THE LAST TIME MIKE PENCE CUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING

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Some people never seem to learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately for our country, Vice President Mike Pence appears to be one of those stubborn personalities. On Thursday, Vice President Pence cast the tie-breaking vote that cut federal funding to Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood provides health services to women which range from HIV screenings to counseling for family planning. But this isn’t the first time Mike Pence has cut Planned Parenthood’s funding and you would have thought Mr. Pence learned his lesson from his last bite at Eden’s apple. As the Governor of Indiana, Pence similarly shuttered the doors on Planned Parenthood clinics throughout his state and the result was a massive HIV outbreak. Scott County is one of the poorest counties in Indiana. Health studies ranked Scott County as the most unhealthy county out of all 92 counties in the state. Prior to Pence’s pursuit of the deceptively appealing goal of gutting Planned Parenthood funding, there was only one HIV testing center in the entire county. When Pence shuttered the facility, there wouldn’t be any testing available in the county for another two years. The result was an explosion of 20 new HIV cases per week in a community with a population of less than 20,000 people. A mushroom cloud of HIV infections swept across one of Indiana’s poorest communities and was directly linked to Pence’s decision to place the long sought after goal of attacking a political enemy, above common sense and intelligent health policy.

The obsession with cutting Planned Parenthood’s funding finds its justification for eliminating the group’s vital services, in the war against abortion services offered by Planned Parenthood. The saddest of ironies in this cautionary tale is that the Planned Parenthood clinic in Scott County didn’t provide abortion services. As the Vice-President and the GOP prepare to cut even more funding for drug treatment programs, they risk turning the entire country into Scott County. Some people never learn from their mistakes.

PURE ELECTORAL GOLD: Cory Booker Dating Mindy Kaling?

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THE MINDY PROJECT -- "While I Was Sleeping" Episode 402 -- Pictured: (l-r) -- (Photo by: John Fleenor/NBC)

THE MINDY PROJECT — “While I Was Sleeping” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: John Fleenor/NBC)

Is Cory Booker running for President? We could read the tea-leaves in all of his impassioned Instagram posts; We could place his populist speeches under a micro-scope; Orrrr We could speculate wildly and with very little reason, that Cory Booker is Dating Mindy Kaling. The universally loved star of the Mindy Project is apparently also LOVED by Cory Booker himself. The two interacted on social media and after a few smooth texts from Booker, made plans to meet in the real world.

The interaction began when Booker expressed that his heart was broken by Kaling when she told an insulting joke involving his beloved city of Newark, New Jersey. The two exchanged declarations of mutual love, Booker then asked for a date and ultimately offered to send a car for Kaling (instead of letting her take the PATH Train system).

In the world of campaigns, this is literal Electoral Gold! The famous love stories of politicians have been pillars in the election efforts of every successful Presidential contender in history. Mindy Kaling is a magnetic starlet with an approachable disposition and penchant for social justice. Stump speeches by the would be “First Lady” would be both epic and electric. Mindy is also a trained actress and her phenomenal sense of humor and excellent comedic timing would be excellent attributes in the rigorous campaigning required during Presidential elections. Are we getting carried away and over analyzing harmless flirting on Twitter? OFCOURSE We Are! It is still fun to consider the possibilities.


mindy-kaling-cory-booker-twitter-2

 

Accessories Worthy of The BeyHive

Editor's Journal, Featured

Spring is upon us and nature-inspired jewelry line COUP, has the season’s must have pieces. But we can’t help but feel that the collection is very BeyHive friendly.  Celebrating nature in its rawest form, COUP takes a closer look at the relationships between humans, animals and nature.

Worthy Agenda: Yakuza Anniversary Party

Culture, Editor's Journal, Editorial, Featured

user 2017

Fall in love with food again. No longer does one have to sacrifice quality or comfort. Introducing Yakuza – where taste, quality and comfort are all fused. Take a modern restaurant, add some flare to the menu, mix in some corky cocktails and VOILA! You have a tasty Japanese sushi – Thai fusion restaurant like no other.

Yakuza – modern Japanese and Thai, launched a successful opening on March 10th, 2016. Adding tradition to modern creations, owners (husband and wife) Jay and Mini Areechot execute a unique menu, paired with tastefully chosen cocktails and exceptional customer service that is second to none.

