by Superforce Newsvine

Okay, so everybody is finding out about this new TV, Internet, and Home Phone service called U-verse from AT&T, right?  The boxes (nodes) which bring the signal to your local neighborhoods are spreading throughout the county.  With prices at competitive rates, and the demand for better and faster technology growing, many people are switching over to U-verse.

But, exactly how dependable is it??  Let’s talk about some pros and cons-

TV

The signal is tremendously stronger and fiber optic (essentially glass cables that are ran underground to bring you a better resolution and signal for crystal clear picture).  But they don’t run Fiber to the unit.

Fiber is only ran to the neighborhood (except in some of the newer development in New Japan) in Miami (this is what is called Fiber-to-the-node).  Those big beige boxes that you have been seeing the AT&T trucks working on, those are nodes, where the signal and fiber runs to.

From a node, signal is brought to your house or unit using existing copper wires, ones that were once, Southern Bell lines, which AT&T recently bought out (economically-speaking).

PRICING

Anywhere from 99.00 to 237.00 for all three service, AT&T offers “solutions”, which are (in essence) TV Channel Preferences, Internet Speed necessity, and Phone Lines.

A good package runs you about 147.00 for all three services, with 60% of the Movie Channels. All except HBO.

QUALITY

AT&T’s regular standard signal is 720p, which is Comcast’s High-Def signal resolution.   U-verse’s HD, is actually 1080i, not “p”.  So depending on your equipment, 1080p may be the better quality, therefore making the U-verse 1080i, one notch lower in quality.

INTERNET

The modem they give you (called a Gateway) is developed by Cisco systems and was specially designed to be compatible with fiber optic networking, a first of it’s kind.  It is the brain of the entire U-verse system.  It brings in the signal for your TV, Internet (with 4 Network Connection Ports/ethernet), and also powers the VOip Digital Telephone service.  If you have AT&T DSL, this is twice as fast, and more.

Another thing about nodes (and quality) is the Internet’s signal strength.  One thing I always used to tell my customers, was a little inside tip I received from a technician, one day stopping for a coffee break, and just taking it easy in the South Florida sun.

Technician:  ”We have to pump enough signal for it be able to reach up to 1 mile from these nodes.  In order to be able to push that much signal through these wires, we have to give it a lot of juice. ” – says My New Pal.

He continues, saying-  ”That means, that if the customer at the end of this grid line wants to pay for the biggest package and fastest internet, and he wants 32Mbps, we are going to have to pump like 100Mbps through that line jsut to be able to reach that last customer, and it’s almost sometimes impossible to tweak and precisely control that kind of power stream!”

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MUMBO-JUMBO MEAN?

That people living closer to the node, may get away paying for only 12Mbps of Internet Speed ( The MAX Package), but they’ll most likely receive like 30Mbps of speed on the house, due to this phenomenon!

Final OVERVIEW

YES! YOU CAN GET ANOTHER SERVICE FOR CHEAPER.  But you cannot get (in some neighborhoods) the speed U-verse has.  The signal for Hi-Def might be 1080i, as opposed to Direct TV’s 1080p, but on the up-side, you won’t lose signal because of a little storm cloud or a sudden rise of gusty winds.

Some channels that certain satellite providers contain, U-verse does not currently have on their network of channels they provide.  but inside info, is that many channels are being internally requested (even I used to request them after sales call if I had a customer that was bargaining with that as his decision-maker), but requesting the channels is not a gurantee they will be supplied.

Channels like TV Caracol, TV Chile, The Dutch Channel, TVe,  and a few others.

If you live close to a node, you may benefit more than your other neighbors who live further down the line.  You’ll have your own dedicated line for Internet, as opposed to Comcast’s DSL (which is on one shared line which you share with all your neighbors on that same line; the reason why your speeds fluctuate from hour to hour, and it sucks).

Finally, the phone service, well it’s VOip, that’s all I gotta say.  Some people like it, if it’s a luxury.  Other people who might be helpless if the power goes out and they lose their signal, may not like this feature.

It does come with a battery backup pack, but if the power goes out, and the modem goes out, the phone gets knocked off.  Unless you have a generator, you will lose your services in a blackout.  The U-verse and AT&T company nodes, and central offices, have generators and battery backups, and this mean even during blackouts, they are still streaming signal.  It just depends on you, how demanding your needs are for these service.
CHOOSE WISELY, and if you would like Special Promotions for U-verse, please leave your email and check your availability, with the author of this post, be leaving a comment or by email.

Well, the secret is out.  Young entrepreneur, Johhny Nichols, was spotted escorting the lovely Charytin, who in her grandness of woman-ness,  still appreciates a young and firm, agile male.

Although rumors were circling the halls of Telemundo in Miami, Florida, the two lovebirds never had been spotted together in public.

Our young camerawoman, Stacy Gutierrez, was on the scene in the Shops of Time Square, where Charytin and Superforce were eating and shopping.  Our reporters on the scene said that after their outing , the two returned to a five-star hotel (not disclosed for privacy), where later, it is said, Charytin ate Superforce in a bowl of Ice Cream Sundae, her favorite aphrodisiac.

Since then, Superforce has not been spotted.  Charytin still works at Univision, where you can enjoy her show regualrly.  It is said Superforce is resting up for the Spanish Pop super star, for when she finishes working, where he will be awaiting her, as it is stated in his job description of ‘spanish diva’s breakfast lunch and dinner’.

That is all for now- stay tuned for your Loco News!

Okay, if Ralph Macchio were to make the resurrection of the century, THIS IS DEFINITELY THE RIGHT WAY!!

This is one of the best thought of spoof with an actual great supporting plot that I have seen in a while.  I thought this kind of humour was something  rare and an unfortunately-forgotten grand art of ancient masters, the like of which nobody has been able to replicate (only diluted and watered-down imitators and second comers), and OUT COME MACCHI with The Steal!!!

WOW – If this were rated by gold stars, this small yet much needed kind of production would get a GALAXY.

Really awesome subtleness and fantastic ability to ‘go there’ and really give it a good ‘ol mock.  If you want to have a go at what it feels like to pee a little in your pants while tears build up in your eye sockets watching the return of Ralph Macchio to SOMETHING, this is the place to be- give the PLAY BUTTON a push and bed pan is highly recommended. ( OKAY SO WE COULDN’T EMBED IT HERE [FUNNYorDIE] YOU GUYS REALLY HAVE TO PUT IT ON YOUTUBE ALREADY OR SOMETHING, the Embed code didn’t work here on WordPress for us Little guys.)

But that’s okay because this is the link just click on it!  Wax On, F*ck Off with Ralph Macchio

via NPR.org

A fake mission to Mars is getting under way at a research institute in Moscow, where six men will spend the next year and a half inside a mock spaceship.

Six men will enter a fake interplanetary spaceship in Moscow, close the hatch, and then live inside it for more than 500 days.

The international “crew” includes two men from Europe, one from China and three from Russia. They’ll spend the next 520 days living inside just a few bus-sized modules at Russia’s Institute for Biomedical Problems.

The team will have to put up with endless astronaut food, the grind of exercise and maintenance work, science experiments, fake emergencies — plus extreme isolation from the outside world.

“We get to see what happens to them over the course of an awful long time, and that’s not been done before,” says Nick Kanas, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco who worked on a 105-day pilot study leading up to this new Mars simulation.

“The notion of being with the same people, without escape, for a long period of time, is perhaps more stressful than a lot of people can think,” says Kanas.

Kanas has studied the psychology of space station crews who have spent up to seven months in space. But he notes that a real mission to Mars would take far longer — probably about 2 1/2 years.

That means the crew would be too far away to enjoy things that NASA uses to cheer up space station astronauts. There’d be no resupply missions, so no fresh food or surprise presents. And forget about talking to Mission Control in real time.

“On Mars, you ask a question, you’ve got to wait a half an hour or longer to get the answer,” says Kanas.

That’s why the new Mars500 study will include a 20-minute time delay for communications with the outside world. Researchers will carefully monitor the crew’s physical and psychological condition as the men pretend to travel to Mars, explore the Martian surface, and then head home.

Some things can’t be simulated — like microgravity. And real space travelers to Mars would have to deal with the psychological impact of facing actual danger.

But in this Mars simulation, if there’s a serious medical or psychiatric problem, researchers could just open the hatch, says physician Christian Otto, who has worked with NASA to study how people are affected by sensory deprivation and social isolation.

Otto has done two yearlong postings in Antarctica and notes that when you’re there in winter, with no chance of rescue, “you know that the rest of your crewmates and yourself are going to have to solve any problem that comes up.” That’s not true for the Mars500 crew.

Still, Otto thinks this study is important and unique because of its long duration. He knows from his own experiences that people’s mood and performance decline as isolation stretches past six months to a year.

“What happens when we go beyond a year, when we go beyond a year and a half, when we go beyond two years?” he asks, noting that there’s a real dearth of research.

Just a few Russian cosmonauts have spent more than a year living continuously in space, says Otto, and no American has done so.

The current American record-holder for the longest single space mission is Michael Lopez-Alegria, who spent 215 days in orbit. He says he found it surprisingly OK

.

“I think what keeps people interested and happy is being busy, and we were certainly busy for the whole time we were there,” he says.

He did find himself missing ordinary social things, like getting to see different people, and having conversations about sports or politics over dinner. But he could always look out the window and gaze back home.

“Looking out the window and seeing the Earth below, and seeing places you recognize and where you grew up and places you visited has a lot to do with keeping sane, so to speak,” Lopez-Alegria says.

That’s a view the fake spaceship in Moscow won’t have. But the first real mission to Mars wouldn’t have it either. From so far away, the crew would see the Earth as just a tiny speck in space.

“No human being ever in the history of man has seen the Earth as an insignificant dot in space,” says Kanas. “And what the impact of that kind of isolation will be is hard to predict at this point.”

101 best attractions for having an awesome time! Think of it as a useful resource to find information about what there is to do. (By the way, when I say “best”, that’s just one owl’s opinion. The world is filled with others who are knowledgeable about the area.)

What’s cool about this list – if you think I missed something – you can add your favorites! You don’t have to be an owl; dogs, cats, fish, visitors, locals, aliens…everybody’s welcome! You could be in Cuba, Colorado, or Katmandu, We don’t give a hoot.

The purpose of this article is to create a growing list of the best local attractions. Our goal is to reach 10,001 tips. When we do, we’ll get together and have a big party, but more on that later.

Share your favorite places

I know this is an article about Miami attractions, but on a larger scale it’s about sharing and connecting with people.

There are 3 reasons why you need to make sharing your number one priority for the forthcoming year:

1. Sharing feels good. The more we share information from our own life, and our own personal experiences, the more others around us can progress.
2. Sharing creates a circulation of knowledge. Learning from the sum of all experiences makes progress faster, and leads to better decisions.
3. Sharing benefits us all. Withholding information is nothing else but the manifestation of selfishness, greed and stinginess – traits often found with pigeons. (I dislike pigeons. I don’t trust their stingy little faces.)

So here we go! These are some things I’d share with you if I was your personal tour guide planning your trip.

A word of warning: don’t be daunted by this list – if you did everything on it, you’d probably fall over from having too much fun. In reality, just 1 of these 101 things could be what’s needed to turn an ordinary visit into a great one.

To make it easy, I broke it up into four categories: Recreation, Attractions, Parks, and Local Businesses. I decided to only talk about attractions that are within a 1-hour drive from Miami.

Let’s get started!

Recreation above and below the water

1. Rent a Boat — To really experience South Florida, you must get out on the water. Thankfully, there are some rental companies that offer bareboat charters:
   • Tropical Boat rents power boats in Bayside; Phone (786) 218-3030.
   • Fast Track rents power boats in Miami Beach and Bayside; Phone (305) 223-3488.
   • Miami Catamarans rents Hobie Cats in Key Biscayne; Phone (305) 345-4104.
2. See Manatees in the Wild — You are most likely to see wild manatees from the shore and along the harbors, canals, and intracoastal. One good place is in Coral Gables at the intersection of Old Cutler, Sunset, and Douglas Road. Other good locations are: Black Point Marina, Oleta Park, and Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
3. Experience Backcounty Flats Fishing — Serious anglers should not miss the chance to go fly fishing and light tackle fishing in Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. If you’re busy during the day, try night tarpon fishing at secret spots in Downtown Miami.
4. Charter a Deep Sea Fishing Trip — There are 4 marinas in Miami where you can find a private fishing charter: Crandon Park, Haulover Park, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami Beach Marina. Deep sea fishing charters cost $500 to $600 for a half day, and they provide everything you need to fish. Got that? Flats and deep sea fishing requires a captain with a boat, so you need toget a charter to take you.If you’re on a budget, you might be better off paying around $30 for passage on a larger drift fishing party boat like Reward; Phone (305) 372-9470, or Sea Legs; Phone (954) 923-2109.
   
5. Scuba Dive Artificial Reefs — There are 10 artificial reefs offshore, with 5 lying between Miami-Dade and Broward county and another 5 between Key Biscayne and Monroe County. Some of the best scuba diving is in less than 100 feet of water and only 2 miles east of Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, and the Key Biscayne shoreline. Contact South Beach Divers for information; Phone (305) 531-6110.
6. Take a Snorkel Trip – Eco-Adventure tours are a great way to explore Miami’s parks and wildlife preserves. These narrated tours combine kayaking and snorkeling in the warm waters of Biscayne Bay. Tours are conducted in North Miami at Pelican Harbor Marina and Crandon Park’s Bear Cut Marine Preserve; Phone (305) 365-3018.There’s also a number of snorkel and dive charters in Key Largo.
7. Swim with Dolphins — There are two places near Miami where you can swim dolphins:
   • Miami Seaquarium is located in Key Biscayne; Phone (305) 365-2531.
   • Theater of the Sea is located 80 miles south in Islamorada; Phone (305) 664-2431.

Bonus Tip: Hablas Español? This article is translated in Spanish.

8. Rent a Wave Runner — You can find wave runners for rent at Miami Beach Marina with American Water Sports; Phone (305) 538-7549, or take a Jet Ski Tour of Miami where you visit six nearby islands; Phone (305) 345-5770. Rentals are also available right on the beach behind some of the fancier hotels.
9. Take a Windsurf Lesson — Key Biscayne is recognized as one of the nation’s best areas to learn windsurfing — the water is warm, the winds are swift, and it’s shallow — only a few feet deep. Sailboards Miami promises to teach you how to windsurf in 2 hours; Phone (305) 361-7245. Miami Kiteboarding offers kitesurfing rentals and lessons at Crandon Park; Phone (305) 345-9974.
10. Rent a Kayak — Miami offers many places where you can have a back-to-nature kayak adventure:
    • North American Canoes, specializes in Everglades kayaking tours; Phone (239) 695-3299.
    • Inside Oleta State Park, Blue Moon rents kayaks by the hour. Phone (305) 957-3040.
    • South Beach Kayak has rentals and self guided tours where you can paddle around Key Biscayne, Star Island, Hibiscus Island, and Monument Island; Phone (305) 332-2853.

Activities on land and in the air

1. Pamper Yourself — Miami is a great place to relax a stressed-out body and mind. While you’re here, treat yourself to a day spa, or massage. Spa at Mandarin Oriental is an award-winning sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. The cost for a Deep Tissue Body Massage is $230; Phone (305) 913 8332. If you’re on a budget, Educating Hands massage school offers student clinic massages on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The 50-minute massage is $30; Phone (305) 285-6991.
2. Walk down the Boardwalk — Take a stroll down Miami Beach’s four mile boardwalk. The boardwalk runs from 5th to 46th Street. The paved and wooded walkway winds down Ocean Drive and behind the oceanfront hotels, providing views of the hotel pools on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. You can also find boardwalks near the beach in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale.
   
3. Rent a Scooter — Renting a scooter is a popular activity for visitors to do while they’re in South Beach. Note: All riders must be at least 18. A drivers license and credit card card ($300 deposit) is required. Below is a list of rental companies all located within they same vicinity; give them a call and mention you found them on MiamiBeach411.com:
   • Beach Scooter; Phone (305) 538-7878
   • Scooter City; Phone (305) 532-2032
   • Scooters Rental; Phone (305) 532-0019
4. Go Off-Road Mountain Biking – Oleta State Park has over six miles of singletrack trails that have been developed exclusively for mountain bikes. Blue Moon rents bicycles by the hour; Phone (305) 957-3040. In Broward county, just west of Interstate 595, Markham State Park also has mountain biking trails. I’ve been told, the trails at Markham Park are better than Oleata.
5. MIA Skateboard Park — Miami’s only indoor and outdoor skateboard park has a half-pipe, funbox and ledges outside. Inside is a mini ramp, quarter pipes and a big vert ramp. MIA Skatepark is located at 1850 NW 84th Ave., Doral; Phone (305) 599-2172.
6. Have a Paintball Party — This paintball facility has two outdoor fields under a canopy of pine trees. The forest-like fields give players an adrenalin rush as they move from bunker to bunker through the thick brush. Ruff N Tuff is located at 13200 NW 43 Ave., Miami; Phone (305) 953-7776. 
7. Indoor and Outdoor Shooting Ranges — You can shoot a gun at Ace’s indoor shooting range in Doral. Full automatic firearm rentals are available; Phone (305) 717-3277. Trail Glades Range, has outdoor shooting; facilities include: Pistol (25 & 50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds), Trap, Skeet, and Clays; Phone (305) 226-1823.
8. Skydiving Over the Everglades – Located at Homestead Airport, Skydiving Miami has the closest dropzone to Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. They offer solo skydives and tandem parachute jumps where the instructor remains attached to the student during free fall. Skydivers accelerate to a speed of 120 mph, and open the shoot at 6,000 feet. Jumps last about 4 minutes. Phone (305) 759-3483.
9. Take a Helicopter Tour – See amazing views of Miami’s most exclusive locations. Helicopter tours depart from heliports at Tamiami Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport.Ultralight Adventures is a Miami-based tour company and flight school providing ultralight tours and training. Tours start at $70; Phone (305) 361-3909.
10. Try Parasailing at the Beach — Parasail up 800 feet over the ocean. Take off and land from a specially designed parasail boat flight deck. Miami Beach Parasail is located right in South Beach; Phone (305) 266-4144.
11. X-treme Indoor Rock Climbing – With over 14,000 square feet of climbing space, the X-treme indoor climbing center has special obstacles that make it one of the top climbing gyms in the country; Phone (305) 233-6623.
12. Watch an IMAX Movie – The 300-seat IMAX Theater is located inside the Museum of Science in Fort Lauderdale; (Map); Phone (954) 463-4629.
13. Watch a Professional Sport — Depending on the season, you can watch : Dolphins Football, Marlins Baseball, Panthers Hockey, or Heat Basketball.
14. Take a Sightseeing Tour – A great way to explore Miami is by taking a narrated sightseeing tour of the City:
    • Everglades Airboat Rides — It’s easy to visit the Florida Everglades; they’re just 35 miles west of Miami.
    • Art Deco Tour — Learn about South Beach hotels and other structures with a visit to a number of interiors.
    • Miami City Tours — Experience all of Miami on these narrated tours. See Bayside, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, South Beach – and a Biscayne Bay boat tour.
    • Duck Tour — Miami’s only land and sea tour. Your amphibious vehicle will tour South Beach landmarks, then roll into the water for a Biscayne Bay cruise.
    • Take a Boat Cruise – Island Queen offers a 90 minute narrated cruise along Biscayne Bay. You will see the downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island and Millionaires’ Row.
    • Eco-Adventure Tours — Miami-Dade County offers many different ways to see Miami by canoe. Paddle through canals on the Coral Gables waterway. Experience a nighttime canoe trip around the Deering Estate. Watch the sun set over Black Point or Crandon Park.
    • Miami Cultural Tours — Discover the history and culture of Little Havana, Allapatah, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami, Jewish Heritage, Liberty City, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach Art Deco Disctict.
    • Dr. Paul George is a history teacher and a historian at the Historical Museum of South Florida. He also leads guided tours of Little Havana, Brickell, and Key Biscayne, on themes such as cemeteries and the Miami River. The cost is $17 to $37. Phone (305) 375-1621.
15. Take a Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise — The 550 passenger river boat offers narrated tours up the New River where you can see Fort Lauderdale’s famous waterfront homes, and a stop off at the Jungle Queen Indian Village. At 7pm Jungle Queenleaves the Bahia Mar Docks for a sunset cruise to their private island, for an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner; Phone (954) 462-5596.
16. Take a Bahamas Day Cruise – Discovery cruise ship offers daily cruises to Grand Bahama Island. One-way Bahamas trips start at $39. Cruises depart daily from the Port in Fort Lauderdale at 7:45am, and return at 10pm.
17. Hop on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi — Broward County Transit provides water taxi service along the Intracoastal, connecting beach attractions and hotels with downtown Fort Lauderdale. Service is offered from 10:30am to 11:30pm. An All Day Pass is $11. On Tuesdays, the Water Taxi offers $19 round trip service to South Beach; (Map and Schedule); Phone (954) 467-6677.
18. Picnic on the Beach — There are over a dozen great beaches in Miami many with picnic areas, barbecue grills, and play areas for kids. Some noteworthy beach parks include: Sunny Isles Beach, South Pointe Park, Haulover Beach, Matheson Park, and Crandon Park.
19. Drink a Cuban Coffee — Don’t leave Miami without sampling a Cuban-style coffee. It starts with strong, sweet espresso. Add a little steamed milk for a cortadito, and a lot of milk for a café con leche. 
20. Fly a Kite – Haulover Beach is a great place to fly a kite. The Park gets a strong afternoon ocean breeze. If you don’t have a kite of your own, Skyward Kites sells kites starting at $5; Phone (305) 893-0906.

