The Story Matters
Mayhem p.4 Get up close with the Monster 796, the newest bike from Ducati, this Friday at Grand Central
Vol. XXV No. 24
June 24, 2010
Visit us at sunpostweekly.com
IRIE WEEKEND Miami Celeb DJ Raises Funds For Big Brothers and Big Sisters MAYHEM P.4
PROFILE P. 6
POLITICS P. 8
CALENDAR P.14
411 P.20
GO! P. 23
FILM P. 18
FOOD P. 18
BOUND P.19
SEE PAGE 10
FASHION P. 26
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • April 22, 2010 • Page 3
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone
PARADISE ANYONE? by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - miamism.com - ines@miamism.com Not that Miami Beaches aren't beautiful, but we, here in Miami, are lucky enough to be a boat-skip away from Bimini (Bahamas). There's not much to do in the islands other than snorkel, dive, fish and relax, so if that's not your scene, don't even attempt the crossing (which can be treacherous at times). One thing is for sure, Bimini makes "disconnecting" so worth it.
Salvation Army Clothesmobile Clean Out Your Closets to Help Men In Need. The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center’s ClothesMobile, can now be scheduled to come to businesses, schools or a community association on a specified day to pick up clothing that employees have been wanting to donate. On a designated day, people will be asked to drop off clothing in good or new condition at their place of business, house of worship or school. Tax deduction receipts will be given. The donated items will be sold at one of the Salvation Army family stores in Miami/Dade County. 305-573-4200 ext 205 to schedule a drive by. Page 4 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Bikes & Babes Bike fans will have the opportunity to get up close with the Monster 796, the newest bike from Ducati, this Friday night at Grand Central. Rockstar Swimwear will model their latest summer looks fenom Modern Absinthe cocktails with flow all night long. 8pm. Immediately following the Ducati event, Grand Central will launch its new weekly Friday night party “Propaganda.” Open format sounds by resident DJs and local favorites Danny Daze and David G. Grand Central is located at 697 N Miami Ave. Miami. For info: grandcentralmiami.com
Pantoni Chair $265
KMP FURNITURE SHOWROOM: 6444 Biscayne Blvd., Miami • 305-438-1797 kmpfurniture.com
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 5
News MIAMI BEACH
Local Contingent Preparing for Pride in Gotham By Michael W. Sasser
LEFT TO RIGHT: BECKY RITTER AND TAMRA SHEFFMAN
People PROFILE
Flying for the Cause By Jeffrey Bradley Who doesn’t like to fly? Or race—especially in Miami Beach? Few people have put these two things together like Tamra Sheffman who lifted off with copilot Becky Ritter on June 18th to compete in the 2010 Air Race Classic, the world’s longest all-women transcontinental air race. These instrument-rated pilots are participating in the 2500-mile, cross-country 2010 Air Race Classic that commences this year at Fort Myers and finishes up on June 25 in Frederick, Maryland. Teams consist of two female pilots flying for four days under Visual Flight Rules in a course using navigational skill and flying experience to determine the journey leaders and eventual winners. Calling themselves Team Flying 4 Awareness to highlight their organization benefiting cancer education and awareness through aviation, Tamra and Becky invite individual and corporate sponsors to help offset costs and entry fees—with a large portion of the funding going to breast cancer education and awareness. This “big-hoopla” event garners lots of publicity and encourages women and young girls to learn to fly while celebrating aviation history. This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of licensed women pilots! Come and see them take off Tuesday, June 22 from Page Field in Ft Myers. Fifty planes will head nose to tail into the wild blue yonder, one every minute or so. Tamra, with over 1880 hours of flying time, is past Chairperson of the Florida Goldcoast 99s International Organization of Women Pilots. She lives in Miami Beach
with her husband Ron, and enjoys dancing and skiing. As co-owner of a Cessna 182 she gets a “bird’s eye view” of Miami Beach and other properties and, as she says, loves to fly for fun, food and proficiency. This, her fifth Air Classic race, she’s describing as “an awesome cross-country flying adventure!” Ms Sheffman is owner and broker of Royal Palm Realty in Miami Beach. A leader in Beach real estate since 1978, she also invested in local commercial and residential properties, and has owned and operated various Art Deco and MiMo buildings. Tamra is also a director of the Florida Association of REALTORS, as well as director and past president of the Miami Beach Association of REALTORS. And, she serves on the Advisory Board of the Jewish Museum of Florida that presented the Air Race Classic as part of the Florida Jews in Sports exhibit. She provides extensive expertise in assisting buyers and sellers of residence and property investments in beautiful Miami Beach and the Greater Miami area. Described as confident, competent, caring and inspiring trust, Tamra is ready to meet a challenge cheerfully—in real estate or in flying! Professional and efficient, Tamra takes pleasure from working with the “cultural stew” that is Miami. Becky Ritter is a private pilot with 700 hours flying time. Flying has been very important to her; it’s how she met her husband Terry! Becky enjoys the tremendous freedom of flying, and says she is ready to “soar to new heights” in her first Air Race Classic!
Page 6 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Although it remains unclear who will make up the entire contingent, Miami Beach will have a visible presence at New York City Gay Pride Parade 2010 on June 27, 2010. More importantly to some, no city staff members or commissioners will be traveling with city supported funds, according to Miami Beach Public Information Officer Nannette Rodriguez. “The funds used for this initiative are marketing dollars that come from resort tax,” Rodriguez advised SunPost. “We set some aside this year from Super Bowl to compliment the GLBT Committee’s efforts.” In a June 2 memo from City Manager Jorge Gonzalez to Mayor Matti Bower and commissioners, the manager invited officials to come – but informed them that they would have to do so at their own expense. “I figured it was just a setup for another taxpayer funded vacation for the important people who might be looking to get out of town in the dead of summer,” said resident Bruce Layne. Apparently not. Participation in New York City’s massive Pride showcase, which is expected to attract around 1.5 million people, is part of Miami Beach’s “Proud 25/7” marketing initiative. Miami Beach’s sponsorship of the New York event means the city gains use of a booth to market the city, will field a street team, receives ad and logo placement, verbal recognition, widespread print recognition as a sponsor and the opportunity to market the brand that is Miami Beach. Elaine Lancaster, one of the region’s most recognized drag divas will lead the contingent and the street team. Commissioner Michael Gongora is also attending. “I am looking forward to it,” Gongora said. Although he said that he is thrilled to be going, the city’s sponsorship was somewhat of a surprise. “That’s the funny thing – the commission never decided on the whole sponsorship thing,” he said. “It must have been an administrative decision.” Gongora said that anytime Miami Beach is behind any GLBT event, he is happy to help. Gongora was Miami Beach’s first openly gay elected commissioner. Commissioner Jerry Libbin is also allegedly attending the event, but he could not be reached for confirmation by deadline. Gongora said he did not know who all would be going on the trip. Supporters hope that the exposure in New York will help develop tourism for Miami Beach. “I hear that there is a perception that we’re not as welcoming as a destination for gay tourists as we used to be,” Gongora said. “That’s something that we need to work on. New York is the city we draw the most tourists
from and we want to show people there that we are a welcoming city and that they should come and visit.” David Kelsey, president of the South Beach Hotel & Restaurant Association said that while marketing was good, “it’s always too little, too late. “We need focused attention on promoting South Beach and in particular to gay tourists,” Kelsey continued. “We used to be able to depend on gay tourism in the summer. Now we can’t.” More than a decade before Miami Beach began to support gay tourism initiatives, Kelsey was a strong advocate for marketing to that community and for working to develop tourism in the summer – when most businesses suffer. Miami Beach’s reputation among gay travelers has suffered, Kelsey said. “We’re not even listed in the top 10 gay tourism destinations anymore,” Kelsey said. By contrast, Fort Lauderdale, which began supporting efforts similar to those proposed by Kelsey several years ago, has become a massive gay tourist destination. “We need a well thought out effort not just a shot here and there,” Kelsey said. Still, Kelsey said that the visibility at New York Pride is better than nothing. Bruce Layne said that he is flying to New York for observance of Pride. “More than a million people there, it’s pretty crazy,” he said. “I will have to keep an eye out and see if I notice anything promoting Miami Beach.”
News MIAMI BEACH
Flamingo Tennis Renovation Drama Continues By Michael W. Sasser
The same week that a host of accusations of wrongdoing on the part of contracted management at the tennis center at Flamingo Park was posted on a website and circulated broadly via email, one city commissioner is vowing to continue the fight for renovations supported by the Miami Beach Tennis Players Association (MBTPA). Commissioner Michael Gongora said that he is likely to call for a discussion on the specific makeup of new tennis courts in Flamingo Park, in September, when the full commission is expected to be in town. “We should be able to discuss it in September,” Gongora told SunPost. “I don’t think they have started the courts yet – unless the administration rushes through the project faster than others.” It won’t be the first time that the issue will have been resurrected after apparently being resolved. In fact, the length and back and forth of the project are key complaints of the MBTPA. “There have been so many different plans – I think we are on ‘L’ or ‘M’ now,” said MBTPA President Rebecca Boyce. “It’s been going on since 2007 when the tennis stadium and three courts were destroyed and they created the Great Lawn.” Since then, plans have morphed repeatedly. “At first there were going to be 18 courts, then that got knocked down to 17,” Boyce said. “The original plan reduced the size of the club house from 5,000 square feet to 3900 square feet and there was going to be walking lanes connecting Meridian and Lenox – right through the tennis center.” In 2008, Boyce said that she became aware that no one who actually knew tennis was actually involved in creating the plan. The MBTPA was created to address issues on behalf of approximately 500 members. Still, the project languished in the planning stage. In Sept. 2009, the city commission voted to approve 17 new clay courts. Then on February 3, 2010, the commission re-voted and this time decided to approve 12 clay courts and 5 hard courts. Just months later, in May, the commission reversed itself again and approved the 17 clay courts.
Boyce said that the tennis community was pleased following the May decision and that they assumed it was the end of the issue. A poll taken of association members clearly illustrated the desire for clay courts as opposed to hard courts. Clay courts are generally seen as being safer, and for being for more serious players – international hard court tennis competition is not common. But the drama just would not end. At the June 9, 2010 city commission meeting, Commissioner Deede Weithorn had a minimally related
“There was nothing noticed that would let an average voter know that there was going to be action taken. I don’t think the process was correct. I think there might be a problem with the legality” – Commissioner Michael Gongora item placed on the consent agenda to refer discussion of placing hard courts somewhere in the city to a committee. That was when things got confusing. “Then Deede pulled it off of the consent agenda and put it on the agenda for afternoon discussion,” Gongora said. “When it comes up, [Commissioner Jonah Wolfson] makes a motion to change the configuration at Flamingo to 12 clay court and 5 hard court – again. Deede seconded the motion and it got approved.”
Gongora said he thinks there is something very wrong with the process. “There was no motion to reconsider the prior vote, which seems like it would be appropriate,” Gongora said. He also said that the commission voted on an item that was not publicly noticed. “There was nothing noticed that would let an average voter know that there was going to be action taken,” Gongora said. “I don’t think the process was correct. I think there might be a problem with the
legality.” Gongora said there is definitely a problem with the appropriateness of the stealth decision-making process. He indicated that he wanted to discuss the process with the city’s legal team. “Tennis is controversial in Miami Beach and we shouldn’t discuss it without a full commission,” Gongora said. At least one commission member will be absent in July and the commission does not meet in August. Gongora would not speculate on what the questionable turnaround was about. He said that the overall length of the process – now in its third year – is because there are so many interested parties – tennis players and other park users, neighborhood associations, management, and Miami Beach High. Commissioner Jonah Wolfson did not respond to emails requesting comment. However, Boyce said she believes that it is certain administrators at Miami Beach High School who have pushed for hard courts at Flamingo and that somehow their influence is being wielded in city hall. “There’s something else going on here,” Boyce said. “Clearly this isn’t about what’s good for the public or what’s good for kids. Clay courts are better for kids.” Meanwhile, also this week, the Miami Mirror blog spot posted a story blasting management at Flamingo Park’s tennis center, complete with allegations of malfeasance, narcotics and incompetence. A detailed package of information supporting those allegations had been presented to SunPost earlier this year. However, the source of the research could not be fully vetted. “There is a lot of strange stuff going on,” Boyce said.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 7
Can He Say That? COLUMN
Tar Balls on the Way! By Charles Branham-Bailey
BP. Call them irresponsible. Careless. Vile, greedy, profit-driven, nature-polluting, wildlife-poisoning, blue collar job-killing so-and-so’s. Strange, but true: In our struggling-to-getback-on-its-feet economy, you can also call them job creators. The beleaguered oil company issued an announcement earlier this month that said their plan is to train more than 4,500 workers in the three states of the Mobile Sector (Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida); of those, 1,600 will be in Florida. Workers will be deployed to oil-tarnished coastal areas, to “carry materials and supplies, rake debris, and clean rocks and beach areas.” They won’t deal with wildlife; that’s a job left to specialists to handle. So who knew that a job with a multi-billiondollar oil company might involve scrubbing rocks and coral reef? That’s the odd sight we may come to see off Florida coasts if – and it may be only a matter of time – that brown mess slinks itself into our waters. But here’s something the obtuse BP probably hasn’t considered: Somewhere in there a door has been left ajar for an interloper to enter this cleanup scene, one BP probably never expected – that quintessentially Florida animal so endemic to these parts. That species known as the priceus gougeniean.
THE PRICE GOUGER. Poor feller. He’s been MIA these last few years since we’ve gone without a serious hurricane. Like the deer population that dwindles whenever a drought drains the Everglades to low levels, he’s been hard to find in the recent years when the tropics have been climatically calm. But just wait. That may all be about to change. We haven’t had a hurricane hit us in so long that Floridians’ nasty little penchant for price-gouging their neighbors has grown rather rusty. There are, I dare venture, South Floridians among us – horror of horrors! – who have forgotten how to price gouge, it’s been so long. Now, I’m by no means suggesting that it’s a given, but if the price gouger should happen to reappear after this long absence, and return to his
usual haunts, here’s one scenario we may expect: The moment the first oil globules reach our shores here, there’ll likely be a run on all the local hardware supply stores for every bucket, pool skimmer, hose, and sucking device that can be plucked up. That’s how you’ll recognize the return of the price gouger. He’ll be the one buying up those items. When the tar balls begin their assault on the beaches of Normandy – er, South Florida – there’ll be plenty of environmentally-minded citizens wanting to get out there in the wide blue open and do their part to man the defenses! beat back the enemy! defend the coast! People who don’t ordinarily visit the beach might be out there, trying to scoop up crude (gee, if they were only equally eager to scoop up their dog poop). A few may claim, of course, they’re only doing it for the environment, when perhaps their real motivation is to try to scoop up as much of it as they can, then attempt to enterprisingly sell it back to BP. But, hey, as long as the crap gets skimmed up, who could bitch, right? All these do-gooders, however, will need the equipment to effectively clean up the crude. That’s where the slippery, slimy price gouger comes in. Knowing their need for the buckets and skimmers, he’ll seize the opportunity to turn around and sell them to willing takers for much more than what he paid. I also see local pool cleaning firms making a killing: “Uh, Mrs. Moneybags? Yeah, this is Jason from Scum Suckers Pool Cleaning. We’re sorry, ma’am, but we’ll be unable to clean your pool out this week. We know you have that big garden reception planned for Sunday, but we’re booked solid for the next several weeks at Haulover Beach. You might have heard about that big oil
Page 8 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
spill. Well, we’re involved in the cleanup. I’m sure you understand – it’s for the environment.” Affected Louisianans right now are crying in their gumbo. But just wait when that oil heads our way. Floridians don’t cry. Naaah. They conspire, connive, contrive, and concoct. That South Florida motto – “Where there’s an opportunity, there are suckers to be scammed and fools to be fleeced.” The price gouger knows that motto only too well. He just needs an excuse to come out of hibernation. Looks like he just might soon get one.
WAR ON POVERTY. WAR ON DRUGS. WAR ON CANCER. Just once in my lifetime I’d like to hear a president of the United States stand before a joint session of Congress and utter, in Kennedyesque fashion: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of rendering extinct – once and for all time – the mosquito.” That’s the war I’d love to see. his week saw the official end of spring. Official, that is, for spring actually lasted all of three or so weeks here in South Florida, then was brutally squished like a bug by the stagnant heat and humidity of a summer the official start of which we marked only this week. Mosquitoes don’t need a calendar, however, and they don’t wait for June or summer. I wouldn’t mind so much them taking a small bite of me and making off with some of my blood – well, yes I would! – if the thieving bastards only had the courtesy to ask first: Please? No! HELL, NO! Go away! DIE! These winged vampires must, therefore, be exterminated. For. All. Time. But drive the mosquito to extinction, Charles? All mosquitoes? Sounds impossible. Surely you jest. WHY NOT? Mankind does such a bang-up job at exterminating, endangering, and driving to extinction lots of other species – many innocuous, nonthreatening, and benign, and certainly not nefarious and evil, like a winged vampire (FROM HELL!), buzzing in our ears to deny us a peaceful relaxation or sleep (EVIL INCARNATE!), dispatched to prick our skin (AS IF DISPATCHED BY A DEVIL!)
