Ferguson and Trayvon Prove America Is No Democracy for Blacks

Uncle Luke, the man whose booty-shaking madness made the U.S. Supreme Court stand up for free speech, gets as nasty as he wants to be for Miami New Times. Today, Luke addresses the clash between residents and cops in Ferguson, Missouri. The protests and riots in Ferguson, Missouri, are providing…

Tori Amos’ Unrepentant Geraldines Echoes With a Grace and Sigh All Her Own

From the very beginning, Tori Amos established herself as a singular presence. By measure both tender and tenacious, her songs challenged and chided listeners through intimate observations and unapologetic narratives that frequently surveyed the darkest and direst circumstance. Her unbridled passion and brash delivery may have had their origins in…

Reader Mail: Save Panthers, Not Humans

When Panthers Attack The truth emerges: Thanks for the great article about the threat to farmers and Gladesmen from a resurgent Florida panther population (“It Came From the Glades,” Allie Conti, August 7). It finally puts out there what some folks really think about panthers. The story notes that the…

What We Learned About DJ Khaled from the “Hold U Down” Video

It may be Monday, but it’s never too early in the work week for a sex anthem. DJ Khaled is holdin’ u down till the weekend with the premiere of his latest video, “Hold U Down,” featuring Chris Brown, Jeremih, Future, and August Alsina — four of the silkiest voices…

Mugshots Friday: Bart Simpson Hair

Every other Friday, Riptide brings you the most eye-catching mugshots taken the previous two weeks (or thereabouts) in Miami-Dade County. Yes, there is some mockery of bad neck tattoos, but also adulation directed at perps who just plain look more badass than we ever will. This is the italicized intro…

The Grudging of Miami Spice 2014, Part Three

For restaurants, Miami Spice’s two months of dining deals can be a raging hassle. With $23 for lunch menus and $39 for dinner, there’s the possibility of lower check averages for servers. Plus there’s extra ordering and menu planning for chefs and kitchen managers and a whole new slew of…

Letters to the Editor

“Aren’t like half the guys in Miami basically Pitbull impersonators? I mean, the guy is truly nothing special, physically or musically.” Steve Vose, commenting on “Mr. 786” Is That Pitbull? Everyone wants to be Pit: Great idea taking a Pitbull impersonator to Dolphin Mall (“Mr. 786,” Kyle Swenson, July 31),…

Why Popular Music Needs to Become Political Again

Like it or not, Pharell Williams’ “Happy” is likely to be the top-selling single of 2014. And yes, its buoyant ’60s soul vibe and simple, positive message is modern pop perfection. But scanning the rest of this year’s biggest hits, one is struck by a consistent theme: All of these…

The Great of Miami Spice 2014, Part Two

Miami Spice’s can’t miss menus have two things in common: value and creativity. They offer interesting ingredients in combinations that make you eager to learn more and share them with friends. They’re also a steal. You’re looking for good range of selections at restaurants where a single course can run…

The Good of Miami Spice 2014, Part One

Another steamy summer, another Miami Spice. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is back with the oft-beloved, sometimes maligned dining deals that help fill restaurants during the slow summer months and give less well-to-do diners a way to eat in the city’s most lavish spots at a fraction of…

The New York Times Is Wrong About Jumbo’s

Last week, when Liberty City soul food restaurant Jumbo’s closed its doors, it was big news. The New York Times’ Frances Robles wrote a front-page story documenting how the joint went from discriminating against African-Americans to becoming a black Miami landmark. The Miami Herald and others followed. I, for one,…

Reader Mail: Florida Deserves Medical Marijuana

Vets’ Neglect Every vet is different: The first part of your feature about a local vet who died of neglect at Miami’s VA hospital is very nicely written (“Hell on the Home Front, Part 1,” Michael E. Miller, July 24), but there’s more going on than the unfortunate death of…

River Oyster Bar Moving Out of Brickell in 2015

David Bracha’s River Seafood & Oyster Bar will make its long awaited move out of Brickell sometime in 2015. Bracha, who also owns Oak Tavern in the Design District, has leased spaced on the ground floor of the rising Flagler on the River Apartment Towers being built by Argentine developer…

In Defense of Rick Ross

It’s hard being the Bawse. 

Just ask Rick Ross. Miami’s most famous rapper is no stranger to controversy. Between his 18-month stint as a correctional officer at the South Florida Reception Center and those “U.O.E.N.O.” lyrics about a molly sex assault, it’s pretty easy to throw hate in Ross’ direction…