Suspense fiction is about to get another jolt with FRACTURED, the latest thriller from author Jason Melby, scheduled for release in October 2025. FRACTURED is Melby’s follow-up novel to his previous work, PSYCHOPATHIC. Less cerebral and more visceral in some respect, FRACTURED exemplifies Melby’s ability to craft compelling narratives with unique characters that explore the boundaries of paranoia, heart-felt loss, and the human capacity for violence. Set in Nashville, Tennessee, much of the story unfolds inside an antebellum manor situated on a sprawling estate with a large pond, an English garden, and a percolating drain field saturated from unspeakable events. Distraught by family tragedy, struggling author Stu Harvey reluctantly agrees to write the biography of a recently exonerated serial killer and former music legend Simon Hollis. Lured by the prospect of easy money, Stu begins to question his own validity in Simon’s presence while Stu’s grieving wife comes unhinged over unforgivable events in her past. A guest in Simon’s historic residence, Stu engages the charismatic convict freed by DNA testing, convinced of Simon’s wrongful conviction—until a series of terrifying events unveils disturbing parallels between himself and the man with a sinister agenda. While Stu Harvey slowly uncovers the truth about Simon Hollis and the motive behind the music mogul’s decision to enlist his help, Stu’s wife finds herself at an emotional crossroads and makes a startling discovery of her own. Much like the Native American Legend about the two wolves inside each of us, FRACTURED hints at the battle between good and evil lurking beneath the surface of the human psyche. The result is a taut thriller bounded by questionable motives and buried truths converging toward an ending with an unexpected twist. A Prolific Author on the Rise Influenced in his early years by a resilient and fearless single mother, Melby’s extended family eventually grew to include six sisters. Empowered by respect and admiration for his younger siblings, Melby’s work has always embraced strong female protagonists. Born in Upstate New York, Melby has lived and traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from a wide range of experiences. A proud father of twin sons, both honors graduates from the University of Florida, Melby’s writing seamlessly incorporates elements of horror, mystery, and satire, crafting narratives that challenge his characters to confront their darkest fears. FRACTURED is the second of three recent suspense thrillers; the third scheduled for release next year with a riveting man against beast theme inspired by one of Melby’s most admired authors, the late Peter Benchley. If you enjoyed PSYCHOPATHIC, you’ll find FRACTURED at the top of your must-read list as well. Visit www.jasonmelby.com to watch the official trailer for FRACTURED and stay updated on Melby’s upcoming work. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Jason Melby.

One down. One to go. Only the Atlanta Hawks in their way. On the verge of being the first No. 10 seed in the short history of the Play-In Tournament to make the postseason, the HEAT had yet another fast-paced team in their way after dispatching the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. This one started much like that one, Miami hitting early and hitting hard, up 10-0 as Atlanta’s offense looked disjointed and in disarray. The Hawks eventually found some footing, Trae Young hitting a deep three – one of his few makes in the first half – off a steal to get back within one possession, but just as they did against Chicago the HEAT always had an answer, Andrew Wiggins nailing a pullup three. After jamming up the Hawks in those opening minutes, it wasn’t the best Miami had played all season, some make-or-miss – Atlanta missing alley-oops, Miami converting on a couple of odd bounces, a significant three-point disparity – keeping them out in front. By the time Haywood Highsmith saved a ball headed out of bounds for what became a beautiful outlet pass and Tyler Herro three, the lead stretched all the way to 17. What was different from the Bulls game, however, was Atlanta finding some relief points in transition, including off Miami makes, to sustain them all while their overall percentages sunk below 40 percent. Add a handful of offensive boards and the gap never quite reflected how well the HEAT were shooting, their shot chart green across the board, and by halftime the lead was only nine, Caris LeVert beating the clock with a corner three. Down to three a couple minutes into the third, an inauspicious start to the half as turnovers got the Hawks out and running, up to 18 fast-break points. Miami had scored only 38 in the second half against Chicago, and they were likely to need more than that to finish this one off. Back to nine almost as fast as the lead had dwindled, Atlanta missing open threes and Miami pushing off those misses for paint touches and rim attempts. Atlanta wasn’t done, their defense ramping up to force long possessions out of Miami, but when Kyle Anderson touched the ball at the end of those possessions good things happened, a three from the left corner and a two from the right, what was about to be a four-point game still at nine going into the fourth. Two Hawks threes on what had otherwise been a frigid night, the second from Young on what had been a frigid individual night, had it back to three in less than two minutes. Tied up a couple minutes later, another transition score for Atlanta before they jumped in front, their first lead of the game, on a Young isolation three. Then it was Hawks by six, Onyeka Okongwu hitting a three up top and finishing off a pick-six with a dunk. Davion Mitchell answered back with a quick three, then Herro (30 points on 21 shots) with back-to-back pullups in the mid-range to put the HEAT back up by one and, for a moment, settle things down. A couple wild bounces went Miami’s way, a loose rebound tipped way up and in and a loose ball finding its way into the perfect spot for a Haywood Highsmith layup, Miami up one with 19.7 remaining. Herro makes one free-throw, Hawks ball, Miami up two with 11 seconds left. Then Young took a catch at halfcourt and took it in for a layup to tie it up, and it was one to overtime. Four straight makes from three to open overtime, two from Mitchell and two from Herro, gave Miami a small cushion. By the time Mitchell (16 points on 13 shots) hit his third three of the overtime, after rebounding his own miss, the lead was insurmountable, Miami well on their way to Cleveland. It wasn’t easy but the HEAT take it, 123-114, and survive to play another day. Game 1 is Sunday. Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell saved the day, no doubt about that. When Miami fell behind by six in the fourth quarter, it was Mitchell pulling up for a quick three that kickstarted the counterpunch. Then it was Herro going back to the shots he had largely done away with this season, the pull-up mid-range jumpers, one after another after another to keep the HEAT out in front. Those are star shots through and through, and when the HEAT needed offense the most after their offense ran into an iceberg in the first stretch of the final period, Herro was a star. Overtime was all about threes, Miami making five in all. The two from Herro were hardly shocking, but three from Mitchell was a veritable explosion. Before this season Mitchell had been an average-at-best shooter but after a decent start in Toronto Mitchell has been playing, and shooting, the best ball of his career. So maybe for those who had been watching Mitchell hit big three for the past two months, this wasn’t a surprise. For the rest of NBA landscape, it might have looked like an entirely new player. The HEAT had been one of the worst teams in the league when it came to clutch three-point shooting this season, well below 30 percent, so from a certain point of view, they were due. Sometimes, you need a couple bounces to go your way. And when they do, you take it and move on. Perhaps the two biggest bounces of the season happened for Miami with about two minutes to play in regulation. The first, with Miami up one, came on a missed Haywood Highsmith three, Andrew Wiggins reaching out as far as his right arm could extend, away from the rim, and tipping in a high arcing ball off the glass. Then, a couple possessions later, Atlanta again making a run, Adebayo had the ball knocked out of his hands at the free-throw line as he went up for what looked like a jumper, the ball then ricocheting directly to Highsmith (12 points, 10 rebounds) right under the rim with just enough time for him to one-hand it in for two to beat the shot clock. Without those two plays, those two odd bounces, Miami may have been down multiple possessions with under a minute to play, the world never knowing the magic that was about to come from Herro and Mitchell. Instead, after seemingly so much had gone wrong in late-game moments for Miami this season, they got two bounces that gave them a chance to save themselves. Now it’s on to Cleveland. The HEAT lost two and won one game against the Cavaliers this season, but none of those games came with the same rosters each side will bring into this series. Both teams made significant trades at the deadline, both teams will feature different rotations than they’ve used in any of the three previous games – Miami didn’t even have Herro or Kel’el Ware for the last meeting in March when the HEAT nearly stole a win. And with the HEAT and Cavaliers having never met in the playoff before, keep all that in mind as the series is previewed over the next two days. The records are wiped clean, and both from a historical and on-court perspective, everyone starts Sunday with a blank slate. For Miami HEAT tickets click here. By ML Staff. Courtesy of NBA.

Join us for an incredible day of impact as we celebrate  The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s  (“LLF”)  15th Birthday of Service , benefiting over 500 students from  Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center , a Title I school in North Miami located at  13100 NW 12th Avenue —and the site of this year’s specialty program. Credit: Frimufilms, Freepik This high-energy volunteer experience unites the community to create meaningful change through the creation of a  Serenity Garden —a peaceful, permanent space that fosters mindfulness, emotional wellness, and calm. Volunteers and students will work side-by-side to install mulch, pavers, gravel, and plants to bring this vibrant garden to life. Additional activations will include  Craft & Positivity Stations , where participants will create kindness rocks, pinwheels, murals, and more—all filled with uplifting messages and led by LLF’s  Kindest Club .  Volunteer Stations  will offer hands-on gardening tasks and service activities designed for families and all ages.  Food and beverages  will be provided by  Joe’s Pizza ,  Subway ,  Pura Vida Miami ,  Icelandic Glacial , and  LaCroix . Community Partners  include  Grow Roots Miami ,  The Kindest Kid,  and  Seeds of Change . Let’s make memories and create lasting impact— together —as we celebrate 15 years of service! To  volunteer or donate , visit  TheLittleLighthouse.org ! For  sponsorship opportunities , please contact LLF’s Program Director Nicole Tate at  Nicole@TheLittleLighthouse.org . By ML Staff.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly woven into the ways we communicate, work, and relate to the world, but what is AI? How do machines “learn” to think more like us, and are they really “thinking”? Will AI change the world for the better, or should we be worried? As the museum prepares to open AI: More Than Human , join Dr. Mark Finlayson , professor and researcher at Florida International University, on Thursday, May 1, for LIVE@Frost Science: The Past, Present and Future of Thinking Machines as he uncovers the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence. Drawing from his work at FIU’s Cognition, Narrative, and Culture Laboratory , this talk explores AI’s origins, present and future, how machines learn from language, and what it means to teach machines to understand us. Along the way, Dr. Finlayson will dispel common myths and misconceptions about AI, share surprising truths about AI’s past and present, decode its capabilities and limitations, and explore possibilities for a future where humans and machines think together.   Admission is complimentary. Tickets are limited to four per transaction. Program will take place inside the Frost Planetarium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Food and beverage will be available for purchase prior to the event. Please note registration to the event does not include museum admission. Museum exhibitions close at 6:00 p.m. Time and Date: May 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