Nearby attractions

1. Head Over to South Beach — Also called SoBe, this is the southern most section of Miami Beach that encompasses the lower 23 blocks of the island. This area of Miami is the most popular tourist and entertainment destination in the City with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels. The secret to having a great time here is exploring the different sections on the island (Map):
   • Art Deco District — South Beach has the world’s largest collection of Streamline Moderne Art Deco architecture. Some noteworthy Art Deco buildings include, Sherbrooke Hotel and the Miami Beach Post Office. Visit the Art Deco Museum on Ocean Drive and ask about their walking tours.
   • Ocean Drive — Running in a north-south direction, Ocean Drive is the easternmost street in South Beach, from 1st to 15th Street (Lummus Park). Ocean Drive is responsible for the South Beach aesthetic that visitors expect. It’s also home to several prominent restaurants including News Cafe, Mango’s, Clevelander, and is the site of the infamous Versace House.
   • Lincoln Road — An open-air pedestrian mall, considered to be the premiere shopping area in South Beach. Lincoln Road Mall is home to many restaurants, shops, art galleries, as well as retail outlets and the Regal Cinema movie theatre.
   • Espanola Way — This street runs from Collins west to Pennsylvania. The area was modeled after the Mediterranean villages found in France and Spain. Today it’s home to a yoga studio, art house movie theatre, restaurants, shops, and more.
2. Stop by the Versace House — Probably the most photographed landmark in South Beach, Casa Casuarina aka Versace House was built by Gianni Versace in 1993, and is the site of his tragic death. The house was sold to Peter Loftin, and is not open to the public. Casa Casuarina is located at 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; (Map).
3. Visit the Holocaust Memorial — Also in South Beach, this memorial is a world famous sculpture garden honoring the people who perished in the Holocaust. The Convention Center, Botanical Garden, and Visitor Center are within walking distance. Holocaust Memorial is located at 1945 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 538-1663.
4. Take a Swim in the Venetian Pool — Formed from a rock quarry in 1923, this is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. This chlorine-free pool is fed with cool spring water, and features two waterfalls, a three-story observation tower, coral rock caves, and a palm-fringed island. The pool ranges in depth from four feet to over eight feet near the grand waterfall. There’s also a kiddy pool near the lifeguard station. Venetian Pool is located at 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables; (Map); Phone (305) 460-5306.
5. Stroll Around the Fairchild Garden — The 83 acre garden contains an extensive collection of tropical plants. Visitors can enjoy tram, audio and walking tours, as well as a butterfly garden, a bird watching section, and a tropical fruit tree pavilion. There is also a 13-acre palm collection, a green house with orchids, and the only outdoor tropical rainforest in the United States. Fairchild Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables; (Map); Phone (305) 667-1651
6. Explore the Charles Deering Estate — The estate covers a 440-acre property and mansion. The grounds have the largest coastal tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Guided day and moonlight canoe tours are available by appointment.Charles Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 235-1668.
7. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Often called “Hearst Castle of the East”, Vizcaya is a 10-acre, Italian Renaissance-style mansion with gardens open to the public. The museum consists of Villa Vizcaya, its grounds, and the museum’s collections.Vizcaya is located at 3251 South Miami Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 250-9133.
8. See the Coral Castle — Located near Homestead, the castle is comprised of numerous coral stones, each weighing several tons. Many of the castle structures are notable, including machines to tell time, home-made air conditioners, and a nine-ton revolving door. Psychic Day is the first Saturday of every month. Coral Castle is located at 28655 South Dixie Hwy., Homestead; (Map); Phone (305) 248-6345.

Theme parks

1. Parrot Jungle Island — This animal theme park is minutes from South Beach. The park features exotic wild animals such as the world’s largest crocodile, baby orangutans, tigers, and parrots of every species. There’s also an inflatable water slide for kids. Parrot Jungle is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 248-6345.
2. Miami MetroZoo — Just 20 miles from downtown Miami, you’ll find the largest zoological preserve in South Florida. The zoo houses over 900 wild animals and is the only subtropical zoo in the United States. From October to March, the zoo offers nighttime tours that start with a pizza dinner and last 2 hours.MetroZoo is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 251-0400.
3. Miami Seaquarium — Tucked away on Key Biscayne, the Seaquarium was the first marine park attraction in South Florida. In addition to marine mammals, they house fish, sharks, sea turtles, reptiles and manatees. Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; (Map); Phone (305) 365-2507.
4. Lion Country Safari — This drive-through safari-like theme park is 45 miles north of Miami. The Park claims to be the first cageless zoo in the United States. Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd., Loxahatchee; Phone (561) 793-1084.
5. Gator Park — Just just 35 minutes west of Miami, this Everglades wildlife park offers daily airboat rides and wildlife shows rain or shine. Gator Park is located at 24050 SW 8th St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 559-2255. (Pictures)
6. Boomers — This family amusement center is north of Miami in Dania Beach. The park has miniature golf, batting cages, go-karts, laser tag, a roller coaster, and video game arcade. Boomers is located at 1700 NW 1st St., Dania Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 559-2255.
7. Wannado City — Housed in the Sawgrass Mills Mall, this children’s indoor role-playing theme park transports kids to a world where they can take on roles as a firefighter, archaeologist, actor, news reporter, chef, judge, airplane pilot, doctor and a host of other professions. Wannado is located at 12801 Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise; (Map); Phone (954) 838-7100.

Place your bets

1. Seminole Hard Rock Casino — Between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, this 86-acre resort has a Vegas-like casino, a tropical pool area with water slides, and a Hard Rock Cafe. Hard Rock is located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; (Map); Phone (954) 364-4140.
2. Miccosukee Casino — Just 15 minutes west of Miami Airport, Miccosukee Casino is situated along the edge of the Florida Everglades. The Casino has a hotel, and 24-hour-a-day gaming. Miccosukee is located at 500 SW 177th Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 222-4600.
3. Horizon’s Edge Casino Cruise — Miami’s only casino cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace 7 days a week. Horizon’s Edgefeatures onboard gambling, gourmet buffet, and live entertainment; Phone (781) 581-7733.
4. Jai-Alai – There are two jai-alai frontons in South Florida:
   • Miami Jai-Alai is open year-round from noon to 5pm (closed: Tuesdays). Evening matches start at 7pm Mon, Fri and Sat. They also have simulcast wagering, and a card room for poker & dominoes.
   • Dania Jai-Alai opens at 7pm Tues. – Sat. The poker room is open 12pm to 12am Tue – Sat. Dania Jai-Alai is set to open its slots room sometime in 2008.
5. Greyhound Dog Racing — There are two tracks (with poker rooms) nearby:
   • Mardi Gras race track and gaming center is open year round. The casino is the only place in Florida with Class III — traditional — slot machines. Mardi Gras is located at 831 N. Federal Hwy. Hallandale Beach; Phone (954) 924-3200.
   • Flagler Dog Track has racing during it’s June to November season, and a poker room that’s open when the track is running. Flagler is just five minutes east of Miami Airport. The track is located at NW 37th Ave., Miami; Phone (305) 649-3000.
6. Horse Racing at Gulfstream Park — Gulfstream Park is a casino and horse racing facility with two tracks that feature thoroughbred racing. The casino has 512 slots, and 17 poker tables. The property has 10 restaurants, and is also a popular venue for concerts. The track is open from mid-January through late March. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Hwy., Hallandale; (Map); Phone (954) 454-7000.

