Pick your own entertainment at Glascott’s

As a neighborhood Irish pub, Glascott’s Saloon isn’t all about the dance music and a DJ. Rather, pick out your own jams on the jukebox TouchTunes and sit back to enjoy a draft or bottled beer at the full-length bar.

Yet Glascott’s isn’t just a place to chill; there’s a pool table in the back room in the sometimes-party room, and a Silver Strike video bowling game, if that strikes your fancy. If you work up an appetite, Glascott’s doesn’t offer any food, but they do let you bring in gyros or any other Greek food from the connecting restaurant, the Athenian Room.

You Never Know What to Expect At DNA Lounge

For a rambunctious good time head down to the DNA Lounge in the Mission. You never know what to expect at this funky and fun spot and there’s something different every night of the week.

The Lounge hosts the monthly Hubba Hubba Revue burlesque show – a full stage production with musical acts, dancing and aerial artists that is not to be missed. They also have the monthly drag show, Trannyshack, which has a different theme every time and  various bands perform throughout the month.

The club also hosts Bootie – the biggest mashup party in San Francisco. Trust us, there is never a dull moment at the DNA Lounge and you never known who you’ll bump into or what you’ll see. It’s an SF original.

Cover charges vary depending on the show and you can buy tickets online through their website.

Balance Order Nature: Harmonious home furnishings

Creating a harmonious home interior is the mission of Balance Order Nature and their collection of contemporary home furnishings. Their showroom along historic Coral Way features their clean and soothing lines and accessories.

What’s interesting about the designs here is they’re both contemporary but also with a throwback twist. The lamps especially borrow from the 1950s and 60s and incorporate a current feel to create a completely unique look. Other furnishings include small tufted chairs with modern legs, a modern take on the recliner featuring a flat leather reclining seat and simple, clean-lined simple tables and platform beds. It’s all pure simplicity at its best.

Head over to Germany in Chicago’s Mirabell Restaurant

It’s Oktoberfest all year round in Mirabell Restaurant. From large beer steins decorating the shelves to murals spanning the walls, this lounge and bar is about more than just the atmosphere. The traditional not overly-sour sauerkraut complements all sorts of sausages. The spaetzel and Goulasch soup are just some house favorites–and the latter is quite different from the hearty goulasch meal. And of course, a German restaurant wouldn’t be complete without a large beer menu that features both domestic and German brews.

Insider’s Tip: Print the coupon on the bottom of the Website’s homepage for 50% off one entree.

Dolores but you can call me Lolita: Good eats, hip scene

It’s about more than just the food at Dolores but you can call me Lolita in the heart of Miami’s thriving Brickell area. This is a compound that encompasses the restaurant, lounge, private room and even the Japanese favorite Sushi Maki next door. They go for the warm glow of candlelight in the restaurant where the wall border close to the ceiling brims with quirky and inspiring sayings.

Then there’s the menu which is brimming with delicious selections like the appetizer called Maybe, the Best Serrano Ham Croquettes you ever tasted or the Caesar salad was created in Tijuana Parmesan cheese and croutons. Those wacky names doesn’t mean they don’t take food seriously here, entrees include pappardelle with a Kobe beef bolognese or baja fish tacos of tempura fish filets served with a chipotle-guava cabbage slaw.

Eat or party or do both at the restaurant or lounge, the atmosphere’s great at both.

Charles Hayden Planetarium: Reopening After Massive Renovation

Checking out the stars on a clear night in Boston can be a hard find until now. The Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science recently underwent a $9 million facelift where you can now spend an evening out under 9,100 stars in the most technologically advanced digital theater in New England. The surface of the dome is used to project the night sky to offer a virtual experience of flying through the universe. It just doesn’t get any cooler than this. For more information, check out mos.org/planetarium.

Jazz at MOCA: Tunes under the night sky

Arturo Sandoval trumpet blaring at Jazz at MOCA

It’s a scene to behold in the heart of downtown North Miami on the last Friday of the month when the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts their monthly Jazz at MOCA event. It’s become the place to be and it’s no wonder, they get some stellar jazz musicians to play here.

