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- Miami Dolphins Release Tim Boyle
The Miami Dolphins announced they have released quarterback Tim Boyle. Boyle has appeared in 21 career games with five starts with Green Bay (2019-20), Detroit (2021), Chicago (2022), the N.Y. Jets (2023) and Miami (2024). He appeared in Miami's Week 3 contest at Seattle this season as a reserve quarterback, completing 7-of-13 passes for 79 yards. Boyle has completed 121-of-196 passes (62.3 pct.) for 1,013 yards with four touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his career. He originally entered the league as an undrafted college free agent with Green Bay in 2018. Boyle finished his collegiate career at Eastern Kentucky, where he started all 11 games in 2017 and completed 201-of-327 passes for 2,134 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He transferred to EKU in 2016 from the University of Connecticut, where he played three seasons (2013-15). Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq. Tim Boyle QB 6-4 233 10/3/94 6 Eastern Kentucky ‘18 Middlefield, Conn. FA ‘24 By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of Miami Dolphins
- The Pillowman: A Haunting Play by Martin McDonagh
After wildly successful productions of Frankenstein and Dracula, Zoetic Stage returns to the horror genre with The Pillowman, a haunting play by Martin McDonagh (writer-director of The Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges and other films). With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka and the Brothers Grimm, this modern classic centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders. The result is an urgent work of theatrical bravura and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art. It’s a terrifyingly perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season. Dates October 24 – November 10, 2024 Venue Carnival Studio Theater Run Time TBD Parental Guide Ages 18+ Price $56 - $61 By Martin McDonagh Directed by Stuart Meltzer Tickets Thursday, October 24, 2024 7:30 PM Limited Availability Buy Tickets Friday, October 25, 2024 7:30 PM Limited Availability Buy Tickets Saturday, October 26, 2024 2:30 PM Available Buy Tickets Saturday, October 26, 2024 7:30 PM Available Buy Tickets Sunday, October 27, 2024 2:30 PM Available Buy Tickets By ML Staff. Courtesy of Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
- Special Needs Group Earns Top Honor 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
Special Needs Group®/Special Needs at Sea® (SNG), a full-fledged medical equipment and supply company, and the leading global provider of wheelchair, scooter, oxygen and other special needs equipment rentals, is pleased to announce that the company once again earned a gold award in the prestigious 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for accessibility and inclusivity. For the third year in a row, SNG received gold for Overall – Accessibility / Inclusivity for its commitment to making travel more accessible for travelers across the globe. Covering a broad range of industry segments, the Magellan Awards honor outstanding design, marketing and services in categories such as hotels and resorts, travel destinations, cruise lines, travel services, airlines and airports, travel advisors and agencies, tour operators, and car rental. The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, but instead, they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners or may have no winners at all. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized for our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity by being named a gold winner of the esteemed Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for a third consecutive year,” said Andrew J. Garnett, founder, CEO and president of Special Needs Group®/Special Needs at Sea®. “This award is a true reflection of our entire team’s dedication to delivering an accessible world by providing travelers with the necessary tools to discover new destinations with a piece of mind.” SNG is the leading global provider of wheelchair, scooter, oxygen and other special needs equipment rentals, and also offers a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase. It services 217 metropolitan areas and cities located in 70 countries around the globe. The only mobility and oxygen equipment supplier in the world trusted by all major cruise lines, the company also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. In addition to providing special needs equipment, SNG continuously raises awareness of special needs travel through newsletters, webinars, blogs, social media tools, panel discussions and presentations. For more information, visit specialneedsgroup.com . ML Staff. Image courtesy of Special Needs Group.
