Thursday, October 23

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Thursday Lunch
With a shared interest in public speaking, members of the Miracle Mile Toastmasters meet every Thursday at 12:15pm at JohnMartin's Irish Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile. Enjoy the opportunity to network, gain confidence and become an effective public speaker. The cost of lunch is $19. Call 786-399-9609. http://miraclemile.freetoasthost.us

Shakra Thursday Specials
Attend the Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion Party from 5 to 7pm for a free 15 minute Diamond Peel Session, complimentary chair massages, complimentary wine and snacks and incredible discounts on packages, plus a raffle with some cool gifts and gift cards. Please RSVP at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Live Music 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 and live music to round out the experience. Now, from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday, enjoy 2 for 1 glasses of wines in the 1 to 6 category. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Live At The Biltmore
The Biltmore Unplugged features live stripped down musical performances every Thursday night at Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill. This month, Vic Kinglsey, a local alternative rock band whose 2007 debut album received critical acclaim, will be performing October 16, 23, and 30. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

M. Minnette Massey Honored
The University of Miami School of Law and South Florida's legal community will pay tribute to M. Minnette Massey, BBA '48, LLB '51, MA '52, the legendary law professor who retired in May after 57 years of teaching. This special event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the School of Law's Alma Jennings Foundation Student Lounge and School of Law Quadrangle located at 1311 Miller Drive. During her pioneering career at the Law School, Massey inspired students, faculty, and administrators with her understanding of and commitment to the law. Widely regarded as an outstanding professor and colleague, she was one of the first women to become a member of the faculty at the University of Miami School of Law, and was the first woman to lead the Law School as acting dean, from 1962-1965. The University of Miami School of Law's celebration in honor of M. Minnette Massey is open to all who wish to attend and pay tribute to Massey's many contributions to the Law School and the legal community. To RSVP for the event, call 1-866-99UMLAW, or email alumni@law.miami.edu. http://www.law.miami.edu

Lecture: Life of Philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau was one of the strangest figures ever to have attained wide popular influence. While living during the Enlightenment, his was of such a different mindset that almost all his thinking brought him into conflict with his peers. We think of him today as a great political and social philosopher, but his thought touched on psychology as well. Rousseau was widely read during his lifetime by the bourgeoisie as was Voltaire; but Rousseau's influence was such that he continued to be the source of inspiration for nineteenth century Romantics and twentieth century Existential philosophers. His theories influenced the twentieth century educator, Horace Mann, and Rousseau's autobiography "The Confessions" challenged the way individuals express themselves. Rousseau's thought was no less unique than his extremely neurotic personality which displayed both the despicable and pathological traces. Despite this behavior his thought remains a landmark in modern political and social philosophy. His life would make a great contemporary screen-play since his story has all the impact of what today could be compared with the "genre" of "country bumpkin makes good in the big city." It is not unreasonable to think of Rousseau as a super-star of Philosophy or the Mick Jagger of Revolution. The lecture by by Mark Greenberg takes place at Alliance Française of Miami, 618 SW 8th St. Call 305-859-7331.

Thirsty Thursday Wine Tastings
Join your hosts, Lalo Durazo, owner of Jaguar, and wine educator Barry Alberts of Berries to Wine for a weekly sampling of fine wines and great food at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Avenue from 7 to 9pm each Thursday. The cost is $15 per person for food and wine. RSVP is not required.

Thursday Bierhaus Specials
It's home-made Goulash Night at the Bierhaus, with choice of two side dishes at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Festival Miami: Bruce Horsnby
Rolling Stone wrote that "Bruce Hornsby has become a synonym for class." Join him, Steve Miller, Patti Austin, Monica Mancini, Dave Koz, Ricky Skaggs, Tom Scott, Will Lee, Jon Secada and others for a performance in the BankUnited Center at 8pm. These guest artists will be backed up by the Frost School's Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, making it the absolute concert of the year in Miami. Call 305-284-4940. http://www.festivalmiami.com

Comedy Night At JohnMartin's
Enjoy Laughs On The Mile at JohnMartin's (253 Miracle Mile), every Thursday starting at 10pm as local comedian Freddie Stebbins and friends host a night of fun and frivolity at JohnMartin's Irish Pub. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

DJ Boe Spins At The Bar
Coral Gables' legacy pub presents the music of DJ Boe each Thursday evening, with drink specials: It's Super Size It Night for an extra ounce of liquor for free. Enjoy the selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food every Thursday at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com