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Dolphins prepare for Josh Allen, believe they can get the ball out: ‘He just kind of hangs it out there like a loaf of bread’

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 15:13

MIAMI GARDENS — What’s scarier than the thought that the Miami Dolphins, with the season hanging on by a thread, need a win against a team they lost to, 31-10, 52 days earlier — not to mention have lost against in 12 of their last 13 meetings?

It’s that the Buffalo Bills won by three touchdowns earlier this season with star quarterback Josh Allen barely having to do anything.

In that three-touchdown decision, which started the current Dolphins run of five losses in the past six games, Allen merely went 13 of 19 for 139 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t run much, either (two carries for 2 yards), as running back James Cook scored twice and the Bills defense took back a pick-six.

The Dolphins (2-5) know to expect a full dose of Allen on Sunday in Orchard Park when they meet the Bills (6-2), their hated division rival for the second time in 2024.

“You say this about so many of these guys in today’s game where they can beat you both from in the pocket and with their feet,” Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said Thursday of defending the dual-threat quarterback who has owned the Dolphins over the years before Weaver’s arrival. “And he’s a guy that he doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses in his game, so just a tremendous amount of respect for him. They’ve had the success they’ve had there in recent years for a reason and he’s a big part of that.”

“He’s a beast. He truly is,” said Dolphins linebackers coach Joe Barry, who was previously defensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers. “When you got a guy like that in your division that you have to deal with twice a year, hell of a player, hell of a talent.

“And what makes him so unique and special is that he can drop back and rip it but then, also — I’m not talking about quarterback design runs — I’m talking about, when things break down, you got a 6-foot-5, 240-pound running back back there who will take off and run the ball.”

Even as Allen, this offseason, lost his top target of the past several seasons, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, 2024 may present the best version of the 28-year-old Allen. He has thrown 14 touchdowns to just one interception. He’s completing 64.1 percent of passes for 1,766 yards in eight games. Rushing, he has 204 yards and three touchdowns this season.

“From a defensive line standpoint, you don’t want him scrambling to beat you,” veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “He can throw the ball very well, but he’s incredible with his legs.”

Many of his passing stats come as a byproduct of extending plays with his feet and staying behind the line of scrimmage to throw while outside the pocket.

Keep in mind the Dolphins, who could again be without defensive tackle Zach Sieler, just had their struggles with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in last Sunday’s heartbreaking 28-27 loss, in which Murray escaped several would-be sacks to complete downfield passes. Allen is tough to bring down in a different way from the elusive 5-foot-10 shifty Murray.

“Different, but still the same in terms of how you have to attack him,” Weaver said. “You have to make sure you attack the high shoulder. Now he doesn’t really care where he escapes to, whereas Kyler, we had an idea and we allowed him to get out of the back of the pocket which we didn’t want to happen.”

Allen has been known to turn the ball over in his career. While he is limiting turnovers in the form of interceptions this season, Weaver still points out that the Buffalo quarterback can still be loose with the ball while holding it.

“The one thing about Josh is he gives you a chance to get the ball because he is so strong,” Weaver said. “He reminds me a little bit of Steve McNair, Ben Roethlisberger back there where, when you get there, you have to make sure, not only try to tackle him, but you almost have equally as good of a chance as tackling the ball because he just kind of hangs it out there like a loaf of bread.

“So I think the biggest thing is to throttle down — first thing — let’s make sure we’re securing and try to get the sack and then try to attack the ball in doing so.”

Allen has fumbled five times this season.

“He’s turned the ball over a lot in his career,” Campbell said, “but he’s also made a lot of big-time plays. It’s kind of like you just take a little bit of bad with all the good that comes in with it. It’s something that we have to be cognizant of.

“He’s such a big guy, tough tackle. It’s almost easier to tackle the ball, but at the same time, guys going for the ball, they can miss a lot of tackles, too.”

Campbell highlighted that the Miami pass rushers have to work in unison to stay in their lane, keep Allen in the pocket and then get him down.

As far as Allen’s receiving options, the Bills recently added wide receiver Amari Cooper via trade with the Cleveland Browns. He has opened things up for rookie Keon Coleman to excel of late. Buffalo also has wide receiver Khalil Shakir, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox and Cook out of the backfield to monitor as pass-catching threats.

For his career, Allen is 11-2 in the regular season against Miami with 34 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also eliminated the Dolphins in a wild-card playoff game in the 2022 season.

Visit the Beetlejuice house in New Jersey — just don’t say his name thrice

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 14:31

Hira Qureshi | (TNS) The Philadelphia Inquirer

PHILADELPHIA — To celebrate the long-awaited Tim Burton sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Airbnb is offering a haunting experience at the Deetz family residence.

In the listing called “Haunt the Beetlejuice House,” fictional matriarch Delia Deetz invites fans to her home in Hillsborough Township, in Somerset County, New Jersey, to explore her paintings and sculptures and venture through the Afterlife in the attic for a special art class.

The Beetlejuice house is a replica of the home featured in the 2024 film, an Airbnb spokesperson told The Inquirer. It was recreated for Airbnb’s Icon stays, a new category of experiences from the vacation rental group.

While the film takes place in the fictional town of Winter River, Connecticut, Airbnb found “the best real-life equivalent in the quaint community of Hillsborough Township. The town has beautiful wide-open spaces and similar architecture that we think evokes the community of Winter River that fans remember,” the spokesperson said.

Folks can request to receive an invitation to book the house for 10 three-hour slots with up to six guests each. Submit a request by Nov. 4 to visit the Beetlejuice house experience, which runs from Nov. 16 to 27.

No purchase, payment, or booking is required to be selected. Selected individuals will receive an invite based on their answer to the question: “Why do you want to haunt the Beetlejuice house?” Invitees will have 24 hours to accept the booking request. According to Airbnb, each Icon listing displays a cost associated with the stay and/or experience — a visit to the Beetlejuice house is listed as free.

Beetlejuice House invitees will also receive a one-night stay at an Airbnb listing in neighboring Princeton at no additional cost. Guests will be responsible for their own travel to and from the Beetlejuice Icon, along with travel to and from their overnight stay. You must be 18 years old and up to book, and accompanying guests must be 13 and up.

Inside Haunt the Beetlejuice House

Upon arrival, participants will be greeted at the door and led to explore the interior of the home.

The attic features a model of the fictional Winter River, created by Adam Maitland, portrayed by Alec Baldwin in the original film. In the movie, Maitland and his wife, Barbara, haunt the Deetz family. Guests who say “Beetlejuice” three times enter the Afterlife and the Waiting Room, where artifacts of the deceased remain — think smashed football helmets, charred Santa hats, and a magician’s water-filled lockbox.

After a visit to the otherworld, visitors will participate in an art class, with snacks provided, before being sent to the nearby Airbnb.

“Due to some recent … ‘spiritual difficulties,’ curious entities have been creeping around in the wee hours,” the listing explains. “You can’t stay overnight.”

How to book

Request an invitation to book a visit to the Beetlejuice House in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, on Airbnb by Nov. 4 at 2:59 a.m.

Road trip: 7 things you can only see and do around Albuquerque

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 14:21

I have to confess that I made many trips to Albuquerque to see family during my childhood, but I never really explored the city or the surrounding area until recently. Not only did I find some unique activities and places to see, but I’m ready to return and continue discovering its history and character.

Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, is a 6 1/2-hour drive from Denver or an easy 1 1/2-hour direct flight. Depending on what you want to see and do here, it could be a weekend or a full week of culture, food and more.

Of the top five cities where visitors come from to visit Albuquerque, Denver is third (preceded by Phoenix and Dallas), according to Visit Albuquerque.

Here a few things I experienced during my trip that I believe are only found in and around Albuquerque.

1. Albuquerque is home to what is estimated to be the largest collection of petroglyphs in the country at Petroglyph National Monument with perhaps as many as 25,000 rock drawings here. Petroglyphs are rock carvings made when someone chiseled into the rock surface and these were likely made between 1300 and the late 1680s by ancestors of the Pueblo people.

Interpretive signs provide insights into what the various drawings might have meant, such as representation of a tribe or clan — or one of my favorites showing a macaw parrot is said to have represented “the complexity and development of Pueblo culture through trade and communication of ideas with the Mesoamerican cultures.” When visiting here, it’s critical to know that there are a few distinct sites to drive between for hiking around to see the rocks.

Tip: This 17-mile-long area is completely exposed, so if it’s sunny, you will be hot and you’ll need water and a hat, but if it’s cold, you will need a warm coat (and also water and a hat).

2. While no one is getting a college degree in a weekend visit, the University of New Mexico is the only place in the United States where you can minor in flamenco dancing. Visitors can see a flamenco dance performance — Tablao Flamenco is one example — and also sign up to take a flamenco dance lesson.

Catch a performance of flamenco dancing at Tablao Flamenco. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

The National Institute of Flamenco is based here and puts on summer camps and an annual Flamenco Festival in June. The institute partners with UNM’s Department of Theatre and Dance to offer the only accredited dance program in the country with a flamenco concentration.

Although I didn’t have expectations before watching a flamenco performance, I was deeply moved by this style of dance that has roots in Spain. Speaking with one of the dancers after the soul-stirring show, I learned it is “like jazz,” as she described it, which provides a one-of-a-kind experience each time.

Tip: Combine flamenco with petroglyphs when a performance is scheduled at the park.

3. New Mexico is one of two states with an official state cookie, and here it is the biscochito (or bizcochito, pronounced BIZ-co-cheeto). This cinnamon-dusted shortbread-style cookie is a local favorite worth sampling. At Golden Crown Panaderia, they also make a version with blue corn flour that is scrumptious. This family-run bakery thinks beyond the traditional with a green chile bread and a 24-hour vending machine where you can pick up some cookies anytime you like — the only vending machine, or “Cookie ATM,” for a state cookie.

Tip: Order a dozen of these because you’re sure to eat more than one.

4. The largest concave fresco in the U.S. can be found at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Welcome Center and Torréon. Inside this tower there are benches for visitors to sit and gaze up and around at this 4,000-square-foot painting, “Mundos de Mestizaje” by artist Frederico Vigil. It is literally dizzying! There are guided tours available of this painting that shows people, food, buildings, animals and more representation to tell this immense story. You can sign up in advance for a tour on the center’s website.

Biscochito is the state cookie in New Mexico and you can get them at Golden Crown Panaderia in Albuquerque. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

Tip: Plan your visit around one of the many events that take place at the center of such dance performances, poetry readings, live music and more. La Fonda del Bosque is the on-site restaurant for a weekday lunch or Friday night dinner.

5. If you’re staying at the Hotel Albuquerque or Hotel Chaco adjacent to Sawmill Market, you are an easy walking distance from many museums and the city’s Old Town, but it’s worth renting a car to take a day trip to Acoma Pueblo and tour Sky City. The drive there is about one hour, then the guided tour is another 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.

Acoma Pueblo claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America dating back to 1150 A.D. You start your experience at the Haak’u Museum and Sky City Cultural Center, which is worth your time to explore, and also shop and dine in the Y’aak’a Café, and then you pay a fee to join the tour. The shuttle bus will drive visitors to the top of the 370-foot mesa, where you are then led through the village and can take in the gorgeous views. One of the interesting things we learned on our tour is that this is a matriarchal society.

Tip: Bring cash to buy some locally-made items near the end of the tour.

6. At the Albuquerque Museum there are several galleries worth exploring, but one of them is simply called, “Only in Albuquerque,” and it is a history of the city. Take a few minutes to step inside and learn about Albuquerque’s duke, Route 66 and a lot more.

Tip: Stop in at the gift shop where you can buy many locally-made items, including Kei & Molly Textiles such as kitchen goods.

7. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nonprofit that was created by the state’s 19 pueblos. Pueblo is a term used to describe a tribe or a village of a tribe, and it is also used by some people in place of “reservation.” Each pueblo is a sovereign nation. Modern pueblos might include casinos, hotels and other businesses, as well as tours of historic buildings. If you can’t make it to any of the state’s pueblos during your time in Albuquerque, stop in at the center to see a live dance performance, look at (and maybe purchase) jewelry or pottery, explore art on display, or dine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen.

Visitors can go on a guided tour inside the church on Acoma Pueblo, but no photos are allowed in the chapel. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

Tip: Schedule your time here to include a meal and to watch a dance.

Each of these places and activities can be experienced anytime of the year, but some also include annual events, so check the calendar in order to include — or avoid — these celebrations too. If you want to visit museums, note that a lot of places in Albuquerque are closed on Mondays.

Review: ‘Here’ has Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, very nearly human

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 14:16

A facile chore most of the way, capped by an odds-defying finish of some genuine emotion, “Here” comes from the sublime 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire and his earlier six-page version of the same idea, published in 1989.

Most folks seeing the movie will likely take a chance on it for other reasons. It’s a reunion, 30 years later, of director Robert Zemeckis and the stars of “Forrest Gump,” Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. In “Here,” they play an ordinary couple, Richard and Margaret, from their teenage courtship to what appears to be their 80s. How this is achieved, and how you respond to the technology behind the process, will provide the make-or-break factor in your reaction. Me? Well, my eyes have seen the glory of the coming of AI, and I don’t like what it does to the actors, or to a story’s human factor.

Like McGuire’s book, Zemeckis’ film, which he co-wrote with Eric Roth, contains its visual perspective to a single vantage point, with one climactic exception, of Richard’s family living room as seen from a corner. The front door is partially visible on the left; the fireplace is on the right; the furniture, the wall treatments, the colors and the years go and come, and come and go again.

“Here” is where Richard grew up, and where he and Margaret begin their adult lives together. He’s a talented graphic artist; at one point, he reveals his grand designs for a house of their own. But life has a way with obstacles. Straight off, a pregnancy at age 18 pushes Richard into a steady insurance job he does not like. He follows in his fundamentally unhappy father’s footsteps, avoiding his father’s alcoholism, while Margaret focuses on parenthood and does her best to ignore her own potential and desires, at a cost.

The house in the story was built in 1900; like the book, the film adaptation begins a little earlier, in 3,000,000,000 BCE, the primordial soup era. This phases into the time of the dinosaurs and the ice age, and the years when the North American plot of land, before there were plots separating land, was dominated by First Nation residents, two of whom we see undergoing their own courtship and life cycle together.

“Here” works out of order, mostly with tiny, overlapping vignettes. As with McGuire’s book, we’re often looking at images within images on screen. A rectangle in one corner might reveal a detail from whatever was happening that moment in the 1700s, or 1947, when Richard’s parents bought the house that wasn’t there in the 1700s. That rectangle might share the overall screen with one or two other mini-frames of action or inaction.

Benjamin Franklin makes several brief appearances. The grand house we spy through the ever-present living room window has its own stories to relay. The novel does not favor one set of characters, most of them residents of the house, over another. The movie version works differently, focusing largely on Richard and Margaret, and Richard’s surly father, played by Paul Bettany, and his bright, busy and finally stroke-addled mother, played by Kelly Reilly.

Hanks and Wright, along with the rest of the cast, undergo makeovers throughout. They’re de-aged or aged-up by means of artificial intelligence software from Metaphysic Studios. Zemeckis has been in the vanguard of digital effects for most of his career. How do the actors look here? Well, better than Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci looked as young men in “The Irishman.” But the aggressive deep-fake nature of “Here,” its actors’ faces overlaid with expensively finessed existing footage of Hanks and Wright at much younger ages, compounds the hermetic diorama vibe. Also, was there something in the way these performances were delivered, with near-immediate playback visualization of the deep-fakery, that led to some aggressive overacting? Watching “Here,” you wouldn’t know Bettany’s ever been any good, in any circumstance.

Also, the tone’s off, which is a directorial matter. McGuire’s graphic novel is a transporting wonder of dry wit and plaintive reflection, free from thesis statements beyond Ben Franklin’s observation (so McGuire imagines) that “life has a flair for rhyming events.” The movie lunges for your tear ducts and your heartstrings; the narrative hopscotch won’t cooperate and it’s not really what McGuire had in mind. At all.

Somehow, a handful of simple interactions between the older versions of Hanks and Wright cut through all that. Now and then a line comes along that sticks, quietly, as when Richard realizes he has lived, George Bailey “It’s a Wonderful Life”-style, preoccupied with money and worrying about “every damn thing.” And the ending, however shameless, works. But the book’s melancholy spareness has been replaced by a “Here” existing somewhere in a pristine, remote suburb we’ll call Uncanny Valley Falls, a few miles away from real life.

“Here” — 2 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: PG-13 (for thematic material, some suggestive material, brief strong language and smoking)

Running time: 1:45

How to watch: Premieres in theaters Oct. 31

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

‘The Diplomat’ Season 2 review: Keri Russell returns as an overburdened ambassador, but the show is a lesser version of itself

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 14:07

“The Diplomat,” starring Keri Russell, returns for a second season on Netflix. But maybe the real headline is: A streaming original you’ve long forgotten about is back. If that seems petty, you could argue the pettiness emanates from media companies that do little in their power to get shows back in front of audiences in a reasonable time frame. Network shows manage to do that within the same calendar year. “The Diplomat”? A year and a half. But who’s counting?

I liked what creator Debora Cahn came up with for the first season, drawing on her past experiences writing on “Homeland” and “The West Wing” and taking the best from both and weaving a sense of humor into its story of a serious-minded U.S. ambassador to Britain (Russell) chafing at the ceremonial and hosting demands of the job.

She’s Kate Wyler, forever disheveled and struggling to figure out this awkward turn her career has taken. Her husband is Hal Wyler, played by Rufus Sewell, and he is both her biggest supporter and the bane of her existence. A former ambassador himself, he’s the kind of sly dog who’s always playing the angles and then saying, “Who, me?” Turns out, he orchestrated this job for his wife, which is a dry run for an even bigger slot: vice president. Maybe.

Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger, with a car bomb going off in London, and this season picks up in the immediate aftermath. Guess who is caught in the fray? Why, Hal, of course.

The six-episode season is focused on what the hell happened and the tone is “intrigue” that somehow fails to be intriguing. Kate is a reactive rather than proactive figure, which probably says something about the futility of the work she’s juggling. But not enough of the storytelling this time out feels specific or detailed enough, and overall the series has lost its sense of humor.

Here’s what happens when there’s a year-plus gap between seasons: You don’t retain relevant information or even an emotional connection to the characters. There is a lot of time spent on how everyone feels about the death of an assistant who worked at the embassy and it becomes the centerpiece for their angst about mistakes made — and all of it rings hollow because, thanks to the show’s 19-month hiatus, all I kept thinking was: Wait, who are they talking about? Did this person play a significant role in the first season?

In Season 2, “The Diplomat” feels like the same show, but a lesser version made by different people. Too much is flatfooted, from the performances to the phony-sounding exhortations about what it really takes to preserve democracy. What a letdown. But more pointedly: What changed between seasons?

Things perk up considerably with the addition of Allison Janney late in the season as the current vice president. She arrives with a sleek blond bob and glamorously professional wardrobe and she might as well be holding a sign: Here’s the intrigue you’ve been waiting for. She may or may have to step down in the near future, hence, the reason Kate has been groomed to take her place. The two women have frank conversations about this and the show feels alive in these moments because Janney is playing someone with the instincts of a chess master and she’s given room to display emotions other than “intense.”

Allison Janney as Vice President Grace Penn in Season 2 of “The Diplomat.” (Alex Bailey/Netflix/TNS)

Their interactions lead to a pointed conversation about Kate’s distracted approach to hair and wardrobe. This came up often in Season 1 and the show is just repeating the same points by now. But I am fascinated that the women Russell plays are defined by their looks.

An actor’s appearance can be a canvas upon which we — the show’s creators but also the audience — project all kinds of ideas about who a character is. When Russell played a college student in “Felicity,” her tumble of long curls conveyed an innocence; it was a signature look her character then subverted by cutting her hair short. Later, in “The Americans,” Russell played a Russian spy masquerading as an unremarkable American housewife who would then transform, one assignment after another, with the help of various disguises.

In its initial outing, “The Diplomat” had all kinds of things to say about the expectations women face in the workplace when it comes to hair and clothing. Does one’s appearance become a performance? A form of armor or personal expression? That Kate continues to resist that part of the job could be interesting. More often than not, it’s just a gimmick.

“The Diplomat” Season 2 — 2 stars (out of 4)

Where to watch: Netflix

Nina Metz is a Tribune critic.

Candy Corn cocktails: Purge your house of evil, or make Halloween fun last

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 13:54

I thought I couldn’t sink lower than Skittles vodka slushies.

But there I was, standing at the register in my regular liquor store, with a bottle of Stoli Whipped in my hand, simultaneously indignant (“This is for work; I don’t care what people think!) and ashamed. Eager to get home where this unholy experiment could unravel in the dark quiet of my kitchen.

The plan: Make a Candy Corn Martini.

It’s got the look, but that’s it, really. For candy corn lovers, the flavor’s just not there. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

“Wait… what?”

This was me a few weeks back when the Halloween season content was being determined, when my editor, all kinds of on-record for hating the stuff, decided I should make one for my “leftover candy” column.

I don’t even hate candy corn. But this just seemed wrong.

“Although I loathe candy corn,” she said, explaining her reasoning, “it is an iconic Halloween candy. And it was pretty.”

The Candy Corn Martini is a lesson in “looks aren’t everything.”

Also, in layering.

Drink the rainbow. Skittles vodka slushies hack into that Halloween stash

At the base, candy corn vodka, made by dissolving the happy little nuggets in a toxic bath of Stoli. The recipe suggested vanilla or whipped (which is supposed to be whipped cream-flavored).

“I’d have gone with vanilla,” Arthur Boothe told me later.

I enlisted this pro bartender, owner of Death in the Afternoon (930 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando), for help after making the recipe, which, as my boss had hoped, was cute.

It was also utterly undrinkable. The flavor of the candy corn vodka, buried at the bottom, was lost in a wash of pineapple juice, which comprised the middle layer. Topped (or more accurately, virtually sealed-in) with whipped cream, one must fight their lips through to the drink beneath or else make an effort to get both drink and whipped cream in one’s mouth.

Arthur Boothe, co-owner of Death in the Afternoon, prepares a French Drip absinthe drink at his bar on Orlando’s North Mills Avenue. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

There is no elegant way to do this. Moreover, with one sip, the spell is broken, and the cocktail’s true nature, like a demon slipping from its disguise, reveals itself. It is an abomination.

And so, I wondered: Could I make a true cocktail for candy corn lovers that wasn’t?

Boothe’s input helped.

“Nobody at home is going to layer a drink,” he opined. “I wouldn’t.”

And yet Google turned up 20 versions of this drink on the first search. None, no surprise here, were from places like Liquor or Punch.

There were a few variations — a couple included butterscotch schnapps, others listed molasses, maple syrup, cake vodka (dear God) — but all included the homemade candy hooch. And pineapple juice. I chose the one with the most good reviews (66).

Creamed corn: In this shot version, we omit for fuller candy flavor, but the experience is semi-thwarted by the whipped cream, which sort of seals the whole thing in. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

Also, when I posted my intent on Facebook, the encouragement and barf-emoji responses were a statistical dead heat.

“They would,” I said. He laughed.

I told him my mission was to create a cocktail that looked pretty but also tasted like candy corn. I felt like the flavor was more important than making it a doppelganger.

“What about a Candy Corn Cosmo?” I offered.

“Like a 90s-style Carrie Bradshaw thing parading around as a martini? Yeah, that could be done.”

A sugared rim gives the cosmo a great look. Vanilla sugar, says Orlando bar pro Arthur Boothe, would be a nice accent, as well. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

The thing with sweet cocktails, and while they’re not my cup of tea, people adore them, is that they still need some level of balance.

“Instead of pineapple, I’d go with something higher acid.”

In a traditional cosmopolitan, cranberry gives it a small hit, but lime does the heavy lifting, which is where I ended up. We discussed a deconstructed take, like a Porn Star Martini, a fruity coupe-glass affair that’s served with a sidecar of bubbles but then moved into French 75 territory, wherein the bubbles are poured over juice, gin and simple syrup. A pineapple syrup, he noted, could be a nice addition to the candy vodka, so I made some.

The Candy Corn Cosmo’s got looks AND a brand of candy flavor that’s slightly more sophisticated. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

“Play with it,” he suggested and gave me some proportions to start with.

I did.

And in the end, I think I landed in a place that candy corn fans could appreciate, theme junkies could serve and I could manage to drink without adding too much to the sugar orgy that Halloween already is.

I give you the Candy Corn Cosmopolitan, wherein the homemade vodka pairs with lime juice and Aperol for a chilled and cheery-orange holiday sip that hints at its Brachs foundation while offering the bright balance of acid and bitterness. It’s still sweet (sweeter still with that sugar rim) but not at all treacly.

The Kandy Korn Kir Royale, my editor will note, offers a bit of layering at the serving point. This one’s simple and more candy corn-forward. The booze goes in the bottom of the flute; a dry prosecco is layered on top. It gives that candy corn-inspired visual, and a quick swizzle will bring that flavor up through the sparkling wine. You may even catch its distinct aroma.

A little candy corn vodka in the bottom of a glass of dry prosecco, and you’ve got a bubbly Halloween sip. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

I sent Boothe some pics.

“That’s great!” he wrote. “I was worried this would tarnish my record.”

Impossible, of course.

“My neighbors loved the cosmo and took all the leftover vodka I made,” I told him. “One of them was sipping it out of the jar.”

“They’re maniacs,” he said.

I sent pics of their holiday decorations.

“It all makes sense now. They’re probably a blast.”

They are. And so, too, will you be when you serve these in the wake of the holiday.

Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinel’s Facebook food group, Let’s Eat, Orlando.

It took a little experimenting with sour, herbal, bitter and sweet elements to get the candy corn cosmo just right. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) Candy Corn Cosmopolitan (makes four-drink pitcher)

8 ounces candy corn vodka (see martini recipe for instructions)
4 ounces Aperol
2 ounces fresh lime juice
Sugar (optional, for rimming the glasses)

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake about 30 seconds until well chilled. Strain into pre-rimmed (if using) martini glasses.

Kandy Korn Kir Royale

1/2 ounce candy corn vodka (per cocktail)
1 (750 ml) bottle of dry prosecco
Candy pumpkins (optional, for garnish)

Add candy corn vodka to each flute. Drop in candy pumpkin if using. Slowly pour prosecco — down inside of glass or over a spoon — over vodka to fill flute if layering. Otherwise, simply fill flute and enjoy.

Festive Candy Corn Martini

Recipe courtesy SavoredSips.com (savoredsips.com/candy-corn-martini)

Ingredients

For the candy corn flavored vodka

5 ounces vanilla or whipped-flavored vodka (Boothe recommends vanilla)
1/4 cup candy corn

For the cocktail

2 ounces candy corn flavored vodka
1/2 ounce grenadine
3 ounces pineapple juice
Whipped cream to cover the top of the glass
Ice

InstructionsCombine the vodka and candy corn in a lidded container and soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Strain before using.Mix 1/2 ounce of grenadine into 2 ounces of the infused candy corn vodka then pour into each martini glass.Very slowly, pour in the pineapple juice over the back of a spoon or cocktail layering tool.Then slowly add whipped cream to cover the top of the glass.

Can I get bird flu from eating eggs? Drinking milk? We asked a disease expert

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 13:50

By Fernanda Galan, The Sacramento Bee (TNS)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As poultry farms and dairies across California battle bird flu outbreaks, some are wondering if their food is safe to eat.