First off, it’s just a nice event, people bring blankets, set up a nice picnic under the stars with wine and other goodies and settle in to watch performers play and sing their hearts out in their cool bandshell.

They’ve hosted such greats as trumpet great Arturo Sandoval, local favorite Ira Sullivan and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. Great trios and quintets perform too and they get the crowd clappin’ and foot tappin’. As an added bonus, the museum stays open late so jazz lovers can stroll through and see the exhibitions.

Alchemist Shop: Revolving clothes line in industrial space

Already a mecca for great boutiques that fashionistas flock to, South Beach now gets two more, the Alchemist Shop with two locations on Lincoln Road.

One is a typical stand alone boutique the other is uniquely situated inside a parking garage. Of course, because it’s on South Beach it’s not just any parking garage, this is an industrial monstrosity at the tip of Lincoln Road. Now moviegoers can make a stop at this funky shop and sift through some truly unique fashions.

They’re known to carry high-end items by designers Undercover, Rick Owens and Libertine and of course, items get softer for Spring and as the seasons change so do the fashions in the Alchemist Shop. Jewelry, accessories and even some furniture are available as well.

Both stores share a unique clean, modern look and the view from the garage location is stellar thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. People watching onto Lincoln Road never looked so good.

Carhartt moves into Wicker Park

Carhartt opened in mid-April 2011 at 1518 N. Milwaukee Avenue, launching only its third American storefront. Like the Salt Lake City and Portland locations, the iconic store features classic work wear gear popular with everyone from construction workers to BMX bikers. By offering bib overalls as well as rough-and-ready clothing designs for both men and women, Carhartt seamlessly bridges the gap between fashion and utilitarian consumers.

The company’s style fills every inch of this Wicker Park store, from the tinted concrete floor to the re-purposed local antiques. Carhartt may have a rugged sensibility, but that doesn’t mean it’s not becoming a trend.

Jungle Island: Paradise attraction on Watson Island

Just the car ride to Jungle Island is glorious with cruise ships on one side and mansions on the other and sparkling water all the way around. The attraction uses its surroundings to their advantage.

The tropical landscape lends itself to the Parrot Bowl shows where vultures, cockatoos, swallows and more share center stage. Exhibits around the Island feature several species of monkeys, snakes and birds including penguins, flamingos, American alligators, Burmese pythons, skunks, cobras and chameleons.

They live among a variety of gorgeous plants and flowers that provide the grounds’ beautiful landscape. They also make full use of their waterfront location by incorporating an area called “La Playa” (The Beach) where adults can lounge on a beach chair under an umbrella while the kids frolic in a 17-foot water slide. The view’s unbeatable and it’s a great way to cool off.

The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill: Boston’s Summertime Favorite Roofdeck Bar

The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill has been a staple in Boston’s lifestyle scene for decades. The rooftop deck opens up as soon as the warm weather debuts and Poe’s Kitchen offers some of the funkiest tacos in town ranging from grilled lamb tip and Hudson Valley duck to smoked pork and grilled scallop prepared by Chef Brian Poe. Wash it down with a pineapple sage or berry acai mint margarita for a fun night out on the town. There is also a good selection of tequilas and whiskeys available here. Click here for more information.

The Baseball Tavern: The Next Best Place to Watch a Sox Game

Here in Red Sox Nation, one of the most coveted spots (if you can make your way in) during a home game is The Baseball Tavern. The four-story bar/restaurant offers a variety of large screen high def TVs so you can get a great view of the game from any seat in the house. Those in the know sneak up to the roof deck for some al fresco dining or a nice cold beer in the sun while listening to the roar of Fenway Park just steps away. Order up some Fenway franks or a sausage smothered in onions and peppers and you’ll feel right at home. Visit thebaseballtavern.com for more information.

Cozy up at Maude’s Liquor Bar

The low-lighting in Maude’s Liquor Bar may make this French-inspired restaurant feel a bit cozy, but the smashes–cocktail drinks–are what will warm you up. The smokey violet is a top-seller and for good reason; the bizarre combination of flowery and liquor flavors are stronger than they taste. All the plates are designed for sharing, and catch that lobster if you can. While its a simple dish, it tastes even better than it looks, especially with those sauces. Even so, don’t pass up the more traditional dishes like the hearty cassoulet that’s sure to fill you up, even when you share.

Scullers Jazz Club: Enjoy an Evening of Live Entertainment

Looking for a place to listen to Latin, contemporary jazz, blues, soul, R & B, cabaret or world music? Then look no further than Scullers Jazz Club where you can find something going on almost every night of the week. Located in the Doubletree Suites near Harvard Square, the lounge has hosted some of the top musicians in the business including Harry Connick, Jr., Chris Botti, Jamie Cullam, David Sanborn, Michael Bublé, Arturo Sandoval and Tony Bennett.

The 200-seat lounge sits high atop the hotel offering spectacular views of the Boston skyline and Charles River. Make your night out on the town even more special by booking a dinner and a show package and staying over after. Check out the schedule at scullersjazz.com.

New England Aquarium’s Shark and Ray Touch Tank: The Largest on the East Coast

If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with some sharks and stingrays, the New England Aquarium has the exhibit just for you.

The largest Shark and Ray touch tank on the East Coast has just debuted at the Aquarium allowing visitors of all ages to get a hands-on experience gently touching cownose rays and bonnethead sharks as they swim around in a mangrove-themed tank. The exhibit also discusses the importance of conserving essential coastal habitats, including mangroves and lagoons. Check out the website for the Aquarium at neaq.org for more information.

The Wilbur Theatre: Continuing Its Tradition of Live Entertainment in The Theater District

Comedians like Brian Regan, Joan Rivers and Bill Maher have all performed on stage at this cozy theater nestled inside the Theater District. The theater itself was built in 1914 by the Shubert brothers who named it after their friend and theatre manager A.L. Wilbur and was the first Boston theatre to draw its inspiration from American Colonial architecture rather than from European sources. Today, you can catch a musical performance from the likes of Gaelic Storm, Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute, Engelbert Humperdinck, Steel Pulse and ABBA – The Concert. Click here for the schedule of events.

Capital Grille is the Capital Steakhouse of NYC!

The Capital Grille. Known for delicious dry aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood. An award-winning wine list. A relaxed, elegant atmosphere. And, to top it all off, it’s in the Trylon Towers of the exquisite Chrysler Center. Rich African mahogany paneling and warm lighting from one-of-a-kind art deco chandeliers set the tone for a comfortably elegant evening (unless it’s a lively, social atmosphere you seek, in which case our sophisticated bar might be your destination). Their impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks and the freshest of seafood will ignite your culinary imagination as our award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles awakens your inner sommelier.

Bongo’s Cuban Cafe: Swaying hips and Latin rhythms

Owned by Miami’s own Emilio & Gloria Estefan, the golden couple of Latin music in Miami, sitting bayside behind the American Airlines Arena and boasting an atmosphere that won’t quit, it’s obvious that the energy is high at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe.

This is the place to party al night and in Latin style, where deejays play all types of Caribbean music including salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and regional Mexican music. It’s also a good place to catch Latin artists who attend after parties here. When Miami was host to the MTV Video Music Awards, Latin Grammys and Latin Billboard Music Awards the international artists attended after parties here.

The interior decor, purposely filled with palm trees, bongo shaped tables and multi-faceted colorful lighting in bright Caribbean colors, is set up to evoke a tropical island feel.

Bongo’s Cuban Cafe is located at 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 786-777-2100, www.bongoscubancafe.com

Fried Chicken Thursdays at Magnolia Pub & Brewery

Magnolia Pub and Brewery on the world famous Haight Street offers an upscale dining experience at Haight Street prices. The restaurant is open for lunch or dinner weekly and offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

You can’t go wrong with any of the menu items (plate of pickles anyone?), but the stand out choice is Magnolia’s Fried Chicken Thursdays special – a deal that is not to be missed. They serve it up until it’s all gone and pair it up with some of their delicious French fries and you’ll leave feeling satisfied and smiling.

And don’t forget their brews. They have everything from lighter brew to stouts to pair perfectly with a burger or salad. Tuesdays are $3 Tuesdays with all beers for only $3 all day long. Not only is it a great opportunity to try one of the fabulous house beers but a wonderful chance to take in all that Haight Street has to offer.

Magnolia Pub and Brewery is located at 1398 Haight Street.

Squat and Gobble Satisfys Any Craving

For a delicious and reasonably priced breakfast, lunch or dinner check out one of the Squat and Gobble restaurants in the city. There’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds – from a plethora of dessert and savory crepes to satisfying salads and sandwiches. They also have beer and wine options and several of the locations have patio seating for those sunny San Francisco days – a true treat for city folks.

Be sure to try out their Marina crepe with salmon or the Gobble Club which has turkey with a delightful cranberry aioli sauce. It’s like Thanksgiving year round

Squat and Gobble restaurants are conveniently located at five spots around San Francisco. You can grab a bite to eat in Lower or Upper Haight at 237 Fillmore or 1428 Haight Street. There is a location in the Castro at 3600 16th Street, one in West Portal at 1 West Portal right next to the West Portal Station and a large location in the heart of the Marina at 2263 Chestnut.

Viaduct Theater under the overpass

Just as the name implies, Roscoe Village’s Viaduct Theater is tucked away under an overpass on Western. This hidden playhouse’s stage is small, but the productions have a big storylines that take over more than just the stage. From traditional three-act plays to burlesque to live music shows, Viaduct offers a bit of every kind of intimate theater. Currently, the Viaduct is hosting The Voodoo Chalk Circle by The State Theater, among a variety of local bands. Between acts, grab a brewski and then sit back and enjoy the show–or dance, depending on what night it is.

Una Mae’s Freak Boutique: More than just vintage

Una Mae’s Freak Boutique isn’t just about the vintage in great condition, although that’s how the store got it’s start. It also has a contemporary vibe to everything it sells, from men and women’s branded clothing, to books about pictures, to jewelery and accessories, to home decorations like a bike parking metal sign. Una Mae’s fits right into the Wicker Park neighborhood, yet still manages to stand out with it’s eclectic and unique combination of gently used to brand-spanking new items. Can’t make it to the store and share in the ambiance? Everything they sell can now be bought online, too.

Kuma’s Corner serves heavy metal with their burgers

Hipsters must enter through the back, or so the sign says right outside Kuma’s Corner front door. Be prepared; those taunts aren’t the only thing patrons will face. Heavy metal blasts through the speakers as diners partake in the delicious juicy burgers appropriately named after heavy metal bands. If the food doesn’t take all your attention, Kuma’s also entertains with gory slasher flicks or karate movies.

The kitchen may be small, but it serves a mean burger, one sure to please your palate, whether on the summer patio or indoors.

Insider’s Tip: The Hate Beak may not be a burger, but it’s the best buffalo chicken sandwich in Chicago.

Glam up your home with Salvage One historical pieces

Step into Salvage One and step back into history. There’s four floors of treasure here, and this isn’t your grandmother’s yard sale by any means. All the salvaged antiques are organized in some sort of fashion, partially because this beautiful store also hosts weddings on two of its floors (or the garden, if Chicago weather is right). Like what you see dangling from the ceiling? Chances are, those chandeliers are for sale, too. After all, no space goes to waste in Salvage One, including in the garden, which is complete with bathtubs that function as plant holders.

The salvage shop is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Jerry Remy’s Hits a Homerun in Red Sox Nation

Jerry Remy is one of the biggest names in baseball here in Red Sox nation so we knew it would be just a matter of time before he opened his own restaurant just steps from Fenway Park. Located on Boylston Street, the casual restaurant serves up burgers, wings, nachos, salads, pulled pork, barbecue and of course, Jerry’s famous RemDawg hot dog covered in chili, cheddar cheese and onions. Be sure to ask about the “season pass” that allows guaranteed seating, front of the line privileges and exclusive entry. Visit jerryremys.com for more information.

Expressing Yourself at Expressions

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Hidden in the heart of Foggy Bottom, but with two large storefronts inside the Shops at 2000 Penn, Expressions has been dressing women from all walks of life for over two decades. With a wide variety and stock of accessories and clothing, you can find both an elegant Tahari suit for work and a sexy lace top for the night out all in one stop. With a French and an Italian in-house jewelry designer, pieces here are sparkly, classy, and sassy. A boutique that champions both uniqueness and affordability is truly hard to find, but at `Expressions, you can definitely find it all to express your true colors. Visit expressionsdc.net for more information.