T
and suck out our blood (DEMONIC FIEND!), and leave behind an itch to be scratched. Surely we can ply our murderous machinations to a species that deserves extinction and to go the way of the dinosaur. And I don’t care to hear from the entomologists, biologists, or any other ologist (mosquito apologists?) who might plead: “Now, now, what of the food chain?” Screw the food chain! Any species that currently subsists on the skeeter can evolutionarily adapt, in time, to another dietary staple. While I appreciate the dragonflies and lizards (our skeeterdevouring friends) that call South Florida home, I’m sure that they’ll have no problem in making a square meal out of some other flying morsel. Flies, for example. Fleas. Gnats. If we rid the planet of these winged vampires, imagine the lives we would save from that mosquitoborne scourge, malaria. (According to the humanitarian group Nothing But Nets, malaria causes 350 to 500 million illnesses per year and kills more than one million people, mostly children under five. It is particularly devastating in Africa, where it is a leading killer of children. There are ten new cases of malaria every second, and every 30 seconds, an African child dies from it.) On a lighter note, the other benefit we score is skeeter-free summer picnics, hammock-loungings, and evenings out on the patio furniture. Have you ever seen two mosquitoes “gettin’ it on” in mid-flight? I’m only assuming they’re a male and a female, but who am I to say with any certainty that it’s necessarily a hetero hookup? Might not be! But what an ethereal joy when the Fickle Finger of Fate (specifically, my finger on the spray nozzle of a can of Raid) intercedes in this romantic tableau, and a squirted mist of insecticide downs the two-some, no doubt at the point when they reach their orgasmic climax. The two lovers catapult to earth, their post-coital plans (a cigarette? pillow talk? an egg-laying?) so rudely – and fatally – interrupted. How devilously delightful to play Grim Reaper – and to kill two for the price of one! Plus the additional satisfaction that comes with knowing that you just aborted the procreation of who-knowshow-many hundreds or thousands of more winged vampire larvae! Go ahead. Report me to PETA. They’re probably crazy enough to advocate for the ethical treatment of mosquitoes. But know this: I’m not giving up my can of Raid. You’ll first have to pry it from out of my cold, dead hands. But I’ll gladly settle for the last living mosquito going the way of the dodo bird.
Politics COLUMN
Good Ford! Even Ford and Edison Saw the Impropriety of the Gas Driven Car By Jeffrey Bradley
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were good friends. (We didn’t know, either.) Ford, a fixture on the streets of Detroit since 1896, had worked for Edison at the Detroit Edison Illuminating Company. Shown Ford’s plans for a gasoline automobile, Mr Wizard of Menlo Park encouraged the nascent assemblylineking to build away. Even stranger, they both worked together on an affordable electric vehicle. So what happened? Shortly after Ford founded his motor company in 1903, Edison busied himself with batteries, especially nickel-iron ones, for cars. He tinkered with converting cars to electric power, and was soon denouncing gasoline vehicles: Electricity is the thing. There are no whirring and grinding gears… [no] terrifying throb of combustion… no water-circulating system… no dangerous and evil-smelling gasoline. Even tho’ Ford, by Ford!, remained hellbent on gasoline, he was working on a low-priced electric car by 1914. Interest was rife over this EV, especially after declaring that “within a year I hope to begin the manufacture of an electric automobile.” But he needed a lightweight storage battery for operating long distances without recharging— something that Edison had been experimenting on for years. What they came up with—let’s call it the Edison-Ford—was a car with batteries under the seat. Foundries were purchased and generating-plants retooled, and the Edison-Ford, set to appear in 1915 (for around $600), was slated to get between 50 and 100 miles per charge. But, apparently, much special work needed to be done, and no date of certainty was fixed. But Ford was brimming confidence, believing ultimately that “the electric motor will be universally used for trucking in all large cities, and the electric automobile will be the family carriage of the future.” And Edison was no slouch when it came to building them either, manufacturing a front-wheeldrive electric in 1895. But the rumor-mill slowly
faded, and the sharkish press, seeking blood elsewhere, forgot about it. Some say powerful oil cartels got to the team and they abandoned the car; this and a “mysterious” fire that destroyed key workshops seems to push matters onto the Grassy Knoll. Much more believable is that this car’s downfall was caused by Ford’s demanding Edison’s nickel-and-iron batteries only. Unfortunately, these caused high internal resistance and weren’t capable of efficient power. When he found that substituted heavier lead-acid batteries had made the car unwieldy—despite having invested over $1 million, and very nearly buying 100,000 of Edison’s batteries—Ford let the whole program fall apart. But, look! We have come full circle. Ford recently announced investing some $135 million in developing an electric car, guaranteeing that a quarter of its fleet will be electric by 2020.
WHICH BRINGS US BACK TO: 69 days and counting… There’s no trick answer: Is it political suicide to ask us to sacrifice our desire for cheap oil? Has
it become impossible to tell Americans the truth anymore? Is there nobody left to call for bold action? Maybe we’ve had cheap oil so long that it’s hard for the average consumer to see why they shouldn’t be entitled to it forever… despite the fact that every president has called for “energy independence” since Eisenhower in 1957! Or consider President Theodore Roosevelt: he not only warned of Big Oil’s perniciousness way back in the ‘90s—the 1890s, that is—he busted up Standard Oil and dragged John D Rockefeller from his lair. Bully for Teddy! The way to get off this stuff, it seems, is to issue a call to arms—the way Kennedy did when he challenged the nation to put a man on the moon in a decade. And things are worse now because the only readily available oil is in places that present huge environmental and financial risks. Ain’t no more Beverly Hillbilly gushers left to be shot from out of the ground, Gertrude. Besides the obvious dangers of carbon emissions on health and environment and the threat of catastrophic oil spills, we may be facing a real crisis sooner, when people start freezing to death during Northeast winters, or wholesale farm bankruptcies occur due to unaffordable fuel, or even the chemical industry starts to collapses because there’s not enough oil for making the plastic. In this scenario, time isn’t running out—it already has. Can we live without oil? Well, since it’s only the last century that we’ve had it, the answer is yes. Will the transition be wrenching? Surely, but less so if we prepare for it (should have already prepared for it). But instead, we focus on BP—they’re to blame! (Isn’t denial fun?) That’s like blaming the dealer for your drug habit, which won’t work, Jack. So what we can’t tell BP ourselves, we want Obama to do and do with some anger and angst. But wait: wasn’t he voted in because of his cool and precise demeanor? Can you picture him yelling at BP? .Now, but we can picture the overemoting Clinton yelling. Nevermind. And sending Attorney General Eric Holder down to announce massive criminal and civil investigations into the mess? Strictly ham-on-cheese. And it sure doesn’t help, when the President’s out golfing—with the press all over that BP guy for yachting—to hear his press secretary say, “I’ve seen rage from him.” Excuse us while we yawn and contemplate our fingernails. Nope; the only around this problem is through it. Which makes you kind of wonder what might’ve happened had Henry Ford bought those batteries of Edison’s. Eh?
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 9
COVER STORY
IR E WEEKEND Miami Celeb DJ Raises Funds For Big Brothers and Big Sisters Written by John Hood
Okay, so Dwyane Wade gets his County. But that’s only for the week (July 1-7) when he becomes a free agent and everybody in town will be lobbying for him to stay here with the Heat. Irie however has his own Weekend, and he’s had it for five years now. And unlike Flash, Irie’s not even rumored to be leaving the Heat, let alone the City or the County that he calls home. See, Irie may be on top of the world. But he digs the view from right here in the MIA. Yep, as you might suspect, this Friday night marks the launch of the 6th Annual Irie Weekend and our town gets to party hard for a cause all over again. It’s a high profile shindig; one that swings from club to club and winds up on the course. The Miami Beach Golf Course, that is; which has been hosting Irie’s blowout Weekend from the get. “The City of Miami Beach has been absolutely wonderful,” says the man himself to SunPost Weekly as he made a mad scramble to finalize the festivities. “A lot of their regular DJ IRIE, KRISTIN CAVALLARI AND GRAMMY WINNING R&B SINGER NE-YO. PHOTO: SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
members are still in town, and they still manage to open up the whole course for us each year. And if you know golfers, well, that’s saying something. (laughs)” Indeed it is. Then again when the course is being opened up for the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Brody Jenner (all of whom have made every previous Weekend) as well as Jeremy Shockey, Nick Cannon, Selita Ebanks, Carlos Boozer, Luke Wilson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Timbaland and recent ‘Fins draftee Brandon Marshall (each of which is confirmed for 2010) it just makes good sense to be accommodating. It also makes for a good cause. Like last year, and the four years preceding that, every dime raised during this Weekend goes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Miami. It’s a cause close to Irie’s heart, and to his soul, because he knows first hand what it’s like to have someone to look up to. “I was fortunate enough to have a real big brother,” said Irie. “And unlike most siblings who are four years apart in age, he watched my back and stayed close throughout, even when he could’ve been out running with his friends or dating girls. And I’ll never forget how strong and safe he made me feel.” Irie got involved with the Big Brothers itself after the Miami Heat’s President of Business Operations Eric Woolworth asked him to spin a party for the 52-year-old organization’s actual big brothers and sisters. And he’s been involved ever since. “When I saw the commitment of these people,” he adds, “and the joy they got from helping out kids, I knew I had to support the cause. And ever since that night I’ve been doing everything I can, whenever I can, in order to keep doing just that.” And while Irie might be a little busy to have a little brother of his own, his ongoing efforts means he can boast being a big sib to “all of them, every time we get together for an event. But it’s usually me looking up to them.” In addition to the entry fees, the proceeds of a course-side auction also go to the group, and with items such as Bang & Olufsen’s Beovision 50” plasma HD TV on the block, that promises to be a lotta loot. Of course Bang & Olufsen aren’t the only backers of this good play, nor is golf and bidding the only items on the agenda. Corona has generously agreed to keep quenched the course-runners, as has Red Bull, who once again will be setting up their DJ-driven tent right in the center of all the action. And on the 17th hole you’ll get a chance to checkout Irie’s magnificently pimped GMC Denali, which has been custom-fitted for the superstar DJ by the expert folks at Specialty Automotive Treatments. And lest any one of the attendees lose his or her sense of time (or their time piece), Glam Rock Watches will be on hand with something suitable for their world-famous wrists. This being Miami though, and this being Irie, the Weekend wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of that after dark action. And this year the festivities incorporate not one but two of our town’s most steaming venues, one hotspot after another, on this every Friday night. Things begin at Plunge, where Crown Royal Black will have its own Lounge, which will be hosted by Victoria’s Secret model and Ocean Drive cover girl Selita Ebanks. On the spin will be New York’s Sky Nellor, whose own looks could give Ebanks a run for her money, and
ABOVE: NE-YO AND DJ IRIE. LEFT: DJ IRIE AND JAMIE FOX.
