How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?
We have been in South Florida permentaly going on 9 years, but bought our condo 11 years ago. We came to Fort Lauderdale when Tim accepted a job here.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
We are a unique, alternative gathering spot on the Drive. We are quiet and mellow, which creates a conducive atmosphere for conversation. It’s a great place to de-stress and relax.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
We are in our fifth year. Business is going well with many loyal local clients. We have weathered the economic downturn well and have adapted to the changing times.

What niche did you feel was missing, that you started your business?
Many people want a quiet place to meet their partners, spouses and/or friends. We saw a need for a place that would be a great date night spot while, at the same time, introducing limited production wines to our customers. Our addition of tapas was actually a response to customer requests for unique, fun, fresh small plates.

How does your business benefit the community?
The business has given us many opportunities to give back to the gay community, as well as to the community at large.

What disadvantages do you feel there are?
We really see no disadvantages.

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?

Our staff is small and this allows us to be flexible. Our employees have great ideas and suggestions that we listen to and take to heart. We want them to have a stake in the business, so we respect their opinions.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?
South Florida needs to come out of the “season” mentality. There are many in the area who are now year-round residents. Summer tourism is actually up also. Those of us who are permanent residents need events throughout the year.  We need to become a 12 month area, rather than a 6 or 7 month area.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?
Our clientele is extremely diverse. All people who come to the wine bar gather and get along well, whether straight, gay, lesbian, old or young. That is a key reason why people come to the Naked Grape. It’s one of the aspects that we, as owners, really like about owning the business. Everyone feels welcome, and people like bringing their parents, siblings and friends into the wine bar when they visit.

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
Though we still have many steps to take, there is certainly a much greater acceptance in the community-at-large of gay and lesbian residents. We are fortunate to live in an area with such wide acceptance. Most people know someone in their lives who is either gay or lesbian, and that makes it much more personal. It’s hard to feel hatred when it’s that close to home. Though there is still prejudice out there, we feel it will continue to decrease as time passes.

Do you believe there is credence to the idea that a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
It depends on the business. In our case, we welcome the wider community and that co-existence does a great deal to broaden understanding and acceptance of the gay community.

How do you minimize that effect?
In some cases, minimizing it is not necessary. Again, it depends on the nature of the business.

What plans do you have for the future?
As of September 1, we are broadening the wine bar by offering a tapas menu and market items for sale at our new location. This plan has been under development for nearly a year. Our menu will focus on fresh, seasonal items. It will change regularly rather than remaining static. We hope to remain one option of many along the Drive in the years to come as we continue to watch and be a part of the on-going development of the Drive.

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?
We would remain with our wine bar/craft beer/tapas/market concept. We enjoy what we do, our many great customers and working with our loyal, fun staff. We really have no desire to change into another business but continue to improve the Naked Grape.

By Alex Vaughn

Ron Locke, better known as the  “Chuckwagon Cowboy”, can be found on Youtube & Facebook.

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?

I’ve lived in South Florida since 1990, from Racine, Wisconsin. The initial attraction to the sunshine state was the sun, ocean and more relaxed lifestyle. I vacationed in Fort Lauderdale on spring break in the 80’s and knew someday the area would be my home.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.

I am known as “The Chuckwagon Cowboy”. Cooking has always been one of my biggest passions in life ever since I was 5 years old.

Throughout the years, I did catering  jobs on the side of my 60 hour a week  corporate job I held to maintain my interest
in the culinary arts.

When I was laid off from my company in 2010, I used the free time in between looking for work to pen my forthcoming cookbook coming out this fall and started to develop a cooking show, “The Chuckwagon Cowboy,” which can be seen currently on YouTube.

I’m also days away from releasing my own website and also continue to cater parties as well, when time allows me to.

I formed the company ChuckWag Productions in June of 2011 to umbrella all of my growing culinary ventures.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?

I started “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show with a couple demo episodes in the winter of 2011. After getting a lot of praise on the two shows, and taking some time to get some upgraded equipment and resources, I decided to create the show full time with 26 episodes each and the first episode debuted on May 26th, 2011. The show is getting close to the middle of Season One currently.

The show is doing fantastic and grows viewership with each new episode. I am currently being shown on TV on KPVM in Pahrump, NV, as part of their local human interest show. I also have been picked up by a web TV station and in negotiations with two more TV stations.

What niche did you feel was missing, that you started your business?

I think you always try to turn a tragedy into a triumph and that’s how I look at being laid off and living in these hard economic times. This allowed me to reinvent myself and take something that I’ve always enjoyed doing and turn in into a career. So, if you want to say in my circumstance what the missing “niche” was, it was always time and security of a Monday – Friday job and not having the time to devote to creating your own business.

How does your business benefit the  community?

In many ways! I open the door for men and women who never entered a kitchen before or have very little cooking experience to see for themselves just how easy it is to prepare a delicious recipe in very little time and trouble with a few basic ingredients. My cooking method is based on the K.I.S.S. (Keepin’ It Short & Simple} way of cooking. There are a lot of wonderful chefs out there who prepare these fancy Five Star meals and do a great job at it, but for the common person, it’s very intimidating to try to recreate and also very expensive. My recipes are very “blue collar style comfort foods”. These are what my momma prepared for our family and what I’ve adapted from her basic recipes into my own creations.

They are economical and easy to create and my recipes and videos are very basic and inviting to the viewer, taking them step by step through the entire process. I also invite parents to get their children involved into the process as well in my videos as I was introduced at 5 years old from my momma. It’s all about the family getting back together again; working and talking with each other again in a positive and educational way!

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community?

Well, I can certainly tell you that being gay doesn’t come with a cooking gene! I know many gay and lesbian people that have come to me for help and guidance with cooking, baking and grilling. One of my future goals is to become more involved in the local South Florida gay community by offering workshops on basic cooking 101 with my K.I.S.S. method of cooking!

What disadvantages do you feel there are?

For my business, I don’t see any. If you can develop some basic cooking skills along with one or two “in the pocket” recipes to dazzle and impress your family, friends and associates with, you’ve got a great base for enjoying the culinary arts! Plus the many compliments you’ll receive from your fantastic recipe will propel you back in the kitchen to create even more wonderful dishes. Gay or straight, everyone should be able to use a stove top or oven!

