a role model of “manliness.” Maybe the sleigh is a sweet ride, and maybe that red velour is your idea of fashion. And sure, some chicks really dig a full beard.

Like most men who think they are “manly,” Santa Claus would be nothing without the (overly) patient woman supporting him and the team that works for him. I’m gonna go ahead and nominate Mrs. Claus for Wife of the Year, Spouse of the Universe!

Yet Santa is so quick to take all the credit and glory during the holidays: “Ho! Ho! Ho! I’m so happy you like your toys! I love making all the good little boys and girls happy on Christmas morning!” What a fraud! Where’s all the props for the Mrs., for the elves, for the reindeer busting their hooves all night? All Santa does is yell at them to go faster. “On Dancer, On Prancer!” They should turn around and say “hey how ’bout hitting the salad bar Santa Claus sits on his ass all year long, once in a while or ordering a few less cheese reading wish lists and being a judgmental steaks when we pass through Philly?” rainmaker. “Eh, this little Joey seems like a punk. Coal for him. But I like how So Adam, I argue that Santa is like so Suzie flattered me with praise in this here many so-called “manly” men. He doesn’t letter, so give her an extra Barbie doll. really exist. But the elves and his woman are as real as the fireplace that Santa Hell, throw in an Easy Bake Oven!” squeezes his fat gut through in houses all And then he has the nerve to pass on the over the world. real work -- making all those toys -- to the North Pole equivalent of a GuateBut I suspect the “obedient” Mrs. Claus, as you so chauvinistically described her, is more “tranquilized” than obedient. I know I would need heavy doses of Zoloft or something to put up with frigid temps, a house in B.F.E., and a fat husband who’s unemployed 364 days of the year. And don’t even get me started on all those elves banging incessantly in the toy workshop all day.

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STEP UP TO THE PLATE IN 2010 FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO by Ryan Watson

IMPROVE YOUR BODY IN THE NEW YEAR

First of all, I would like to thank God for 2009 and all the blessings we have received. Let’s give thanks for the strength we’ve been given when facing hardships which makes us more resilient for whatever lies ahead. I would like to encourage everyone to grasp 2010 as the year they quit talking or wishing things would happen and actually take affirmative action toward achieving their goals. If you want something bad enough, it is achievable; the variable lies in how much work you’re willing to put in and how much you can sacrifice to obtain your goals. To some who meet me, I may seem a bit extreme. However, as a former professional football player, I know what it takes and the amount of effort and discipline required to get where you want to go. Hopefully the top of your game is where you want to go or you might as well flip to the next page. You must realize that when you make excuses the only person you are hurting is yourself. Obviously all chefs have different recipes for the dishes they prepare. Like a chef, I too have many different techniques for acquiring optimal results and improving the aesthetics of someone’s physique. These methods have been tested through years of studying and real world applications, and I’ve found tremendous success with them when implemented with my clients. It’s always an honor to share my opinions when asked, and let me preface this piece by saying that I don’t ever claim that my methods are the end all way. However, I do have an extreme amount of confidence in their effectiveness. You must realize that everyone’s body is unique and may react differently to different styles of training and nutrients. My tips are basic yet effective and should be helpful to almost everyone when practiced effectively.

1. Get Your Head in the Game

Every fitness goal starts with harnessing the power of your mind. Your mind obviously is the supercomputer that tells the body what must be done to achieve your new goals. So the first thing I’d like to ask you to do is to take a second and think about the body you wish you had—your dream physique. Once you do that you must formulate a plan on how you are going to achieve this body. After that’s been mapped out by either you or a fitness professional the most important thing you can do from this point on is maintain PMA- present moment awareness. In other words, don’t get caught up thinking about the past unless it’s negative things that will drive you to your new destination. Don’t get caught thinking too hard about the future because all you have control over is the present. If you focus on taking it one day, one workout, and one meal at a time, then you will begin to build momentum which will in turn start to alter the lifestyle patterns which previously could have been hindering you.