- Cannabis LAB (Clab) Hosted Its Annual CEO Dinner in Celebration of the 7th Annual Clab Conference and Expo
In an effort to give the cannabis community an opportunity to safely connect, engage, learn and grow, Cannabis LAB hosted its 7th Annual Cannabis LAB (CLAB) Conference and Expo, presented by DAG Facilities, on Monday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 15 in Hollywood, Florida. The conference was a pivotal platform for advocacy and education as Florida voters prepare to vote November 5 on Amendment 3. Bringing together cannabis industry leaders, business executives, celebrities and politicians, the event offered a unique opportunity to make a compelling, unified statement about the benefits of Cannabis legalization. Attendees had the opportunity to network, share insights and strategize on how to amplify the “Yes on 3” message. The collective influence of these key stakeholders can significantly shape public opinion and demonstrate the broad, bipartisan support for this initiative. As part of the conference, CLAB hosted its Annual CEO VIP Dinner at Hyde Beach House in Hollywood, FL, on Oct. 14, where top CEOs and key industry players in the cannabis space enjoyed an intimate Moroccan-themed dinner with stunning sunset views. Guests were greeted with a Sour Apple Kamikaze cocktail and exotic animal encounters including an alligator and a python snake. “Yes on 3” Campaign Manager Matthew Hebb welcomed attendees with a toast and a brief explanation of how voting “yes” on Amendment 3 would benefit the industry. Moroccan belly dancers performed, adding a unique festive touch to the evening's festivities. Jarobi, a founding member of the alternative Hip Hop group, “A Tribe Called Quest,” performed a Hip Hop and Reggae set. Mr. Trainwreck , a critically acclaimed artist known for showcasing at Red Dot during Art Basel Miami Beach and throughout New York City, has been selected to create signature artwork for the event. Mr. Trainwreck’s signature artwork was on display at the CEO dinner. His mixed media paintings are 3D color-reactive, delivering eye-popping dimension for the viewer. During the Mr. Trainwreck Experience at 4:20 at the conference, viewers were treated to a 3-D color-reactive show of his latest series, Supermodels and Superheroes. The event was conceptualized and decorated by Aloré Event Firm for a top-notch experience. Infinity Sound Production provided the accent lighting and sound. Sponsors for the CEO dinner included Aloré Event Firm ; DAG Facilities ; Durée & Company ; Lifestyle Media Group ; Hyde Beach House ; In10se Design ; Killa Dinks ; CanPay ; Connected Cannabis Co. , Goldflower ; Highsman ; Greenspoon Marder ; LumaLex Law ; ACS Laboratory ; S2S Insurance Specialists ; BioTrack ; and Yes on 3 . For more information, visit https://www.joinclab.com/ ML Staff. Photo Credit: WorldRedEye.com
- Navigating a Florida Accident Claim Against an Intoxicated Truck Driver
Commercial trucks are on almost every Florida road. The big rigs can even sneak onto residential streets, using neighborhood roads as shortcuts. While trucks are a crucial part of the state and nation’s supply chain, these large vehicles can also be dangerous. Operating a commercial truck takes plenty of skill and drivers must always be aware of their surroundings. When a truck driver is intoxicated, catastrophic collisions can occur. An estimated 1,619 alcohol violations in 2023 occurred involving truck drivers. If your vehicle accident is caused by someone operating a truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. Florida Drunk Driving Laws All states have strict laws in place prohibiting drivers from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’re wondering if there are any exceptions to the law, the answer is a resounding no. While drivers of passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs are legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08%, the law is a little different for commercial truck drivers. If you’re planning on getting behind the wheel of a big rig, your BAC can’t be higher than 0.04%. Yes, Florida cuts its BAC levels in half for all commercial vehicle operators. You may be wondering how much you can drink before your BAC is above the legal limit. There isn’t a set answer; everyone’s body processes alcohol a little differently. With that being said, most experts agree that 2 glasses of wine or a couple of beers is enough to push your BAC close to or even over 0.08%. For commercial truck drivers, this essentially limits them to one beer or a single glass of wine. Even