“Don’t drink the water” is a common warning that can be disregarded with CamelBak All Clear’s UV purification system that turns any tap or clear natural water into potable drinking water in just 60 seconds. For more info, go to camelbak.com.
Eagle Creek makes some of the most innovative and convenient packing tools on the market. Its Pack-It line helps compress items to maximize packing space, while it minimize wrinkles. The convertible bag is a teeny pouch weighing less than a pound, those folds out into a tote, backpack or duffel bag. For a look at the full line of products, priced from as low as $22, go to shop.eaglecreek.com.
There are times when you want to take a photo and don’t have anybody you can ask. That’s when the Tiltpod comes in handy. It easily attaches to a camera or small phone, has a magnetic base that pivots and comes with a wrist. It is reasonably priced at $14.95 at gomite.com/products/tiltpod.
Kate Spade’s two-tone leather passport holder, comes with interior slots for a passport and three cards, plus a clear ID window and an exterior slot for stashing a boarding pass, making getting through security a breeze. Available at saturday.com for $50.
Maybe it’s my inner hippie speaking, but I love to give a gift that gives back. The compact, seven-ounce WakaWaka solar charger juices up a phone in just a few hours and has a built-in light that can shine for more than 60 hours. Best of all? For each charger purchased, the company donates one to the typhoon relief effort in the Philippines. Available from wakawaka.com for $69.
Remove all doubt as to which is their suitcase at the luggage carousel with a gift of Jonathan Adler’s “This Is Mine” leather luggage tag. A snap closure allows a space to put personal info. Available at joanthanadler.com for $38.
Hotel room bedding can be suspicious, even in the best of places. Let them put a layer of silk between their skin and unfamiliar bedding with a DreamSack (which comes in its own 8” x 4” pouch). Made of silk with a built-in pocket for a pillow. It is machine washable, quick-drying and only weighs 6 oz. Flight Spray helps prevent viral infections by creating an unsuitable environment for inhaled germs to reproduce. Both are available at magellans.com.
Your gift recipient will never have to pay for overweight luggage again with the Balanzza digital luggage scale. It’s small enough to pack and strong enough to weigh up to 100 pounds. It indicates pounds and kilograms making it ideal for the international traveler. Available at many retail stores and web sites for less than $20.
Laugh all you want about the Home Shopping Network, but for every bedazzled denim jacket for plus sized ladies, there’s a terrific product. One of my favorites is the Grid-It! Organizer. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into a briefcase or backpack and ends rummaging around for stuff that falls to the bottom of the bag. It’s only $19.95 and available in a plethora of colors at hsn.com.
My final entry comes from one of my favorite sites, Flight 001. “Airline: Style At 30,000 Feet” is a fascinating book examining every aspect of airline style, from the interior design of planes to the days when flight attendants wore haute couture instead of polos and khakis. It’s only $14.95 at flight001.com.
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2013 has been a hell of a year for the gay community. Political debates may continue to rage on over same-sex marriage but we all know that the world keeps turning. Every now and then we have to stop and take a moment to celebrate all of the things that life offers us, especially within our community. We’d like everyone to take this opportunity to recognize the “Best Of” winners for their outstanding commitment to their craft, and to thank the readers who help support them.
If you’re in need of a new pair of eyes, Chic Optique is the one stop shop for your ocular needs. Owners Julie Slateer and Karen Carroll have one goal in mind: to make you look hot, see great and feel good. Their large inventory of frames are yours for the picking – all backed by a one year warranty. The staff is friendly, professional and above all, helpful. A trained optometrist and some stylish frames will have you seeing better in no time.
Chic Optique 2228 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-567-3937, chicoptique.net
Michael Rajner knows no fear. He has taken on state and federal policymakers, newspaper editors, business leaders, and corporate America in his successful effort to bring attention to discrimination against the LGBT community. In particular, Michael is an indefatigable advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. He served as National Secretary of Campaign to End AIDS (C2EA) and volunteered as National Community Organizer for the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) and coordinated the AIDS IN AMERICA series of regional meetings and town halls around the nation for people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2011, Equality Florida awarded Michael the “Voice for Equality Award,” and POZ magazine named Michael among its POZ 100 – “some of the bravest, most dogged and downright effective AIDS fighters we know.” Always the fighter and protector of those less vocal, Michael Rajner is the Legislative Director for the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus.
Michael Rajner, michael@floridaglbtdemocrats.org
For quite some time, The Outlet has been providing Wilton Manors with affordable, trendy clothing. If you’re looking for the perfect local clothing spot, call off the search and stop by The Outlet by Anthony. The Outlet has a wide variety of shirts, jeans, underwear, swimwear, shoes, jewelry and more. Carrying only the hottest items in town, the store’s trendy inventory accommodates all of your clothing needs. Your closet will thank you.
The Outlet by Anthony 2013C Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, facebook.com/theoutletwiltonmanors
James Franco is quite the specimen of a man. We’re not just speaking of his looks, ironically enough. Franco has unabashedly starred in a multitude of gay films or roles, despite his heterosexuality. He played Sean Penn’s lover in “Milk,” gay poets Hart Crane in “The Broken Tower,” and Allen Ginsberg in “Howl,” as well as his most recent role in “Interior.Leather Bar.” Franco recently received the HBO Latin America Ally Award at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival for both his talents and contributions to LGBT film.
You remember Dean Trantalis, the newest Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, don’t you? Well, perhaps you know him from his legal firm, Trantalis Law, whose marquee is front and center on Wilton Drive. Or maybe you remember Trantalis from his stint as Vice Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. Then again, it was Trantalis who co-wrote Broward County’s domestic partnership law, giving spousal-like benefits to all mated county residents. He also was co-chair of Americans for Equality, on the board of directors for the Dolphin Democratic Club and the Fort Lauderdale Citizen Review Board, plus named Small Business Person of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Trantalis was co-chair of the South Florida steering committee for the Human Rights Campaign and is also a member of its National Board of Governors. It’s easy to remember the good guys who give of themselves to serve others.
Dean Trantalis, Trantalis Law 2255 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-566-2226, trantalislaw.com
With hair salons popping up on every corner, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a decent barber shop. Where can a guy get a classic shave? The hot towel treatment? Thankfully, right here in Wilton Manors we have a solution. If you need to get yourself cleaned up, Mojo’s will give you an all-star treatment you won’t forget. Did we mention that it’s not just haircuts? Relax with a mani-pedi, get a facial, or even get some of those hard to reach places waxed. Lay back and enjoy.
Mojo’s 2348 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-566-1350, or check them out on Facebook.
The Deputy Director at the Pride Center at Equality Park, Kristofer Fegenbush holds a Master of Social Work degree from Florida International University. Known for his quick wit, strawberry blond hair, and effective management style, Kristofer can likely be found at any number of fundraisers held each month both for the Pride Center and other AIDS supportive organizations. A native of Kentucky, Kristofer’s southern accent has a way of disarming even the most callous of individuals, whether clients (the Pride Center attracts some 17,000 people to its activities each year), politicians (Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis is a big fan), or supporters (you know who you are). Need it organized; Fegenbush is the man.
Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director at the Pride Center at Equality Park,Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-463-9005, pridecenterflorida.org
Stop the world (if only for a few minutes) and fade into the magic that is Urban Retreat. Owned by practitioner Frank Velaz, this spa offers pain relief and muscle therapy through personal therapeutic massage aimed at relaxing the mind as well as the body. Talented hands manipulate the tense, tired and aching among us. As hip as it is transcendental. Urban Retreat goes beyond traditional message therapy to heal injuries and repair the body through skillful touch. The relief that you’ll experience is instantaneous. The long-term result you’ll swear is magic.
Urban Retreat 4450 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, 954-249-9176, feelurban.com
Once a year, not long before Thanksgiving, when the days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, hundreds of bike riders assemble in Miami for a two-day fundraising event called the SMART Ride. While officially the acronym SMART stands for southern most aIDS/HIV ridetwenty-Thirteen, to those of us at Florida Agenda, it is just a SMART thing to do—raise donations by pedaling the 165 miles between Miami and Key West with 100% of pledges being returned to communities to be used for direct services to those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Now in its tenth year, the SMART Ride’s goal to is raise $1 million in donations, and its hope is the same as its hope from day one: that this will be the last year the ride is necessary for our future will be one free of AIDS.
SMART Ride 1314 E Las Olas Blvd, Ste 302, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, 866-696-7701, thesmartride.org
Customer service is the key to the success at Scissorium, the award-winning full-service hair salon and skin treatment center in Wilton Manors. Its unpretentious style belies the salon’s soul—sophisticated cuts and styling that mirror fashion runways and haute couture ateliers. Sylists Lorenzo Littlefield and Philip Rodrigues are master technicians in the art of the maintainable color and cut. Using Redken products for the finest professional look, the stylists and technicians at Scissorium had spent years learning their craft and pass along that experience to every client. For a finishing touch, Scissorium’s skincare treatments complete the pampering process, from waxing unwanted hair to peels and facials. It’s just another part of your look of success.
Salon Scissorium 2405 North Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-563-1981, scissorium.com
Shawn Newman welcomes you into his office located in a transformed home in Wilton Manors and immediately makes you feel like you belong. True, you’ve come for help, but there’s none of that formal posturing to make you feel less significant. Whether you’ve crossed Newman’s office threshold for advice concerning Estate Planning, Living Wills, Elder Planning, Trusts, Probate, Cohabitation Agreements or any of his other specialties, Newman flashes his bear of a smile and suddenly all is well. Your fortune, such as it is, is safe. So too is your future. Be content to know that Shawn Newman will remember to ask questions that you haven’t thought of before. It all part of the service in the law firm that has your protection in mind at all times.
Law Office of Shawn C Newman, P.A. 710 N.E. 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-563-9160, shawnnewman.com
The congregation that packs two Sunday services at Church of the Holy Spirit Song are a joyous lot. Several years back, while going through a rough patch involving scurrilous Internet gossip and false accusation in civil litigation, I turned to a support group that met once a week, feeling very foolish at first. Then, a peculiar thing transpired. In the non-judgmental setting of this group, it was okay to be sad, and upset, and to feel victimized. The new senior pastor Rev. Tom Millner, and the two new associate pastors at the time were Rev. Suzanne Taczak and Rev. Leslie Tipton welcomed me to Sunday services, and I hopped into an inconspicuous seat in a pew at the extreme rear of the church. These service had such a liberating effect on me, that I became known as the writer who cries, for each and every service I would vent my frustration and watch as again and again it was absorbed without question. I still go to Church of the Holy Spirit Song, whenever I feel the need for a good cry and a good sing—music is the lifeblood here. Should you need a non-judgmental house of worship, it does not get any better than this.
Church of the Holy Spirit Song 2040B N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-533-9205,cohss.org
“Globally connected; locally respected.” Or so goes the mantra of real estate broker Dale Russell of Atlantic Properties International. Russell, who entered the real estate market eight years ago, is recognized for the extra personalized effort he makes to connect buyers with sellers in a highly competitive business arena. With special certification in luxury home marketing, short sales and foreclosures, and as a graduate of the Realtor Institute, Russell has been a multi-million dollar producer for the Dale Russell Network, and the face of the Five Points intersection bus stop billboard. Russell is a past president of the Pride Center at Equality Park, and with his life partner Jan Carpenter who died in 2012, participated in the joys and challenges of the LGBT community including serving on the boards of several not-forprofit and philanthropic groups.
Dale Russell Atlantic Properties International, 3438 N. Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, 954-564-8182, thedalerussellnetwork.com
In a day and age of impersonal medical tests and doctoring by Internet, it’s comforting to know that the family doctor is in and accepting new patients. It’s been nearly 30 years since David Lyter graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, around the time that the AIDS epidemic was hitting the ground running. It would become Dr. Lyter’s passion, and over the years as he extended his hand and connected personally with patients, he honed his bed-side manner, explaining symptoms, side effects and test results in English. Don’t understand the first time? Dr. Lyter will explain things another way—no rolling of eyes, no barely audible sighs. The operative word in his office is caring—from the front desk staff, to the administrators, to the nurses and technicians. They operate as a team to make you feel well, even before you get better.
Dr. David Lyter 1402 NE 26th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, 954-565-7789, medicalgroup.holy-cross.com/david-lyter-md
Getting dental work is terrifying to many, so finding the right one is always a mission. Face it, you’ve been poked and prodded for far too long. You want a skilled, friendly dentist making the decisions for your pearly whites. Calm your nerves, collect yourself and prepare for a surprisingly pleasant visit to the dentist. Dr. Cunningham (as well as the rest of his knowledgeable, warm staff over at Oakland Park Dental) will have all of your problems taken care of before you can say “root canal.”
Oakland Park Dental 3047 North Federal Highway, FL 33306, 954-566-9812, oaklandparkdental.com
Vero Leroux and Jean Doherty are European transplants and life partners. Their love for each other and for food is made crystal clear at Le Patio. There is a warmth about the place – when you’re sitting down in the restaurant, you feel as if you’re sitting down with friends. The fusion of rich European comfort foods is intoxicating to say the least. Lasagna, shepherd’s pie, French onion soup, pasta bolognaise – you name it, they have it. The deserts are equally comforting (assuming you’re not concerned about your calorie intake), rotating out on a regular basis. Vero and Jean have created a wonderful restaurant that you’ll likely miss if you blink, but that’s half of its charm. The other half is of course, the food.
Le Patio 2401 Ne 11 Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-530-4641, lepatiowiltonmanors.com
The Pink Submarine isn’t your typical sandwich shop. For example, the “The Captain” is comparable to a turkey club but with the volume turned all the way up — ham, turkey, tomato, mac and cheese, potato stix and honey mustard. The rest of the subs follow suit, with everything from Granny Smith apples to sriracha mayos, this shop is definitely thinking outside of the box. With a variety of breads, cheeses and meats, the combinations are endless. The topping pairings may seem a little out of the norm for some, but know that that’s how half of the world’s culinary wonder occurs. The Pink Submarine raises the bar for sub shops in every possible way.
The Pink Submarine 2041Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-566-2219, thepinksubmarine.com
Sometimes an ice cold beer is better than chocolate. While the liquid carbohydrates are extremely lovable, there’s nothing worse than low grade beer. A beer connoisseur won’t be walking into a dive bar to order a double stone IPA any time soon, unless it’s opposite day, in which case you’d receive a single stone in a glass of non-alcoholic St. Pauli. Taps and Tapas at the Manor has 25 beers on tap, and plenty more in bottle form. Pale Ales, dark ales, IPAs, lambics…your thirst will definitely be quenched at this bar. Beer lovers rejoice.
Taps and Tapas at The Manor 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com
That Rosie is a wild girl. Her fun-themed Rosie’s Bar & Grill is an institution in Wilton Manors, festooned with colorful paper lanterns and covered open air seating, giving “festive” a new meaning. While the mood sings party, the food is serious stuff. Owners John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy see that you’re well fed with big burgers, fresh fish, apps, wraps and salads the size of Cleveland. While everyone seems to have their favorite dish at Rosie’s (ours is the Rose Nylund wrap with grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Asiago cheese, ranch dressing, keep cozy by a tomato-basil tortilla), there’s much more to the experience here than just the menu. Upbeat music, a cross-generational crowd, sexy videos and endless laughter make this bar & grill, a must to experience.
Rosie’s Bar & Grill 2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-563-0123, rosiesbarandgrill.com
Alibi’s menu has long been praised for its burgers, but now a diverse range of items are available for your enjoyment. Appetizers, sliders, burgers, entrees, kabobs, sandwiches, tacos and even daily specials now span the menu. Their daily lunch specials cover every spectrum of food, including a bacon wrapped meatloaf, surf & turf, a hand battered half chicken and more, all for a surprisingly affordable $9.95. You can sit at the bar (inside or out) or in the shaded courtyard to enjoy your fantastic meal. Come as a group or drop by for a quick lunch break. Whoever you’re with, Alibi is the best lunch spot in town and is perfect for any occasion.
Alibi 2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-565-2527, alibiwiltonmanors.com
It’s thick, it’s juicy, and it comes in ten versions. The award-winning burgers at Alibi Video Bar, Café, and Sports Bar are 10 ounces of Black Angus beef tucked inside a toasted Challah bun. Prices range from $10 for the Classic Alibi Burger (with lettuce, tomato and onion) to $16 for the Ahi Tuna Burger that substitutes sushi-grade Ahi tuna steak for the Angus Beef (with thinly sliced cucumber, wasabi sauce, seaweed salad, and a soy reduction). In 2011, Alibi’s Knockout Burger (with its roasted jalapeno cream cheese, aged cheddar cheese, roasted garlic mayo and bacon onion jam) was named the “Best Burger in Fort Lauderdale” at the Riverwalk Burger Battle. It was a one-two punch for Alibi Café, which had previous won the title in 2010 with its Champ Burger. The reign continues with Florida Agenda’s 2013 Best Burger award going to the Bleu Moon Burger, crispy savory bacon and all.
Alibi 2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com
Sometimes you just need a nice neighborhood restaurant with a hodgepodge of delicious yet inexpensive food. Throw in the fact that they’re open for a full 24 hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Courtyard Cafe becomes the clear winner here. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, naughty appetizers and healthy options all compete for your attention on the menu – all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re waking up to start your day, or schlepping home to end your night’s (or morning’s) festivities, Courtyard Cafe provides quality food at an inexpensive price.
Courtyard Cafe 2211 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-563-2499, wiltonmanorscourtyardcafe.com
Enter Bona Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar and take a step back in time. No nouveau cuisine here; nothing fusion about it. This is traditional old-fashioned Italian goodness that is served up on each and every dish laid before you. Yes, there’s delicious Pizza, and yes, you can get your favorite Calzone, but the real excitement comes layered from the kitchen’s ovens in the form of Baked Ziti, Spinach Manicotti, Ravioli, and Lasagna. Spaghetti, Linguini, Penne, and Fettuccine have their own starring roles to play, whether served with marinara sauce, alfredo, primavera, or with broccoli and oil. Feeling fancy? Order your chicken Fiorentino, Marsala, Cacciatore, or Picatta. Or just soak up some Zuppa di Pesce with some freshly baked rolls and smell like garlic for the next week and love it.
Bona Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar 2468 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305, 954-565-7222, bonaitalianrestaurant.com
Rosie’s is truly the place to see and be seen. It’s their motto for a reason. The beautiful canopy overhead creating shade, the rainbow of Chinese lanterns, the privacy of the landscape, the attentive fantastic staff, the live DJ on Sundays — they all work together to create an environment that’s both exciting and comfortable. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your food or drink outdoors. Go on a Sunday before 2 p.m. to get the full effect of an outdoors brunch at Rosie’s.
Rosie’s Bar and Grill 2249 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-567-1320, rosiesbarandgrill.com
It’s said that Lady Gaga has been on the stage here. So has RuPaul of ‘Drag Race” fame. Adam Lambert has shown up for karaoke night on Tuesday, but didn’t sing. Misty Eyez didn’t sing either, but she lip-syncs among the best of them on Sunday’s Trannie Palace weekly event. There’s the always-demure Athena Dion who must be seen to be believed; plus Noel Leon, Nicole Halliwell, Shontelle Sparkles, Mia Patricyk, Twat LaRouge, Chocolatta, Jennifer Wells, Tina Torch, Selena Jimenez, Crystal Chandelier, and Alandra Matthews. More stars than there are in heaven, you say? Well, it may have been the slogan of the old MGM Studios, but the statement works just as well for Bill’s. Fill up and enjoy the experience. VBill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-567-5978, billsfillingstation.com
The lighting is dimmed to a romantic glow. The music is tuned to a soft jazz theme. The servers greet, smile and flirt, making you feel like a million bucks. How better to ease into a first date than with the sexy ambiance of J. Mark’s Restaurant? And it doesn’t hurt that the menu won’t break the bank. Your date will be impressed that his order will be served exactly the way he asked, and you’ll gladly pick up the check without flinching, knowing that J. Mark’s has provided the perfect illusion of calm, collected and oh-so-smartly casual—just like clever you. Illusions are alike that.
J. Mark’s 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, 954-390-0770, jmarksrestaurant.com
When tapas first emerged on to the scene in the early 1980s, they were a Spanish version of the venerable Chinese Dim Sum plate. Servings the comprised of a couple of bits, all flavor but little girth. So, when The Manor Complex scrubbed is its fancy restaurant with al fresco dining on the Drive, for a joint they renamed Taps & Tapas we werem ore than just a little curious. Here, among a huge selection of draft beers and bottled craft beers, were teeny plates of provocative flavor. The goal here is to release you from the decision making process to be free to enjoy the camaraderie of new friends and old. Taps & Tapas more than accomplishes that goal, as it assembles happy, chatty people under its eves, encourages you not to care about the mounting bill. Whatever the price, it is absolutely worth it.
Taps & Tapas at The Manor Complex 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-533-9314, themanorcomplex.com
It’s sort of a given that South Florida is a cultural melting pot. Our diverse population births an expansive collection of art, and Wilton Manors is no exception. Island City Art Walk is the perfect event to showcase local talent, due in part to its sheer volume. It spans the majority of the drive, with various participating spaces — everything from bars and retail establishments to independent galleries. It brings the community together in a way that other events can’t and for that, it is truly a winner.
Island City Art Walk Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, islandcityartwalk.com
Dapur’s high-end bar is trendy and tasteful (and tasty too), but the food is even better. The ultra cool spot serves up a fantastic fusion of sushi and Asian tapas. The papaya salad, kimchee and vegetables, ceviche and crispy duck are just some of the menu’s highlights – we’re guessing you’re already salivating. The sushi is just as phenomenal as the tapas, and if you clean your plate, you should strongly consider ordering one of the decadent deserts. The main lounge serves fantastic hand-crafted drinks and even hosts some hip, lounge inspired music. The restaurant/lounge hosts daily specials and even provides some entertainment on the weekends as well.
Dapur Asian Tapas and Lounge 1620 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, 954-306-2663, dapurkitchen.com
You’re first instinct upon seeing the art at Gallery XO, clearly dominated by the male form, is to reach out and cuddle those adorable pecs, or the bubble butt, or arms perfectly pumped to a size that defies the measuring tape. You’ll be temped to ask owner Maciel Contelmo for the models’ names; if only under the pretense that you want to know if there was artistic license at work here. As one who knows several of the actual subjects for my rounds for the Florida Agenda, I’m happy to report that no special license is needed to admire these boys/men. While most are in their 20s, what becomes readily apparent is that as these models, they become more attractive. It’s called hard work, and it pays off should you care to invest the time in yourself and your body. And then, just perhaps, you too can be on the walls of Gallery XO.
Gallery XO 2376 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-213-9797, galleryxo.com
There’s a good reason that there’s always a gaggle of hot men crowding around the open-air entrance to the Village Pub on Wilton Drive. Laughing, and touching, and making the kind of eye contact that has “hither-to” written all over their glances, these guys are on the make—mostly single, successful, and fascinated in you. That’s a rarity in this city of tens of thousands of bears, cubs, muscle gods, twinks, drag queens and sissies. Deep inside the Pub, the music is red-hot for dancing, but across the bar near the front doors, thrown wide to the elements, the view is tremendous and tempting. No one strolling the Drive can escape your notice here on the periphery. Be content in knowing that you won’t go home alone, unless, of course, you’ve got relatives visiting from the Olde Country.
Village Pub 2283 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 754-200-5244, villagepubwm.com
Boom is home to some of the best house music events in the area, and one of the real reasons is because of local DJ Richie Rich. The New York born DJ’s unique fusion of house music makes him a local favorite — his sets are always a guaranteed good time. Even those that usually find themselves holed up in a corner somehow end up on the dance floor. You can find him in his element on Sunday nights at Boom.
Boom Nightclub 2232 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-630-3556, facebook.com/boomwiltonmanors
Misty Eyez is one part hostess, one part drag and one part local celebrity. Her weekly party at Bill’s, Tranny Palace, brings in people from all walks of life each week to watch her showcase of wild and crazy queens. But while the show in its entirety may be a hoot, the real reason is due to Misty Eyez, aka “The Eyez of Florida”. Misty is hilarious and talented as hell, but her sweet demeanor off the stage is what really sets her apart from the pack. She is also a part of the non-profit organization known as The South Florida Sisters of the Rising Sun, whose goal is to serve the community by fundraising for charitable organizations as well as educating and raising awareness on HIV and AIDS issues. The multi-talented drag performer is doing everything she can to entertain and educate. See her Sundays at Bill’s for her Tranny Palace show.
Bill’s Filling Station 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-567-5988, mistyeyez.net
The Manor is truly an amazing nightclub. It hosts such a wide range of themed nights that it has to appeal to majority of clubbers. The space covers virtually all of its bases: a Latin night, a hip hop room, a house/dance room, drag shows and even some national acts. What’s also interesting is the décor itself. The interior is decked out with beautiful wallpaper, chaise sofas, and Swarovski red crystal chandeliers, yet never manages to feel intimidating or cold. It’s the perfect spot to dance your glutes off, host an event, or even to meet up with a first date for some happy hour tapas and cocktails. Its 18 and up night might seal the deal for some, but the elegance, charm and comfort make it a universally known and admired nightclub on the drive.
The Manor 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-626-0082,
themanorcomplex.com
Drag dining is a hard thing to nail. Everything has to be just right for it to succeed, especially if you’re interested in longevity. Fortunately, Lips has been successfully doing shows for a little over six years, offering a multitude of shows, themes, stars and performers. Twat Larouge’s hilarious performances have gained her a cult following due to her wild, unique, comical persona. Throughout the years, the cast has always remained glamorous while peppering in some zest, landing it in special place as the best Comedy and Variety Show of South Florida.
Lips 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334, 954-567-0987, floridalips.com
Infinity Lounge’s martinis are well-known around the drive. They’re refreshing, original and strong. They have everything from fruity and crisp to sweet and rich. Some customers opt to get the martinis made with fresh fruit while others give in to the aforementioned decadence (like the Lemon Caramel Poundcake or Strawberry Decadence Martinis). These martinis are skillfully made for a price that won’t break your bank. A multitude of weekly/daily specials will have you returning for more. If you haven’t visited Infinity Lounge yet, Sinatra Sundays – where they play, you guessed it, a Sinatra inspired playlist – is the perfect start to your new-found martini obsession.
Infinity Lounge 2184 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 764-223-3619, infinityloungefl.com
The Ramrod is dark, provocative and above all, a little gritty. There’s nothing wrong with grit. Every now and then you need to get a little dirty. A little…primal if you will. But contrary to what you may think, at the Ramrod, it’s not just bears. Leather, jockstrap, underwear and Levi’s enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes. On Tuesday nights, they host their famed underwear night, where any attendees who check their pants at the door (yes, you read that right) are granted an hour of open bar. You’ll likely be caught off guard by how fast the room fills up. Once a month the bar hosts another notorious event called Pig Dance. The hottest guys from all over the tri-county area come to this dark, dungeon-like bar to dance and embrace their inner wild child. Your job is to approach it with an open mind and let loose a little. After all, you’re cruising right?