As part of our legal advice series, Regina M. Campbell, Esq., managing partner of The Campbell Law Group P.A. ( thecampbelllawgroup.com ) in Coral Gables, Florida, explains the complexities of real estate transactions, ranging from commercial acquisitions to lease agreements. We sat down with Regina M. Campbell, Esq. to gain valuable insights into real estate law and learn how to best protect your investments. Photo by Sofia Rivas Miami Living: What are the most common pitfalls people face in commercial real estate transactions, and how can they avoid them? Regina M. Campbell: Some of the most common pitfalls people face in commercial real estate transactions relate to a lack of due diligence, underestimating the true cost of the lease or purchase and ignoring zoning laws as well as land and building restrictions. Such restrictions and cost that may greatly affect a business or use of the commercial property include not understanding noise or operating restrictions and limitations on use of the common area, parking cost, pass through expenses, relocation rights and/or limitation on subletting whether directly or indirectly. These types of common pitfalls are best resolved by doing your homework prior to purchasing or leasing any commercial property. Most of these pitfalls cannot be resolved after you have purchased the commercial property or entered into a lease. The lack of knowledge or due diligence on the part of the tenant or buyer of these pitfalls does not provide you with a defense to the purchase or lease agreement, unless the landlord or seller specifically stated that you can use the property in a certain manner and then the circumstances were different after entering into an agreement. However, most landlords and sellers disclaim any responsibility for prohibition of use of the property based on zoning or city ordinances and clearly place the burden on the tenant or buyer to know better before they enter into an agreement. Further most landlords and sellers of a commercial property also provide you with a copy of the common area rules and you agree to be bound by them if you enter into the agreement. Ultimately, the best way to avoid these types of pitfalls is to thoroughly do your due diligence prior to entering into a commercial real estate transaction. Understanding all of the moving parts necessary for running your business, including any hidden expenses beyond the rent, limitations on the use of the property that may affect your ability to generate revenue such as zoning or city ordinances and landlord restrictions before purchase or leasing a commercial building is the best defense for these common pitfalls. Photo by Matin Keivanloo, Unsplash ML: How does The Campbell Law Group help clients with the due diligence process during real estate acquisitions? Campbell: We can help clients in the due diligence phase by running title and lien searches, reviewing association or landlord rules for any restrictions on the client’s anticipated use of the property. For instance, some of our clients want to purchase property to turn it into an Airbnb rental property. Many clients are unaware that many cities have instituted restrictions or additional taxes on these types of rental properties that may add to the cost of the rental and make it unprofitable or simply prohibit use of the property in that manner. Our firm also helps with reviewing easements or zoning restrictions that are on the property and any financials integral to the intended purpose of the property such as rent rolls, tax assessments, CAM and tenant’s contractual rights. Our firm also can help review any environmental site concerns that may exist, whether it be due to the property being in a flood zone or possibly contaminated with hazardous materials that would make our client responsible for damages and clean up that is unknown to them at the time of purchasing the property. Finally, our firm can also help resolve any lender requirements that are needed to close and draft any documents or amendment to purchase agreement to memorialize changes in the nature of the transaction after due diligence such as shifting the risk or cost of indemnifying a party based on conditions found during due diligence. ML: Can you walk us through a recent case where your firm successfully protected a client’s property investment? Campbell: The Campbell Law Group successfully protected a client’s property investment that was under an assault by alleged members of the clients’ company. In the lawsuit, several members of the clients’ family alleged that they were owners of the clients company and that the company was the true owner of the property which was in our clients individual names. The alleged members placed a lis pendens on the property and attempted to hold the property hostage as part of their member lawsuit, despite the fact that the property was not even in the company’s name. After a year of meritless litigation, the alleged members dismissed their case as they lacked any evidence of being a member of the company and no merit or basis whatsoever to allege that the property in question belonged to the company. Photo by Annika Wischnewskys, Unsplash ML: How do you ensure that lease agreements are fair and protect both parties involved? Campbell: The best way to ensure that a lease agreement is fair and protects both parties is by knowing our client and its business well and ensuring that the lease agreement and its terms are in line with what our client needs. We understand the nature of all provisions and how it affects our client and their business specifically. By doing so, we can immediately assess whether a particular lease agreement is suitable for our client’s needs and whether the agreement on its face contains what we call deal breakers. If there are any deal breakers, we first attempt to discuss them with the landlord to see whether the landlord has any flexibility as to the deal breaking terms. If they don’t, then we advise our client to seek another location. If there is some flexibility, we continue discussions with the landlord to see if the parties can reach a middle ground on the terms. However, this is more difficult with commercial leases as these types of leases are known to be one sided and protective of the landlord. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our office attempts to gauge the landlord’s interest and flexibility to see if we can reach an agreement that meets our client’s needs and spreads the risk and concerns a little more evenly between the parties. If the client truly wants the property, despite terms that may not be ideal or a compromise (i.e. very one sided), we attempt to negotiate the best contract for our client and ensure that the client understands the additional risk and concerns and is making a knowingly informed decision to move forward with the lease despite the very one sided nature of the agreement. ML: In today’s market, what are the most critical legal considerations for someone looking to invest in real estate? Campbell: In today’s market, vital legal considerations that should be considered before investing in today’s real estate market include city, county and state zoning regulations, limitations on use of the property, insurance requirements, and cost of renovations or living. Investors should also consider any existing lease agreements or requirements the landlord has put into place for tenants such as association rules. Taking these factors into consideration can help mitigate legal risk and warrant lasting success. ML: How does your team assist clients in resolving disputes that arise from property ownership or leasing? Campbell: Our team would approach the dispute by first attempting to resolve the matter peacefully and without the need for court intervention. In doing so, it is often important to take into consideration pragmatic solutions to the problem and contract terms that the parties have already agreed to. In providing informed advice, it usually helps the client understand what the legal parameters are in resolving the dispute i.e. if they choose not to settle it and reminding them of possible legal obligations they had that they were unaware of and take into consideration finding a remedy to the problem without court intervention. Should a peaceful resolution fail, then our office will draft the necessary demand or default notices, followed by starting litigation on behalf of the client. Photo by Sofia Rivas ML: How do Florida’s property tax laws impact real estate investments, and how can investors protect themselves from potential tax liabilities? Campbell: It is very important to take into consideration the property tax implications of purchasing a real estate investment as property taxes, particularly in Florida, are high and ever increasing. Further, some cities, counties and states are planning further tax assessments that may not be readily understood at the time of your purchase but should be investigated prior to the purchase. In some instances, a buyer will be able to review proposed tax increases and be informed as to what increases can be expected in the up-and-coming years. This is one of the best ways investors may protect them from property taxes in Florida. Investors may also want to review any possible tax incentives that may be available in certain areas when deciding where to purchase a property. ML: Florida has unique rules regarding homestead exemptions and property rights. How do these laws affect real estate transactions, particularly for out-of-state investors? Campbell: Florida has unique rules and regulations regarding homestead exemptions which can have unknown consequences particularly for out-of-state investors. First, out-of-state investors cannot claim homestead exemption (for creditor protection or for tax purposes) unless Florida is their primary residency. As a result, out-of-state investors may face higher property taxes, particularly if they purchase a property from a prior seller who had homestead exemption and paid lower taxes (due in part to the Save Our Homes amendment which limits the increase in property taxes to three (3%) per year). This is often referred to as the “recapture rule”. Investors when purchasing a residential property in Florida should be aware of their actual tax liability of owning the property prior to purchasing and not assume they will be paying the same taxes as the prior owner. ML: Given Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes and natural disasters, how do you assist clients in ensuring their property investments are adequately protected from environmental risks? Campbell: We advise our clients to consider the location of the property on which they are seeking to purchase. Understand whether it is a flood zone and/or prone to hurricane landfall. We also advise our client to have a plan in the event of a hurricane. For instance, how they will operate, what measures do they need to take to find work around for issues which are inherent in hurricanes such as lack of power and access to the property. Clients are advised to have a contingency plan in place and to become familiar with what the landlord is responsible for as to preparations for the hurricane and after landfall. Clients are advised to have copies of all insurance policies and the lease agreement, as well as any commercially sensitive documentation with them or to secure them in a safe location during the storm. Finally, it is strongly recommended that all businesses have business interruption insurance. For more information, visit: The Campbell Law Group P.A. 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 540 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 460-0145 www.thecampbelllawgroup.com Email: info@thecampbelllawgroup.com By ML Staff. Photos/The Campbell Law Group P.A

Tiffany & Co. unveils Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste, a high jewelry collection that captures the wonder of the cosmos. Inspired by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger, the collection reinterprets his signature celestial motifs with breathtaking craftsmanship. Each piece showcases custom-cut diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones, arranged in visionary designs that evoke the beauty of the stars. Blending artistry with innovation, Tiffany Céleste transforms cosmic inspiration into wearable masterpieces, reaffirming Tiffany’s legacy in high jewelry excellence. To learn more visit www.tiffany.com By ML staff. Image courtesy of Tiffany

A free Florida Lottery ticket made a lucky player a couple of thousand dollars richer on the 12th of April. The lucky draw inspires many gamblers across the Sunshine State to try their luck too. A Quick Pick Fantasy 5 ticket, sold in St. Petersburg at a Publix supermarket, matched all five numbers drawn. This led to a jackpot prize of $127,972.65. The rare win happened despite odds – chances of winning are 1 in 376,992. Image by Eric Mclean While the lucky winner has yet to come forward to claim the $127,972.65 jackpot, the overall excitement is growing. Florida Lottery officials remind players that winners have up to 180 days from the draw date to claim their prizes, adding a practical note to the story of chance and timing. This jackpot win joins another remarkable moment in Florida’s lottery history. In a separate drawing on the same Saturday, another Fantasy 5 ticket, sold at a Shell gas station in Orlando, hit the jackpot with a prize of $59,206.59. These events have inspired many around the region and reminded them that sometimes luck is on their side. The rare winning incidents are now grabbing gamblers’ attention, who are hoping for their own lucky draw. In a state known for its entertainment industry, all possibilities are open to locals and tourists alike. Florida offers many opportunities for those who want to test their luck, be it by playing the lottery on an ordinary day or by playing in an online casino. Both Florida locals and tourists are looking for excitement in various forms of entertainment. Among these, Florida’s growing popularity in online gaming options stands out. Since the incident of the Florida Lottery jackpot, the number of gamblers has increased. Interested players are also checking out Bovada alternative sites  for a change of scenery and fresh entertainment experiences. The top Bovada alternatives deliver a premium gambling experience that rivals the industry’s leading platform. While online casinos in Florida are rejoicing over the recent lucky coincidences that are now attracting more gamblers to the casinos, other areas of the entertainment industry are not slowing down either. Florida’s world‑famous theme parks remain a main attraction of the state’s appeal. Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and the Universal Orlando Resort are not only attracting millions of international tourists, but are also annually visited by locals and national guests. Florida’s coastline also offers a variety of entertainment options. The surf at Cocoa Beach is suited for both beginners and seasoned riders, with surf schools open throughout the year. Alternatively, on Sanibel Island, visitors paddleboard in clear waters, hunt for shells along the dunes, or can simply relax on the sand. Anglers too find their space to cast lines off fishing piers. And, when kayaking through mangrove channels one can even glimpse manatees and herons in their natural habitat. Florida has a lot to offer. From entertainment theme parks and beautiful coastlines to thriving art districts. Yet, what makes it stand out across the state is the growing interest in different forms of gaming continues to grow. Many residents are now diversifying their hobbies and branching out into new forms of entertainment. For example, they are trying their luck at digital casinos or attending events in esports arenas. Since 2012, Florida has enjoyed steady growth in interest in the gambling industry. Statista’s data tracks Florida’s gambling industry revenues from 2012 through 2017 and extends the forecast to 2024. By then, earnings were expected to reach roughly $1.03 billion . Looking back, the upward trend has clearly continued. The gaming culture in Florida has experienced consistent growth in many areas. The entertainment industry has also seen a growing demand for online entertainment, in addition to traditional offerings such as theme parks and museums. Regulatory bodies and gambling operators are keeping a close eye on these trends to ensure that players can enjoy a safe and regulated environment regardless of their chosen medium. According to the American Gambling Association, 36 commercial gaming jurisdictions were active a year ago and have complete January figures available. Among them, 31 reported year‑over‑year increases in combined revenue from sports betting, traditional casino games, and iGaming. In January 2025, Florida alone generated $59.8 million , an increase of 1.6% over January 2024. These numbers raise hopes for future revenue growth that could support various initiatives across the state. The recent winnings on April 12 have renewed interest in gambling from both players and operators. The already well-performing gambling sector can expect more clients and is encouraging people to seize more opportunities. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

I kept trying even though I had several failures. The impersonal nature of achievement made me decide to stand down. There was a time when climbing the corporate ladder and accomplishing major goals was thrilling. The novelty of sales management, however, quickly wore off after a while on the job. Despite continuing to make sales, the passing of time left me feeling fatigued and frustrated on a daily basis. Image by Cottonbro Studio By January of 2025, the top three models on BongaCam.com had earned $53,000, $22,000, and $21,000, respectively. All in the span of a month! Is that unbelievable to you? I made sure to check the quantities twice. It was palpable to me. No carelessness on my part was due to that period. However, I was intrigued enough to give it a shot.   Finding BongaCams: A Genuinely Caring Website At first, I approached it like any other decision. I conducted research, made comparisons, and delved into reviews. 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I added a ring light, upgraded my webcam, and used a microphone that made everything sound cleaner and more intimate. But the most important shift wasn’t technical. My attempts to mimic other people came to a halt. I relaxed my standards and concentrated on making the space seem inviting, carefree, and playful. People started returning at that point. I streamed during peak hours to maximize CamScore bonuses, tried out interactive features, and gladly accepted private requests. Those sessions raised my profile, introduced me to new people, and led to a steady increase in tips. After only two months, I achieved an unanticipated milestone: my earnings were surpassing those of my full-time employment.   