South Florida’s GRAMMY-Nominated Choir Presents A Celebration! 10 Years of Seraphic Fire

By

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January 6, 2012

Seraphic Fire commemorates a decade of glorious music-making with A Celebration! 10 Years of Seraphic Fire on January 11 – 15, at venues in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. This uplifting program features Misa Criolla by Argentine master composer, Ariel Rameriez. Venues, dates and times are listed below. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at SeraphicFire.org or by phone at 888-544-FIRE. Continuing its mission to reach younger audiences, a limited amount of tickets will be FREE for those thirty and under.

“Majestic God, our Muse inspire, and fill us with Seraphic Fire.” These words from William Billings’ Invocation rang out to open Seraphic Fire’s first-ever concert. Now, 10 years later, Seraphic Fire celebrates a decade of incredible music-making reuniting audiences’ favorite singers. This concert celebration will feature music by the young composers Seraphic Fire has championed over the years side-by-side with new and old masterpieces. This is an evening of vocal fireworks 10 years in the making.

Currently nominated for two GRAMMY awards (Best Small Ensemble and Best Choral Performance) Seraphic Fire has garnered international acclaim since its inception ten years ago. The London-based classical music magazine, Gramophone, has declared that Seraphic Fire “has quickly become one of the top attractions in the [South Florida] region” and the Chicago Classical Review states that Seraphic Fire is “stunning to behold.” The ensemble has also been proclaimed “a must-have ticket for devotees of classical music in South Florida,” by the Palm Beach Arts Paper and “one of the best choirs anywhere by the Miami Herald.

***CALENDAR LISTING***

SERAPHIC FIRE PRESENTS A Celebration! 10 Years of Seraphic Fire

WHO:
Seraphic Fire

WHAT:
Seraphic Fire commemorates a decade of music-making with A Celebration! 10 Years of Seraphic Fire

WHEN AND WHERE:

Wednesday, January 11, 7:30pm
St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church
126 S.E. 15th Road
Miami, FL 33129

Thursday, January 12, 7:30pm
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
100 N.E. Mizner Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Friday, January 13, 7:30pm
First United Methodist Church
536 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134

Saturday, January 14, 8:00pm
All Saints Episcopal Church
333 Tarpon Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Sunday, January 15, 4:00pm
Miami Beach Community Church
1620 Drexel Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tickets are $35 and are available at www.SeraphicFire.org or by phone at 888-544-FIRE. Tickets are FREE to those 30 and under (but over 8, please) as long as seats remain. They will be available at the door 10 minutes before each performance. A limited number of under 30 tickets are available in advance online at www.SeraphicFire.org and using code U30 (ID will need to be presented to pick up tickets on concert day).

Seraphic Fire and Firebird Chamber Orchestra’s season is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the support of the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, with the support of the City of Coral Gables and from Funding Arts Network. Firebird Chamber Orchestra and the Knight Concert Series are generously funded by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

‘Tis the Season for Pork

By

Martin Mendiola

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January 6, 2012

As the holiday season approaches and we start hearing Christmas carols and jingles, pork becomes a major topic of discussion among my family and friends. All of us are expected to know exactly where to get the freshest and tastiest pigs as we prepare to improve our favorite cooking method and marinating concoction. This seems to be a yearly mental exercise, for most of us neither buy nor cook them.

Once we start getting in the groove for the holidays, the invitation to Emilio and Liliana Calleja’s Christmas party seals the fact that the season is here. We know that we will have the opportunity to get together with old friends, make new ones and taste one of the best “lechon asados” of the year.

Emilio and his Caja China (a stainless steel lined box where you burn the charcoal on top, is used to roast pork and made famous by Bobby Flay on the Food Channel), have established a reputation for roasting a tasty pig. Many of us will use it as the standard to measure others for the rest of the upcoming year.

The word “lechon”, which is extensively used throughout Spanish speaking countries in reference to roasted pork, originated from the Spanish term leche (milk) referring to a suckling pig. The term pork generally means a young pig under a year old; most pigs slaughtered around the world, are now between 6 and 9 months old.

