Linda visits with Miami-Dade Public Schools Director of Nutrition, Penny Parham.

(08-16-2017) Given the buildup to the August 21 st total eclipse, Topical Currents spotlights South Florida’s Buehler Planetarium & Observatory, housed on the central campus of Broward College in Davie. In our region, the event will be a “partial” solar eclipse, at its max just before 3 p.m., Monday. We speak with the Buehler’s Director, Susan Barnett.

(08-15-2017) It’s hard to believe that the son of the “Mambo King,” Tito Puente, Senior, once played in a heavy metal band . . . but for the past 20 years he’s excelled at exciting Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

(08-14-2017) We discuss the impacts of E-P-A, Fish & Wildlife, and Department of Transportation de-regulation promoted by the Trump Administration. Exploration for oil in the Big Cypress National Preserve is underway. . . the Florida Panther’s endangered species designation is under review . . . and vehicle fuel economy goals are likely to be reduced. We visit with South Florida Wildlife Association Executive Director Matthew Schwartz. [NOTE: Comments regarding the endangered species status

(08-10-2017) Linda Gassenheimer’s Food & Dining is devoted to tropical fruits, including those at stores, stands and backyards. They include dragon and passion fruits, and red guava.

(2017-08-10) Sun-Sentinel consumer columnist Doreen Christensen, known for her smart, penny-pinching ways and “Doreen’s Deals”, celebrates Data Privacy Day with online security tips . . . such as using just one credit card for online charges.

(2017-08-08) No one has had more public service roles in Miami-Dade than Merrett R. Stierheim. Ever. His first post at the City of Miami began in 1959. There were two stints as County Manager, during some terribly turbulent times, and he was also City of Miami Manager. Stierheim’s been a Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent, & Manager of Miami-Lakes and Doral, plus many other important roles.

(8-7-2017) If you covet the urban coffeehouse feel of the ‘60s, you’ve probably put your feet up at The Luna Star Café, in North Miami. Besides an eclectic menu, there’s an even wider range of live music, poetry and open mics. We visit with Luna Star’s founder, owner and musical director, Alexis Sanfield. She opened the doors in 1996. (And far out!) . . . how could we not throw in some live, singer/songwriter/guitar tunes?

(8-3-2017) Miami Spice Months with Bill Talbert, President and CEO Greater Miami Convention and Business Bureau, and Chef Danny Serfer from Blue Collar and the two Mignonette restaurants. Bill gives us tips on how to navigate the offering for this year’s Miami Spice – August and September - $39 for a 3 course dinner, $23 for lunch. Danny talks about why he decided to participate and brings us a taste of his Miami Spice menus. Dinner in Minutes: Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad www.dinnerinminutes

(8-3-2017) Today’s Topical Currents checks out downtown Delray Beach and its hip multi-media arts venue, ARTS GARAGE. It holds jazz, blues & rock concerts, open jam sessions, poetry & spoken word, plus the Grassroots Gallery at Arts Garage.