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2. Consistency is the Key

4. The Secret Fat Burner

Being a national level competitive bodybuilder, I can wholeheartedly attest that the main ingredient toward achieving results in any program is consistency. In a sport which is based solely on your aesthetics it basically boils down to who can stay the most consistent the longest. Any high caliber competitor can tell you that it was their will to stay on track which led them to their ultimate level of conditioning. I will challenge anyone to stick to a very strict regimen of diet and training for, let’s say 12 weeks, and see if you don’t get results. It isn’t until you have gone through a period of time following a program, with little to no deviations, that you will realize the reason why you haven’t made the progress you wanted in the past.

It’s the most common sense and simplest thing to do in terms of improving your physique, yet so many of you insist spending the majority of your time on the treadmill or the elliptical machine rather than getting in a good lift. When compared side by side, cardiovascular work on the treadmill vs. an equal amount of time lifting weights, there is virtually no difference in terms of caloric expenditure. But the real bonus is the lasting effect weight training has on your metabolism.

People tend to make eating and training out to be rocket science. It’s easy to become misled by the advice of friends or by articles which seemingly contradict other articles. The biggest problem is often that people simply tend to quit or never stay on a program long enough to achieve any long-term results.

I can make the most simple recommendation, for example; (1) weight train four days a week, (2) do cardio six times a week for 30 minutes, (3) eat six small healthy meals a day, and if they stick to that very basic plan for 12 weeks with no deviation they would freak themselves out. More than likely, they would be in the best shape of their life. This is just an example and may not be something for you, but what I’m telling you is that to change your body you have to go for long stretches of time where you’re consistent and stick to your plan without falling off. I truly believe this to be the deciding factor for 90% of people as to why they can never fully achieve their desired fitness level or appearance. Remember, it’s easy, just stay on track, no excuses whatsoever. Don’t cheat yourself!!

The secret I am referring to is weight training and the many benefits it holds. First I want you to know what you’re missing if you’re not already incorporating weight training into your workouts. In fact, I’ll recommend you make this your primary focus of fitness and allow everything else to be incorporated around it.

For the following 24-48 hours after a moderately intense 30 to 60 minute workout, which means a heavy sweat and muscle fatigue on most sets, your metabolism is elevated by 10-15%. That may not seem like a lot, but take a few hundred calories multiplied by three or four workouts a week, and then weigh in the fact that you’ll be burning a significant amount of calories even at rest, and you can begin to see the difference. I must also mention the positive effects it has on strengthening bones, increasing circulatory strength, improving posture and core musculature, and yes even a great deal of cardiovascular benefits when the training is intense and rest periods are kept low—like 15-30 seconds, for instance. I recommend between 3-5 days a week of weight training for 30 to 60 minutes with brief breaks between sets. When done consistently for three to six months you can expect a tremendous shift in your body composition in which you’re trading body fat for lean muscle mass.

5. Cardio- When and Why

Last but not least we get to the dreaded subject of cardio, not to mention one of the most controversial. Cardiovascular conditioning is the monotonous but necessary evil that we all must perform in order for us to reach our desired body fat and cardiovascular fitness goals. I could go on for days about this subject alone but instead I will just tell you about what I feel to be by far the most effective way to burn fat and also really amp up your cardiovascular strength and endurance. First realize that the heart is a muscle and must be trained like one which means it requires short bursts of intense demands placed upon it. Similar to a set of curls for your biceps which might last for 30-45 seconds, we use the same approach to the heart and place a high load upon it. For example, running a set of stairs or sprinting uphill for 30-45 seconds followed by a minute or two of active rest, which means brisk walking between reps. This practice is referred to as H.I.I.T. (high intensity interval training). This is why sprinters and short distance runners are far leaner then marathon runners or gym rats that abuse the treadmill at a slow pace for hours on end. The metabolic adaptations are similar in effect to resistance training but without the same amount of muscle mass development. I recommend this to be done three to five times a week either first thing in the morning or immediately after your weight training session. Try it for two to three months and you will really surprise yourself if done consistently.

3. Eating- Keeping the Pace

By keeping the pace, I am referring to an extremely important part of dieting which I refer to as maintaining proper meal cadence. By eating a nutrient-dense meal that is measured out relative to your body’s size, you are able to avoid your body’s triggering of catabolic hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, both of which break down muscle for fuel and store energy as fat. I don’t know how many times people have to hear this before they actually start to implement this. The goal is to eat these small meals every three hours or so, never allowing your body to have high levels of hunger. You should eat only because it’s time, not wait until you’re starving. By doing this you virtually eliminate the long stretches of caloric depletion and the destructive hormonal sequence that follows. It’s one of the most difficult concepts for people to grasp, that you’re actually helping your body store fat by not eating. So eat up…often!