Parks and nature preserves

1. Flamingo Park — Visitors can find a beautiful tree-lined grassy park located in the middle of South Beach. The facilities include a swimming pool with lap lanes, a water playground for kids, dog park, tennis, basketball, and handball courts, and a baseball, football, soccer field, and a gym. Flamingo Park is located at 999 11th Street (Map); Phone (954) 454-7000.
2. The Kampong Tropical Gardens — Tucked away at the south end of Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s oldest landmarks, the Kampong. The history of the private garden, as well as the collection of plants, captivates the imagination. Kampong is located at 4013 Douglas Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; Phone (305) 442-7169.
3. Everglades National Park — A subtropical climate, a broad, shallow river, and a variety of plant and animal life make this National Park a must visit. Wildlife species include the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, and West Indian Manatee. If you enter through the Flamingo Main Entrance, make sure to stop and take the 45-minute walk around the Anhinga Trail, it’s a partially paved trail with a boardwalk that stretches out over the water. This is a good spot to see alligators in their natural habitat. Everglades National Park is located at 40001 State Rd. 9336, Homestead; (Map); Phone (305) 242-7700.
4. John Pennekamp Park — John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park includes approximately 70 nautical square miles of Atlantic Ocean waters. The reefs can be viewed from glass-bottom boats, or by snorkeling or scuba diving. Other activities available in the park are canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and wildlife viewing. The visitor center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. John Pennekamp Park is located at 102601 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo; Phone (305) 451-1202.
5. Quiet Water Park — Located in Deerfield Beach, this county park has cable water skiing, a freshwater swimming beach, a ariety of boats for rent, and an interactive children’s water playground. The park also has a skateboard park and biking trail.Quiet Water Park is located at 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; (Map); Phone (954) 360-1315
6. Matheson Hammock Park — Miami’s oldest and most scenic park, Matheson Hammock has a bathing beach and a popular restaurant, housed in a historic coral-rock building that overlooks the swimming lagoon. The marina has boat slips, a bait-and-tackle shop, and sailing school. Matheson Hammock is located at 9610 Old Cutler Rd., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 665-5475.
7. Oleta River State Park — Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta Park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including kayaking, camping, swimming, fishing, trail walking, picnicking, and six miles of mountain bike trails. Blue Moon rents kayaks, canoes and bikes; Phone (305) 957-3040. Oleta River Park is located at 3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 919-1846.
8. South Pointe Park — This park is found at the southernmost end of Miami Beach. It’s a great place to watch the cruise shipscome in and out of the Port of Miami (a good time to see departing ships is Sundays after 3pm). South Pointe also has BBQ pits and pavilions. The park is adjacent to the beach, and has a good supply of metered parking spaces. Valet parking is available atSmith & Wollensky. South Pointe Park is located at 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 643-7224.
9. Domino Park — Maximo Gomez Park, also known as “Domino Park”, is one of the main meeting places in Little Havana. Almost anytime of the day, the park is filled with neighborhood locals playing dominoes and chess. Domino Park is located at 801 SW 15th Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 285-1684.
10. Haulover Beach — Situated between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, this 180-acre park boasts sandy beaches, and Miami’s only nude beach. An underground path leads from the Marina parking area to the Beach. Haulover Beachis located at 10800 Collins Ave., Miami; Phone (305) 947-3525.
11. Fruit and Spice Park — This unique 35-acre public facility is owned and operated by Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation. The park showcases 125 varieties of mango (orange, green, purple, red, and yellow), 75 varieties of bananas, 70 varieties of bamboo, and many exotic edibles. They also offer a tram tour. Visitors are invited to munch at the tasting counter inside the store. Fruit and Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; (Map); Phone (305) 247-5727.
    
12. Biscayne National Park — Southeast of Miami, this National Park is 99 percent underwater and features colorful coral reefs and undeveloped keys in Biscayne Bay. Three-hour glass-bottom bout tours are offered from 10am to 1pm daily. Reservations are necessary, and six passenger minimum applies. Reminiscent of area pioneer homes, with wooden walks and a metal roof,Dante Fascell Visitor Center has a wide veranda with sweeping views across mangroves and the Bay. The center is the base of operations for the boat tours, and houses a museum that explores the park’s ecosystem. Note: this is the only area ofBiscayne National Park accessible without a boat; (Map); Phone (305) 230-7275.

Museums and art galleries

1. Wolfsonian Museum — A must see if you’re visiting Miami Beach, this museum exhibits a collection of propaganda art that includes furniture, paintings, books, prints, industrial and decorative art objects. The Museum explores the role of design at the height of the industrial age (1885-1945) in the context of social, political, and technological issues. Admission is free after 6pm on Friday. Wolfsonian is located at 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 531-1001.
2. ArtCenter of South Florida — This public art gallery exists to provide affordable workspace for outstanding visual artists. The gallery encompasses 2 buildings with 52 artists’ studios, exhibition galleries, and art classrooms. Admission is Free. ArtCenter is located at 800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 674-8278.
3. World Erotic Art Museum — This museum houses an impressive collection of erotic art. Visitors can find 4,000 objects, and pop-culture fare, such as the giant rocking male member used in Stanley Kubrick’s film “A Clockwork Orange”. World Erotic Art is located at 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 532-9336.
4. Rubell Family Art Collection — This contemporary art collection is owned by the Miami hotelier family, the Rubell’s. The gallery is housed north of Downtown Miami inside a former Drug Enforcement Agency warehouse. The collection contains more than a thousand works of contemporary art, by artists such as Keith Haring, Julian Schnabel, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul McCarthy, and Charles Ray. The gallery is located at 95 NW 29th St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 573-6090.
5. Historical Museum of Southern Florida — This museum is one of the largest private history museums in the country. The Research Center includes 1,900 maps, and more than one and a half million photographic images. The museum also houses over 12,000 local artifacts, including a lighthouse lens, refugee rafts, a 1920s trolley car, shipwreck treasure, and artifacts from Pan American Airways. Much of the collection illustrates the main themes permeating South Florida history: environmental influences, immigration, maritime industries, aviation, and tourism. Historical Museum is located at 101 W Flagler St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 375-1492.
6. Bay of Pigs Museum — This museum documents memoirs of the Cold War Era, the Bay of Pigs invasion, Operation Mongoose, the Missile Crisis, and contributions made by Cuban exiles. The collection includes artifacts used by brigade members, and secret pictures taken by CIA and foreign news persons stationed in Cuba at the time of the events. Bay of Pigs Museum is located at 1821 SW 9th St., Miami; Phone (305) 649-4719.
7. World of Bacardi Museum — Bacardi’s Miami site is home to two amazing structures: an 8-story tower with ceramic tile murals, and a square building with stained glass walls, raised 47 feet off the ground. The museum covers corporate and family history from 1862 through today. Call to schedule a Free Tour. Bacardi Museum is located at 2100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; Phone (305) 573-8511.
8. Gold Coast Railroad Museum – This museum is dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and operating historic railroad equipment. In addition to the railroad engines and cars permanently on display, the historic railroad “rides” are also working educational exhibits. Gold Coast Railroad Museum is located at 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami; Phone (305) 253-0063
9. Children’s Museum — This facility includes galleries, classrooms, a resource center, and gift shop. The museum has hundreds of bilingual exhibits, programs, classes, and learning materials for children. Children’s Museum is located at 980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 373-5437
10. Miami Art Museum — This museum’s art reflects the cosmopolitan makeup of Miami. Art in America magazine called MAM “the quintessential Miami collection”. Exhibitions are both original presentations and exhibitions from other museums. Miami Art Museum is located at 101 West Flagler St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 375-3000.
11. Bass Museum of Art — Art is displayed from the Museum’s permanent collection as well as compilations loaned from National and International exhibitions. Bass Museum is located at 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 253-0063

Shopping and noteworthy businesses

1. Bal Harbour Shops — 15 minutes north of Miami Beach, this exclusive outdoor shopping small showcases a collections of boutiques, restaurants and shops. The anchor stores are: Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Other notable shops: Fendi, Armani, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Cartier and, Tiffany. Bal Harbour Shopsis located at 9601 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; (Map); Phone (305) 866-0311.
2. Bayside Market — Near the American Airlines Arena and Port of Miami, this open-air mall features shops, restaurants, a marina, rides, and free entertainment. Bayside is located at 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 577-3344.
3. Coco Walk — This open-air shopping mall houses 38 shops, including a movie theatre, and many restaurants. Each night a variety of bars and nightclubs fill the courtyard with live entertainment. Coco Walk is located at 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; (Map); Phone (305) 444-0777.
4. Las Olas Riverfront — Las Olas Boulevard is a popular thoroughfare in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is home to many bars and nightclubs, as well as trendy shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, hotels, and a 15 theatre Cinema. Las Olas Riverfront is located at 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale; (Map); Phone (954) 522-6556.
5. Sawgrass Mills — This massive outlet mall features more than 350 name-brand stores and outlets; full-service restaurants likeCheesecake Factory; cinemas and entertainment venues. With 2.5 million square feet of retail selling space, it is the fourth largest mall in the United States, the largest in Florida, and the largest outlet mall in the world. Sawgrass Mills is located at 12801 W Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise; (Map); Phone (954) 846-2351.
6. Design Center of the Americas — DCOTA is the largest design center of its kind, showcasing 150 showrooms of interior design, fine furniture, fabrics, flooring, lighting, kitchen, bath, art, antiques, accessories, appliances, window treatments, decorative hardware, paint, surfacing and much more. DCOTA is located at 1855 Griffin Rd., Dania Beach; Phone (954) 920-7997.
7. Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World — A unique decor brings the outdoors indoors with large aquariums stocked with native fish species, and an extensive collection of museum-quality fish and wildlife mounts. Local historic photos, artifacts and exhibits pay tribute to the area’s great outdoor heritage. There are two Bass Pro Shops‘ nearby:
   • Miami – located near Dolphin Mall. Opening 2007.
   • Dania Beach, Ft. Lauderdale – located at 200 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach; Phone 954-929-7710.
8. Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop — This indoor/outdoor swap meet is one of the world’s largest flea markets in Florida. In addition to acres of vendors selling everything from electronics to underwear, there’s a miniature amusement park, and a 13-screen drive-in movie theater. Swap Shop is located at 3291 W Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; (Map); Phone (954) 791-7927.
9. Stone Age Antiques — Located on the Miami River, this one-of-a-kind antique store sells nautical memorabilia ranging from cannons, ship’s wheels, boat parts, rope, cargo nets, model ships, dugout canoes, lobster boats and traps to African masks, drums, wagon wheels, old luggage, and a $30,000 bell. Stone Age is located at 3236 NW South River Dr, Miami; Phone (305) 633-5114.
10. Voodoo Shops in Little Haiti — Only in Miami will you find a shopping district with stores selling religious items and handcrafted artifacts used to practice Voodoo and Santeria. These shops, known as Botanicas, are located in Little Haiti on 54th Street and NW 2nd Avenue. (Pictures)
11. Hialeah Thrift Stores — Flamingo Plaza is an outdoor shopping complex with 9 thrift stores selling used clothes and furniture. The main entrance is on 62nd Ave. (Martin Luthur King Drive). Flamingo Plaza is located at 901 East 10th Ave., Hialeah.
12. Palacio de los Jugos — The Palace of Juices is a colorful open-air food market where you can find all sorts of Cuban fruit juices and stands piled high with fruits. Order a coco frío, and the vendor will crack the coconut with a machete and serve it with a straw to suck out the milk.On Sundays they have an outdoor grill to serve the “after church” crowd. Palace of Juices is located at 5721 W. Flagler St., Miami; Phone (305) 264-4557.

Hotels and restaurants

1. Biltmore Hotel — Built in 1924, this majestic hotel is almost shockingly grand — it’s crowned by a 315-foot replica of Seville’s Cathedral Giralda Tower, the lobby is lined with Herculean pillars, and the hotel has the largest swimming pool in the United States. Even if you can’t stay here or pay for a round of golf, you can still have a drink in the Biltmore Bar or hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. Biltmore is located at 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; (Map); Phone (305) 445-1926.
2. Loews Hotel — The top family-oriented hotel in South Beach, the Loews offers an abundance of services and amenities whether it’s for an executive attending a conference or a family on vacation. From the oceanfront pool and private beach to the Fitness Center and convention space, this hotel suits a variety of travelers’ needs. Loews is located at 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 604-1601.
3. Cheeca Lodge & Spa — Cheeca Lodge is a AAA Four-Diamond, oceanfront resort in the Florida Keys nestled on 27 landscaped acres. With a West Indies style décor, the resort features more than 1,200 feet of palm-fringed beach. Cheeca Lodge is located at 81801 Overseas Hwy.(MM 82), Islamorada; (Map); Phone (305) 664-4651.
4. Smith & Wollensky — This restaurant offers some of the most beautiful waterfront dining in Miami. Request a table by the window, or sit outside if the weather is agreeable, and watch cruise ships departing the Port of Miami. Smith & Wollensky is located at 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 673-2800.
5. News Cafe — The News Cafe is a South Beach landmark. For starters, it’s right in the middle of Ocean Drive, which makes it perfect for people watching. In addition to a well-rounded menu, you can also find an extensive collection of national and international newspapers and magazines at the newsstand. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day. News Cafe is located at 800 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 538-6397.
6. Le Tub — This modern-day sailor’s dive was awarded best hamburger in the country by GQ magazine. Discarded bathtubs, fishing nets, and ladies underwear give the place a Key West feel. The booths overlooking the Intracoastal offer the best seating. Hamburgers, beer, a pool table, darts, and a good jukebox are the main attractions. Keep an eye open for the giant fish that linger beneath the dock. The bar was also visited by Oprah and her best friend, Gayle. (speaking of friends, please tell all your friends about this article. They’ll love you for it.) Le Tub is located at 1100 N Ocean Dr., Hollywood; (Map); Phone (954) 921-9425.
7. Mango’s Tropical Cafe — Mango’s offers a Brazilian Carnivale atmosphere filled with reggae music, salsa dancing and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. With its sexy staff and professional dancers, this place has become a landmark in South Beach. Family friendly performances featuring Latin dancers start at 6pm while the more tantalizing shows start after 10pm. Mango’s is located at 900 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (954) 673-4422.
8. Lucky Strike Bowling Alley — This modern bowling alley has Hollywood roots as you see with the decor, food, and entertainment. There are 14 bowling lanes, all with big screen TV’s and score-keeping monitors, billiards, and a restaurant that serves food all day. After 9pm, all guests must be over 21. Lucky Strike is located at 1691 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach; Phone (305) 532-0307.

For adults only

1. Club Space — This cavernous nightclub is a venue for some of the world’s hottest DJs. On Saturday and Sunday nights, the party starts at around 2am and extends to the next morning, sometimes as late as 10am. Club Space is located at 34 NE 11St., Miami; (Map); Phone (786) 256-5732.
2. Opium Garden — This open-air, two-level nightclub is one of the best places to party in South Beach. The club is decked out with Buddha statues and Chinese lanterns creating an exotic feel. There are a number of dance floors, each spinning different kinds of music. Opium is located 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 531-5535.
3. Clevelander – Although it’s under construction until 2008, we had to include Clevelander on this list. Noted as one of the most famous bars in South Beach, Clevelander will have 5 pool side bars, live performances, great music, and partying till the early morning. Clevelander is located 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; (Map); Phone (305) 531-3485.
4. Mac’s Club Deuce — This South Beach watering hole is across the street from T-Mex and Tattos by Lou. It is the only bar in town open from 8am to 5am. the deuce is located 222 14th St., Miami Beach, FL; (Map); Phone (305) 531-6200.
5. Miami Velvet Swing Club — The largest adult swing club in Florida with over 18,000 members and over 20,000 square feet of “on-premise” activity. The first floor of the two-story complex is designed like a typical nightclub. The second floor is where the action takes place. Members must disrobe to a towel to go upstairs. Miami Velvet is located 3901 NW 77th Ave., Doral; (Map); Phone (305) 406-1604.
6. Tobacco Road — More than eight decades old, this establishment holds the first liquor license in Miami-Dade County. Tobacco Road is Miami’s bar of choice for blues music and food. Over the years, legendary musicians including B.B. King, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins have performed on the main stage. It’s also one of the few places in town where local bands regularly perform. Open until 5am. Tobacco Road is located 626 S Miami Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 374-1198.
7. Churchill’s Hideaway — This English-style pub is Miami’s main venue for live music. The bar offers offers a good beer selection and a few pool tables, but the primary reason to visit is the talent that performs nightly on stage. Churchill’s is located at 5501 NE 2nd Ave., Miami; (Map); Phone (305) 758-4481.

AND THIS CONCLUDES THIS ARTICLE OF 101 FUN ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI

Thanks to the authors of this post:

Guide For Visitors
by Tour Guide Owl

TEASER TRAILER

We’re not going to spoil it just yet, but, we will say that this is an inspirational story of overcoming tribulations and adversity and finding a purpose in life through the eyes of a child.

A Star is born and a new journey commences as we embark on a mission (who some say is a mission from god) to make sure the world gets the chance to see Monique Sciberras and The Sciberras Family story, which is in the works. (http://moniquesciberras.blogspot.com/)

Monique Sciberras is a young Australian girl who was born under difficult circumstances and who endured a rough beginning, partially because of the conditions which she was born under and also her father’s “situation”.

With a lot of perseverance, and through martial arts which he taught her, she gained the balance in her life that she needed in order to fight through these conditions.

Although we cannot give too many details now, we can say that this will be a documentary from Mount Sciberras Productions in association with Superforce Entertainment and Madskitz Studios.

COMING SOON: documentary – Monique Sciberras, better known as The Real Karate Kid.

Details: TBA

Release Date: TBA

Currently seeking more investors to contribute to this project.

Inquiries can be made by reaching us through Twitter or via Email.

For Twitter, send your Direct Message (140 characters or less) to @SuperforceUSA

Please indicate “Australia Project” on the subject line, and email: SuperforceInfo@Gmail.com

Not everyone who’s on top today got there with success after success. More often than not, those who history best remembers were faced with numerous obstacles that forced them to work harder and show more determination than others. Next time you’re feeling down about your failures in college or in a career, keep these fifty famous people in mind and remind yourself that sometimes failure is just the first step towards success.

Business Gurus

These businessmen and the companies they founded are today known around the world, but as these stories show, their beginnings weren’t always smooth.

1. Henry Ford: While Ford is today known for his innovative assembly line and American-made cars, he wasn’t an instant success. In fact, his early businesses failed and left him broke five time before he founded the successful Ford Motor Company.
2. R. H. Macy: Most people are familiar with this large department store chain, but Macy didn’t always have it easy. Macy started seven failed business before finally hitting big with his store in New York City.
3. F. W. Woolworth: Some may not know this name today, but Woolworth was once one of the biggest names in department stores in the U.S. Before starting his own business, young Woolworth worked at a dry goods store and was not allowed to wait on customers because his boss said he lacked the sense needed to do so.
4. Soichiro Honda: The billion-dollar business that is Honda began with a series of failures and fortunate turns of luck. Honda was turned down by Toyota Motor Corporation for a job after interviewing for a job as an engineer, leaving him jobless for quite some time. He started making scooters of his own at home, and spurred on by his neighbors, finally started his own business.
5. Akio Morita: You may not have heard of Morita but you’ve undoubtedly heard of his company, Sony. Sony’s first product was a rice cooker that unfortunately didn’t cook rice so much as burn it, selling less than 100 units. This first setback didn’t stop Morita and his partners as they pushed forward to create a multi-billion dollar company.
6. Bill Gates: Gates didn’t seem like a shoe-in for success after dropping out of Harvard and starting a failed first business with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen called Traf-O-Data. While this early idea didn’t work, Gates’ later work did, creating the global empire that is Microsoft.
7. Harland David Sanders: Perhaps better known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, Sanders had a hard time selling his chicken at first. In fact, his famous secret chicken recipe was rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it.

Scientists and Thinkers

These people are often regarded as some of the greatest minds of our century, but they often had to face great obstacles, the ridicule of their peers and the animosity of society.

8. Albert Einstein: Most of us take Einstein’s name as synonymous with genius, but he didn’t always show such promise. Einstein did not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven, causing his teachers and parents to think he was mentally handicapped, slow and anti-social. Eventually, he was expelled from school and was refused admittance to the Zurich Polytechnic School. It might have taken him a bit longer, but most people would agree that he caught on pretty well in the end, winning the Nobel Prize and changing the face of modern physics.

9. Charles Darwin: In his early years, Darwin gave up on having a medical career and was often chastised by his father for being lazy and too dreamy. Darwin himself wrote, “I was considered by all my masters and my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard of intellect.” Perhaps they judged too soon, as Darwin today is well-known for his scientific studies.

10. Robert Goddard: Goddard today is hailed for his research and experimentation with liquid-fueled rockets, but during his lifetime his ideas were often rejected and mocked by his scientific peers who thought they were outrageous and impossible. Today rockets and space travel don’t seem far-fetched at all, due largely in part to the work of this scientist who worked against the feelings of the time.

11. Isaac Newton: Newton was undoubtedly a genius when it came to math, but he had some failings early on. He never did particularly well in school and when put in charge of running the family farm, he failed miserably, so poorly in fact that an uncle took charge and sent him off to Cambridge where he finally blossomed into the scholar we know today.

12. Socrates: Despite leaving no written records behind, Socrates is regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the Classical era. Because of his new ideas, in his own time he was called “an immoral corrupter of youth” and was sentenced to death. Socrates didn’t let this stop him and kept right on, teaching up until he was forced to poison himself.

13. Robert Sternberg: This big name in psychology received a C in his first college introductory psychology class with his teacher telling him that, “there was already a famous Sternberg in psychology and it was obvious there would not be another.” Sternberg showed him, however, graduating from Stanford with exceptional distinction in psychology, summa cum laude, and Phi Beta Kappa and eventually becoming the President of the American Psychological Association.

Inventors

These inventors changed the face of the modern world, but not without a few failed prototypes along the way.

14. Thomas Edison: In his early years, teachers told Edison he was “too stupid to learn anything.” Work was no better, as he was fired from his first two jobs for not being productive enough. Even as an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. Of course, all those unsuccessful attempts finally resulted in the design that worked.

15. Orville and Wilbur Wright: These brothers battled depression and family illness before starting the bicycle shop that would lead them to experimenting with flight. After numerous attempts at creating flying machines, several years of hard work, and tons of failed prototypes, the brothers finally created a plane that could get airborne and stay there.

Public Figures

From politicians to talk show hosts, these figures had a few failures before they came out on top.

16. Winston Churchill: This Nobel Prize-winning, twice-elected Prime Minster of the United Kingdom wasn’t always as well regarded as he is today. Churchill struggled in school and failed the sixth grade. After school he faced many years of political failures, as he was defeated in every election for public office until he finally became the Prime Minister at the ripe old age of 62

17. Abraham Lincoln: While today he is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of our nation, Lincoln’s life wasn’t so easy. In his youth he went to war a captain and returned a private (if you’re not familiar with military ranks, just know that private is as low as it goes.) Lincoln didn’t stop failing there, however. He started numerous failed business and was defeated in numerous runs he made for public office.

18. Oprah Winfrey: Most people know Oprah as one of the most iconic faces on TV as well as one of the richest and most successful women in the world. Oprah faced a hard road to get to that position, however, enduring a rough and often abusive childhood as well as numerous career setbacks including being fired from her job as a television reporter because she was “unfit for tv.”

19. Harry S. Truman: This WWI vet, Senator, Vice President and eventual President eventually found success in his life, but not without a few missteps along the way. Truman started a store that sold silk shirts and other clothing–seemingly a success at first–only go bankrupt a few years later.

20. Dick Cheney: This recent Vice President and businessman made his way to the White House but managed to flunk out of Yale University, not once, but twice. Former President George W. Bush joked with Cheney about this fact, stating, “So now we know –if you graduate from Yale, you become president. If you drop out, you get to be vice president.”

Hollywood Types

These faces ought to be familiar from the big screen, but these actors, actresses and directors saw their fair share of rejection and failure before they made it big.

21. Jerry Seinfeld: Just about everybody knows who Seinfeld is, but the first time the young comedian walked on stage at a comedy club, he looked out at the audience, froze and was eventually jeered and booed off of the stage. Seinfeld knew he could do it, so he went back the next night, completed his set to laughter and applause, and the rest is history.

22. Fred Astaire: In his first screen test, the testing director of MGM noted that Astaire, “Can’t act. Can’t sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” Astaire went on to become an incredibly successful actor, singer and dancer and kept that note in his Beverly Hills home to remind him of where he came from.

23. Sidney Poitier: After his first audition, Poitier was told by the casting director, “Why don’t you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?” Poitier vowed to show him that he could make it, going on to win an Oscar and become one of the most well-regarded actors in the business.

24. Jeanne Moreau: As a young actress just starting out, this French actress was told by a casting director that she was simply not pretty enough to make it in films. He couldn’t have been more wrong as Moreau when on to star in nearly 100 films and win numerous awards for her performances.

25. Charlie Chaplin: It’s hard to imagine film without the iconic Charlie Chaplin, but his act was initially rejected by Hollywood studio chiefs because they felt it was a little too nonsensical to ever sell.

26. Lucille Ball: During her career, Ball had thirteen Emmy nominations and four wins, also earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors. Before starring in I Love Lucy, Ball was widely regarded as a failed actress and a B movie star. Even her drama instructors didn’t feel she could make it, telling her to try another profession. She, of course, proved them all wrong.

27. Harrison Ford: In his first film, Ford was told by the movie execs that he simply didn’t have what it takes to be a star. Today, with numerous hits under his belt, iconic portrayals of characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and a career that stretches decades, Ford can proudly show that he does, in fact, have what it takes.

28. Marilyn Monroe: While Monroe’s star burned out early, she did have a period of great success in her life. Despite a rough upbringing and being told by modeling agents that she should instead consider being a secretary, Monroe became a pin-up, model and actress that still strikes a chord with people today.

29. Oliver Stone: This Oscar-winning filmmaker began his first novel while at Yale, a project that eventually caused him to fail out of school. This would turn out to be a poor decision as the the text was rejected by publishers and was not published until 1998, at which time it was not well-received. After dropping out of school, Stone moved to Vietnam to teach English, later enlisting in the army and fighting in the war, a battle that earning two Purple Hearts and helped him find the inspiration for his later work that often center around war.

Writers and Artists

We’ve all heard about starving artists and struggling writers, but these stories show that sometimes all that work really does pay off with success in the long run.

30. Vincent Van Gogh: During his lifetime, Van Gogh sold only one painting, and this was to a friend and only for a very small amount of money. While Van Gogh was never a success during his life, he plugged on with painting, sometimes starving to complete his over 800 known works. Today, they bring in hundreds of millions.

31. Emily Dickinson: Recluse and poet Emily Dickinson is a commonly read and loved writer. Yet in her lifetime she was all but ignored, having fewer than a dozen poems published out of her almost 1,800 completed works.

32. Theodor Seuss Giesel: Today nearly every child has read The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham, yet 27 different publishers rejected Dr. Seuss’s first book To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.

33. Charles Schulz: Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip has had enduring fame, yet this cartoonist had every cartoon he submitted rejected by his high school yearbook staff. Even after high school, Schultz didn’t have it easy, applying and being rejected for a position working with Walt Disney.

34. Steven Spielberg: While today Spielberg’s name is synonymous with big budget, he was rejected from the University of Southern California School of Theater, Film and Television three times. He eventually attended school at another location, only to drop out to become a director before finishing. Thirty-five years after starting his degree, Spielberg returned to school in 2002 to finally complete his work and earn his BA.

35. Stephen King: The first book by this author, the iconic thriller Carrie, received 30 rejections, finally causing King to give up and throw it in the trash. His wife fished it out and encouraged him to resubmit it, and the rest is history, with King now having hundreds of books published the distinction of being one of the best-selling authors of all time.

36. Zane Grey: Incredibly popular in the early 20th century, this adventure book writer began his career as a dentist, something he quickly began to hate. So, he began to write, only to see rejection after rejection for his works, being told eventually that he had no business being a writer and should given up. It took him years, but at 40, Zane finally got his first work published, leaving him with almost 90 books to his name and selling over 50 million copies worldwide.

37. J. K. Rowling: Rowling may be rolling in a lot of Harry Potter dough today, but before she published the series of novels she was nearly penniless, severely depressed, divorced, trying to raise a child on her own while attending school and writing a novel. Rowling went from depending on welfare to survive to being one of the richest women in the world in a span of only five years through her hard work and determination.

38. Monet: Today Monet’s work sells for millions of dollars and hangs in some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Yet during his own time, it was mocked and rejected by the artistic elite, the Paris Salon. Monet kept at his impressionist style, which caught on and in many ways was a starting point for some major changes to art that ushered in the modern era.

39. Jack London: This well-known American author wasn’t always such a success. While he would go on to publish popular novels like White Fang and The Call of the Wild, his first story received six hundred rejection slips before finally being accepted.

40. Louisa May Alcott: Most people are familiar with Alcott’s most famous work, Little Women. Yet Alcott faced a bit of a battle to get her work out there and was was encouraged to find work as a servant by her family to make ends meet. It was her letters back home during her experience as a nurse in the Civil War that gave her the first big break she needed.

Musicians

While their music is some of the best selling, best loved and most popular around the world today, these musicians show that it takes a whole lot of determination to achieve success.

41. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart began composing at the age of five, writing over 600 pieces of music that today are lauded as some of the best ever created. Yet during his lifetime, Mozart didn’t have such an easy time, and was often restless, leading to his dismissal from a position as a court musician in Salzberg. He struggled to keep the support of the aristocracy and died with little to his name.

42. Elvis Presley: As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Elvis has become a household name even years after his death. But back in 1954, Elvis was still a nobody, and Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after just one performance telling him, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.”

43. Igor Stravinsky: In 1913 when Stravinsky debuted his now famous Rite of Spring, audiences rioted, running the composer out of town. Yet it was this very work that changed the way composers in the 19th century thought about music and cemented his place in musical history.

44. The Beatles: Few people can deny the lasting power of this super group, still popular with listeners around the world today. Yet when they were just starting out, a recording company told them no. The were told “we don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out,” two things the rest of the world couldn’t have disagreed with more.

45. Ludwig van Beethoven: In his formative years, young Beethoven was incredibly awkward on the violin and was often so busy working on his own compositions that he neglected to practice. Despite his love of composing, his teachers felt he was hopeless at it and would never succeed with the violin or in composing. Beethoven kept plugging along, however, and composed some of the best-loved symphonies of all time–five of them while he was completely deaf.

Athletes

While some athletes rocket to fame, others endure a path fraught with a little more adversity, like those listed here.

46. Michael Jordan: Most people wouldn’t believe that a man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Luckily, Jordan didn’t let this setback stop him from playing the game and he has stated, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

47. Stan Smith: This tennis player was rejected from even being a lowly ball boy for a Davis Cup tennis match because event organizers felt he was too clumsy and uncoordinated. Smith went on to prove them wrong, showcasing his not-so-clumsy skills by winning Wimbledon, U. S. Open and eight Davis Cups.

48. Babe Ruth: You probably know Babe Ruth because of his home run record (714 during his career), but along with all those home runs came a pretty hefty amount of strikeouts as well (1,330 in all). In fact, for decades he held the record for strikeouts. When asked about this he simply said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”

49. Tom Landry: As the coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Landry brought the team two Super Bowl victories, five NFC Championship victories and holds the records for the record for the most career wins. He also has the distinction of having one of the worst first seasons on record (winning no games) and winning five or fewer over the next four seasons

and LAST BUT NOT LEAST – YES, EVEN THIS GUY….

50. Walt Disney: Today Disney rakes in billions from merchandise, movies and theme parks around the world, but Walt Disney himself had a bit of a rough start. He was fired by a newspaper editor because, “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” After that, Disney started a number of businesses that didn’t last too long and ended with bankruptcy and failure. He kept plugging along, however, and eventually found a recipe for success that worked.

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