by Strawberry Jam | Jun 16, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Anyone who has grown up in South Florida has been to at least three birthday parties either at Gold Coast or its rival, Galaxy Skateway in Hollywood. It’s been there for sixty-three years even though I constantly pass by Gold Coast on my commutes I can probably count on my one hand the number of times I’ve been inside. Why, I don’t know. After gearing up for a big night by reminiscing of our elementary years over a couple of adult beverages, my friend and I decided we were ready to head over to Intoxiskate at Gold Coast Skating Rink.
Once in the building a sense of nostalgia came over me as I laced up my skates for the first time in probably 15 years: R. Kelly songs, the smell of stale popcorn, relay races, the chicken dance (though I try not to think of that one). Stepping onto the hardwood floor I felt a bit like a calf taking his first steps. Our pregaming was enough to get me out but not without some decent arm flailing and wall-stops (you know, intentionally running into the wall while sticking out your arms as your means of stopping.) But it only took a few laps around until I felt confident enough for the real Intoxiskation to begin. We sat down and took part in some $3 beer specials and some birthday cake (DJ Misha, if you’re reading this thanks for the cake!) and before long I was ready to get on the move again. If you thought a trip to the bathroom after a couple was an adventure wait til you try it on wheels. Bonus points for hovering if you’re a chick.
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by Strawberry Jam | Jun 8, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
While the cost of war for the U.S. since 2001 is said to be over one trillion dollars, there are an estimated 671,859 homeless people in America. Forty-four percent of them do not live in shelters, and 20% are individuals under the age of 18. Without a roof over your head and not knowing when or where your next meal is coming from makes even thinking about how to get back on your feet again incredibly difficult. Thankfully, there are people out there who believe that food is a right, not a privilege.
Food Not Bombs is a grassroots movement dedicated to protesting war and poverty through demonstrations and feeding our homeless. For 30 years now, chapters in over a thousand cities meet weekly to offer free, vegetarian or vegan meals to the public. This past Friday, Food Not Bombs Ft Lauderdale honored the 30th anniversary with a Really, Really Free Market, banners, information, and food.
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by Strawberry Jam | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Broward Attractions and Museums Month is Broward County’s effort to expose individuals and families to community arts from June 1-30. BAMM will allow for members already belonging to one of seventeen select organization to have access to events at fellow participating groups. The initiative is meant to entice those not already belonging to any group to join and attend events at other venues during the month of June. Organizations taking part include the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Bonnet House, Cinema Paradiso, Flamingo Gardens, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum. For a complete list of participating groups as well as a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.bamminfo.org, or check out their Facebook group here.
by Strawberry Jam | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
For Art’s Sake is a series of themed events brought to you by Freedom Art. Their latest endeavor, a two-day affair titled Birdwatch, brought out a flock of people to Gallery 101 in Ft. Lauderdale to admire bird-themed prints while enjoying some live music and light bites. Saturday night featured eats from local restaurant Bellini’s, Stork’s bakery, and Brew Urban Café and music from Alexander and Millionyoung, all for five bucks! Another $10 got you unlimited drinks, with all proceeds to benefit Josie Lou Ratley, the fifteen year old girl badly beaten just outside her Broward County middle school.
Works varied from minimalist black and silver feather prints (Joshua Surprenant) and Muscovy duck prints (Stuart Rochford), to a lime green bird-human image (Ryan Klaverweide). All were available for purchase and the exhibit will remain up until June 13th. Also for sale are three 4×8 wheatpaste panels (similar to wallpapering, popularly used for street poster art) created during the event.
Keep an eye out for upcoming happenings including a summer mini series. Each one intends to feature just a few local artists at a time. The next For Art’s Sake event is planned for September or October and will focus on the art of Typography.
View photos from Birdwatch on FTLC’s Facebook page and
Check out the live wheat painting photos from Saturday and lecture/silkscreen workshop photos on For Art Sake’s Facebook page here.
Gallery 101
501 North Andrews Avenue #103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 882-1861
by Strawberry Jam | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
FTL Collective is a local blog focusing on activities, events, businesses, and quirks of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. Though it has its coalition of permanent writers, it is an open platform inviting anyone eager to contribute ideas or articles to the collective. FTLC is not your ordinary blog in that it aims to shine a light on the character of our city from a personal perspective unlike other larger blogs or media outlets. Stick around and learn something new about your community! Come to our events and do something out of the ordinary. And, most importantly, always feel free to speak your mind and contribute to the collective.