Artist Related agency. “This will be our first year at both The Gansevoort and The Fontainebleau,” says Irie. “And we couldn’t think of two better venues to kick it all off from. I mean, back-to-back landmarks? It doesn’t get much better than that!” And Irie certainly knows about better. Last year the man knocked-off a 40-date tour with Jamie Foxx. And he’s now marking his 10th straight season as the official Heat DJ as well as his fifth year heading what has become Miami’s go-to agency for both DJs and celebrities. He’s on air three days and one night a week at 99 Jamz, where his “Saturday Night Thunderstorm” remains the city’s top ranked weekend show, and on point at The Delano for one of the hottest and longest-running one-nighters in Beach history. He’s spun Pepsi Smash during Super Bowl, MTV’s VMAs, the NBA All-Star Game and both Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals. Mostly though, as the Weekend attests, Irie gives, as well as he gets. And with the amount of get this guy’s got, that’s a whole helluva lot. Perhaps doing good does lead to great things after all.
whose dizzy is downright depth-defying. From there the swing goes on up to LIV, where Luke Wilson will be holding forth and usual general insanity will undoubtedly ensue. Here the decks go to Irie himself, as well as a DJ Jessica Who from Irie’s-own
Page 12 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
To Go: Irie Weekend Friday, June 25 Crown Royal Black Lounge at Plunge 710pm Friday, June 25 LIV Saturday, June 26 Miami Beach Golf Course For more information log on to irieweekend.com
Irie’s Artist Related ABOVE: DJ OMI. ABOVE LEFT: DJ A-TRAIN
By John Hood
Formed back in ’05 when Irie saw a “disconnect between quality and professional DJs and clients who were in need of their services,” Artist Related has become the kinda boutique agency powerhouses are made from. Among the 15 DJs (and counting) currently on Artist Related’s heavy hitting roster are Knowledge, Chino, Omi, Supersede, Sandman, Vertigo and Miguel G, all of whom will be in rotation for the Saturday portion of this coming Irie Weekend. In addition to the aforementioned, AR reps everyone from DJs Erok and M Dot, to A-Train and 360, not to mention Bianca G and Jessica Who (the last of whom will be sharing the decks with Irie at LIV this Friday night). But since Irie’s perhaps the most connected man in Miami, DJs are now just one part of AR’s ever-expanding universe. Yep, you guessed it, his agency has also added celebrities to its roster. Thus far the firm has placed Tommie Lee, T Pain, Jermaine Dupri, Chris Brown and Tres Songz, among others. And with another whirlwind tour supporting Jamie Foxx on tap and a continuing parade of bold-faced names lining up to ally themselves with the superstar DJ, well, it’s cinch there will be more of those People kinda people coming up under the AR banner. Nevertheless it’s the spin that Artist Related was built upon, and it’ll be the spin that remains its core. Like the city he so benevolently supports, the St. Croix born, MIAraised DJ is not one to forget his roots – nor to neglect them. “I’ve devoted my life to making people dance,” said the veteran mixmaster. “And I’m not about to stop now, whether it’s me or one of mine in the booth making it happen.” And if the amount of action DJ Irie and his Artist Related agency gets is any indication, the world is not about to let him stop either. Talk about dizzying!
ABOVE: DJ MIGUEL G. LEFT: DJ SUPERSEDE FAR LEFT: DJ 360.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 13
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
KID SISTER
Page 14 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
SAVE THE DATE:
June 24
FRIDAY, JULY 8
THEATRE Mary Poppins Last week to see this fabulous production. Combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the film from Walt Disney, the Tony Award-winning Mary Poppins includes all the old favorite songs like Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s Go Fly a Kite and, of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. $23.75-$133.75. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave Fort Lauderdale: For info: browardcenter.org
June 25
MUSIC Roll the Stones Catch rockers Roll the Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute cover band, when they hit the Village of Gulfstream Park for a live concert. 6:30pm. Free. The Village at Gulfstream Park, 501 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale. For info: www.rollthestones.com. To see these guys sans glitz, Monday night tat Van Dyke on Lincoln Road. 9 p.m. Free. For info: thevandykecafe.com
June 25
COMEDY Charlie Murphy
BABALU: LUCIE ARNAZ CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF HER FATHER DESI ARNAZ BABALU: LUCIE ARNAZ CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF HER FATHER, DESI ARNAZ, IS A LOVING TRIBUTE AND ALSO A CHANCE TO CELEBRATE DESI ARNAZ'S EXTRAORDINARY MUSICAL LEGACY AND THE MAJOR ROLE HE PLAYED IN PLANTING THE FIRST SEEDS OF THE LATIN MUSIC EXPLOSION IN THIS COUNTRY. FEATURING A 16-PIECE ORCHESTRA, BABALU STARS LUCIE ARNAZ, DESI ARNAZ, JR. AND LOCAL ACTOR RAUL ESPARZA. HEAR DESI ARNAZ’S GREATEST HITS, INCLUDING CUBAN PETE, HIS SIGNATURE CONGA BABALU, AND THE THEME FROM I LOVE LUCY, PLUS SOME OF THE GREATEST LATIN AND BROADWAY HITS IN THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND TRIBUTE TO THE MOST GLAMOROUS MUSIC OF THE ‘40S AND ‘50S. 7:30PM. KNIGHT CONCERT HALL, 1300 BISCAYNE BLVD., MIAMI. FOR INFO: ARSHTCENTER.ORG
Charlie Murphy, (yes he's Eddie's brother), is a top billed comedian who has spent the past seven years performing stand-up and solidifying his position in Hollywood. Three days of hilarity with special guest Freez Luv aka Paul Farmer. $32.10. 8:30pm. Miami Improv, 3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove. For info: miamiimprov.com
June 25
MUSIC Jazz at MOCA Jazz under the stars with conga king Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion. 8 pm. Rain or Shine. Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th St., North Miami. For info: mocanomi.org
June 25
ART Rise
Currently on show at Gallery I/D is RISE: New Works by New Artists. The show features the works of new photographers who capture subjects in various states of upheaval and socially diverse situations. Artists showing include Julie Glassberg, Samantha Box, Lindsay Dye, Stephen Reiss, Jo Ann Santangelo and Steven Zeswitz. Gallery I/D, 2531 NW Second Ave; Miami. For info: galleryid.com
June 26
MUSIC Kid Sister and Maluca Catch hip-hop diva Kid Sister and Puerto Rican popster, Maluca when they perform live this weekend at one-nighter Poplife. House Dj's Jessica Who and Mike Deuce will spin. 11pm. $15. Grand Central, 697 N Miami Ave; Miami. For info: grandcentralmiami.com LEFT: SPIKE LEE. RIGHT: SAMMY FIGUEROA
June 26
STING
FILM Exit Through the Gift Shop Banksy is a graffiti artist with a global reputation whose work can be seen on walls from post-hurricane New Orleans to the Palestinian segregation wall in the West Bank. Fiercely guarding his anonymity to avoid prosecution Banksy has so far resisted all attempts to be captured on film. Exit Through the Gift Shop is the story of how an eccentric French shopkeeper and amateur filmmaker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results. $10.50. AMC Sunset Place 24, 5701 Sunset Drive, Ste. 300; South Miami. For info: banksyfilm.com
June 26
SEMINAR Spike Lee Master Class on the Art of Filmmaking is a not-to-be-missed seminar on the craft of filmmaking from filmmaker Spike Lee. Takes place on the last day of the American Black Film Festival. Lee is one of America’s most dynamic and successful filmmakers in the US today. 9am. $200. Ritz-Carlton South Beach, 1 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: abff.com
June 26
SHOP Swap ‘til You Drop Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops that explore creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing. Bring a bag of clothes to contribute and while you are there participate in some sewing, silk screening or beading workshops. Turn your find into a wearable work of art. The weekend culminates in a fashion show. $5-$10. 11am. Trash 2 Treasure, 1100 NW 53rd St., Fort Lauderdale. For info: swaporamarama.org
June 26
MUSIC Gente De Zona
From the beginning, Gente de Zona had a huge following and within a couple of months they were playing in the trendiest Havana Clubs such as Casa de la www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 15
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
CHARLIE MURPHY
Musica de Galiano and Delirio Habanero. They are currently the hottest act in Cuba and will play Miami for the first time. The Cubatoneros are Alexis Delgado, Yosdani Jacob, and DJ Fernando Làzaro Otero. 8pm. $43 - $85. James L. Knight, 400 SE Second Ave. Miami. For info: jlkc.com
cluding David Chang, Alice Waters, the Top Chef winners and losers, and many more. Bourdain will be reading from and signing his new book at a meet and greet. Tickets required, but free with the purchase of the book. 7:30pm. Lincoln Theatre, 541 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: booksandbooks.com.
