As an academic researcher, developer of artistic technology and amateur artist, I was quite skeptical about crypto art when I first read about it several years ago. However, I follow a community of artists on social media, and some of the artists there whom I respect, like Mario Klingemann and Jason Bailey, embraced and advocated for crypto art. Within the past few months, activity and prices seemed to snowball. I started thinking it deserves to be taken seriously. Then the Beeple sale happened. - Let alone spend millions on what’s essentially a link to a JPEG file? An NFT sold by Beeple. cnbc.com On March 11, Beeple, a computer science graduate whose real name is Mike Winkelmann, auctioned a piece of crypto art at Christie’s for US$69 million. The winning bidder is now named in a digital record that confers ownership. This record, called a nonfungible token, or NFT, is stored in a shared global database. This database is decentralized using blockchain, so that no single individual or company controls the database. As long as the specific blockchain survives in the world, anyone can read or access it, and no one can change it. But “ownership” of crypto art confers no actual rights, other than being able to say that you own the work. You don’t own the copyright, you don’t get a physical print, and anyone can look at the image on the web. There is merely a record in a public database saying that you own the work – really, it says you own the work at a specific URL. So why would anyone buy crypto art – let alone spend millions on what’s essentially a link to a JPEG file? Art is inherently social It might be helpful to think about crypto art in the context of why people buy original works of art. Some people buy art for their homes, hoping to incorporate it into their living spaces for pleasure and inspiration. But art also plays many important social roles. The art in your home communicates your interests and tastes. Artworks can spark conversation, whether they’re in museums or homes. People form communities around their passion for the arts, whether it’s through museums and galleries, or magazines and websites. Buying work supports the artists and the arts. Then there are collectors. People get into collecting all sorts of things – model trains, commemorative plates, rare vinyl LPs, sports memorabilia – and, like other collectors, art collectors are passionate about trying to hunt down those rare pieces. Perhaps the most visible form of art collecting today, and the one that drives so much public discussion about art, is the art purchased for millions of dollars – the pieces by Picasso and Damien Hirst traded by the ultrawealthy. This is still social: Whether they’re at Sotheby’s auctions or museum board dinners, wealthy art collectors mingle, meet and talk about who bought what. Finally, I think many people buy art strictly as an investment, hoping that it will appreciate in value. Is crypto art really that different? If you look at the reasons people buy art, only one of them – buying art for your home – has to do with the physical work. Every other reason for buying art that I listed could apply to crypto art. You can build your own virtual gallery online and share it with other people online. You can convey your tastes and interests through your virtual gallery and support artists by buying their work. You can participate in a community: Some crypto artists, who have felt excluded by the mainstream art world, say they have found more support in the crypto community and can now earn a living making art. While Beeple’s big sale made headlines, most crypto art sales are much more affordable, in the tens or hundreds of dollars. This supports a much larger community than just a select few artists. And some resale values have gone up. Value as a social construct Aside from the visual pleasure of physical objects, nearly all the value art offers is, in some way, a social construct. This does not mean that art is interchangeable, or that the historical significance and technical skill of a Rembrandt is imaginary. It means that the value we place on these attributes is a choice. When someone pays $90 million for a metal balloon animal made by Jeff Koons, it’s hard to believe that the work has that much “intrinsic” value. Even if the materials and craftsmanship are quite good, surely some of those millions are simply buying the right to say “I bought a Koons. And I spent a lot of money on it.” If you just want an artfully made metal balloon animal, there are cheaper ways to get one. Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’ displayed at Art Basel Miami in 2019.Cindy Ord/Getty Images Conversely, the conceptual art tradition has long separated the object itself from the value of the work. Maurizio Cattelan sold a banana taped to a wall for six figures, twice; the value of the work was not in the banana or in the duct tape, nor in the way that the two were attached, but in the story and drama around the work. Again, the buyers weren’t really buying a banana, they were buying the right to say they “owned” this artwork. Depending on your point of view, crypto art could be the ultimate manifestation of conceptual art’s separation of the work of art from any physical object. It is pure conceptual abstraction, applied to ownership. On the other hand, crypto art could be seen as reducing art to the purest form of buying and selling for conspicuous consumption. In Victor Pelevin’s satirical novel “Homo Zapiens,” the main character visits an art exhibition where only the names and sale prices of the works are shown. When he says he doesn’t understand – where are the paintings themselves? – it becomes clear that this isn’t the point. Buying and selling is more important than the art. This story was satire. But crypto art takes this one step further. If the point of ownership is to be able to say you own the work, why bother with anything but a receipt? Manufacturing scarcity It still seems hard to get used to the idea of spending money for nothing tangible. Would anyone pay money for NFTs that say they “own” the Brooklyn Bridge or the whole of the Earth or the concept of love? People can create all the NFTs they want about anything, over and over again. I could make my own NFT claiming that I own the Mona Lisa, and record it to the blockchain, and no one could stop me. But I think this misses the point. In crypto art, there is an implicit contract that what you’re buying is unique. The artist makes only one of these tokens, and the one right you get when you buy crypto art is to say that you own that work. No one else can. Note, though, that this is not a legal right, nor is there any enforcement other than social mores. Nonetheless, the value comes from the artist creating scarcity. This is the same thing that’s happened in the art world ever since photographers and printmakers had to figure out how to sell their work. In the world of photography, a limited-edition print is considered more valuable than an unlimited edition; the fewer prints in the edition, the more valuable they are. Knowing that you have one of a few prints personally made and signed by the artist gives you an emotional connection to the artist that a mass-produced print doesn’t. This connection could be even weaker in digital art. But what you are buying is still, in part, a connection with the artist. Artists sometimes publicly tweet their thanks to their crypto art patrons, which may strengthen this emotional connection. A bubble bound to burst? Personally, I want to buy only art I can hang on my walls, so I have no interest in buying crypto art. There are also environmental costs. Certain blockchains used for crypto art are really bad for the climate, because they require computations that consume staggering amounts of energy. That said, if buying it right now gives you pleasure – and you enjoy sharing what you’ve bought and the community around it and you’re using a more environmentally friendly blockchain – that’s great. If you’re buying it for some future reward, however, that’s risky. Will people care about your personal virtual gallery in the future? Will you care? Will crypto art even be a thing in a few years? As an investment, it just seems inconceivable to me that the higher prices reflect true value, in the sense of