Good Life

Return of the Peanut Gallery
 
 
by Michael W. Sasser
Consulting Editor

This week, with so many events and activities canceled or postponed due to ongoing difficulties associated with Hurricane Wilma, The Good Life is catching up on reader e-mail.
 
The following correspondences all arrived via email, and while some letter writers might have received brief personal replies at the time, these responses are entirely original and appear for the first time. Notes have been edited only for brevity and grammar.
 
All correspondences letter writers might like to see in print must include one’s name—first at least—and town of residence.
 
 
How is it that you can interpret the “merger” of Ballet Gamonet and Maximum Dance Company as anything but a sign that dance isn’t a viable form of entertainment for the members of this community? – “Dosi” – Sunny Isles Beach
 
Because everything is relative. Would it have been a better sign of the state of dance if one or the other of the now-merged entities went under for lack of funding or support? Plus, from my vantage point, I see the new company as having tremendous potential.
 
Many letter writers dropped me a line about my positive take on this particular column with similar themes. I know how serious dance aficionados take the art, but I also feel they should permit things to unfold, the group to have time to gel, and then make an honest evaluation of the situation.
 
 
If you acknowledge not being well-versed in ballet and dance in general, how is it that you review performances? – Ilana – Miami
 
Most significantly, I rarely “review” performances of either type. I leave that to people with a better foundation in it. I preview events—informing my readers of them based on information on hand and conversations with participants. Also, as long time readers know, I insist on declaring my own level of expertise in things in each column I write on them. We have together shared my exploration of contemporary art, as well as travel pieces related to parts of the country that are new to me. I admit in columns on dance and opera my own limited awareness. Other areas—food, film, wine, pop culture, contemporary music and classic jazz, to name just a few—I am vastly more involved with and will occasionally write a “review.”
 
Lastly, do you really think those writing on the arts in even the largest publications in a market are former professionals in the fields they respectively cover? They are not.
 
 
I just wanted to thank you for your support of local artists and [we] very young new artists. A friend informed me of a column you had done on emerging artists and locals in particular, and I have been reading you since. I just graduated art school and hope one day to be included in a showing you attend or write about. – Daniel – Miami Beach
 
New young readers are always a pleasure, so thank you for noticing the effort I do exert to discuss local and emerging artists. I find such artists to be producing some of the most interesting work these days, and I wish you all the best in your own career. See you one day at a gallery…
 
 
Your column on maintaining decorum in even the most heated public debates was right on the money and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf was a perfect example of some people’s inability to have legitimate discourse. And politicians and journalists wonder why so many Americans are disengaged from the political process? I turned off cable news after Katrina, not because of the horrifying images, but because of the even more horrifying political game of “blamesmanship.” Why don’t other members of the media push for decorum and demonstrate some themselves? – Alan – Kendall
 
Other members of the media have vested political interests in locating individuals to blame those the journalists don’t like. They are also poorly trained in J-School today to believe that every story has two sides and a conflict. Only wisdom can teach you that there are always more than two sides, and that conflict is inevitable in only a small percentage of news stories. But conflict and advancing an agenda is the means by which journalists are rewarded by their employers and garner acclaim—from other journalists of course.
 
 
Your case for flexibility in income tax deductions mentioned in your “Fundamental Fairness II” column for charitable donations is a pie in the sky idea, ripe for abuse and would only increase the number of people who don’t contribute their fair share for our civil society. – Frank – North Miami Beach
 
A civil society has hundreds of children in the care of the state of Florida lost? That “war on poverty” has gone about as well these past decades—as poverty increased annually. On a more positive note, I did not set out a plan for policy, just an idea to consider. Public discourse is laden with the same (generally failed) ideas that it has been for decades and I believe the landscape is only improved when those of us who will, toss out something legitimately “outside the box.”
 
Keep your notes and commentary coming. They are always welcome and dialogue with readers is one of the most enjoyable aspects of The Good Life.
 
-- Your input is welcome at The Good Life. Please send all correspondences, comments and announcements to SassFL@aol.com.

Culturally Speaking

Governmental Control Opposes
“Other” Viewpoints

by Ron Levitt
Contributing Writer

Back in 2004, when I met former General Wes Clark, I was in awe of this astute gentleman and his obvious respect for the American way of life. Among his many virtues was his expression of the need for an open society, where everyone’s views are respected.
 
Since our first meeting, from time to time I receive e-mail messages from him, on a variety of subjects. One of those, this past week, especially made an impression—and frightened me.
 