then, they may be pushing the law. To be safe and stay below the legal BAC limits, it’s a good idea to refrain from enjoying an alcoholic beverage until the truck is parked for an extended time. The penalties for driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can range from hefty fines to imprisonment and the temporary suspension of your driving privileges. Commercial truck drivers may even permanently lose their CDLs (commercial truck driving licenses). Who’s Liable in a Florida DUI Truck Accident Claim Before you can claim a personal injury claim after a DUI truck accident, you need to determine liability. Yes, the intoxicated truck driver is probably the liable party, but there may be others responsible for the accident. You may be able to name the bar or store that sold the truck driver alcohol. Even though these entities aren’t responsible for asking if a driver is planning on getting back into their vehicle, they do have an obligation to not over serve customers. If the truck driver is obviously intoxicated and is still allowed to purchase alcohol, you may be able to include the seller in your injury claim. This can also apply to bartenders and wait staff. Sometimes, the trucking company is partially responsible for the accident. The same can be true if the truck is owned by someone other than the driver. Before allowing a third party to operate the truck, the owner must ensure the individual is qualified. This can include ensuring the driver isn’t drinking while they’re behind the wheel. The accident may also be caused by a combination of factors like faulty equipment and the driver’s level of intoxication. If the truck malfunctions, the vehicle manufacturer and/or maintenance company may also be named as defendants in your accident claim. Since determining liability can be complex, it’s usually a good idea to work with an experienced Florida accident attorney. Proving an Intoxicated Truck Driver Accident Claim Even though Florida is both a no-fault and modified comparative negligence state, you shouldn’t have any problems proving the truck driver was over the legal limit when the accident occurred. If you’re not familiar with Florida’s insurance laws, here’s a quick summary. In a no-fault insurance state, everyone involved in a car accident turns to their insurance provider for compensation. This applies even if the accident is caused by a truck driver who enjoyed a few too many alcoholic beverages. Your insurance will cover things like your medical expenses, property damage costs, and even lost income, up to around 80%. Yes, this can leave you with a significant amount of unpaid bills. To recover the rest of your damages, you file a claim with the truck driver’s insurance provider. This is also when the insurance company may bring up comparative negligence . Comparative negligence allows for more than one individual to be responsible for causing the accident. You can still file a claim against the at-fault driver, as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Since the truck driver is intoxicated, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, you can still be assigned a small percentage of the blame. Your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of blame. Thankfully, you shouldn’t run into any problems proving the truck driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. The responding authorities should administer a breathalyzer test to determine the truck driver’s BAC level. This information is available in your accident report. The truck driver’s insurance provider will also receive a copy of the driver’s BAC report. This should be more than enough to prove you’re not liable for the accident. Don’t Miss Any Filing Deadlines All states have statutes of limitations in place on personal injury claims. This is the time you have to file a claim after the accident. If you miss the statute of limitations, there’s a good chance you can’t receive compensation for your damages. In Florida, you have two years from the accident’s date to file a personal injury claim. Let An Attorney Help Prove Your Intoxicated Truck Driver Accident Claim Even when the commercial truck driver is obviously intoxicated, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a breeze to recover compensation. You may run into issues with determining liability or comparative negligence. Working with an experienced accident attorney can help ensure you know who to name in your injury claim and you receive fair compensation for your damages. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexels.
- Trails And Trials | Frost Symphony Orchestra (Windowcast)
Featuring the first centennial commission, a work by Dorothy Hindman, Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel Suite, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. Dr. Dorothy Hindman, Associate Professor of Composition at the Frost School of Music, has had her works performed over 350 times. The Frost Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Schwarz, will premiere her latest orchestral work as part of the University of Miami’s and the Frost School of Music’s centennial celebrations.Throughout the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 season, FSO will premiere six new works to celebrate the momentous occasion. In 1893, German composer Engelbert Humperdinck created a "Märchenoper," or fairy-tale opera, based on the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel. Maestro Schwarz has arranged an orchestral suite from the opera’s music, which the orchestra will bring to life. Dmitri Shostakovich composed his Fifth Symphony during a perilous period in history. Joseph Stalin, the authoritarian leader of the Soviet Union, was targeting artists and intellectuals in what became known as “the Great Purge.” Many view Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony as the work that saved his life, potentially sparing him from exile to Siberia or even facing an order for his assassination by Stalin. It stands as a monumental composition filled with the emotions of an artist suppressed by an oppressive regime. Date and Time Saturday, October 19, 2024 7:30pm Location Gusman Concert Hall Gerard Schwarz, conductor Dorothy Hindman, composer By ML Staff. Courtesy of Frost School of Music
- Formula 1®, ESPN, and College Football Unite in a ‘Texas Takeover’
Formula 1®, college football and their mutual US broadcast partner, ESPN, are set to create a ‘Texas Takeover’ in Austin this weekend as the Texas Longhorns face the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday 19 October and Formula 1 takes to the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday 20 October. Over the weekend, ESPN will feature on-site broadcasts showcasing the crossover of the two sports on College GameDay Built by The Home Depot, SportsCenter, Good Morning America, The Elle Duncan Show, and ESPN Deportes’ Ahora o Nunca. The collaboration promises to deliver high-energy and fun programming and activations that will introduce fans of each sport to the other. The first clue to the ‘Texas Takeover’ will be the arrival on the University’s campus this week of a bespoke F1 car in the burnt orange and white colours of the University of Texas – including a prime spot on BEVO Blvd presented by HEB on gameday – with F1 prizes to be won. The athletes are getting in on the action too as drivers head to the Texas campus, before welcoming the football stars to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in return. Passers-by may be surprised to see former Alabama football coach and ESPN sports analyst, Nick Saban, enjoying a spin around the track or McLaren’s Oscar Piastri testing his ball throwing skills with Texas players. GRAMMY-nominated artist Quavo will also be on-site for various College Football and F1 integrations, including garage tours, hot laps, and appearances across ESPN programming. There will also be activations such as a watch party at F1 Arcade in Boston, and the race will air on the ABC SuperSign in Times Square in New York so its set to be a weekend full of entertainment for sports fans both in Austin and beyond. Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, said: “The US is a nation of sporting fans so we couldn’t miss the chance to join forces with the University of Texas and ESPN in Austin. College football has a huge following and Formula 1 is experiencing phenomenal growth too – America represents our largest audience on social platforms, and millions tune in to watch the races. We believe there are even more potential fans out there that we can reach via this Texas Takeover and hope they can join us at the next US race in Las Vegas this November.” Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1, said: “When we came up with the concept of collaborating with ESPN and college football on a Texas Takeover, we knew it would be a fantastic opportunity to unite sports lovers and introduce F1 and college football to one another’s respective fans. The programming over the weekend is going to have something for everyone, from features on Good Morning America and Elle Duncan, to in-depth coverage from SportsCentre and College Gameday, as well as activations both on-site in Austin and around the US. It’s truly a sports fan’s dream weekend.” Drew Martin, Executive Sr. Assoc. Athletics Director at the University of Texas/Texas Longhorns, said: “The motto of the University of Texas is ‘What Starts Here Changes the World,’ and through this epic relationship and collaboration, the world will have all eyes on Texas this weekend. No where else in the U.S. or the world can you find two sporting events as powerful as the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and Texas Football in the same weekend. And with the SEC’s and Formula 1’s broadcast partner in Disney/ABC/ESPN leveraging its programming across multiple platforms, the Texas Takeover will shine a bright spotlight on Austin, one of the fastest-growing cities in America.” Tina Thornton, EVP, Creative Studio and Marketing at ESPN, said: “The ‘ESPN Texas Takeover’ is a perfect example of our unparalleled ability to bring together and create unforgettable sports moments infused with pop culture. As the home of F1 and College Football, we’ll connect and engage fan bases across these sports, expanding audiences through the powerful lens of ESPN and The Walt Disney Company.” U.S. fans looking to experience a home race can still buy tickets to Las Vegas Grand Prix and choose from a range of hospitality options at f1lasvegasgp.com . The full ESPN programming schedule is as follows: College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will broadcast live at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday from the University of Texas. Editions of SportsCenter will air live from the COTA set on Friday (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.ET ) and Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. ABC’s Good Morning America reporter Ashan Singh will report from Austin on Friday. The Elle Duncan Show will be on-site from COTA with episodes dropping Friday and Monday, featuring interviews with F1 drivers and special segments. Legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee to be a special guest, with others potentially joining during the weekend. Deportes Ahora o Nunca will broadcast live from COTA on Friday from 5-7 p.m. ET. Activations & Events: Quavo’s Musical Integration: GRAMMY-nominated artist Quavo will be on-site for various College Football and F1 integrations, including garage tours, hot laps, and appearances across ESPN programming. He will be featured in a custom game open for Georgia vs. Texas and throughout promotional content. On-Site Fan Experiences: Fans can enjoy F1 car displays at COTA and the University of Texas. Cosm x College Football: Cosm, the new, immersive entertainment experience that offers fans a front row seat to watch live sports and events in an innovative way, will feature the Georgia-Texas game within its Dallas venue. F1 Race x Times Square: The F1 United States Grand Prix at COTA race will air on the ABC SuperSign in Times Square in New York City. The race begins Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Watch Party: F1 Arcade Boston is hosting a watch party for the F1 race Sunday. ESPN will have a fan cam on location in Boston and the crowd will be included within the digital pre-show coverage from Austin. An ESPN host will also be on-site at F1 Arcade. Texas Business of Sports Summit 2024: ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus and popular on-air voices Rece Davis , Elle Duncan and Kevin Negandhi are scheduled to participate in the Texas Business of Sports Summit 2024 on Friday, Oct. 18, during ‘ESPN Texas Takeover’ weekend. Hosted by The University of Texas at Austin, the premier event of the Texas Business of Sports Institute brings together some of the most forward-thinking minds at the intersection of leadership and sports. Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix ESPN race programme: Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix Racing Date Start time Finish time Channel ESPN+ Simulcast Practice 1 October 18, 2024 1.25pm 2.30pm ESPN2 Sprint Qualifying October 18, 2024 5.25pm 6.30pm ESPN2 Sprint October 19, 2024 1.55pm 3pm ESPNEWS / ESPN+ Qualifying October 19, 2024 5.55pm 7pm ESPNEWS / ESPN+ Grand Prix Sunday (pre-race) October 20, 2024 1.30pm 2.55pm ABC Yes Race October 20, 2024 2.55pm 5pm ABC Yes Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL60 Mercedes leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-23 and the rest of the field during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 22, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) Formula 1 racing at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas ENDS Notes to editors: *The University of Texas’ football team, the Texas Longhorns, are set to face the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday 19 October and the FORMULA 1 PIRELLI UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2024 will take place on Sunday 20 October. About Formula 1® Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLVYK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved. By ML Staff. Content/image courtesy of Formula 1
- Poliform’s Outdoor Collection: Timeless Elegance
With the creation of the brand’s very first Outdoor Collection, Poliform has further consolidated its aim of offering a comprehensive and multifaceted range of solutions. After solidifying its exemplary standing through the design of its day and night systems, kitchen systems, upholstered furniture, and accessories for indoor areas, Poliform has turned its attention to a new arena to explore and imbue with its signature style and expertise: the outdoors. Following a lengthy period of research and development, this rich and comprehensive range of outdoor products and solutions was born, reinforcing the brand’s philosophy of living—in which comfort and functionality are shaped by timeless elegance. Developed with fluidity, synergy between indoors and outdoors, and, in particular, the link between human beings, nature, and scenery in mind, the Outdoor Collection meets the needs of modern lifestyles. Poliform tasked designers Jean-Marie Massaud, Emmanuel Gallina, Marcel Wanders, and Soo Chan—each of whose sensibility played a role in forming this remarkable take on outdoor living—with creating the “harmonious” furnishings. Massaud’s nautical inspiration gives rise to generous, solid volumes, while Emmanuel Gallina’s direct observations of nature and its organic forms, including delicately curved branches and fallen leaves, are recreated from wood with the same lightweight quality in mind. Elsewhere, designs by Marcel Wanders and Soo Chan play on the common theme of “weaving”: both designers explored the techniques and potential behind it to bring their respective upholstered furniture to life. Rounding off the collection is a new outdoor kitchen designed by Poliform in collaboration with CAP. This “suspended sculpture,” made from aluminium, Inalco MDi, and steel, consists of a series of modules hooked onto longitudinal beams that make it look suspended. Behind the stylistic strides made through these new outdoor solutions are the carefully sought-out materials used to create them. Poliform opted for durable iroko wood, a natural and highly resistant material, as the starting point, followed by solutions combining quality, impeccable style, and exceptional outdoor performance for the upholstery: the fabrics in the Outdoor Collection are resistant to water, light, and various other weather elements and boast the same remarkable feel and aesthetic of solutions designed for indoor spaces. The neutral color palette creates a criss-crossing “indoor-and-outdoor” effect, while touches of color emulate the natural world. Poliform Miami showroom address and phone number: Poliform Miami 4100 NE 2nd Avenue Suite 101 - 102 Miami, FL 33137 (305) 573-9950 Connect Online: Email: info@poliformusa.com Website: www.poliform.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/PoliformUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/PoliformSpa Instagram: www.instagram.com/Poliform_official By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Poliform
- Disney Wrongful Death Legal Case Exposes Potential Pitfalls of Automatically Clicking ‘I agree’
Disney has U-turned on a bid to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit in the US by relying on the terms of service for a simple streaming trial. The suit was filed by a man whose wife allegedly died after experiencing an allergic reaction at Disney World in Florida. In the case, Disney lawyers had planned to invoke the terms of service that the man agreed to when signing up for a Disney+ free trial, which mentioned that users agree to settle any disputes with the company out of court via arbitration. It appears the U-turn came after a public backlash, rather than a flaw in the legal case. So could a similar thing ever happen in future, where a term in a sign-up contract extends to the use of other services by the same company? At face value, this is quite an old problem, as contract lawyers have been debating exclusion of liability for centuries. However, there is something new in this classic “old” contract law problem, as this case highlights a growing phenomenon: the increasing embeddedness of certain companies, particularly tech giants, across multiple sectors of the economy. As consumers, we often click “I agree” to online contracts and user agreements without a second thought, but these seemingly innocuous actions may have far-reaching consequences beyond the service we’re signing up for. Are we inadvertently signing away our legal protections in exchange for digital conveniences? And if so, how can we protect ourselves in this new landscape? Public policy studies have warned that the ownership of digital infrastructure and platforms has made big tech companies capable of reshaping the policy landscape and establishing themselves as key actors in the policy process. The widower pursuing the legal case had previously signed up for a free trial of the Disney+ streaming service. Miguel Lagoa/Shutterstock This cross-sector influence raises critical questions about consumer rights and corporate responsibility. The Disney case is not an isolated incident. As tech companies have grown exponentially, we’re seeing more instances where agreements in one sphere affect rights in another. Consider the recent integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple products. A user experimenting on their iPhone with ChatGPT for fun might unknowingly waive their right to sue OpenAI for data breaches caused by this integration. Generative AI models have often faced attacks resulting in the leaking of private information, with ChatGPT more specifically having apparently been the target of attackers. At the time of the integration, OpenAI said that “privacy protections are built in when accessing ChatGPT within Siri and Writing Tools — requests are not stored by OpenAI, and users’ IP addresses are obscured. Users can also choose to connect their ChatGPT account, which means their data preferences will apply under ChatGPT’s policies.” But even when considering this privacy-by-design approach, data breaches are always possible and redacted or obscured information may be reverse-engineered to reveal personal information. Microsoft is another prime example of a company with influence over a massive number of economy sectors, acting as a major cloud provider, AI developer, office software creator and video gaming powerhouse. Do the terms we agree on one service define all the other service contracts? If the answer is yes, is this fair? What about the law? Legislators, on both sides of the Atlantic, cannot be blamed for inertia. With such initiatives as the European Union Digital Services package, they have sought to address power asymmetries and protect consumers for the digital age. Courts and regulators have also recently started showing their teeth against big tech companies. A federal judge in the US ruled that Google has built an illegal monopoly by breaking anti-trust law. In Europe, the Dutch Data Protection Authority found that scraping the internet for training generative AI models such as GPT-4 will almost always be illegal. And the European Data Protection Board delivered a quite demanding opinion on the use of “consent or pay” models implemented by large online platforms such as Meta. Yet, at its heart, the legal framework is still underpinned by a prevalent myth: the presumption that parties are fully aware of and understand the terms they’re agreeing to, making unrealistic assumptions for the bargaining power of individual consumers. The Court of Justice of the European Union recently held that even companies with a dominant position, like Meta in the social network market, can, in principle, receive freely informed consent from their consumers. However, a significant amount of research shows that consumers systematically ignore terms of service, as the complexity and length of most terms of service agreements make it virtually impossible for the average consumer to fully comprehend their implications. Especially in the case of dominant companies like Meta, the “take it or leave it” nature of these agreements leaves consumers with little choice but to accept if they wish to use the service, which is often the only way of socialization, human connection or even gaining employment for many people. So what can consumers do? While the situation may seem daunting, consumers are not entirely powerless. Here are specific actions you can take to protect your rights in the digital landscape: 1. Read before you click Most users are unlikely to experience anything as extreme as the Disney case. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to be on top of what we are agreeing to when we tick the box. Although time-consuming, understanding key points in terms of service can prevent surprises later. Focus on sections related to data usage, dispute resolution, and cross-platform implications. Use tools like ToS;DR (Terms of Service; Didn’t Read) to get summaries of complex agreements. 2. Learn from and engage with consumer advocacy groups Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Consumer Reports, and Which? are fighting for digital rights. Consider donating, volunteering, or amplifying their messages on social media. 3. Be selective and educate yourself Carefully consider which services are truly necessary and limit your digital footprint. Before signing up for a new service, ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to your privacy and legal rights. Lastly, stay informed about digital rights issues through reputable tech news sources and educational resources provided by digital rights organizations. Stergios Aidinlis Assistant Professor in AI Law, Durham University. Special thanks to the Conversation. Donate today. Top image dorengo5/Shutterstock.
- Michelin-Star Chefs Unite for a Unique Dining Experience at MILA Omakase
MILA Omakase , in Miami will host a two-night culinary collaboration on October 23rd and 24th, 2024, featuring Executive Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet from The Dorchester , a 3-Michelin starred restaurant in London. The event, curated by MILA Omakase's Chef Michaël Michaelidis and Executive Chef Reiji Yoshizawa, will offer a fusion of culinary philosophies, blending Japanese and Mediterranean influences with contemporary French cuisine. Details: Dates : October 23rd & 24th, 2024 Location : MILA Omakase, Miami, FL Reservations : Available via OpenTable, HERE The intimate, 10-seat MILA Omakase will offer two seatings per night, at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of MILA
- Miami HEAT 2024 Hispanic Heritage Event
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Miami HEAT supported families from the Title I Migrant Education Program (MEP) of Miami-Dade County Public Schools with a care package donation. Presented by Florida Blue and Bally Sports, this event consisted of a care package assembly alongside migrant students from South Dade Senior High School, select HEAT staff, and partners. The 500 care packages contained non-perishable items, hygiene kits, and more. These packages will offer vital support to migrant families in need of resources for a healthier, more sustainable life. This event was part of a season-long initiative to raise funds and support migratory students and families, ensuring equal access to quality education and resources. For more information, visit HEAT.com/HispanicHeritage . By ML Staff. Courtesy of NBA. For Miami HEAT tickets click here .
- MUVE Volunteer Workday
MUVE is excited to work alongside their community to care for the critical coastal habitats through nature-based volunteerism. On Saturday, October 19 , they will be participating in restoration activities to enhance the coastal habitat. All tools and materials will be provided. They recommend a reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, sun and bug protection, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Location Virginia Key North Point Arthur Lamb Jr Rd Miami, FL 33149 Time and Date October 19, 2024 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science












