The second panel I attended for COM Week was entitled, "Courtrooms and Newsrooms: Exploring the Line Between Law and Journalistic Ethics - Is Our Legal System At War With the First Amendment?" The discussion was moderated by Sam Terilli, a practicing lawyer and the best professor the University of Miami has, in my opinion at least. While the panelists started out on track, with debate over the antics portrayed by the judge in the Anna Nicole Smith body-custody case, it quickly veered off. Soon, courtrooms didn't seem to have a place in their talks and it was more focused on simply ethics and the media in general.
Being a student in a class that discusses just that on a weekly basis, I was particularly interested to see what a panel of lawyers thought about ethics in regards to the media. They confirmed just what I suspected: when it comes to ethics, they as lawyers are not there to judge. Their role is to tell the media outlet whether running a particular story is LEGAL, not whether it is ethical or not. The ethics of the matter is then left to be determined by the editor, producer or writer of the story.
Overall, I thought it was interesting to listen to a group of lawyers sit around and discuss ethics when it isn't exactly something they are known for. However, there was one panelist, who will remain nameless (but could be recognized by anyone who attended the session), who was positively BORING. Never have I heard one person ramble so much about absolutely nothing! It is sad to say, considering the other great minds that sat on the panel with him, but this gentleman stole the focus and unfortunately left the audience a bit disenchanted.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Communication Week 2007, Part I
This past week at the UM School of Communications it was Communication Week. During this week event, there are different panels and discussions that students can attend all related to the different fields of communication. The first of two discussions I attended was one entitled, "Integrating into the Public Relations Profession". This panel consisted of a group of four UM graduates, at different stages in their careers, coming to speak with students about their experiences in PR.
Each panelist graduated at different year from UM, giving students a broader idea of the directions a career in public relations could take. They talked about thier own experiences of how they got into the field and advice they had for those seeking to pursue the same career. Much of the advice was all things I have previously been told, but would be truly helpful to those just beginning to think about PR. Advice like to be assertive and make your voice heard in your firm--you have a better chance of getting more responsibility this way--and to keep your options open and be willing to learn from others.
However, the common theme running through the discussion was to get an internship early and build your experience base. Each of the panelists stressed how important it was to get experience in the field. For many, it can make the difference as to whether you are hired for a position or not. Education is important, but if have no real-life experience in the field, then you could be passed over for someone else.
Overall, for the novice interested in a job in public relations, I thought this panel was very educated, experienced and helpful.
Each panelist graduated at different year from UM, giving students a broader idea of the directions a career in public relations could take. They talked about thier own experiences of how they got into the field and advice they had for those seeking to pursue the same career. Much of the advice was all things I have previously been told, but would be truly helpful to those just beginning to think about PR. Advice like to be assertive and make your voice heard in your firm--you have a better chance of getting more responsibility this way--and to keep your options open and be willing to learn from others.
However, the common theme running through the discussion was to get an internship early and build your experience base. Each of the panelists stressed how important it was to get experience in the field. For many, it can make the difference as to whether you are hired for a position or not. Education is important, but if have no real-life experience in the field, then you could be passed over for someone else.
Overall, for the novice interested in a job in public relations, I thought this panel was very educated, experienced and helpful.
Coming Soon: Clinton and Gore
Just wanted to give you a heads-up that next week I will be attending speeches by both Al Gore and former president Bill Clinton. They will speaking here at UM on February 28 and March 1, respectively. Look forward to my posts that recap each of the events. Al Gore in particular, speaking on his documentary An Inconvenient Truth and the state of our planet, should be particularly interesting. I can't wait!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Real Estate Info
So I was just introduced to this recently, but if you're interested in real estate information (i.e. sale prices, appraisal value, land size, taxes etc) then there are two great sites you can check out.
1. Zillow (www.zillow.com). It's really easy to use and full of information relevant on both privately and business owned real estate. One word of caution: currrently the site does not support the Safari browser on Macs, so if you are a Mac user, you'll need to download Firefox to access Zillow.
2. Portico (http://indorgs.virginia.edu/portico/personalproperty.html). This site is my personal favorite. You start by choosing the state you want to access property infomation in, then just follow the step-by-step set-up as you narrow your search down. When you are within the correct county or parrish, you are directed to the appropriate government website that holds the public records for that area. There you can choose to search by property owner's name, business name, address or even tax bill number.
Two great resources for real estate info.
1. Zillow (www.zillow.com). It's really easy to use and full of information relevant on both privately and business owned real estate. One word of caution: currrently the site does not support the Safari browser on Macs, so if you are a Mac user, you'll need to download Firefox to access Zillow.
2. Portico (http://indorgs.virginia.edu/portico/personalproperty.html). This site is my personal favorite. You start by choosing the state you want to access property infomation in, then just follow the step-by-step set-up as you narrow your search down. When you are within the correct county or parrish, you are directed to the appropriate government website that holds the public records for that area. There you can choose to search by property owner's name, business name, address or even tax bill number.
Two great resources for real estate info.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Taking a European Coach Tour
When it comes to vacations, everyone is always looking for something fun, new and exciting. But everyone in the group wants to go to different places. How are you to solve this problem? One option is to take a coach tour around Europe and hit all of your group’s favorite spots in one trip. With new companies popping up all over, Europe, the choices for places to visit are endless. So whether you’re a student ready to see the world or a family looking for a bit of adventure, a coach tour may be your hassle free answer to fun and culture.
“My tour was amazing. It let you focus on all the fabulous things you were seeing instead of worrying about how to get around or how you were going to eat or where you were going to sleep,” said Sarah Erhardt, 21, a study abroad student who took a Contiki Tour in April.
Last April, I got the chance to take one of these trips. In 15 days, I visited six different countries and had the time of my life. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something I would recommend to anyone who loves to travel. In order to make your travel experience easier, there are a few things to remember:
Make a plan before booking a trip. It’s important to decide first where you want to go and what you want to see before booking your tour. Do you want to spend a day or two in numerous different cities across Europe, or do you want to take your time and explore each one more thoroughly? This is an important question to ask yourself in that there are a variety of tours out there to choose from. When you have a better idea of the type of vacation you want, and what you where you want to visit, it will make narrowing down the options much easier.
Also, decide on how many days you want to travel. Groups such as Contiki and Global Coach Tours have a variety of trip lengths available. There are weekend, seven-day, 14-day and month-long trips available among others, depending on the type of adventure you are after.
“There were a lot of different places we wanted to see and we figured that if everything was already organized it would be much easier to go everywhere with the time we had. We were right, we made it to six countries in 15 days and have some crazy, ridiculous adventures to remember it all by,” Erhardt said of her experience.
Once your trip is booked, it is time to look at the excursions offered on your tour. Most tour companies have a few city tours built into the cost of the trip. Additionally, there are also a variety of other outings that you can participate in for an additional fee. On Contiki’s European Whirl tour, a 17-day trip to six countries, each city offers a different optional event. While in Venice, you can take a gondola ride along the city’s canals, or take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is often beneficial to take advantage of these group excursions in that the costs are usually less for large group bookings.
However, before you decide to book yourself on each of these offered trips, talk to others who have gone on the tour. Many company websites have message boards where travelers can post their opinions, advice and comments regarding their trip. Also, check out Myspace.com and Facebook.com. Both of these online social databases have become increasingly widespread with memberships over seven million users each.
But with so many users, how are you to find someone who has taken your trip? Simple, just do a search for you tour company and see if they have a page set up. Since the expanse and growing popularity of these sights, many businesses are taking note and joining their online communities.
Here is your direct pass to access members of their groups of whom you can contact for information. Ask them questions: what tours should I take? Is there anything that you particularly disliked? An excursion not worth the money you paid? Something I definitely should not miss? These are all important questions to help you determine what the best way to spend your time is.
After going on my Contiki trip, and joining the Contiki Facebook group, a girl from contacted me across the country that was getting ready to go on the same tour I had taken. Through this vein I was able to give her the helpful tips I had learned while traveling.
If group outings are not what you have in mind though, do some research before you leave on each city you will be visiting. There are a variety of travel guides, Lonely Planet and Frommer’s for example, that cover all of the information that travelers want to know about many cities all over the world. This will help you to be a better-prepared traveler and able to plan your days in each city ensuring you make the most of your time.
At the top of most people’s lists when traveling is shopping. Indeed, half the fun of traveling for many is finding the unique, cultural items they acquire while on their trip. Since a coach tour will take you to multiple cities and cultures, lots of shopping expeditions, at least for most people, are bound to be on your itinerary.
