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Hot dogs. Buns. Wieners. Sex and one of America’s favorite hand-held edibles are inextricably linked. During July, which is National Hot Dog Month, animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is using that libidinous association as part of its campaign encouraging folks to skip meat. A billboard at 2865 NW 17th Ave. features a design rejected by dozens of billboard companies around the nation — including three in Miami, according to PETA’s Joe Haptas. A piglet, a hot dog, and a man looking into his pants are punctuated by the words “limp wiener,” suggesting the relationship between a meat-based diet and impotence. Says Haptas: “We want to make people laugh and then make them think.” Dan Murphy, a spokesman for the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, considers the campaign typical PETA tactics. “The vast majority of people eat meat because it’s safe, wholesome, and nutritious, and they enjoy eating it,” he says. Especially in South Florida. Based on 2001 data, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area ranked ninth among the Top Ten Hot Dog Eating American Cities. — By Patti Roth
Saturday July 26
Tree Time
When citrus canker invaded Miami-Dade County, a significant number of trees — and shade — disappeared. The Adopt-A-Tree program is the Department of Environmental Resources Management’s attempt to rectify that situation. Miami-Dade County residents can adopt up to 2 trees per property per year. The program is designed to help improve our community’s sparse tree canopy. Although the babies up for “adoption” might not appear too lush right now, they’ll make good shade trees once they reach adulthood. (Shady trees on a property help to reduce cooling bills too.) At the organization’s next event, taking place at the Coconut Grove Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5 varieties will be available to choose from: mango, inkwood, lancepod, carambola, and Jamaican dogwood. Admission is free, but you must present your property’s folio number to register. Call 305-468-5900 for details. — By Jodi Nabel
Monday July 28
Greenery
Flower Power
Serene, pretty, delicate. Orchids seem so easy to grow. A minimum of foliage to mess with. Just a little sunlight and some water regularly. But after hundreds of dollars and countless tears, you’ve learned just how easy orchids are to kill. A support group like the North Dade Orchid Club might be your answer. At their monthly powwow a speaker (tonight it’s Ruben Sauleda of Ruben in Orchids) holds forth on an orchid-themed topic and addresses your plant problems. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the McDonald Center, 17051 NE 19th Ave., North Miami Beach. Admission is free. Call 305-893-9331. — By Nina Korman