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?

Being a manager for many years in my corporate career, I always expected excellence, and sometimes that meant having to get tough when the tough times were upon the department, but I was always open to communication and constructive suggestions to improve upon that excellence. My team was always cognizant and appreciative to the “Open Door” policy I had. So, I guess you could say my style was “Firm, but Communicable”.

The advantages to my approach were that everyone was accountable for their roles in the department and learned a sense of planning and timing which each role interacted with each other. Also, having an “open door” management approach allowed my team to feel comfortable about discussing either openly in a team meeting or one on one about issues or suggestions relating to their job or department.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?

For me it couldn’t be HOTTER with the amount of momentum my company ventures are taking off, and it’s not looking to cool off anytime soon with the release of my long awaited book, “Cooking With Momma – A Collection of Short Stories & Recipes from the Hearth of The Chuckwagon Cowboy,” due out this fall (targeting for October) and  new and exciting ideas already in production for an exciting Season Two of “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show that will start Jan 2012.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?

I’ve heard nothing but great things from the community. I have a lot of friends in South Florida and through meeting with them or on any of the social media sites (Facebook, Twitter or YouTube), they are so pleased at what I am doing for everyone and giving people something back of the knowledge I’ve amassed over 40 years!

In your lifetime, how do you feel the gay community has changed?

Yes. I was a late teen through the AIDS outbreaks in the early 80’s and that took promiscuous sex to a more cautious level with many gay men. Over the past few years, I have seen a return to that lifestyle again with the great HIV drugs that are out now and the fear that what was once a death sentence is now much more controllable, so I can see how the
promiscuousness has come back over the past couple years. Also, I think the biggest
challenge the gay community is facing now Is the marriage act discussions going on across the county and how that will play out to gay couples over the next 5 years.

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?

Certainly! I personally see more acceptance of it as the generations pass and get older. We will always have bigotry in our society. What the gay community needs to do is rise above that and work with the straight community to find common goals and boundaries that we can all accept and flourish in!
Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
Yes and no. I don’t think just because you embrace and include the gay demographic as a primary focal point of your business that it will eliminate the straight or wider approach to your business, but I do believe a good business can interweave various demographics into a successful business.

How do you minimize that effect?

If you balance it outright by providing a service that will appeal to a cross section of people, I think you can create a much broader and successful business for everyone and not feel you have to eliminate a certain demographic.

What plans do you have for the future?

I will be working on my next book of recipes and short stories starting in the winter of 2012. I already have a working title and
penning some notes for recipe chapters. I also will be filming Season Two of “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show along with finalizing my website, which should be released in early September. I have an idea there will be A LOT more coming in the next year, stay tuned!

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?

I’d stay right where I am at! I couldn’t be happier with what I am doing right now, although the open check book would make things happen a lot faster with some better “bells and whistles”. For now though, I’m enjoying life in “Chuckwagon Country”!

Entrepreneur Series Profiles for The Florida Agenda Over the month of August, we will be highlighting entrepreneurs of the community  and getting their take on building a successful business within the community.

Photo: Style Concierge with Sauvage Director Victoria Matveeva and Maria Lankina

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?
I’m a native Floridian. I have been here all my life!! I love it and enjoy every minute of it!

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
This service is for the individual who can afford luxury in their lifestyle but doesn’t have the time or simply doesn’t enjoy shopping at all. This service is also for the individual who feels they are not that stylish or fashion savvy and trusts the eye of another individual whom they admire and specializes in the field of fashion and personal shopping. Style Concierge also helps privileged individuals and companies in the areas of image consulting, styling for special occasions, events and shopping tours. Many people are unfamiliar with shopping tours. A shopping tour with Style Concierge is geared towards families and individuals who have a taste for luxury and are not from the South Florida area, are new to the area, or have been here for years and are not familiar with some of the most “exclusive” shopping malls, private boutiques and vintage stores. We set up private shopping for some of our clients, as well.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
I have had the business for about 10 months now and it’s going great! I have been doing it here and there throughout the years working in luxury retail stores.

What niche did you feel was missing, that made you start your business?
I just felt like being a stylist and personal shopper is something that is very underground and you don’t hear about it a lot on the surface like for example, being a nurse, salesman, doctor, etc. There are a lot of questions people ask me about this business and how to break into it. In fact, before I started I had a book of questions. Many people, especially wealthy and upper class individuals, need a personal shopper and stylist just as well as they need an assistant, housekeeper or nanny. It’s an image and lifestyle to portray that has a lot to do with time.

How does your business benefit the community?
I make people feel beautiful, happy and confident. Confidence in yourself and what you do is a major player in “success.”  Style Concierge is a role model to the community in the areas of image, health and beauty.  We want to mimic people that at least look like they are beautiful and living a great, luxurious life. At the end of the day, I am making someone else’s life a little easier.

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community?
The gay community brings a lot of energy and ideas to my kind of work. They are fashion and entertainment! They display a lot of charisma and character, which is important in my line of work. Whether you are seeing a lesbian, a gay boy, a transgender or female impersonator, they are all inspiring! If you look and pay attention, you can learn a lot.

What disadvantages do you feel there are?
There are no disadvantages! In any community, it’s all about hard work, tenacity and who you know.

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?
When it comes to building business, keeping business, customer service and clients, it’s an Iron Fist! When it comes to scheduling, looks, dates and times, I’m a little more flexible. You’ll find in this business that you have to know who and what you are dealing with. There are so many angles.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?
Summer is slow? My business is steady.  It’s all about customer service and taking care of your clients. They will work with you all the time! I normally save a lot, even when I’m making a lot of money, so that there is a nice cushion for slow times.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?
For those that are accustomed to having a luxury lifestyle and are jet-setters, they love it and need it! People love new things, fashion and exclusivity. For those that aren’t familiar with this line of work, they wonder either how to do it or how does he actually make money? Some people probably don’t care!

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
I see that they are starting to understand that they do get old and life isn’t all about fun, parties and dating! They are starting to take their lives and careers more seriously!