these works having higher resale value in the long term. As in the traditional art world, there are a lot more works being sold than could ever possibly be considered significant in a generation’s time. And, in the crypto world, we’re seeing highly volatile prices, a sudden frenzy of interest, and huge sums being paid for things that seem, on the surface, not to have the slightest bit of value at all, such as the $2.5 million bid to “own” Jack Dorsey’s first tweet or even the $1,000 bid on a photo of a cease-and-desist letter about NFTs. Much of this energy seems to be driven by price speculation. It’s also worth noting that the winner of the Beeple auction seems to be heavily invested in the success of crypto art. The cryptocurrencies that drive crypto art are often considered highly speculative. I have no doubt that, right now, there’s a big NFT bubble. There have been lots of bubbles before – tulips, baseball cards, Beanie Babies – objects that were flying off the shelves one year and then piled up in landfills the next. And, in a bubble, a few headline-making winners get rich, while a whole lot of others lose their shirts. Even if crypto art lasts, maybe the particular artist or platform where you’re buying won’t be popular in the future. My feelings about crypto art aside, I do believe that art is, fundamentally, a social activity. The more our social lives are lived online, the more it may make sense for some people to have their art collections online, too – whether or not blockchain is involved. By Aaron Hertzmann Affiliate Faculty of Computer Science, University of Washington. Special thanks to The Conversation

As the appetite for luxury residential real estate in South Florida mounts, CMC Group and Morabito Properties, two of the region’s most experienced developers, are joining forces to launch Onda, a new boutique luxury condominium in Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands. Designed by world-renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, the 8-story building’s enviable location will boast more than 300 feet of bay frontage, a private marina, and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Construction of Onda is estimated to begin in Fall 2021, with completion slated for 2023. Onda’s 41 impeccably finished residences include two- to four-bedroom layouts measuring between 1,809 to 3,525 square feet, with four penthouse residences up to 5,073 square feet in size – two of which will include private rooftop pool decks. Prices range from $1.8 million to over $8 million. The launch comes as the next wave of residential development in Miami takes hold, fueled by an uptick in demand from domestic buyers looking to relocate from major U.S. cities who are attracted to Florida’s desirable quality of life, lower business and living expenses, and tax-friendly policies. Total condominium sales in Miami-Dade County rose 29.4 percent month-over-month from December 2019 to December 2020, according to the Miami Association of Realtors. Onda will benefit from the track record and expertise of Ugo Colombo of CMC Group and Valerio Morabito of Morabito Properties – two world-class developers driven by their Italian instincts for quality, style, and craftsmanship. Colombo and Morabito previously partnered in 2016 to lead the development of Beach House 8, a nearby boutique waterfront condo building on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Most recently, Colombo and CMC Group delivered Brickell Flatiron, a 64-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami’s Brickell Financial District. “Diminishing single-family home inventory and growing interest in Miami’s luxury condo market have sparked the next wave of development, but few projects benefit from Onda’s prime waterfront location in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods,” said Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “Bay Harbor Islands is Miami’s best-kept secret. Surrounded by some of South Florida’s finest shopping, beaches, and schools, the area is synonymous with an upscale, family-oriented lifestyle that appeals to buyers from across the country and around the world.” A small enclave tucked between Surfside and Bal Harbor on the east and North Miami on the west, Bay Harbor Islands is one of the most sought-after residential neighborhoods in Miami. The exclusive waterfront community is just a few steps away from the fashion Mecca Bal Harbor Shops and a short drive from Miami Beach. Bay Harbor Islands is also known for offering some of the best schools in Miami-Dade County. Onda – also known as the Italian word for “wave” – has been architecturally designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, with interiors imagined by creative design masterminds Carlo and Paolo Colombo of A++ Human Sustainable Architecture, and lush landscaping by award-winning landscape architect Enzo Enea of Enea Garden Design. “Onda will be the address of choice for residents seeking the highest caliber of luxury in a technology-forward boutique building with top-quality finishes and materials,” said Valerio Morabito, CEO of Morabito Properties. “Onda residents will enjoy a premium lifestyle with all the conveniences of luxury condo living and the unique amenities that come with owning a piece of the Bay Harbor waterfront.” Among Onda’s standout features are over 300 feet of bay frontage, a private marina for the exclusive use of residents with boat slips, a water sports launch dock with available kayaks, paddleboards, and inflatables, and direct ocean access through Miami’s Haulover inlet. Building amenities will include a rooftop pool deck and lounge area; a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment, a yoga studio, a spa with massage treatment rooms, changing facilities, and steam bath and sauna rooms. Onda will also feature personalized services, advanced security, and technology along with a front desk reception, covered valet drop-off area, personal parking spaces in a fully enclosed garage, electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle storage, and residential storage space. The building will offer an integrated digital concierge along with readily accessible WiFi throughout all public spaces, and FTTH (fiber to the home) technology for voice, video, and high-speed internet. Residences will feature floor-to-ceiling, impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows, spacious tiled terraces with private gardens, private and semi-private residential elevators, open floor layouts with up to 9-foot grand ceiling heights, fully-accessorized Snaidero kitchens with top-of-the-line Miele appliances, bathrooms with Italian marble and wood cabinetry, exquisite Italian flooring throughout, energy-efficient air conditioning and heating systems with ultra-quiet technology, and air and water filtration systems. For more information, including preconstruction sales opportunities, please contact Onda Sales at (305) 344-1234 or info@ondaresidences.com. Learn more at www.ondaresidences.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Tecma Solutions SpA

Calling all food fanatics aged 21 and over! Gulfstream Park Village, South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, will be the site of the fun-filled Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience on Saturday, May 22, from 5–9 p.m. as part of the 20th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). The Festival’s Hallandale Beach Event Series is a part of the HBCRA`s strategic plan to promote economic development by branding the City as a destination for food, arts and entertainment, while also attracting international exposure to local participating restaurants. This is the second year in a row that the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is partnering with SOBEWFF® to host the Hallandale Beach Event Series. This exciting evening of outdoor fun, wine, food, art, live music, and entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village’s Pegasus Park will be hosted by 101.5 Lite FM's Those 2 Girls in the Morning, Julie Guy & Tamara G. Guests can watch the sunset while enjoying refreshing libations from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio. Participating restaurants include Belly Fish, Ten Palms and Pastry is Art, all three located at Gulfstream Park Village. Other local restaurant participants include Akasaka Buffet & Restaurant, Moises Bakery, Crudos, Latin Fusion, Il Mercato, KAO Sushi & Grill, Ceviche Avenue, Icebox Café, D’s Delights, Marash Turkish Cuisine, Nana’s Food for You, Chef Holmes Smokin Bones, La Estancia Argentina, Boost E&V Juice Bar, Urban Thai & Sushi, Dunns River Island Café, Dr. Limon, El Tayta, Wapo Taco, See Thai, Le Bon Jan Haitian Restaurant, El Tamarindo Coal Fired Pizza & Bar, and Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant. All net proceeds from the Festival benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management students at Florida International University. Each year, over 1,200 student volunteers help organize all aspects of the event, including planning, logistics, and overall execution. The cost to attend the Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience is $50 per person, plus tax and service fees. To purchase tickets, visit sobewff.org/groove. “We are thrilled to host the Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience, and look forward to welcoming guests to this safe, outdoor event,” said Alex Schreer, director of Experiential Marketing at Gulfstream Park Village. “The foodie community will enjoy a safe, fun-filled evening at our Pegasus Park, highlighted by the iconic 11-story-tall Pegasus statue.” “This signature outdoor event provides a great opportunity for local foodies to get out and experience fantastic food, wine, and art at Gulfstream Park Village,” said Dr. Jeremy Earle, City Manager and CRA Executive Director of The City of Hallandale Beach. “We are excited to help promote local businesses and bring the community together in a socially-distanced atmosphere.” Gulfstream Park Village has implemented a number of important policies and procedures to safeguard the health and well-being of its valued guests and employees. The open-air entertainment destination is adhering to the best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local health care officials, to make Gulfstream Park Village a place where guests feel comfortable venturing back into public and reconnecting with friends and family. A social distance of 6 feet between visitors and face coverings are required. The event will also follow the Festival’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols. About Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing, but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service (may or may not be available due to COVID-19) and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit www.gulfstreampark.com or call 954-454-7000. About the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world’s greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. To date, SOBEWFF® has raised more than $31.8 million for the School. In September 2019, BizBash named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in the United States for the seventh year in a row. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival® is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit sobewff.org or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit fiu.edu, for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management visit hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits visit southernglazers.com. ABOUT THE HALLANDALE BEACH CRA The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

It’s OK for fully vaccinated people to travel domestically again without quarantining, so long as they wear a mask and maintain social distancing guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced April 2, 2021 in its updated guidelines for travel. The agency advises that people still wash or sanitize their hands frequently when traveling. The guidelines also provide guidance for other modes of transportation other than air travel and are for domestic travel. The CDC recommends delaying international travel for fully vaccinated people. The agency also advises delaying domestic travel for those who are not fully vaccinated. And, the updated travel guidance comes only days after CDC Director Rochelle Walensky reminded people that mask-wearing is still essential and that the U.S. is not out of danger. Fully vaccinated means that two weeks have passed since people have received the full dose of vaccine. That is two shots for those who have been vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. For those who have been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, that is one shot. Studies have shown that it takes the body two weeks to develop the full immune response to the vaccine, regardless of which vaccine they receive. More than 50 million people have been fully vaccinated, and more than 100 million people in the U.S. have had at least one dose of one of the three COVID-19 vaccines as of April 2, 2021. Evidence continues to show that vaccination with the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines offers very high levels of protection against the coronavirus. And, research is showing that the risk of vaccinated people spreading the disease to others is low. However, there is still a small risk that vaccinated people could transmit the disease to others. While this is good news to those who want to travel – as well as the airline industry and tourist destinations – people are still confused about what they can and cannot safely do. As an infectious disease doctor, I’ve been fielding a lot of questions from my patients as well as my friends and family about what someone is allowed to do once vaccinated. Do vaccinated people need to wear masks, socially distance and avoid travel? If you are fully vaccinated – that is, if you are more than two weeks out from receiving both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson – you can visit other fully vaccinated people without socially distancing or wearing masks, according to the CDC guidelines. You can even visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease without wearing masks or physically distancing. The CDC does suggest you be tested if you develop symptoms that could be COVID-19. You should then stay isolated until you are shown to be uninfected. If you are fully vaccinated, you should still avoid social settings that include multiple unvaccinated households. And, you should avoid medium to large crowds because of the increased risk. You also should continue to wear a well-fitted mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain physical distance when outside the home. Worshiping indoors at a synagogue, mosque or church is still not advisable unless all attending are vaccinated. With regard to the new guidelines, the CDC says that vaccinated people should still monitor themselves before and after travel and wash or sanitize their hands frequently. So in the face of continued pandemic transmission and new viral variants, we all need to remain vigilant and observe good health practices even after being vaccinated. However, it is very good news that we can prudently lift some of the restrictions that have so limited our ability to be with loved ones. This is especially good news for seniors who are particularly vulnerable to the downside of isolation – and the loved ones who are keen to visit them. By William Petri Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia. Special thanks to The Conversation. Image by Unsplash