With that said, it is important to set a budget. After all, you do not want to spend 300 Euros on that leather bag in Florence, when you’ve still got another week and half of traveling, eating and shopping to do. Find out if the cities you will be visiting specialize in any type of craft. For example, Germany is known for its ceramic beer steins, Venice for its lace and crystal, and Florence, as mentioned earlier, for its leather. This way you will know what you want to save for along your trip.
“Don’t forget you have to tip your driver and tour leader,” advises Erhardt,. “The bank will only let you withdraw a certain amount of cash each day, so plan ahead.”
Next up is nightlife. Since your days are now scheduled with tours, wandering around the city, shopping and like, it is time to look at your evenings. Are you looking to dance the night away in a club? Or do a few beers in a local pub sound more your speed? Many larger European cities, such as London, Paris, Munich and Rome are recognized for their exciting nightlife. But, each of these, as most of Europe, has many different types of nightlife. Some cities specialize in pubs, more low-key types of bars, while others have high-energy, music-thumping discos. Here is another time where a travel guide will come in handy. Look up the types of nightlife in the cities you will be visiting and gauge what you may be interested in.
When it comes to packing your clothes, BE VERSATILE! Versatility in clothing is a mandate for any traveler, particularly if your coach tour is a longer one. Due to the number of passengers and the storage available on the coach, tour companies put a limit on the size and weight of your luggage. As a result, packing can become a bit difficult.
When attempting to pack, many times I turn to my brother, the fashion know-it-all, for help. His best advice has always been, “Dress in layers and take clothes that transition easily from day to evening.”
This way, no matter the changes in weather you may incur traveling from northern to southern Europe, you will be comfortable. T-shirts, polo shirts, lightweight materials, sweaters, button-down shirts for the men and dresses for the ladies are a good start. In addition, pay attention to dress codes for the country and places you will be visiting. Some cultures have different ideas of what is appropriate dress for men and women that we do in the United States.
For instance, wearing open toed shoes and having exposed shoulders is considered offensive in churches across Europe and particularly at the Vatican in Vatican City. Take that into consideration when packing, as you do not want to miss out on an experience because of unacceptable clothing.
Choose clothes that pack easily and don’t need to be ironed or hung up, as hangers are not always available on some of the camping tours. At the same time, bring a variety of styles so that if you find yourself in a cabaret in Paris, a pub in London or St. Peter’s Basilica you will always be dressed appropriately.
Make sure when you’re packing to leave room for souvenirs. While some shops will ship your purchases home for you at a set fee, many will not so it’s important ot leave room for them in your luggage.
Adele Holmes, 27, a Contiki tour leader reminded those on my trip to remember to save space for all that they’ll be buying.
“I tell all of my tours ‘this may be your only time here, so just buy it!’ After a while some learn not to ask me for advice on purchases if they want to save money,” she said.
Finally, remember your camera, and film if necessary. If taking a longer trip, a worry of many travelers is that they will fill up the memory card on their digital cameras. However, this is not something you need to worry about. In many European cities, there are internet cafes and photo shops that allow you, for a small fee, to download your pictures onto a CD. This way, you’ll never have to skimp on taking pictures and will still be able to fully document your European adventure.
Happy traveling!
“My tour was amazing. It let you focus on all the fabulous things you were seeing instead of worrying about how to get around or how you were going to eat or where you were going to sleep,” said Sarah Erhardt, 21, a study abroad student who took a Contiki Tour in April.
Last April, I got the chance to take one of these trips. In 15 days, I visited six different countries and had the time of my life. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something I would recommend to anyone who loves to travel. In order to make your travel experience easier, there are a few things to remember:
Make a plan before booking a trip. It’s important to decide first where you want to go and what you want to see before booking your tour. Do you want to spend a day or two in numerous different cities across Europe, or do you want to take your time and explore each one more thoroughly? This is an important question to ask yourself in that there are a variety of tours out there to choose from. When you have a better idea of the type of vacation you want, and what you where you want to visit, it will make narrowing down the options much easier.
Also, decide on how many days you want to travel. Groups such as Contiki and Global Coach Tours have a variety of trip lengths available. There are weekend, seven-day, 14-day and month-long trips available among others, depending on the type of adventure you are after.