I will quote from his message because I feel it is of major importance, especially to those who are willing to listen to several viewpoints—not just a governmental press release. It all involves Ed Schultz, the prominent progressive radio talk show host on Air America, who is syndicated nationwide. But, the message is not about one man; it is about fairness.
 
The Wes Clark memo explained: “After being told that the first hour of Ed Schultz's daily radio show would air live on Armed Forces Radio every day, the Pentagon suddenly reversed the decision and refused to air Ed's program Monday morning, only hours before the first show would have been broadcast. The explanation for this sudden reversal seems weak.”
 
He went on to explain: “Last year, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced a resolution that was unanimously passed by the Senate, urging Secretary (Donald) Rumsfeld and Armed Forces Radio to ensure more political balance in programming. Then, at the end of September, Manny Levy, Chief of the Radio Division of the American Forces Network Broadcast Center, advised Schultz's distributor, Jones Radio, that: ‘AFN Radio has squared away everything on our end to begin carrying the first hour of 'The Ed Schultz Show' each day, beginning Monday, October 17, 2005.’”
 
But then it was learned that “suddenly, at 7am on Monday the 17th, Allison Barber, the Pentagon's deputy assistant secretary for internal communications—the same person who was responsible for staging last week's ill-fated video conference between President Bush and American troops in Iraq—called Schultz's producer. Without any further explanation, she simply said that the deal was off.”
 
It was just 11 years ago when 70 Republican Members of Congress, led by then Congressman Robert Dornan (R-CA), demanded that President Clinton's Secretary of Defense Les Aspin broadcast conservative talk broadcaster Rush Limbaugh's radio and television programs to the military.
 
I firmly believe Americans deserve the right to get all viewpoints—progressive or conservative. Whether one is a liberal or conservative, his voice is entitled to be heard. Certainly our men and women in the military are entitled to the freedom of opinions given in our Constitution. All voices must be heard to help ensure that the spirit of Senator Harkin's resolution—and the spirit of fairness. Remember—Armed Forces Radio is a taxpayer financed program.
 
If Armed Services Radio is good enough for Rush Limbaugh, it's certainly good enough for Ed Schultz.
 
Every reader should contact his or her Congressional Representative and complain about this one-sided control of taxpayer-sponsored broadcasting.
 
Ron Levitt, an entertainment/travel writer, served as Assistant Secretary of State, overseeing cultural affairs. The former United Press Correspondent is president of the South Florida International Press Club. Reach this column at ron@levittgroup.com.

Cool Sightings

Get Your Groove On
 
by Becky Randel
Contributing Writer

I recently realized that I have yet to write a “Cool Sightings” article about music of any kind. Although I would not consider myself a music “junkie”—I certainly don’t compare to friends of mine who still go to concerts regularly and always have the inside scoop on new bands—I do find that I have a wide range of taste in music and can offer suggestions in many genres. The following is a rundown of recent offerings I have enjoyed in the many different arenas of the music I listen to. This is certainly not a complete list of any kind, but some solid suggestions if you’re looking for some new tunes.
 
New/Young/Independent Music
 
Our Endless Numbered Days - Iron and Wine: Miami local Sam Beam is the songwriter, singer, and principal musician of Iron and Wine and he is certainly a new talent who is here to stay. Featured on such hit movie soundtracks as In Good Company and Garden State, Iron and Wine’s most recent album is this 2004 offering. Somewhat more uplifting than the first, while remaining poetic and extremely moving, Iron and Wine’s second album has all the genius of his first. He added some musicians on this one (including his sister Sara on vocals), and one can hear him maturing as an artist, with every song he sings and lyric he writes. 
 
How It Ends – Devotchka: An Indy cult band and South by Southwest favorite for some years, Devotchka is finally getting some of the attention it deserves. With a Morrisey meets Ukraine rock meets Gypsy Kings blend (I know that makes no sense), DeVotchka has created a unique sound of its own that is also somehow comfortably familiar. Their newest album shows major growth and maturity, and the title song “How It Ends” is one of those rarities you just can’t stop putting on repeat. 
 
New Albums from Established Musicians
 
“Wildflower” - Sheryl Crow: Due to the recent Lance Armstrong/Sheryl Crow media saturation, I hadn’t paid much attention to her new album that debuted in September. But after seeing her sing on “SNL” this past weekend, I remembered what an incredible performer she is and I really enjoyed the new song she sang. Of the women in music today, Crow is certainly not the most edgy, the most miserable, or the riskiest; but she constantly delivers good folksy-rock that is fun to listen and sing along to. A consistent performer is a rare breed these days, and this album does not disappoint. 
 