Since highly pathogenic avian influenza surfaced in the United States in January 2022, the virus has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HPAI was detected at a Merced County turkey farm in September and infected chickens at a Tulare County ranch about a month later, leading to the destruction of hundreds of thousands of birds, The Fresno Bee previously reported.

Meanwhile, avian flu has sickened cows more than 130 dairies across California, as well as 15 dairy workers.

Dairy cows feed at Hillcrest Dairy, located in Merced County, in 2022. (Andrew Kuhn/Merced Sun-Star/TNS)

The Bee talked to a Fresno-based infectious disease expert to learn more about the virus — and how it affects food safety.

What is bird flu?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highly pathogenic avian influenza — also known as bird flu or H5N1 — is a highly contagious and often deadly disease primarily found in poultry.

It is “caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses,” the agency said on its website.

HPAI can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals. The virus can also infect humans in rare cases.

“It is important to note that ‘highly pathogenic’ refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans,” the agency said.

How is avian influenza spread to humans?

Unlike seasonal influenza viruses, which are typically contracted through human-to-human transmission, avian influenza viruses are spread by infected birds through saliva, mucus and feces, according to the CDC.

The virus can also be present in the respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or body fluids of other infected animals — including milk.

Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled through airborne droplets, aerosol particles or dust. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

“Illness in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death,” the CDC said.

Can I get bird flu by drinking milk?

“There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website.

Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume, according to Hebah Ghanem, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco, Fresno.

“The most important thing that it has to be pasteurized, because the virus is killed with heat,” Ghanem told The Bee.

“Pasteurization of milk was adopted decades ago as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick,” the FDA said on its website.

Will eating eggs make me sick?

All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“This means that they have been rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time to destroy bacteria,” the agency said.

However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked.

What about chicken?

Chicken is safe to eat if it’s properly cooked, according to Ghanem.

During an avian flu outbreak, “The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low,” the FDA said on its website in April, “because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.”

“When food is properly prepared and stored, the risk of consumers becoming infected with HPAI is reduced even further,” the FDA said.

How contagious is avian flu?

“There have not been any human-to-human transmission cases yet” during the recent bird flu outbreak, Ghanem said.

“The transmission is from animal to human,” she added.

According to Ghanem, people usually only get infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza if they come in contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids.

“That’s why most of the cases (involve) the people who are working with animals,” Ghanem explained.

“Because of the possibility that bird flu viruses could change and gain the ability to spread easily between people, monitoring for human infection and person-to-person spread is extremely important for public health.” the CDC said on its website.

How dangerous is HPAI for humans?

The California dairy workers infected with avian flu so far have experienced mild flu-like symptoms, The Bee previously reported.

“All the cases that we have here in California are very mild,” Ghanem said. “They haven’t needed hospitalization.”

What are avian flu symptoms?

According to the CDC, avian flu symptoms in humans may include:

Fever or feeling feverish or chills
Eye redness or irritation
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuff nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Tiredness

What should I do if I’m exposed to bird flu virus?

If you get exposed to the avian flu virus, Ghanem said, you must follow these steps.

Observe yourself to see if you develop any symptoms
Let the CDC know, so you can get tested
Isolate in case you have the virus
Start treatment if you test positive for HPAI or have any symptoms

Doctors can test for bird flu by “collecting a swab from the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat) of the sick person,” the CDC said. “Testing is more accurate when the swab is collected during the first few days of illness.“

Avian flu is treated with an antiviral medication such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza), according to the CDC.

“Antiviral treatment works best when started as soon as symptoms begin,” the CDC said.

How can I prevent spread of virus?

To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, people should avoid exposure to dead animals, Ghanem said. That includes wild bird, poultry, other domesticated birds and cows.

People should also avoid exposure to animal feces as well as fluids.

Here are other tips from Ghanem:

Wash your hands
Avoid contaminated surfaces and any other material that has been touched or is close to the infected animal
Don’t drink raw milk.
Eat pasteurized cheese.
Monitor yourself for symptoms

She also recommends getting vaccinated against influenza.

“While getting a seasonal flu vaccine only prevents seasonal flu and will not protect against H5N1 bird flu,” the CDC said on its website, “it is important that people who may have frequent exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals get a seasonal flu vaccine — ideally two weeks before their potential exposure.”

“This is because it can reduce the prevalence and severity of seasonal flu and might reduce the very rare risk of co-infection with a human seasonal virus and an avian virus at the same time,” the agency said.

Seattle home-inspection services startup Inspectify raises $5.3M - MSN

Home Inspection - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 05:34

Seattle home-inspection services startup Inspectify raises $5.3M MSN

Today in History: October 31, Indira Gandhi assassinated

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 01:00

Today is Thursday, Oct. 31, the 305th day of 2024. There are 61 days left in the year. This is Halloween.

Today in history:

On Oct. 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi, India’s Prime Minister for more than 15 years, was assassinated by two of her own security guards.

Also on this date:

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation making Nevada the 36th state, eight days before the presidential election.

In 1913, the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across the United States, was dedicated.

In 1941, work was completed on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, begun in 1927.

In 1950, Earl Lloyd of the Washington Capitols became the first African-American to play in an NBA game; Lloyd would go on to play for nine seasons, winning an NBA championship in 1955 with the Syracuse Nationals.

In 1961, the body of Josef Stalin was removed from Lenin’s Tomb as part of the Soviet Union’s “de-Stalinization” drive.

In 1999, EgyptAir Flight 990, bound from New York to Cairo, crashed off the Massachusetts coast, killing all 217 people aboard.

In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.

In 2011, the United Nations estimated that world population had reached seven billion people (world population is greater than eight billion today).

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Lee Grant is 99.
Former CBS anchorman Dan Rather is 93.
Actor Stephen Rea is 78.
Olympic gold medal marathoner Frank Shorter is 77.
TV host Jane Pauley is 74.
Football coach Nick Saban is 73.
Film director Peter Jackson is 63.
Rock drummer Larry Mullen Jr. (U2) is 63.
Rock musician Johnny Marr is 61.
Baseball Hall of Famer Fred McGriff is 61.
Actor Dermot Mulroney is 61.
Country singer Darryl Worley is 60.
Actor-comedian Mike O’Malley is 58.
Rap musician Adam Horovitz (Beastie Boys) is 58.
Rapper Vanilla Ice is 57.
Actor Leticia Wright is 31.
Singer Willow Smith is 24.

Infants died from birth defects at higher rates after abortion ban was imposed in Florida

South Florida Local News - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 00:10

Like most pregnant women, Deborah Dorbert of Lakeland went for a routine anatomy scan of her unborn baby at 23 weeks.

The results spiraled into a nightmare scenario and the eventual death of Dorbert’s son, Milo, only 94 minutes after he was born.

The anatomy scan in late 2022 showed Milo’s kidneys and lungs had failed to develop from a lack of amniotic fluid in the uterus. A doctor told Deborah her baby would not survive more than a few hours outside the womb. Initially, a specialist advised Deborah and her husband, Lee, that the safest option would be to induce Deborah and end the pregnancy as soon as possible. “We all agreed getting induced was the best option for my health and because it was less likely my son would suffer as much,” she told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

However, Florida had enacted a 15-week abortion ban six months earlier in July 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The hospital’s legal team determined inducing Deborah at the hospital early at 24 weeks, rather than waiting full term, would break the state law. “They said until my life was on the line, they couldn’t do anything,” she said.

Milo, born in March 2023, now serves as an example of the ripple effect of changes to Florida abortion laws after the end of Roe v. Wade, the federal law that protected the right to have an abortion.

In 2023, the year that followed Florida’s initial 15-week abortion ban, the state saw an increase in the number of infants like Milo, who died from lethal congenital anomalies or fatal birth defects before celebrating a first birthday. Indeed, infant mortality attributed to congenital anomalies in Florida jumped to its highest level in at least six years in October 2023, a little over a year after the state’s initial abortion ban went into effect, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Congenital anomalies can be mild or severe and often have no known cause. The more serious issues involve the heart, kidneys, and spine.

That escalation in infant mortality happened just as both sides were arguing before the Florida Supreme Court over whether the abortion ban signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis should be upheld. Eventually, Florida’s highest court ruled Florida could restrict abortion, and a six-week ban signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis went into effect on May 1. With this newer, more restrictive ban in place, it appears the increase in the number of infants dying from birth defects continues in 2024. For now, the 2024 infant mortality numbers are partial, and the full impact of the six-week ban won’t be clear until more data becomes available.

Florida’s trends parallel national research that found in the year and a half following the Supreme Court Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade’s federal right to an abortion, hundreds more U.S. infants died than expected overall and in particular among those with fatal birth defects.

“The trend in infant mortality from cognitive anomalies had been declining in the U.S., but after Dobbs, it picked up,” said Dr. Parvati Singh, an assistant professor of epidemiology with The Ohio State University College of Public Health and lead author of National Trends in Infant Mortality in the US After Dobbs.

Singh and researcher Maria Gallo compared infant mortality rates for the 18 months following Dobb to historical trends and found deaths attributed to congenital abnormalities were higher than expected in six of the 18 months following the Dobbs decision. A similar pattern occurred in Florida. “The increase takes into account births and trends in the past,” Singh said. At the time of her research, 14 states had total abortion bans and eight states had bans at various times before the first 18 weeks of gestation.