When the Income Got Serious — And So Did I By month three, things weren’t just working — they were accelerating. That month alone, I earned over $4,000. I also started sharing BongaCams with others. 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And a sense of professionalism I didn’t expect — one that reminded me this wasn’t just luck. It was a career. Recognition from the industry just confirmed it — this platform works because it values its models.   If You’ve Been Waiting for a Sign, This Might Be It I didn’t know exactly what I was doing at the start. But I showed up. I asked questions. I gave it a chance. And it gave back more than I imagined. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a plan. You just need that small push — the one that says, maybe this is possible. Sometimes all you need is a trusted platform like BongaCams . So go ahead. Try it. Show up as you are, and you might be surprised by who you become! By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Pexels

Originally published in 2020, Slay Your Day  by high-performance productivity coach Sandi Glandt continues to resonate with ambitious women everywhere. More relevant than ever, this empowering guide is a must-read for high-achieving moms and female entrepreneurs who are ready to take charge of their time, boost productivity, and unlock their full potential—in business, at home, and in life. In Slay Your Day , Sandi shares tried-and-true strategies and practical tools that she’s used successfully in her own life and in coaching countless women over the years. Her insights are grounded in real-life application, helping women create sustainable systems to manage their responsibilities with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her experience in one-on-one and group coaching, digital courses, and her own personal journey, Sandi offers a dynamic roadmap for women looking to live more intentionally, stay organized, and prioritize what truly matters. Whether balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, or both, Slay Your Day  provides a practical framework for getting more done with less stress—so women can step fully into their power. From managing household responsibilities and long to-do lists to setting meaningful goals and identifying non-negotiables, Slay Your Day  challenges readers to make conscious decisions and end each day feeling accomplished, aligned, and fulfilled. Sandi’s message is simple but powerful: women can have it all—with the right mindset and the right tools. Inside Slay Your Day , readers will learn how to: Establish effective daily systems Master time management Define and prioritize non-negotiables Reclaim their time and energy to focus on what matters most Based in Miami, Sandi Glandt continues to be a sought-after productivity coach, empowering women through courses, coaching, and resources designed to support them at every stage of their journey. From free content to premium offerings, her mission remains the same: to help women live with intention and achieve more without burnout. Slay Your Day  is available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and other major online retailers. The paperback retails at $19.99, and the eBook—originally launched at a promotional rate of $0.99—is currently available for $4.99. By ML Staff. Photo/Sandi Glandt

With Miami’s F1 weekend fast approaching, we bring you a curated Miami guide. From high-energy dinners and brunch hotspots to exclusive art-meets-motorsport collaborations and world-class exhibitions, there’s something for every kind of F1 visitor.  DART CAR X MICKALENE THOMAS DEBUTS IN THE MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT This May, the Miami Design District welcomes a groundbreaking collaboration at the intersection of motorsport and contemporary art. Driven Artists Racing Team (DART Car) —a mission-driven, female-led motorsports team—will debut with a McLaren Artura GT4  racecar wrapped in original artwork by acclaimed artist  Mickalene Thomas , who also designed bespoke driving suits and hand-painted helmets for team co-founders  Aurora Straus and  Zoë Barry , the latter making her professional racing debut this season. The one-of-a-kind art car will be on view May 2 at The Moore , and May 3–4 in Paradise Plaza . Founded by Zoë Barry , Spring McManus , and Aurora Straus , DART Car aims to elevate women’s achievements in the traditionally male-dominated arenas of racing and fine art. Mickalene Thomas will be on-site , with the exclusive pieces available for purchase. Location: The Moore Miami (4040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137) & Paradise Plaza 151 NE 41st St #3547, Miami, FL 33137 FONDATION CARTIER & ICA MIAMI DEBUT OLGA DE AMARAL This May, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami  – located in the heart of the Miami Design District  – unveils Olga de Amaral , a landmark retrospective of the groundbreaking Colombian artist known for transforming the language of textile and fiber art. Presented in collaboration with Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain , the exhibition spans six decades of Amaral’s practice—featuring over 50 works , many never before seen outside Colombia. The exhibition is on view May 1 through October 12  and includes pieces originally commissioned for major public spaces, including Miami International Airport. Curated by ICA Miami’s Stephanie Seidel and Fondation Cartier’s Marie Perennès, with an immersive exhibition design by award-winning architect Lina Ghotmeh, the show invites viewers into a meditative “vertical forest” where Amaral’s tactile, light-absorbing works take center stage. Exhibition view at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris (October 12, 2024–March 16, 2025)  Location:  61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137 CARBONE VINO The newest member of the CARBONE family, CARBONE VINO presents all of the legendary restaurant’s signature dishes, a collection of extraordinary new additions to the repertoire, and a dynamic beverage program that gives guests the opportunity to enjoy fine and rare wines by the glass. A world-class bar serves the complete menu and welcomes walk-ins, making CARBONE VINO the kind of restaurant that diners can visit time and time again for everything from a milestone celebration to an