“We are pleased at amount of support we’ve received from the community and couldn’t be happier sharing this anniversary with everyone.” – Mini Areechot

Yakuza - Seafood Pic

Yakuza only uses the freshest ingredients – a quality over quantity approach that many restaurants have long forgotten. On the menu, you’ll take notice of some fascinating creations like, Yuzu Jelly and Sake-Soy. Their specialty plates also include high quality proteins such as: Filet Penang, Cornish Hen Green Curry, and the mouthwatering Egg Crepe Lobster Pad Thai.

Their reviews are stellar! Pulling in local fishermen who enjoy the 9-fish option (used in their high-profile sushi) that no other local restaurant provides. “A customer can experience world class service, yet feel as if they are at home.” Says co-owner Mini Areechot.

Yakuza which translates to “Japanese Mafia” in Japanese, was inspired by a local Japanese restaurant in Chicago the two visited during their earlier entrepreneurial days. Satisfied with their moniker, the two-incorporated ambience, customer service and flavorful Japanese/Thai cuisines that gave way to a beautiful business venture that specializes in quality over quantity.

Today Yakuza Celebrates its 1-year Anniversary.

Experience live music, creative food options and sip on a complimentary cocktail as Pompano Beach’s only fusion Japanese-Thai restaurant turns one.

Anniversary

THE DEMOCRATS MISSED OPPORTUNITY

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AHCA

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the American Healthcare Act. Despite, holding both Houses of Congress and the White House, the Republicans are expected to vote down their own bill. The reform will cost 24 million Americans their healthcare. It slashes Medicaid and will raise premiums on all but the young and healthy. After 7 years of opposing Obamacare, the Republicans have managed to write a bill that fails to satisfy any of the ideological metrics that Republicans have used to assault Obamacare. Most prognosticators are certain that the AHCA will fail in a fantastic display of legislative pyrotechnics. TrumpCare, if you ask Paul Ryan or RyanCare, if you ask the Whitehouse, is so unpopular that the Whitehouse and Speaker of the House have publicly jousted regarding which Nom De Plume will go on the bill, with neither side desirous of having the dishonor. As the Republicans tempt fate and court decimation in the midterm elections, where are the Democrats? An article in The Politico offers an answer. “The Democrats New Obamacare Strategy: Get Out of The Way”. As a legislative strategy, this is largely the right approach. Democrats should not try to stall republican attempts to vote on a bill that reveals how their party has abdicated its core principles and were perhaps never sincere in their criticism of Obamacare. However, “Get Out of The Way” also seems to be the ethos of the national party. In an epic failure to capitalize, Democrats nationally have not used the disastrous AHCA as a mobilizing tool. Together, with the equally reviled Trump-Budget, the Democrats could easily assemble the ultimate Megazord to fight the GOP in the midterms. And yet, the Democrats have not begun to lay the foundation for an effective mid-term effort. The Democrats should have already hired new organizers and deployed them in the backyards of rural Republican districts. Organizing wins’ elections but Organizing isn’t about phone-calls or door to door. The foundation of Organizing is about building relationships and as Republicans turn their backs on the voters that elected them by offering policies that gut the programs those voters depend on, Democrats have an unprecedented opportunity to build new relationships with rural voters. As these rural Republican voters are forced to confront the reality that they need government programs just as much as the inner cities Republicans often lampoon, the Democrats have a chance to expose the core Republican obsession with the gutting of government programs as fundamentally flawed. Never before have Democrats had such an obvious opportunity to bring about a fundamental collapse of Republican orthodoxy by laying siege to the foundations and overly simplistic principles of the GOP. As rural Republican voters suddenly realize that they are just as dependent on government funding as liberal bastions and minority communities, Democrats have a real chance to batter the intellectual pillars that have buttressed conservative thought since the era of William F. Buckley. And what are Democrats doing instead: They are Getting Out of The Way. Democrats should have been using this time to reconstitute their army of Organizers and begin deploying them to the rural communities that roundly rejected their message in the last election. They can now show those voters the true cost of Republican cuts and argue forcefully for the power of government to improve their lives. The Dems should be giving Organizers the time it takes to build bonds with these new prospective voters who often hail from regions where being a Democrat is socially synonymous with being a communist. Democrats cannot afford to implement the “tried and failed” strategy of waiting until shortly before the mid-term or the Presidential election to deploy Organizers in the hope of making gains in communities that have believed for generations that being a Democrat is akin to being a traitor. The achilles heel of the Democratic Party is a lack of a sustained presence in these communities that nurtures and builds relationships with these votes. For the first time in a long time, these voters have eyes and ears to hear the message of the Democratic Party. The Democrats cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

NO SOUP FOR YOU: Trump Budget Slashes After-School Food Programs

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President Donald J. Trump’s first budget slashes funding to programs like Meals on Wheels and After School Programs that feed children in America’s public schools. After acknowledging that these programs are designed to feed kids that “can’t get a meal at home”, Budget Director Mick Mulvaney claimed that “there is no demonstrable evidence” programs that feed children “help kids do better in school”. Mick Mulvaney and his budget live in contradiction with the real world.

The finest example of increasing productivity by providing healthy lunches can be found in Silicon Valley where technology hubs have become famous for their comfortable cafeterias filled with delectable dishes like Ceviche, Quinoa Salads, Gourmet Pizzas, Espresso Bars (w/ Energy Drinks) and even Deserts. The  costly extravagances reflect the well-established, and quantitatively verifiable link between feeding workers and increasing their productivity. The World Health Organization’s studies have proven a 20% increase in brain power and productivity as a result of a healthy lunch. Entrepreneur Magazine sighted a study showing a 150% return on productivity for companies that invested in providing high quality lunches. Harvard Business Review, a school which ironically counts Budget Director Mick Mulvaney as an alumni, published that “food has a direct impact on our cognitive performance, which is why a poor decision at lunch can derail an entire afternoon. Just about everything we eat is converted by our body into glucose, which provides the energy our brains need to stay alert. When we’re running low on glucose, we have a tough time staying focused and our attention drifts. This explains why it’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach”. It seems reasonable to conclude that although these studies were conducted on adults, they apply to children who obviously don’t have a greater capacity to contend with hunger than their parents. Until now, no one has ever been craven enough to deny children food so that we can measure the decline in their performance. If feeding workers in Silicon Valley, where workers make substantial salaries makes sense, then feeding children who have no control over their economic situations is even more reasonable.

The budget put forth by President Trump and Director Mulvaney is cruel and short sighted. It induces a decline in performance and courts the academic failure of our children which creates ripples in the pool of workers from which our businesses draw.

Noteworthy: Underground Lauderdal Fashion Weekend

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 The debut of Underground Lauderdale Fashion Weekend will bring together fashion influencers and consumer enthusiasts from all over the country for an unforgettable fashion program with a touch of New York-inspired nightlife. The events will take place in sunny Fort Lauderdale March 30 through April 2, 2017. 

Underground Lauderdale Fashion Weekend is a partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Office of Film, Music, Entertainment and Creative Industries. 

“Underground Lauderdale fashion encompasses a style of bohemia. It’s progressive in terms of our fashion sensibility, yet mysterious, daring and reflective of our destination’s creative culture,” said Noelle Stevenson, Vice President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Office of Film, Music, Entertainment and Creative Industries.

 The fashion program will be anchored by world-class partners including national millennial organizations IVY and Create & Cultivate, along with some of fashion’s biggest luminaries including Nina Garcia, Nicole Miller, and Susanne Bartsch.

 Marie Claire’s Creative Director, Lifetime’s Project Runway Judge and all-around renowned Fashion Expert Nina Garcia, will host Friday night’s festivities March 31. This includes headlining designer runway show featuring Nicole Miller’s Spring 2017 Collection taking place at Fort Lauderdale’s red-hot arts district called FATVillage in an 8,000 sq. ft. raw space (523 NW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale), followed by an after party at Ft. Lauderdale hot spot, VIBE Las Olas. Nicole Miller will be showing pieces from her widely-praised Spring 2017 collection. The assortment will feature styles inspired by Panamanian art and culture, reflected in hand-finished beading, embroideries, and bright festive prints.

 “I am thrilled to be participating in Underground Lauderdale Fashion Week showing my Spring 2017 line! What better place to show bright, playful and stylish clothing than in Fort Lauderdale?” says Nicole Miller.

