MOSI Celebrates 19th Annual Einstein on Food & Wine Festival

The Museum of Science & Industry will host its 19th annual Einstein on Food & Wine festival, Jan. 31 - Feb. 1. This celebration of the senses showcases the delicious and diverse cuisine of Tampa Bay, alongside the palate pleasers of winemakers from around the country. The weekend is ideal for anyone who enjoys wine, food, music and supporting a worthy cause through a silent auction.

The weekend kicks off with the 2nd annual Annus Mirabilis dinner on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for those wishing to enjoy an intimate dinner, culinary demonstrations and a customized menu by Alex Thomopoulos, comedian-turned-chef of HUNGRY’s Bites & Booze, in a private home on Bayshore Boulevard. A regular recipe and content contributor for KitchenAid and Chalkboard magazine, Thomopoulos is also a recurring guest and guest co-host of Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family Show. Thomopoulos' appearance is made possible by the generous donation of Bay Area Medical Resources, Inc.

The celebration continues with Einstein on Food & Wine on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event begins at 7 p.m., but those with VIP tickets have early access beginning at 6 p.m. and can rub elbows with Thomopoulos in the VIP lounge. ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, the host sponsor, will feature more than 120 vintners with a variety of wines, including reds, whites, champagnes, domestic and imported. Delicious food and desserts from more than 30 different local restaurants will be featured including Capital Grille, Texas de Brazil, Shells, Cigar City Brewery, BJ’s and Blue Bell ice cream, along with a variety of food trucks like Not Your Ordinary Food Truck and Lizzy Cakes. In addition to the array of food and wine, a silent auction, including tickets to the Emmy® awards, will be held with proceeds to benefit MOSI’s educational programs.

This year MOSI is adding new and exciting elements to Einstein on Food & Wine, including the MOSI STEAMpunks performing random acts of science throughout the event, roaming Einsteins, Ghostbusters, Roller Derby girls, the Tampa Bay Squad of the 501st Legion – the Star Wars Imperial costuming organization, and much more.

Additionally, restaurants who participate will have their food judged by Thomopoulos and MOSI guests in a quest to find the best food at Einstein on Food & Wine. Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant by dropping a dollar in their ballot box. The restaurant with the most dollars at the end of the night wins "Fan Favorite." All proceeds benefit MOSI's education and scholarship programs. Winners will be announced in MOSI’s Grand Lobby prior to the closing of our silent auction. The restaurant competition is sponsored by Raymond James Financial.

Prize categories are as follows:
-First Place will receive $1,000 and a plaque
-Second Place will receive $750 and a plaque
-Third Place will receive $250 and a plaque
-Fan Favorite will receive a plaque and bragging rights

Einstein on Food & Wine tickets are $60 for members, $75 for non-members and $85 when purchased the week of the event. The event begins at 7 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older to attend. VIP tickets can be purchased for $125, which includes early access to Einstein on Food & Wine at 6 p.m. and a round-trip chartered bus service from the Capital Grille at International Plaza, where complimentary appetizers will be served from 4 - 6 p.m.

Tickets for the 2nd annual Annus Mirabilis dinner, which include an intimate dinner, culinary demonstrations and a customized menu by Thomopoulos, are $200 per person or $350 per couple.

Einstein on Food & Wine is sponsored in part by Bay Area Medical Resources, Inc.; Service Systems Associates; Raymond James Financial; Macy's; Art Lipo; KPMG; the Law Offices of Jeanne Coleman; Phelps Dunbar, LLP; Hanna, Lemar & Morris, CPA's, PA; Rivero Gordimer & Company; Wit Ostrenko; and Molly Demeulenaere. Both evenings benefit the education programs at MOSI. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 813-987-6000 or visit MOSI.org.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Judy Clark's New Clothing Line Inspired by Ardbeg Scotch Whisky

Multi-award-winning Scottish fashion designer Judy R Clark has unveiled a stunning new range of tweed clothing for Islay single malt whisky, Ardbeg.

Judy – who was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards 2013 and has commissioned bespoke pieces for leading global brands – has designed a collection of clothing which will be worn by Ardbeg staff worldwide.

The “edgy” collection includes bespoke waistcoats and shorts for women, and matching waistcoat and trousers for men, which have been inspired by Ardbeg.

Ardbeg is revered worldwide as the peatiest of the Islay malts and Judy has drawn inspiration from the herringbone pattern effect of the peat stacks found on the isle of Islay on the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, where Ardbeg is distilled.

She incorporated the design into the bespoke, proprietary Ardbeg tweed, which was weaved at the family-run Islay Woollen Mill established in 1881.

The colours of the beaches, hills, trees and peat are the tapestry of Islay and Judy has creatively woven these earthy tones through her designs.

To enhance the luxury outfits, Judy added a triple lapel on the waistcoats to reflect the number of World Whisky of the Year awards Ardbeg has won. The brushed gold rivets along the collars represent Ardbeg’s logo and knotwork.