Ramrod 1508 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, 954-763-8219, ramrodbar.com
If you’re hungry for bears, Growl Fridays will whet your appetite. The name is self explanatory: it’s a night where bears come together to mingle, dance and have a healthy dose of fun. The party brings together furry friends and newcomers as well to rub bodies together on the dance floor. VJ Barry Browder brings the beats, host Miss Kitty tames the pack and there’s even a sexy body contest at midnight with a cash prize. The room (and parking lot) gets pretty packed, so get there early and pick a prime spot to camp out. If you’re a cub in search of a new bear (or vice versa), you might just find your niche at Growl Fridays.
Bill’s Filling Station 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-567-5988, billsfillingstation.com
Rumors, formerly Matty’s, is a fun new space on the drive. It feels both brighter and more open than Matty’s, which has been received well by patrons. Owner and manager Brendan Corman has been doing everything he can do to make it a memorable, fun experience for everyone. A 90’s night on Tuesdays, $1 well drinks and drafts on Wednesdays, a drag night on Thursdays..this bar will get you in for a good time one way or another. The video screens are always playing something fantastic, and when a VJ is there, it’s game on. Did we mention there’s a full kitchen? Appetizers, sandwiches, salads – all fresh and available day and night.
Rumors 2426 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-565-8851, rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com
If you’re between the ages of 18-20, you’re probably frustrated for two reasons: one, you can serve in your country’s military and fire a gun but you can’t legally drink just yet, and two, you have a hard time getting into virtually any night club. Thankfully, the Manor has created an 18 and up night that is fun for old, young and younger. The night, called Bubblegum Fridays, brings a devoted fan base every week. The youthful crowd is always ready to party like the best of them; they’re not exactly hard on the eyes either. It’s a great way for young gays to congregate and emerge themselves into gay culture in a fun, safe environment.
The Manor 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com
It’s hard to imagine a better or easier deal—Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., it’s Happy Hour at Alibi Video Bar, Café, and Sports Bar. Buy one drink, and get the second one free. There’s a good reason that everyone is happy here. The drinks are strong, and served in real glasses, not throwaway cups. It makes a difference as the frost forms around your drink to keep it frosty. With perfect Spring weather upon us, the outside patio bar takes full advantage of the season, while the inside three bars add refreshing AC and videos to the mix. Happy Hour doesn’t get more festive or fun.
Alibi 2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com
]]>There’s a reason that buying a home is one of the most important elements comprising the “American Dream” (even for people who live in other countries). For many people, this exciting event is a hallmark of having “arrived,” of reaching a major one of life’s cornerstone.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find the best house or condo for the best price, with the best possible mortgage rates. Since this is likely to be one of the single biggest purchases of your life, it’s important to arm yourself with as much information and know just what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find the most competitive mortgage.
Buying a home is an experience that everyone who wants to have really should be able to enjoy. See if these suggestions help.
Reasons to Buy
Savings: The money you were paying in rent is now building equity in your property. Owning a home allows you to deduct the interest from your mortgage, which can lower your tax bill when April 15 rolls around.
Wealth Accumulation: When your home appreciates in value, you have equity. This equity translates to profit when you sell your home (it’s the difference between what you originally paid and your selling price). In many markets, the value of real estate appreciates by as much as 4 percent each year, and often a lot more.
The ABCs of 123s
Although most homebuyers start by shopping for a home first, the truth is that the first thing you should get in line is your financing: In other words, how are you going to pay for your dream to become reality?
Although using a “canned” mortgage calculator—entering your monthly income and bills into a work sheet while ruminating about your general price range—can provide you with a basic understanding of what you may be looking out as you begin your search, these things don’t provide an in depth look at all the mortgage options that are available to you.
Getting pre-approval means you’re approved for a specific loan amount. At the end of the process, you are pre-approved for a home costing up to that purchase price. Pre-approval is win-win for the prospective homebuyer, because you know how much you can borrow, the real estate agent who knows precisely what price range homes for you to consider, and even more importantly, the seller who, if he has more than one offer, is likely to look with favor upon your preapproved offer versus one from a party who has not been preapproved.
]]>Make Quick and Easy Improvements
Here are recommendations that will help you sell your property, and will make great talking points for you with your Realtor. An experienced and qualified listing Realtor will welcome these topics and provide you thoughtful feedback.
Cleaning: Hiring a professional to clean before and while you’re selling may be your single best investment. If your property was immaculate, people will already have told you.
Depersonalizing: Buyers should not be able to tell your political or sexual orientations. Remove clutter, most personal photos (no matter how good you looked), and anything sexual.
Lighting: Mood lighting does not sell; we are not dating the buyers. Turn on the lights, and buy more lights if it is dark. For most people, the dark can be depressing, and darkness makes buyers worry about what they cannot see.
Staging: This can be done at many levels. Professional staging is excellent but can be expensive. Some simple things like making use of the color red (in candles, pillows, and other objects) or rearranging furniture to make better use of space can help a lot.
Landscaping: Curb appeal is critical. Look at the front of your home, and ask for a landscape recommendation if you are not good at it yourself. Your home’s lawn should be inviting and healthy.
Electrical and Plumbing: In disrepair, these two can be deal killers. If you know these will come up in the inspection, repair them before selling. Even if you decide not to sell, they will remain good investments.
Often Overlooked Techniques for Selling
These are not as obvious, but if you want an edge in selling your property (and have already taken care of cleaning, basic touch ups, and are ready to go), here are some ideas your Realtor can use to sell your property:
Survey: Buyers often like to see the property lines, especially if there is not a pool and they want to add one, or make additions. So, they will usually appreciate a survey, and if yours is a waterfront property this visual and the setback look great on paper.
Floor-plan: This can be a huge asset, since Realtors sometimes use questions about arranging furniture to assess how motivated buyers may be. Because room dimensions are rare, providing them will make you stand out.
Termite and Appliance Warranties: Buyers from colder temperature locations are usually very uneasy with the concept of bugs which thrive here because it does not freeze. Having your property treated and under warranty is a great way to stay ahead of a problem. Similarly, appliance warranties are helpful and surprisingly inexpensive. Purchasing one before selling is a great technique to keep the focus away from appliances. On the other hand, offering one with the sale can imply there are existing known problems, so don’t do this unless requested or unless there are problems.
Product Manuals and Service Providers: User manuals and an organized list of service providers will demonstrate your pride of ownership, and will let buyers’ minds be less worried about potential post-sale problems.