“All that I Am” – Santana: Carlos Santana may be one of the extremely few musicians who actually improves with age. He keeps up with the times while setting new trends, which is truly amazing. A blend of many different music styles including jazz, Latin, and soul, this album is really impressive. Filled with some new duets (including another great one with he and Michelle Branch), Santana has done it again.  Be sure to check out the song “Trinity”—really moving sound. 
 
Greatest Hits Compilations
 
“Silver – The Best of the Box” – Nirvana: As an adolescent of the ‘90s, I simply cannot fail to mention this collection of one of the most influential bands of that time. Though there isn’t that much new music here (the lead singer has been dead for over ten years, after all), many of the songs are cult favorites Nirvana fans have spoken of but no one got to hear. Definitely a must buy for any Nirvana fan and if you liked the band but never got really into them, you’ll certainly enjoy hearing some of their “lesser known” tracks like “Do Re Mi” (which for some bizarre reason reminds me of the Beatles) and “Sappy.” 
 
“Ultimate Isaac Hayes: Can You Dig It?” – Isaac Hayes: I’m not an avid Isaac Hayes fan and I won’t pretend to be, as I know he is sacred to many, but a friend of mine gave me this album to introduce me to his work and I absolutely love it. As a singer/songwriter/producer for five decades, Isaac Hayes has had a hand in everything from Soul Man to Shaft to “South Park” (he is the deep-voice of the Chef). A mixture of funk, live performances, relaxed ballads, major hits and single edits, this two-disc package appeals to major fans as well as newcomers and is a great introduction to the world of one of the greater talents of this century. 
 
Re-released/Re-tooled/Re-covered Classics
 
“By Myself – The Songs of Judy Garland” – Linda Eder: To be honest, I didn’t realize how many “familiar” classics Judy Garland had actually sung. I’m glad Linda Eder made this tribute, as she beautifully captures the haunting yet touching words and music of Garland, without trying to compete with her.  She created an amazing original by combining “Boy Next Door” and “You Made Me Love You”—simply remarkable!
 
“Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook, Vol. IV” – Rod Stewart: Yes, I’ll admit it; I’m a young, hip woman of today, but I can’t help but find Rod Stewart sexy. That voice gets me every time. In his fourth collection of re-done classics (mostly as duets), Rod has compiled another entertaining album. Don’t miss Chaka Khan in “You Send Me.”
 
New Jazz/Funk
 
The Soul of Nina Simone – Nina Simone: God bless Nina Simone and whoever taught her to sing, and God rest her soul. As a 14-year-old suburban teen, Nina’s music made me feel connected to a complex outside world I had only seen in movies. Her voice is neither pointedly male nor female, and her words and music simply connect on a higher level. This is a collection of some of her songs you may not have heard before…amazing.
 
One Down, One Up – Live at the Half Note – John Coltraine: A collection of eight live performances John Coltraine originally did for a Jazz radio show, this partial album contains performances Coltraine fans have been listening to and studying for years. Being as I don’t know nearly enough about one of (if not THE) kings of Jazz, I will simply say for fans and non-fans alike, this is a downright COOL album that shows a different side of the legend. I love how it’s not perfectly edited.
 
Audiobooks
 
The last category on my list is actually not music, rather, audiobooks or Books on Tape. The fact that I download these regularly to listen to at the gym brings my nerdiness out of the closet, but it’s worth it for anyone missing out on this invention. Be it on a long car ride, taking a walk, or working out, books on tape keep me entertained and in another world at the exact times I want to be. It is important, though, to know what you are buying, as not all books that may be enjoyable/educational while reading will necessarily keep you entertained while listening. I try to stick to either really fast-paced novels like thrillers or chic-lit, bestsellers that I never got a chance to read and am finally not sick of hearing about, or books written by those with great acting or speaking talent. Below are some of my recent favorites. 
 
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey: This is one of those books I held off on while everyone was talking about because I wanted to form my own opinion. I finally downloaded the audio version to give it a try and I did NOT regret it. Due o James Frey’s brutal honesty and lively storytelling, there is never a dull moment while listening to A Million Little Pieces.  It’s a wild, crazy, admittedly narcissistic, and finally uplifting story that goes by extremely quickly.
 
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris: David Sedaris’s writing is funny; David Sedaris reading his own writing is downright hysterical. This wonderfully funny and touching collection of stories is perfect for 20-30 minute listening sessions and will have you laughing out loud every ten seconds. 
 
The Narrows by Michael Connelly: Nothing life changing here, just a good mystery with interesting characters and well thought-out surprises from an author who knows how to do it right. The Narrows is great for a car ride.
 
