Latest news with #UniversityofMiami


Axios
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Salsa Z is teaching young Miamians how to salsa
Standing on a stage in front of about 270 people — each looking to her for guidance — Elisa Baena demonstrated the basic step pattern of a salsa dance. "1, 2, 3 — relax your shoulders — 5, 6, 7 — smile on your faces," she said, with her back to the audience so they could mirror her feet. "I want your hips fluid. … Just watch me." Why it matters: Each month, Baena leads a similar class, part of Salsa Z —the club and community she started at the year's onset. The name riffs on the Gen Z generation, because the group aims to teach young Miamians — specifically Gen Zers — how to learn salsa in a welcoming, fun and "non-viejuco" or "old" environment. It's for the "kids who grew up with salsa in our living rooms but were never taught," she wrote on social media. Between the lines: While the group targets young folks, everyone is welcome — from people who've never before stepped to a beat of salsa, to experienced dancers looking to make friends and enjoy a night out. Each culture has its own way to dance salsa. Salsa Z, though, is Cuban. State of salsa: Baena, a Miami native with Cuban roots, grew up a dancer, studying at the Miami City Ballet School and later dancing at the University of Miami while in college. But it was during the pandemic that she decided to formally learn salsa dance as a way to get out of the house and meet people. There was just one issue: All of her classmates were old — "like old, old," she told Axios. "The only way to get better was to go to salsa socials and clubs, but it was the same scene. It was all viejos [older people]," she said. "It wasn't the vibe, and it wasn't the way I wanted to spend a Friday or Saturday night." Yes, but: Bad Bunny released an album, " Debí Tirar Más Fotos," on Jan. 5 featuring two salsa songs. "This is my time," she said she thought. She hosted the first Salsa Z event in February at ZeyZey. To her surprise, about 120 people showed up. How it works: The monthly ticketed event has changed — and grown — since launching. Ahead of last week's event, Baena announced a new structure: The first block is now the beginners and basics class for first-timers, those who've never taken a salsa class or for those wanting to review the basics. The second block is for the club's regulars, where new moves are introduced. On Saturday, after the session, attendees were encouraged to move inside to the disco to keep dancing to a live percussionist and vinyl set playing salsa music. The bottom line: Baena didn't expect the club to grow this much, or this quickly; it simply started as a fun idea.

Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Bigger, better, sweeter: Miami's first chocolate factory gets a new home
When you walk into the sleek new home of Exquisito Chocolates in Little Havana, the first thing you notice is the aroma. The alluring scent of chocolate, glorious chocolate, wafts toward you, sweet but not cloying, heady and intoxicating. Sadly, owner Carolina Quijano can't really smell it anymore. 'I guess I'm too used to it,' she says, laughing. 'I'm here all the time.' Quijano, the University of Miami graduate who founded Exquisito Chocolates and opened her first factory in Little Havana in 2018, doesn't mind missing out on what makes her shop so unique. She's in tune with chocolate, how it should taste, how to make it — and how to make it better. Finally opening a brand-new factory after a lengthy journey through Miami's byzantine permit process is even sweeter than the scent she can no longer detect. Still located on Eighth Street in Miami, a bit east of the original, the new Exquisito Chocolates is more than twice the size of the first, with glass walls that allow customers to see how Quijano and her team go about the business of roasting cacao beans and refining chocolate, creating an artisanal candy that is light years beyond its commercial competitors. Moving from a 1,250 square-foot-space that once seemed huge into 3,300 square feet feels miraculous, says Quijano, who was born in Miami but raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. 'We were so cramped in there,' she says of the old space. 'Now we can just work in a more organized way. We have more control over how we're doing everything.' There's more space to showcase the retail products, particularly the candy bars and bonbons for which the brand has become famous. In the new factory, Quijano and her team can also make ice cream and pastries, sell coffee drinks, and give customers room to spread out, sip and enjoy. Even the location is an improvement, she says: It's across the street and a few doors east of the popular Cuban restaurant Sanguich. 'We have a lot more visibility, so a lot more people can come and see us,' she says. 'Our old space was very, very tiny, so people couldn't really appreciate everything that we did. I did a lot of tours and classes, and it just became so difficult to do that we had to stop. So now we can really showcase what we do.' Many brands have made good use of Quijano's chocolate, which has found its way into doughnuts from The Salty; ice cream at the beloved neighbor Azucar as well as the national brand Salt & Straw; cocktails at the Calle Ocho hot spot Café La Trova; and the beer at Lincoln's Beard Brewing Co. and the now-closed J. Wakefield Brewing. Part of Exquisito's appeal is Quijano's insistence on starting from scratch. 'Most of the time, when you go to a chocolate shop, they buy mass produced chocolate and melt it down and add stuff to it,' she explains. 'We treat making chocolate like a winemaker makes wine.' Quijano starts with cacao beans from seven different farms in Latin America and the Caribbean, roasting them in a huge, repurposed coffee roaster. It's a four to five day process to get blocks of chocolate that are then shipped to wholesalers. For the chocolate bars, ice cream and other treats sold in-house, the process of refinement continues with the help of a few contraptions Quijano has MacGyvered into existence, like a former freezer that now warms pans of chocolate and a decoration station for her colorful bonbons that involves panels of Plexiglass to protect the white walls and a disposable air conditioner filter. This painstaking level of attention continues through the process of creating all of the desserts. Exquisito makes its own peanut butter for a candy bar that evokes the taste of a Snickers bar, and the Oreo-like cookies for the cookies and cream ice cream. The extra space makes every step along the way easier, including offering room for a tasting wall, where customers can sample little bits of each chocolate bar from the most bitter dark chocolate to the sweet cafe con leche bar that is Exquisito's biggest seller. In some ways, the business has grown easier, Quijano says. She has more accessibility to farmers who produce high-quality cacoa and make it easier for her to keep up with the sustainability practices she believes in. In other ways, it's harder. Farmers are at the mercy of climate change, which can mean hotter days over longer periods, and unpredictable weather in the form of hurricanes, which can badly affect crops. Shifting tariff rules can be a headache, too. At one point, Quijano said, a shipment of cacoa from Colombia was already on the water when she learned there would be a 50 percent tariff assessed on the products. Fortunately, that tariff was rescinded, but it was an uneasy few days until it was. Political unrest in places like Haiti and sudden spikes in gas prices in countries like Colombia also factor in to what products are available, she said. 'It becomes harder to have consistency, especially with how much stuff we do,' she says. 'We don't know if we're going to be able to have our hot chocolate, our standard hot chocolate, in stock, because you've got to wait and see. And it's not like you just replace it with something else. Some chocolates are sweeter naturally. For example, like our Guatemalan tends to be very citrusy, very acidic. In ice cream or hot chocolate, you don't necessarily you want that, but for some reason, in a chocolate chip cookie it's delicious.' In addition to tours and truffle-and-chocolate making classes, Exquisito will offer wine and chocolate pairings, even beer pairings, just as soon as Quijano gets a license. Until then, she hopes locals and tourists will stop in to see how things work. And she promises there's something for everyone, whether it's a frozen hot chocolate or a dark chocolate ice cream or the insanely tasty Tumaco Milk, a dark milk chocolate bar with caramelized milk and brown butter. 'I'm not a wine person, so I'm always a little intimidated ordering wine at a nice wine place,' she says. 'But I don't want people to have that experience when they come here. So even though we sell the more high-end chocolate product, I still want to be accessible to people with things like the cookies and cream bar. Everybody's taste buds are different.' Exquisito Chocolates Where: 1920 SW Eighth St., Miami Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Thursday; 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday More information: or (786) 558-4580


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tiger Woods watches as son Charlie and Kai Trump put in different performances
Charlie Woods and Kai Trump were both in action at the Nicklaus Junior Championship this week, with one of the teenagers enjoying a much better time on the greens and fairways Charlie Woods and Kai Trump, bearing the weight of their famous surnames, once again turned heads as they competed in the 41st edition of the Nicklaus Junior Championship this week. However, it was Charlie who had the most to celebrate at the end of the two-round tournament. The teenagers, who are among America's most promising golfers in their respective age categories, showcased their skills over the past two days in Florida. It comes four months after both struggled at the Sage Valley Junior Invitational in March. At the end of that tournament, Woods - who is the son of 82-time PGA Tour winner Tiger Woods - finished 25th out of 36 players. Meanwhile, Trump, daughter of Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr and granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, came last out of 24 in her draw. Despite less-than-stellar performances, both saw a significant rise in their American Junior Golf Association rankings. Since then, both have made considerable strides in their performances. Woods, 16, clinched victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in May, before securing his place in the US Junior Amateur Championship in July, reports the Irish Star. On the other hand, Trump, 18, bagged second-place at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Major Championship earlier this month. However, on Tuesday, only one of them could continue their recent good run of form. By the time the Nicklaus Junior Championship concluded at the private Tequesta Country Club, located north of the pro golf enclave of Jupiter, it was Woods who emerged the happiest. After finishing even-par for the tournament with a final round 69 (two-under), he placed sixth in a field of 122 boys golfers, finishing just four shots back of eventual winner Jeremy Hsu of Port St. Lucie, who won the tournament at four-under. Meanwhile, Trump finished tied for 21st out of 32 golfers, having struggled to a final round score of a three-over 74, putting her 17-over for the tournament. That's despite playing the front nine at one-under - the best of any girls player in the final round. Woods' performance was just the latest example of his rapid rise up the ranks, having already risen from No. 606 to No. 14 following his first win on the junior golf circuit last month. Like Trump, he remains in high school, although the president's granddaughter has already committed to play golf at the University of Miami in 2030, having announced her decision last year. It isn't just their golf skills and famous family ties which have gained them plenty of attention in recent times, however. Earlier this year, Woods' dad Tiger went public with his relationship with Trump's mum, Vanessa. The golfing legend took to his social media in March, sharing cosy moments with his partner lounging in a hammock. His heartfelt caption read: "Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts." Vanessa mirrored her beau's statement by sharing his post on her Instagram story. Soon after, it emerged that both Tiger's children and President Trump had given their seal of approval to his new sweetheart. Reports last month claimed that things were going so swimmingly that the smitten pair might move in together by the year's end. Vanessa is also said to have "total access" to the sportsman's life.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña Joins the Miller School and UHealth as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery
MIAMI, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miller School of Medicine and UHealth – University of Miami Health System welcome Juan Pablo Umaña, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular surgery, as professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, effective June 2. Known for his pioneering contributions to aortic and mitral valve repair, Dr. Umaña brings not only surgical excellence but also a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Umaña established the most extensive aortic and mitral valve repair program in Latin America and founded the Latin-American Cardiovascular Surgery Conference. His arrival at the University of Miami signals an exciting new chapter for the institution's cardiovascular program. "The University of Miami offers the ideal platform to pursue a lifelong vision — to build a world-class cardiovascular program focused not just on innovation, but on patients," Dr. Umaña said. "While UM is already recognized as a center of excellence for mitral valve surgery, there's an extraordinary opportunity to grow an aortic surgery program and create an integrated, collaborative hub for cardiovascular care." "We are pleased to welcome someone of Dr. Umaña's caliber to the UHealth team," added Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. "His expertise, commitment to innovation, and focus on training will elevate every aspect of our cardiovascular surgery program." A Life of Learning and Leadership Dr. Umaña earned his medical degree from the University of El Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia. He deepened his expertise through social service and research in England before completing advanced surgical training at Columbia University in New York City and Stanford University in California. His leadership at Fundación Cardioinfantil – Instituto de Cardiología transformed it into one of Latin America's premier cardiovascular centers. Most recently, he chaired the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida. With more than 150 scientific publications and presentations, Dr. Umaña is a leading voice in global cardiovascular research. He was the co-inventor of the MitraClip, the first transcatheter mitral valve repair device used in clinical practice today, which allows the mitral valve to be repaired without opening the chest. Read full press release. Link to Dr. Umaña's professional headshot. View original content: SOURCE University of Miami Health System


See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Jack Betts, "Spider-Man" Actor, Dies at 96
Yara Sameh Jack Betts, who starred in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" (2002) and over a dozen Spaghetti Western films, has died at the age of 96. Betts died Thursday in his sleep at his Los Osos, Calif. home, his nephew, Dean Sullivan, said. Jack Betts Born Jack Fillmore Betts (saying he bore a relation to the 13th POTUS Millard Fillmore) on April 11, 1929 in Jersey City, NJ, he grew up in Miami, where he eventually studied theater at the University of Miami. Afterward, he moved to New York City, where he made his Broadway debut in 1953's "Richard III". When a friend asked him to help with an audition for Lee Strasberg's famed nonprofit, The Actors Studio, the director of the prestigious acting school granted him a three-year scholarship to study there. As a result, the venerated Elia Kazan later cast him in a production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". He later returned to Broadway for Kazan's 1959 production of "Sweet Bird of Youth", as well as a late '70s revival of "Dracula", in which he once portrayed the eponymous count as Raul Julia's standby. Betts' first film credit was in 1959's "The Bloody Brood", and in 1966 he was cast as the title character in Franco Giraldi's "Sugar Colt", billed as Hunt Powers for the first time, that kicked off a string of credits in over a dozen Spaghetti Westerns through the 1970s. On the television side, Betts racked up several appearances in daytime soaps, including "General Hospital", "The Young Marrieds", "The Edge of Night", "The Doctors", "Another World", "All My Children", "Falcon Crest", "Search for Tomorrow", "Guiding Light", "Generations", and "The Young and the Restless". His other notable arcs included episodes for "Perry Mason" and The F.B.I." as well as turns in popular series like "Gunsmoke", "Seinfeld", "Mad TV", "Frasier", "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Friends", "The Mentalist", and "Monk". Betts was great friends with "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Doris Roberts, whom he met at The Actors Studio in the '50s; the two shared a home from the late '80s until she died in 2016. Jack Betts in 'Spider-Man' In "Spider-Man", Betts notably portrayed Henry Balkan, the Oscorp Technologies board chairman, who booted Willem Dafoe's Norman Osborn from the company, kicking off the Green Goblin's villainous arc. Later on in the movie, Osborn parrots back the phrase to Balkan as he vaporizes the board in an attack on Times Square while gleefully shouting: 'Out, am I?'. Additional film credits include 1993's "Falling Down," with Michael Douglas and Robert Duvall, the 1995 Val Kilmer-starring "Batman Forever", and 1998's "Gods and Monsters" opposite Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser. In addition to his nephew, Betts' survivors include his nieces, Lynne and Gail, and his sister, Joan, who turns 100 in November. Following the news of his death, Beverly Hills Playhouse shared a tribute to the late star on Instagram, writing: 'Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home. It is a sad day for the BHP as we have enjoyed his presence for so many years. There are actors who credit him with their not giving up because of his encouragement. We were so fortunate to have enjoyed his great spirit, passion and true dedication to the work. There was only ever one like this and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack.' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean