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AOSB VIDEOS

Alive on South Beach video episodes

Conversation with James Redwood

by Alive On South Beach July 15, 2022

DYSLEXIA OR DISLEXYA … DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU HEAR AND SEE!

While researching a story to address the issues of self-publishing v. publishing with a major publishing house, I discovered James Redwood, a first-time, self-published author (“Two Ships”).

James Redwood also spent 18 years teaching children who have dyslexia and/or dysgraphia how to correct this problem using the Orton-Gillingham Approach. The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling tasks do not come easily. https://www.ortonacademy.org/

I (Stewart Stewart) have been dyslexic all my life – but my problem hadn’t been officially labeled until recently when I read a document out loud in front of an audience and stumbled over several words. I am now on a quest to learn as much as I can about dyslexia and how to treat it.

Over 10% of the World’s population are dyslexic. I’m sure you know somebody who is. And if you’re not sure, watch my conversation and learn enough to tell.

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

MIAMI ART WEEK

by Dena Stewart November 15, 2021

It is December 2020 – when all the Art Fairs went virtual because of COVID-19. We look forward to Miami Art Week and Art Basel|Miami Beach returning in 2021 so we can all have the incredible Art experience once again.

Remembering Art Basel|Miami Beach and Miami Art Week 2019

Thanks to Art Basel Miami Beach, an Art Expo that originated in Basel Switzerland, for the past 18 years Miami and Miami Beach have become the epicenter for a week of art-related experiences. Educational presentations, culturally diverse exposure, elegant parties and down-to-earth social interaction take place wherever there is space. While the Art Basel Expo takes place inside the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center, major Satellite Art Fairs are set up in block-long tents.

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Store fronts are turned into pop-up galleries. Hotel Lobbies and empty hotel rooms are filled with artwork. Established museums host extravagant Art Openings. The city of Miami Beach sponsored an installation of sand sculptures that look like cars.

The Nader Museum installed thirteen statues by master Painter and Sculptor Fernando Botero on Lincoln Road.

All this grabs the attention of hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Miami and Miami Beach in droves specifically to be part of the scene.

And this year, a banana duct-taped to the wall at Art Basel Miami Beach stole the show!

**“COMEDIAN” by artist Maurizio Cattelan** presented by the **Perrotin Gallery**

As media, Stewart Stewart and I (Dena Stewart) attended the preview of Art Basel Miami Beach 2019 before the International Art Fair opened its doors to the public. We saw the “COMEDIAN” before the hype!

We laughed at the simplicity of the concept by artist Maurizio Cattelan – and were amazed at the level of conversation, inspiration, and emotion the display generated. In addition to the 81,000 people who attended Art Basel Miami Beach and saw the banana first-hand, this exhibit even inspired a social media competition … who can tape the biggest and most outrageous fruit and/or vegetable to a wall. And this was before it was reported that the “Comedian” was sold to a private collector for $125,000 USD.

Then along came performance artist David Datuna who removed the banana from the wall and ate it. Not to worry. Artist Maurizio Cattelan had another banana or two handy just in case of such vandalism! But by Sunday, the crowds were posing a nuisance to the surrounding nearby Gallery exhibitors. The organizers of Art Basel had no choice but to ask Perrotin, the gallery that represents artist Cattelan, to take down the controversial display. “With a heavy heart” they did!

So, was this a contrived publicity stunt from the get-go? Maybe? If yes, it was a good one! As a result, the 18^th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach (December 5 to December 8, 2019), once again outdid itself. Miami Art Week was sensational. In addition to more than 200 Galleries housed in the main Halls of the Miami Beach Convention Center, this year Meridians was debuted for large-scale installations that were set up in the new (open to the public for the very first time) Meridian Ballroom.

As in previous years, Stewart and I tried to see as much art as physically possible and take advantage of the best part of Miami Art Week – meeting up with colorful artists, designers, art enthusiasts, art buyers, collectors, and friends.

In Episode 77 of Alive on South Beach we spoke with Elysze Held, Stylist and Fashion Editor for the Miami Herald’s Indulge Magazine; Carol Coombes, Grant Writer and Consultant for non-Profit Arts Organizations; Shimeah Daviz, New York Web Designer/Art Director; Chef Norman van Aken, Creative Culinary Artist (Time Out Market Miami Beach); Roger That, Miami-based Fashion Designer; Donovan Swick, Art Curator from Knoxville, Tennessee; and Daniel Chimowitz, New York Fashion Designer.

Some of the Satellite Art Fairs we went to include, but were not limited to:

All in all, Miami Art Week 2019 was creatively stimulating and socially exciting, climaxing with the annual sensational Sagamore Hotel Brunch.

**Brunch at the Sagamore with some friends**

And now, we look forward to Miami Art Week 2020.

And another thank you to incredible songstress **Nicole Henry** and to newscaster **Lisa Petrillo** for their shout-out

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AOSB VIDEOS FESTIVALS

SOBE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

by Alive On South Beach October 25, 2021

Finally, our anticipated return to what we once considered “normal” entertainment was here. As we all know and sadly experienced, last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the South Beach Seafood Festival was cancelled. So when we learned that our favorite annual food event was returning this year (2021) with a lineup of the best seafood offered and live music spread out on the sands of South Beach, we were ecstatic.

Well, this year, the day of the evening festivities, was storming! Pouring rain, thunder, and dangerous lightening forced the concerned producers of the long-anticipated Chef Showdown – a premier activity of this Festival – to protect the people. The Chef Showdown was postponed to the following night, and it didn’t disappoint. The weather cooperated and the crowds came! The daytime festivities were upbeat and fabulous. And the nighttime Chef Showdown was the best ever – Delicious samples of creative seafood dishes prepared by five-star rated chefs, exotic dancers to ogle, and competitive cooking performances to watch and enjoy.

WWW.SOBESEAFOODFEST.COM

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

LEONARD PITTS, JR.

by Alive On South Beach June 29, 2021

Way back, as a five year old, when John F. Kennedy was still in the White House and “Whites Only” signs were still on the walls, LEONARD PITTS, JR. knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.

In a career that now spans 43 years, Leonard Pitts, Jr. has worked as a columnist, a college professor, a radio producer and a lecturer. But those are just the job titles. If you ask him what he does – what he is – he’ll tell you now what he would have told you then.

He is a writer.

Millions of people are glad he is. They read him every week in one of the most popular newspaper columns in the country. Many more have come to know him through a series of critically-acclaimed books, including his latest, a novel of race, faith and World War II called The Last Thing You Surrender.

Pitts’ stubborn devotion to the art and craft of words has yielded many awards, chief among them the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

His column on the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, “We’ll Go Forward From This Moment,” has since been set to music, reprinted in poster form, read on television by Regis Philbin and quoted by Congressman Richard Gephardt as part of the Democratic Party’s weekly radio address.

Taken directly from his official biography, “Leonard Pitts, Jr. is a three-time recipient of the National Association of Black Journalists’ Award of Excellence, and was chosen NABJ’s 2008 Journalist of the Year. He is a five-time recipient of the Atlantic City Press Club’s National Headliners Award and a seven-time recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Green Eyeshade Award. In 2001, he received the American Society of Newspaper Editors prestigious Award For Commentary Writing and was named Feature of the Year in the column writing division by Editor and Publisher magazine. In 2002, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists awarded Pitts its inaugural Columnist of the Year award; in 2016, it named him to its Hall of Fame. In 2002 and in 2009, GLAAD Media awarded Pitts the Outstanding Newspaper Columnist award. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Missouri Honor Medal for “distinguished service to journalism.” He has received four honorary doctorates.

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

Mango’s Tropical Cafe

by Alive On South Beach June 10, 2021

Stewart Stewart and I (Dena Stewart) recently had an opportunity to talk with David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Café on Ocean Drive, South Beach. Mango’s had recently re-opened after closing its doors during the COVID pandemic and the energy in the club was loud even before the crowds of happy patrons rushed through the doors.

Having lived on South Beach since January of 1987, Stewart and I remembered the Eastern Sun in the space Mango’s now occupies – also owned and operated by David Wallack. The Eastern Sun was the first holistic luxury Adult Congregate Living Facility (ACLF). We remember marveling at the senior citizens sitting out on Ocean Drive, enjoying the fresh ocean air and the company of one another. Sometimes there was a local band playing and the seniors would dance to the music. At that time, South Beach was old. But beautiful.

The developers recognized the value of the Art Deco architecture, bought and renovated the properties, and in a few years, South Beach became SOUTH BEACH. It was time for the Eastern Sun to be reinvented – Mango’s Tropical Café was conceived. And its reputation as the perfect place to party, with high octane Latin music, dancing, drinking, and international cuisine, made it the go-to destination for a guaranteed good time.

And now a Shameless Plug …

**Available on AMAZON and through other Book outlets**

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

ALIVE ON SOUTH BEACH 42, wild boar, MEMPHIS, Polo & More …

by Dena Stewart September 30, 2020

Episode 42 opens with Rapper Fat Joe giving a shout out. MEMPHIS – the Broadway Musical tours Miami and Bryan Fenkart, the star of the show tells his Cinderella story. TravelHost Miami-Dade Magazine has a party to release its 8th issue. The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX on the sands of South Beach. Playwrite/comedic actress Frannie Sheridan explains the “Jewish-Shiksa”. Stewart learns how to eat Invasive Species cooked up by Chefs Todd Erickson (Haven Restaurant), Julie Fran (Sensia Restaurant-Palms Hotel), Kris Wessel (Florida Cookery-James Hotel), Amber Antonelli (Naked Bite Catering) and Lanette Sobel (Fertile Earth Foundation) & the “Ladies of Manure”. A report about Urban Beach Week 2013, and Actor Carlos Gomez (Dr. Sanchez on the A&E detective drama “The Glades”) gives a shoutout to end this episode.

Frannie Sheridan’s Love Balm to Dena and Stewart – THANK YOU, FRANNIE. WE LOVE YOU.

FACEBOOK LOVE! Today I'm LOVE BALM-ING Dena Stewart and Stewart B. Stewart
FACEBOOK LOVE! Today I'm LOVE BALM-ING Dena Stewart and Stewart B Stewart from LIVE ON SOUTHBEACH!
Posted by Frannie Sheridan on Tuesday, September 29, 2020

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

AOSB goes to SoBeWFF

by Alive On South Beach September 11, 2020

Giada De Laurentiis at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival

As COVID-19 made its way into Florida, we were going about our business, preparing to go behind the scenes of South Beach to talk with some “typical” SoBe event goers and gather content for Episode #79 of Alive on South Beach. We had just covered our first event – the South Beach Wine and Food Festival – when the world as we knew it changed. Events were cancelled and Miami Beach went into lockdown. Of course, we hoped that the pandemic would be short-lived and that we would get back to “normal” quickly.

So, we held on to this spot in anticipation of gathering additional content – going to more events and meeting lots more interesting people.

But that hasn’t happened, and it doesn’t look like it will any time soon.

If you’re like us and miss the South Beach buzz, here’s a look at the good old days – February 2020 – at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival “SoBeWFF”.

Stay healthy and safe.

Dena & Stewart

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

NATPE MIAMI 2020

by Alive On South Beach July 7, 2020

10th Anniversary of NATPE Miami

In Episode 78, Alive on South Beach goes to NATPE

NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives was established in 1963. It is best known for its annual NATPE Market & Conference.

**Among the exhibitors in the NATPE Marketplace**

This year, 2020, was the 10^th Anniversary of NATPE MIAMI, held each year at the five-star Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. Media buyers, program distributors, financiers, advertisers, technology experts, and content producers participated in, or attended, educational panel discussions, award presentations, and parties. Many attendees initiated or solidified business deals.

**Out at the Fontainebleau pool, where business is done!**

The three-day Conference was full of exciting, inspiring events – too many for us to attend.

**NATPE Miami**
**2020** Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award Winners:
Marcos Santana, Courtney A. Kemp, Karey Burke, Christine Baranski, Jeff Zucker
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com

So, this year, the 2^nd Annual GLOBAL TV DEMAND AWARDS caught our attention.

Hosted by Carson Kressley, the presenters included actors Esai Morales (Titans), Martin Kove (Cobra Kai), Hailie Sahar (Pose), and Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian). We chatted with these notable actors to find out what they are currently involved with.

**Carson Kressley giving *“Queer Eye for the Straight Couple”* advice**

**ESAI Morales**
Crossword Puzzle clue-Actor Morales best known for his role in La Bamba!
Now starring in Titans.
And a personal friend of Dena and Stewart for more than 35 years.
Also, shares a birthday (October 1st) with Dena Stewart.

The atmosphere was exhilarating, both inside the bustling Fontainebleau Hotel, and outside at the glistening pools where Miami had its day of winter when the temperature dipped into the 40s with 20 mph wind gusts, making the 10^th Anniversary of NATPE Miami memorable … until NATPE returns to Miami to celebrate its 11^th Anniversary in 2021! And we’ll be there!!!

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

Americas Food and Beverage Show, SOBE Seafood Festival, and NOLA

by Alive On South Beach November 6, 2019

Episode 76 of Alive on South Beach goes to the South Beach Seafood Festival, New Orleans, and the 23rd Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference

Stewart and I (Dena) attended the 23^rd Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference held every year at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year there were many new culinary treats hoping to reach the markets. We tried them them all. The Maricota Cheese Bread of Brasil gets our vote. Crunchy on the outside and delectably gooey inside – either savory or sweet, it’s a fabulous cocktail party treat or everyday snack. And if we to stay away from dairy and meat products, Skye Burgers have that meaty taste vegetarians love.

As it does every year, the South Beach Seafood Festival rocks. A week of events for seafood lovers culminates with the weekend – the Friday night Chef Showdown, where Chefs from the very best Seafood Restaurants in Miami compete for the bragging rights of being “The Best”. And nothing compares to the Saturday Festival on the sands of South Beach – spanning four blocks – with booth after booth of the very best seafood combinations imaginable. And let’s not forget the music, games, and alcoholic beverages that make this event spectacular.

**SOBE Seafood FESTIVAL on the Sands of South Beach**

Reggie Pearson “Mr. Lincoln Road”
at the Meat Market

**Executive Chef, Kal Abdalla**
**A Fish Called Avalon**

Stewart and I (Dena) try to coincide our vacation schedule so that we don’t miss any of our favorite food events. This year, as a last-minute necessity to “get away” we popped into New Orleans. Having never been there, of course we were intrigued by the macabre tourist attractions. And, staying in step with our love for good food, this was the ideal stop for us to sample some tasty Cajun cooking – I love grits and biscuits, Jambalaya, Po’ Boys, Creole seasoned Gumbo – finished off with a beignet (deep-fried dough sprinkled with a heavy helping of powdered sugar). Yes, the French Quarter is spectacular with the ornate verandas featured in Mardi Gras photos, and Bourbon Street lives up to its decadent reputation, but it’s the people, locals and tourists, who make New Orleans a City like no other – except maybe South Beach!

**New Orleans definitely has an interesting history …**

**A delicious traditional New Orleans treat – the Beignet**

So, in Episode 76 of Alive on South Beach, we ate a lot! And now we must return to our salad and workout routine before The Miami Book Fair comes to town, Art Basel takes over our Miami universe, and the Holiday season is once again upon us.

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AOSB VIDEOS NEWS

USA-CBD EXPO IS ALIVE ON SOUTH BEACH

by Alive On South Beach September 7, 2019

USA-CBD Expo presented by KoiCBD at the Miami Beach Convention Center

One of the perks of living on South Beach is that conference planners love the atmosphere, and Stewart Stewart and I (Dena Stewart) have the opportunity to learn about different industries. The new, multi-billion dollar CBD Industry was one of them.

We were already aware of the amazing healing powers and pain relief derived from CBD products and we wanted to know more.

In Episode 75 of Alive on South Beach®™ Stewart and I went to the Miami Beach Convention Center for the very first USA-CBD Expo. More than 700 CBD-related companies were represented.

During this two-day, very crowded, lively, carnival-like event, Stewart and I tried CBD-infused cocktails, coffee, candy, soap, lotions, balms, creams, facial treatments and supplements.

We spoke with CBD growers, manufacturers, distributors, investors, buyers, vendors, future sellers, consumers, and others like us who were curious about the benefits of CBD. We asked a lot of questions and learned a lot of facts.

FACTS: It starts with the CANNABIS SATIVA plant.

Different strains of the Cannabis Sativa plant produce Marijuana, CBD (cannabidiol), and Hemp.

CBD and Marijuana are both cannabinoids. However, Marijuana contains high concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the THC that creates a euphoric reaction associated with using Marijuana recreationally.

CBD has very low concentrations of THC and is unlikely to get an individual high.

Hemp contains high concentrations of CBD and very low concentrations of THC. Hemp is used for industrial products, i.e., fiber, paper, textiles, biofuel, insulation, etc.

Use and sale of products containing high concentrations of THC (Marijuana) were/are illegal in certain States in the U.S. Recreational Marijuana is legal or decriminalized in some States.

In 2014, a Law was passed legalizing the use of Medical Marijuana Oil with low concentrations of THC for patients with cancer and seizures.

In March 2016, House Bill 307 was passed allowing Medical Marijuana with higher levels of THC to be used for terminally ill patients.

In 2018 the Hemp Farming Act wasproposed to remove Hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) from Schedule I controlled substances, making it an ordinary agricultural commodity. Its provisions were incorporated in the United States Farm Bill that became law on December 20, 2018.

So, as long as CBD is within the 0.3% THC limit, it complies with the Hemp Farming Act regulations.

Those who recognized the vast opportunities in this budding Industry, jumped in. That’s how CBD became a multi-Billion Dollar Industry in a very short amount of time.

Stewart and I look forward to next year’s USA-CBD Expo that will be returning to Miami Beach.

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