Judy explains: “Creating a new line with Ardbeg has been wonderful as the inspiration from the whisky and location were endless. From design to the woven cloth, everything was produced in Scotland which really reflects Ardbeg’s almost 200-year heritage on Islay.

“In addition, Ardbeg has always has always pushed the boundaries of whisky marketing and I was delighted to be able to come up with an edgy line that combines heritage and style in equal measure.”

After graduating from Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University in 2006, Judy worked with legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen before going on to launch her own label.

As well as her most recent award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, Judy has also won the prestigious JOLOMO award for Innovation and Creativity and the award for ‘Best New Designer’ at The Scottish Variety Awards in March 2012. In addition, she was selected by a panel of fashion experts at ‘Scotland Re:Designed’ to showcase her collections in New York, Chicago, London and Glasgow.

Carolyn Sanchez, Ardbeg Brand Manager explains: “Judy’s beautiful tweed pieces clearly show how she has been inspired by Ardbeg’s attitude and its Islay heritage. Both brands are extremely innovative in their fields and the combination of both elements has created something truly distinctive.”

The new range of clothing will be used as uniforms for Ardbeg trial and sampling teams around the world at whisky events.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.

Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

For more information on Ardbeg please visit: Ardbeg.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Spins Into IMAX 3D Theatres Worldwide

IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the highly anticipated next chapter in the story of Peter Parker, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX 3D format and released in IMAX theatres. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be released in theaters internationally beginning April 16, 2014, and domestically on May 2, 2014.

"After the enormous worldwide success of The Amazing Spider-Man, we're looking forward to partnering again with Marc Webb, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach, and our friends at Sony Pictures to offer IMAX fans around the world an opportunity to experience this highly anticipated film in the immersive IMAX 3D format," said Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp.

The IMAX release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Audiences can learn more about The Amazing Spider-Man 2 by visiting the film's official Facebook page at
Facebook.com/amazingspiderman2movie.

We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.

It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city.

With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp. Directed by Marc Webb. Screen Story and Screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner. Based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Produced by Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Vida Vacations' Grand Luxxe Opens New Spa Towers in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya

Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta

Vida Vacations announces the opening of its new Spa Towers at Grand Luxxe resort in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya.

Each lavishly appointed room in the Spa Towers features a private outdoor plunge pool to calm the senses and rejuvenate the body and richly decorated living spaces featuring calming palates of blues, grays and whites. Accommodations include a two bedroom, 2570 square foot suite and a three bedroom, 3180 square foot suite.

Guest rooms also feature a dedicated concierge and private massage cabin. For those wishing for a more traditional spa setting, the Spa Towers features access to Vida Vacation's award winning Spatium at Nuevo Vallarta, innovators of tequila infused massages and skin treatments.

Surrounded by lush jungles and situated on the water's edge, Grand Luxxe Spa Tower allows for the perfect tropical getaway.

"This is our must luxurious addition yet," says Eric Dubaele, Director of Hotel Operations. "We created the Spa Towers to be the epitome of rest and relaxation. Guests will experience a vacation that they will never forget."

Grand Luxxe, the crown jewel of the Vida Vacations resorts, creates unparalleled luxury for each and every guest. With locations in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya, each resort features private chefs, butlers and beaches. For those traveling with families, Grand Luxxe offers kid friendly activities, from arts and crafts and floating down the lazy river, to babysitting services for a parent's night out. Active guests can enjoy the Nicklaus designed Nayar and El Manglar golf courses, tennis clinics or snorkeling with sea turtles.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Stores with the Worst and Best Return Policies

According to the National Retail Federation, nearly $60 billion worth of holiday merchandise was returned last January. To help consumers understand popular retailers' return policies, personal finance site GOBankingRates.com investigated the return policies of leading U.S. retailers and created a list of the best and worst stores for handling returns.

"Not everyone is good at gift giving," said Jennifer Calonia, editor of GOBankingRates.com. "If you're worried about finding the perfect gift for a loved one, consider a store with a great return policy. A return policy can truly make or break a purchase; many major retailers carry the same brands."

Preview of the stores with the worst and best return policies:

Stores with the Worst Return Policies

1. Sears
Return time based on a tiered system with 90-day maximum; original packaging, receipt or packaging slip required.

2. Best Buy
Return time frames vary depending on the customer's annual spending; for those who spent $1,500, the time frame is just 30 days.

3. American Apparel
Returns are not accepted at an American Apparel store; they must be mailed in.



Stores with the Best Return Policies

1. Costco
Costco's return policy has no return time limit; full refunds take the form of cash or check.

2. Nordstrom
No formal return policy exists; returns handled on a case-to-case basis as long as Nordstrom carries the product. No specific time limit.

3. Zappos
Returns accepted up to one year after purchase with free shipping.



Click to see the complete ranking of store return policies



The study investigated return policies for the top U.S. retailers based on 2012 retail sales. Factors used in determining rankings were: whether a receipt or invoice is needed at return, whether the retailer permitted in-store return processing for online purchases, available time limit for returning goods, and the refund type.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Victory Brewing Company Debuts Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale

Victory Brewing Company is pleased to announce the release of its newest seasonal offering, Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale. Making its way to store shelves and dining establishments beginning today, Hop Ranch is the third recent new release for the brewery and is available in four-packs and on draft through February 2014.

Pungent and floral in every sip, this brew features full, juicy hop character, while expressing notes of mango, pineapple and the pleasantly sharp, biting edges of tart citrus fruit. Hop Ranch is available for purchase in many bottle shops, beer distributors and major gourmet grocery stores, including most Whole Foods Markets and Wegmans locations along the East Coast, as well as at many craft beer bars throughout Victory’s national distribution footprint. The suggested retail price for a four-pack is approximately $9.99, depending on location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale traces its roots to Victory's Ranch series, a unique and comprehensive study of hops in which Brewmasters experimented with different hop varieties to showcase and celebrate a range of flavor profiles and distinctions, and is brewed with Mosaic and Azacca hops.

“Hop Ranch has a history that evolves from our desire to continue to create new and interesting recipes,” says President and Brewmaster Bill Covaleski. “Celebrating the wide variety of flavors and aromas that different hops deliver, this beer is a salute to hop ranchers who make it possible for us to develop an intense and flavorful beer that we, and hopefully our fans, will enjoy this season.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Begun by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, childhood friends who met on a school bus in 1973, the brewery formally began operations in February of 1996. Victory, Pennsylvania's widely acclaimed brewery and restaurant, now serves fans of fully flavored beers in 34 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company, visit us on the web at VictoryBeer.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Auberge Resorts Earn Top Honors on Conde Nast Traveler's 2014 Gold List

Five Auberge Resorts properties throughout North America have been recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler by naming them to the publication’s 2014 Gold List, an exclusive collection of the world’s top hotels, resorts and cruise lines. Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch, Esperanza Resort, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, and Solage Calistoga were ranked among the world’s best; their scores landed the signature properties on the annual list, which is showcased in the January 2014 issue.

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List identifies the best of the best: the gold standard of hotels, resorts, and cruise lines. Nearly 80,000 of the world's most discerning travelers (a record-setting number) produced a final selection of the top places in the world by participating in the annual Readers' Choice survey. Consistency is rewarded: those who make the Gold List five years in a row earn Platinum Circle status. Auberge du Soliel, Esperanza, and the Inn at Palmetto Bluff boast this honor.

“We’re so pleased to have our resorts on this coveted list – we strive to stay on it year after year by crafting personalized experiences at our signature properties, which are true gems in some of the best destinations in the world,” said Mark Harmon, Managing Partner, Auberge Resorts. A complete list with scores and reader comments about each property follows:

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina)

Overall Score: 97.7 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: "This will be the best inn you’ve ever stayed at," by the May River amid acres of forests and ancient freshwater rice fields. Rustic cottages are "quiet, secluded, immaculate, and spacious," with screened porches, white-wood doorways, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, wide pine-plank floors, and hipped metal roofs. The food at the River House Restaurant is "fantastic."

Auberge du Soleil (Napa Valley, California)

Overall Score: 96.7 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: The "outstanding luxury hotel" is set on 33 acres of vineyards and olive groves—"the views are spectacular." "Sumptuous cottages" done in sun and earth tones have wood-burning fireplaces and refrigerators stocked with local wines and cheeses; bathrooms come with skylights and flat-screen TVs. The "stunning restaurant" serves wine-country cuisine with French Mediterranean influences, and its terrace has heaters for dining out on cool evenings. Enjoy Italian ices and chilled towels at the pool and Reiki at La Pagode, an Asian-style pavilion.

Esperanza (Los Cabos, Mexico)

Overall score: 96.1 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: Comprising clifftop sand-hued casitas and suites and three- and four-bedroom villas, this resort has rooms that all face the Sea of Cortés, some with private balconies with infinity-edge hot tubs. "Staff are unbelievably fantastic," even providing complimentary shoulder massages upon arrival. Cocina del Mar, which spills over three terraces, serves fresh local seafood. "Whale-watching from the pool" and "one of the most beautiful spas" are among the experiences guests can anticipate.

Solage Calistoga (Napa Valley, California)

Overall Score: 94.0

Reader comments: Located on 25 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, this newcomer offers guests "a beautiful and pampered experience that never disappoints." Earth-tone contemporary guest rooms in buildings with yellow siding are "absolutely stunning," with vaulted ceilings, Italian linens, and stone showers with pebble flooring. The hotel’s "outstanding service" includes complimentary use of cruiser bikes with each bungalow.

Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley, Calfornia)

Overall Score: 90.7

Reader comments: The resort was designed to re-create a vintner’s estate. Cedar-shingle guest lodges built near lakes and streams and under trees merge indoor and outdoor spaces and have fireplaces and outdoor showers. Designed with tall panes of glass and looking onto woodlands and Lake Lommel, the Lakehouse serves "the most delicious wine and amazing food," relying on organic ingredients from local farmers.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.