For the creative person assignment, I decided to interview Zylkia Kriss, a part-time entrepreneur who designs and creates holiday baskets.  She works full-time as an administrative assistant and part-time as the owner of her basket business, “Baskets by Z.”

Q: What is your current employment? Did your employment influence your decision to open your own business?

A: I currently work for the federal government as an administrative assistant at the Office of Disability and Judication Review.  Although my work doesn’t entail designing baskets, my work there greatly influenced my decision to open my own business.  Being able to have authority in the work place while making my coworkers smile is a great feeling. The decision to open my own business first came when I gave own of my co-workers a basket for her birthday.  You should have seen the look in her face! She was so astonished that I had made the baskets myself and didn’t order them from a boutique.  That’s when it hit me; I should open my own business!

Q: What inspired you to name your business “Baskets by Z”?

A: To be honest, I didn’t come up with the name.  One of my coworkers one day provided me with a list of names that I could call my business. At first, I was torn between choosing “Baskets by Z” and “Basket Designs by Zylkia” but then, I fell in love with “Baskets by Z.”  I am in love with the name because it represents my couture style and personality.

Q: Since you have a full-time job, when do you have time to design and create your baskets?

A: My workload is really hectic! I work Monday thru Fridays at the office and usually get out of work at around 4:30 p.m.  After that, I usually sit in traffic for an hour or so and arrive home between 6 thru 6:15 p.m.  As soon as I enter my house, my four children and husband welcome me! I first cook, clean and help my children with their homework.  After all that is completed, I sit in my office to come up with ideas for designing the baskets.  I usually think about the baskets colors, styles, shapes, size and items that will be placed inside them before I begin creating them.  I guess you could call me a bit obsessive when it comes to that.   I then create the baskets during the weekends.

Q: Have you opened a shop/store where your baskets can be purchased?

A: No. I currently operate my business from my home office where all of my supplies are located.   The country’s recession has not allowed me to expand my business where I would be able to afford to open my own store, but this does not mean that I have never dreamt of it!  For the past three years, I have been saving money in order to open my future store. Maybe this could happen in a few years?

Q: Where can your baskets be purchased?

A: The baskets can be purchased by personally contacting my husband or me.  You simply provide us with precise details about the occasion, the individual receiving the gift and the items you want added in the basket.  I then create and design the baskets during the weekend where they can be delivered or picked up a few days later.

Q: How much do the baskets cost?

A:  Since the baskets are personalized based on occasion and the receiver’s individual interests, they can get a bit pricey.  The overall price depends on the size of the basket and the items that are placed inside.  But typically, regular baskets range between $20 through $30.

Q: What has been your favorite personal “creation”?

A:  I have designed and created so many baskets throughout the years that I personally don’t have a favorite creation. I must say that designing and creating wedding and anniversary baskets are my favorite.  Designing these baskets are my favorite because there is a sense of personal touch from me and from the significant other added to each basket.  For example, the other day I designed a basket for an elderly couple who were celebrating their 30^th wedding anniversary, and the husband asked me to place certain artifacts from their wedding day.  I immediately thought to myself, “I love this job.”

Q: What does creativity mean to you?

A:  Wow, creativity can mean so many things that are hard to describe and place in writing.  I guess it means being able to create something innovative that no one else would have thought of or created.  It means being able to use your brain in an unordinary way where your thoughts and ideas are transcribed into an item that can be enjoyed and observed by others.

Q: What inspires you?

A: My inspiration comes from my children, traveling and my everyday encounters with life.  Every day is a new day (regardless of whether you agree with me or not) that presents you with different ideas and ways to look at life.  I would say that my inspiration comes from everything that I am surrounded with.

Q: Was the inspiration monetary?

A: Honestly, money is not my motivation.  My motivation comes from the smile and happiness that my baskets and creations bring others.  Although my baskets are a bit pricey, you have to consider the cost of the supplies and the items that are placed inside.

Q: How did you get started in this part time career?

A: This career first began as a hobby where I would make my kids and family members baskets for their birthdays.  Soon after, my children persuaded me to start my own basket business.  So I did!  I first began selling my baskets to my co-workers where they would purchase them for their kids, friends and family members.  Thankfully, my business had progressed and I know create and design baskets for all occasions.

Q: What skills do you think are necessary to be able to design holiday baskets?

A: I believe that one has to possess both creativity and patience.  I guess these two qualities are intertwined because you need patience and creativity to design a finished product that is both unique and personalized to the recipient.

Q: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

A: I honestly believe I have the best of both worlds.  I can experience having a full-time office job while at the same time having a part-time job that I love as a hobby.  Being able to design baskets, something that I love, and reap rewards from them is fantastic.  I basically get paid for having a hobby and making others happy!

Video of the skyscraper building is posted above:

In 2010, architects from David Fisher’s Dynamic Group are planning on building the world’s first moving skyscraper, The Dynamic Tower, in Dubai.  The construction of the building is estimated to cost $700 million.  It will be 80 stories tall and constructed from prefabricated units.  As if this was not enough, the building’s individual floors will move and rotate independently by powered wind turbines.  Meaning, that there will be no electricity used in the rotation and movement process of the floors.

On Friday, I went to Coco Walk to watch “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” I was really excited to finally watch the film because I had been dying to watch it ever since it was first released.  Although I know that most people were not satisfied with the film, I can say that I really enjoyed it and its humor.  I am in not way compared to Rebecca, the main character in the film, but I can relate to her when she purchases clothes just because they are on sale! I really enjoyed the film because it shows us that all the money and clothes in the world can’t buy and substitute love and happiness. Although Rebecca had hundreds of designer purses, shoes and outfits, her obsession with shopping and debt ultimately affected her relationship with her parents, best friend and boyfriend.

Since our country is in a state of recession, the release of this film could not have come at a better time.  Today, most people are trying to reduce their debt by purchasing less products or by purchasing items that they truly need.  The film ultimately showed us that endless amounts of shopping will negatively affect our relationships, careers and economic status.

The effects of the shopping frenzy that individuals in the United States enjoyed in the past has consequently led to the trillions of dollars in debt that we currently owe to foreign nations.  This concept or idea was portrayed in the film by the thousands of dollars Rebecca owed.  Although only one individual in the film was in debt, it portrayed the consequences that could arise when one charges too much money on their credit card. Thus, this creates awareness and allows viewers to become aware of the consequences.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching this movie.  The message and the themes that were portrayed throughout the film fit perfectly with the current recession the United States is facing.  The producers were able to create awareness about these issues in a fun, enlightening and interesting way.  I also enjoyed the romantic aspect that was added to the film where Rebecca accidently met the love of her life while in a hotdog stand.

As soon as the movie finished, I felt like going to the mall to shop. Luckily, it was late at night and the stores were closed!

Video is posted above

K. Sudhakar in Hyderabad,India designed both a suitcase and a toilet prototype shaped car.  Sudhakar is interested in having his $2,000 suitcase prototype car mass-produced. The prototype weighs 660 pounds, has a 50cc engine and it can reach a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h).

Although there is not that much information on Sudhakar’s designs, I believe that his creativity should be rewarded.  Having a suitcase or a toilet shaped would most certainly make you stand out from a thousands of Mercedes’, Toyota’s, BMW’s and Volvo’s on the road.  I believe that these car prototypes should be mass-produced to children and adolescents throughout the world.  Since these car prototypes only reach a top speed of 25 mph, I believe that they would be a great toy for children to have. Imagine how awesome it would be for your children to learn how to drive in a tiny, suitcase car that only reached a speed of 25 mph?   Not only will it yield safety for your children, but it would also ease your anxiety and worry.

Overall, I believe that Sudhakar’s prototype car designs are very creative.  He was able to utilize used items that were lying around and was able to create a full functioning-vehicle.

