"Puss in Boots" South Florida Premiere Rocks the Boat!

Kudos to Dreamworks & Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for hosting the South Florida screening of "Puss in Boots" on the Allure of the Seas docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous brunch reception where the stars of the film, Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas attended. It was great timing to have both Latino stars at the event being that October is Hispanic Heritage month.

Salma Hayek & Antonio Banderas

As per the film itself, I was skeptical of it since most spin off characters movies from hit films usually go straight to DVD, however “Puss in Boots” sets those apart. The film is actually funny and witty with Shrek-styled jokes for the adults to catch. The storyline is entertaining with a few familiar fairy tailed friends from Shrek and some new surprise additions. There are beanstalks, golden eggs and dancing cats, add 3-D to the mix and it’s a must see film for all ages.

It is great to see Hollywood working more Latinos into  mainstream films even if its heavy Spanish accents behind cute animated cats for now.

Girls are struggling with media images

From television and the Internet to music and magazines, the media strongly affects girls’ physical, emotional and social health.

For girls, these three facets of health are interrelated. Self-esteem and body image are a critical part of girls’ health and can often be manifested socially and physically. Right now, girls are struggling with media images, which, as a constant presence in their lives, can hurt their self-esteem and limit their choices of substantive role models.

At the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, and in Councils across Florida and nationwide, we are addressing the effects of media images on girls. Our programs help to educate girls on the positive and negative aspects of their interactions with the media, but we cannot solve the problem alone.

Even though we have seen the rise of “girl power” and a more girl-centric media, some media images continue to send girls the wrong message. Even media images directed at children reinforce stereotypes that girls and women must achieve physical perfection to be valued. Too often, girls and women are depicted as sexualized objects valued only for their appearance and sex appeal, according to a recent study by the Geena Davis Institute. The same study notes that most female media characters are still passive and submissive to men and have limited aspirations, leaving girls without active, ambitious female role models.

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida can attest to the fact that girls use media images of females to measure their own character and physical appearance. They are often left feeling inadequate. These feelings can lead to serious consequences for girls’ physical, emotional, and social health. For example, the pressure to be thin in order to be beautiful is lowering the age at which girls begin dieting to as low as 8. It is increasing the number of girls suffering from eating disorders. Low self-esteem contributes to decreased success in school and extracurricular activities, premature sexual activity and unhealthy or unsafe relationships with boys.

However, healthy media images help girls have a positive body image, high aspirations, and healthy relationships. Our children should be able to learn, thrive, and lead in an environment full of positive images of girls and women.

We at the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida provide a safe place for girls to grow into women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. In the new Leadership Journey, It’s Your Story — Tell It!, program activities and discussions that get girls to think critically about the media, including its portrayal of girls and women, are woven into each grade-level journey with a variety of goals:

At the youngest grade levels, the aim is to get girls to understand marketing tactics for young consumers. As the girls get older, the focus shifts to the limited roles and opportunities that media gives women and girls, and the narrow definition of beauty that media displays. At the highest grade levels, the girls consider the portrayals of relationships between girls and women.

It’s Your Story —Tell It! explores some of the same themes found in uniquely ME!, but as a Girl Scout leadership journey series, it offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to building leadership. Self-esteem is a natural by-product of this particular journey because, through storytelling and creative expression, girls gain a better understanding of themselves and their potential, and gain the confidence to become leaders in their own lives and in the world.

However, it will take the support and effort of our entire community to ensure that our kids are receiving healthy media images. We are asking the community to join us in promoting policies and practices among our local government and businesses that provide healthy media images of girls and women. All children should be surrounded by images that inspire confidence and provide substantive role models.

It is time we make a strong commitment towards creating a community truly invested in girls’ success and health. Together we can ensure that Girl Scouts creates an environment that fosters its children’s health and well-being.

Irela Bagué is the chair of the board of directors of Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/15/2454506/girls-are-struggling-with-media.html#ixzz1ayz1HIgM

10 Years Ago

I was in Tallahassee, Florida 10 years ago in a taxi cab on my way to the Capitol when on the radio I heard of the 1st plane crashing the WTC. It seemed like a freak accident but after arriving at the Capitol and waiting in an office for my first appointment, I saw with disbelief the 2nd plane hitting the 2nd building. At that moment, it all became crystal clear, this was no freak accident. Quickly they began to evacuate the building and my thoughts and nerves went to my 1 year old son in Miami.

I remember how hard it was to get calls through to loved ones as the lines were jammed with so much activity. The only thing in my mind was to get back to Miami as fast as possible but no air travel. I remember how strange it was that America's air travel stood still for those days post and how strange it was not to hear any planes fly overhead.

Fortunately, with the help of a few friends we shuttled back to Miami in packed car. I remember hugging my baby the minute I got home and the voice in my head telling me "never forget how precious life is and never forget how envied our freedom is". Those two are worth protecting and fighting for. A profound thank you to all of those who gave their lives that day and to those who continue to help protect our lives and freedom today.

Girl Summit for The Future of Girls in Miami, Florida

The Event

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida will host a GIRL SUMMIT for the Future of Girls in Miami, Florida on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 8:00am to 1:00pm at Jungle Island as a prelude to the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting in March 2012. Approximately 400 attendees are expected to attend this regional event and will include members of the general public, community leaders, and Girl Scout members from Tampa, West Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Focus of the Girl Summit

The GIRL SUMMIT will feature speakers and panel discussions that are focused on the message – Live Healthy / Lead Healthy. As we approach the 100th year of Girl Scouting in the U.S., the roles that girls are being prepared to accept in every walk of life have a deliberate focus on girls as leaders. The GIRL SUMMIT will deal with this focus and on the evolving positive images of girls.

Invited Speakers

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida has invited Kirsten Haglund (Miss America 2008), Dr. Donna Shalala (President, Univeristy of Miami), and other notable experts in the areas of media, advertising, youth, and health services, as well as alumnae of Girl Scouting and prominent women who have achieved the highest station in their professional and personal lives, to be panelists and speakers.

For Sponsorship Information or to purchase tickets go to www.girlscoutsfl.org

Gables Art Cinema Debuts International Children’s Film Series



Fairy Tale Character's in Eleanor's Secret



Just when Summer was starting to get a bit boring and parents are desperately trying to find anything to keep our kids busy, the Gables Arts Cinema launches its very first children’s film series with a screening this past weekend of Eleanor’s Secret.

The film is a beautifully animated French film (dubbed in English) with a magical and wonderful message about the joys of reading. My two nieces Vanessa and Valerie were happy to join me and truly enjoyed the film and free popcorn and drinks for the opening day festivities.

My nieces enjoying an afternoon at the cinema with Titi

The series continues July 22-24 with The Secret of Kells, a great film combines magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology and amazing animated drawing.  It tells the story of a young boy's adventures in an enchanted forest. The series ends with the Best of New York International Children's Film Festival, a collection of the top animation, live action and experimental film for kids from around the world and runs from July 29-31.

Midge Krams, Chair of the Children’s Program Committee for the Gables Arts Cinema told me that she was extremely pleased with the great turnout. She felt like a little girl waiting for guests to arrive at her birthday party and they did indeed. She also stated that the Gables Art Cinema plans to continue screening films for children and young adults throughout the year.

As a parent, I am happy that we have another film option in our community for our children versus the traditional IMAX 3D action packed over the top animation in mainstream cinemas today.  Kudos to the Gables Arts Cinema!

Upcoming films:
The Secret of the Kells - Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m.; Sunday, July 23 at 12:30 p.m.

Best of the New York International Children's Film Festival - Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 30 at 11 a.m.; Sunday July 31 at 12:30 p.m.



Sampling of the best of NY Intl Children's Film Fest

Special ticket prices for the International Film Series for Children are $3 for children 12-and-under and $5 for everyone else and include free popcorn and a drink, tickets available at the box office in advance or day of screening.

260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 385-9689 

www.gablescinema.com

It's Burgers, Burgers & More Burgers in Coral Gables



Top: One Burger, Burger Bob's. Bottom: BGR, Five Guys. Collage by Onelia Collazo Mendive.

If you have ever craved a good burger, then Coral Gables is rapidly becoming one of our community’s top places to find one.

I recently visited BGR the Burger Joint, which opened recently in the old Fat Burger space at 232 Miracle Mile. Although I do miss Fat Burger, at least folks can still find a good burger in the same spot just with an ’80s twist on the music and decor.

BGR, originally from Washington, D.C., is now a chain offering a blend of prime, dry-aged, all-natural, hormone-free, grain-feed beef (that’s a mouthful…literally). Apart from the traditional burger you can also try veggie, tuna, Greek and even a lobster burger! They also offer a 9-pound burger for free to anyone brave enough to eat it all in one sitting. It comes with a complimentary bottle of Maalox (LOL). I went for the traditional cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the meat.

I also liked the freestyle soda fountain dispenser; kids will love mixing Sprite with strawberry soda. And parents can also enjoy a cold one -- they offer draft beer as well as some wine selections.
For those who want a more gourmet-style burger, try One Burger located at 367 Alhambra Circle next to The Globe. This place has been in the Gables for years and consistently serves up tasty traditional and gourmet burgers. They pride themselves on being anti-fast food style and only use the very best ingredients. My favorite is the Frita Cubana seasoned Cuban style with finely chopped raw onions, house-made shoestring fries and tomato sauce.

Speaking of fast-food style, who can say “no” to those Five Guys burgers, not even President Obama can. The Gables location is conveniently located across the University of Miami at 1540 South Dixie Highway. As greasy and high-calorie as these burgers may be, they are just irresistible. I like the simplicity of their menu; they just serve burgers, fries in a bag, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches…oh, and the peanuts.

Last but not least is Burger Bob’s at the Granada Golf Course, 2001 Granada Blvd. The little, out-of-the-way diner has been a local secret spot forever. Bob Magruder will make sure that your burger is made to order and is the perfect size, not too big and not too small, just right.

So, the next time you’re in the Gables with a hamburger craving, there are plenty of places to visit to satisfy your appetite.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/06/18/blog-burgers-burgers-and-more-burgers-gables

Hispanics Enjoy Networking at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables

Anel Brito, LABA's Exec. Director
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

The first rule of networking is to get out of the office and meet people! It’s always a plus when the backdrop is a historic hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel has become the hotspot for many Hispanic business organizations in Miami-Dade.

I recently attended a networking event hosted by the Latin American Business Association (LABA). Membership is a mixed bag of business people ranging from developers, insurance brokers, attorneys and PR firms to small mom-and-pop shops eager to expand their contacts.

Rick Rodriguez Piña, LABA's Chair Elect
with new members
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

LABA typically invites a prominent speaker to its functions and at this particular event Marc Sarnoff, city of Miami commissioner, shared his vision of bringing new business to the city and streamlining our government.

The very next day, I was back at the Biltmore! Geared up and ready for a day of golf and more networking during the 10th Annual South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Tournament, benefiting Hispanic students seeking college scholarships.

Ready for golf with Rudy Bustamante of Junk Be Gone
photo by Julio Kamara

Members and guests were treated to a perfect day of golf. The Biltmore golf course is exceptional and anyone who plays there always comes back. The best part of these events is the networking that takes place post-tournament.


Golfers relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous awards dinner along with a live auction. Of course, there is no Hispanic networking event that wouldn’t be complete without the bar, generously sponsored by Bacardi USA. It’s definitely mixing business with lots of fun!

The chamber’s president, Liliam Lopez, commented that this was the first golf tournament the group held at The Biltmore but it often hosts luncheons at the hotel. In fact, the group is returning for its board installation luncheon in a few weeks.

 Commissioner Luz Weinberg & Bouygues Civil Works
photo by Julio Kamara

But wait … there’s more! The Biltmore is hosting the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) for its 32nd Hemispheric Congress trade show this week (June 1-4). The event is focusing on job creation and retention, as well as economic growth through international trade. Over 19 countries and many national chambers of commerce plan to attend.

What can I say? Latinos love to network and The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is the place where they are doing it.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/05/31/blog-hispanic-business-groups-enjoy-networking-biltmore