We are pretty excited as well. For additional information and to get your tickets click here

Three Reasons To Go To Jazz In The Gardens

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Jazz in the Gardens has easily become the City of Miami Gardens’ premiere entertainment event. For the past 11 years, Jazz in the Gardens has celebrated diversity, culture and art through various genres of music. This year we’re excited to see some of the hottest, most talented performers in music at the festival including: Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.

So it is not as if you need any more reasons to attend this year but here are three reasons you should consider attending. 


1. Enjoy some of the best cuisine Miami has to offer 

     At this point Reed’s conch and fritter salad has become a staple of the Jazz in the Gardens experience. But there is always the amazing opportunity to discover other local restaurants. One of our past favorites has been Lovely’s on The Go a culinary experience that will always have our loyalty. So the opportunity to explore and experience hidden Miami gems paired with Jazz in The Garden staples are enjoyably endless.  
2. Noteworthy experience: Laughter and “Feel Good Music

     This will be the third year that Rickey Smiley will be returning as the host of Miami’s ultimate musical festival. We are literally preparing our bodies for the laughter paired with a majestic musical experience. We are one hundred percent certain that we are in for a few euphoric days. 


3. Sound worthy music

     The musical line-up needs no introduction and we can honestly say that we are a fan of every artist. 

Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.
Jazz in the Gardens has easily become the City of Miami Gardens’ premiere entertainment event. For the past 11 years, Jazz in the Gardens has celebrated diversity, culture and art through various genres of music. This year we’re excited to see some of the hottest, most talented performers in music at the festival including: Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.

So it is not as if you need any more reasons to attend this year but here are three reasons you should consider attending. 
1. Enjoy some of the best cuisine Miami has to offer 

     At this point Reed’s conch and fritter salad has become a staple of the Jazz in the Gardens experience. But there is always the amazing opportunity to discover other local restaurants. One of our past favorites has been Lovely’s on The Go a culinary experience that will always have our loyalty. So the opportunity to explore and experience hidden Miami gems paired with Jazz in The Garden staples are enjoyably endless.  
2. Noteworthy experience: Laughter and “Feel Good Music”

     This will be the third year that Rickey Smiley will be returning as the host of Miami’s ultimate musical festival. We are literally preparing our bodies for the laughter paired with a majestic musical experience. We are one hundred percent certain that we are in for a few euphoric days. 
3. Sound worthy music

     The musical line-up needs no introduction and we can honestly say that we are a fan of every artist. 

Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.

New Initiatives you should know about
The Knight Foundation Arts In The Gardens Conference focusing on Film, Music, Art and Culture (FMAC at JITG) provides professional development and networking opportunities for arts managers and organizations, artists, community and economic development professionals, students, educators, and others working in the arts and cultural industry in South Florida and across the Nation.
This conference will change the way people think about South Florida’s film, music and art scene through exposing them to some of the best artists across diverse genres and highlighting a wide array of homegrown talent.
 
FMAC at JITG is a multi-purpose event that will educate, showcase and celebrate the diversity of art forms and artists in and around South Florida.

FMAC is a one and a half-day conference filled with intimate discussions with prominent figures in the art industry covering a wide-range of topics to include but not limited to:

Filmmakers will obtain insight into developing ideas, making films and getting them seen

Musicians will be inspired by industry professionals who understand their music and how to connect them with their audience

Artists will obtain insight on how to monetize their art and maximize their reach

Leaders will explore how art can be used as a catalyst for social change and economic development

Music, Film and Art lovers will benefit from art exhibits, art installations, interactive art experiences, performance art stations and Q&A sessions

Other aspects of the conference include:

Finals of the National Poetry Competition (cash prize)

A juried competition for musicians (cash prize)

A showcase of locally produced films

A concluding luncheon featuring a robust panel discussion with industry leaders to talk about longevity, how to reinvent yourself as a businessperson and other topics of interest (Women’s Panel)

For additional information and ticket purchases http://www.jazzinthegardens.com 

Jazz in the Gardens has easily become the City of Miami Gardens’ premiere entertainment event. For the past 11 years, Jazz in the Gardens has celebrated diversity, culture and art through various genres of music. This year we’re excited to see some of the hottest, most talented performers in music at the festival including: Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.