1.     Eating chicken nachos at the Cheesecake Factory

2.     Starbucks strawberry frap

3.     Strawberries

4.     Surprises!

5.     The color pink

6.     Eating at luxurious restaurants

7.     My wonderful cat and dog

8.     Driving miles without ever having to stop at a red light

9.      Apple products

10. When my boyfriend surprises me with flowers

11.  Going to the store and finding great deals

12. Waterfalls

13. When drivers honk and rush to advance me while driving at the speed limit and then they get stuck at the red light

14. Being able to effectively parallel park!

15. Giving food to the homeless (leaving a restaurant with food to go)

16. Getting my scholarship money at the beginning of the semester! (I don’t work)

17. Vanilla scented products or perfume

18. My family

19. When a professor postpones an exam

20. Art galleries

21. Poetry

22. Being on a diet and actually following it!

23. Not having Asthma or allergies

24. Sugar cookies and brownies!

25. Talking to long lost friends

26. Smiling :)

27. Eel sushi!

28. Romantic movies (i.e “The Notebook,” “Australia”)

On Feb. 28, I decided to visit the Viscaya Mansion and its gardens.  Although it is a popular attraction among many Miami locals, I had never visited the mansion.  So technically, I was able to experience being a tourist in my own city.  The experience was great; I even got lost!  Since I don’t posses any navigational and directional skills, my quest to Viscaya began when I decided to drive there instead of taking the metro.  Thankfully, I made a wise decision because taking the metro would have entailed me walking, in heels, blocks and climbing up a few cliffs. Since I am a huge art and architecture fan, I was extremely excited about visiting the mansion; I would finally be able to see the renowned Viscaya mansion.

James Deering, who used the mansion as a winter home, originally owned Viscaya.  He then developed the estate and its gardens through the help of three talented architects.   Viscaya was originally built between 1914 and 1916, making the estate and its gardens a historical landmark.  In part, this is one of the reasons why I decided to visit the estate.

When I first arrived there, I was a bit overwhelmed by the size, complexity and architecture of the home.  I could not imagine that this home was built almost 100 years ago.  In addition, I was more amazed when I learned that Deering had two properly working elevators, state of the art technology (for his time), air conditioning and electricity.  Although these amenities are now standard, I truly believe that it is amazing how this one man was able to incorporate all of these technologies into his winter home.

Based on information that is provided about Deering, I believe that I can say that he was a very intelligent man. This is because he owned property throughout the world and his homes were equipped with state of the art technology. For example, Deering’s estate was equipped with a casino, bowling alley, music room, tearoom, library, courtyard, pool, and two elevators.  In addition, some of Deering’s rooms were equipped with trapped doors where one could secretly move from room to room.          Having visited the Viscaya mansion and its gardens enhanced my historical and creative perspectives.  First, I was able to learn about Deering and about Viscaya.  I was able to learn about his past and how he benefited society.  In addition, I was able to enhance my creative perspective through the mansions magnificent architecture and by its beautiful surrounding gardens. I was really amazed at how there were so many small gardens incorporate into one enormous main garden.  Overall, I really enjoyed my time at Viscaya.  It was both an educational and relaxing experience.  Although this might sound cheesy, I am really interested in having my wedding reception held in its main garden (when I get married.)

Fast facts about Viscaya:

• Winter home of James Deering
• Was built between 1914-1916
• Original estate was 180 acres. It included a dairy, poultry house, greenhouse, machine shop, paint and carpentry workshop and residences
• In 1926, a hurricane destroyed much of the house and its gardens
• In 1952, Miami-Dade County bought Viscaya and opened it as a historic house museum. (They restored the mansion and the villa back to the way it was originally designed)

• Viscaya has been visited by Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II and President Ronald Reagan

A few pictures of the place:

The Entrance

Pictures of the inside

The Garden

On November 2, Wayne Burdick traveled to the Port of Miami.  He  was a aboard a cruise ship and was waiting to depart to the Caribbean.  While the cruise ship was docked, Burdick used his laptop and his AT&T wireless card to access a Slingbox device that allows him to watch television on his laptop. Burdick decided to watch the Chicago Bears game where they won against the Lions, 27-23.  When Burdick returned to his home state, he was astonished to see that watching the Bears game, for three hours, had cost him $27,788.93.

Although Burdick was in Miami, AT&T managed to charge him an international rate for accessing the internet; he was charged two cents per kilobyte.   Burdick then managed to contact AT&T where he notified them that he was in Miami and not in international territory.  Even though it was confirmed that he was in Miami, AT&T cut his bill from $27,000 to $6,000.  After still having a $6,000 bill to pay, Burdick contacted the Team Fixer at the Chicago Sun-Times with his story.  Fixer then contacted AT&T and they dropped the $6,000 bill.  AT&T appoliged for the inconvenience and admitted that they had made a mistake.