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: If you happen to be one of the ten people who has not read this book, try a different option and listen to the audio version. It’s an easy way to get through a story that may seem intimidating because of its length, controversy, and time on the bestseller list; but in actuality, the book is entertaining along the lines of Indiana Jones. I listened to the audio version about two years after reading the book, and I preferred the audio. It was fun and somehow made the subject a little more lighthearted and fantastical (and the story stand out more than the background), as opposed to something super serious and controversial (which is what I personally think the author intended). 
 
If you either own or would like to share information on a potential Cool Sighting, email Coolsightings@aol.com.

The Must Know

Excuse Yourself
 
by Dr. Jane
Contributing Writer

Have you ever been late to an appointment? And, when you finally arrive, you skip the explanation because you figure no one wants to hear your excuse? Well, from here on out, you’ll want to start talking your way out of trouble, because not saying something may actually do more harm than good.
 
According to a research study in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, talking about the “why” can keep cooperation levels high. 
 
Whenever we disappoint others, maybe we’re late to a meeting, or late in responding to an email, or late in returning a call, the mere act hurts other people’s view of us. Not only will we be the one our coworkers think of as “always late,” but also…they’ll be more likely to make us wait in the future, too! 
 
So, to keep others’ perceptions and cooperation on the plus side, you need to communicate. Tell your friends or coworkers the reason behind you letting them down. If you were late to the morning meeting, tell your coworkers and your boss about the accident that closed three lanes of traffic. If you don’t tell them what kept you behind the pack, you might give off the message that you think the rules don’t apply to you! So, when you apologize for being late, squeeze in a phrase or two about the reason that you were running behind the clock. If the group knows what kept you, they’ll be more likely to understand what happened and forgive you for the interruption. 
 
The same idea applies to those emails that keep slipping by and those telephone messages that keep piling up. We all know how it feels when our email messages or telephone calls don’t get returned. A little bit of us wonders if our messages made it through cyberspace, but then, a larger part of us wonders why our friend, our coworker, or our neighbor didn’t return our message. And the longer we wait and wonder, the longer we start to feel rejected and maybe a little upset, too. It’s an awful feeling that could be avoided by (finally) replying to the email or the telephone call and telling our friends the reason for the delay. Whether it’s a vicious computer virus that’s been keeping your computer on the fritz or a hectic work schedule that’s kept you buried in errands, tell your friends about what’s going on behind the scenes.
 
By sharing the cause of your misstep, you’re letting others know your true intentions—which are far from the evil ones they thought you had. 
 
Dr. Jane is a licensed clinical psychologist and author of multiple chapters and research articles in the field of psychology. To suggest future Must Knows, you can email Dr. Jane at drjane@themustknow.com. To read more Must Know pieces, visit www.themustknow.com.

Social Scene

 Ambassadors Sparkle with their
New Emerald Society

by Sir Ron Wetherington
Columnist

The Emerald Society, a new fundraising group within the Ambassadors of the Wien Center of Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, made a sparkling debut during an elegant cocktail buffet.
 
Approximately eighty people attended the event, which took place at the Porto Vita garden apartment of Carole Wien Langer, president of the Ambassadors and her husband Marshall. The Emerald Society represents a new and higher level of giving within the Ambassadors. Donors who pledge a minimum of $5,000 receive a beautiful, solid gold butterfly pin adorned with emerald eyes. Commissioned especially for the group, the elegant, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry will be a unique and lasting symbol of the important work of the Wien Center.

 
The evening included a presentation by Rajan Durara, M.D., medical director of the Wien Center, who spoke about the exciting work underway at the center. Located at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, the Wien Center seeks an end to Alzheimer’s disease and similar ailments through research, diagnosis, education and treatment.  
 
For additional information about the Ambassadors, call the Mount Sinai Center Foundation at 305-674-2777.
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
 
1.  Dr. Richard Isaacson, Carole Wien Langer, Leonard A. Wien Jr., Josie Wien Kenin and Dr. Ranjan Duara
2.  Marla Bergmann, Carole and Marshall Langer, Steven D. Sonereich, Ethel Blum Dublin, George Bergmann, Dr. Barry Baumel and Martin J. Gelb
3.  Drs. Ranjan and Shahnaz Duara, Jerry and Jane Goodman
4.  Dr. Elliot Levy and Dr. Amery Wirtshafter
 
Photos by Anthony Sommers

Kodak Moment

PHOTO IDS
 
1.&2. Adam Price, a senior at New Hampton School in New Hampshire, runs the ball in for a touchdown versus Holderness School on October 12

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