Deborah Dorbert carried her son to term even though she and her husband Lee Dorbert knew the boy would not live after his birth. She was unable to get doctors to induce her early because of Florida’s abortion ban. (Antonio Becerra/Courtesy)

Dr. David Berger, Dorbert’s primary care physician and pediatrician in Tampa, said he is not surprised to see an increase in the number of women in Florida carrying fetuses with lethal congenital anomalies to term. “Many of these are pregnancies that would have ended in abortion if people had access to those services,” he said.

When Florida enacted a 15-week ban, pregnant women in the state began traveling for abortion care. The Dorberts said they were discouraged because of the financial and potential legal implications of traveling for care. “We also had a four-year-old son who still needed us,” Deborah Dorbert said.

So, for 13 more weeks, Deborah carried baby Milo in her uterus, knowing he would die soon after birth. She avoided going out into public, fearing seeing people in the grocery store who might see her pregnant and congratulate her or ask, “Is this your first child? Are you excited?”

“I just went into a really dark place, you know, essentially planning my son’s birth and funeral at the same time,” she said.

Under Florida’s six-week ban, effective May 1, more defined exceptions exist than under the 15-week ban: Two physicians can certify in writing that ending the pregnancy is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life or avert a serious risk of significant physical impairment. Or, two physicians can certify in writing before the third trimester that the fetus has a fatal fetal abnormality.

Berger said confusion over these exceptions still makes it difficult for pregnant women to get care when they encounter pregnancy complications.

“There are still mothers and doctors and patients who aren’t clear on what laws are and will not think to act on it because they are scared of repercussions,” he said.

Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the University of California, San Francisco, said abortion bans also can affect access to broader maternal care, especially in marginalized populations, and that, too, has a ripple effect.

“Whether a pregnancy is wanted or unwanted, the lack of access to abortion care is having an impact on childbirth outcomes,” she said. “Abortion care is essential to prevent maternal mortality and infant mortality and that is what the data is showing us.”

Dorbert, who now campaigns for Amendment 4 to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution, said her recent pregnancy experience had a life-changing impact: “I will never have children again. I know I would not survive another pregnancy like that. I can’t endure it.”

South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

Care Inspectorate publish findings of nursing home visit - The Renfrewshire Gazette

Home Inspection - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 00:00

Care Inspectorate publish findings of nursing home visit The Renfrewshire Gazette

Weekend things to do: Disco Halloween, Day of the Dead and a new Champagne brunch on the New River

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:55

That incessant sound you hear coming from the oceanfront in Fort Lauderdale is the economy hum-ming, as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show reaches the peak of its showy delirium this weekend.

In its over-the-top celebration of what is possible in design and technology, rendered in examples of remarkable sculptural beauty, many with ridiculous price tags affordable for only the very VIP members of the international audience it attracts, FLIBS is the Art Basel of boating.

Yes, it means your favorite table is booked, you can’t get an Uber and even that favorite spot you don’t tell anyone about is somehow infiltrated, but that’s great for our friends in the hospitality industry. And the energy and fresh-eyed enthusiasm for South Florida that typically comes with these visitors from around the globe is infectious. So, welcome all.

The show’s 1,000 exhibitors and 1,300-plus vessels will be set up at seven venues along the Intracoastal Waterway, from Las Olas Boulevard to the 17th Street Causeway, through Sunday. For more on the show, visit FLIBS.com. For an efficient navigational map to what’s happening at FLIBS, see our advance reports at SunSentinel.com.

THURSDAY

Disco inferno: The Disco Halloween Party at Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton on Thursday will feature South Florida’s popular Original Studio54 Band playing all the hits of polyesterday. The fun gets going at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15. As if you needed to be told, dress the part. Visit Facebook.com/crazyunclemikes.

Something Wicked: Presented by The Pride Center at Equality Park, the Wilton Manors block party known as Wicked Manors is a holiday tradition offering some of the most elaborate and creative costumes around on Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m. Set up along Wilton Drive west of Five Points, events begin with pre-party family trick-or-treating at 5 p.m., followed by a children’s costume contest at 6:30 p.m. Costume contests for more, oh let’s call them adult themes, happen at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $13 at the gate. VIP tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the gate. Wicked Manors is a cashless event. Visit WickedManors.org.

The Kens arrive at Wicked Manors 2023 in Wilton Manors. The Halloween block party returns to Wilton Drive on Saturday. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)

Another dad in drag: The beloved family-friendly, cross-dressing comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire” continues performances at the Kravis Center in downtown West Palm Beach through Sunday. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $39+ at Kravis.org.

Time warp: Legendary local Rocky Horror shadowcasters The Faithful Handymen will host the ultimate screening of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 10 p.m. on Halloween night at Savor Cinema in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The evening will begin with pre-show cocktails at the patio bar (8:30 p.m.) and a costume contest (9:45 p.m.). Tickets cost $9 at FLIFF.com/savorcinema.

FRIDAY

Tortuga tickets: Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for Tortuga Music Festival 2025, set to take place April 4 to 6 at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, led by headliners Luke Combs, Keith Urban and Jelly Roll, along with Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum and many more. For this wave of tickets, prices are $355 for a three-day, general-admission pass; $560 for a three-day GA+ pass; $1,599 for VIP and $2,474 for Super VIP. All prices include service fees, but taxes and shipping are extra. Presales (alumni, hotel packages, Chase customers) have been ongoing this week, and Super VIP is already wait-listed. Visit TortugaMusicFestival.com.

Luke Combs, left, Keith Urban and Jelly Roll are the headliners for Tortuga Music Festival 2025 in Fort Lauderdale on April 4-6. (CBS/AP file)

Friday night live: Durable ’80s indie-pop favorites The Fixx will be at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on Friday to reprise more hits than you may remember, including “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Saved by Zero,” “Red Skies” and “Stand or Fall.” Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45+ at CultureRoom.net. … Max Bemis and Say Anything bring the tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the pivotal album “… Is a Real Boy” to Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on Friday. The show starts with sets by Social Animals, Circus Trees and Runt. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $36.50+ at JoinTheRevolution.net. … The Sunshine Jazz Organization presents Grammy-winning, multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona and the Asante Trio on Friday at 8 p.m. at Miami’s Historic Lyric Theater. Tickets start at $60+ at BAHLT.org.

Weekend laughs: Writer, comedian and actor Natasha Leggero is at the Dania Improv in Dania Beach this weekend to do the September shows that were abruptly rescheduled in advance of Hurricane Helene. As you may recall, Leggero published a collection of humorous essays in 2022 titled “The World Deserves My Children,” which explored how she became pregnant at age 42 via what she described as a “grueling” IVF journey. She may have a few new things to say on the subject this weekend. Her performances will be at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $25+. Visit DaniaImprov.com.

Resolvers return: Also canceled in September with the approach of Hurricane Helene, the free Sunset Concerts series will welcome “Big Band reggae” group The Resolvers to Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach on Friday. Gates open at 6 p.m., and The Resolvers’ set is at 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, but no coolers or alcohol (there will be food and drinks for sale). Admission is free and first-come, first-served (these shows have been known to reach capacity). VIP access to an exclusive lounge area with seating, a dedicated bar and one drink ticket costs $50. Visit Facebook.com/DelrayOldSchoolSquare.

Fort Knox RecordingsThe Resolvers will bring their funky, Big Band reggae sound to Delray Beach on Friday. (Fort Knox Recordings/Courtesy)

Cheap boos: All that time and creative ingenuity (and perhaps money) that you put into your costume deserve more than one night out on the town to show it off. Country bar Renegades in West Palm Beach hosts a costume contest on Friday at 9 p.m., with $500 on the table and categories including sexiest, scariest and most original. Renegades also offers $1 drinks from 9 to 10 p.m., $2 drinks from 10 to 11 p.m. There’s a $10 cover after 8 p.m., $20 for guests age 18 to 20. Visit Facebook.com/renegadeswpb.

Take the kids: Big Bounce America, which bills itself as “the world’s biggest bounce house,” is a touring inflatable landscape covering more than 24,000 square feet that will set up Friday through Sunday at Ives Estates Park in Miami (just west of Interstate 95 and north of Ives Dairy Road). Guests must book one of the three-hour sessions that begin at regular intervals throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m. Prices for a three-hour session are $22+ for toddlers, $35+ for older kids and $45+ for adults (16 and older). Entry is free for spectators. Visit TheBigBounceAmerica.com.

A good year: The unofficial advent of the holiday season in South Florida — when visions of sugarplums first begin to dance in our heads — comes with the debut of the Hooters Calendar. This weekend you can buy yours ($16) and have it autographed by a few of the women who appear in the 2025 calendar, including Miss October Chyna Veitch (Fort Lauderdale Beach), back cover Alli Lamb (Boca Raton), Miss January Sarah Magda (Sarasota), Miss August Skylar Becker (Fort Myers) and inside back cover Emily Hagedorn (Fort Myers). Signings will take place at 5-6:30 p.m. Friday at Hooters of Boca Raton (2240 NW 19 St.); 9-10:30 p.m. Friday at Hooters of Cypress Creek (6345 N. Andrews Ave.); 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Hooters of Doral (8695 NW 13th Terrace, Miami; 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday at Hooters of Pembroke Pines (7990 Pines Blvd.); and 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday at Hooters of Weston (2282 Weston Road). A dollar from every Hooters Calendar purchase supports the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Fund benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Visit Instagram.com/southflhooters.

Chyna Veitch, who works at Hooters at Beach Place in Fort Lauderdale, will be out this weekend signing copies of the new 2025 Hooters Calendar, where you’ll find her as Miss October. (Hooters of South Florida/Courtesy) SATURDAY

Deadhead parade: The 15th annual Florida Day of the Dead festival and parade — considered one of the best in the country — will return on Saturday to Esplanade Park on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. From 3 to 7 p.m., the park will be filled with Latin-themed food trucks, crafts booths and kids’ activities, with artists on hand for sugar-skull face painting, while dozens of performers offer traditional folk dance and music from Mexico and across Latin America. At 6:30 p.m., everyone is invited to join the iconic Skeleton Processional, a jubilant stream of costumed revelers led by local artist Jim Hammond’s iconic puppets. The parade will loop around the Riverwalk and end with the traditional street party in front of Revolution Live and Backyard, a family-friendly gathering of music, vendors and more food trucks from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission to all events is free. For more information, visit Facebook.com/dayofthedeadflorida and Instagram.com/floridadayofthedead.

Florida Day of the Dead, the popular community costume party and parade, returns to Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. (South Florida Sun Sentinel file)

The spirits move you: Another spirited highlight of the season, the third annual Sunset Tequila & Mezcal Festival returns to the lawn at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday. From 4 to 10 p.m., the gathering will feature top-shelf agave spirits, food and live music, including a set by rising Delray Beach indie-rockers Artikal Sound System, recently named to the lineup at Tortuga Music Festival 2025. Tickets cost $75+ in advance and include unlimited sampling of featured tequila and mezcal brands, and food from local restaurants. If still available, tickets will be sold at the gate for $85+. VIP tickets cost $175+ and must be purchased in advance (include early admission at 3 p.m., a tented space with an open bar and elevated food, balcony concert viewing and private bathrooms). Visit SunsetTequilaFest.com.

The Sunset Tequila & Mezcal Festival in Boca Raton on Saturday is not Halloween or Day of the Dead. Unless you want it to be. (Sunset Tequila & Mezcal Festival/Courtesy)

Water world: At the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale this weekend, Miami City Ballet’s season-opening production of George Balanchine’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” transports the mystical woodland lovers of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece to the Florida coast, reimagined as a lovely underwater dreamscape populated by manatees and seahorses. (Insert your own climate-change witticism.) Performances are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40+ at BrowardCenter.org.

Weekend tonic: Rock god and Miami resident Iggy Pop this week announced that he’s got a new album coming out: “Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2023” (earMusic), which captures Iggy and a seven-piece band in a career-spanning set that covered everything from The Stooges era to his excellent 2023 studio release, “Every Loser.” With the announcement, Iggy teased the album with this video single from the concert, a gloriously powerful version of “Five Foot One” that betrays no concession to age (he’s 77). It may be a tonic for your soul, too. You can preorder the album here. For more information, visit IggyPop.com.

Good food: A culinary festival for a good cause, the sixth annual Taste of Recovery will take place on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American German Club in Lake Worth Beach. Founded by chef Louie Bossi of Big Time Restaurant Group, the event will include food and drink from local favorites including Warren, City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill, Louie Bossi’s Ristorante, Elisabetta’s Ristorante, Grease Burger, Tim Finnegans Irish Pub and Windy City Pizza Delray, among many others. Taste of Recovery will benefit The Crossroads Club, a nonprofit organization in Delray Beach that for more than 40 years has, at no charge, provided a safe haven for those affected by addictive substances. Tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door. Visit TheCrossroadsClub.com or their page on Eventbrite.com.

Meating on 38th: In Lauderhill, Beer-B-Q on 38th Ave returns on Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight, with food trucks, craft beer vendors, a barbecue contest and live music. Hosted by singer, actor and TV presenter Ray J, the event will include dancehall star Shenseea, Grammy-nominated singer Jon B, Michel’le (“No More Lies”) and R&B crooner Ronnie VOP. Admission is free, with VIP tickets (including premium stage viewing and two cocktails) going for $75. Visit LauderhillCRA-fl.gov.

Great Minds: In case you missed it, Dangerous Minds Brewing Co. in Pompano Beach is among the finalists in the Sun Sentinel’s search for the top local craft brewery in the Best of South Florida Dining series. Perhaps it is because they make things like braggot, a rarely seen concoction that essentially combines beer with mead, sometimes called “honey wine.” On Saturday, Dangerous Minds will release Tales of Canterbury, a powerful braggot (11% ABV) that will be available on draft and in bottles. Visit DangerousMindsBrewing.com.

SUNDAY

Champagne wishes: The House on the River, a restaurant that occupies a historic property on one of the lovelier pieces of land in downtown Fort Lauderdale, on Sunday will launch The House of Veuve brunch series. Adopting an “everything Veuve” tribute to the popular French Champagne brand (we’re hearing lots of orange umbrellas on the patio), the brunch will return each Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and include a new ala carte menu, Veuve bottle and glass specials, a DJ and more. For information, visit TheHouseOnTheRiver.com.

If you like piña coladas: Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton will host the next in its series of music-minded brunches, Yacht Rock Bingo & Brunch, on Sunday. Brunch starts at noon and DJ Gio Black will begin annoying you (we kid) with yacht rock hits at 1 p.m. There will be four rounds of music with prizes. Ladies get a free bottle of bubbly with purchase of an entree. That’ll help! Visit CrazyUncleMikes.com.

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and X @BenCrandell.

What’s being built there? Two condo towers will offer nearly 800 residences in Fort Lauderdale

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:55

This real-estate feature from the South Florida Sun Sentinel highlights the latest plans for new construction as demand rises for more housing, offices and stores across the region. You can submit questions by emailing buildings@sunsentinel.com, if you’re wondering about “what’s being built there?” in your community. Here’s one of the latest projects.

The location? 300 NE 3rd Ave. in Flagler Village, an area known for known for artsy stores and high-priced apartments, in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, a specific date has not been set.

Brooklyn-based developer Dependable Equities is launching Ombelle Fort Lauderdale, two condo towers will offer 775 residences and more than 11,000 square feet of ground floor retail. (Photo courtesy of Ombelle Residences Fort Lauderdale)

What’s planned? Brooklyn-based developer Dependable Equities is launching Ombelle Fort Lauderdale, two 43-story luxury condominium towers with 775 residences, and more than 11,000 square feet of ground floor retail.

Ombelle is the French word for umbel, a flower resembling the form of a parasol. The landscape team incorporated leaf canopies that provide shaded gathering spaces, so a play on the word became the building’s name.

This is the New York firm’s first foray into Florida.

Condo units range from 465-square-foot studios to three-bedroom homes of 1,400 square feet. There are also penthouses ranging from 2,400 square feet to 2,600 square feet.

The homes feature Italian custom-designed kitchens and bathrooms, and 10-foot ceilings in main living areas.

Also in Fort Lauderdale: Last year the city approved a plan for this same developer to build 830 apartments at 47 stories, at 633 SE Third Ave., making it among the tallest in the city. Those plans are pending. The plans also allow for more than 12,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. That project is still unnamed.

(A 48-story development proposed at 300 W. Broward Blvd. by the Kushner Cos. of New York and Aimco of Denver will be the tallest in Fort Lauderdale, according to City Hall.)

How will the condos be priced? Ombelle Fort Lauderdale homes start in the $400,000s for the studios. The top range is $5 million for penthouses that offer views of the ocean, which is about a mile away.

What are the amenities? Amenities include two indoor pickleball courts, a pro-golf simulator room, a private dining room with a chief’s kitchen for parties, a co-working lounge with two conference rooms, six private working stations, two recording rooms for podcasting, a coffee bar, library, children’s playroom with educational games, smart board, and outdoor playground; and a dog run and pet spa.

There’s also an outdoor sauna, cold plunge, and steam room. Outdoors, residents will have exclusive access to a resort-style lap pool and a plunge pool with pool-side cabanas.

(Photo courtesy of Ombelle Residences Fort Lauderdale)A rendering of the sauna at Brooklyn-based developer Dependable Equities’ Ombelle Fort Lauderdale. (Photo courtesy of Ombelle Residences Fort Lauderdale)

What’s being replaced? A single-story office building was on the land previously, which was demolished a few months ago.

When will construction be finished? Construction will be about 2 1/2 years.

What is the project anticipated cost? Anticipated to be a $600 million project.

The firm has been developing property for decades in New York City, and “we see the shift of New Yorkers move to Florida and we’re going along with that,” said Isaac Schlesinger, principal at Dependable Equities.

Buyers were asking them: “Are you doing something in Florida?” he said.

What about renters? Units can be rented out for a minimum of 30 days. That would curb them from being listed for shorter-term stays, he said.

“We designed this building with a lot of amenities and high-end finishes, we want to keep it a high caliber,” Schlesinger said. “We believe nightly renters can bring down the high quality of the community living that we’re creating so if people want to rent it out as an investment they still have the option of that but we are not inviting nightly rentals.”

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash

Ask a real estate pro: How do I convince HOA to enforce ‘quiet time’ rules?

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:40

Q: My downstairs neighbor often hangs out on his porch, which is directly under ours, and due to his drinking and smoking pot, we hear loud, explicit conversations into the early morning hours at least twice a month. Our bylaws state that “quiet time” is between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., but the HOA says they can only send him a reminder letter. I work and need my sleep, but management suggests calling the police, which I’m reluctant to do. Any suggestions on how to handle this? — Donna

A: While everyone has the right to enjoy their property, this right does not extend to actions that prevent their neighbors from enjoying the same privilege. When someone’s use of their property interferes with their neighbor’s peaceful enjoyment of their home, it is known as a “nuisance.” Under the law, excessive noxious smells, smoke, and noise are considered nuisances.

What is considered a nuisance can vary depending on the situation, so it is essential to figure out what would be considered reasonable in your specific case. For instance, an occasional party that ends before most people go to bed differs from loud music that continues until 4 a.m. every weekend.

Your community association is unwilling to take the necessary action to enforce the rules, so you are left with the burden.

You can insist that your HOA deal with the situation. If you need help getting the property manager to act, attend a board meeting and politely bring the problem to their attention.

You should also speak with your neighbor and explain that you need to work early and cannot sleep when he is being loud. He may not even know he is bothering anyone.

If your HOA and your neighbor are willing to resolve this issue, you will need to either learn to live with the disturbance, perhaps by using a white noise machine to mask the problem or take the problem to court.

In situations like yours, a judge can issue an “injunction,” which orders your neighbor to follow the rules and cease the offensive behavior. For that matter, the judge could also order your HOA to enforce the community’s rules.

If your neighbor or the HOA continues to ignore the injunction, you can return to court to have them held in contempt of the order, which can lead to severe consequences.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.

Morning Update: South Florida’s top stories for Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:40

Here are the top stories for Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Florida condo crisis: Experts tell of owners’ fears as costs keep mounting

Suspicious of voting systems, some Republicans demand ‘more secure’ option for early voting in Palm Beach County

As gambling addiction surges, Florida’s hotline stops receiving funding from the state

Florida’s ‘cat fund’ for damage could face $4.6 billion tab after Hurricanes Milton, Helene

FBI: Fired Disney employee hacked restaurant menus so they falsely claimed certain foods as peanut-free

2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show | PHOTOS

Florida Amendment 1: Voters weigh party labels in School Board races

Republican leads fundraising in Palm Beach State Attorney’s race

Four rivals competing for Fort Lauderdale commission seat in flood-prone District 4

Miss Manners: My neighbor insulted me with a can of tuna

ASK IRA: Did Knicks’ offseason aggression lead to a statement moment against Heat?

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:40

Q: When you look at the Knicks, they understand if you aren’t a champion, you aren’t anything, so they blew it up. You look at the Heat, they talk Culture. – Sandy.

A: Which is a bit of a simplistic way of putting it, considering the Heat’s run to two of the past five NBA Finals and three of the last five Eastern Conference finals. The Heat’s approach has been putting faith in the growth of young players such as Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic. There seems to be a payoff with those first two. The Knicks’ approach has been trading young talent to open cap space for trades or signings. While it looks good on paper for New York at the moment – and certainly looked very good with Karl-Anthony Towns on Wednesday night – there still has to be some sort of tangible payoff. Last season, it equated to a second-round exit.

Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: Ira, where would the Heat be without Tyler Herro? – Micheal.

A: As a team with an uneven offense that would look far worse. Amid the struggles of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro is playing by far as the most ignitable offensive element for the Heat, particularly with Terry Rozier uneven to this stage. What’s surprising about Tyler at this stage is that it’s not surprising. Without being classified as 3-point specialist, he effectively has stood as that this season, with an ease of offense rarely seen in these parts. At this point, it’s as if it’s all of the best of Tyler, at least from an offensive standpoint. Now the issue is getting his style and success to mesh with a game that also plays to the strengths of Bam and Jimmy. It can’t be either/or. This Heat offense needs it all.

Q: Josh Richardson is walking glass. – Jimbo.

A: It certainly has not been the reunion Josh Richardson envisioned when he rejoined the Heat in the 2023 offseason free agency. First it was the shoulder surgery that ended his first year back at midseason last February. Now it’s been the shoulder recovery, a heel issue and this latest calf strain. The bottom line is that the Heat somewhat have moved on, whether it be the minutes for Alec Burks, Haywood Highsmith or even Dru Smith. Reality is that if Josh was healthy at the end of last season, he likely would have returned to free agency in search of more than a second consecutive season at the NBA minimum. For now, the waiting game continues.

Voters should kill Amendment 2 in Florida | Letters to the editor

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 23:40

We oppose Amendment 2 on the ballot because it’s not about the right to hunt and fish in Florida. Those rights are already firmly established in state statute 379.104.

We recommend voting no on 2 because it will undermine currently well-regulated, sustainable hunting and fishing in our state, and thereby endanger not only hunters but the iconic wildlife that all Floridians respect and value, and the public who cherishes access to and enjoyment of Florida’s wild places.

Three phrases found in the ballot summary present serious problems with this amendment. “By the use of traditional methods” is the first. The second is “as a public right,” which would elevate hunting and fishing rights to the same level as our freedoms of religion, speech, assembly and due process. Finally, making hunting and fishing the “preferred means” of wildlife management is problematic.

Rhonda Roff, Clewiston

This letter was signed by Bear Warriors United; Climate Reality Project, North Broward and Palm Beach County Chapter; Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Earth Ethics; Earthjustice; Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida; Florida Rights of Nature Network; Hendry Glades Audubon Society; Noto2.org; Peace River Audubon Society; River Rise Resort, LLC; Save the Manatee Club; Sierra Club Florida; and Tropical Audubon Society.

Vote against Amendment 3

Marijuana is harmful in many ways.

The ’60s brought marijuana to the peace-and-love generation. Some people began with alcohol, while others moved on to cocaine, heroin and stronger, laced marijuana.

Marijuana causes disorientation, altered senses, coordination and memory issues. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) brings a “high” in your behavior. Scientists continue to study its long-term effects, such as car accidents from reduced reflexes. Recreational marijuana can be addictive and there may be mental health, cognition and decision-making problems.

Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor endorsed legalized recreational marijuana, claiming that current law disproportionately harms minorities and marginalized communities. Legalizing it would make things worse. Wake up and vote no on 3. It is recreational marijuana abuse.

Louis Cohen, Tamarac

Amendment 4 is a positive step

Thank you for your excellent coverage of the state of Florida’s attempt to block Amendment 4, “to limit government interference with abortion.”

Who can the voters believe? In one TV ad, a doctor says anyone with pregnancy complications can get appropriate care. In another ad, a doctor says the six-week abortion ban prevents him from giving good care. In other ads, women denied care for pregnancy complications talk about the suffering of hemorrhages, infection, pain and having to carry a fetus they know will die.

Believe this: All Florida licensed physicians received a notice of “exceptions that allow for an abortion, at any point in pregnancy, to save the pregnant woman’s life or avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”

Believe this, too: Women with serious complications, even ectopic pregnancy, are turned away all the time, for many reasons.

The doctor didn’t read the notice. The E.R. staff has no guidelines. Hospital administrators or lawyers don’t want to take the risk. The political climate, on their boards or among donors, has more weight than a woman’s health. Voting yes on 4 is a first step toward equitable care for all pregnant Floridians.

H. Joan Waitkevicz, M.D., West Palm Beach

Are these our only choices?

Kudos to the Sun Sentinel for its advocacy of abolishing the Electoral College.

Our electoral system is severely dysfunctional when Donald Trump is the only choice for president other than Kamala Harris.

Robert Cogan, Boynton Beach

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters should ideally be about 150 words and must be signed, with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.

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Bendziute pounds career-high 35 kills as Boca Raton rallies to edge Cypress Bay in 7A girls volleyball regional final

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 21:45

WESTON — Boca Raton senior Mija Bendziute recorded a career-high 35 kills to lift the visiting Bobcats to a thrilling five-set victory (25-21, 25-27, 21-25, 25-18, 15-13) against Cypress Bay in a Class 7A regional final on Wednesday night.

Bendziute, a UCLA commit, stepped up late in the fifth set to lead the Bobcats after they fell behind 11-8. She registered a kill to tie the score at 13-13. Senior Bella Troncale recorded a service ace to give the Bobcats the lead. Bendziute delivered a kill on the final point of the match to complete the rally.

Boca Raton celebrates after defeating Cypress Bay during the 2024 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships, Wednesday, Oct.. 30, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

“It feels exhilarating to win that match,” Bendziute said. “I wanted to hit the ball hard on the last kill. We knew we had to fight harder to get back here and we came together as a family. We have trust in each other and that is the key part.”

Cypress Bay had entered the match unbeaten at 20-0. They had also swept Wellington in the regional quarterfinal and Doral Academy in the regional semifinal. Cypress Bay (21-1) reached the regional final for the first time since 2017.

Boca Raton (15-6) reached the state final four for the second time in the last four years. The Bobcats fell in a regional final in five sets last year.

“We were very resilient and we had that belief,” Boca Raton coach Dre Sloan said. “We came in and faced a team that had not lost this season. We knew about our ability and we played as a collective unit. We have some experience with our fantastic seniors who really made a difference for us. We have been here before and were able to rectify the past. It’s super exciting for our team.”

Sophia Oliveira (15) of Boca Raton celebrates a point with teammates against Cypress Bay during the 2024 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships, Wednesday, Oct.. 30, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

Bendziute, who ranks first in school history in service aces as well as serve receive percentage, had a dominant performance. The Bobcats were also led by Troncale, a Georgia State beach volleyball commit, as well as senior middle blocker and Fordham commit Sophia Oliveira. Freshman libero Lia Ray had 25 digs and freshman setter Meya Cooper also stepped up in the victory.

The Bobcats trailed 16-13 in the first set before responding with three straight points. The two teams were tied up at 19-19, but Troncale recorded a kill and the Bobcats registered four consecutive points to seize control as they held on for the four-point win.

The Lightning trailed 16-9 in the second set as they rallied with a 10-3 run to tie the score. The Bobcats led 25-24, but the Lightning answered back with three consecutive points as senior Carly Port registered a kill for the winning point.

Fernanda Ramos (4) of Cypress Bay celebrates a point against Boca Raton during the 2024 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships, Wednesday, Oct.. 30, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

The two teams were locked in a 17-17 tie in the third set. Cypress Bay gained the momentum with a 23-19 advantage. Boca Raton scored the next two points to cut the deficit to 23-21. Cypress Bay held on with the final two points, including a kill by Port to finish the set.

Cypress Bay led 11-9 in the fourth set, but Boca Raton answered back with a 5-0 run and pulled away to win by seven points.

The Lightning led 13-12 in the final set before the Bobcats rallied with three straight points.

Cypress Bay was led by several impact players throughout the season, including junior Sophia Guzman and junior Erin Huang, senior Hunter Crawford, Port, senior Lara Demoraes and senior Maria Martinez.

“It’s my first season and they really were able to change the culture of what it really means to be a team,” Cypress Bay coach Nicole Arnold said. “They made history and put us on the map. It’s a special group and they were role models to others and brought outside supporters and our community together. I am extremely proud of them. They all supported each other, never gave up and respected the game. They were mentally strong, had a high standard and they fought hard. They left it all on the court.”

Bella Troncale (5) of Boca Raton blocks the shot of Sophia Guzman (9) of Cypress Bay during the 2024 7A FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championships, Wednesday, Oct.. 30, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

Daily Horoscope for October 31, 2024

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 21:00

General Daily Insight for October 31, 2024

We’re channeling intensity into creativity. First, the emotional Moon grumbles at driven Mars, risking irritation or stress, but also sparking motivation. When the Moon then clashes with transformative Pluto, obsession or possessiveness can set off outbursts. Once Luna slides into intense Scorpio, after struggling with both of Scorpio’s co-rulers, it may feel like it’s time to sink or swim. Finally, as communicative Mercury coordinates with ethereal Neptune at 8:33 pm EDT, our intuition and creativity are highlighted while frustration melts away. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Your past could be weighing down your future. Perhaps you’re petrified that something that happened before may happen again and want to avoid that at all costs. Overcoming such anxieties probably sounds daunting, but remind yourself that you’ve already survived something as scary as that, so you can absolutely handle whatever’s going to happen today. Additionally, it might be scarier to never know what may happen, rather than trying and failing. Let the ideas that worry you serve as motivation to try anyway.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your voice might be getting lost in the voices of others. It’s possible that you’re allowing authorities to dictate the direction of your life or hiding your feelings to avoid rocking the boat. While those may seem like safe options, you may realize further down the road that you don’t recognize yourself or where you are. You won’t be able to follow someone else’s path better than they can. Don’t be afraid to look to others for inspiration, but don’t make yourself their carbon copy.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Self-improvement is only possible when you have energy to pursue it. No matter how determined you are to make certain goals come true for yourself, working on them constantly could be taking you down a short road to emotional burnout. Instead of scheduling every moment of every day to live like a robot, remind yourself that you’re only human! You need time to be yourself and deserve the opportunity to make spontaneous choices. Make a point of building freedom into your usual routine.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your motivation might have been sapped by the mundane. Maybe you were convinced that you’d be a lot further along in your life by now, and reality is discouraging. Look at how you’ve conducted yourself in the past, and be honest about whether or not you’ve been doing the work that’s required of you — including putting yourself out there and networking. If you’ve been hiding yourself away, take an educated risk and reach out to someone who you’d be interested in collaborating with.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

The current stressors in your life won’t last forever. You might be driven up a wall with the annoyances that are invading your life at present, down to specific pet peeves that you have. No matter how aggravating these quibbles get, they aren’t worth acting out of character about. Remember who you are and the energy that you want to feed into the world around you. Despite any of these ongoing exasperations, you’re capable of staying calm until the storm passes.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You’re worth more than what you can contribute. You may notice that some people only reach out to you when they need something, whether it’s your assistance, advice, or another talent that only you have. If you notice that when you reach out, you end up left on read or put on a shelf to be brought back when they feel like it, that dynamic will eventually exhaust you. Spend time with those who pour back into you, not those who drain you.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

What do you really want? Sometimes, people will strive to achieve status symbols that would signal to others how successful they are, but they don’t even like the people that they’re trying to impress. Going down this road will only lead to a disconnect from your true energy. Straining to make your life look beautiful when you’re not enjoying it will probably only create jealousy in others and dissatisfaction in yourself. Create a life that’s abundant to you, not to an outside observer.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

It may feel like the world is on your shoulders. Whether you invited these responsibilities by making promises to many other people, or they just fell on you because of who, when, and where you are, it can be difficult to rise to the challenge. Instead of spiraling about how much work you still have ahead of you, remind yourself that this work will still be there tomorrow, and you only have so much to give. Make sure to set aside some time for yourself.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

A dark cloud may descend on you out of nowhere. Look, sometimes everyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed — that’s just life! Instead of attempting to forcibly break yourself out of this funk as fast as possible, sit with your feelings and be compassionate with yourself. The blues likely aren’t as “out of the blue” as they seem — they’re more likely to be the emotional remains of something you didn’t process when it was happening. Be kind to yourself.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Today, even two might feel like a crowd — let alone three or more! Your peers could be trying to get a reaction out of you, or they may be unintentionally pushing your buttons. Either way, the frustration their actions incite risks driving a wedge between you. In moments like these, you can keep the peace by remembering your character and the positivity you want to embody. Step away and take a breath when you must in order to avoid lashing out.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Obstacles between you and consistency are more irritating than normal. When you’re giving it your all and trying to rise to the occasion, but unforeseeable issues won’t stop arising, exhaustion may tempt you to give up your motivation. Instead of feeling like you must play whack-a-mole with all these different roadblocks, you are allowed to make things easier on yourself. You might feel like you’re failing, but the truth is, you could be avoiding the redirection you’re being shown. Sometimes, rejection is protection.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Secrets might be threatening to spoil the mood. Someone in your midst may be spilling the beans about a hot topic — whether you engage or not, just witnessing the chatter will probably be stressful. While it’s possible to shut down the discussion by having an extreme reaction, doing so could turn you into gossip fodder without cause. When someone won’t stop talking about you, or to you about others, it could be time to stop giving them ammunition by cutting off communication.

ASK IRA: Did Heat err at power forward as Dolphins did at backup quarterback?

South Florida Local News - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 01:25

Q: Perhaps it’s time to remove Nikola Jovic from the starting lineup? He needs to develop a post-up game and the ability to pick up some free points at the foul line. Additionally, he’s not that great of a shooter. His game reminds me of a softer version of Michael Beasley – but he can’t score like Beasley and doesn’t get calls, because he doesn’t initiate contact. Thoughts? – Brian.

A: I’m not sure that Nikola Jovic has necessarily earned this elevation into the starting lineup, but it’s a case of a roster that doesn’t have many alternatives. For all the talk of the Dolphins being failed by not acquiring a quality backup quarterback, I’m not sure the Heat did enough to address power forward in the offseason. And because of the Heat’s position against the luxury tax, it’s not as if P.J. Tucker is walking through that door.

Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: Ira, everyone talks about how tough the West is, but the East is also really tough. Besides the Celtics, Knicks, Sixers and Bucks, the Cavs, Magic and Pacers are really good. That is why it will be a challenging season for the Heat. They need to stay healthy and I wish they had a true power forward to help Bam on the boards. – Joel.

A: Which is why games such as Wednesday night are important, to see how the Heat stack up against conference elites, and, with all due respect to Erik Spoelstra, to see if they do, indeed, have enough. As for power forward, see the response above.

Q: Ira, I saw you tweet that Dwyane Wade said Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James should be the next three players getting statues. It was interesting that he didn’t mention Udonis Haslem, but Pat Riley did. – Hanson.

A: One thing about Pat Riley in such moments, such as the Dwyane Wade statue dedication ceremony, is that he has a way of offering flowers off the cuff, in the moment, particularly to those in his attendance. The players named by Dwyane in response to a whimsical question that drew a smile, are all-time NBA icons – Steph at Golden State, LeBron in Cleveland – although I’m not sure Kevin Durant has strong enough ties to merit a statue from a specific franchise. As for the Heat, it took 37 years for the team’s first statue to be erected. There is nothing wrong in waiting additional decades to decide who is next. This is not a jersey being retired. Until this team gets back to championship heights, the debate likely will stand both as moot and as singular. A street or other civic honor for Udonis? Certainly. But a statue is a completely different level, with all due respect.

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ASK IRA: Did Heat err at power forward as Dolphins did at backup quarterback?