FESTIVALS OF SPEED MIAMI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joe Sabatini
FESTIVALS OF SPEED
Tel. 352-385-9450
joe@festivalsofspeed.com
www.festivalsofspeed.com

FESTIVALS OF SPEED ANNOUNCES INNAUGURAL MIAMI EVENT WITH MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR COLLECTION OF EXOTIC CAR, YACHTS, MOTORCYCLES AND LUXURY LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS.

Celebrated Concours will benefit the Injured Officers Assistance Fund and will display the most exclusive products with the Ultra Rare $2.5 Million Ferrari FXX Supercar
leading the pack.

MIAMI, FL (November, 2009) – Festivals of Speed, the preeminent authority on luxury transportation showcases, is proud to announce the inaugural , Festivals of Speed Miami to Benefit the Injured Officers Assistance Fund will take place in downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park on Sunday, November 15th 2009. The event is Presented by Braman Miami Motorcars. An exclusive Yacht Hop as well as multiple receptions will take place in the days before leading up to the main event.

The Festivals of Speed showcases the very finest in land, sea and air transportation. Attendees can expect to be stunned from the magnificent arrangement of some of the rarest and most expensive exotic cars, boats and motorcycles on display for the two-day event.

Festivals of Speed is a rare chance for guests to find what fuels their passions through an extremely special showcase of speed unlike any other. Commencing with a lavish Yacht Hop Reception Saturday, November 14th followed by an awe-inspiring motorsports compilation display out on the beautiful lawns of Bayfront Park overlooking the bay, the exciting weekend presents guests with an exclusive in-depth look at some of most expensive and bespoke transportation ever designed.

“After our outstanding turnout at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando , Festivals of Speed event, we are delighted to come to Miami in November with a fresh new collection of some of the most unique exotics ever assembled” comments Festivals of Speed President Joe Sabatini. “Festivals of Speed Miami looks forward to providing our guests with a phenomenal opportunity to express their passions for the newest, rarest offerings in automotive, marine, motorcycle, and aircraft designs in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.”

The memorable weekend begins with a Yacht Hop Reception at the EPIC Hotel on Saturday, November 14th (12:00am – 3:00 p.m.) where Festival of Speed Miami attendees can expect to see a remarkable compilation of distinctive Yachts alongside some of the most renowned names in exotic automobile and motorcycle design. Yacht Hop Reception guests will enjoy fine cuisine, champagne, fine wines and other premium cocktails while perusing the magnificent displays assembled by Festivals of Speed. Accompanying the luxurious Yachts will be the newest and best supercars from automotive marvels such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Bugatti as well as the very best in jewelry, fashion, travel and artwork.

The excitement continues Saturday evening on the 15th floor pool deck of the chic VICEROY Hotel. The setting will be alongside the largest infinity pool in Florida while overlooking downtown Miami and the Bay. Guests will enjoy an open bar with themed food stations, strolling saxophonist, drawings to win prizes and much more.

The main event will be Sunday November 15th with the Motorsports Collection display (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) where guests of all ages can stroll the lush grounds of Bayfront Park while eyeing some of the rarest current and vintage automotive designs. To enhance the experience, Festival of Speed Miami attendees will have access to fine wine, exceptional culinary offerings, exclusive cigars and a variety of other offerings. The autos on display will be in good company with several different powerboat manufacturers displaying their very best as well as several of the most renowned exotic motorcycles from Italian marques such as Ducati and MV Agusta alongside American custom chopper displays sure to thrill. Additionally, several awards of distinction will be given by Festivals of Speed to the most outstanding automobiles, boats and motorcycles on display during the Motorsports Collection.

One very special vehicle on display will be the inimitable Ferrari FXX with Evolution Package for guests to get an up-close look at one of Ferrari’s most genius projects. Based on the venerable, street-legal Enzo, the FXX project, which commenced in 2005, was commissioned by Ferrari in order to test out new and developing technologies, while receiving feedback from their most loyal customers. Only 30 models of the standard FXX were created, even fewer of these are imbued with the Evolution Package. Each owner was handpicked by Ferrari, and the final FXX was granted to legendary racer and Ferrari collaborator Michael Schumacher. Due to its unbridled power and performance, the FXX is only permitted to drive on tracks sanctioned by the Modena based company, while instruction from the celebrated Schumacher is gratis. With Enzo capabilities, and then some, the Ferrari FXX boasts and even bigger engine at 6.3 liters and an astounding 800 horsepower.