So there you have it. While other publications will be preaching the latest fad diets for the New Year or boasting the newest surgical ways to overcome your shortcomings, I’m giving you the bare bones approach to doing it the right way. Remember be consistent and stay positive. I wish everyone who reads this a very blessed year and to chase your goals and dreams relentlessly!! Health, Happiness and God’s Blessings.

Ryan Watson is a former NFL player who is currently a Personal Trainer at Powerhouse Gym, Downtown Tampa. He has a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Minor in Nutrition from Appalachian State University. He holds a certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as well as the National Sports and Conditioning Association, and he is certified as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. You can reach Ryan at www.1-morerep.com for any questions or feedback.

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More Than A Game:

The Outback Bowl by Basil Spyridakos

It seems like every year Tampa provides the perfect weather for competitive college football on New Year’s morning. The city is electric with out-of-state guests flooding the hotels surrounding Raymond James Stadium. They come for the football and the fact that sparkling beaches are only minutes away. Restaurants, nightlife, and shopping are all-encompassing in Tampa, and it’s only a matter of time before the BCS committee notices these wonderful attributes, both the proven commodities within the game itself and around Tampa, and extends the Outback Bowl with its just desserts. Teams and fans outside the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten know very little about the Outback Bowl, played January 1st (same day as the Rose Bowl.) The casual college football fan believes the Outback Bowl to be nothing more than a second tier bowl game against two middle-of-the-pack conference teams with little hope of ever making it to the big time. I’m here to set the record straight and prove the naysayers wrong. Before it was the Outback Bowl, it was called the Hall of Fame Bowl held on Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Many memorable games were held there, including a thriller on December 29th, 1984, where underdog Kentucky upset then No. 20

Wisconsin, 20-19. The Wildcats were down 16-7 at the half and fought their way back to take the lead after hitting a 52-yard field goal with under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.

and the product placed on the field. Over the past 10 years, the winning team has averaged 31 points per game while beating their opponent by a 10-point average margin of victory. If we take away two outliers, Florida losing 37-17 to Iowa in ’04 and South Wisconsin drove the length of the field Carolina losing 31-10 to Iowa in ’09, then the on their final possession, settling on the average margin of victory becomes eight. Kentucky 8-yard line with only seconds remaining. But a bobbled snap on a short A one-possession, hard-fought game is all field goal attempt ended the Badgers that stands between two excellent football schools, which says a lot considering the comeback. Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl winner’s average After that spectacular game, the National margin of victory the past 10 seasons has Football Foundation and College Football been 14 points. I’m not saying a team from Hall of Fame discontinued their association the Outback Bowl is going to crush a Fiesta with the Hall of Fame Bowl and moved the Bowl contestant, but the Outback Bowl game to Houlihan’s Stadium, better known presents itself to be a more competitive around Tampa as the “Old Sombrero.” game and exciting event. Those higher tier Subsequently, the name was changed to the bowls have earned their just prestige due to Outback Bowl and the Aussie steakhouse decades of tradition. The Outback Bowl is has been a fine sponsor ever since. It didn’t still relatively new. But it’s my opinion that hurt that the game would now be played in if the Outback Bowl games continue at the one of the NFL’s most stunning venues, pace they’re currently on, there’s no telling when the BCS will be knocking on the door Raymond James Stadium. and extending them a game invitation. Since its inception, the Outback Bowl has continually delivered an outstanding Since the Outback Bowl became excluproduct, both in terms of service to the fans sively an SEC versus Big Ten match-up, the two conferences have split the series at seven apiece. This year’s match up, Auburn (7-5) vs. Northwestern (8-4) looks as if it will live up to the tradition. The Wildcats upset No. 16 Wisconsin in their final regular

(continued on Pg. 75)

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Denard Span #2 Age: 25 Team: Minnesota Twins Position: Center Field Birthday: 02/27/84

Denard Span had a breakout season in 2009, playing all three outfield positions for the Minnesota Twins. The former Tampa Catholic star known for his exceptional speed figures to be an important piece in the Twins quest for a World Series title. In two seasons with the team, the lefty is batting .305 with 41 stolen bases. What’s Hot Tampa Bay gets the fast track on this rising star. 1. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football 2. Favorite Athlete – Past- Michael Jordan Now-Lebron James 3. Biggest Fear – God Almighty 4. I want people to know… I love God and my family more than anything 5. What is your pregame music? Kirk Franklin first and then Jay-Z before I go on the field 6. Favorite type of food? Japanese hibachi

Photo by Bert Price

7. On my night off I like to… relax and watch movies 8. Who is your hero? My mother 9. Favorite book – Purpose Driven Life 10. My favorite tradition Christmas with the family

is…

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Clifton Smith #22

Position: Running Back/ Kick Returner Age: 24 Born: 7/4/1985 Fresno, CA College: Fresno State Experience: 2nd season High School: Edison HS [Fresno, CA] ‘Peanut’, as he is affectionately known, made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in his rookie season in only nine games, after joining the team as an undrafted free-agent.

His season was cut short this year, but expect to see Clifton come back next year to reclaim his place as one of the team’s most explosive weapons. 1. What is your favorite sport to watch? It’s a toss-up between football and baseball 2. Favorite Athlete – Deion Sanders 3. Biggest Fear – Failure 4. Favorite Movie? Harlem Knights 5. What is your pregame music? I have a mix. I have some Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Drake, J Cole, Jay-Z and Nipsey Hussle 6. Favorite type of food? Jerk Chicken Pasta from Bahama Breeze 7. On my night off I like to… go boxing 8. Who is your hero? My mother 9. Favorite book – Purpose Driven Life 10. My favorite tradition is… Every year, for my birthday, I take my family to the basebal stadium in Fresno to watch fireworks.

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BE POSITIVE

(continued from Pg. 26)

his time on this earth was nearly up, yet he seemed so jovial, so positive, when you’d expect sadness and bitterness. His famous words, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up” were so simple yet so impactful. And I’m in that stage now, as some of you might be, entrenched in that part of life’s journey where dreams are still vivid but realizing that dreams alone won’t get me where I need to be. Because very rarely do the answers to our dreams fall on our doorstep. No, we have to make them happen. When I moved to Tampa I applied at a particular newspaper on five different occasions. Certainly there was a great deal of disappointment each time I was turned away. At my father’s request I phoned the paper one last time, just to show him it was a waste of time. The person who answered that day said somebody just left a position earlier that morning and asked me to come down for an interview. Years later, I applied for a better position at another publication only to get a form letter back thanking me for my interest, but no thanks. The next day I personally took my resume and my clippings down to the office and said, “I know you’re not looking for anybody but I wanted you to have this just in case.” A week later, they called me for an interview and specifically said they don’t call people back who apply once and the fact I hand-delivered my resume showed I was hungry. This brings me to another quote. “Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.” -Sophia Loren Perhaps fear plays the most important factor in why we fail to accomplish our dreams. Rejection is a bitch. And lately it seems as if we live in a world of fear. And if we listen to the radio or television news, there can be an awful lot of things out there which chop away at our optimism and strip our soul of its real vigor. So for 2010, write it down. Put it on your door so you see it every day as you leave your house. When you’re down about love, about work or about your body, DON’T STOP BELIEVING. Success is just around the corner.

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4109-B South MacDill Ave Tampa www.lovethatonline.com

615 Channelside Drive, Suite 114B • Tampa • 813.221.5548

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CREATIVE DIRECTION: Icon B. Marketing & Publicity Group BENZ MODEL AGENCY: Models- Christina Ruiz, Jenna Newell, Hope Roberts PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jason Henthorne Fine Photography, Tracy Alrich CATERING: Events By Amore MISC MODEL: Mia Michelle MALE MODELS: Ray Santiesteban, Adam Hayward, Buccaneer Linebacker BOUTIQUES/RETAILERS: Paradise Island Boutique, Love That Boutique, Georgette’s Boutique & Shoe Salon, Saks Fifth Avenue HAIR AND MAKE-UP: Level Hair Salon, Aveda MISC: J.C. Newman Cigar Company, Moet Hennessy USA See more at www.whatshottampabay.com