June 28
June 30
On the show Iron Chef America, Cat Cora uses her instincts to transform random ingredients into exciting creations on a moment's notice. In Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist, she turns her eye to some of our most popular dishes to make them faster, fresher, and lighter. Cora will discuss her recipes and book at an author meet and greet. 8pm. Free. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables. For info: booksandbooks.com
Having performed in 330 cities worldwide, Tap Dogs dances its way into Miami for a ten-day run. Tap Dogs is a fast and fabulous theaterdance spectacle that combines the strength and power of hunky workmen with the precision and speed of the world's most thrilling tap dancers. $40-50. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org
BOOKS Cat Cora
DANCE Tap Dogs
June 30
MUSIC Donovan Frankenreiter
June 29
ART Small Wonders Salon
Catch the soft surf rock of Donavon Frankenreiter when he hits the Culture Room this weekend with Mishka. $19.99. or $35 2-day ticket. 8pm. Culture Room, 3045 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. For info: cultureroom.net
A power house exhibit highlighting work by 65 local artists from around South Florida who are showing works in a multitude of media, including painting, drawing, photography, collage, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. Small Wonders aims to raise everyone’s respect for these thoughtful – coveted – irreverent – spontaneous – small works. Free. Artformz Alternative, 171 NW 23rd Street; Miami. For info: www.artformz.net or 305-572-0040.
June 30
ART Advertising for Health As part of Art and Design in the Modern Age, The Wolfsonian has an ongoing exhibit, Advertising for Health which explores nearly a century of advertising for medicine, pharmacy, and public health. The installation features rare advertisements, printed ephemera, and posters from a recent gift by William H. Helfand, a recognized author and print collector. These works reflect through their design strategies changing ideas about health in the Americas and Europe between the late nineteenth century and the Second World War. $7. The Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. For info: wolfsonian.org.
June 30
BOOKS Anthony Bourdain Medium Raw marks the return of the inimitable Anthony Bourdain, author of the blockbuster bestseller Kitchen Confidential and three-time Emmy Award-nominated host of Without Reservations on TV’s Travel Channel. Bourdain calls his book, “A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook,” and he is at his entertaining best as he takes aim at some of the biggest names in the foodie world, inPage 16 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
TOP: DONOVAN FRANKENREITER. MIDDLE: BANKSY IN HIS STUDIO. BOTTOM: CAT CORA.
June 23
FOR KIDS Pippi Longstocking THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES 2010 SEASON WILL BE CLOSING OUT WITH PIPPI LONGSTOCKING. THIS MAGICAL MUSICAL FOLLOWS THE LIFE OF THE UNFORGETTABLE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE FRECKLED FACE AND RED PIG TAILS AS SHE STRUGGLES TO FIND HER PLACE IN THE WORLD. COMPLETE WITH A HORSE ON THE PORCH, MONKEY IN THE KITCHEN, PIRATES, AND TEA PARTIES THIS MUSICAL IS FUN FOR ALL AGES. WRITTEN BY THOMAS W. OLSON WITH MUSIC BY ROBERTA CARLSON. $15. 2PM. THROUGH AUGUST 7. ACTORS' PLAYHOUSE AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE, 280 MIRACLE MILE, CORAL GABLES. FOR INFO: 305-444-9293 OR ACTORSPLAYHOUSE.ORG.
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Full gallery of contemporary, traditional and antique reproduction furniture from the top manufacturers of Europe, the Americas and the World
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 17
Cinema
Food
REVIEW
COLUMN
Our Lady of Laughter
Cafe Prima Pasta Family Style
By Ruben Rosario (ruben@sunpostweekly.com) This summer’s spiffiest visual effect has nothing to do with CGI. It’s all about oldschool comic timing. As a child of the eighties – and eighties film junkie – one of my first memories of Joan Rivers was as the voice of C3PO knockoff Dot Matrix in Spaceballs, or, as I like to call it, Mel Brooks’ Last Funny Movie. As the guardian of Princess Vespa’s virginity, her tart delivery tickled my funny bone, though at the time I was unaware she had been doing just that for decades in the male-driven world of stand-up comedy. Joan Rivers – A Piece of Work, which opens this weekend at the Regal South Beach Cinemas and screens next week at the Bill Cosford Cinema, starts out as a fluff piece bordering on hero worship, a voyeuristic glimpse at one year in the life of the iconic performer that, with her barely coherent red carpet commentary in recent years, had become a punch line for other comedians and a caricature of her former self. The first shot of the film is an unflattering extreme close-up of Rivers’ face with hardly any makeup, and that’s the first tip-off that directors Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg are after bigger game here. We witness her insecurities as she goes over an empty event calendar with her assistant. The looming reality of losing coveted playdates to Kathy Griffin weighs heavily on this showbiz workaholic. Everything in Rivers’ life – her lavish Manhattan apartment, her extravagant lifestyle – plays second fiddle to The Career, her indefatigable obsession with always having a gig lined up, be it as a contestant on Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice alongside her daughter Melissa or peddling a pill for erectile dysfunction. That megalomaniacal drive also propels this film, which really starts cooking once the filmmakers chronicle her relationship with Johnny Carson. This is the stuff of great Hollywood soap opera: Revered late-night host showcases struggling comedienne, turning her into a household name. When she accepts Fox’s offer to host her own show, she immediately calls her mentor…and he reacts by hanging up on her, twice. The ensuing downward spiral her life takes, coupled with personal tragedy (it’s a doozy, folks) turns Joan Rivers – A Piece of Work into a nonfiction roller coaster ride, a surprisingly frank and tough-minded look at the emotional damage caused by the Darwinian nature of show business. (For those readers convinced they should wait to rent this film when it comes out on DVD, think again. It deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you can find.) That the film remains fleetfooted and breezily enjoyable throughout is a testament to Stern and Sundberg’s skill, as well as the resilient spirit of their subject. By the time we see her hold her own against an audience member incensed with her usage of deaf children as comedy material, we’re rooting for her all the way. For this potty-mouthed veteran, her brutally honest brand of humor is not just a meal ticket. It’s a lifeline. She’s an inspiration; so is this joyous, eye-opening film.
