Bagels and Bait
I hope this finds you safe and healthy. It seems the vaccination rollout is going well, and we are closer to the end of the pandemic than the beginning. As life returns to some semblance of normalcy, it will be interesting to see how life has changed permanently. Certainly, one of the biggest changes for most people has been the inability to go to the office and for the children to go full-time to school. This has created many problems, but alas, also some opportunities—the flexibility afforded to some a change of scenery that opened up many minds to a different way of life. Real estate prices in areas where there is open space and warm weather are on fire, thus suggesting people shifting their priorities. I suspect that this will continue as people reflect on the necessity to spend most of their time in pricey urban environments. For me, during this time, I have been able to spend a significant amount of time in Miami, something I never imagined pre-retirement. This time has allowed me to integrate myself more deeply into Miami's fabric and nuance. I have found it particularly satisfying picking up bagels and bait and going fishing with my wife early in the AM. I order bagels at this hipster bael spot (El-Bagel) and pick up live bait at a roadside shack (Arky’s). To be clear, we are terrible fishermen (well, I am), but throwing in a line is uniquely satisfying. The thrill of the activity of some unknown fish lurking beneath the surface is exhilarating. I expect that this is something I will continue post-pandemic.
The Prince of Paradise, by John Glatt
If you want to learn about a place, read a salacious non-fiction book about a high-profile murder there! Sure, you could always read a guidebook, but the local knowledge gleaned from a high-quality piece of non-fiction is epic. It does an effective job of highlighting the history with a healthy dose of drama compared to your typical guidebook. This is the story of Ben Novack, Jr. the Scion of the founder of the famous Fountainbleau. It is interesting to note that this hotel was built in the 1950s during an earlier Miami Renaissance --- a time when Hollywood mixed with politicians mixed with reputed mobsters and drug dealers. These were exciting days for Miami when Frank Sinatra would take up residence and regularly perform in the nightclub. But soon, the scene moved on, the family lost their beloved hotel, and Ben Novack Jr. would find himself on the wrong side of a sadistic wife. It is a riveting story and parallels the rise, fall, and rise again of Miami. Thanks, fellow Louper Rodney P. for the recommendation!
The other mega-trend of the pandemic has been 'nesting,' resulting in families' growth via furry friends. For the uninitiated (i.e., first-time owners), the clear problem with pets is twofold, they don’t know how to use a toilet, and they generally smell/shed. The first problem I really can’t help you with. However, fellow Louper Jane W. has come up with a second solution with her line of amazing and all-natural pet care products. Pride + Groom launched salon-style lines of great smelling products customized to your dog type: shedders, non-shedders, and babies. Per their website: shedders get extra hydration, non-shedders are detangled with ease, and the sensitive ones, well, they get just a little extra babying (especially if they're babies). Dogs are life-enhancers and valued members of our family, and they deserve the very best treatment without question -- so buy here with Pride + Groom.
Clearly, we have all spent more time online, whether it is working, following the news, checking in on social media…whatever. No more colleagues or teachers are looking over your shoulder to make sure you are using your computer appropriately, on task. I also assume you have noticed how well, relevant, ads are served to you. I am constantly saying how the hell does Google know I would be interested in that. The truth of the matter is that everything you do online is visible to them, or at least their Artificial Intelligence. I suspect they know who I am, better than I do. However, you too can see who you are, but also who advertisers think you are, with this incredible dashboard made available through Google. It seems that I am not only an English-speaking married male between the ages of 45-54 but also I am interested in Florida, fish & aquaria, and Books & Literature. You probably won’t be surprised by what is there. Nonetheless, you can wrestle back control of what they know and how you are targeted.
I hope things return to how you want them, consider The Prince of Paradise, Pride + Groom, and Google you .... Found!