“There were a lot of different places we wanted to see and we figured that if everything was already organized it would be much easier to go everywhere with the time we had. We were right, we made it to six countries in 15 days and have some crazy, ridiculous adventures to remember it all by,” Erhardt said of her experience.
Once your trip is booked, it is time to look at the excursions offered on your tour. Most tour companies have a few city tours built into the cost of the trip. Additionally, there are also a variety of other outings that you can participate in for an additional fee. On Contiki’s European Whirl tour, a 17-day trip to six countries, each city offers a different optional event. While in Venice, you can take a gondola ride along the city’s canals, or take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is often beneficial to take advantage of these group excursions in that the costs are usually less for large group bookings.
However, before you decide to book yourself on each of these offered trips, talk to others who have gone on the tour. Many company websites have message boards where travelers can post their opinions, advice and comments regarding their trip. Also, check out Myspace.com and Facebook.com. Both of these online social databases have become increasingly widespread with memberships over seven million users each.
But with so many users, how are you to find someone who has taken your trip? Simple, just do a search for you tour company and see if they have a page set up. Since the expanse and growing popularity of these sights, many businesses are taking note and joining their online communities.
Here is your direct pass to access members of their groups of whom you can contact for information. Ask them questions: what tours should I take? Is there anything that you particularly disliked? An excursion not worth the money you paid? Something I definitely should not miss? These are all important questions to help you determine what the best way to spend your time is.
After going on my Contiki trip, and joining the Contiki Facebook group, a girl from contacted me across the country that was getting ready to go on the same tour I had taken. Through this vein I was able to give her the helpful tips I had learned while traveling.
If group outings are not what you have in mind though, do some research before you leave on each city you will be visiting. There are a variety of travel guides, Lonely Planet and Frommer’s for example, that cover all of the information that travelers want to know about many cities all over the world. This will help you to be a better-prepared traveler and able to plan your days in each city ensuring you make the most of your time.
At the top of most people’s lists when traveling is shopping. Indeed, half the fun of traveling for many is finding the unique, cultural items they acquire while on their trip. Since a coach tour will take you to multiple cities and cultures, lots of shopping expeditions, at least for most people, are bound to be on your itinerary.
With that said, it is important to set a budget. After all, you do not want to spend 300 Euros on that leather bag in Florence, when you’ve still got another week and half of traveling, eating and shopping to do. Find out if the cities you will be visiting specialize in any type of craft. For example, Germany is known for its ceramic beer steins, Venice for its lace and crystal, and Florence, as mentioned earlier, for its leather. This way you will know what you want to save for along your trip.
“Don’t forget you have to tip your driver and tour leader,” advises Erhardt,. “The bank will only let you withdraw a certain amount of cash each day, so plan ahead.”
Next up is nightlife. Since your days are now scheduled with tours, wandering around the city, shopping and like, it is time to look at your evenings. Are you looking to dance the night away in a club? Or do a few beers in a local pub sound more your speed? Many larger European cities, such as London, Paris, Munich and Rome are recognized for their exciting nightlife. But, each of these, as most of Europe, has many different types of nightlife. Some cities specialize in pubs, more low-key types of bars, while others have high-energy, music-thumping discos. Here is another time where a travel guide will come in handy. Look up the types of nightlife in the cities you will be visiting and gauge what you may be interested in.
When it comes to packing your clothes, BE VERSATILE! Versatility in clothing is a mandate for any traveler, particularly if your coach tour is a longer one. Due to the number of passengers and the storage available on the coach, tour companies put a limit on the size and weight of your luggage. As a result, packing can become a bit difficult.
When attempting to pack, many times I turn to my brother, the fashion know-it-all, for help. His best advice has always been, “Dress in layers and take clothes that transition easily from day to evening.”
This way, no matter the changes in weather you may incur traveling from northern to southern Europe, you will be comfortable. T-shirts, polo shirts, lightweight materials, sweaters, button-down shirts for the men and dresses for the ladies are a good start. In addition, pay attention to dress codes for the country and places you will be visiting. Some cultures have different ideas of what is appropriate dress for men and women that we do in the United States.
For instance, wearing open toed shoes and having exposed shoulders is considered offensive in churches across Europe and particularly at the Vatican in Vatican City. Take that into consideration when packing, as you do not want to miss out on an experience because of unacceptable clothing.