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?
Yes. We are all equal.

Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
Yes and no. It’s about individual comfort.

How do you minimize that effect?
Advertising in all publications.

What plans do you have for the future?
To grow and nurture Style Concierge, Inc.

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?
A charity for kids who are gifted in the areas of fashion, music, entertainment and the arts, but just don’t know how to get the exposure they need or just don’t have the means to get involved. A fashion-only magazine. A monthly publication showcasing only editorial and accessories. H

Style Concierge is a luxury personal shopping, styling, image consulting, shopping tour and alterations agency for the discerning individual who enjoys and needs all things fashion, beauty, confidence and style. Eric Christian can be reached via email at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

How long have you been here?
I have lived in Fort Lauderdale going on 11 years.

What brought you to South Florida?
I think the biggest reason I came to Florida was the weather and the beach. I also found a more open gay life style here.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
I own a catering business and currently have expanded to a gourmet Bistro near the beach. We specialize in all homemade comfort foods. I think the biggest reason we are different, from a catering standpoint, is our foods are made in our kitchen and not from a vendors freezer. Our fresh approach to our entrees and catering is setting us apart from others.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
My catering is relatively young in Fort Lauderdale – within the past 4 years. I owned a restaurant and catering company before moving here. My catering business has grown very rapidly, which is the reason for expanding to the bistro. I am very thankful to everyone who has supported my dream and help make it a reality.

What niche did you feel was missing, that you started your business?
I would like to think people are tired of mediocrity  when it comes to food. I felt there was a need for real food – real
food meaning, anything not pre-made, prepackaged or frozen. What is interesting is how many people have never even tasted a homemade French fry. I know that seems silly, but think about it. Where do you go to get something made fresh? I know some people don’t care if a French fry is hand cut and are perfectly happy, but I’m not and that’s why I opened Moments In Time.

How does your business benefit the community?
I feel the benefit is simple I offer fresh made meals that are prepared in my kitchen daily.

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community?
I have felt the over whelming support from the gay community since the start of Moments In Time. So many people have reached out to help me I can never express all the gratitude I have for some many great people here.

What disadvantages do you feel there are?
I see no disadvantages it has all been a very positive experience.

How would you identify your management approach?
Well, I believe you treat people with respect and show them they are important as part of the team. If you give a  person something to be proud of in their  job, they will take pride in working and do the best they can. You have to make people feel needed and important. You can never talk down to someone or be disrespectful.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow?
Summer is always slow here.  How do i combat this pressure? I try to keep a positive attitude and work on ideas and projects that will better the business.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?
I think that Moments in Time has had such a great response from the community. I am so excited for the months to come and all the great parties we will be fortunate enough to be catering.

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
The biggest change I have seen is the openness that has happened. This has not been an easy journey for the community, but it is changing for the better.

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?
I do see a positive change. I think what would be most helpful is if the media could focus on some regular gays; it seems as if everytime you see something in the news the media choose to use pictures or videos of the extremes and somehow forget to put anything about the average person.

Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?

My restaurant is open to everyone.

What plans do you have for the future?

Big plans are in the works for Moments in Time. I am in the process of attaining a beer and wine license, sit-down dinners and lunches. Very exciting. I hope to have this in place by mid-October.

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?

I dont know really. Sure, I do have hopes of expanding and opening yet another restaurant. I have always liked the idea of a bed and breakfast though, so let’s say that!

Moments In Time Catering & Gourmet is currently open for tastings and lunches, but will soon be opening for dinner.

Vincent Clancy, Founding Partner of the Davinci Group, has had a remarkable life, having travelled and spent many years in the automotive industry. He is now turning foreclosures and short sales in the property market into a thriving business. His contributions to the real estate for the community have been ahead of the economic game, from multi-million dollar waterfront homes in the boom to short sales in the crashes. Here is his story.

Vincent Clancy was born in 1959 in Westminster, California, near Disney-land, into a large Irish family of 8 boys and 1 girl. His family relocated to the San Francisco east bay area where Vincent attended High School at San Ramon Valley High in Danville, California.

His father owned and operated a concrete pumping contracting business still in operation today by one of his brothers. Vince’s Father’s company poured the underwater concrete tube for the BART trains to run through between Oakland and San Francisco under the San Francisco bay. His mother ran the family business from home and took care of the kids.

At the age of 17, Vincent took a trip to Hawaii and Maui with his best friend and loved it. “He said I will be back to live here someday”. It turned to be true. At the age of 18, he moved into his first apartment in Walnut Creek, California. A year later, he decided to move to Los Angeles. Vincent had a best friend growing up whose dad was a full-time Realtor© and was told at the age of eight, ‘you could sell ice to Eskimo’s you would do well in real estate boy.’ It turned out to be a good assessment.

In 1979, Vincent was working as a parts manager of an independent Volvo service and body center in Beverly Hills. He bought his first foreclosure in 1980. He convinced the lender to approve his loan by driving to Orange County to the lender’s head office and speaking with the lady who was handling the loan directly. Not possible in today’s crazy lending maze. Also in 1979, he met his first partner Jana Alor, an English student from Mexico City. His father relocated the family to Mexcio City after working as an accountant for the Franco government in Spain. While his friends were playing at the beach on free time, Vincent and his lover were sanding, painting and fixing. He bought his second home in 1983 in the Hollywood Hills near the famed Mulholland Dr.

Since interest rates were 21 percent on home loans, he arranged owner financing with the seller and moved in. In that same year, he partnered with one of his coworkers and opened his own service center in LA.

“We bought 10,000.00 square feet of land on the busiest traffic corner in all of LA and modified a warehouse to fit the of the service center needs,“ he says. It was not a good time for the economy and his plan worked out well for the business, tripling in revenue in one year offering better service at lower prices than the big dealerships.

In 1985, Vincent and Jana, his lover of six years, moved to Honolulu with three mechanics, their families, a dog and two canaries plus all kinds of equipment to open a service center in Hawaii. Vincent bought an existing Porsche repair business and renovated and expanded it.