Photo by Tracy Alrich

LIT PREMIUM CIGAR LOUNGE

Photo by Tracy Alrich

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Photo by Tracy Alrich

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Photo by Jason Henthorne

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3316 S. Westshore Blvd. Tampa FL 33629 USA (813) 805-2060 www.paradiseislandboutique.com

Our new location is at 141 S. Dale Mabry Tampa Fl. 33609 (one block south of the Kennedy & S. Dale Mabry intersection)

813-254-1141

International Plaza

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Special Thanks to:

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Photo by Jason Henthorne

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Photo by Tracy Alrich

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Photo by Tracy Alrich

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More Than A Game:

The Outback Bowl

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season game while the Tigers relinquished a fourth quarter lead to No. 2 Alabama in their last game. And while Gene Chizik (Auburn’s coach) and Mike Kafka (Northwestern’s quarterback) may sound more like novelists or movie critics, many players and coaches have made giant names for themselves playing in the Outback Bowl, including New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who’s currently setting the NFL on fire. On January 1, 2000, in what was billed as the “First Sporting Event of The New Millennium” Brees had his Purdue team up 25-0 on No. 21 Georgia. However, the Bulldogs chewed their way back into the game and eventually won 28-25 in overtime. Although he lost, Brees was named the game’s MVP, setting or tying six Outback Bowl records, including passing yards with 378. In all, 22 Outback Bowl records were tied or set in that classic showdown. Former Michigan Wolverine coach, Lloyd Carr, was involved in another brilliant match in 1996 against the University of Alabama and former NFL running back, Shaun Alexander. The Crimson Tide were up 17-6 when one-time Wolverine and Buccaneer quarterback Brian Griese connected for a touchdown and a two-point conversion to cut the lead to three. The game would end in a 17-14 final, but it’s yet another example of the players that have participated over the years. Notable Head Coach Outback Alumni includes Florida Coach Urban Meyer, former Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez, former Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz, legendary Coach Lou Holtz, and former Florida Coach and current South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier. Notable NFL Outback Alumni include Hines Ward, Champ Bailey, Nate Clements, Joey Galloway, Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, Bob Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, and Ben Troupe. This game is not a second tier bowl to the fans of the SEC and Big Ten and it’s certainly not a lesser bowl game to the sublime people of Tampa. When New Year’s morning rises, the tailgaters are out in full swing. The gratifying aroma of barbeque fills the air. Laughter, chatter, cold drinks with warm toasts, and the anticipation of college football eagerly await the fine visitors and locals to the city. The Outback Bowl is much more than a bowl game. It’s a chance for the city to continue its storied and proud traditions. It’s a chance at continued success.

76 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Beckles Blue and White Party.........A

by Phillip M Haywood Jr

Success!

Photographs Taken By Rahji Nelson

TAMPA, FL- Ian Beckles, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and current sports talk show host, has put on another star-studded gala affair. The 6th annual Blue and White Party took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The proceeds from the event were donated to the Children’s Cancer Center of Tampa. In the last month, Beckles has really been giving with a big heart to some of the area’s local charities. Beckles truly believes in giving back to a community that had given so much during his time as a Buccaneer. Recently, Beckles launched a magazine called What’s HOT Tampa Bay. The magazine contains articles on health, wealth, fitness and a wide array of other information. Beckles has not only started a magazine, he also has a clothing line along with jewelry to add to his ventures as of late. Beckles, who hails from Montreal, Canada, has been in the area over 12 years. Beckles has gained notoriety with Ron Diaz on one of the

most diverse sports shows in the Tampa Bay area. The Blue and White Party, now in its sixth year, has elevated itself as an elite fundraiser in Hillsborough County. The event was emceed by Tyler Ryan (the Tyler Ryan Group.)