Return on Investment (ROI) Various Home Improvements to Sell
There’s always a possibility that each home improvement will increase focus on other weaknesses, causing the dreaded snowball effect of renovations. Sometimes sellers are inclined to make improvements that are more important to them than to the buyers, and fail to account for the long-term return on their investment (ROI) for these so-called improvements.
One good way to consider these improvements is to quantify the expected ROI from making improvements before selling. If you are considering making an improvement that you will enjoy and use for a period of time before selling, then you should take into account this enjoyment value, something which is completely subjective but still very important. If it lends to your quality of life while you own the property and increases the value for selling, then it could be a fantastic investment.
Every geographic area has different considerations. For instance, a fireplace addition in Florida would not appear to make sense but in Maine it could be a great investment. A swimming pool in Florida may be great for combined enjoyment and resale but is not recommended for resale value only.
Here’s a helpful chart that provides range estimates for how much you might expect in ROI when you sell. It is not a precise science, but it can be useful before you spend money on a property you are about to sell (unless you will also be enjoying the improvement before the time comes to sell):
Florida Improvement Considered Estimated Range/Return on Investment
Neutral Paint, Interior or Exterior: 150 to 300 percent
New Flooring (to replace carpet): 75 to 300 percent
Kitchen Renovation: 50 to 200 percent
Bathroom Renovation: 50 to 200 percent
Landscape Improvement: 50 to 200 percent
New Impact Windows/Doors 50 to 100 percent
New Roof 60 to 150 percent
Swimming Pool 25 to 60 percent
Garage Addition/Conversion: 35 to 50 percent
Central Air Conditioning: 75 to 100 percent
These recommendations are only for sellers who want to maximize price and involve themselves in the process of improvement. The current condition of the considered renovation (for instance, the bathroom, kitchen, or roof) should weigh heavily in your decision of whether or not it should be undertaken. If something isn’t in conspicuous or bad condition, don’t eat into your profits unnecessarily.
Rick Gibson is a Realtor and Team Leader with Re/Max Preferred. A Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and Investment Agent Specialist (CIAS), he is Principal of Gibson Group Property Management, LLC., an appointee to Fort Lauderdale’s City CRA Advisory Board and a Board Member on the 13th Street Alliance. He has been inducted in the Re/Max Hall of Fame and has received the distinguished Coldwell Banker’s President’s Circle Award.
]]>The Tax Man Cometh
The first third of each year—the dreaded “tax time”—occupies the minds of nearly every adult American. If you didn’t already know that the deadline for filing your income taxes is April 15, the barrage of TV commercials offering “fast refund” services and other gimmicks to get your tax info in their hands should serve as both reminder and early warning.
The tax code is the same for everyone. Reputable tax professionals do not compete based on the amount of refund of a tax return; instead, they will help you get the maximum return allowed by law.
Don’t be fooled by tricks that are often foisted upon unsuspecting taxpayers. You can’t get your return any faster than the IRS refund cycle. Any place that offers to get your money faster is offering you a LOAN. These are highly-priced predatory products, the practice of which the IRS is trying hard to discourage. You waited all year for your refund, an extra 10-to-15 days longer is an acceptable time to wait—especially when weighed against the excessive fees associated with a loan.
When you are selecting a tax professional, it’s important to find one with the experience necessary to perform your return, and give you meaningful advice.
Expert, Advisor
Your accountant should perform for you as a trusted financial advisor, keeping a look out for potential risk and problems before they hit critical mass, and who can provide all the necessary information for you to navigate through your unique challenges and make smart, informed choices for your business.
No matter the size of your business (or personal and family situation, too), your accountant should function as your personal CFO, helping you to expand your businesses, and to save money.
A potential accountant should have knowledge about your particular industry. Does your business have an inventory, or is your service an information-based one? An accountant with experience in your field will help manage your finances in a way that fits your unique requirements.
The tax code is very complex, and there are many gray areas of law that require human assistance to determine which ones apply to you. Web-based tax programs and software can only calculate a tax return based on the information you provide it. A good tax professional will be able to look at a tax return and know if it was done correctly, ensuring that all your deductions and credits are included.
Your tax preparer should know every line of the return—and be able to explain it without computer aids. If they are not capable of doing a tax return with pencil and paper, they shouldn’t be preparing yours.
Do-It-Yourself-At-Your-Own-Risk
Commercially-bought tax software programs for business and individual filers are quite comprehensive, and can be a great asset in helping to prepare a tax return. The important thing to remember is that there is not a program out there that can take the place of education and experience.
I have been using numerous programs for years, but even so it is still very easy to enter the answer to a question wrong, input inaccurate data, or forget a deduction screen, with the results being that the return prepared by the program is based on faulty information.
There is nothing wrong with someone wanting to file their own taxes. If you file on your own, keep in mind a few things:
Jeff Sterling is the owner of Sterling Accounting LLC (2435 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors), providing tax preparation, accounting, bookkeeping and assistance with IRS issues to individuals and small businesses, along with a high level of experience at affordable prices. To schedule an appointment, call (954) 667-9829.
]]>By CHRIS MANCINI
You may be familiar with something called an injunction against domestic violence, available to same-sex couples or any “family or household members.” But what do you do when you’ve dated someone and now he or she won’t leave you alone?
Erotomaniacs, Love Obsessionals, and Simple Obsessionals all share the delusion that you’re in love with them, and if you would only acknowledge that, you could both live happily ever after. When they engage in a campaign of unwelcome writing, cyber-stalking, telephoning, sending gifts, or other patterns of harassment without a legitimate purpose, an injunction against dating violence can help.
The name “dating violence injunction” is somewhat of a misnomer since it doesn’t require actual acts of violence to be issued, only a continuing pattern of harassment. Nor do dating violence injunctions require co-habitation, as is the case with domestic violence injunctions. Dating violence injunctions are granted so long as there was “a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.”
Unfortunately, neither dating violence nor domestic violence injunctions are issued for only psychological abuse, nor are they granted for casual relationships involving people who only know each other in a business or social context. In those instances, there are other laws that may apply.
In deciding whether to grant an injunction for dating violence, a court considers if the dating relationship existed during the past six months, if it had the expectation of affection or sexual involvement, and the frequency and type of interaction between the parties. In addition to a pattern of harassment, a single act of assault, battery, or certain other crimes are grounds for the issuance of a dating or domestic violence injunction.
The court is also allowed to consider the respondent’s criminal history and the destruction of personal property (including the killing or injuring of a pet). To “prove up” your case for an injunction, it’s important to obtain photographs and witnesses to any incidents that have occurred.
Once a temporary injunction is issued, the respondent must then be served with a copy and a notice of hearing, to determine if a permanent injunction will be issued.
You cannot dissolve an injunction simply by deciding to get back together. You must ask the court to dissolve it or it remains in effect, and violations can be punished harshly. Among other restrictions, all injunctions prohibit intentionally coming within 100 feet of the petitioner’s vehicle, whether or not it is occupied.
Unlike a dating violence injunction, a domestic violence injunction can grant the petitioner the exclusive possession and use of the parties’ residence and personal property, including vehicles. Petitions for either injunction can be filed where you reside, where the respondent resides, or where the violence occurred. Even a tourist can seek either type of injunction, and injunctions issued in other states can be locally enforced. The clerk of the court will provide instructions, and no bond is required. Your address can be withheld and costs may be awarded to you. If you leave the state, there’s a nationwide injunction database for law enforcement use.
Finally, your consent as the victim is not required to prosecute violators and, in my experience, state attorneys and judges have adopted an aggressive “pro-prosecution” attitude toward such cases. For example, anyone arrested for violations of injunctions must be held without bond at least until his or her first appearance before a judge. If you decide to get back together with the violator, it will still require the prosecutor’s and the court’s belief that you’re acting freely and not being coerced or in any danger in order to have the criminal charges dropped.
It’s an arduous process, but well worth it to protect us from our own romantic mistakes. And who hasn’t had at least one of those?
Chris Mancini is a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, with extensive trial and litigating experience. He can be contacted at his office (330 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, Suite 214), or by phone at (954) 522-2744.
]]>Choosing the right pair of new glasses is more art than science, because even if you know what your face looks like when you are sporting eyewear, it can still be a challenge to know which frames fit perfectly on you and the look you want to pull off.
For more than 10 years at Chic Optique, we’ve made it our business to style you with the perfect eyewear, to make sure you look hot, see great, and feel good. You’ll find the largest selection of eyewear and sunglasses, a full-service lab on premises, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff (including three licensed opticians) who treat you like family and see to it that you can see.
With eyewear to fit every face and every budget (starting at two pairs for $99), even if you can never seem to find just the “right” pair, stop by and put our expertise and experience to work for you.
Let our staff custom fit you, utilizing the latest technology in the most advanced digital lenses. By unifying form and function, the customized lens experience is maximized to deliver outstanding vision by offering the wearer:
Reflection Free (no-glare) lenses provide the most complete UV protection available for everyday eyeglasses. Stops glare from office lighting, computer screens, and also helps with night driving. It cosmetically makes the eyewear look better also.
Living in South Florida, we try to educate out patients about the year ’round UVA and UVB rays from our sub-tropical sun. Polariod lenses are by far the best choice for sunglasses, whether prescription or non-prescription. These lenses are a filtering system that stops the glare and helps you see better.
Many of our fashion frames are available in more than one color, so multiple pairs are a great option for different occasions.
There’s no need to settle; we have the best selection from designer names like Prada, Ray Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, Serengeti, Ralph Lauren, and many others, and the largest selection of Polaroid sunglasses you’ve ever seen. Chic Optique has thousands of frames in stock, with a one-year warranty on all eyewear. Come in or call to schedule an appointment for an eye exam or contact lens fitting by our Independent Doctor of Optometry.
Get styled, look great, see great: You’ll freak at Chic!
Karen Carroll and Julie Slater are the owners of Chic Optique (2228 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors), offering friendly, knowledgeable service and the largest selection of eyewear and sunglasses in town. Call for an appointment today at (954) 567-3837.
]]>When I was asked to put together an editorial piece for the Agenda “HOW-TO Issue,” my first thought, being a local full time Realtor, was to write about something related to real estate. Realizing how predictable this would be, and also the fact that “How-To” stories about buying and selling properties have been written and read into exhaustion, I decided instead to take a look at where I am today, and the reasons for how and why I came to be here.
I moved to Wilton Manors in 2003 and became a full time professional Realtor. I challenged myself to be the type of Realtor with whom I would want to do business: one who works hard, is ethical and trustworthy, and truly concerns himself with his client’s needs and their wants and requirements.
When I first got my license, my mentor told me that a real estate career is built on referrals: Do a good job for someone—really go that extra mile—and you may find that they refer their family, friends, and associates to you. On the other hand, do a bad job and they will not only never refer anyone to you, but they are also likely tell as many people as possible about the poor job you did on their behalf. Good tip.
With this knowledge in mind, I set off on what has been a wonderful professional, and yes personal, journey that has not only helped shape my career, but my life as well.
I decided that I would work to develop a referral mindset, but with a twist. Rather than always pushing for people to give me referrals, I felt my life would be better enhanced by referring business to others. Don’t get me wrong, getting a referral from someone is wonderful. It is both an honor and the means by which I have built my business and my circle of friends. But there is nothing that’s quite like the feeling of knowing that you have given a referral to someone else and helped to enhance a person’s life and business. Honestly, it’s a terribly selfish act for me when I refer, because at the end of the day, it makes me feel good.
The name of my real estate team is The Dale Russell Network. I specifically chose the word “Network” because of my desire to create just that, a network of referral partners who are, quite frankly, second to none. (How’s that for me adding ‘pride’ to being ‘selfish’?)
I make referrals only to people and companies that I know firsthand will help my clients maneuver through the purchasing or selling process as smoothly as possible, or to friends who are in need of something specific. Whether it’s a pool cleaner (Eric Fisher of Fisher Pools), home and condo cleaning (John Carrick), landscapers (several resources), or several highly respected real estate attorneys who have assisted me professionally (and personally, as when my partner Jan passed away), I feel honored to refer to them and to call them my friends.
I have found that being a resource for others and having a great referral network has enhanced both my business and my life. By the act of referring I have gained new clients, increased business I otherwise would not have had (and met wonderful new clients in the process), and most importantly, gained some of the greatest friends a person can have.
A “pair” of referral partners in particular have been invaluable to me as business associates and, much more importantly, as friends: the team of Doug Tinklepaugh and Jim Rickert of Pinnacle Constructors, and Donn Rubin of Alterra Home Loans. I don’t believe you can find a better General Contractor than Pinnacle, and Donn does more than provide loans: he educates clients about financing, mortgages, and their options.
To be honest, there are just too many people and friends to name in this finite space, but I can say without reservation that I am a blessed individual who has been touched, befriended, and made a better person by those who are around me. I can also offer with pride the names of any of the talented and principled people in my network to you, should you require their assistance with improving your own life and those around you.
Refer a friend or a business associate tomorrow and see how much your life improves. More importantly, it will make you feel just plain good.
Dale Russell is the owner of The Dale Russell Network (TDRN) real estate team. A past President of the Pride Center at Equality Park, he can be reached at (954) 608-6909, or via email at dale@tdrnetwork.com.
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By PETER JACKSON
Men tend to bulge around the midsection as they age. Why it is so important to lose belly fat?
Excessive belly fat is as deadly as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, according to the findings of a 14-year study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Excessive visceral fat crowds organs, raises inflammatory factors and increases risk for disease, especially diabetes. The state of Florida, despite our great weather year-round, was recently ranked 34th in the nation for our health and fitness level. That’s just not good enough.
Why can’t I just lose body fat by dieting?
A program of proper nutrition, productive exercise, and positive motivation is the only valid technique to achieve long-term weight management. Without exercise supported by nutrition, you will lose muscle, not fat. Conventional diets have a 98 percent failure rate. They don’t work because they are faulty by design. They are based on weight-loss instead of fat-loss. You restrict yourself to a very low calorie diet or liquid diet and think you are reaching your goal because you are losing weight. The truth is, because the diet is not designed to lose fat, you are mainly losing muscle weight. Consequently, upon resuming normal eating habits, you gain the weight back! You can’t starve fat off your body.
What is the Push Fitness BodyBlast 2.0® program?
Bodyblast is a 12-week fitness program. It requires a commitment to attend two, three, or four weekly private training sessions, lasting either 30 or 45 minutes each. A fitness evaluation and your body fat and weight will be recorded using metabolic testing equipment (to give us baseline data for you). Your trainer will customize an exercise program which will comprise cardio and strength training, together with nutrition recommendations.
You will also receive the BodyBlast 2.0 workbook to track your progress and find nutrition tips, grocery shopping , and a comprehensive food calorie guide. As the 12-week fitness program progresses, your nutrition and exercise regimen will be closely monitored. We will hold you accountable to it—this is how radical and rapid results are produced! If you encounter obstacles, we will show you how to overcome them. Transformation is guaranteed with this high level of accountability and precise, personalized fitness and nutrition programming.
For whom exactly is the BodyBlast 2.0® program designed?
BodyBlast 2.0® is for men and women aged 18-65 who have at least 10 pounds of excess weight to lose and who want significant, measurable fitness results in just 12 weeks. If you want your best body, best performance and best health, this is the scientific system for achieving it.
Can I train with my partner or a friend?
Absolutely! We offer couples’ sessions to enable partners, friends, and co-workers to get fit together and share the cost of the training.
What kind of results can I expect in 12 weeks?
This will be based on your specific goals. We will spend a considerable amount of time in your first meeting determining exactly how aggressive you want to be, and we will create your program accordingly. With your commitment and our coaching, instruction, and accountability, you can expect substantial, dramatic, transformational results.
How can you make such a bold claim about the benefits of your Bodyblast 2.0® program?
Because we know the power of synergy—supportive nutrition combined with cardiovascular and resistance exercise. When these three elements are properly integrated (as we do for you), and there is real accountability (from the Push Fitness team) and social support (from your trainer, friends, and family)—watch out: Results come fast and furious.
How do I qualify for the BodyBlast® program?
As long as you are not at medical risk and are determined to make a positive change in your life, there is no reason you should not be accepted. At this time we are accepting 20 new clients for the program.
How much does the program cost?
The package cost depends on the number of weekly sessions (two, three, or four) and the length of each session (30 or 45 minutes). Session rates are as low as $30—far below the average cost of a personal training session at a chain gym. You can pay for your sessions in monthly installments or buy all your sessions upfront to benefit from the lowest rates.
Where do the sessions take place?
At Push Fitness, a private, upscale 4,000 sq. ft. personal training gym in Oakland Park, located just south of Commercial Boulevard, off North Dixie Highway. Visit our web site at pushfitnessftl.com.
How do I sign up?
If you are ready to make the most powerful change in your life to date and get your best body and best health now, call me, Peter Jackson, to set up your free, no obligation consultation.
Peter Jackson is the owner of Push Fitness (1098 Floranada Rd., Oakland Park), Greater Fort Lauderdale’s premier private personal training gym, and Club One CrossFit, the ultimate group fitness experience. To set up an appointment for your personal BodyBlast® initial consultation, call (954) 530-4304.
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There are many causes for tooth discoloration, including drinking coffee, tea, many popular soft drinks, and red wine, as well as using nicotine products, like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even smokeless tobacco, all of which can stain your teeth.
Having the brighter, healthier smile you’ve always wanted is a lot easier, thanks to the benefits of the Philips Zoom Professional Whitening system, a bleaching process used across the U.S. and the world and the number one patient-requested treatment world to lighten discoloration in tooth enamel and dentin (the inner layer of the tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel).
Your smile is your billboard to the world, communicating who you are long before your first words are spoken. A more beautiful smile leads to greater confidence and all the benefits that accrue to healthier, sexier-looking teeth.
When it comes to whitening your “pearlies,” your family dentist is still your best resource. Only your dentist and licensed dental professionals can provide the professional-strength whitening benefits of Zoom, to ensure your optimum safety.
More than 10 million patients have used the Zoom Professional Whitening system, gaining sexier, whiter, brighter, healthier smiles in the process. And Zoom is available in different treatment strengths and types, to fit your mouth’s sensitivity and your lifestyle.
The Zoom treatment is proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades, and it’s safe, providing protection for your enamel and giving you greater luster with the system’s Relief ACP. (Other treatment systems have been shown to harm teeth and damage gums.)
Before we determine if Zoom in-office teeth whitening is right for you, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure their good health, and to learn about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits so we’ll know if whitening is right for you. We will also take note of your existing dental work, such as crowns and veneers, which don’t respond to conventional whitening agents.
Tooth whitening may also be in order after the removal of braces, or if you are planning to undergo other cosmetic dental procedures, composite bonding or veneers (to ensure a better match between the restoration work and your natural dentition). Depending on the condition of your teeth and your goals for changing the look of your smile, tooth whitening may not be your best option.
The Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure uses a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel that’s combined with tiny significant amounts of ultra-violet (UVB) light.
After the gel is applied to the teeth, the Zoom lamp helps quicken the bleaching process. As oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach away staining substances, the structure of your teeth remains unchanged.
The complete Zoom in-office whitening procedure takes less than an hour (although a regular teeth cleaning might be recommended just prior to your teeth whitening session).
After a quick preparation to cover your lips and gums (leaving your teeth exposed), we will apply the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which will work in conjunction with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up stains and discoloration. Afterwards, we will use fluoride paste-gel on your teeth, to minimize your sensitivity.
When we finish your treatment, we will provide you with a Zoom home kit that contains custom-fitted whitening trays, along with instructions for when and how to use this touch-up kit.
We may also advise you to avoid certain foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, colas, red wine, or suggest that you consume them in moderation, to avoid future staining on your teeth. Remember, too, that tobacco products will stain teeth, even after having a whitening treatment.
The average cost for Zoom teeth whitening treatment is $500 (which includes the supplemental home touch-up trays, which maximize your results). Most cosmetic dentistry treatments are not covered by dental insurance, so the cost of your Zoom whitening treatments are unaffected by most insurance plans, but we are happy to work with you on payment options.
Dr. Don Nadel, D.D.S., practices family and cosmetic dentistry at 21st Century Dental (2517 NE 9th Ave., Wilton Manors). To schedule an appointment, call him at (954) 564-4746.
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