Feel At Home at 51st State Tavern

51st State Tavern is a cozy, homey place for a diverse crowd of local residents, working professionals, and college students. With an outdoor patio and two floors equipped with two antique wooden bars, classic Guinness posters, a jukebox that everyone fights over, a pool table, and six plasma TV screens, this is the right place to kick back, relax, and have fun. With a wide selection of beers on tap, make sure to gulp it down with some classic American and Mexican food from the menu. Visit 51ststatetavern.com for more information.

Shhhhh… Wanna know a little secret? On Mondays, 51st serves delicious 50 cent tacos and on Tuesdays, 20 cent wings, plus various other beer specials!

Bike Towards The Sunset with Bike and Roll

With a wide array of sights and attractions to explore in the nation’s capital, there is no better way to travel and sightsee by cycling. With Bike and Roll, a bike rental provider with a wide array of bike models to choose from, you can check in and out of the three kiosks by the National Mall, the Union Station, and at Old Town Alexandria.

Each rental comes prepared with a helmet, lock, flat kit, and a city map to better help you whizz past this lovely city safe and prepared. Trust me, stopping to smell the roses is easier on a bicycle.

Insider Tip: Renting bikes from Old Town Alexandria not only gives you a chance to stroll King Street, but cyclists can easily take the scenic Mount Vernon Trail to the famous George Washington’s Estate!

Treasure Hunting at the Library of Congress

In “National Treasure,” you may remember seeing Nicolas Cage scurrying across the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress in search of the fictitious Book of Secrets. However, what Cage didn’t tell you is all the other real treasures for you to find at the Library.

The Library truly is an unparalleled world resource with a collection of more than 144 million books, prints, recordings, and manuscripts in 460 languages. You have the option of joining the tourists and be rushed in and out of the visitor areas, or registering for a Reader Identification Card at the Madison Building and having access to the beautiful library with myriad of unique reading rooms, its vast collection, and the Internet for free!

Domo Arigato, Mr. Yogato

We all know that frozen yogurt is healthy and delicious; however, at Mr. Yogato, it is also amusing and ridiculous! If you walk into the yogurt shop for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by their 18 non-fat yogurt flavors and 40 different toppings. However, don’t be confused by the goofy employees and the huge white board of the “Rules of Yogato.”

Follow the zany rules like singing along to Mr. Roboto, reciting the Braveheart battlefield speech with a Scottish accent, or even reenacting the Michael Jackson Thriller dance, to receive discounts up to 50% off!

Hey… don’t raise your eyebrows – yessssssh, I ordered in Sean Connery’s accent for 20% off.

A different Waterhouse Tavern every night

Tucked next to the Paulina brown line el stop, Waterhouse is the local watering hole that changes atmospheres depending on the day of the week. On weeknights, expect a laid-back bar with plenty of specials, from $3 burgers on Monday to ½ price sangria, beers, and well cocktails on Thursday. On Purdue game nights, Waterhouse also offers $5 Bacardi bombs and $5 Purdue 22oz mugs while patrons watch the game. On Fridays and Saturday late-nights, expect more of a club vibe with a dedicated dance floor in the back.

Waterhouse Tavern is the sister bar to Bluelight, Rebel Bar & Grill, as well as Pitchfork.

A bit o’ Irish at Fado Pub

Fado may be a national chain, but it’s also an authentic Irish pub that plays everything from Chicago baseball to English football on its TV screens. In Chicago’s Fado, the perfect pint is always poured on the third and first floor. There’s a second floor, too, but it’s mainly just for eating boxty quesadillas and drinking Guinness and Harp. While an open third floor allows for some great live music on the weekends, the first floor is more private with it’s labyrinth of walls and booths. Yet, no matter where you sit to enjoy your beer and semi-Irish food, there’s sure to be a piece of Irish memorabilia nearby–or a toucan.

Hardwood Smoky Goodness at Rocklands BBQ

Stepping into Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company you will see a huge bucket of peanuts, a whole bookshelf of hot sauce selection, and several rolls of no-nonsense paper towels – you know this is the perfect prerequisites to a hearty meal of BBQ.

With the meat, seafood, and poultry cooked by real red oak and hickory, you can smell the woody deliciousness half a mile away! Munch through the ribs, briskets, sausage, sides, and corn bread and don’t forget to take a swig from their tasty Coolant Root Beer (refill available)!

Insider info: You can have Rocklands prepare their famous barbequed pigs, displayed whole on a decorated board for your special events!

La Pasadita: Quality but cheap Mexican

With five locations–three of which are on Ashland Avenue–what’s not to love about these Mexican joints? La Pasadita defines quality, cheap Mexican food in Chicago, whether during lunch break or for those late-night booze-colored hours. Despite the low prices, their steak–whether on a taco or chachos, their version of nachos–really surpasses typical Mexican fare in Wicker Park. Their pico de gallo, too, is fresh and the perfect starter to any meal.

Don’t go expecting anything fancy, but still, good eats are available at all locations. All La Pasaditas are BYOB, but they’ve also got horchata, Jarritos, as well as fresh-squeezed OJ.

Nakita, The Dutch Lady

To give your home a breath of fresh air, visit The Dutch Lady at Georgetown for some top notch handmade European linen and other home décors.

Nakita, the owner of the boutique was born in The Netherlands and studied lace and embroidery from the finest artisans in Bruges, Belgium since a very young age. Her work stays true to the amazing craftsmanship of her European heritage, yet incorporates a unique splash of her vivacious personality.

Fresh and elegant, these lovely linens will catch your eye with their delicate beauty and inspire you with their effortless styles.

With holiday themed embroideries and romantic patterns of lavender, lilies and roses, The Dutch Lady not only represents a living attitude of effortless chic, but also brings a hint of timeless European exquisiteness to your adobe.

Shhhh… the beautiful hand-embroidered linens are all on a liquidation sale – extremely affordable prices starting at $4!

Three Levels of Choices at Midtown Lounge

At the young and upbeat Midtown, you have the choices of dancing and grinding at the first level, enjoying the bar and the pool table at the relaxed second level Loft, or basking in sophistication at the rooftop Penthouse.

At this unpretentious nightclub in Dupont, the venue’s décor is sleek and modern with pristine VIP tables, mirror walls, and two stripper poles on stage to the more daring, adventurous patrons (sorry, ladies only). With the great DJs, beautiful bartenders, and diverse crowd, Midtown can get just a little claustrophobic on weekends. Visit midtown-dc.com for more information.

Insider Tip: After-clubbing munchies? Empanadas authenticas are right next door!

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs: encased meat treats

A big reason for the latest trend in the encased meat world, gourmet hot dogs, is Lincoln Park’s Franks ‘N’ Dawgs and its chef, Joe Doren. Many of the menu items are house-made, including the tur-doggin and black sheep sausages. While some menu items aren’t going anywhere, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also like to mix things up by offering a monthly Iron Dawg competition with dogs designed by local chefs as well as a charitable dog created by an amateur chef.

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also recently added a lobster dog to its menu, but it’s only available on Fridays.

The sides are also delectable, from elegant truffle fries to a surprisingly good brussel sprout salad.

CIFO Art Space: Contemporary art in warehouse space

Yes, warehouses are becoming the norm as a venue for showing art but the CIFO (short for Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) Art Space in Downtown Miami is something extraordinary. The state-of-the-art venue features contemporary art in their galleries while providing a lovely outdoor piazza for special events.

The exterior is just as impressive, a striking building covered in greenery. Inside the galleries they’re showcasing the extensive collection of Ella Fontanals-Cisneros including video, photography, geometric abstraction and contemporary works by such notable artists as Ana Mendieta,  Fiona Tan, Andreas Gursky, Ed Ruscha, Manuel Espinosa and many others.

They use the Piazza for plenty of art-related events and receptions and in December during Art Basel CIFO is hopping with daily tours for major art collectors in town shopping for the latest and greatest to expand their collection.

CIFO Art Space is located at 1018 North Miami Ave., Miami, FL 305-455-3380 www.cifo.org