Choose clothes that pack easily and don’t need to be ironed or hung up, as hangers are not always available on some of the camping tours. At the same time, bring a variety of styles so that if you find yourself in a cabaret in Paris, a pub in London or St. Peter’s Basilica you will always be dressed appropriately.
Make sure when you’re packing to leave room for souvenirs. While some shops will ship your purchases home for you at a set fee, many will not so it’s important ot leave room for them in your luggage.
Adele Holmes, 27, a Contiki tour leader reminded those on my trip to remember to save space for all that they’ll be buying.
“I tell all of my tours ‘this may be your only time here, so just buy it!’ After a while some learn not to ask me for advice on purchases if they want to save money,” she said.
Finally, remember your camera, and film if necessary. If taking a longer trip, a worry of many travelers is that they will fill up the memory card on their digital cameras. However, this is not something you need to worry about. In many European cities, there are internet cafes and photo shops that allow you, for a small fee, to download your pictures onto a CD. This way, you’ll never have to skimp on taking pictures and will still be able to fully document your European adventure.
Happy traveling!
Coconut Grove: The Jewel of Miami
Beyond the sun and sand of South Beach, the clubs of Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue and the businesses of Downtown Miami lay Coconut Grove. Tucked away south of the city and just north of Coral Gables on Biscayne Bay, “The Grove” as it is known by locals, is a spot that shouldn’t be missed by anyone traveling to South Florida.
As you drive down Grand Avenue, cutting through the main section of Coconut Grove, you are immediately bombarded by the exciting atmosphere that makes the Grove so special. During the day, women are shopping in the many stores offered in and around CocoWalk, men make their way to catch the latest sports event over at Sandbar Sports Grill, children enjoy a milkshake at Johnny Rocket’s Diner and boat owners dock in the harbor to catch a bite to eat at Monty’s Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant.
And then the sun sets and the Grove comes alive with an all new type of energy. The nightlife of Coconut Grove begins to take over. Men and women, both dressed-to-impress, are on the street making their way to their favorite watering hole for a few drinks and some dancing, families are enjoying dinner at one of the local restaurants, couples are watching a beautiful sunset over the bay and others are sitting back taking in the excitement that is unfolding before them.
Settled in 1834 by Bahamian seamen, the Grove is now home to many restaurants, shops, hotels, nightlife, art museums and Miami culture. Whether you are looking for a great seafood spot, a family friendly atmosphere or cultural flair, Coconut Grove has a restaurant to meet your needs. Situated on Biscayne Bay, Monty’s Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant offers an array of seafood dishes to suit anyone’s taste. The menu features all-you-can-eat stone crabs, peel & eat shrimp and a variety of other seafood dishes. Favored by locals and tourists alike, Monty’s has both indoor and outdoor seating. So whether you want some relief from Miami’s heat or want to take in a sunset under a tiki hut, Monty’s can accommodate you. While enjoying your food, you could end up swaying to the beat as live music is often played here.
“I think the music is really fun and it really compliments the atmosphere,” Zoe Schwartz, 20.
However, if seafood is not what you are after, you may prefer to go cultural and stop over at Café Tu Tu Tango. One of three main restaurants in CocoWalk, Café Tu Tu Tango’s menu features a variety of exotic cuisine served tapas-style. Run under the philosophy “Great food, like great art, was meant to be shared,” all food portions are miniature sized to allow patrons to share and sample all that the restaurant has to offer. Live entertainment is also often present as local artists paint their masterpieces right next to your table.
Right across the breezeway from Café Tu Tu Tango is The Cheesecake Factory. Created by Oscar and Evelyn Overton, it is renowned for its numerous varieties of cheesecake. The lunch and dinner menu offers over 200 selections to suite everyone’s cravings including salads, pastas, pizzas, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and many more. The featured dishes are Chicken Madeira, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, Miso Salmon and The Factory Burger. But don’t fill up on your main course, because The Cheesecake Factory has 50 different flavors of luxury cheesecakes to choose from. Some favorites include Dulce de Leche Caramel, Oreo, Chocolate Mousse and the classic Original cheesecake. For anyone who’s a strawberry lover, you must try the Fresh Strawberry cheesecake on your visit; it has been the most popular cheesecake there for 28 years.