Page 18 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
By Marguerite Gil (megs@sunpostweekly.com) Café Prima Pasta is celebrating their 17th anniversary this year. Although the economy has forced many restaurants everywhere to close their doors, this busy place has just completed a hefty remodeling job that includes plenty of expanded copper and mahogany, in the U-shaped bar, additional dining room seating, a private special events room and the addition of a new dessert and cappuccino bar. We arrived at about 7:00 p.m. and headed towards our bartender Henry, from Argentina, who immediately started talking soccer, (a language unto itself), when he found out that we were from Europe. After showing us his golden replica of the World Cup, which he proudly displays on the back bar, he prepared refreshing cocktails for the both of us. We started with a Bellini (Proseco mixed in a soothing peach puree), while checking out the new decor. The walls at Prima Pasta are filled with framed photos of numerous personalities as well as family and friends. Chandeliers with sparkling little amber lights give the environment a warm Southern Italian ambience and the attention to details makes you feel appreciated. Leave the hustle and bustle of North Beach outside and enjoy this family friendly atmosphere where there is always a memento to feast your eyes upon. The ample menu features authentic Italian appetizers, entrees, soups and salads, homemade desserts as well as quality beers, wines and spirits, which pair well with the dishes. Rather than the traditional butter to go with our basket of bread, we were given a plate filled with flavorful extra virgin olive oil that contained finely cut garlic, red peppers and parsley. Pick from a nice assortment of signature dishes such as Carpaccio di Manzo ($6.48), which is thinly sliced filet mignon, topped with virgin olive oil, a few squeezes of lemon juice, black coarse pepper and shavings of Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a fish starter, try the Carpaccio di Salmone that is composed of slices of salmon, also with olive oil and lemon juice but the Chef likes to add capers, rucola and tomatoes to the mix ($6.48). We had one of each and they were both tasty and tangy. The Minestrone broth was admirable and loaded with chunky bits of tomatoes, veggies, a little pasta and light seasoning. Henry recommended a Dante Robino, Malbeck red house wine from Argentina...of course. A glass of wine after the formidable appetizers and we were ready for the next course. My dinner partner had the Eggplant Parmigianino sprinkled with fresh basil and mozzarella over tomato meat sauce. It’s all Italian comfort food that is prepared with care and patience and it shows. Another favorite is the Black Lin-
SIGNATURE
CARPACCIO
DI MANZO
guini Seafood dish ($10) that is made with squid ink pasta accompanied by bite size pieces of fresh seafood in a creamy lobster sauce. According to our waiter, NBA legend Michael Jordan’s favorite dish is the Chicken Parmigianino that includes the homemade pasta with breaded chicken, topped with a rich marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella ($9.50). They serve daily fish specials which are very affordable in the $14.00 range. Al fresco dining is available for patrons and their dogs. Very European. Café Prima Pasta is launching a late night happy hour for the Magic City that never sleeps. From Tuesday through Sunday, patrons can enjoy selected favorites including cocktails for 50% off
HENRY OUR BARTENDER MIXES US A BATCH OF WELCOME COCKTAILS.
the regular menu price. Today, Geraldo Cea oversees operations at the 140seat family restaurant, alongside his brother Fabian and sister Marcela. Their father, Arturo, serves as executive chef and their mother, Carla holds reign over the authentic desserts created fresh desserts. Check their website for everyday specials at cafeprimapasta.com. Café Prima Pasta, 414 71 St., Miami Beach. Reservations: 305-867-0106
Bound COLUMN
Beautifully Troubled Waters From Role Models to Living Arrangements with America’s Kookiest Auteur By John Hood
There’s something heartening about looking at John Waters bookshelves and seeing many of the same titles I once owned. And while I can’t help wondering if some of those titles did in fact once belong to me (could he have bought a lot at auction?), the symmetry of our reading habits far outweighs any foolish speculation of the sort. Chances are if I dig someone, then said someone and I probably have read many of the same books. So it’s a bit of thrill to see that notion verified. And in Todd Oldham’s Place Space edition on John Waters (Ammo Books $19.95), there’s enough photographic verification to sate me and every other book-crazed beast in this wild world of ours. Or his. Because once you crack the spine of this intimate visit to the home of America’s kookiest auteur, there’s no question that you are in Waters World. A place where the high and low collide with a permanently crooked smile. Dig the Cy Twomblys hanging in the dining room, the Richard Artschwager faux mirror in the entry foyer, the Richard Tuttle sculpture that helps guard the front door, and the Lichtenstein that winks down on a barking Koons. There are serial killer action figures and slates from many of Waters 16 films and a “massive collection” of fake food. There are full-color
images of mythical creatures such as Leave it to Beaver’s Lumpy and Oz’s Wicked Witch. There’s a rack holding some of the 160 magazines he subscribes to each month and a bulletin board blasted with ephemera, including what appears to be a Swedish newspaper handbill which quotes our man calling Bergman “the King of Puke.” There are snaps of Elton and Chucky and John John and Amy Carter, and there’s a pile of laceless Comme des Garcons sneakers in various shades of awful. Mostly though there are books, lots and lots and lots of books. Art books and murder books and stroke books and joke books; high lit, low lit, fag lit and thug lit. So many books, in fact, that they seem to be reproducing on their own. According to Waters’ recently released Role Models (FSG $25), there are in fact 8,425 books (or there were at the time of this writing anyway), and each and every one of them is “catalogued but no longer in complete order.” (Waters doesn’t mention whether or not he uses the Dewey Decimal System.) And though he has “jitterbugged with Richard Serra, eaten Thanksgiving dinner with Lana Turner, had tea with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, gone out drinking with Clint Eastwood, and spent several New Years Eves in Valentino’s chalet in Gstaad,” what our manic friend likes best is “staying home and reading.” Waters especially digs reading Denton Welch, and he thinks there’s “no better novel in the world” than In Youth is Pleasure. “Just holding it in my hands,” he writes,” so precious, so beyond gay, so deliciously subversive, is enough to make illiteracy a worse social crime than hunger.” It is an odd and oddly beautiful book (Burroughs tipped me to it back in the ‘80s). And the
young hero’s penchant for strapping straight men sets up perfectly the later chapter on “Outsider Porn,” where Waters wades into a kinda beauty that‘s beyond me, but apparently not beyond many, many men of certain inclinations, including a continuous stream of red-blooded Marines. According to our subject, one Bobby Garcia, “Marines like three things: beer, porn and blow jobs.” And Garcia should know, because he’s spent the last thirty years given them that and anything else they wanted from him – and putting it all on film. In fact, Garcia accidently started a sorta cottage industry in the field; unfortunately he’s so inept a businessman he wasn’t able to capitalize on his predilection. And these days “Bobby actually lives in a pigpen!” Other, more successful role models, include Little Richard, Johnny Mathis, Tennessee Williams and Rei Kawakubo, “the genius fashion dictator” behind his “favorite line” Comme des Garcons. Waters has been sporting Kawakubo’s “purposely wrong” clothing since 1983, despite (or probably because of) the fact that “many pieces looked fresh out of the sale bin at [Baltimore’s] Purple Heart thrift shop.” And it seems he’ll be sporting such lavish monstrosities until he dies. But by far the most frighteningly entertaining of the role models are those found in the chapter “Baltimore Heroes,” all of which are encountered in his “Night of a Thousand Drinks.” In other words, here he hits the bars – “not faux” bars, mind you, “but real and alarming” bars like Martick’s, where Waters was too young to get into so he hung outside in the alley, and Pepper Hill, where a fake I.D. got him in with the likes of Pencil, the Baltimore male equivalent of Selby’s Tralala. In addition to Pencil, there’s Lady Zorro,” “the lesbian stripper from Baltimore’s red light district The Block,” who continues to be his “inspiration,” though she did her last dance back in 2001. Waters gets with Zorro’s daughter, Eileen, and spends a high ol’ time finding out what it was like to be raised under such a wild mom. Waters does likewise with the offspring of Esther Martin, late proprietress of the Club Charles, which in its heyday was called the Wigwam, and where “you couldn’t get buzzed in at the front door unless you were a bum. A real one.” “The real reason I loved Esther right from the beginning,” writes Waters, “was her mouth. No one in the world cussed more!” But quick as she was with a curse word and kind as she was to the downtrodden, Esther was also pro law and order (“she carried a slapper”), pro education (she was always intent on having her kids do well in school – and they did), and a bit of teetotaler, who “loved Nixon” and “hated Kennedy,” yet added more color to the town of Baltimore than any thousand liberals combined. Role Models is a fun romp with a crack wit, and when taken together with Oldham’s home intrusion, you really get a sense of what makes this merry mad man tick. Sometimes it’s a bomb; others it might a Timex. But it keeps on ticking no matter what, with a tick-tock-tick all of his very own.
Theatre
CAMP KAPPAWANNA CAST. PHOTO BY: GEORGE SCHIAVONE
Stellar Line-Up of Shorts at the Arsht Center By Marguerite Gil (megs@sunpostweekly.com)
This year the City Theatre celebrates the 15th Anniversary Season of the company’s acclaimed annual Summer Shorts Festival, featuring two series of 5-20 minute one-act plays…and then there are the Undershorts. It’s all edgy, irreverent, and hilarious. So do you enjoy theatre? How about unexpected, award winning writers that push the envelope with innovative plays that are so appreciated in places like Boston and New York? It’s about theatre that winks at your imagination…with a twist? This Carbonell Award-winning Festival has become a nationally recognized event and something of a must-see/must experience event for theatre aficionadas. Expect to encounter talented actors, bringing festival favorites, to appreciative audiences right here in Miami. Said Co-Founder Stephanie Norman, “this year we have truly kicked things up a notch with the nation’s best ‘short’ plays, a celebration of 15 seasons’ of ‘shorts’ along with a fresh, original full-length musical. It’s a perfect way to bring something completely unique to our artists and audiences alike.” This 15th Anniversary Season offers something for everyone… a summer filled with wonderful performances, parties, family fun days and as always the City Theatre’s signature summer brand of laughter and fun. Enjoy close up acting at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Carnival Studio Theatre in downtown Miami. Tickets available at the Box Office and at arshtcenter.org or call: 305-949-6722. Hurry and enjoy performances through June 27and at the Epstein Center for the Arts at Nova Southeastern University in Davie from July 1 through the 3, 2010.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 19
The 411
Lia Ames, Comedian Tony Roberts, and Asriele Stubbs.