So it is not as if you need any more reasons to attend this year but here are three reasons you should consider attending. 
1. Enjoy some of the best cuisine Miami has to offer 

     At this point Reed’s conch and fritter salad has become a staple of the Jazz in the Gardens experience. But there is always the amazing opportunity to discover other local restaurants. One of our past favorites has been Lovely’s on The Go a culinary experience that will always have our loyalty. So the opportunity to explore and experience hidden Miami gems paired with Jazz in The Garden staples are enjoyably endless.  
2. Noteworthy experience: Laughter and “Feel Good Music”

     This will be the third year that Rickey Smiley will be returning as the host of Miami’s ultimate musical festival. We are literally preparing our bodies for the laughter paired with a majestic musical experience. We are one hundred percent certain that we are in for a few euphoric days. 
3. Sound worthy music

     The musical line-up needs no introduction and we can honestly say that we are a fan of every artist. 

Jill Scott, LL COOL J, ft. DJ Z-Trip, Common, The Roots, Andra Day, Herbie Hancock, Morris Day & The Time, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Betty Wright, Smokie Norful and the JITG All Stars – Chantae Moore, Will Downing and Marion Meadows.

New Initiatives you should know about


The Knight Foundation Arts In The Gardens Conference focusing on Film, Music, Art and Culture (FMAC at JITG) provides professional development and networking opportunities for arts managers and organizations, artists, community and economic development professionals, students, educators, and others working in the arts and cultural industry in South Florida and across the Nation.
This conference will change the way people think about South Florida’s film, music and art scene through exposing them to some of the best artists across diverse genres and highlighting a wide array of homegrown talent.
 
FMAC at JITG is a multi-purpose event that will educate, showcase and celebrate the diversity of art forms and artists in and around South Florida.

FMAC is a one and a half-day conference filled with intimate discussions with prominent figures in the art industry covering a wide-range of topics to include but not limited to:

Filmmakers will obtain insight into developing ideas, making films and getting them seen

Musicians will be inspired by industry professionals who understand their music and how to connect them with their audience

Artists will obtain insight on how to monetize their art and maximize their reach

Leaders will explore how art can be used as a catalyst for social change and economic development

Music, Film and Art lovers will benefit from art exhibits, art installations, interactive art experiences, performance art stations and Q&A sessions

Other aspects of the conference include:

Finals of the National Poetry Competition (cash prize)

A juried competition for musicians (cash prize)

A showcase of locally produced films

A concluding luncheon featuring a robust panel discussion with industry leaders to talk about longevity, how to reinvent yourself as a businessperson and other topics of interest (Women’s Panel)

For additional information and ticket purchases http://www.jazzinthegardens.com 

New Initiative you should know about
The Knight Foundation Arts In The Gardens Conference focusing on Film, Music, Art and Culture (FMAC at JITG) provides professional development and networking opportunities for arts managers and organizations, artists, community and economic development professionals, students, educators, and others working in the arts and cultural industry in South Florida and across the Nation.
This conference will change the way people think about South Florida’s film, music and art scene through exposing them to some of the best artists across diverse genres and highlighting a wide array of homegrown talent.

FMAC at JITG is a multi-purpose event that will educate, showcase and celebrate the diversity of art forms and artists in and around South Florida.

FMAC is a one and a half-day conference filled with intimate discussions with prominent figures in the art industry covering a wide-range of topics to include but not limited to:

Filmmakers will obtain insight into developing ideas, making films and getting them seen

Musicians will be inspired by industry professionals who understand their music and how to connect them with their audience

Artists will obtain insight on how to monetize their art and maximize their reach

Leaders will explore how art can be used as a catalyst for social change and economic development

Music, Film and Art lovers will benefit from art exhibits, art installations, interactive art experiences, performance art stations and Q&A sessions

Other aspects of the conference include:

Finals of the National Poetry Competition (cash prize)

A juried competition for musicians (cash prize)

A showcase of locally produced films

A concluding luncheon featuring a robust panel discussion with industry leaders to talk about longevity, how to reinvent yourself as a businessperson and other topics of interest (Women’s Panel)

For additional information and ticket purchases http://www.jazzinthegardens.com