An artificial image created on the Ganbreeder site. sgc/Ganbreeder Over the past few years, many artists have started to use what’s called “neural network software” to create works of art. Users input existing images into the software, which has been programmed to analyze them, learn a specific aesthetic and spit out new images that artists can curate. By manipulating the inputs and parameters of these models, artists can produce a range of interesting and evocative images. This work has gained widespread recognition through gallery shows, media coverage and two high-profile art auctions. As an academic researcher, developer of artistic technology and amateur artist, seeing artists embrace new technology to create new forms of expression always thrills me. But, like previous groundbreaking art movements, neural network art raises difficult questions: How do we think of authorship and ownership when these artworks come from the contributions of so many different creative individuals and algorithms? How do we ensure that all the artists involved are treated fairly? A movement is born The vibrant neural network art world arose in the past few years, in part, from developments in computer science. It began in 2015 with a program called DeepDream, which was developed accidentally by a Google engineer. He wanted to find a way to visualize the workings of a neural network system designed to analyze images. To do this, he gave it an input photograph and asked it to increase the number of object parts detected in the image. The result was a panoply of weird and evocative images. He shared his method online, and artists immediately began to experiment with it. The first gallery show of DeepDream art occurred less than a year later. Because this software is all freely shared online, digital artists can experiment with these models, and then share their own results and modifications. There’s an active creative community of neural network artists on Twitter who discuss the results of their experiments, along with the latest developments and controversies. And major mainstream artists have also embraced these tools, with major shows and commissions by artists like Trevor Paglen, Refik Anadol and Jason Salavon. Nonetheless, this open sharing challenges the ways we think about art. Christie’s sale of the image “Edmond de Belamy, from La Famille de Belamy” in November 2018 for nearly US$500,000 indicated that something was awry. Why? To make this image, the artist group Obvious used the source code and data that another artist, Robbie Barrat, had shared freely on the web. Obvious had every right to use Barrat’s code and claim authorship of the work. Nonetheless, many criticized Christie’s for elevating the artists who played only a small part in the creation the work. This was generally read as a failure of Christie’s, particularly in the misleading way it promoted the work, rather than a need to rethink authorship of AI art. The emergence of Ganbreeder These issues really become unavoidable in Ganbreeder, a beguiling new website for creating images with neural networks. Ganbreeder is an endless source of inspiring, intriguing, weird and fascinating imagery. Unlike the images that emerge from DeepDream, which quickly become repetitive, it seems like no single human mind could ever be capable of producing Ganbreeder’s diverse range of original imagery. A few recent images from the Ganbreeder site.Ganbreeder Ganbreeder was launched last November by Joel Simon. Each Ganbreeder image is created with input parameters that you choose by modifying the parameters of other images on the site. The site stores the lineage of each image, so that you can see all who contributed to a final image. If you like an image you’ve found or created, you can order a custom print on wood from an entrepreneur and artist named Danielle Baskin. She touches up the print with paint, but instead of signing it, labels the back of the work with a QR code that points to image’s unique lineage. She does this because each image is the result of many people’s contributions, which makes it difficult to attach the name of any one sole artist to each new artwork. Giving credit where credit’s due A sole artist, however, has already taken credit. When Alexander Reben exhibited paintings he’d made of Ganbreeder images, Baskin accused him of stealing, since she and others had spent hours on the Ganbreeder site to make the images. To defend himself, Reben pointed out that Ganbreeder works were anonymous when he selected his images; user logins and attribution were only added in February. Existing laws and conventions already address cases in which artwork is created in some form of collaboration or remix. It’s generally accepted that an artist can claim authorship simply by selecting a final image, though they should be upfront about the sources, when possible. The accusations of stealing seem to mimic those lobbed against conventional appropriation artists like Andy Warhol and Richard Prince, who famously enlarged and modified Instagram posts made by other users. However these neural network works seem to be a different sort of work. The contributions of the neural network model and the other users of the site are all inseparable from the result. No one contributor seems to be “the artist.” One possible way to view these new works of art is to think of them like open source software. Open source is a model for software development in which anyone can contribute to or use open software packages. It has led to the creation of major software tools, like Linux and major neural network software, that could not have been developed otherwise. Likewise, the new neural network artworks could not have been created without open sharing of software and data. Open source projects specify clear rules for how the software may be used and credited: Some software may be extended and sold, while other projects must always be distributed for free. Each programmer’s contributions are recorded; how they are credited also depends on the individual project. Like open source software, sites like Ganbreeder could establish clear rules for artistic authorship and credit. The guidelines should establish how to claim credit for a work, who else must be credited, and when a work can be sold or copyrighted. Payment is a tricky issue. What happens when Ganbreeder images are used for commercial work – say, book covers or film production? For more mundane contributions, Baskin has suggested that payment could be shared among the work’s many contributors. This could become profitable; the royalties from a single major advertising campaign could pay for a lot of artists’ meals. A ‘photography of imaginary things’ Then there’s the issue of value and intent. Can these works ever rise to the status of great art? Some of an artwork’s value simply lies in its intrinsic aesthetic properties, the way a mountain might be beautiful. But we also value work because it emerged out an artist’s vision, intention and skill. An open source artwork lies somewhere in the middle. This imagery represents the outcome of many human minds making deliberate artistic selections. But where was the intent? Surely, an early contributor had no idea how their work would be used. Is it like asking for the intent behind a beautiful mountain? Or is the artist making the final choice the sole source of intent? Previous art technology raised similar questions, notably with the invention of photography. When the medium first emerged, many claimed that photography could not be art at all. After all, they argued, it’s the machine that’s doing all the work – a sentiment now echoed in today’s misguided claims that “AI creates its own art.” It took a while, but photography was eventually recognized as its own artistic medium. Moreover, it catalyzed the modern art movement by forcing artists to stop placing realism on a pedestal. Because they could never match the realism of the camera, they needed to figure out a way to create works that no mere machine could replicate. Neural network art is now a kind of photography of imaginary things. Like photography, neural art can create a seemingly infinite set of images, none of which seem to have much value on their own. The value comes from the unique way in which the artist uses these tools – how they set parameters, select subjects, adjust image details or curate a set of images that make a larger point. With new neural models being released at a staggering pace, these issues will only become more urgent as more wonderful, weird and inspiring imagery emerges. By Aaron Hertzmann Affiliate Faculty of Computer Science, University of Washington. Special thanks to The Conversation

The Chagos Archipelago is one of the most remote, seemingly idyllic places on Earth. Coconut-covered sandy beaches with incredible bird life rim tropical islands in the Indian Ocean, hundreds of miles from any continent. Just below the waves, coral reefs stretch for miles along an underwater mountain chain. It’s a paradise. At least it was before the heat wave. When I first explored the Chagos Archipelago 15 years ago, the underwater view was incredible. Schools of brilliantly colored fish in blues, yellows and oranges darted among the corals of a vast, healthy reef system. Sharks and other large predators swam overhead. Because the archipelago is so remote and sits in one of the largest marine protected areas on the planet, it has been sheltered from industrial fishing fleets and other activities that can harm the coastal environment. But it can’t be protected from climate change. A diver documents the coral reefs in the Chagos Archipelago.Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation In 2015, a marine heat wave struck, harming coral reefs worldwide. I’m a marine biologist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and I was with a team of researchers on a 10-year global expedition to map the world’s reefs, led by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, wrapping up our work in the Chagos Archipelago at the time. Our report on the state of the reefs there was just published in spring 2021. As the water temperature rose, the corals began to bleach. To the untrained eye, the scene would have looked fantastic. When the water heats up, corals become stressed and they expel the tiny algae called dinoflagellates that live in their tissue. Bleaching isn’t as simple as going from a living coral to a bleached white one, though. After they expel the algae, the corals turn fluorescent pinks and blues and yellows as they produce chemicals to protect themselves from the Sun’s harmful rays. The entire reef was turning psychedelic colors. Just before they turned white, the corals turned abnormally bright shades. Phil Renaud/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation That explosion of color is rare, and it doesn’t last long. Over the following week, we watched the corals turn white and start to die. It wasn’t just small pieces of the reef that were bleaching – it was happening across hundreds of square miles. What most people think of as a coral are actually many tiny colonial polyps that build calcium carbonate skeletons. With their algae gone, the coral polyps could still feed by plucking morsels out of the water, but their metabolism slows without the algae, which provide more nutrients through photosynthesis. They were left desperately weakened and more vulnerable to diseases. We could see diseases taking hold, and that’s what finished them off. We were witnessing the death of a reef. Corals bleaching in the Chagos Archipelago.Phil Renaud/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Rising temperatures increase the heat wave risk The devastation of the Chagos Reef wasn’t happening in isolation. Over the past century, sea surface temperatures have risen by an average of about 0.13 degrees Celsius (0.23 F) per decade as the oceans absorb the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, largely from the burning of fossil fuels. The temperature increase and changing ocean chemistry affects sea life of all kinds, from deteriorating the shells of oysters and tiny pteropods, an essential part of the food chain, to causing fish populations to migrate to cooler water. Corals can become stressed when temperatures around them rise just 1 C (1.8 F) above their tolerance level. With water temperature elevated from global warming, even a minor heat wave can become devastating. In 2015, the ocean heat from a strong El Niño event triggered the mass bleaching in the Chagos reefs and around the world. It was the third global bleaching on record, following events in 1998 and 2010. Bleaching doesn’t just affect the corals – entire reef systems and the fish that feed, spawn and live among the coral branches suffer. One study of reefs around Papua New Guinea in the southwest Pacific found that about 75% of the reef fish species declined after the 1998 bleaching, and many of those species declined by more than half. Most corals are brown or green. Fish and anemones bring color to the reefs.Ken Marks/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Noduled sea stars are among the reef’s diverse species.Ken Marks/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Research shows marine heat waves are now about 20 times more likely than they were just four decades ago, and they tend to be hotter and last longer. We’re at the point now that some places in the world are anticipating coral bleaching every couple of years. That increasing frequency of heat waves is a death knell for reefs. They don’t have time to recover before they get hit again. Where we saw signs of hope During the Global Reef Expedition, we visited over 1,000 reefs around the world. Our mission was to conduct standardized surveys to assess the state of the reefs and map the reefs in detail, so scientists could document and hopefully respond to changes in the future. With that knowledge, countries can plan more effectively to protect the reefs, important national resources, providing hundreds of billions of dollars a year in economic value while also protecting coastlines from waves and storms. We saw damage almost everywhere, from the Bahamas to the Great Barrier Reef. Some reefs are able to survive heat waves better than others. Cooler, stronger currents, and even storms and cloudier areas can help prevent heat building up. But the global trend is not promising. The world has already lost 30% to 50% of its reefs in the last 40 years, and scientists have warned that most of the remaining reefs could be gone within decades. Table corals bleaching in the Chagos Reef.Derek Manzello/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation The author, Sam Purkis, dives near a hawksbill turtle in the Chagos Archipelago.Derek Manzello/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation While we see some evidence that certain marine species are moving to cooler waters as the planet warms, a reef takes thousands of years to establish and grow, and it is limited by geography. In the areas where we saw glimmers of hope, it was mostly due to good management. When a region can control other harmful human factors – such as overfishing, extensive coastal development, pollution and runoff – the reefs are healthier and better able to handle the global pressures from climate change. Establishing large marine protected areas is one of the most effective ways I’ve seen to protect coral reefs because it limits those other harms. Coral reefs are fish nurseries and feeding grounds. They also protect coastlines from storms and waves.Stephan Andrews/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Some of the diversity of the Chagos Reef.Derek Manzello/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation The Chagos marine protected area covers 640,000 square kilometers (250,000 square miles) with only one island currently inhabited – Diego Garcia, which houses a U.S. military base. The British government, which created the marine protected area in 2010, has been under pressure to turn over control of the region to the country of Mauritius, where former Chagos residents now live and which won a challenge over it in the International Court of Justice in 2020. Whatever happens with jurisdiction, the region would benefit from maintaining a high level of marine protection. A warning for other ecosystems The Chagos reefs could potentially recover – if they are spared from more heat waves. Even a 10% recovery would make the reefs stronger for when the next bleaching occurs. But recovery of a reef is measured in decades, not years. So far, research missions that have returned to the Chagos reefs have found only meager recovery, if any at all. The Chagos Archipelago is home to some 800 species of fish, including rays, skates and dozens of varieties of shark. Phil Renaud/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation We knew the reefs weren’t doing well under the insidious march of climate change in 2011, when the global reef expedition started. But it’s nothing like the intensity of worry we have now in 2021. Coral reefs are the canary in the coal mine. Humans have collapsed other ecosystems before through overfishing, overhunting and development, but this is the first unequivocally tied to climate change. It’s a harbinger of what can happen to other ecosystems as they reach their survival thresholds. By Sam Purkis Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami. Special thanks to The Conversation.

Natiivo™ Miami, the first development purposefully built, designed, and licensed for home-sharing, has announced a collaboration with Baia Beach Club, located at Mondrian South Beach, offering its buyers and brokers membership immediate access to the beach club and the Natiivo™ lifestyle as the Downtown development continues with construction. Developers Keith Menin and Marisa Galbut and Cervera Real Estate, Natiivo™ Miami’s exclusive sales team, are thrilled to offer the elevated, sophisticated, and coastal experience of Baia Beach Club, a world-class destination nestled on the waterfront of Biscayne Bay. “We couldn’t be more excited to offer our buyers and brokers memberships to Baia Beach Club, delivering the best of both worlds with downtown living and now, waterfront access,” said Keith Menin, developer of Natiivo™ Miami. “Through this collaboration, future residents will get a glimpse into the incredible array of amenities and the curated hospitality experience they can expect from Natiivo™ Miami once completed.” Natiivo™ Miami buyers will have membership access to Baia Beach Club as soon as they purchase their unit until one year after Natiivo™ Miami opens. Realtors and brokers will have access to a one-year membership if they sell two units in the next 90 days. Baia Beach Club combines authentic food and beverage offerings, progressive health and wellness services, and immersive social activities on the bayfront at the Mondrian South Beach. Amenities offered at Baia Beach Club include a resort pool with complimentary chaises, umbrellas, and towels; state-of-the-art fitness center and complimentary classes (yoga, meditation, mindfulness, deck bootcamp); curated club programming focusing on food and wine, music and entertainment, fashion, art, culture, and fitness and wellness; complimentary paddleboards and kayaks; boat dockage (complimentary for the first 4 hours); complimentary high-speed, wireless internet access throughout the property. “We’re very proud and grateful to have had great sales success following our recent groundbreaking, and we believe this incredible membership incentive to Baia Beach Club will only accelerate the momentum we have seen to date,” said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, Managing Partner of Cervera Real Estate. Natiivo™ Miami is a vertically integrated community that incorporates 448 condominium residences, a 240 unit hotel called Gale Miami, a private social club called Natiivo™ Social boasting over 70,000 square feet of amenities, with a culinary experience curated by LDV Hospitality, and creative office space, all under one roof. The development will also welcome coveted Miami brands including Dolce Mercato, from LDV Hospitality, which will offer authentic Italian cuisine with the feel of a sophisticated food hall and the charm and service of a sit-down restaurant; and Bodega Taqueria, South Florida’s iconic spot known for its authentic Mexican street food. For more information on Natiivo™ Miami and membership to Baia Beach Club, please visit www.natiivomiami.com, or contact Cervera Real Estate at 888.628.4486 or sales@natiivomiami.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Natiivo Miami

UMG Hospitality Group’s Heaven Mykonos, a contemporary dining concept focusing on the palates and picturesque ambiance of the Mediterranean, has launched its weekly “Rosé Brunch Party.” Offered Sundays 1–6 p.m., the Rosé Brunch Party includes live DJ performances and live saxophone player, as well as several drink and bottle specials, including 50% off all champagne bottles. Heaven Mykonos transports guests to the splendor of the Mediterranean Islands with Greek inspired décor, airy white curtains and lighting, and lush florals. A restaurant at heart, the venue slowly transforms into a lively, sexy lounge atmosphere during the late night, with music performances and entertainment and video walls. Under the direction of celebrated Miami Chef Jorge Mas, who serves as Corporate Chef for UMG Hospitality Group, the expansive menu boasts delicious Mediterranean fare, seafood items, seasonal salads, pastas, tapas, flatbreads made in a dedicated brick oven, and more. The Rosé Brunch Party features Heaven Mykonos’s regular menu, as well as new Mediterranean brunch dishes including: Avocado Tartine ($10) – Avocado, toasted pine nuts, radish, feta and sumac on housemade focaccia. (Add egg + $2) Huevos Rotos ($14) – Truffled potato chips, fried egg and jamón. (Add fresh truffle + $7) Shakshuka ($15) – Mediterranean sofrito, eggs, spices and herbs. (Add feta + $2 or braised lamb + $5) French Toast ($15) – Brioche soaked overnight, jamón lbérico syrup, cinnamon ice cream. Papas Bravas ($8) – Crispy fingerling potatoes, aioli and Brava sauce. Pan Tumaca ($5) – Ciabatta bread, grated tomato and olive oil. (Add Ibérico Ham +$2) For those who prefer a “boozy brunch,” Heaven Mykonos’ signature craft cocktails made with Toast Vodka™, one-of-a-kind wines, including natural wines, and Champagne specials are available to enjoy. Guests can also receive 50% off of bottles of Champagne and rosé wines during brunch hours. “We are thrilled to bring an unforgettable brunch experience to Miami,” said Dieuveny “DJ” Jean Louis, Co-founder of UMG Hospitality Group. “It’s exciting to transport the sexiness, beauty and vitality of the Mediterranean to Miami through Heaven Mykonos.” Building on their love of the restaurant and entertainment industry, Dieuveny “DJ” Jean Louis and David Garretson founded UMG Hospitality Group in 2018. In addition to Heaven Mykonos, the group includes Kuba Cabana, a lively dining concept which stems from the beautiful traditions of Latin and Caribbean music, cuisine and culture. Heaven Mykonos is located at CityPlace at Doral, 8300 NW 36th Street, Ste 216, Doral, FL 33166. Its current dinner hours of operation are Monday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-close. Heaven-ly Wine & Dine Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday, 4-7 p.m. In addition, Heaven Mykonos is offering delivery through Grubhub, Doordash and UberEats. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call (786) 522-3878. For more information, visit www.heavenmykonos.com, www.instagram.com/heavenmykonosmia, or call (786) 522-3878. By ML Staff. Images by Heaven Mykonos

Arte by Antonio Citterio, the luxury boutique condominium to open in Miami’s Surfside neighborhood, has announced that it will be the first new residential development in Miami to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. Signifying the developers’ optimism for the city's future as the cryptocurrency capital of the world, all remaining residences can be purchased with digital currency. To streamline the sale of residences in crypto, Arte has formed a partnership with blockchain and securities trading platform SolidBlock, which provides custom solutions for buying and selling digital assets. SolidBlock will ensure that buyers paying in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum enjoy an easy and straight-forward purchasing experience. They will also be available to assist with any other crypto exchanges or real-world transactions that buyers wish to make in the future as well as legal and tax advice. As the first Miami condominium to welcome cryptocurrency, Arte joins Mayor Francis Suarez in the vision to transform the city into a leading technology hub. By embracing digital assets like Bitcoin as the future of business, the building has taken the lead in upending traditional real estate practices in Miami and has set an example for other developments in the market. "The embrace of cryptocurrency and emerging technologies across all sectors of industry is precisely how Miami will become the city of the century,” said Mayor Francis Suarez. “Arte is setting an important precedent and I won't be surprised to hear similar stories in the near future." The announcement also comes at a unique time in Miami, when many of the top Silicon Valley companies and venture capital