Audio By Carbonatix
Saturday July 12
A blue mango? Why not? A mango’s life is the pits. The sky-colored Neelum is just one of the 150 types of fabulous fruit that will be presented this weekend at Fairchild Tropical Garden’s (10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables) International Mango Festival. A dip into the sticky-sweet world of mango everything, the fest features a mango marketplace, tastings, lectures from experts, gourmet demonstrations plus a brunch offering creative mango-flavored dishes, and the all-important mango auction, where you too can bid on a blue mango and other unique cultivars. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m. Sunday. Mango events are free with $10 garden admission except brunch, which costs $100. Call 305-667-1651. — By Nina Korman
Wednesday July 16
Miami Beauty
Structural gems explored
From classic Art Deco to Arquitectonica, Miami’s lushness has always inspired architects to design structural oases set in exotic climes. Even though many significant structures may be obscure, the Miami Architecture Project will show participants how to identify the different styles and design movements that continue to sprout in our communities. MAP is presenting Miami Architecture 2003, a series of classes through Wednesday, August 20, about the history of local structures. The sessions will be led by prominent architects, authors, and scholars from across the nation. The classes begin at 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday at the Seymour Hotel, 945 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach. Each class costs $15, or register for the entire series for $80. Call 305-538-0090 ext. 14. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Saturday July 12
Black-In
With Memorial Day weekend luring a plethora of African-American out-of-towners, it’s obvious that the black tourism boycott of Miami and environs has ended. Case in point: the selection of Miami Beach as the place for the 94th annual NAACP Convention, set to run today through Thursday, July 17, at the Miami Beach Convention Center (1900 Convention Center Dr.). Seems forgiving and forgetting are easier during off-season. A gospel music extravaganza caps festivities Monday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m. Individual event registration ranges from $20 to $75. Call 800-400-1033. — By Nina Korman
Sunday July 13
Rouge, Blanc, e Bleu
Revelers of a different mind
I couldn’t believe it when one of the most liberal members of my gay tennis team sent out an e-mail deriding all things French during the aftermath of the U.N. Security Council meetings. “They are so full of themselves,” said Merv, a former Key West hippie, when I expressed my surprise. The encounter showed me how Americans resent les Frogs. It’s not just a goof. Suddenly everybody’s willing to act stupid and petty to participate in the George Dubya pep rally. It’s so Annette Funicello to pretend that it’s patriotic to dis French fries and pour French wines down storm drains. I don’t see America-loving couples kissing with closed lips, trying to avoid a French, yes, I said FRENCH kiss. Pubescent boys aren’t burning their Oui magazines. Theaters still show Amelie. Regardless of the hoopla, Francophiles and those who love them will be celebrating Bastille Day, the FRENCH equivalent of the Fourth of July, with a fabulous party hosted by the local chapter of the Alliance Française. The party starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Polish American Club of Miami, 1250 NW 22nd Ave. Admission costs $7. Call 305-859-8760. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Now 24/7
Pedal Medics
Couple saves stranded bikers
All Eric and Miren Sorondo want to do is keep people moving. Acting on his experience as a professional bicycle technician, the young Eric decided to begin a rescue operation for bicyclists who get flat tires on the road. He promises to race to any location near Miami Beach at any time within minutes of a distress call, with a new inner tube, air pump, and proper tools. All you have to do is stand there and sweat prettily in the Miami sun. In 4 minutes, Eric claims, he can get you back on the road. If stranded call Eric or Miren, 24/7, at 305-673-3877. Each emergency costs $10. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez