Every time a new cruise ship enters or leaves the Port of Miami, the Coast Guard celebrates it with an exciting waterfall display— a few days ago we witnessed the display from our condo for the uber luxurious cruise ship, Celebrity Beyond. The Miami Book Fair/ Miami Dade College is offering a multi-genre virtual creative writing course that starts tomorrow. True Miamians love our city in the summer. When the snowbirds go home, it’s time to play, and I have a fun experience you’ll enjoy all summer. And while Miami is glamorous, romantic, and sexy, it’s also insane with our reckless drivers. Stay safe!

Miami Coast Guard Pays Tribute to Celebrity Beyond

Every time a new cruise ship enters or leaves the Port of Miami, the Coast Guard creates an exciting waterfall display that celebrates its existence. Folks driving by on the MacArthur Causeway (see photo) get a real treat that you just don’t get to see very often.  It’s a beautiful sight. Fortunately for me, the windows of my condo stare straight down on Port Miami, one of the busiest cruise stops in the United States. Port Miami is located in Biscayne Bay, east of downtown Miami, and consists of three connected islands.

Eliot and I spotted a water display a few days ago and realized it was for the Celebrity Beyond. Coincidentally, our sister-in-law Dorothy and my niece Valerie were one of the first to cruise on this extraordinary ship. They told me that the red strip down the side of the ship is a restaurant that moves up and down. Dorothy told me the entire ship is a technology wonder.

Celebrity Beyond is a cruise ship owned by Celebrity Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Group. , Celebrity Beyond features Eden, a 270-degree, three-deck observation lounge which features a ramp connecting decks 5 and 6, in addition to a cafe, a bar, and a dining venue. In other words, you are moving up and down while eating one of your meals.

The ship is also fitted with the Magic Carpet-tender dock, designed to prevent hull collisions while anchored offshore. While sailing, the Magic Carpet is equipped with a bar and can be used as a patio,[7] when positioned at three different decks (Decks 5, 14, and 16).

The ship features a spa and a fitness centre that overlooks the sea from above the wheelhouse. The swimming pool area on the Celebrity Beyond is the first to be equipped with SpaceXStarlink internet connections. It’s now considered to be the most desired spot for remote working.

Miami Book Fair, Miami Dade College Creative Writing Classes 

Lyricism Across Genres: A Multi-Genre Creative Writing Workshop is a 4-week virtual course with poet and writer Fatimah Asghar.  Throughout these four workshops, attendees will engage in close study of poetry, film, and other forms of media, with exercises that help explore the essence of lyricism, and how it can be harnessed in service of our work in many art forms.

May 10, 17, 24 and 31 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom Registration: $200

The cost is $200 and you can get the details here.

Fatimah Asghar

Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation. There are 174 nations and 69 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and apprenticeships. Baccalaureate degree offerings include biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film and others.

MDC is renowned for its rich cultural programming. It is the home of the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Live Arts Miami, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Dyer Building, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, the Museum of Art and Design, a sculpture park and a large campus art gallery and theater system.  MDC has admitted more than 2,000,000 students and counting, since opening its doors in 1960. For more information, please visit www.mdc.edu.

Summer Fun with the Fountainhead Experience

I’m personally inviting you to a summer of great fun in Miami. Everyone thinks Miami is not the place to be in July and August because it’s hot and humid. I’m here to tell you it’s better than any city built on concrete. We have breezes from the ocean and plenty of shade from all of the tropical plants and trees that grow every inch in this city. The enjoyment of Miami in the summer is not a secret to our residents. Come on down. I’m going to give you a special incentive. If you spend time in Miami over the next few months, I will get you into one of these events. It’s usually closed to members only. Email me: loisw@hwhpr.com. I know the secret password to get you in.

Summer is when Miamians finally sink into what they love most about the city. With the absence of school, snowbirds, and traffic, the city quite literally becomes our playground. And while most arts organizations take a programming break for the summer, we’re excited to keep the inspiration flowing to keep things fresh in the Miami heat. This membership season, you’re invited to join us for newly launched breakfast series, open studios at Miami’s largest artist complex, a guided visit to the erotically charged Museum of Sex, and more. Your Fountainhead Experience membership supports an organization that has been making an impact in Miami for 17 years. Donations are tax deductible and directly impacts artists’ careers. Thank you for being a part of

Miami is Glamorous, Romantic, Sexy…and Insane

Miami drivers are reckless. I know this, but I wanted you to know. It’s a free-for-all. When you drive here, please watch out for the other guy/gal or they. Forget renting a car. Spend your money on an Uber or Lyft. It’s much safer and convenient. Everyone here is in a hurry. Life is fast-paced in the tropics. That’s because there is so much to do.

I’m the backseat driver from hell. For good reason. This happened two days ago. Watch this video.