firms have opened satellite offices or have expanded into the city. According to the developers, this migration has played a role in the decision to launch a cryptocurrency offering at Arte. “Miami is becoming a true city of tomorrow,” said Alex Sapir, Chairman of Sapir Corp LTD, whose Israel-and New York-based subsidiary, SC 8955 LLC, developed the project. “As the most exclusive luxury building in the city, we’re positioning ourselves for a future where half the world’s billionaires are crypto billionaires, which will happen once Bitcoin reaches $200,000. With cryptocurrencies already creating incredible worldwide wealth, it’s real estate that will sustain that wealth and provide buyers with a legacy. Cryptocurrency is an important and valuable asset, and we believe it’s only natural to set the pace in the real estate industry for these types of transactions at Arte, not just keep up with it.” “Cryptocurrency is not only a viable and sustainable new asset, but it’s also the future of wealth,” said Giovanni Fasciano, co-developer. “As more technology executives move to Miami and bring cryptocurrency along with them, it is crucial that buildings start to devise plans to make blockchain transactions easier and more secure for investors. Arte is the only Miami condominium positioning itself to attract this community at the moment, and we’re proud to take the lead in partnership with SolidBlock.” Arte’s collaboration with SolidBlock is the first of its kind. The company pioneered the field of tokenization, spearheading the world’s first successful commercial real estate security token offering (STO), raising $18M for the Aspen St. Regis Resort in 2018. Customizing solutions for private entities to purchase residential real estate in tokens is a new frontier for the platform and one that could set an exciting precedent for future large-scale luxury developments. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the developers of one of Miami’s most sought-after buildings,” said Yael Tamar, co-founder, and co-CEO of SolidBlock. “Discerning and tech-savvy buyers both local and international will appreciate having access to a platform that streamlines the process and helps them invest in this amazing opportunity.” Nestled in Surfside, the seaside enclave between Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, Arte is a boutique, oceanfront development at the center of the city’s most vibrant cultural, culinary, and shopping destinations. Featuring a stunning design by Italian master architect Antonio Citterio, the building offers impeccable interiors and finishes, as well as ten-star amenities and service. The development was built to cater to an exclusive selection of buyers who have not found quality design, exclusive privacy, or outstanding service anywhere else in Miami. Arte residents enjoy a robust suite of amenities not found in other Miami luxury condominiums. They include a 75-foot indoor swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool and beachfront meditation pond, a rooftop tennis court, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga studio and sauna, and a steam room. Additional facilities include a children’s playroom with space for remote learning, a residents’ lounge, a catering kitchen for out-of-home entertaining, and private temperature-controlled parking spaces. Prices at Arte by Antonio Citterio start at $10.3 million – or the equivalent cryptocurrency rate – and the spacious three- to five-bedroom plus residences range in size from approximately 3,150 to 7,550 square feet. Sales are exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. For additional information, please visit www.artesurfside.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Arte Surfside

Hot on the heels of The Kimpton Goodland Hotel - Fort Lauderdale Beach’s opening, Botanic at The Goodland opens as a signature new restaurant adjacent to the boutique hotel. Headlined by seasoned and native South Floridian, Executive Chef Rashaad Abdool, Botanic takes inspiration from the farms, fields, and waters of Florida. Beautiful and breezy, it features cocktails concocted with fresh juices and shareable plates that encourage guests and locals to linger and connect over their meals. “With the opening of Botanic, The Kimpton Goodland Hotel is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone in search of an authentic and stylish experience in Fort Lauderdale’s North Beach Village neighborhood,” said Nils Bergmann, Kimpton Goodland Hotel’s General Manager. “This spot was designed with both guests and locals in mind, and we hope that they serve to connect those two audiences through food, drink and beyond.” The Talent Executive Chef Rashaad Abdool, a culinary expert with 10+ years of experience in fine dining and high-volume service, joins the new hotel’s team from his most recent Executive Chef role at The Diplomat Prime and previous Executive Sous Chef role at Stephen Starr’s Steak 954 restaurant. He specializes in beautifully crafted and plated Mediterranean style dishes. His vision for Botanic at The Goodland includes smaller, shareable plates made of locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Exciting future projects for Botanic include seasonal wine dinners and curated chef’s table experiences. The Taste of Authentic South Florida Open for breakfast and dinner, Botanic at The Goodland is a new American restaurant rooted in the traditions of regional South Florida cuisine, with a culinary program focused on bold, healthful, and eclectic flavors that honor local ingredients and the Latin and Caribbean influences that have shaped the region. The menu is comprised of more than 20 dishes that can be easily shared or combined to build a traditional meal. From fresh-made ceviche to house favorites like grass-fed flank steak and pappardelle, and a breakfast menu that delivers creative spins on traditional favorites like French Toast with orange-vanilla challah, apple raisin compote, and maple syrup, Botanic is guaranteed to please all palettes. The restaurant’s beverage program embraces the thriving cocktail culture of South Florida, with an array of classic and tropical-inspired offerings. Rum, gin, and tequila all play a prominent role, while carefully selected wines and local craft beer round out the offerings. The Look and Feel Botanic’s design leans into a nostalgic, mid-century feel, in keeping with the Goodland’s overall ambiance and heritage. A curated selection of vintage and eclectic finds adds a layer of depth complemented with rich textures and details like wood and woven wall coverings. Floral pattern touches are also sprinkled in throughout decorative pillows and art accents, bringing a decidedly Sunshine State lushness to the experience. Botanic’s intimate indoor setting provides multiple seating options including couches, occasional chairs, and communal tables. Al-fresco dining overlooking the pool is also available, as well as a cozy private dining room reserved for small parties and intimate gatherings. Coming Soon Debuting in late May is Botanic’s poolside counterpart, Good Bar. At Good Bar, a retro vibe prevails, featuring an effortlessly cool design that is light and breezy, with pastel furnishings, varied seating types, and a cheeky blue and white striped awning. Providing a laid-back respite from the standard Fort Lauderdale scene, Good Bar is a place where cares dissipate and the good times roll. Featuring easy drinking cocktails made up of gin and tonics, inventive frozen drinks and patio-perfect whites and rosés as well as, a concise 15-item menu of shareable plates and lighter fare, some of which is shared with the Botanic menu. Fish tacos, avocado toast and a great selection of flatbreads lead the way. A killer playlist complements its cool and airy ambience, giving locals and guests a chance to mix, mingle and kick back. Later in the fall, The Kimpton Goodland will introduce a third restaurant and bar concept to round out the experience atop its eighth-floor rooftop pool. This gorgeous space will feature stunning views of the Intracoastal and the ocean, plus a full bar with small plate options. Botanic is now accepting reservations via Open Table or by calling 954-908-7308. For more information on Botanic please visit www.botanicfl.com and to access high-resolution imagery of the hotel, Botanic, and restaurant creations please click here. The Kimpton Goodland Hotel – Fort Lauderdale Beach and Botanic at the Goodland are operated by Hotel Equities. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Kimpton Goodland Hotel