impromptu meal orchestrated to perfection. Location : 2911 Grand Ave Suite 194, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Reservations : HERE Website : coconutgrove.carbonevino.com CHATEAU ZZ’S  Chateau ZZ's, Major Food Group's first Mexican restaurant, is located in a historic 1931 manor on Brickell Avenue, designed by renowned architect Martin L. Hampton. The venue blends old-world charm with modern luxury, offering multiple dining environments, a vast rare tequila collection, a solarium, and picturesque gardens. The second level is private, exclusive to members of ZZ's Club. The reimagined estate, formerly known as Petit Douy, marks its first public opening and is a collaboration with Ken Fulk, Inc. Location:  1500 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33129 Reservations : HERE Website : chateauzzs.com CLAUDIE Conceptualized by the renowned Riviera Dining Group, CLAUDIE emerges as Brickell’s premier dining destination, celebrating the vibrant essence of French-Mediterranean cuisine. More than just a restaurant, CLAUDIE is an homage to the timeless elegance and enchanting magic of the South of France. CLAUDIE draws from the South of France’s "cuisine du soleil," a culinary art form pioneered by the legendary Roger Vergé. The menu highlights the freshest Mediterranean ingredients in an elevated bistro setting. With elegant interiors, a stunning outdoor patio, and a nod to the artistic and culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur, CLAUDIE invites guests to indulge in the magic of the South of France with every visit. CLAUDIE’s mantra, “Carpe Diem,” captures a timeless essence–an invitation to savor life with exuberance, elegance, and freedom.  Location: 1101 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131 Reservations:   HERE Website:   www.claudierestaurant.com BOUCHON Chef Keller’s award-winning French bistro, Bouchon, is located in the historic La Palma building, built in 1924. Designed by Adam D. Tihany, the restaurant features a Mediterranean-style exterior and the recently debuted Garden at Bouchon. The menu includes classic French dishes like roast chicken, steak frites, croque madame, and a raw bar with fruits de mer, complemented by an extensive French and domestic wine list and traditional cocktails. Location : 2101 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Reservations : HERE Website : thomaskeller.com/coral-gables-florida/bouchon-bistr CARBONE MIAMI The original CARBONE opened in 2013 in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The restaurant pays homage to the mid-century Italian-American restaurants of New York, places where the food was delicious, the people had personality, and the setting was simultaneously elegant and unpretentious. But CARBONE is far from a nostalgia act; the restaurant aims to represent the evolution of a storied tradition. Location : 49 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL 33139 Reservations : HERE Website : carbonemiami.com CONTESSA MIAMI Inspired by the sophistication of Northern Italy’s villas and estates, Contessa is a contemporary dining destination by Major Food Group. Located in the Miami Design District, this two-story restaurant blends Italian tradition with modern flair. The menu features Northern Italian fare, including fine meats, antipasti, signature pizzas, and an in-house gelato program. With an elegant ambiance, Contessa invites guests to enjoy lunch, Aperitivo, and dinner.  Location:  111 NE 4st St. Miami, FL 33137 Reservations : HERE Website : contessaristorante.com/miami DIRTY FRENCH STEAKHOUSE Located in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, Dirty French Steakhouse is a glamorous, high-energy steakhouse from Major Food Group that breathes new life into the storied genre while remaining true to its history. The menu combines the finest meat and fish, sourced from the world’s most esteemed purveyors, with French influences and an irresistible flair for bold flavors.  Location: 1200 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131 Reservations : HERE Website : www.dirtyfrench.com/location/dirty-french-steakhouse SADELLE’S AT KITH MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT Kith and Major Food Group partnered for the first ever U.S. based outpost of Kith for Sadelle’s in Miami Design District. Sadelle’s, the enduringly popular all-day dining institution that originated in New York, is situated on the second floor of Kith’s flagship. Kith for Sadelle’s Miami offers the restaurant's signature menu items including its infamous brunch. Guests can look forward to Sadelle’s classics: bagels, sliced-to-order House Salmon, chopped salads, and world famous French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes; but it also offers a variety of exclusive specialty breakfast sandwiches that pay homage to popular NYC ‘deli-style’ sandwiches culture.  Location:  69 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137 Reservations : HERE Website : www.sadelles.com/location/kith-miami-design-district ZZ’S CLUB MIAMI ZZ's Club is a two-story Japanese restaurant and private membership club in Miami Design District. The first floor features two dining rooms, a Japanese sports bar, a lush outdoor courtyard, and a marble sushi counter offering omakase with seafood from Tokyo and a selection of Wagyu and Kobe beef. The second floor includes exclusive amenities like an outdoor cigar lounge, backgammon terrace, and a cocktail bar. ZZ’s Club is open to the public for the lunch daily from 12PM-3PM.  Location:  151 NE 41st St Suite 117, Miami, FL 33137 Reservations : HERE Website : zzsclub.com PURA VIDA MIAMI Pura Vida Miami stands as South Florida’s premier wellness and lifestyle brand, and has been transforming the way people eat since its establishment in 2012 by Founder Omer Horev. With over 30 locations across South Florida and most recently, New York, Pura Vida Miami has become a beacon of health-conscious living, offering a diverse menu of nutritious and delectable dishes.  The brand will also debut its first flagship location in Coconut Grove this May. Additional information is available upon request.  