George Neary & Laura Bruney at Serving the Arts Luncheon William Talbert III, George Neary and Monty Trainer
Dr. Sanford L. Ziff at the Serving the Arts Luncheon
COLUMN
Tah Dah! A Launch and Unveiling By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@sunpostweekly.com Photos by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Are the PLAY Dancers! (Barbie, Cassie, Aimee)
Tony Roberts performing live
Birthdays can be stressful, especially for Geminis, who take them way too seriously- wanting to do too many (often opposing) things at once to celebrate. So for one Gemini in particular, it seemed fitting that the perfect place to honor the annual calendar date would be one, which much like those who share the Zodiac sign, is really lots of different places-all in one. What better space than a clubby yet “chill” lounge/restaurant/loft/outdoor terrace/garden/art gallery, serving the best food this side of anywhere? You know the place, it’s tucked away in a little crook of Wynwood, known only to those in the know- those who read the 411, and 944, and the Herald and the New Times, and Black Book…well you get it. Of course we are talking about Cafeina- where owner, Ivette Naranjo hosted one of your favorite local columnist’s birthdays on Friday night. The birthday coincided with Cafeina’s monthly “Eh Team!” Canadian nu disco-themed night and featured Canadian-Miamian musical duo Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem) on the turntables, an accessory showcase by H.O.W.L. (Handle Only With Love), which raffled off several oneof-a-kind pieces, specialty cocktails, and an array of Executive Chef Guily Booth’s delectable treats, including: Sea bass, crab cakes, Manchego-chorizo stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, and Kobe sliders. YUM! And speaking of eclectic, the crowd was a mix of socialites, locals, hipsters, party people –and all of the above- including: Tara Solomon, Danny and Merle Weiss, Sam Robin, D. Ashlee Harrison, Michael Kirkland, Marnie Howard, Todd Davis,
Udonis Haslem, Aaron Parthemer (Apeezy) and girlfriend Laura
Page 20 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Manny Hernandez, Mariana Loumiet, Jipsy, Bill Kearney, Michelle Leshem, Sean Drake, Maxwell Blandford, Erica Freshman, Spring Keys, Adriana Aragon, Omar Dewindt, Gino Campodonico, Joseph Quinones, DJs Laura and Amber, Kiki Valdes, Aramis Lorie, and about 500 of the birthday girl’s family and friends. Cafeina (which is Spanish for caffeine) is said to “relieve fatigue, stimulate the senses and heighten the mood.” This is true for the lounge as well- the ideal place to take the stress out of yet another 25th birthday celebration.
4 CS AT BAR 721 On Thursday night, nearly 400 people gathered at Bar 721 on Lincoln Road for a fundraiser benefiting The Children’s Cancer Caring Center (CCCC). Jeff Berardelli, weatherman from CBS4, hosted the event alongside Lee Klein, founder of the charity. Guests enjoyed free-flowing cocktails and scrumptious bites from Lincoln Road’s latest gourmet taco spot, Tacotento and raised about $5000 for the charity. Klein hopes to raise awareness and support for the CCCC, which has helped to save countless lives throughout its 45 year history. On-hand for the celebration: the CBS 4 crew: Jeff Berardelli, Lissette Gonzalez, Natalia Zea and Cynthia Demos. Plum TV’s Jenn Santiago and Megan Harris were also in attendance. For more information on the charity visit ChildrensCancerCaringCenter.com.
Marion Lanz Duret, Beatriz Samano at Trump Hollywood
Beatriz Pernia at Vive La Vie party at Trump Hollywood
RaquelWatters, RobertThorn, PerlaMachaeh at Vive La Vie party
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Friday night, Miami-based pop music artist Corey Michaels celebrated the launch of his debut album, Who Killed the King? with an exclusive performance at SCORE. Corey performed his songs “Don’t Go” and “Rockstar” – one of which is rumored to be his fist single out next month – to a packed house of club kids. Michaels greeted his fans and made his way onto the dance floor to join the revelers until well into Saturday morning. Latin hotspot, Morena, (formerly Macarena) was THE place to be late Saturday night, for the Paulina Rubio concert after party. The place was so packed, there was barely enough room for Rubio and her friends, who were among the last to arrive. The group danced all night in the VIP area. Latin Grammy-winning Spanish-Italian musician/ actor Miguel Bose joined in the celebration as well. Sean Penn booked a reservation at STK Miami for his daughter and a group of friends on Saturday night. Penn made a cameo toward the end of the meal to say hello to the table of teenage girls and pay their bill. Last week, comedian/actor Tony Roberts performed at Play Nightclub in South Beach. The comic has appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and BET’s Comic View. Miami Heat star, Udonis Haslem, was at Play to enjoy the show. Trump Hollywood recently hosted an exclusive luncheon to celebrate the U.S. premiere and return of the hot, new reality show, Vive La Vie, which chronicles Mexican socialite Perla Machaen and her girlfriends as they travel the world. Co-stars Beatriz Pernia, Marion Lanz-Duret and Beatriz Samano-Fernandez joined Machaen at the luxury oceanfront condominium.
Tui Pranich, Sonia Figueroa at Vive La Vie party
Adrian Aragon, Kristina Lynch at Cafeina
Raquel Watters, PerlaMacheh, MikeMillo at Vive La Vie party at Trump Hollywood
Gianni & friends and Gianni below at Cafeina
Corey Michaels at Score
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 21
411
Mary Jo and Michael Shore at Mary Jo’s birthday party at Cafeina
Maria Torres, Susan Fernandez, Mary Jo Shore, Sam Robin, Tara Solomon at Mary Jo’s birthday party at Cafeina
Mariana Loumiet,Manny Hernandez,Tara Solomon at Cafeina.jpg
Grace Ramos and Adam Shore at Cafeina
Joe Almeida, Maryanne Salvat, Ivette Naranjo, Mary Jo Shore at Cafeina
Lina and Omar at Cafeina
Page 22 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Marnie Howard, Michael Kirkland, Mary Jo Shore, Michael Shore
Mary Jo’s birthday party at Cafeina
GO! UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS
Summer Fun By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
BIKES & BABES AT GRAND CENTRAL THIS FRIDAY! This Friday, June 25, at 8 p.m. Grand Central, Ducati Miami and Love Cat Marketing & Events present the national premiere of Ducati’s new Monster 796. Motorcycle fans will have the opportunity to get a first look and experience one of Ducati’s newest bikes and be treated to additional eye candy courtesy of Rockstar Swimwear during an informal fashion show featuring the brand’s latest summer looks. All guests will also enjoy complimentary fenom Modern Absinthe cocktails all night. For RSVP information, please email gino@taraink.com. Following the Ducati event, Grand Central will launch its new weekly Friday night party “Propaganda.” Propaganda is hosted Love Cat Marketing & Events and MAG Miami and features open format sounds by resident DJs and local favorites Danny Daze and David G. For complimentary admission email Zac Courtney at lovecatllc@gmail.com Grand Central is located at 697 N Miami Ave.
maryjoshore@sunpostweekly.com
AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) LATIN GROOVES AT MOKAI Mokai is going Latin with the launch of Alternativo Thursdays. Featuring a blend of Latin indie pop, Rock en Espanol, World Sounds and Modern Latin Dance Music, DJ Felix takes the turntables, as live performances take over the dance floor every week, bringing a much needed dose of Latin music to the South Beach scene. Upcoming acts include: Afrokumbre, Locos Por Juana, Rosamax from Brazil, Xperimento, Dr. Draw, Joe Dert and Oscar G. Doors open at 11pm. Mokai is located at 235 23rd street on Miami Beach, guests can call 305 531 5535 or visit mokaimiami.com for more info.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place from June 23 – June 26, and is sponsored by Grey Goose vodka. To commemorate, GREY GOOSE will present the first annual national “Rising Icons” award to the talented Chrisette Michele at the 2010 American Black Film Festival Awards this Saturday. The award will be presented by Julious Grant, Senior Vice President of Bacardi USA. Guests will have the chance to enjoy the Grey Goose L’Orange “Startini,” at all ABFF events. For the full schedule and more information, visit: abff.com
IT’S AN IRIE WEEKEND! GET READY TO WINE The 6th Annual Florida International Wine Challenge uncorks with an unlimited sampling of more than 400 world-class wines from 15 countries on Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Palms Hotel & Spa (3025 Collins Avenue). A portion of the proceeds benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Enter code WINEDINE for discounted $50 tickets at fiwc.net or call 866.998.VINO for more information.
The 6th Annual Irie Weekend takes over South Beach on June 25, featuring an action-packed weekend which kicks off with a private welcome reception followed by a bash at LIV at 11 p.m. on Friday night. Irie will be spinning his irresistible sounds at the club. The star-studded celebrity golf tournament takes place at the Miami Beach Golf Course on Saturday. Proceeds raised throughout the weekend will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. For more information, visit: irieweekend.com. To RSVP for LIV, call 305.674. 4680. Check out last year’s participating celebrities at: miamisocialholic.com/07/dj-irie-does-it-again
Watch the World Cup Game from 7am onwards at these well-known, popular spots around Miami.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 23
Sex
Health
COLUMN
COLUMN
Father Feel-Good
Being Me Smoke-Free
By Dr. Sonjia Kenya
Hey Dads, how was Father’s Day? I heard lots of colorful homemade cards were handdelivered by kids and many moms honored their baby’s daddy with breakfast in bed. But what did you really want from your woman? Could she have done something a little sexier to show her appreciation for all the work you do being a good dad? Most Miami men I spoke to told me one of the best ways for women to show appreciation is to initiate some spontaneous lovemaking. One dad characterized the situation like this, “When a man attempts to make love to his wife at the spur-of-the-moment, he often gets rejected and hears the age-old excuse: I’ve got a headache.” Well men, get ready for the best belated Father’s Day gift you’ll ever receive. A few years ago, the Journal of Headache published a study that found some headaches are alleviated through sex! Severe headaches, sometimes known as migraines, may actually increase a person’s sex drive and be successfully treated with intercourse instead of prescriptions. As an all-natural girl, I always recommend holistic therapy before pharmaceuticals so this remedy sounds much better than aspirin to me! Dr. Timothy T. Houle from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina found those who experience migraines had significantly higher sex drives compared to those without migraines. James Couch, a neurology professor at Oklahoma Health Sciences Center found that sex relieved migraines in 61% of women he studied! Another study in the Journal of Headache found that sex actually improved migraines for almost half of women studied! Despite evidence encouraging sex among headache sufferers, it’s important to know that sex does make some people’s head hurt. Certain individuals actually get headaches from sex, a condition also known as coital cephalalgia or orgasmic cephalalgia. Coital cephalalgia begins with a minor
ache in the head and neck during foreplay and becomes progressively worse as sexual activity continues. Orgasmic cephalalgia has been described as a sudden, painful explosion in the head during the point of orgasm. For those suffering the latter, researchers have observed that ‘quitting’ before orgasm may result in a headache lasting up to two hours. However, reaching orgasm can produce a much more painful consequence, as the headache may linger for as long as two days. Men experience sex headaches more often than women and the condition is not limited to an age range or type of sexual activity. Anything resulting in orgasm may trigger the problem. Fatigue, stress, and rapid sessions of repeated intercourse increase the likelihood of the problem. So please relax Dads – no one expects you to perform five times in a row! Headache victims can be comforted by the fact that this problem is rarely life threatening and the condition normally disappears on its own. However, if the headaches occur frequently, a physician’s advice should be sought along with a CT scan to determine whether the issue is benign. Fathers, if your wife is still complaining about her headache after you’ve given her your best loving, perhaps it’s time for her see the doctor. Or even more likely, perhaps it’s time for you to review your love making skills and make sure she’s still excited about intercourse. After all, the unspoken assumption behind healing sex is that the intimate action is good and sensual pleasure is achieved from the act. However, we know this is NOT always the case. Multiple researchers have shown that anywhere from 48 to 72 percent of women fake orgasms to spare their partner’s feelings. Is your wife one of these ladies? If so, acting like she has a headache is probably easier than acting like she’s enjoying your low-quality sex.
Page 24 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
By Jennifer Fragoso (jennifer@sunpostweekly.com)
The high rate of women faking orgasms may also indicate that women place a higher priority on their partner’s satisfaction versus their own. If this is true, it’s no wonder the ‘I have a Headache’ excuse has gained so much popularity among women. After all, what’s the alternate response for a sexually un-fulfilled woman? “You don’t make me orgasm honey, so I’d rather not waste my time.” Daughters will learn to expect from their lovers what their mothers expect from you. While fathers are an irreplaceable influence on their children, mothers are often their most visible and natural role models. It’s important that fathers raise daughters to believe they are worthy of the same respect, opportunities, and pleasure as the men in their life. A first step can be honing bedroom skills to please your kid’s mother. Therefore, fathers who make Mom feel good will raise daughters who expect to feel good with their husbands. At times, motherhood can be overwhelming, resulting in stressful headaches. Rather than advising your wife to take an aspirin, try implementing some high-quality, generous lovemaking designed to pleasure the woman you love and relieve her pains. When she screams, “Oh Daddy!” you know you’ve hit the spot. Fathers who make their woman feel good will enjoy the pleasure of a levelheaded, satisfied woman, eager to please her man in every way possible, including spontaneous sex. What more could you want on Father’s Day and every other day of the year?
Name: Jennifer Fragoso Age: 38 Years smoking: 23 SMOKE FREE: 16 Weeks
WEEK 17: WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO WITH ALL OF HER FREE TIME Creatively I’m what you might call a sponge. I watch, listen and reflect on the world around me and impart my insights in my writing. While at a mutual friends house last week the conversation turned to my newfound sobriety. The first question asked of me was if I missed the social aspect of smoking to which I answered, “no”, emphatically. Then I continued, “You see I was never really a social smoker by definition.” Of course I smoked socially but I didn’t crave or seek out the conversation associated with the motley crews you see relegated to street corners or the waste disposal area of their office buildings. I used smoking as I’ve mentioned before as an escape. Lighting up socially was my shield, a vaporous barrier against boredom and possible rejection if you will. Now that smoking is out of the equation I’m left to my own devices. At first this was jolting, unnerving really. Being completely present in a social setting with no real escape valve but now I’m digging it. I’m actually embracing this new approach to social interacting. I’m actually seeking out conversation with other people and having a lot of fun. I’m open to anything because I have nothing else to fall back on. My “crutch” as I’ve called my addiction in the past has been thrown away and I’m still standing. I’m truly being me smoke-free.
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Style INTERVIEW
A Night with LUCA LUCA By Jennifer Fragoso (jennifer@sunpostweekly.com)
LUCA LUCA: FALL 2010 Haute Living’s newly appointed Fashion and Luxury Editor Meredith Mulligan was welcomed on to the scene in Miami with open arms. On Thursday June 10, LUCA LUCA hosted a reception in the editor’s honor at its Bal Harbour boutique along with co-hosts Alison Zhuk, Cristina Rice, Jamie Jo Harris, Malinka Max and LUCA LUCA Vice President Aylin Brenna. Guests were treated to a preview of the brand’s Fall 2010 collection. The gowns, glamour and understated grandeur of the collection are a study in contrasts. Soft shapes combined with metallic fabrics and balanced with structure. The collection is stunning and totally wearable. LUCA LUCA Vice President Aylin Brenna took time out of her schedule to answer a few questions for the brand’s Miami devotees. SunPost Weekly: Designer Raul Melgoza has said the LUCA LUCA Fall 2010 collection is about the “balance between opposing elements”. How would you say this collection or balance translates to the South Florida customer who does not experience the same change in climate the rest of the world typically does during the fall season? Aylin Brenna: “In a sense, this collection is ideal for the South Florida customer. We used cool winter colors such as black, steel and other metallics on warm weather-friendly shapes, which are ideal for a southern winter. The line is also made for layering, which is a must when dealing with sudden drops in temperature, which the South Florida weather tends to do.”
LONG SLEEVE PRINTED SILK BLOUSE $1,050 WITH BROWN LEATHER PANTS $1,250.
GOLD HAND BEADED COCKTAIL DRESS $2,900
The gowns in the collection are drop dead gorgeous. Masterfully draped, sculpted to the body, perfect for the galas and glitterati of Miami. Has your understanding of the Bal Harbour customer evolved since the shop first opened its doors in 1997? A.B: “The Bal Harbour customer has always been at the forefront of Miami’s fashion scene – this is something we have seen since day one until now. Over the years we have become very much tuned-in to each customer’s personal style as well as her social schedule. When we receive a gown, we already know which customer it was “made for” and what events she has coming up. In this sense, our ladies continue to be “the belle of the ball” without the potential embarrassment of running into someone with the same dress, as Miami can tend to be a small world.” The fluidity of the Fall 2010 collection seems to extend from day to night. As a busy executive how important is it for you to have a wardrobe that can take you from day to night with minimal changes? A.B: “Incredibly important! A woman that is able to accomplish this feat as second nature is the envy of women everywhere and this is something we absolutely had in mind during the line’s conception. The base of the line consists of chic staples that with the upswing of one’s hair, a deepened shade of lipstick and the subtraction of a jacket or cardigan is instantly cocktail-ready.” LUCA LUCA is located on the second floor of the Bal Harbour Shops. For info: 305-867-0407 or lucaluca.com Page 26 • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
SILK SHANTUNG STRIPED DRESS WITH DIAGONAL SEAMS $1,590
PEEK A BOO FRONT, HAMMERED SILK COCKTAIL DRESS $1,550
JET BLACK DEEP V BEADED COCKTAIL DRESS WITH A PLEATED SILK CHIFFON SKIRT $2,500
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, June 24, 2010 • Page 27
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