MedMen Enterprises Inc. announced the opening of its first Miami location in the heart of South Beach on Collins Avenue, just two blocks from the historic Art Deco District and lively beach. MedMen South Beach will welcome Florida’s medical marijuana card holders with a robust offering including classic and exotic flower strains, pre rolls, vaporizers and edibles from leading brands such as MedMen’s signature house brands MedMen and Luxlyte, with Mary’s Medicinals, Dixie, and Mindset Vaporizers launching in the coming months. Cannabis patients can find a team of knowledgeable associates to provide expert guidance and recommendations for each patient’s unique needs. In-store or online, patients can opt-in to MedMen Buds national loyalty program to receive exclusive access to sales and discounts. Members earn points for every purchase which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. “We are thrilled to become a part of the Miami community with the opening of our MedMen South Beach dispensary,” said Tom Lynch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MedMen. “MedMen has a strong reputation for quality service to the medical marijuana community, and our highly educated associates make shopping with us a breeze, regardless of your experience with cannabis. We remain committed to the highest standards of quality, inclusivity and customer service, and our Miami location deepens our commitment to Florida and the people there.” “As Senate District 38 continues to grow at a rapid rate, it is important that the people of our community with significant illnesses, such as PTSD and chronic pain, have access to medical cannabis,” said State Senator Jason Pizzo. “To that end, we welcome MedMen to Miami Beach and hope that this is just the beginning of their growth in our community.” Karen Basha Egozi, President & CEO of Epilepsy Florida said “We are incredibly excited to work with MedMen and look forward to continuing this partnership as MedMen continues to expand across the state. We are grateful for MedMen’s commitment to providing education on the medicinal effects of cannabis and its potential benefits to the Epilepsy community.” MedMen South Beach spans 4,263 square-feet and features its signature pristine, high-design look with sleek walnut tables where guests can find educational tablets, hickory ceilings and airy space with pops of MedMen’s signature bold scarlet red. Address: 550 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139. Mon-Sat 10:00AM – 7:00PM/Sun 10:00AM – 5:00PM. MORE ON MEDMEN MedMen is a premier American cannabis retailer with an operational footprint in California, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Massachusetts and Florida. MedMen offers a robust selection of high-quality products, including MedMen-owned brands MedMen Red and LuxLyte through its premium retail stores, proprietary delivery service, as well as curbside and in-store pick up. MedMen Buds, an industry-first loyalty program, provides exclusive access to promotions, product drops and content. MedMen believes that a world where cannabis is legal and regulated is safer, healthier and happier. Learn more about MedMen at www.medmen.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Medmen

My State MLS, the first nationwide Multiple Listing Service of its kind with agents in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, is hosting free webinars throughout May and June for real estate professionals looking to grow their career and market their listings with an MLS that caters to their specific needs. The webinars will show real estate professionals how they can best promote their listings for auctions, manufactured housing and commercial real estate; social media tips; how to have a strong online presence; and more. All webinars take place on Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. ET. Please see the webinar schedule and registration details below: The MLS for Auctioneers – May 13, 2-3 p.m. ET My State MLS provides the tools to make auctions a success. It gives access to special fields for listings so that buyers have all the information they need to bid and offers robust syndication options to get more eyes on auctions. David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderator. The MLS for Manufactured Housing – May 20, 2-3 p.m. ET Most MLSs don’t cater to mobile and manufactured housing listings. If they do allow manufactured properties, chances are they don’t provide the tools brokers, dealers, and park owners need to succeed. It’s time to meet the MLS made for manufactured housing. My State MLs offers unique fields for listings, top-tier syndication, and superior tools for teams. David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderator. The MLS for Commercial Real Estate – May 27, 2-3 p.m. ET Commercial real estate is completely different from residential real estate – so why are commercial agents forced to use tools that don’t address their unique needs? Listen to the webinar to learn about My State MLS, the MLS with unique tools created just for commercial real estate. David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderator. Turning Up the Heat for Summer – June 3, 2-3 p.m. ET Join My State MLS for sizzling tips on how to keep cool while trying to win new listings, ride the wave of showings and buyer inquiries and heat up your marketing strategy for the best summer yet. David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderator. Making a Splash on Social – June 10, 2-3 p.m. ET Ready to dip your toe into the world of social marketing? Whether you’re testing the waters or already flooding your followers’ feeds, there’s always more to learn about the sink-or-swim world of social media. Make a splash with your online presence and join My State MLS to learn how to get started. Amanda Sternklar, marketing director for My State MLS, will be the moderator. From Website to Lead Gen Machine – June 17, 2-3 p.m. ET Now more than ever, it’s important to provide a seamless online experience. Having your own website is critical to market yourself, promote listings, increase lead generation, and build trust with potential customers. Join My State MLS to learn how to turn a website into a lead generation machine. Amanda Sternklar, marketing director for My State MLS, and David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderators. New Features Sneak Peek – June 24, 2-3 p.m. ET Throughout the last year, My State MLS has been rolling out a slew of new features to help its members adapt to the changing market. Join My State MLS to learn about its biggest releases for the second half of 2021. David Mink, operations manager and national trainer for My State MLS, will be the moderator. To register, real estate and aspiring real estate professionals can visit: www.mystatemls.com/webinar_schedule When: Thursday, May 13 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, May 20 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, May 27 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, June 3 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, June 10 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, June 17 from 2–3 p.m. ET Thursday, June 24 from 2–3 p.m. ET Where: Online. Participants will receive online directions with next steps after registering here. Cost: FREE How: Visit www.mystatemls.com/webinar_schedule to register. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash