Wednesday, October 22

Venezuela: Oil, Politics and Foreign Policy
The University of Miami's Center For Hemispheric Policy presents a panel discussion and question and answer sessions on Venezuela: Oil, Politics and Foreign Policy. The event begins at 8am at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Plaza. Session topics include Economic Forecasts and Political Risk Scenarios; The Petro-politics of Venezuela; and Chávez's Revolution in Foreign Policy. Call Isabel Artime at 305-284-9918. http://www.miami.edu/chp/

Shakra Wednesday Specials
Enjoy "Massages a Deux" (Couple's Massages) at a discounted rate -- one person receives a 10% discount on the massage of the same or lower rate than the other person's massage. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, Pilates at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area, Basic Yoga at beginners level from 6:15 to 7:30pm, and Belly Dancing at beginners level from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy their Zen 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 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit
Curated by historian Arva Moore Parks, the Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit showcases early Coral Gables, the Merrick Family and the incredible vision of Coral Gables founder and developer George Merrick, every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm at Old Spanish Village, 2901 Ponce. Filled with never before seen early Gables photos and memorabilia, the exhibit provides a glimpse into what might be included in the future Coral Gables Museum. Call 305-910-3996.

What's Hip Wednesday At The Biltmore
Don't miss What's Hip Wednesday, a weekly happy hour event at the BIltmore Lounge featuring half-price cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 6 to 10pm, as well as entertainment and hip fashions from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The evening is hosted by "Trend Tracker" Tara Gilani. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Wine Specials 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 to round out the experience. It's only $15 for three preselected white or red wines. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Wednesday Special At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald's Crisp Roasted Pork shanks with choice of two sides at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Listen to the sounds of local legend Piano Bob Wilder and his New Orleans style boogie. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

John Green: Paper Towns
When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night -- dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge -- he follows her. Margo's always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she's always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q... until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they're for Q. With Paper Towns (Penguin, $17.99), Printz Medalist John Green returns with the trademark brilliant wit and heart-stopping emotional honesty that have inspired a new generation of readers. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 7pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Festival Miami: Songwriter's Showcase
This year the FSOM premieres its own Songwriter's Showcase featuring the legendary Bruce Hornsby and an all-star panel of judges at Gusman Hall beginning at 8pm. UM's own student-run Cat 5 Music Publishing will coordinate this fun and friendly concert where student songwriters will be offered constructive criticism and compete for a chance to open for Bruce Hornsby and Friends at UM's Bank United Center the following evening. Call 305-284-4940. http://www.festivalmiami.com

Rinku Sen And Fekkah Mamdouh: The Accidental American
The Accidental American: Immigration and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization (Berrett-Koehler, $24.95) vividly illustrates the challenges and contradictions of U. S. immigration policy, and argues that, just as there is a free flow of capital in the world economy, there should be a free flow of labor. Author Rinku Sen alternates chapters telling the story of one "accidental American," coauthor Fekkak Mamdouh, a Morrocan-born waiter at a restaurant in the World Trade Center whose life was thrown into turmoil on 9/11 with a thorough critique of current immigration policy. Sen and Mamdouh describe how members of the largely immigrant food industry workforce managed to overcome divisions in the aftermath of 9/11 and form the Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York (ROC-NY) to fight for jobs and more equitable treatment. This extraordinary story serves to illuminate the racial, cultural, and economic conflicts embedded in the current immigration debate and helps frame the argument for a more humane immigration and global labor system. Meet the authors at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Blues Jam At Titanic
Wednesday is Blues Jam night at Titanic, hosted by Chris Cosner and his band, starting at 9pm. Titanic Brew Pub is located at 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Shot Night At The Bar
It's Shot Night every Wednesday at The Bar with $2 shots of Cuervo and Jager all night. 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