It gives them the necessary financial assistance and other support to deal with a life-threatening illness. The Children’s Cancer Center was founded in 1974 by Mac and Cecile Burnett, who lost their daughter to leukemia. Here’s a little known fact: the Children’s Cancer Center There were various musical acts and performers was awarded a Four Star Charity for its financial such as Mighty Mongo, Basics, Middle Rhythm management. Session and Dynasty of Tribal Style. Omega Phi Si and Alpha Phi Alpha performed their step This event could not have been pulled off routines to woo the crowd. There was a plethora without the help of Brandi Kamenar (Icon-b) and of celebrities on hand for the event. The stars Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, who does a magnifincluded former Buccaneer Chidi Ahanatou, icent job in Community Affairs, Marketing and UFC Fighter Marcus Jones, the Weintraubs and Fundraising. Jaime Nettles (Program Coordiex-Bear Tyrone Keys, just to name a few. An nator) and Ann Thompson (Sickle Cell Coordi$1800 ring donated by the Gold and Diamond nator) along with ex-USF basketball star Charlie Source (the Weintraubs) was raffled during the Bradley put in countless hours to make the 6th event and won by Laura Fuller. annual Blue and White Party a success for the Children’s Cancer Society of Tampa. The Children’s Cancer Society of Tampa is a non-profit organization devoted to helping children who have cancer and blood disorders.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOT Tampa Bay.com 79

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down quickly, this investor chooses to sell a March Natural Gas 10.50 call option. He places an order to sell the option in the open market at the New York Merchantile Exchange (NYMEX). For this example, we will assume he receives a premium of $700. He will have to put up a portion of his own money to hold this position. This is called margin. For this example, the margin the trader would have to utilize would be about $1,300. Every option has a set expiration date. March natural gas options expire on February 23rd, 2010. If March natural gas is anywhere below 10.50 at option expiration, the seller of the 10.50 call would keep the $700 premium collected as profit. He would, of course, keep his margin deposit as well. Conversely, for the buyer of the 10.50 call to show a profit at expiration, March natural gas would have to be trading somewhere above 10.50 on expiration day. The option seller would lose in this scenario. As to who buys options, I believe we have already answered that question earlier in this article. Professional traders generally consider buying options to be a legitimized form of gambling in which the option buyer will probably lose his investment, sooner or later. The professional knows that by utilizing some basic fundamental research, he can potentially profit 80-90% of the time by selling options. The key to long-term success is managing the risk on the smaller percentage of options that do not expire worthless. Of course, one should do a careful undertaking of the risks involved in option selling before deciding if the strategy is right for him. However, professionals know that that by managing their risk correctly, they can avoid loss much of the time and keep a large percentage of their premiums as profit. Professionals play the percentages. By selling options in your portfolio, you can too. If you would like to learn more about selling options in a diversified portfolio, visit us on the web at www.libertytradinggroup.com. Phone: 800-346-1949 Email: Office@libertytradinggroup.com Website: www.optionsellers.com Liberty Trading Group 501 First Avenue North Suite 500 St. Petersburg, FL 33701

***The information in this article has been carefully compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Use it at your own risk. There is risk of loss in all trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Traders should read The Option Disclosure Statement before trading options and should understand the risks in option trading, including the fact that any time an option is sold, there is an unlimited risk of loss, and when an option is purchased, the entire premium is at risk. In addition, any time an option is purchased or sold, transaction costs including brokerage and exchange fees are at risk. No representation is made that any account is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown, or in any amount. An account may experience different results depending on factors such as timing of trades and account size. Before trading, one should be aware that with the potential for profits, there is also potential for losses, which may be very large. All opinions expressed are current opinions and are subject to change without notice. Price Charts courtesy of CQG, Inc.