Overall, I think that a $27,000 wireless phone bill is ridiculous.  It just comes to show how desperate companies and organizations are to receive money.  Even though this man had documentation and proof that he was in Miami, AT&T still managed to charge him $6,000.  If it weren’t for the reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times, Burdick would have been charged for something that he wasn’t even supposed to be charged for.  Due to the economic situation that our country is currently facing, many individuals and companies are resorting to desperate measures.  These companies constantly overcharge its users and then expect them to pity them because their business is doing poorly.  I can only imagine how many other innocent people have been charged excessively for a mistake that a company has made.  I honestly believe that it is not fair for someone to have to pay for another persons mistake.

          He Pingping is the world’s shortest man      

     According to the Guiness Book of World Records, He Pingping, 20, is considered the world’s shortest man.  He is approximately 2 ft and 5.17 inches tall.  He was born on July 1988 in Wulanchabu, China, which is near China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.  When he was first born, his father mentioned that he “was as small as an adults palm.”  In addition, his parents decided to call doctors when they noticed that their son’s growth was being hindered.  Pingping was eventually diagnosed with Osteogenisis Imperfecta, which is a genetic bone disorder that impedes an individual’s normal bone and height growth.  Although Pingping was diagnosed with this disorder, he hasn’t let it get in the way of his life.  In 2008, he traveled to New York City to advertise and launch of the 2009 edition of the Guiness Book of World Records where he was featured as the world’s shortest man.

     Although Pingping does not let his disorder ruin his life, I believe the broadcasting of his disorder to the world is a bit over the top.  I know that certain people have different motivations for their choices, but I just don’t understand how one can publicize and sell their imperfections to the world.  I would have understood if he would have traveled around China and promoted the book, but he traveled all the way to New York City where thousands of individuals waited to see his appearance.  Overall, I believe it is great that he is living a happy life without being embarrassed or ashamed about his bone disorder.  I just believe that sometimes fame and popularity can get in the way of anyone’s life.  

“Love is the affinity which links and draws together the elements of the world… Love, in fact, is the agent of universal synthesis.”

                               -Pierre Teilhard De Chardin 

This is Christy’s Restaurant.  It is located at 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, Fla.

     It’s very funny how people always associate my name with Christy’s Restaurant.  In fact, my neighbor constantly asks me when and if I will ever dine there.  Christy’s Restaurant is considered Miami’s premiere steakhouse and is located in Coral Gables.  I have always considered eating there.  The only thing that would set me back is that my parents would tell me it was a local hotspot for elderly individuals.  However, on February 11, I decided give the restaurant a try.  I went to have lunch with my boyfriend at Christy’s.

     Our reservation was for 1:30 p.m. and we decided to order from the Winter Miami Spice Menu.  For those who are not aware of what Miami Spice is, it is a special three-course menu offered at fine dining restaurants.  The lunch menu is offered at $23, and the dinner menu is offered at $36.  

     As we were seated, I was overcome by the elegance of the restaurant.  I loved the artwork that hung from the walls, the candlelit tables and the dim lighted atmosphere.  In addition, I loved how the waiters were all wearing matching burgundy uniforms.  I was also impressed by the restaurants tailored customer service.  The waiter brought us our bread a few seconds after having been seated.  The bread tasted amazing!

    As mentioned earlier, we ordered from the Miami Spice Winter menu, which meant a three-course meal.  I ordered Christy’s well-known caesar salad, two petite pieces of aged filet mignon with mashed potatoes and flan.  In addition, we ordered the “Baked Alaska” dish and we, of course, took our other deserts to go.  This was the first time that I had eaten this type of desert and was ultimately entertained by the creativity of its creator.  It was amazing.  The “Baked Alaska” turned out to be a three-layered ice cream cake with vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream flavors.  In addition, the ice cream was covered with a delicious meringue outer layer that was initially lit on fire by our waiter.  The desert was lit on fire for about 15 seconds or so and then was served to us.  It was really amazing because the outer layer of the ice cream protected it from melting. 

     Overall, I loved eating at Christy’s Restaurant and fully regret not having dinned there earlier.  The food there was amazing and their three-course menu was a plus.  I seriously can’t wait to eat at Christy’s again and try different menu items. 

This was our delicious “Baked Alaska” desert.