The event will also host a live and silent auction, where guests can bid on a collection of luxurious items from the leading names in luxury. Proceeds from the entire event will go directly to the Injured Officers Assistance Fund. The Injured Officers Assistance Fund (“IOAF”) was created by businessman Michael Fux in 2008 to recognizing the hardships that police officers face if they are seriously injured on-duty. Mr. Fux started this foundation that will help officers overcome this predicament.

Tickets for the Festivals of Speed Miami receptions can be purchased in advance online and for the Sunday event, on site at Bayfront Park. Reception ticket fees will be announced soon. As for the Sunday event, tickets are $20.00 U.S. per person with children under 12 years of age entering free. VIP Packages are also available. Visitors looking to book hotel rooms can contact the Viceroy Hotel direct at 866 781 9923. Ask for room block designated for the Festivals of Speed event. Bayfront Park is located in downtown Miami overlooking the bay at 301 North Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.

About Festivals of Speed
Headquartered in Eustis, Florida, Festivals of Speed was founded as the ultimate luxury showcase for discerning enthusiasts with a passion for all forms of transportation. With a series of extremely special events scheduled throughout the year, Festivals of Speed joins the very best in automotive, aircraft, marine and motorcycle transportation with the finest culinary, wine, spirits, and fashion for the ultimate luxury experience. For more information, please visit www.festivalsofspeed.com.

About the Injured Officers Assistance Fund.
The Injured Officers Assistance Fund (“IOAF”) was created by businessman Michael Fux in 2008. Recognizing the hardships that police officers face if they are seriously injured on-duty, Mr. Fux started this foundation that will help officers overcome this predicament.

While there are multiple sources of assistance for fallen officers, there is a lack of support for those who have endured nearly fatal, debilitating injuries that have kept them and sometimes their care takers off the job for an extended period of time.

The IOAF seeks to grow the fund by building support from businesses and individuals who recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women of Greater Miami’s police departments to ensure the safety of the community. The IOAF is a registered 501(3)(c) charity.

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Joe Sabatini
FESTIVALS OF SPEED
PO Box 1130
Eustis, FL 32727
352-385-9450
WWW.FESTIVALSOFSPEED.COM

Bird Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Bird Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Sunday, November 1, 2009

Interested in learning about birds? Already a “birder”? Then come to Fairchild’s Bird Day and learn from leading ornithological experts who will be available to answer your birding questions and who will give lectures on the topics listed below.
Discover our newly created James A. Kushlan Bird Trail which features five bird zones, including the hummingbird and the hawk zones. You can also buy plants that birds love, bird houses, bird baths, binoculars and more!

Activities
Learn about Florida's special birds with this year's James A. Kushlan Bird Lecturer- renowned guide and bird authority Larry Manfredi.
Enjoy talks by well known experts on: planting your very own bird habitat, the artwork of James Audubon, bird photography and the basics of birding!
Buy plants that will help you attract birds and butterflies to your yard.
Participate in bird related childrens' activities.
View birds from the Miami Museum of Science rehabilitation operation's Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center. They will be bringing a Red Shouldered Hawk and an owl.

Explore the James A. Kushlan Bird Trail with expert birding guides.

Schedule
7:00 a.m. Member Bird Walk with Tropical Audubon Society Members. Meet at the Visitor Center.

9:30 a.m. Bird Walk

10:00 a.m. Roger Hammer, Bird Gardening

11:00 a.m. David Wagner, American Wildlife Art

1:00 p.m. Larry Manfredi, the James A. Kushlan Bird Lecturer will deliver the keynote address on South Florida's Special Birds.

2:15 p.m. Pedro Lastra, Photographing Birds

3:15 p.m. Joe Barros, Birding 101, followed by a bird walk

Fairchild's Bird Day is made possible by support from James A. Kushlan.

ADMISSION:

GATES OPEN: 9:30

PARKING: Visitors Entrance (North Entrance)

For more information, contact Jeremy Davit, 305-667-1651 ext. 3377, jdavit@fairchildgarden.org or www.fairchildgarden.org.

Clemencia Labin and Paula Otegui at Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts

Clemencia Labin Doping Pulpa
Paula Otegui Metaforas de la naturaleza

Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts
Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts is pleased to announce the solo exhibitions of Clemencia Labin and Paula Otegui. The opening reception will take place on October 31st from 7:30-10pm.

CLEMENCIA LABIN – Doping Pulpa
The art that Clemencia Labin has been working on for the past few years is brimming with moisture, fragrance and colour. It oozes tropical splendour and also winks playfully at creatures of the far-off, imaginary land of childhood: cuddly toys. The fabrics chosen by Labin in her work, cloths of all kinds with soft filling, are the same as those used for teddy bears. This element of tenderness which is connected to all things soft, snug and spongy, gives her work a warmth quite rare in the cynical, disbelieving world of contemporary art, so used to exploiting the darker, seedier side of culture.

Labin´s work not only strikes a note of tenderness, but also of fun, evident in titles such as Pulpa Chic and Doping Pulpa. Her art exudes a sense of ease and a healthy attitude of not taking itself too seriously, while simultaneously providing an in depth study, full of sensuality, tenderness and respect, working the materials with such expertise that her creations become surprising objects, in the purest sense of the word.

Her sense of fun is fully apparent in her creations, which constantly challenge formats and concepts. Are they wall sculptures or paintings with a three-dimensional element? Are they cuddly toys or are they to be admired forever on the wall of a gallery or museum?

Much is said about the influence of Pop Art in Clemencia´s work, but that is somewhat questionable. Labin´s work makes use of the ease, the humour and the colouring associated with Pop Art, but differs from it in that it is free of the inherent cynicism connected to that movement.

This exhibition takes place in an architectural space which is an elongated prism in shape for which Labin has designed an all-encompassing show: in other words, she uses the space as an interior designer or an architect would. She does not merely “hang” or position her pieces, but plans out meticulously how she is going to use the whole space.

Originally from Venezuela, Clemencia Labin studied at Columbia University and currently lives and works in Hamburg, Germany.


Project Room


PAULA OTEGUI – Metaforas de la naturaleza
Paula Otegui was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she studied at the Escuela Superior Ernesto de la Cárcova, Instituto Universitario Nacional de Arte, as well as the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes Prilidiano Pueyrredón. Her work has been exhibited internationally since 1995. She is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions. Her intricately detailed paintings depicting a natural, yet fantastical world, are featured in the Project Room. As mirrored in her work, Otegui believes the world can be a complex sum, sometimes pathetic. The essential exists in the interactions. Everything occurs simultaneously, while the effects are infinite.

Exhibitions will be on view through November 25th, 2009.


Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts
2043 N Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
www.dlfinearts.com
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 3pm
T. 305.576.1804 F. 305.576.1805

GET GORGEOUS: PRETTYCITY.COM AND SHAPE MAGAZINE HOST ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE AT NEWPORT BEACHSIDE HOTEL AND RESORT

GET GORGEOUS: PRETTYCITY.COM AND SHAPE MAGAZINE HOST ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE AT NEWPORT BEACHSIDE HOTEL AND RESORT

Guests Enjoy Complimentary Spa Services, On-Site Makeovers, Goodie Bags, Delicious Discounts and More!

SUNNY ISLES, FL – (October 29, 2009) – PrettyCity.com, the nation’s leading online resource for all things beauty-related, will host their Annual Beauty Sample Sale on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at The Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort (16701 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach). This is part of a nationwide series of events in partnership with Shape magazine.

With a unique take on the traditional “sample sale,” the Annual Beauty Sample Sale serves as a great way for beauty enthusiasts to stock up and save on beauty products and experience complimentary spa services and on-site makeovers.

In addition to distinctive treatments and deeply discounted sale prices on cosmetics, skin and hair care products, attendees will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, sweet treats and goodie bags from top national beauty brands. The Newport will also host a PrettyCity.com after party at Kitchen 305 with free drinks for ladies, all you can eat stone crab dinners for $35 and music by sultry songstress Angela Laino.

Previous Beauty Sample Sale cities include New York, Chicago and Milwaukee with Orlando and Tampa sales taking place this December. With more than 5,000 women in attendance at the Beauty Sample Sale in years past, the event is proving to be recession-proof as it has steadily grown since its inception three years ago. Both the New York City and Chicago Beauty Sample Sales sold out three weeks in advance this year.

“These events have been so popular largely because women consider taking care of themselves a top priority. They’re willing to spend money to look great, but they need help wading through the millions of products and thousands of services available to find the ones that truly work for them,” said Carolyn Brundage, chief executive officer and founder of PrettyCity.com. “The Beauty Sample Sale is a smart way for women to sample products and services that they’ve heard about without wasting their hard-earned dollars.”

This event is open to the public and tickets are available online for $10 at: www.BeautySampleSale.com.

About Pretty City, Inc.
PrettyCity.com is a beauty, leisure and wellness website devoted to making women everywhere prettier in some small way and richer in many big ways; by saving them money on the products and services they need to look and feel their best. The site boasts a comprehensive database of the country's top spas, salons medspas and more including editorial reviews, reader reviews and service discounts plus product reviews, beauty trend stories and more. For more information on The Beauty Sample Sale visit www.BeautySampleSale.com.

ABOUT NEWPORT BEACHSIDE HOTEL & RESORT
Nestled between Miami and Fort Lauderdale beaches, the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort offers guests a smart and fun way to travel with world-class amenities and more than 18,000- square-feet of event space. Located on beautiful Sunny Isles Beach, the scenic, oceanfront property is centrally located between two airports, South Beach nightlife, golf courses and world class shopping at the Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall. The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is located at 16701 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.

For reservations, call 305.949.1300 or toll-free at 800.327.5476, or email reservations@newportbeachside.com. For more information, visit http://www.newportbeachside.com/.

Donations of Books needed for Fairchild’s Ramble

Donations of Books needed for Fairchild’s Ramble

Coral Gables, FL, October 28, 2009—The Ramble, one of the oldest festivals in Miami, was started by Nell Jennings 69 years ago, in hopes of raising money for a much needed truck for Fairchild. Since then, Ramble has come a long way. Attracting over 50 vendors each November who sell everything from garden accessories and art to food and furniture, Ramble offers something special for everyone.

One of the most popular areas to shop is the amazing collection of items at the Old and Rare Books. In preparation for this year’s Ramble, volunteers for Old and Rare Books are busy collecting donations

“We are still in need of many more donations,” says Stuart Debenham who heads up Old and Rare Books. Debenham is happy to receive out-of-print books, non-fiction books as well as current best sellers, cookbooks, gardening books and more. Please, no text books or magazines. To arrange a donation, please contact Stuart Debenham at 305-665-8572 or email him at wdebenham@msn.com.

About Ramble
The Ramble Festival is in its 69th year and continues to be fall’s most anticipated event in South Florida. Ramble will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 20, 21 and 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 33156. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. For more information, please visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

About Fairchild
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. It is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Middle East. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden houses palm and cycad collections that are nationally recognized by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), has the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads; an education program reaching more than 52,000 school children per year; hosts popular events like the International Chocolate Festival, International Mango Festival and International Orchid Festival, the Ramble, concerts, affiliated plant society shows and sales and more; and, is a not-for-profit organization relying on the support of its 45,000 members and benefactors. Fairchild hosts major art events such as Mark di Suvero, Fernando Botero, Dale Chihuly and Kris Martin at Fairchild this year, Botero, Lichtenstein and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2008 and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2005 and 2006.

Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida 33156, just a thirty minute drive from South Beach. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members.

For more information, please visit us at www.fairchildgarden.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

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