While small suckling pigs have placed towns like Segovia, Spain and Mealhada, Portugal (where they are respectively called “cochinillo” and “leitão assado”) on the map, in most Latin American countries, medium-sized adult pigs are used for roasting. In a town like Guavate, Puerto Rico, “lechon asado” is the only reason for its existence and medium to large size pigs are used.

The difference in flavors is partly due to their size and weight, but it is easy to conclude that they are both delicious.

No one country or culture has an exclusive on pigs. It is one of the most consumed meats in the world with evidence that they were domesticated as early as 5000 BC.

There is a lot of truth to the old saying that everything but the pigs squeal can be used. Pigs are bred primarily for their meat, while trimmings and lesser cuts are used for sausages. Their skins can and have been used for leather in making shields and shoes, bones for tools and weapons, hair for furniture and bristles for brushes. In today’s market place, most pork products are cured and sold in the form of ham and bacon.

No restaurant can boast to appreciate the versatility of pigs more than St. John Restaurant in London, England which was once ranked # 14 in the world. Chef/owner Fegus Henderson whom Anthony Bourdain has in so many words called the most revolutionary food innovator of our time, has found the “true glories of pork” in the many dishes and menu items found at his restaurant. Many of the recipes from the restaurant are found in Chef Henderson’s book called “Nose to Tail Eating – A Kind of British Cooking: St. John Cookbook” where he literally shows us how to cook almost every part of a pig. Since I could not find a recipe for the nose in the book, we are going to refer to it as from ears (Pea and Pig’s Ear Soup) to tail (Crispy Pig Tail).

Though available year-round, for some reason, fresh pork is more plentiful and at lower prices from October to February. Maybe they know… this is the season for pork. Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Local road use increased since xway tolls started

By

Richard Yager

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January 6, 2012

Are you among many Kendall motorists avoiding SunPass and wondering why traffic is heavier on local roadways?

Three major East Kendall roadways showed increases in 2011 ranging from 2 percent to 12 percent in segments between S. Dixie Highway (US 1) and SW 110th Avenue, compared to 2010 counts when the Sanpper Creek Expressway (SR 878) and a busy section of the Don Shula Expressway (SR 874) were toll-free.

Vehicle counts by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) showed corresponding increases in 2011 traffic on Sunset Drive (SW 72nd Street), Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street) and Killian Drive (SW 112th Street) since the establishment of Open Road Tolling (ORT) on SR 878 and SR 874.

Once ORT began in July 2010, use dropped by up to 21 percent on five of those former toll-free segments monitored through July 2011 in the same area frequently used by eastbound and westbound motorists. Brian Rick, public information officer for FDOT, said reduced expressway use may or may be attributed to the result of many factors including the economic conditions of recent years

“I can also understand people may not want to pay tolls if they’ll be slowed down by new construction,” Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe A. Martinez said, referring to reconstruction on the Shula Expressway in 2011.

Recognizing Kendall traffic remains a major issue, Martinez said “the countywide need to improve transit is the best way to get people moving again.

“We need to take the entire county into consideration by utilizing existing rail lines to establish routes that can accommodate four-car commuter trains that can safely move commuters at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour.”

Tracing FDOT website counts back to 2009, each of the three Kendall roadways “show steadily increasing number of vehicle trips,” said Miles E. Moss, traffic engineer who served as president of Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations for 15 years through 2010.

“But there is obviously a correlation of increased numbers with the falloff of traffic on SR 878 over the same periods,” he added after his study of FDOT and MDX tables, and comparing vehicle counts in July 2010 and July 2011.

The Snapper Creek Expressway showed the largest drop of 10,300 vehicle trips during 2011 as against 2010, Moss pointed out.

“In that same period, directly north of SR 878 on Sunset Drive, there was a gain of 5,000 vehicle trips,” he observed. “On Kendall Drive, the count was up by 4,400 vehicle trips and on Killian Drive, trips increased to 1,900,” he noted.

“By adding the increased vehicle trips on all three roads over the same 2010-11 period, you have a total of 11,300 new vehicle trips over and above the counts in 2010,” he said. “Naturally, Sunset and Killian were the highest, being located directly north and south of SR 878.”