“The cheesecake is phenomenal. I’ve tried a million different flavors and they are all good,” says Rachel Ewy, 19, a student from Naples.
While you let your food digest, before a night on the town, why not catch a movie at AMC CocoWalk or stop into some of the shops situated around the CocoWalk for some retail therapy? With numerous movie screens, AMC shows all of the latest releases in a cool, relaxed theater.
The Grove’s retail economy caters to a wide variety of customers. There is Maui Nix Surf Shop for the surfers, Coco Cigar for the cigar connoisseur, Victoria’s Secret and White House Black Market for the women, FYE Music for the whole family plus many more options for everyone else in between.
After some great food and a shopping expedition, you are bound to need a little rest. By checking into one of the numerous hotels in the area, you can catch a few Zs before getting ready to sample the nightlife of the Grove. There are a variety of two through five star hotels around the Grove including the DoubleTree, Wyndham Grand Bay, Hampton Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Residence Inn, Sonesta Hotel and Suites and the Commodore Inn. Prices range from approximately $140 a night at the Commodore to $320 a night at the Ritz-Carlton.
Now that you are rested and dressed-to-impress, it’s time to hit the town. First stop is Fat Tuesdays, located on the second floor of CocoWalk in between The Cheesecake Factory and Café Tu Tu Tango. Here you can sample one of their signature frozen drinks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this open air bar.
From there, head over to the Coconut Grove Playhouse or Improv Comedy Club. Host to many nationally known comics, the Improv is sure to deliver few side-splitting laughs before you venture back out onto Grand Avenue.
When the act is over, take your party down to Sandbar Sports Grill. During the day, Sandbar is a fun spot to watch your favorite sports team play while enjoying some good old fashioned American cooking. Come night time though, the tables are cleared away to make a dance floor and the music is pumped up, converting this restaurant into a happening hot spot for many 20-somethings in Miami. DJs spinning all of today’s hits on request keep the dance floor moving until close.
“Sandbar is definitely the place to be on a Friday night,” says Paul Bonitz, 22.
Then it’s time to head over to Mr. Moe’s Restaurant & Bar to close the night. Open until 5:00 am, “Moe’s” features Karaoke Tuesdays, Bull Riding Wednesdays and Live music all weekend on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It also offers drink promotions during happy hour and special events. With a log cabin décor, renowned American cuisine, 32 flat screen TVs, a 95-foot long bar, arcade games and pool tables, Moe’s keeps the party going until sunrise.
After a day of movies, shopping, local food and an exciting night out, a relaxing day is sure to be called for. If being pampered is your idea of relaxing, stop over at the TanSolaire Body Spa and book a few treatments to help you drift away. However, visiting a museum and taking in some local flavor may be more your speed. If this is the case, be sure you don’t miss the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Built by James Deering, an agricultural industrialist, the property includes a house filled with art and furnishings and 10 acres of garden. You may also want to venture on to the Barnacle Historic State Park and the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium before leaving the area.
No matter what your interests, Coconut Grove has something to offer you. Situated just south of downtown Miami, the Grove sits on the shores of Biscayne Bay and is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, nightlife, museums and Miami flair. Eat at Café Tu Tu Tango, shop at Koko & Palenki, see a show at the Coconut Grove Playhouse and enjoy a frozen Margarita at Fat Tuesdays. Sample it all! But definitely make sure to check out Coconut Grove on your next visit to South Florida. It really is a jewel not to be missed.
As you drive down Grand Avenue, cutting through the main section of Coconut Grove, you are immediately bombarded by the exciting atmosphere that makes the Grove so special. During the day, women are shopping in the many stores offered in and around CocoWalk, men make their way to catch the latest sports event over at Sandbar Sports Grill, children enjoy a milkshake at Johnny Rocket’s Diner and boat owners dock in the harbor to catch a bite to eat at Monty’s Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant.
And then the sun sets and the Grove comes alive with an all new type of energy. The nightlife of Coconut Grove begins to take over. Men and women, both dressed-to-impress, are on the street making their way to their favorite watering hole for a few drinks and some dancing, families are enjoying dinner at one of the local restaurants, couples are watching a beautiful sunset over the bay and others are sitting back taking in the excitement that is unfolding before them.
Settled in 1834 by Bahamian seamen, the Grove is now home to many restaurants, shops, hotels, nightlife, art museums and Miami culture. Whether you are looking for a great seafood spot, a family friendly atmosphere or cultural flair, Coconut Grove has a restaurant to meet your needs. Situated on Biscayne Bay, Monty’s Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant offers an array of seafood dishes to suit anyone’s taste. The menu features all-you-can-eat stone crabs, peel & eat shrimp and a variety of other seafood dishes. Favored by locals and tourists alike, Monty’s has both indoor and outdoor seating. So whether you want some relief from Miami’s heat or want to take in a sunset under a tiki hut, Monty’s can accommodate you. While enjoying your food, you could end up swaying to the beat as live music is often played here.
“I think the music is really fun and it really compliments the atmosphere,” Zoe Schwartz, 20.
However, if seafood is not what you are after, you may prefer to go cultural and stop over at Café Tu Tu Tango. One of three main restaurants in CocoWalk, Café Tu Tu Tango’s menu features a variety of exotic cuisine served tapas-style. Run under the philosophy “Great food, like great art, was meant to be shared,” all food portions are miniature sized to allow patrons to share and sample all that the restaurant has to offer. Live entertainment is also often present as local artists paint their masterpieces right next to your table.
Right across the breezeway from Café Tu Tu Tango is The Cheesecake Factory. Created by Oscar and Evelyn Overton, it is renowned for its numerous varieties of cheesecake. The lunch and dinner menu offers over 200 selections to suite everyone’s cravings including salads, pastas, pizzas, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and many more. The featured dishes are Chicken Madeira, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, Miso Salmon and The Factory Burger. But don’t fill up on your main course, because The Cheesecake Factory has 50 different flavors of luxury cheesecakes to choose from. Some favorites include Dulce de Leche Caramel, Oreo, Chocolate Mousse and the classic Original cheesecake. For anyone who’s a strawberry lover, you must try the Fresh Strawberry cheesecake on your visit; it has been the most popular cheesecake there for 28 years.
“The cheesecake is phenomenal. I’ve tried a million different flavors and they are all good,” says Rachel Ewy, 19, a student from Naples.
While you let your food digest, before a night on the town, why not catch a movie at AMC CocoWalk or stop into some of the shops situated around the CocoWalk for some retail therapy? With numerous movie screens, AMC shows all of the latest releases in a cool, relaxed theater.
The Grove’s retail economy caters to a wide variety of customers. There is Maui Nix Surf Shop for the surfers, Coco Cigar for the cigar connoisseur, Victoria’s Secret and White House Black Market for the women, FYE Music for the whole family plus many more options for everyone else in between.
After some great food and a shopping expedition, you are bound to need a little rest. By checking into one of the numerous hotels in the area, you can catch a few Zs before getting ready to sample the nightlife of the Grove. There are a variety of two through five star hotels around the Grove including the DoubleTree, Wyndham Grand Bay, Hampton Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Residence Inn, Sonesta Hotel and Suites and the Commodore Inn. Prices range from approximately $140 a night at the Commodore to $320 a night at the Ritz-Carlton.
Now that you are rested and dressed-to-impress, it’s time to hit the town. First stop is Fat Tuesdays, located on the second floor of CocoWalk in between The Cheesecake Factory and Café Tu Tu Tango. Here you can sample one of their signature frozen drinks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this open air bar.
From there, head over to the Coconut Grove Playhouse or Improv Comedy Club. Host to many nationally known comics, the Improv is sure to deliver few side-splitting laughs before you venture back out onto Grand Avenue.
When the act is over, take your party down to Sandbar Sports Grill. During the day, Sandbar is a fun spot to watch your favorite sports team play while enjoying some good old fashioned American cooking. Come night time though, the tables are cleared away to make a dance floor and the music is pumped up, converting this restaurant into a happening hot spot for many 20-somethings in Miami. DJs spinning all of today’s hits on request keep the dance floor moving until close.
“Sandbar is definitely the place to be on a Friday night,” says Paul Bonitz, 22.
Then it’s time to head over to Mr. Moe’s Restaurant & Bar to close the night. Open until 5:00 am, “Moe’s” features Karaoke Tuesdays, Bull Riding Wednesdays and Live music all weekend on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It also offers drink promotions during happy hour and special events. With a log cabin décor, renowned American cuisine, 32 flat screen TVs, a 95-foot long bar, arcade games and pool tables, Moe’s keeps the party going until sunrise.