80 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

Fit in my 40’s by Conna Chillura

was all about less and eating low fat. However, coming from a large Sicilian family, the menu always included starchy foods which were high in fat and loaded with calories. Like a typical teenager I worried about my weight, so to compensate for all the pasta and garlic bread, I would throw on my spandex leotard, my shiny tights, and pop in a Kathy Smith VHS workout tape. Knowing that if I kept moving with Kathy a few times a week, I would burn off those calories. As I reached adulthood I was like every other single woman in the SoHo area, I dated, hung out with friends, and went to clubs. But I always made time to exercise. Running was my thing. If there was a race, I was in it. And then one day while training for my first marathon I blew out my knee and had to have surgery. I was devastated. On the verge of turning 30 I had a bum leg and all my hard work had just gone down the drain. In lieu of physical therapy the doctor told me I should start cross training. So I did. I enrolled in any class I could. I became the cardio queen. My running group would run 18 miles. Then I would take a spin class and maybe do a light circuit after that. My marathon friends called it “The Connathons.” But in my mind it was just what the doctor ordered. It was great. I was still eating what I wanted while maintaining my slim figure, and the best part was my knee never felt better. Then about 6 years ago I was encouraged to enter a contest at my South Tampa gym. Unlike most of the participants who wanted to shed extra pounds, my goal was to transform my skinny body into something more toned and defined. So I started lifting weights, changed up my cardio routine and eventually got stronger over the 13-week period. I also cut out much of the starchy, high fat foods that I grew up on and started eating clean. Rather than being addicted to sweating, I was now more enticed by the burn, not to mention the endorphins rushing through my body gave me a high like no other. I began to see muscles I didn’t know existed. At that moment I knew fitness was my passion. If you would have asked me 10 years ago what my life would be like at 40, I would have given my typical answer, “Please, I don’t even wanna think about it.” Now, two months before by 41st birthday, I have come to accept that I am officially in my 40s. A few weeks ago I was talking to a good friend who lives in Chicago and she said “WE ARE NOT MIDDLE-AGED! Oh (bleep) yes we are!”

Any woman in her 40s, even in her 30s, can start now and have the body she always wanted. Age is not a barrier. It wasn’t until my mid-30s that I realized I needed to do more than just cardio to stay fit and feel young. And now, at almost 41 years old, I am in the best shape of my life. But it’s not about having a body, just to have a great body (even though fitting into my favorite pair of jeans is a plus!) It’s about feeling good about myself, respect in the workplace, and most of all being healthy. I struggle with insecurities just like anyone else. Yet for me, fitness is the path which is helping me achieve the self-confidence that every woman should have.

Last year at this time I was having major anxiety about turning 40 and was mapping out which corner of my apartment would be suitable to spend in the fetal position that day. Although the birthday itself was one of the most difficult days I’ve ever had, it instantly made a 180 degree turn when someone at the gym said to me, “I heard it was your birthday, how old are you 30? 31?” When I told her 40 she was in complete shock So hopefully taking a glimpse into my world will motivate and inspire and was convinced that I was lying to her. That’s the typical reaction I get you to get up, get going, and get fit in your 40s. when I tell people my age. And you know what? It feels good! Some say I have good genes. Others say I am a workout-aholic. A gym rat. But that wasn’t always the case. Growing up as a skinny girl in the midst of the 1980’s fitness craze, it

...Or at least think about it! For Personal Training needs I can be reached at connawwy@aol.com or you can follow my blog at www.fitinmy40s.com

www.jasonhenthorne.com 813.495.0027

82 What’s HOT Tampa Bay.com

kles’ Ian Bec

HIDDEN STAR

MONSTAH LOBSTAH • SOUTH TAMPA • 1531 S DALE MABRY, TAMPA, FL • 813-837-0800 Monstah Lobstah has been one of my favorite spots for years. MMA fighter Alan Berube has done a great job of developing a casual atmosphere in his restaurant while serving a top-notch product. Lobster is a luxurious, glorious indulgence that you normally have to wear a suit to eat. Monstah Lobstah allows the average Joe to roll into their establishment and eat like royalty.

Monstah Lobstah; my girl Carol travels across the bridge on a regular basis just for Alan’s fried full belly clams. My personal favorites are the whole steamed lobsters, Monstah’s famous lobster roll, fried scallops and last but not least, the seafood chowder.

Stop in for all-you-can-eat snow crab on Tuesday for $16.99 and all-you-can-eat fish on Friday for The decor brings people from Up East back to $9.99. B.Y.O.B and enjoy Monstah Lobstah New their roots with pictures of Maine, the Red Sox England seafood restaurant. & Patriots. New Englanders live and die with

IAN’S PICKS

STEAMED LOBSTER

LOBSTER ROLL

Allen Berube was born in Biddegford, Maine, where he graduated from Biddeford High School in 1992. He moved to Tampa after high school and started Monstah Lobster. Allen is also a skilled MMA fighter, appearing on Ultimate Fighter 5. A New Englander for life, Allen is a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan.

FULL BELLY FRIED CLAMS

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