Moss agrees that such findings tend to bear out the often-heard complaints of commuting motorists that paying daily tolls on the Snapper Creek at $1 per roundtrip becomes a significant annual expense.

“What is important is that FDOT may face consequences of heavier east-west use of arterials,” he added. “That compounds the problem that already exists, as well as the potential of higher maintenance, safety and other factors that go along with increased usage of any roadway.”

Martinez’s proposal for an East Kendall commuter line using FEC tracks was defeated by resident opposition two years ago but today, he said he is continuing to explore rail system routes to establish a viable commuter service.

“There has been no vision to improve transit since Metrorail expansion has become just about cost-prohibitive,” he concluded. “It’s a shame because the FEC is not only willing but eager to reach an agreement to utilize its tracks.”

The still active “Roll Back Tolls” movement in 2010, headed by Kendall residents Carlos Garcia and Miller Myers, was based largely on the MDX decision to convert free roads to a ORT revenue source for the agency’s maintenance and system expansion.

“While that’s true, we’ve concentrated on the new Shula construction during the past year,” Garcia said. “Primarily, we’re still concerned about the SW 104th Street intersection where so many accidents at the rebuilt Killian Drive interchange have occurred since last August.”

2012 Infiniti QX is a big SUV with a lot of luxury

By

Ron Beasley

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January 6, 2012

LTC-Infiniti QX2 — Infiniti QX has a bold front chrome grille flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights.

The Infiniti QX was redesigned completely for 2011, so there are few changes in the 2012 model, and it continues as a spacious luxury SUV that comfortably seats eight adults while hauling a boat or trailer of up to 8,500 pounds.

However, there are a few new wrinkles for 2012, including the addition of Blind Spot Intervention to the Technology Package, a Bose Cabin Surround sound system with 15 speakers to the Deluxe Touring Package, heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats to the Theater Package and new headlight washers to the 2WD Deluxe Touring Package.

The 2012 QX56 is available in 2WD and 4WD models and both have a stiff frame structure that enhances the ride and reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Under the hood, there’s a powerful 5.6- liter, 400 hp engine with 413 pounds-feet of torque.

The big V-8 gives the SUV responsive acceleration thanks to the VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) technology and a sevenspeed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is not bad for a big SUV at 14/20 mpg for both the 2WD and 4WD models.

On the inside, the QX interior continues to have an abundance of luxury and comfort. Standard equipment includes the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System and an Around View Monitor. Perforated semianiline leather-appointed seats and a Theater Package with dual seven-inch color monitors are available options.

The QX is strikingly designed, with a bold front chrome grille flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers also are available. To the rear are LED taillights, heated power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and a reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, a power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate.

A front underbody spoiler, functional rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors provide added aerodynamics and zero lift for the big SUV.

The QX design is accented by standard 20-inch and available 22-inch wheel and tire combinations and six distinctive exterior colors: Mountain Sage, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant and Moonlight White.

Pricing on the 2012 Infiniti QX56 2WD starts at $58,700 and $61,800 for the 4WD model.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.

Dodge Charger SRT8 balances power and performance

By

Ron Beasley

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January 6, 2012

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA — Dodge Charger SRT8 four-door fastback coupe has high-gloss black grille and a new performance-sculpted hood with a black engine air exhauster.

The Dodge Charger SRT8 was a hot seller last year for the resurgent automaker, so it is no surprise that it returns to the performance car market in 2012, but with several improvements for even better performance and more power for the popular four-door fastback coupe.

New for 2012 is a 470 hp 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with 45 more horses and 50 more pounds-feet torque across a wider rpm range. There’s also new exhaust system technology for improved fuel efficiency, new paddle shifters on the steering wheel and adaptive damping suspension for better handling and driver control.

The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 clocks 0-60 mph in the high four-second range; notches a quarter mile in just under 13 seconds; 0- 100 mph in less than 16 seconds, and tops out at 175 mph. And, oh yeah, it will brake to a stop from 60 mph in a remarkable 120 feet.

Even with the extra power, Dodge engineers have been able to coax an extra 21 percent in fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) on the highway with the addition of a new active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range for improved efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the extra power is needed. The new active valve exhaust system also allows for straight through mid and rear mufflers for a really cool throaty exhaust note.

The 2012 Charger SRT8 has an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing to provide maximum low-end torque, including an additional 80 pounds-feet of torque at 2,900 rpm for jack rabbit standing starts, while optimizing high-end power.

The five-speed automatic transmission may be operated manually by new steering wheelmounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick. Both provide the ability to manually select specific gears.

A standard adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Charger SRT8. The ADS system uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. When drivers manually choose between the “Auto” and “Sport” settings, the shock damping characteristics are quickly changed from an everyday performance ride to a much firmer racetrack capable damping for more challenging driving situations.

As for looks, there is no mistaking the high performance Charger SRT8 with its highgloss black front grille, grille surround, Dodge crosshair, signature SRT badge and the HEMI badges on each fender. A new performance- sculpted hood has a black air exhauster for added engine cooling.

Base price on the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is $46,660.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.

2012 Scion iQ is a big idea in a small package

By

Ron Beasley

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January 6, 2012

LTC-Scion iQ (2) — Three-door hatchback Scion iQ has a high beltline running from the large headlights up the A-pillar and across the roof and wrapping around the rear.

The new Scion iQ is the latest vehicle to join the growing list of micro-subcompacts that many auto manufacturers are offering American consumers.

Measuring just 10 feet in length and with the capability of seating four people, Scion is billing the iQ as the world’s smallest fourseat vehicle.

The iQ is a three-door hatchback with a geometric shape and it should give the Smart Car a run for its money. It has a strong, high beltline that runs from the large headlights, up the A-pillar and across the roof to wrap around the rear. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the geometric design.

The iQ is billed as a premium micro-subcompact and it is intelligently designed, with six engineering innovations basically responsible for its ability to be small in size, but large in capability. They are:

• A compact front-mounted differential;

• A high-mount steering rack with electronic power-steering;

• A compact air-conditioning unit;

• A flat gas tank housed beneath the floor;

• Slim-back front seats that optimize rear legroom, and

•A 3+1 offset seating arrangement that allows one adult to sit behind the front passenger and a child or small package behind the driver.

The iQ has a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a unique suspension design of MacPherson struts up front and a compact torsion beam in the rear. The combination allows the little car to maneuver through city traffic much easier than a larger vehicle. The overall length of just 120.1-inches and short front and rear overhangs allows the iQ to slip into virtually any urban parking space. At the same time, the iQ has a wide track of 66.1 inches for solid handling, much like a larger sports car.

The 2012 iQ is powered by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 hp and 89 pounds-feet of torque. It also has the latest dual VVT-i, allowing the engine to operate efficiently and deliver a broader powerband, yet requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency of 37 mpg.

The iQ comes standard with safety features that consumers expect and demand. It has 11 standard airbags, including the world’s first rear-window airbag, along with driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags, and (a Scion first) driver and front passenger seat-cushion airbags.

All iQs have the Star Safety System, which includes anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology brake-override. A tire-pressure monitoring system also is standard equipment.

Pricing on the Scion iQ starts at $15,265.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.

Biscayne National Park photos by Brian Trainor at City Hall

By

Begoñe Cazalis

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January 6, 2012

Brian Trainor 3735 — Photographer Brian Trainor

Fine Art photographer Brian Trainor presented his Biscayne National Park photography exhibit at the December’s Homestead City Council meeting. The pieces will be exhibited at the Homestead City Hall Council Chambers through January.

The photos, which were captured during his month-long artist residency at the National Park that surrounds Homestead, present themes of conservation and sustainability.

“In some of the pieces I focus on the beauty of our national park,” said Trainor, who recently completed an artist residency at Everglades National Park. “In others I isolated garbage I saw in the park to bring attention to the issue of pollution and destruction of our unique South Florida environment.”

Councilmember Stephen Shelley, who started the “Art in the Chamber” program, inaugurated the exhibit during the Wednesday, Dec. 14, Homestead City Council meeting, and invited the community to visit the council chamber and enjoy Trainor’s photography of Biscayne National Park.

Trainor, who has practiced photography for more than 30 years, does not digitally manipulate the pictures, but focuses on the process of photography from conception to life. His Everglades National Park artist in residency work also will be exhibited at the City of Homestead City Hall Council Chambers later in 2011.

For more information on Brian Trainor’s fine art photography visit online at http://briantrainorphotography.com or contact him by email at briansgallery@bellsouth.net.

KRMC hosts students for ‘Day in Life of a Nurse’

By

Gloria Burns

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January 6, 2012

KRMC Nurse — Kendall Regional Medical Center nursing staff meets with students in the Medical Assistance Program at Miami Senior High for the annual “Day in the Life of a Nurse” program.

Kendall Regional Medical Center (KRMC) hosted 20 students from Miami Senior High School on Nov. 10 for a “Day in the Life of a Nurse” program.

Mayra McCoy, RN, BSN, MS, KRMC’s director of education, partnered with Natasha Turner, head of the Vocational Department at Miami High, to provide the inspired learning experience.

The students enjoyed interacting with and listening to presentations by people who understand the nursing field like few others including Marcia Causa, RN, MBA, MSN, CCRN; Sehnie Talisayon, RN, BSN; Zenaida Ferro-Rodriguez, RN, BSN; Carmen Hamilton, RN, BSN, MSHSA, and Estela Carmona, RN, BSN. Those presentations, along with department tours, gave these students a true feel for the profession.

All those participating are part of the Medical Assistant Program offered at Miami High, one that promises to inspire many to go into the medical field as they move onto college.

For Kendall Regional Medical Center, this has been an annual activity for almost 10 years. Best of all, it gives the KRMC staff an opportunity to share their passion for nursing with the next generation.

Palace residents send touch of home to troops overseas

By

Kerry Green-Phillips

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January 6, 2012

Palace - Marjorie Bonien — Marjorie Bonien, of The Palace Suites, spent Saturday mornings creating one-of-a-kind cards for troops stationed overseas.

The Palace’s senior living communities are paying tribute to the U.S. military, veterans and their families by participating in the fifth annual American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.

The Palace Royale’s Make A Difference Club, comprised of assisted living residents, recently collected and assembled more than 150 Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa cards which the Red Cross will deliver to military bases and veterans hospitals during the holidays.

Each card was personally signed by club members and included notes of encouragement and gratitude.

“We’re honored to support such a worthwhile cause,” said entertainment director Pamela Parker, who organizes the service club. “Residents sent a ‘touch of home’ and were moved knowing their words would be read by the brave men and women who protect our freedoms and sacrifice so much for our country.”

The Palace Suites, which offers independent living, also participated in the campaign. Residents dedicated their Saturday mornings to creating and decorating one-of-a-kind holiday cards.

The Palace’s Kendall campus offers a continuum of care and includes The Palace Royale, The Palace Suites, The Palace Renaissance and The Palace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

For more information, call 305-270-7000 or visit online at www.ThePalace.org.

Local road use increased since xway tolls started

By

Richard Yager

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January 6, 2012

By Richard Yager….
Are you among many Kendall motorists avoiding SunPass and wondering why traffic is heavier on local roadways?

Three major East Kendall roadways showed increases in 2011 ranging from 2 percent to 12 percent in segments between S. Dixie Highway (US 1) and SW 110th Avenue, compared to 2010 counts when the Snapper Creek Expressway (SR 878) and a busy section of the Don Shula Expressway (SR 874) were toll-free.

Vehicle counts by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) showed corresponding increases in 2011 traffic on Sunset Drive (SW 72nd Street), Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street) and Killian Drive (SW 112th Street) since the establishment of Open Road Tolling (ORT) on SR 878 and SR 874.

Once ORT began in July 2010, use dropped by up to 21 percent on five of those former toll-free segments monitored through July 2011 in the same area frequently used by eastbound and westbound motorists. Brian Rick, public information officer for FDOT, said reduced expressway use may or may be attributed to the result of many factors including the economic conditions of recent years.