It became the largest independent repair service and parts company for exotic cars on the islands. He lived in Manoa on the island of Oahu. In 1991, his lover of 12 years passed away. It was the end of an era, a chapter had closed. He sold his business that year to help pay medical bills and take time to recover from the huge loss. In 1992, he was hired by GM to open new car dealerships for a line of cars called Saturn, a completely new American car. He went to Tennessee for culture and product training.

He was transferred to Sacramento, CA, and then to San Francisco to open new Saturn dealerships in those markets. At that time, it was taking Saturn dealerships 18 months to turn a profit. There were no Saturn’s on the road yet. No service or repairs needed. Vincent came up with an idea that Saturn would be the family one-stop service center for all the family cars, no matter the make or model. He started accepting ALL PRINTED COUPONS FROM ANY COMPETETOR. The Idea was not received well by the brass of GM, but it worked; the service and parts and body centers started showing profits running in the black in 90 days of opening. He was honored at an annual banquet in San Francisco in front of 800 of his peers. It was an idea that worked, yet again. Vincent proved his instincts were ahead of the game.

In 1994, he was burnt out on 14 to 17 hour days at Saturn (they wanted him to open 18 more stores). He was missing the islands terribly and his real passion for real estate. He left Saturn and moved back to Hawaii, where he started buying and selling pre-foreclosures.

He saw the Hawaii real estate market overheat and was watching it crash; the Japanese invasion was over. Huge Japanese banks were failing, property values dropped 40 percent. He studied other areas and had an interest in San Diego – the economy was not good in the early 90’s. He felt San Diego was ripe for a turnaround from the loss off the shrinking military cuts of the late 80’s that caused their economy to take a hit. In 1995, he went forth, followed his instincts and moved to San Diego and started buying real estate. It proved the right move.

In 1999, he met his current partner Steven Eres. They were introduced the old fashioned way: By a mutual friend. The first question Vincent asked Steven was, “You’re cute but can you cook”? Forty pounds and twelve years later, the question was well and truly answered.

In 2000, he moved backed to San Francisco and started buying foreclosures in Hawaii, commuting twice a week from Honolulu to San Francisco. In 2004, Steven bought a two level condo in South Beach. They moved to Florida in September, 2004. Then, in 2005, Vincent got his real estate license and was successful at selling multi-million dollar waterfront homes from the start.

In 2007, he met with a local builder of luxury homes and told him he felt a Japan/Hawaii crash was in the works and asked for all of the 130 listings worth over 100 million dollars. He told the builder he needed to drop prices and sell out of his inventory in six months to survive. He mentioned Lennar homes as an example. Vincent felt he had seen this crash before. He told the builder banks would fail before this is over. The builder laughed out loud at that notion, but gave Vincent all his listings; the builder and his wife, however, refused to lower prices. Wachovia cut their credit line and then Wachovia itself went under.

In 2008, Vincent got his broker’s license and DaVinci Realty Group, Inc., was born. With agent Dalia Baciulyte, the name came from her first two letters and Vincent’s first four letters (yes, a real DaVinci Code!).

Together, they have sold over 20 million dollars in real estate in a declining market since 2008.

In 2009, Vincent saw banks willing to take huge discounts on the loans to the builder to cash them out, 20 cents on the dollar in some cases! Vincent knew at that moment he needed to change his business model and buy distressed properties and sell them to the buyers who are looking for great deals. Dalia and Vincent went to the Broward County courthouse foreclosure auctions to get the deals they were looking for. Instincts won out again.

They are always expanding their reach into fast track short sales and buying notes directly from lenders holding distressed paper. “Bad news is VERY GOOD news for those that know what to do with it,” Vincent states.

Vincent’s newest idea he is working on is to start a regular blog on his website, www.davincirealtygroup.com, to educate and inform the public of the ever-changing landscape as it relates to foreclosures and short sales and investment opportunities for the general public.

He is finding many people are just not informed, or worse misinformed. He hopes that this free forum can help people make informed choices about their own situations.

He has opened a second office at 18 E. Oakland Park Bl. and Steven Eres, Vincent’s partner of 12 years, has come on board since June 2011 to help run his offices as he expands another successful business model.

Vincent says his father, a man of few words, gave him some advice that stood him in good stead for his life: “Life is full of choices. You make good ones and bad ones. For your sake, make more good ones”.

Main Office:

DaVinci Realty Group
2364 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
(954) 553-1130

Photo: Artist’s rendering of what the 2100 block of Wilton Drive would look like if the Two Lane Initiative moves forward.

Krishan Manners is the President of Wilton Manors Main Street, an organization which serves the community of Wilton Manors. The group is made up of residents, business owners, property owners, area institutions and organizations, elected officials, municipal staff and other interested parties. The Florida Agenda sat down with President and CEO Krishan Manners to get his take on the community, the future and the advantages of Wilton Manors.

Please tell Agenda readers a bit about your upbringing?
I guess that really starts in New Delhi, India, where I was born – and from which my given name comes – and lived the first few years of my life before moving to north Florida as a small child. I grew up there, left the state for college and, ultimately, spent most of my adult life in New York City.

What brought you here to South Florida?
My partner passed away a few years ago and I had fallen into a bit of a routine of being sad. That’s perfectly normal for a while, but it was really time to shake up my life. I woke up one morning and said, “Today’s the day.” I knew I wanted to stay on the east coast, so I mentally went from Maine to Florida in my mind, deciding what I wanted my life to look like next. I made a few phone calls – including one to a dear friend of mine who lived here. Movers were hired and a date was set by the end of the day.

Why did you choose to get involved with the community?
I’ve always involved myself in my community when I could, but I really just tripped into it in Wilton Manors. I had one friend here and he was involved with Main Street, so I began solely to help him. As I became more involved, I realized that this was a good ‘fit’ for me and an opportunity to really make a difference. From my undergrad degree in political science, my work in the South Carolina House of Representatives during college, a career in marketing and advertising in New York to my volunteer work on the marketing committee for a business improvement district – it’s all being utilized in my current role. To me, that’s what it’s all about – using what we know to help improve both our lives and the lives of others – it’s a win/win.