Multiple Locations: HERE Website : www.puravidamiami.com ESTIATORIO MILOS MIAMI Estiatorio Milos is the family-owned and internationally acclaimed Greek restaurant empire founded in 1979, by Greek born-and-raised restaurateur Costas Spiliadis. Rooted in the culture and traditions of Greece, Milos offers a premier and authentic Greek culinary experience, with a focus on simply prepared, exceptionally sourced ingredients from local fishermen and farmers throughout Greece and the Mediterranean, and each of the local markets in which they operate. Location:  730 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Reservations : HERE Website : www.estiatoriomilos.com/location/miami MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT The Miami Design District is where culture meets couture. This one-of-a-kind neighborhood seamlessly blends luxury fashion, award-winning architecture, cutting-edge art, and world-class dining into one unforgettable destination. Home to more than 170 global brands including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, and Hermès, the District also boasts cultural anchors like the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami and seasonal public art woven throughout its walkable streets. With buzzed-about restaurants like COTE, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, and Mandolin, the Miami Design District stands as the city’s definitive hub for style, creativity, and culinary excellence. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Formula 1

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is pleased to announce Language and Image: Conceptual and Performance-based Photography from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection . The fourth exhibition from the Pérez Collection to be presented at PAMM, Language and Image features over 100 works by more than 50 international and intergenerational artists that explore creative diversity within the arts. Focusing on abstract, documentary, and performance works, the exhibition plays on the unspoken language delivered from a photographic image and demonstrates the notion that with the ability to capture time and memories, photography has the power to construct a unique truth and reality. Isaac Julien. Emerald City / Capital (Playtime) , 2013. Chromogenic print Endura ultra photograph, face-mounted to plexiglass, flush-mounted to aluminum. Edition of 6 + 2 AP. 63 x 94 1/2 inches. Jorge M. Pérez Collection. © Isaac Julien. Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro “Photography has an extraordinary ability to capture the depth of human experiences and tell stories that go beyond language and cultural boundaries,” said Jorge M. Pérez , internationally recognized philanthropist, art collector and founder of the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation. “This exhibition celebrates the individuals behind the lens, whose creative expression expands our understanding of the world and plays a unique role in shaping what the medium is today. We look forward to the meaningful dialogue that will come about as a result of this show.” Within the last 15 years, the Jorge M. Pérez collection has grown to include over 800 photographic works, ranging from analog to digital and spanning from the 1920s to the present. Language and Image celebrates Jorge M. Pérez's collection, offering a global perspective on photography's evolution—from a documentary tool to a medium for cultural expression, activism, and conceptual exploration. "The exhibition presents some of the premier artists of our time, but also celebrates Jorge M. Pérez and the breadth of his collecting interests. Jorge's fascination with the photographic image is multifaceted, this is just a glimpse, offering a lens into a collective range of universal experiences but Jorge's interest in artists and the ways they think is readily apparent in his collecting of photography," said Franklin Sirmans , Sandra and Tony Tamer Director at PAMM. Presented by Citi, the exhibition is organized under several thematic groupings, including “Landscape and Nature,” “Performing for the Camera,” “Image Syntax,” “Framing Architecture,” and “Collective Action.” These thematic sections enable the conceptually-based images to communicate with other artists through intergenerational, cultural, or formal means. The show also presents Eu, Mestiço , a multipart, multiroom installation by Jonathas de Andrade featuring portraits of men and women photographed between 2016 and 2017 in various cities in Brazil. The installation draws on keywords from the 1950s study Race and Class in Rural Brazil , which utilized photo-based interviews to assess racial stereotypes across six attributes: wealth, beauty, intelligence, religion, honesty, and work aptitude. By pairing recent portraits with the study's harsh discriminatory terminologies, Eu, Mestiço confronts enduring racial struggles through a stark historical lens. Language and Image demonstrates dialogues between artists from Africa, Latin America, the US, and Europe, and celebrates the creativity and range of ideas that can be explored by the simplest of means: a subject and a camera. The resulting images convey the potential for spontaneity and experimentation that lies at the heart of this artistic expression. Language and Image: Conceptual and Performance-based Photography from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection is organized by Franklin Sirmans, Sandra and Tony Tamer Director at PAMM, and Fabiana A. Sotillo, PAMM Curatorial Assistant. The exhibition is presented by Citi, with lead individual support from Patricia and William Kleh. María Teresa Hincapié. VITRINA, 1989–2020. Chromogenic prints, pigmented inks on paper mounted on PVC. Edition 4/5 + 2 AP. 2 parts, 15 3/4 x 23 5/8 inches each. Jorge M. Pérez Collection. By ML Staff. Courtesy of PAMM

The FSO season finale presents the fourth centennial commission, a work by GRAMMY and two-time Emmy-winning composer  Carlos Rafael Rivera , alongside  Igor Stravinsky’s  The Firebird Suite . The program also includes  Higdon’s  blue cathedral  and  Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 . PROGRAM Jennifer Higdon:  blue cathedral Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Carlos Rivera: Centennial Commission (world premiere) Igor Stravinsky:  The Firebird Suite  Gerard Schwarz , conductor Carlos Rafael Rivera , composer   Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. DATE AND TIME: Saturday, April 26, 2025 7:30pm ADDRESS: Gusman Concert Hall COST: $20  $16  $10   By ML Staff. Courtesy of Frost School of Music