Basel Breakfast

Toys for Tarots

THU 12/2

Tiki torches, palm trees, and white sand, what else do you need for a festive holiday party? Throw in an ocean breeze, some appetizers, and an open bar, and you’ve got yourself a good time. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual year-end celebration at Nikki Beach Restaurant & Bar (One Ocean Dr., Miami Beach) to benefit Toys for Tots and other children’s charities. A tarot reader will also be on hand to give a glimpse into what 2005 has in store for you. The soiree begins at 6:00 p.m. and a ten dollar donation or a new unwrapped toy will get you in the door. Call 305-674-1300, ext. 300 or visit miamibeachchamber.com. –Lyssa Oberkreser

Deconstructing Criticism

The truth about art

SUN 12/5

If the dented minifridge with the Oakland Raiders sticker exhibited by an edgier gallery during last year’s Art Basel left you wondering how a tattered thrift store appliance can be considered art, Arthur Danto might help you grasp why. A major influence of recent aesthetic theory, Danto is in town to speak on the pluralistic, anything-goes nature of contemporary art where even tofu is up for grabs as a legitimate medium, elaborating on the concept that one can no longer tell whether something is art by just looking at it. Danto, Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Columbia University and art critic for The Nation, lectures on “Art Criticism After The End Of Art” as a guest of the University of Miami’s Philosophy Department. The lecture starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum Beaux Arts Gallery, 1301 Stanford Dr. on the UM Campus. Call 305-284-4757. — Carlos Suarez de Jesus

Highland Swing

These pipers get down

SAT 12/4

A few weeks ago at a photo shoot involving Queen Elizabeth, British Col. Simon West’s sporran failed to adequately cover his great secret. Rapidly selling newspapers in the UK and abroad revealed not only it but the public’s longstanding obsession with what goes on under a kilt. While that secret may remain hidden at tonight’s annual Christmas Dance, there will be more than a few exposed knees celebrating the Saint Andrew’s Pipe Band’s 40th year of bringing the Highlands to South Florida. In addition to the bagpipe recital, the White Heather Highland Dancers will perform and Stan & the Hollywood Express will provide a selection of tunes for those unaccustomed to boogying to that old melancholic drone. In cahoots with the oompah-loving Teutons, the skirls start at 8:30 at the German American Social Club, 11919 Miller Rd. Tickets cost $15. Call 305-891-3795. — Maragret Griffis

Making Spirits Right

SAT 12/4

The season is here and it is time to get into full eating and drinking mode. If you are out of shape and need to practice hoarding hors d’oeuvres and swilling spirits, the Wine and Spirits Expo of the Americas is just the personal trainer you need. More than 150 wine and spirits producers will be handing you drinks as you traipse around the sampling booths, and mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim will give lessons on creating cocktails, so be sure to bring a designated driver. Today and Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach. Tickets are $64 to $91 and no one under 21 is permitted. Call 800-468-1895 or visit www.wineexpooftheamericas.com. — Lyssa Oberkreser