Please tell Agenda readers some more about Wilton Manors Main Street and what you do and are aiming to achieve.
Wilton Manors Main Street is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been around for 9 years and has done a number of projects to better the community during that time. They created a set of design guidelines for construction on the drive; they have done beautification projects such as the “Diggin’ the Drive” landscaping project. Just before I arrived on the scene, they began the Two-Lane Initiative to both make the drive safer, add landscaping and additional parking. The Two-Lane Initiative is currently being reviewed and explored by the Wilton Drive Task Force who will ultimately make a recommendation to the City Commission to move forward or not. I’m on that task force and I have nothing but admiration for the other folks on it. They’re smart, they know this city and I sincerely believe that a solid recommendation will result, although it may or may not be unanimous.

What we’re ultimately trying to achieve is a successful Arts & Entertainment District along the drive. One with a good mix of
businesses in a pedestrian-friendly environment that will provide both the residents of Wilton Manors and our visitors a destination resulting in a better quality of life in the city.

How does Wilton Manors differ from other gay meccas?
In my opinion, the primary difference is that we’re a small, southern town with both a large gay minority and a welcoming straight majority. The diversity here really impresses me. I love the fact that we aren’t just ‘tolerated’ here, but welcomed. Like the other gay meccas, we have bars and a seasonal population, but there is also a richness to life here that I’ve not found in those other cities.

What are the advantages of working within the gay community?
I think simply being able to be open and comfortable with being who I am. It was never a problem for me in New York, but in the south, in a primarily conservative state, that level of comfort can be a bit elusive. Being here, in the heart of a community that celebrates its diversity, is simply the best of both worlds.

What are the disadvantages?
It is a small community. Everyone seems to know everyone, which can result in either an amazing sense of family or fertile ground for gossip. We, as a community, need to be kinder to each other!

There has been talk of trouble on the Drive with rent increases and the mix of businesses. What do you think about that?
I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that some businesses on the drive are having a hard time. A lot of people simply do not have the expendable cash they had a few years ago, resulting in lower sales. Add that to the fact that it’s summer and our seasonal folk are gone and then a landlord wants to raise rents? It’s a poor long-term strategy.

My suggestion to landlords searching for tenants is to actually look at the types of businesses around your property and ask, “What will compliment those businesses?” If you look at the groupings in a mall, you’ll find anchor stores, a food court and groupings of businesses.  That’s what we need keep in mind. We need to create these areas that will get people out of their cars and shopping.  That will help keep these storefronts filled, which is the ultimate goal for a landlord.

What do you think Wilton Manors is lacking in terms of business?
A few things. We need a boutique hotel, desperately. As it stands, we have a few lovely small resorts and guest houses, but most visitors stay at the beach and come to Wilton Manors in the evening for the bar scene. I’d rather give them someplace to stay here and capture the additional revenue for our local businesses. I’d love to see live theatre here.  I think we need more art, more specialty retail shops. Good restaurants are always a draw. With those businesses in place, I believe we’re in a better position to attract people to – and keep them on – Wilton Drive.

How do you feel the community can get involved?
There are innumerable ways to get involved. For those with free time on their hands, there are business groups for networking, such as the RBC and WMBA. There are community groups, such as ENA, CANA and WAWM, which are focused on specific neighborhoods in Wilton Manors. There are civic groups, such as Kiwanis, that do amazing work.  And there is Main Street, which is involved in all of those areas. This city has an amazing amount of talent available that these groups can use, so decide where you want to help and find a group here that needs your help. If you don’t have time to volunteer, donations are always appreciated and allow these groups to continue to do good work. If you don’t know how to reach one of these groups, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them.

What would you like the legacy of Wilton Manors Main Street to be?
That we made Wilton Drive safer. That our work created a more beautiful city.  That we helped bring businesses to the Arts & Entertainment district. That the businesses of Wilton Manors – and I mean anywhere in Wilton Manors, not solely on the drive – are thriving. That we’ve helped create a cultural center that embraces diversity and has become a destination for both locals and tourist. If we achieve these things, we all win.

An artists rendition of the Children’s Art Project, currently in the works

The 2011 Annual Meeting of the Wilton Manors Main Street Board,

with the new and old board of directors and city officials.

For more information,  or to get involved, visit  www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org

Photo: LZ Granderson poses backstage with his award during the 20th Annual GLAAD?Media Awards in 2009.

LZ Granderson is a senior writer and columnist for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine and CNN contributor. He writes a weekly column for both CNN.com. and ESPN.com. He also regularly appears on both networks. He was recently named the 2011 Journalist of the Year by the National Lesbian Gay Journalist Association and was a 2011 and 2010 nominee and the 2009 winner of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award for online journalism. He was also a Hechinger Institute Fellow at Columbia University.

Where were you born?
In a manger … or Detroit. Whichever sounds more dramatic.

How was early life for you?
I grew up poor, surrounded by crime outside of the home and physically abused inside the home. My stepfather provided for the family as best he could but often times took his frustrations out on me. But I was smart and I was tough and made it out of that situation to earn a college scholarship. Once I got out, I really didn’t look back. I`ve had my hiccups like anyone else, but for the most part I was able to stay out of trouble and move on from a rough beginning. I actually talk a lot about my upbringing in my columns.

Have you ever experienced bullying as a result of your sexuality?
My stepfather was a bully but it wasn’t about my sexual orientation. I’ve been in work environments where I felt as if bigots were trying to marginalize me but I never felt as bullied as I did growing up.

When you discover a passion for writing?
Gosh, early, maybe 1st grade. I won poetry writing and playwriting contest in elementary school but didn’t find journalism until college.

Who was your mentor in publishing?
Who wasn’t? I turned to all of my professors in college for guidance outside of the classroom and then once I was a professional writer, watched the people whose work I admired most. Gary Bond, a longtime sportswriter for The Grand Rapids Press and Prentis Rogers from the Atlanta Journal Constitution were particularly important to me. Sadly both men passed away before they saw my career really take off. I grew up reading the Free Press’ Mitch Albom and Nathan McCall’s “Make Me Wanna Holler” is probably the reason why I write as honestly as I do.

Please tell our readers about your incredible career? The steps you have taken to get to where you are.
You know, I’m not really sure how I got here myself really. I just always tried to be authentic and let my work speak for itself. I was blessed to have Mike Lloyd at The Grand Rapids Press take a chance on me out of grad school, but from there I was recruited by the Atlanta Journal and ESPN and CNN. There was a brief moment in which I chased, but when I returned to center and why I write in the first place, the other opportunities came. I also wrote for the South Bend Tribune and Kalamazoo Gazette.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Up until a few days ago, it was having beers with Kenny Chesney. but recently I was named Journalist of the year and that was really an emotional moment for me. I had worked so hard to be good and real and authentic and challenging, that being recognized by my peers was extremely gratifying.

Any low points?
It was late one night, I was on the police monitor, heard about a head-on collision that resulted in a fatality. I go out, talk to everyone, write the piece turned it in and the next morning when I woke I learned I had made a mistake and faulted the victim. It was gut wrenching to have done that to that family. My editor made me drive out and apologize face-to-face. They graciously accepted my apology but to this day, that hurts. It also taught me the importance of being right over being first.

How do feel the gay community has changed over the years?
We’re getting comfortable in our own skin meaning, it’s OK to be splintered on issues. The running joke of taking our gay card away if we don’t like Madonna or Cher has fallen by the wayside. That’s a byproduct of no longer being ghettoized. We’re openly gay in the suburbs with our families, or in church or visible in cities other than NYC and San Fran. We’ve also benefited from having straight people be our allies so that we can correct bigoted legislation. There’s more work to be done, of course. AIDS robbed us of a lot of mentors and institutional knowledge and our rural brothers and sisters are still in hiding for safety reasons. But no doubt about it, things are much better than when I came out in the 90s.

What advantages do you feel there are within the gay community?
There are no inherent advantages to being gay, I don’t think.

What disadvantages?
Legal battles just to exist without fear of losing our jobs or paying extra taxes or being physically assaulted for simply existing.

Your career is extremely inspiring for many, but what inspires you and your writing?
Truth. I just want to tell the truth.

Do you feel you are a pioneer for gay journalists?
I don’t think about stuff like that.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a good father, husband, positive contributor to society and someone who strived to find the beauty in humanity.

To read some of LZ Granderson’s work, visit www.CNN.com or www.ESPN.com

Photo: Toni Barone, Sean David and AJ Cross at Johnny’s 30 Year Anniversary party last year.

AJ Cross is known to many as a  power fundraiser and a beacon of the community. He is currently the Vice President of Johnny’s, fundraiser for  multiple charities and a columnist for the Florida Agenda and Mark Magazine. His annual birthday fundraiser is on the 14th of July and The Florida Agenda sat down with AJ to get to know him a little better.

Where did you live before you moved to Florida?
I am from Montreal originally.

When did you move here to Florida and why?
It was 11 years ago, I moved to Florida originally for work and better weather!

So what’s kept you here?
I wasn’t supposed to be here that long.  It’s an easier lifestyle here. You can’t beat the weather and the ocean, especially when you are from up north.

You have become very well known for your incredible fundraising. How did that come about?
It was odd. What happened initially was I did a few birthday parties and they were big in scale, so I started to think I wanted to do more than my $50 a year to a charity.  I realized at my parties I had a captive audience that I hoped had the same mind set for giving that I had and the economy was much different to how it is now –people were able to give more! A lot of my clientele is wealthy, so I utilized that as I knew they were able to give a lot of money. I thought ‘what if I disguised a fundraiser as my birthday party’? So I did; the very first was for Poverello. It grew from there.  The first was at Cupids in Palm beach and it’s appropriate that this one is a reunion of the Cupids crowd, but at Johnny’s.

How do you feel community has changed for the better?
I think the best change is that now more than ever we have a sense of unity on a global scale. You hear about India and Israel – countries fighting for equality.  You used to  only hear about cities, then states, it’s new for me.
This is a political climate with a president who is not afraid to say the word gay, and the idea that it’s no one’s business who you sleep with – that’s new for us!

What negative changes do you see?
The economy has forced people to become less able to give because now people simply can’t afford to. Ultimately, I would like to get to a point where the gay community becomes more accepting of itself. I want to go to a bar and see a gay guy and lesbian or a tranny and a masculine gay man. I want to see those walls fall first before we get so eager to demand others accept us. We are so judgemental of each other, yet we get so angry when we are judged by others.

How long have you been with Johnny’s, and how has it helped your fund raising efforts?
Three years. Well, the very first year I was there, Sean is very aware of my interests; the outcome was I got non-profits to use the space at Johnny’s on Wednesdays to have fundraisers. I turned johnny’s into a rainbow lounge and offered that space for non-profits, for that year and a half we booked it 11 times. It was on Wednesdays, and we did the first for Kids in Distress.
I don’t have fundraisers on nights people don’t party, so they are usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, so that people who are in the industries can participate! Traditionally, my biggest supporters come from bar owners and club owners who come to support my events.

How much money do you think you have raised over the years?
This is my 9th year, and I believe after contact with all my different agencies I feel comfortable saying a hundred thousand dollars at least.

Photo: AJ?Cross with The Stable’s Russell, at one of AJ’s many fundraising events.

What do you see for the future?
It is interesting. I have no idea how I got here. Sometimes my aim is bigger than who I am. I put myself in a position where people have expectations. I speak to people who talk about me and who didn’t even know I was AJ Cross, who I am when I’m home with my boyfriend is different to  the persona! I believe in what I do. I think that people should use whatever means they have to better the community. Sometimes its popularity or connection or just money, but it’s better than just going to pool parties with hot guys that do not serve to better the world!

This year’s event will benefit Covenant House. Why did you choose them?
I chose Covenant House because I was homeless, which I don’t think many people know. I was a recipient of some of the benefits of Covenant House when I was a younger person. It’s a great organization. I ask nothing of any of the charities. If it moves them to advertise the event, then great. All I require is they come and pick up the cheque!

Do you have any desire to run for the Mayor of Wilton Manors?
Well, as you may know, I was unanimously  appointed to the Budget Advisory Board of the City of Fort Lauderdale in  December of last year. That was huge for me that they overlooked my profession and appointed me based on merit and what I have done with the community. As for as running for Mayor, if I got to a point where I feel who am I as a person and my expertise could do more to sustain or further develop the city, then I will run.

Do you see yourself making Florida home forever?
Home is where you make it. It took me a long time to consider Florida as home, but if life took me in a different direction, I wouldn’t be closed minded to that.

Your column Cross Eyed has been very well received. I have been receiving fantastic feedback. How did that come about?
I am pleased to hear that. I take  a lot of time considering each article I write. It emerged in Buzz Magazine five years ago and it ran every week. Bobby Blair was the publisher of that publication as well when it started. It then went so SFGN and now it’s at Mark and Agenda. It has bounced around! I decided to keep writing and I want people to know I have never taken a dollar from my columns. I write because I really believe in what I am writing and that it will emotionally impact the readers. I got an email from someone whose brother died in the military; he was very moved  by the piece I wrote and that’s what I write for. Sometimes someone needs their story to be told and they need a voice.

What inspires you to write?
Sometimes it’s something that I overhear, or a conversation I had with a person – although I have to say 8 times out of 10, it’s something that pissed me off. I find a way to understand it by writing and investigating. I find an understanding or make peace with it, and it helps that I feel people share the emotions I evoke. I also write out of a selfish motive, to help people understand me more. I am not fond of the assumptions they make of me, I like people to surprised by who I really am.

What would you like your legacy to be how and would you like to be remembered?
I would like to remembered as somebody who lived their life. My life was set up for me to fail. I lost most of my family at an early age, and had many aspects of my life that should have led me down a different path. I am 44 now and whenever that time comes when I’m no longer here, I want people to know your life is your own and it’s possible to beat the odds – success for me is being given a certain path in life that would have taken you to not the best places, and being able to prove to myself that I could change the path and beat that, [I was] better than  people expected me to be. I don’t know what the purpose is; life is a game. Here’s all this crap we are going to give you and you can change that into a delicious cake!

That’s interesting. Do you feel that your life is that cake?
Yes I do. I’m 44, not a criminal, not a drug addict, still alive and HIV negative. I survived all the things that could have affected me – I didn’t do it on my own. I had helping hands, some known and I am sure some unknown, but I am being interviewed about the good things I am doing.  This is not about how was your 9 years in prison! I am also not single anymore, I am very happy with my beautiful boyfriend.

Photo: AJ?Cross with the infamous &?fabulous,  Fort Lauderdale’s very own Dame Edna.

By MARK GRAY

“Too many gay men look outside themselves for affirmation of worth,” says Jennifer Gelfer, director and executive producer of the newest gay drama series to heat up the web, In Between Men. “Gay men are not taught to love themselves. They’re often told they should be something else, namely ‘straight’.

“Dane is a product of that. He is the American dream – blonde, handsome, and a doctor – but he doesn’t allow himself to realize what a catch he really is.”

In Between Men follows the lives of four friends in New York City living “in between” the gay and straight worlds of New York. They are Dalton, Dane, Jacob and Ben. Through their wild adventures and – often-times – racy storylines, the show examines the relationships the guys share with one another, their colleagues, lovers, and the city of New York.
Dane, played by blonde Adonis Chase Coleman, is the youngest of the group. Like many young gay guys new to the scene, he is naïve in love and his penchant for chasing bad boys gets him in trouble.

Can you relate to Dane feeling like a man living between two worlds?
I grew up in the Deep South. New York, where I call home now, is a completely different world. I like to think I fit right in, but there is a part of me that longs to return to the pace and charm of the south.

How are you and Dane alike?
We both share a certain vulnerability.  Also, like Dane, there are things in my past, mistakes I have made, that I regret and I’m learning from.

How are you different?
Dane is more susceptible to being taken advantage of. My years in New York have toughened my skin.

Have you built a strong armor to protect yourself?
I have a tendency to put up walls and now allow myself to get hurt.

As an actor, isn’t it part of your job to strip down those walls?
That’s probably why I enjoy playing Dane so much. It forces me to rip the walls down and explore my vulnerability.

Is it true you were a troubled teen?
I had my fair share of being bullied and bullying others as a teen. Much of it was verbal rather than physical. I had a lot of insecurities. I still do. Insecurities and fear can manifest into bullying. It’s not the way anyone should handle things.

What were you struggling with?
Finding a purpose in life. I have always focused and struggled with discovering why I’m here and what it is I should do for the world.

What have you discovered that you can share with fans?
There is a quote that represents my philosophical view: “Cast aside all in this reality and become one within yourself.”  Never let anyone or anything distract or alter you from what you want in life. Set your mind and do it.

Is that what led you to New York?
Yes, I came five years ago to test the waters. It was my junior year of college and I was planning on returning back to Louisiana to finish school. Things went so well with auditions, I decided to stay and finish my degree online.

Dane comes to New York to pursue his medical career. What happens that makes things go so wrong for him?
Dane tends to be gullible and a bit too caring at times. His strong sense of compassion often leads to guys taking advantage of him.

Like Paul…
Exactly. Dane has an emptiness that he has never figured out how to fill. Paul takes advantage of Dane’s compassion and generosity and mentally abuses him.

Paul’s a drug addict and Dane thinks he can save him.
Yes. He wants everyone to be okay. I can relate to that.

Have you had experience with drugs in the city?
I have never been a fan of drugs. I don’t mind alcohol every now and then. After a long day, a drink is definitely a great way to relax and unwind. But hard drugs have never been an interest of mine.

Why do you think Dane would risk his medical career for this guy?
Paul represents what Dane isn’t: the crazy, loose, “in crowd” boy. The kind of popular guy that Dane wishes he could have been a part of in high school.

It’s interesting what we will do for acceptance.
It is one of the main challenges of twenty-somethings today. Most people long for love and the acceptance of someone that they care for. The problem is that we all have completely different ideas of what love is, so we can never truly get on the same wavelength. Maybe that’s why we have such a difficulty in getting along and having peace?