After a day of movies, shopping, local food and an exciting night out, a relaxing day is sure to be called for. If being pampered is your idea of relaxing, stop over at the TanSolaire Body Spa and book a few treatments to help you drift away. However, visiting a museum and taking in some local flavor may be more your speed. If this is the case, be sure you don’t miss the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Built by James Deering, an agricultural industrialist, the property includes a house filled with art and furnishings and 10 acres of garden. You may also want to venture on to the Barnacle Historic State Park and the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium before leaving the area.
No matter what your interests, Coconut Grove has something to offer you. Situated just south of downtown Miami, the Grove sits on the shores of Biscayne Bay and is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, nightlife, museums and Miami flair. Eat at Café Tu Tu Tango, shop at Koko & Palenki, see a show at the Coconut Grove Playhouse and enjoy a frozen Margarita at Fat Tuesdays. Sample it all! But definitely make sure to check out Coconut Grove on your next visit to South Florida. It really is a jewel not to be missed.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
My Recently Published Stories
Recently I decided that even though this blog was originally created as an project for one of my journalism classes, I might as well take advantage of my web space. Last fall, a class I was taking on writing travel features worked on a previously started National Parks project. It was our assignment to write three stories about different aspects of one of the national parks in the South Florida area. I chose Biscayne National Park in Homestead, Florida and wrote three stories on different points of interest of the park. Below is a list of the web addresses for those stories as well as their topics:
Camping at Biscayne National Park
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynecamp.htm
Maritime Heritage Trail (a series of shipwrecks in the parks water territory)
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynewrecks.htm
Stiltsville
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynestilts.htm
The site also contains many other stories by current and former students about other parks in South Florida as well as national parks around the country.
Camping at Biscayne National Park
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynecamp.htm
Maritime Heritage Trail (a series of shipwrecks in the parks water territory)
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynewrecks.htm
Stiltsville
http://com.miami.edu/parks/biscaynestilts.htm
The site also contains many other stories by current and former students about other parks in South Florida as well as national parks around the country.
Businesses Annual Reports
Whenever you're writing a story or profile, it's necessary for you as a journalist to do your homework. Well I've found a great site for when your topic is businesses. The Annual Report Service allows you to access the annual financial reports for many companies for FREE. Unlike other sites where a membership fee is required, this site allows you to access these reports at no charge, simply by signing up for a free membership. Searches can be conducted by a specific company name, sector or by browsing the alphabetized list of reports.
http://www.annualreportservice.com/
http://www.annualreportservice.com/
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Speaker: Harry Smith
Today I had the opportunity to listen to Harry Smith of the CBS Early Show speak at the University of Miami School of Communications. It was really interesting to hear a journalist speak candidly about his experiences in the field as well as comment on his collegues' and competition's work. He talked about his own experiences in reporting, travel and his opinions on the state and direction of news today from both a professional and consumer's perspective.
During the Q&A session, Smith was asked about his thoughts regarding the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Though he is a member of the CBS team, Smith did acknowledge that he thought NBC was "probably the best" in the nightly news market now, with CBS falling in third after ABC. He wasn't afraid to criticize his praise another network and express his true feelings about his own. However, he did follow that up with mentioning that the CBS Evening News has improved greatly in the past few months, saying that anytime there is a shift in a network, it takes a while for things to work themselves out and settle down. Furthermore he encouraged the audience to keep checking back on the news in a couple of months; he has no doubt that it will continue to improve and find it's rhythm.
For more information on the CBS Early Show or Evening News, visit their website at: http://www.cbsnews.com.
During the Q&A session, Smith was asked about his thoughts regarding the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Though he is a member of the CBS team, Smith did acknowledge that he thought NBC was "probably the best" in the nightly news market now, with CBS falling in third after ABC. He wasn't afraid to criticize his praise another network and express his true feelings about his own. However, he did follow that up with mentioning that the CBS Evening News has improved greatly in the past few months, saying that anytime there is a shift in a network, it takes a while for things to work themselves out and settle down. Furthermore he encouraged the audience to keep checking back on the news in a couple of months; he has no doubt that it will continue to improve and find it's rhythm.
For more information on the CBS Early Show or Evening News, visit their website at: http://www.cbsnews.com.
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