Monday, August 4

Ponce Business Lunch
The Guest Speaker is Mr. Alfred Lurigados, Miami-Dade Expressway Director of Engineering. He will be speaking on Technology - Connectivity - Open Road Tolling. His talk covers "The future of mobility in Miami-Dade." The new technology is an advance over SunPass in terms of speed, cost, and convenience according to the MDX website. An overview of the concept can be found at: http://www.mdx-way.com/improvements/open_roads.htm. The Ponce Business Association meets every Monday (except holidays) for lunch at JohnMartin's Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile, at noon. Lunch is $20 for members and $22 for guests. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.PonceAssociation.org

Shakra Monday Specials
Visit Shakra's beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, for Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area, Hatha Yoga at all levels from 6:15 to 7:30pm and for Belly Dancing at intermediate level from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy their Zen-style and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305 to 774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Martini Monday At The Biltmore Bar
The weekly Martini Monday is an event dedicated to the most chic of cocktails for the choicest of singles at the Biltmore Bar featuring half price Belvedere Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, and Smirnoff Vodka. The hotel's resident expert mixologists have developed a menu of Martinis unlike any other at the Biltmore Bar, 1200 Anastasia, starting at 6pm every Monday. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Spoken Word Open Mic Night At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food. Each Monday night from 8pm to close, enjoy an evening of poetry, spoken word, or whatever is on your mind. Come ready to speak up. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Fritz And Franz Monday Specials
The Fritz And Franz Bierhaus at 60 merrick Way will once again be open every Monday with a fresh oven roasted Chicken with mixed salad plate special for $14.95. Call 305-774-0883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Vastu: Transcendental Home Design
The notion of designing and respecting sacred space has been around for centuries, recognized in such current culture trends as Feng Shui, Wabi Sabi, and even the push to make homes greener. Vastu, India's ancient science of architecture and design for buildings and gardens, is the origin of traditions like Feng Shui, and finally gets a proper introduction in Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature (Gibbs Smith, $29.95) by Vastu sacred space design consultant Sherri Silverman. Vastu is a beautifully illustrated and detailed guide to harnessing the tremendous power of this ancient tradition to create tranquil, attractive living spaces that bring the home, and everyone in it, back to center by enhancing inner peace, joy, prosperity, and relationships through attention to the structure and design of living and work areas. Presented in the courtyard in collaboration with Camp & Associates. Meet the author and enjoy a reception at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Acoustic Music Showcase And Wheat Beer At JohnMartin's
John Brown hosts the weekly acoustic music showcase, and special $5 pricing on JohnMartin's Wheat Beer each Sunday evening at JohnMartin's Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Late Night Specials At The Bar
Enjoy 2 for 1 drink specials from 11pm to 1am. Enjoy their selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com