It sounds like you’ve given this topic a lot of thought.
I’m executive producing a film that I wrote, and will direct and star in called Into the Rose Garden. It deals specifically on this issue.

Have you figured out when life gets easier?
I’m not sure things ever get easier. I imagine as you get older, you begin to discover more about yourself; the good and the bad.

Are you in a good place today?
I am happy now, but I remember many times in my past when I was quite unhappy – mostly from stupid mistakes I made.

That’s ok, though. You live and learn.
True. I wouldn’t trade in those days because they made me the strong, driven, determined guy I am today.

If you could play any of the guys on the show besides Dane, who would you want to be?
Benjamin Reed, because he’s the rebellious leader. He’s the one who seems to say “f” the rules. and looks for the fun in life.  Those Marlon Brando/James Dean types appeal to me.

Watch the newest gay drama series, In Between Men, online at www.InBetweenMen.com

Owner of Island City Health and Fitness, Reece Darham, grew up in the UK and moved to South Africa at the age of nine. Reece is now a very active member of the community in Wilton Manors and, through his very popular gym, is trying to make a positive impact on the area and in the community. Agenda sat down with him to find out how the gym is doing and what his latest projects are for the community.

How did you end up in Florida?

I came here to go to school at St. Thomas University. I had every goal of going back to Cape Town, however, after 3 years, I got the studying bug, so I went on to Cornell to do a Masters in Organizational Communication with a specialization in Industrial and Labor Relations with a concentration in organizational behavior. Came back down after that, I kept missing it, couldn’t wait to get away then couldn’t wait to get back.

Why did you choose to open the Island City Health and Fitness center?

It was a great opportunity that Jackson, one of the owners of Alibi, came to me with. We explored it, it was definitely something the community needed. Lots of people were upset when the previous gym closed. We took over the space in October 2008, and opened November 20th 2008.

What are the advantages of gay community?

The community comes together to work for bettering our lives and those of the next generation.

What are the disadvantages?

These days, the way business works, its less segregated gay and straight. Tampa is very mixed. You have all walks of life together. I don’t think South Florida is at that stage yet. Being in a community where it is very clearly defined, now limits business rather than improves it. We are not a gay gym; we are a gym in Wilton Manors that services the entire community. We add to the vibe and friendliness here with more women and straight men joining every day.

What do you offer to better the community?

We offer many programs for the mature members of the community. We tailor classes, we go more and more into obesity nutrition and training practices. We have partnered with business here, like Lifeceuticals. I lost 35lbs so clearly it works, its changed my life and attitudes. I personally inspire people, but they insprired me.

Speaking of obesity, you have a project. Please tell Agenda readers more about it.

A young gentleman who at the ripe age of 15 is 400 lbs. He has a misfortunate background; I would hazard to say he is an emotional eater. He is now in a great environment where he can be a young gay teenager AND be comfortable with that. We are getting together with businesses on the drive to change his life around. We are giving him a free membership and training. It’s a grass roots project, all staff working for free and are completely on board – when he has lost 100lbs., Tracy Carroll is going to give him the full make over. We are looking for a local clothing company to donate a wardrobe. We are also using the media. Brian Neal will be helping out with personal training and getting him fit. Stace, formerly of Max Muscle, will be helping him with nutrition. Bruce Bertman of Lifeceutical Group will be creating a non-cosmetic diet to help him lose excess skin, a medically driven diet such hCG – it’s a hormone based diet. Whatever other treatments he wishes to have will be available and the program is medically supervised to make sure he can do them.

It’s a community based thing, so many people are jumping on to help him out. It’s wonderful. I just made a few phone calls.

What is the future for Island City?

I see it expanding and continuing to improve. I see it becoming more of a, inclusive community-based social health and fitness club.

Would you like to open more?

Yes, that is the plan. Soon.

Since you opened the Gym have there been any surprises?

With any new business, there are surprises both good and bad. The best surprise of it is getting to really know the people of Wilton Manors and it has also allowed me to get to know the city people who are truly wonderful. I has also been able to get involved with cross promotion with other businesses; it doesn’t avail itself if you aren’t in business level.

The bad surprise is I’m not a politician and don’t plan on being one, so sometime I don’t say the right thing to the right person at the right time. I’m not mean and horrible, it’s simply the double-edged sword getting to know people.

How do feel working in the gay community has changed your social view of it?

Honestly, I think that many people put business owners on a pedestal which they are all to glad to swipe out from under us. I’m just an average Joe and I happen to own a business. I am no one different; however, when I go out with one too many glasses of wine in too many establishment on the drive, the next day I hear through all mediums I was a wreck and from people I don’t know – it becomes a little tiring, as I was just on the drive an hour! It can be challenging, but it won’t stop me supporting family and friends on the drive; if they can drink, I can, too!

In your support of the community, you work with the Rainbow Business Coalition. Tell readers more about that.

I am chairperson, of what is really an incredible organization. 100 businesses in Broward County have united to really promote and enhance our business and our community. We recently did the hugely successful IGLTA event, which was great for the Convention and Visitors Bureau and for the community.

We got together to promote Broward County as a leading LGBT community for businesses and tourism. Miami is seen as the gay mecca, and many haven’t heard of Wilton Manors or Fort Lauderdale and that’s what we are changing – and in this economy we have to pull all stops out, as well as for the city Oakland Park and Fort Lauderdale, we need additional revenues.

What events is the RBC involved with?

Celebration of Friends, which arrives this week, is a 1000 people strong organization that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. They generate $200,000 per day stimulating economy. It’s an organization of mature individuals who are coming here to socialize and be friends with our mature individuals from Australia. All the way from small group of friends to a very strong convention, they come here every year. RBC is supporting behind scenes, next year we will be front and center. We must acknowledge what they do for our community.

Thursday night is the welcome reception. They have given $150,000 to local charities like the Pride Center and Tuesday’s Angels. What has the community done for them in return? This is what RBC is trying to change: acknowledge them on a public scale. We show our city as friendly and welcoming. We are a cohesive community, and that will bring more business to our doors – all businesses, not just bars and restaurants!