Ever wanted to sing with a classic rock band? Have a dream of getting-up in front of everyone in Orlando and show them how much talent you’ve got? Well, now would seem to be your chance.

While driving yesterday I heard a radio spot for WMMO’s “National Anthem Contest,” where one lucky Central Floridian will open-up the Downtown Concert Series featuring STYX. The Downtown Concert Series has featured many top-name artists and bands over the years, including: Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Hornsby, Pat Benatar, Gin Blossoms, Loverboy, and more.

Many of these shows had attendance breaking 10,000, so needless to say this is a great opportunity for hopeful singers to get in front of a large audience!

Do you have what it takes? Simply click here to find out how to submit your entry for the contest, and for rules & regulations associated with this promotion.

Good luck, and we’ll see you at the concert on September 28th!

…you’re likely to end-up anywhere. I just saved this little guy from getting run over, in the Delaney Park neighborhood. I just hope he learns to stay out of the road. (Sorry the quality’s not better. I took these pictures with my phone.)

Did you catch Klynn’s post yesterday on the new Publix GreenWise Markets? I’m really excited about these healthy-conscious stores coming to the Central Florida area.

Speaking of healthy-conscious stores, have you visited the new Whole Foods Market store in Dr. Phillips? It’s located at:

8003 Turkey Lake Road Phillips Crossing
Orlando, Florida 32819

It’s a massive, sensational shopping experience. I went there a couple of weeks ago; I ate a great lunch and enjoyed an Indian beer! Of course, I had my camera with me so I had to take pictures to share with our readers. Check ‘em out:

Do you shop at Whole Foods Market?

I’m a huge fan of OverheardinNewYork.com. It’s a fun, unique insight into the lives of New York City residents.

I’ve often thought of starting a similar site about Orlando (trust me, I’ve heard some doozies of coversations here) but then, why not just add it as a feature of “Pulse of Central Florida”? I’m thinking of calling it “From the Streets.” What do you think?

Here’s the thing: this new series is definitely going to require reader participation. In fact, it’s a necessity. Klynn and I are only two people. That means four ears. So we need you guys to take notice when you’re out to dinner; when you’re shopping; when you’re at church; when you’re at work. Send us any funny conversations or one-liners and we’ll post it here on the blog.

This is gonna be fun!

A Publix spokeswoman confirms that Orlando will be home to two new GreenWise Markets. (Source: Orlando Business Journal)

If you’re a fan of Fresh Market or Whole Foods, you’ll LOVE GreenWise! After becoming a frequent shopper at the Palm Beach Gardens location, I was hooked.

Preliminary plans are to convert the Albertsons on Dr. Phillips Blvd. into a GreenWise Market, as well as the Publix on South Orlando Avenue in Winter Park.

Never talk about Politics or Religion, that’s what they say, right?

I know I’m taking a leap here, but it’s hard not to talk about the upcoming election after last night’s campaign speech by Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination.

What’s been bothering me for some time now is not that Obama’s a Democrat (I’m not), but rather that his charisma makes me forget that I have no idea how he plans to “fix” the America we’ve become under George W.

Last night’s speech was no different. He’s a great speaker; he’s intelligent – and unlike Bush – intelligible, but I was left wondering not that Change is possible, but how it’s possible. We’re in deep, and yes, I’m a bit of a cynic, but I guess I’m still having a tough time comprehending how we’re going to fix the economy, offer health care to every American, pull troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maybe I just haven’t been listening, but I’m wondering what makes you support Obama? McCain?

It seems unfair to write about the goodness that is Harmoni – the terrific bistro/market in the heart of Downtown College Park – by sharing my love of their takeout selections … but they were too delish to pass up.

A few weeks ago I was running short on time so I ran down to Harmoni to grab a bite. I found this and several other selections available in their market:

$7.99 for Arugula and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast! Yum!

I’m not suggesting you bypass the bistro menu which serves a variety of food from Flatbreads and Sandwiches to Mahi and pasta selections, but in a pinch, you can’t beat a little to-go food of the non-frozen variety.

Harmoni also has a terrific wine selection and outdoor seating.

To check out more info on Harmoni, visit their Web site at www.harmonimarket.com, or head on over to the market or bistro:

Harmoni Artisan Meal Market
2305 Edgewater Drive
Located in The Wellesley Condo Building
407-206-0033

One of the very first “Pulse” posts, back in February, was on Dandelion Communitea Cafe. One of my personal favorite local hangouts — you can feel great about what you’ve put in your body when you leave.

Earlier today I was reading-up on Orlando Sentinel’s Heather McPherson’s Food Blog, The Cooking Gal. One of the posts talks about Dandelion adding new items to its list of offerings, and this excites me!

Want to learn more? Click here to visit Heather’s post.

Spice! The word’s got a little kick to it, huh? Maybe that’s what the owners of a downtown Orlando restaurant were hoping patrons would associate it with when they named it Spice. (Please note, there is a location at Lake Eola as well as on Park Avenue in Winter Park.)

Now, Spice is open for both lunch and dinner, but I’ve only ever been there during lunchtime.

While Spice is tagged as a “Modern Steakhouse” there are many options on the menu: salads, sandwiches, and steaks. I myself am quite fond of their Cobb Salad for a healthy lunch. It’s got a great blend of organics & taste! If you visit Spicesteakhouse.com and click on the “Menus” tab, you can find out what other great dishes both locations have to offer.

Regardless of whether you’re going to Spice for lunch or dinner, remember parking in downtown Orlando can sometimes be a little tricky. If needed, there’s always the parking garage located behind the Eola Wine Bar, just a block and across the street from the restaurant.

Interested in trying out Spice for yourself? Click here to learn more about their hours of operation, and more details about the venue.

407 E. Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801

Have you dined at either Spice location? If so we’d love to hear about your experience.

Remember that little storm that breezed hovered over the Central Florida area last week? Well, I was fortunate enough to miss most of it, since I was out-of-town on business (although I have a wonderful story about flying directly into the storm, on the way back home). However, I started wondering about where residents get their news and information from.

When you want to know what kind of weather to expect for the week ahead–or for information on hurricanes–what source do you depend on? Here are a few local resources to turn to:

- CFNNews13.com
- Local6.com
- MyFoxOrlando.com
- OrlandoSentinel.com
- Weather.com
- WESH.com
- WFTV.com

Do you depend on other online sources for your weather news? Or do you simply check your local television station for the weather?