If you’re looking to get an engagement ring, it’s natural to look for inspiration from the internet. While Pinterest and Instagram offer interesting design ideas, you might be looking for something a bit more grand and popular. That’s where celebrity engagement rings come in.  In this article, we’ll check out a few celebrities and their engagement rings to help you get inspiration for your own ring.  #1 Mila Kunis Ashton Kutcher married Mila Kunis with a $250,000 five-carat diamond round-cut solitaire engagement ring. Back then, solitaire engagement rings were very popular, just as they are to this day. Kunis’ ring, in particular, had a striking look with a band that featured a semi-pave inlay, making for the perfect engagement ring. Solitaire-style engagement rings always make for a stunning look. Kunis’ one is currently locked away in a safety deposit box. Who can blame her, though? If you had something in your possession that cost over $200,000, you would take necessary precautions to keep it safe too.   Of course, if you fancy a solitaire-style engagement ring, you don’t have to spend a hundred grand. Many jewelers sell authentic solitaire engagement rings for far less. All these are authentic rings made with diamonds and other gemstones. According to Leibish , you can find some great deals, with prices can go as low as $5,000. If you search hard enough, you will also find something that looks similar to Kunis’ engagement ring but costs a lot less. #2 Hailey Bieber Hailey Bieber’s engagement ring got a lot of attention on social media. Its simplicity is what appealed to a lot of fans the most. The ring had an oval diamond set on a polished, delicate, and narrow yellow gold band. Such bands are becoming very popular very fast, and Hailey’s ring managed to solidify this trend even more. This engagement ring, also a solitaire style, is set on 18-carat yellow gold. The narrow band is around 1.6 mm wide and has a rounded profile with sculptural eagle claws holding the center diamond piece in place. #3 Meghan Markle Meghan Markle’s  engagement ring has a trilogy-style elongated cushion cut diamond as its centerpiece. The centerpiece itself is seen to be surrounded by rounded diamonds that help add a bit of contrast to the ring.   The ring band is 18-carat yellow gold which complements the diamonds. You’ll also notice white gold claws accentuating the diamonds’ bright nature. #4 Blake Lively Blake Lively’s rose gold engagement ring has a 12-carat oval diamond centerpiece. It’s undeniably one of the most popular and impressive celebrity engagement rings out there. The oval diamond on the romantic rose gold three-row pave setting makes for an astounding ring, something no one can stop themselves from showing off.  #5 Beyonce This list would’ve been incomplete if we didn’t talk about Beyonce’s engagement ring. It features an astounding 18-carat emerald cut diamond on top of a split-shank diamond pave band. The split-shank setting parts as it reaches the centerpiece. At the same time, this setting also gives the ring a more ornate finish, making sure that the ring is noticeable from a mile away.  #6 Jennifer Lopez J.Lo’s emerald-cut diamond  engagement ring is around 20 carats. It has a bold presence which is complemented by the simple yet classic design of the ring itself. In a way, the ring completely encapsulates J.Lo’s personality – bold, confident, and powerful.  A lot of celebrities prefer emerald-cut diamonds mostly for the presence these styles of rings have. The bigger the centerpiece of such rings, the better. While J.Lo’s 20-carat ring might be out of budget for many, you can still opt for cheaper ones if you can compromise a bit on the diamond’s clarity.  You can also opt for colored diamonds instead of colorless diamonds. They are comparatively cheaper but also look elegant if you can get the ring setting right. #7 Anne Hathaway Anne Hathaway also puts on a solitaire-style engagement ring that has a platinum pave band. It’s classy and elegant and allows the centerpiece to take pride in itself without overpowering the rest of the ring.  The center stone on Anne Hathaway’s engagement ring is a simple emerald-cut diamond. An impressive 6 carats, the ring cost around $150,000.  So now that you know what type of engagement ring designs your favorite celebrities have put on over the years, it’s time to get inspired by these ideas and work on your own or your partner’s ring. As long as you can plan and execute it right, you’re bound to end up with a ring that matches your expectations.  By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock & Pexels

The Wolfsonian–FIU is partnering with the City of Miami Beach and neighboring institutions to present free monthly evenings of à la carte culture. Just hop on the complimentary trolley service stopping near participating locations (or grab your bike or comfy walking shoes!) and take in the best of South Beach's art, performances, screenings, and tours. Plan your night as you like it—choose a couple of spots, or make the full rounds, 6–9pm. Visit mbartsandculture.org  for details and route. Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024 Time: 6–9pm Location: The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue For December's Culture Crawl, learn more about The Wolfsonian's current exhibitions during a free guided tour starting at 6:15pm. By ML Staff. Courtesy of The Wolfsonian–FIU

Marcolin and Pucci Eyewear unveiled their latest eyewear collection at an exclusive event held at the SoHo Miami Pool House on Thursday, November 21st. The event highlighted Pucci Eyewear’s seasonal collection, showcasing frames inspired by the brand’s rich artistic heritage and signature use of bold colors. Central to the designs is the iconic Fishtail logo, adapted from Pucci’s ready-to-wear collections, and the Maison’s polychromatic Iride print, which adds dynamic patterns and vibrant movement to each piece. Prints played a leading role in the collection, blending seamlessly with color blocking to create striking, chromatic designs. Each frame combined refined elegance with vivid individuality, embodying Pucci's distinctively playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Attendees celebrated the collection’s debut in Miami’s chic SoHo setting, enjoying a lively presentation that reflected the eyewear’s innovation and creativity. photo credits: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit:Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com Photo Credit: Bre Johnson/BFA.com By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Marcolin and Pucci Eyewear

Jaeger-LeCoultre invites visitors to discover the world of Reverso through a richly immersive Pop-up held in the heart of New York City this December. ‘Reverso Stories’ takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the evolution of watchmaking craftsmanship and design, through nine decades of cultural and social change. The ‘Reverso Stories’ Pop-up will be staged in a specially designed outdoor space in the Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards, the vibrant hub of Manhattan’s West Side, from 6–15 December, 2024. ‘Reverso Stories’ – a fascinating retrospective, the latest Reverso launch and a refreshing pause Celebrating the Art Deco origins of one of the world’s most recognisable watch designs, ‘Reverso Stories’ takes visitors on a compelling journey into its history and the craftsmanship, innovation and design behind it. Told in four chapters – Story of an Icon, Story of Style & Design, Story of Innovation and Story of Craftsmanship – the Reverso’s stories are illustrated by emblematic models, from rarely seen archive timepieces to contemporary High Jewellery and miniature-painted pieces. The Pop-up also includes highlights from the current collection, along with the world’s first wristwatch with four functioning faces – the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 ‘Quadriptyque’. Alongside the exhibits, a live demonstration of the decorative art of perlage will give visitors insight into an element of the watchmaking process rarely seen by the public. In addition, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be celebrating its latest launch of the limited-edition Reverso Tribute Chronograph, reinterpreted in pink gold (18 karats, 750/1000). The recto showcases a new dial decoration, amplifying the rectilinear Art Deco geometry of the Reverso case, while the reverse side is open-worked, revealing the complexity of the Calibre 860. With its great legacy of Art Deco style and architecture, New York is a particularly fitting setting to showcase this timepiece that pays homage to the Reverso’s Art Deco origins. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to enrich their experience by pausing to enjoy a warm beverage in the nomadic 1931 Café, named for the year in which the celebrated Reverso was born. Made of Makers: collaborations in art and perfumery The ‘Reverso Stories’ Pop-up in New York City features two artistic collaborations under Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Made of Makers programme, which was developed to push further the boundaries of classical art by collaborating with artists, designers, and craftsmen from disciplines outside watchmaking. A multimedia installation titled Origin, commissioned from the Korean artist Yiyun Kang, is presented on a very large three-dimensional screen at the centre of the ‘Reverso Stories’ space. A tribute to the ubiquity of the Golden Ratio in the world around us, Origin captures the parallel between symmetry in nature and the geometry of Art Deco design. In New York, Jaeger-LeCoultre reveals it latest Made of Makers collaboration, which embraces the world of fine perfumery. The Scent Artist, Nicolas Bonneville, has translated the spirit of La Grande Maison into three exclusive new signature scents and, in a specially designed space within the exhibition, visitors are invited to discover these new creations and enjoy an interactive game of identifying key perfume ingredients. Hands-on watchmaking workshops and perfumery masterclasses Visitors are also invited to the Jaeger-LeCoultre flagship boutique at 701 Madison Avenue to discover watchmaking and perfumery in greater depth through hands-on educational workshops. The Discovery Workshops presented by the Atelier d’Antoine will be dedicated to the Reverso, taking participants deep into its world in a dynamic and interactive format. In addition, visitors to the boutique will have the opportunity to be initiated into the beauty and complexity that lie behind the creation of memorable scents. ‘Reverso Stories’ Pop-up opening hours and admission ‘Reverso Stories’ will be held from 6–15 December at the Public Square & Gardens, Hudson Yards at 11th Avenue and Hudson Boulevard East, New York City, NY 10001. Opening Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, Saturday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm and on Sunday from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm, with free access to the public. Guided tours, lasting approximately 30 minutes, are available. Visitors may book online at bit.ly/ReversoStoriesPopupNY or register on arrival. Jaeger-LeCoultre flagship boutique opening hours and admission The Jaeger-LeCoultre flagship boutique is located at 701 Madison Avenue, New York and throughout the duration of the Pop-up, it will be open to guests from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and on Sundays from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The Atelier d’Antoine Discovery Workshops hosted in the flagship boutique at 701 Madison Avenue should be booked in advance at bit.ly/ADANYC . ML Staff. Courtesy of Jaeger‑LeCoultre

The promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, Octane Racing Group, working with key stakeholders from the Canadian Government, Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions, Government of Québec, Ministry of Tourism (Québec), the City of Montreal, Tourism Montreal, and the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, have today thrown their collective support behind Formula 1’s efforts to rationalise the race calendar and make it more sustainable by hosting the event earlier than has been the practice in recent years. With renewed commitment and collaboration between Formula 1, Octane Racing Group and partners, from 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix is planned to be scheduled on the third or fourth weekend of May each year. The move will allow the European leg of the season to be consolidated into one consecutive period over the European summer months and is planned to remove an additional transatlantic crossing by the Formula 1 community each year, with significant associated carbon reductions. The announcement builds upon the changes already made to the calendar by F1 in recent years to create a more rationalised schedule. The Japanese Grand Prix has moved to the spring to align with races in the Asia Pacific region, Azerbaijan has moved to the autumn as the Championship turns east to Singapore, and Qatar has moved to be closely aligned with Abu Dhabi at the end of the season. As previously announced, as part of this wider rationalisation of the calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix will be contested on the first full weekend in June each year from 2026. All future Formula 1 calendars are subject to confirmation by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO, Formula 1 said: “I am incredibly grateful to the promoter and all of the government stakeholder partners involved in the Canadian Grand Prix, from the local, to the provincial and national government. We applaud the tremendous effort from all involved to accelerate the temporary build of the event, to be ready to host the Formula 1 community earlier than in the past. The change will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable, but logistically more sensible for our teams and personnel. Our Net Zero by 2030 commitment continues to be a priority for us as a sport and it is thanks to changes like this that we are on track to hitting our goal.” Jean-Philippe Paradis, CEO of Octane Racing Group, said: “This change in the schedule is a major step in our commitment, as well as Formula 1’s, toward a more sustainable future. It demonstrates our desire to combine sporting performance and event organization with environmental responsibility. We are determined to offer our fans, our communities, and our loyal audience a unique and enriched experience, in addition to extending the summer season for Montreal. The date change thus fully integrates into the dynamic strategic vision put in place by our team, with the collaboration of our stakeholders, which is fully focused on delivering an amazing Canadian Grand Prix experience in a more sustainable and inclusive environment.” ML Staff. Image courtesy of Octane Racing Group

USTA Florida gathered tennis enthusiasts, advocates, and leaders for an exciting event focused on the future of tennis in Florida. The event included guest speakers, panel discussions, and a look at the impact of tennis throughout the state.  Chuck Gill presents the 2025-2026 USTA Florida Board of Directors. The morning opened with a formal introduction of the newly sworn-in USTA Florida Board of Directors , led by President Chuck Gill, who shared his vision for the organization’s future. Joining him were Marcelo Gouts (President-Elect), Phil Girardi (Delegate and Immediate Past-President), Jane Wahl (Secretary), Lezita Davis (Treasurer), and Directors at Large Trishna Patel, Meika Ashby, Tracy Singian, and Adam Ross. In a Q&A session, the new board addressed forward-thinking initiatives aimed at expanding tennis accessibility and fostering diversity across Florida. “A great board has great diversity of thought. If you have an eight-person board and they all think the same, eight of them don’t need to be there,” he said. “You either shrink or you focus on improving and I think this board is ready to take a good hard look at tennis and improve it.” Adding to the event’s highlights, best-selling author Allistair McCaw shared his expertise, talking about leadership, innovation, and engaging with attendees. McCaw focused on what it takes to be successful in the ever-changing ecosystem. “The key to sustained success is the ability to adapt and change over time.” He added to this saying that the best companies in the world are constantly welcoming new ideas and bringing in people that are forward thinking. “When it comes to personnel, there highest performing organizations are prioritizing value over experience,” he said. “In other words, it’s not about how much experience you bring, it’s about how much value you add.” Best-selling author Allistair McCaw presented about leadership and innovation. The afternoon featured a panel led by Dana Andrews. Panelists included John Sanders, Director of Tennis Management , George Henry, Director of Tennis at USTA Florida managed facility, Play Tennis Gainesville (PTG), and Ken Collins, a teaching pro at PTG, discussed public park facilities, the state’s tennis ecosystem, and the potential for growth in community tennis programs statewide.  Andrews was later joined by Christine Ducey, Director of Advocacy, for a workshop focusing on advocating for tennis. Ducey encouraged collaboration and idea sharing, where advocates from different counties could brainstorm together. As the day transitioned into the evening, USTA Florida took a moment to celebrate its 75th Anniversary, recounting this year’s regional events, the historic tennis trial, and memorable initiatives celebrating tennis milestones.  The late Jim Martz was awarded the Media Excellence Award which was accepted by his sister Sue and her grandson. In recognition of outstanding contributions to the tennis community, USTA Florida awarded the following individuals and organizations:  Outstanding Section Volunteer: Mary Conaway  Outstanding Diversity Achievement: City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center  Jim Martz Media Excellence Award: Jim Martz  Albert Carrington Balink Award: Claire Shao & Jack Satterfield  The event exemplified USTA Florida’s commitment to rallying Florida tennis leaders together to grow the game of tennis for the future. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of USTA Florida. Support the USTA Florida by becoming a member today.

Late at night, the world can look fuzzy to tired eyes. Thankfully, a pair of reading glasses or a good night’s sleep will make things clear again. However, in the quantum world there is a fundamental fuzziness that cannot be fixed so easily. This fuzziness is known as Heisenberg uncertainty. Remarkably, this same quantum fuzziness is also responsible for keeping matter itself from collapsing on itself. It’s hard to wrap your mind around—tired or not. Time and Date December 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 On Wednesday, December 11, join Dr. James K. Thompson for LIVE@Frost Science: Quantum Fuzziness and Quantum Certainty, guaranteed to bring the quantum world into sharper focus. Thompson, a professor at JILA & the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder , will share how quantum scientists around the world are harnessing quantum fuzziness—and quantum certainty—to help give you driving directions, measure the flow of time, and even probe the existence of undiscovered particles. LIVE@Frost Science: Quantum Fuzziness and Quantum Certainty is presented in partnership with  Florida International University (FIU) with support from the  National Science Foundation (NSF) . 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. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Italian shipyard Rossinavi , in collaboration with Swiss-American designer Yves Béhar, unveils Solsea , a revolutionary hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht designed for silent and sustainable ocean exploration. Seamlessly blending innovative design with eco-conscious technology, Solsea  redefines luxury at sea. The concept will debut at Design Miami with a compelling talk featuring Rossinavi Founder & CEO Federico Rossi, designer Yves Béhar, and curator Glenn Adamson, providing exclusive insights into the yacht's visionary design and environmental impact. Rossinavi Founder & CEO Federico Rossi EVENT DETAILS Event Name: The Future of Yacht Design Presented by Rossinavi Date: December 3, 2024 Time: 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm RSVP: Open to the Design Miami visitors Location: Convention Center Drive & 19th Street, Miami Beach By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Rossinavi

There’s been an exciting new discovery in the fight against plastic pollution: mealworm larvae that are capable of consuming polystyrene. They join the ranks of a small group of insects that have been found to be capable of breaking the polluting plastic down, though this is the first time that an insect species native to Africa has been found to do this. Lesser mealworm larvae chew through polystyrene. Photo courtesy Fathiya Khamis Polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, is a plastic material that’s widely used in food, electronic and industrial packaging. It’s difficult to break down and therefore durable. Traditional recycling methods – like chemical and thermal processing – are expensive and can create pollutants. This was one of the reasons we wanted to explore biological methods of managing this persistent waste. I am part of a team of scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology who have found that the larvae of the Kenyan lesser mealworm can chew through polystyrene and host bacteria in their guts that help break down the material. The lesser mealworm is the larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle. The larval period lasts between 8 and 10 weeks. The lesser mealworm are mostly found in poultry rearing houses which are warm and can offer a constant food supply – ideal conditions for them to grow and reproduce. Though lesser mealworms are thought to have originated in Africa, they can be found in many countries around the world. The species we identified in our study, however, could be a sub-species of the Alphitobius genus. We are conducting further investigation to confirm this possibility. Our study also examined the insect’s gut bacteria. We wanted to identify the bacterial communities that may support the plastic degradation process. Plastic pollution levels are at critically high levels in some African countries. Though plastic waste is a major environmental issue globally, Africa faces a particular challenge due to high importation of plastic products, low re-use and a lack of recycling of these products. By studying these natural “plastic-eaters”, we hope to create new tools that help get rid of plastic waste faster and more efficiently. Instead of releasing a huge number of these insects into trash sites (which isn’t practical), we can use the microbes and enzymes they produce in factories, landfills and cleanup sites. This means plastic waste can be tackled in a way that’s easier to manage at a large scale. Key Findings We carried out a trial, lasting over a month. The larvae were fed either polystyrene alone, bran (a nutrient-dense food) alone, or a combination of polystyrene and bran. We found that mealworms on the polystyrene-bran diet survived at higher rates than those fed on polystyrene alone. We also found that they consumed polystyrene more efficiently than those on a polystyrene-only diet. This highlights the benefits of ensuring the insects still had a nutrient-dense diet. While the polystyrene-only diet did support the mealworms’ survival, they didn’t have enough nutrition to make them efficient in breaking down polystyrene. This finding reinforced the importance of a balanced diet for the insects to optimally consume and degrade plastic. The insects could be eating the polystyrene because it’s mostly made up of carbon and hydrogen, which may provide them an energy source. The mealworms on the polystyrene-bran diet were able to break down approximately 11.7% of the total polystyrene over the trial period. Gut Bacteria The analysis of the mealworm gut revealed significant shifts in the bacterial composition depending on the diet. Understanding these shifts in bacterial composition is crucial because it reveals which microbes are actively involved in breaking down plastic. This will help us to isolate the specific bacteria and enzymes that can be harnessed for plastic degradation efforts. The guts of polystyrene-fed larvae were found to contain higher levels of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes , bacteria that can adapt to various environments and break down a wide range of complex substances. Bacteria such as Kluyvera , Lactococcus , Citrobacter and Klebsiella were also particularly abundant and are known to produce enzymes capable of digesting synthetic plastics. The bacteria won’t be harmful to the insect or to the environment when used at scale. The abundance of bacteria indicates that they play a crucial role in breaking down the plastic. This may mean that mealworms may not naturally have the ability to eat plastic. Instead, when they start eating plastic, the bacteria in their guts might change to help break it down. Thus, the microbes in the mealworms’ stomachs can adjust to unusual diets, like plastic. These findings support our hypothesis that the gut of certain insects can enable plastic degradation. This is likely because the bacteria in their gut can produce enzymes that break down plastic polymers. This raises the possibility of isolating these bacteria, and the enzymes produced, to create microbial solutions that will address plastic waste on a larger scale. What’s Next Certain insect species, such as yellow mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ) and superworms ( Zophobas morio ), have already demonstrated the ability to consume plastics. They’re able to break down materials like polystyrene with the help of bacteria in their gut. Our research is unique because it focuses on insect species native to Africa, which have not been extensively studied in the context of plastic degradation. This regional focus is important because the insects and environmental conditions in Africa may differ from those in other parts of the world, potentially offering new insights and practical solutions for plastic pollution in African settings. The Kenyan lesser mealworm’s ability to consume polystyrene suggests that it could play a role in natural waste reduction, especially for types of plastic that are resistant to conventional recycling methods. Future studies could focus on isolating and identifying the specific bacterial strains involved in polystyrene degradation and examining their enzymes. We hope to figure out if the enzymes can be produced at scale for recycling waste. Additionally, we may explore other types of plastics to test the versatility of this insect for broader waste management applications. Scaling up the use of the lesser mealworms for plastic degradation would also require strategies for ensuring insect health over prolonged plastic consumption, as well as evaluating the safety of resulting insect biomass for animal feeds. by Fathiya Khamis Senior Scientist, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. Special thanks to The Conversation.

Florida is on the front lines of a debate over the spread of the controversial drilling technique hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which raises a crucial question: are the state’s unique geology and hydrology safe for expanded oil and gas drilling? Florida’s unique geology means alternative fracking methods would be used, but can aquifers be safely separated from injection wells? jsjgeology/flickr , CC BY-SA Over the past several months, a number of counties and cities in Florida have banned fracking over environmental concerns . Earlier this year, the state legislature considered but did not pass a bill to regulate fracking at the state level, which would have superseded local bans. So far, there has been at least one exploratory well in Florida using fracking, but the practice is not widespread. However, the question of how and whether to allow fracking is likely to come back up again, as early as next year . How would fracking be done in Florida and what environmental and geologic questions are worth considering? A close look at the particular conditions of the Florida peninsula reveals a number of unresolved areas of concern. Acid fracturing In some respects, Florida is an unlikely site for this battle. Florida ranks 31st of the 50 states in energy production. The state currently has two regions with conventional hydrocarbon production – the Sunniland trend in South Florida and the western Panhandle. Hydrocarbons are stored within carbonate rocks, which are composed of limestone and dolostone in South Florida and carbonates and sand in the Panhandle. Potential hydrocarbon reservoir rocks in Florida are distinct from shales – the layers of sedimentary rock in other parts of the U.S. where fracking has led to a drilling boom in natural gas and oil . The rock under Florida generally has a higher permeability, making it easier for liquids to move through it. A fracas ensued when one company in 2013 tested fracking before receiving a permit in Florida, which resulted in a cease and desist order from the Department of Environment Protection (DEP). A protest in 2014 against a bill that would allow fracking in Florida, where there are worries over the effects to the drinking water and tourism industry. astronomygal/flickr , CC BY-NC The company used a technique known as acid fracturing, which is substantially different than what’s more commonly practiced elsewhere in the U.S. In this method, which is suitable only for carbonate reservoirs, acidic water is injected at high pressure into a well to dissolve the rock. Because carbonate rocks are highly soluble, acids can increase pore size and permeability, allowing oil or gas to flow. What we know Elsewhere in the U.S., fracking has gained attention due to its association with two hazards: earthquakes and groundwater contamination. Fracking is a well stimulation technique that entails injecting a mixture of water, sand and chemicals at high pressure into oil and natural gas wells . The fracking fluid pressure breaks up the rocks hosting the oil and gas, increasing their permeability and allowing the oil, gas, natural brine in the rock (called produced waters) and fracking fluid to migrate quickly to the surface. The oil and gas make their way to market, and the fracking fluids are often recovered and reused. However, the briny produced waters can pose a problem. They are too laden with dissolved salts to release on the surface, where they would constitute a major pollutant. So, these brines are generally reinjected into the Earth in very deep wells, called injection wells . A growing body of research based on high-quality seismic data collected at surface sites around these injection wells clearly shows that voluminous wastewater injection affects seismicity . Earthquakes in Oklahoma and several other pockets of midcontinent U.S. – including two in Oklahoma with magnitudes greater than 5 since 2011 – have been associated with high-volume deep-well injection of wastewater, a byproduct of oil and gas production. An additional problem associated with oil and gas production is the potential for contamination of drinking water and irrigation aquifers by either fracking fluids or produced wastewaters. Done correctly, production wells can be constructed and cemented to avoid the migration of fluids into the well. However, natural gas and chemicals used in fracking have been found in the aquifers of the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania , and poor drilling practices have been blamed for methane entering aquifers . Surface operations associated with drilling may also contribute to contamination. As a result of the experiences in other states, the possibility of fracking in Florida has met strong opposition in some quarters. What we still don’t know What would the environmental impact of fracking be in Florida? At this point, there are more questions than answers. The specifics of proposed fracking in Florida are complicated by the very different regional geology of the peninsula. Much of Florida sits atop what is called a karst terrane , a geological formation characterized by a complex, highly permeable and porous carbonate aquifer system. The geology includes an equally complex set of less permeable rock units – called confining units – that are distributed within, around and throughout the aquifer system. Key unknowns for Florida include: Are there are extractable oil and gas reservoirs outside of the currently producing regions of the Panhandle and South Florida? The recent local bans include many regions with no confirmed oil or gas reserves. Shales exist below the carbonate rocks in some locations, but it is unclear if conditions were right for oil/gas to form in those shale formations. Where are the faults that could produce earthquakes in Florida? Wastewater injection occurs in many locations, but earthquakes are much less common . Earthquakes due to wastewater injection require a combination of factors. First, there must be faults that can produce earthquakes and sufficient stresses. Second, there must be fluid pathways within the rock through which injected wastewater can increase the fluid pressure significantly. The locations of basement faults in Florida are poorly known, and although none have been known to generate earthquakes, their ultimate impact on seismicity in the state will depend on knowing their proximity to proposed locations of wastewater injection. Where and how deeply will wastewater be injected? Currently, some of the wastewater from Florida’s oil and gas drilling is injected where it is produced, which are in zones below drinking water. In South Florida, the “Boulder Zone” lies above layers from which oil and gas are drawn and below the tapped ends of the Floridan aquifer system. This cavernous zone receives injected wastewater from oil and gas and from municipalities with little pressure increase . This could possibly indicate that induced seismicity may not occur even following rapid and high volume wastewater injection. Many other parts of Florida do not have such a permeable zone similar to the Boulder Zone, but the precise distribution of permeable and impermeable zones in the Florida subsurface is poorly known, so safe wastewater disposal is highly uncertain. A sinkhole in Florida. The state’s unique geology means water moves rapidly, making the state’s aquifers potentially vulnerable to spills and contaminants. innovationschool/flickr , CC BY-NC Florida’s geology is significantly different from Oklahoma, where there has been the most seismic activity. In Florida, wastewater injection has generally been above oil/gas producing zones. This means they are farther from deep formations. That could decrease the risk of earthquakes, since earthquake-producing faults occur in these deep formations in locations such as Oklahoma. On the other hand, Florida’s practice results in wastewater injection closer to drinking water aquifers. The confining units within the Floridan aquifer system (FAS) have been extremely difficult to map and are highly variable in thickness and properties. A comprehensive effort to map these and zones of high permeability – which could be suitable for injecting and storing wastewater – and rapid groundwater flow would be a monumental task requiring full-time work from many geologists and geophysicists for decades. In other words, understanding with certainty how effective Florida’s geology is for storing wastewater from oil and gas drilling and its ultimate effect on aquifers will be a huge undertaking. Furthermore, Florida cities have generally tapped shallower aquifers until now. However, as these aquifers become overused, deeper brackish to saline portions of the FAS are being considered as source of freshwater through desalination. These aquifers could be used to store freshwater during wet periods, which would be pumped later during dry times (aquifer storage and recovery). Thus, zones of water used for human consumption may approach those where wastewater would be injected. What will be the impact of surface operations? More widespread production of oil and gas drilling with fracking can result in a larger footprint of operations and more opportunity for surface contamination . Florida’s karst geology contains sinkholes, as well as extensive cave systems, which allow rapid entry and dispersive flow of contaminants into the aquifer system. These karst features are obvious in North and Central Florida, where caves can be large enough to walk or swim through . South Florida’s aquifers also have rapid flow. In a 2003 dye tracer study in the Miami region, dyes reached the Miami Dade County well field in hours rather than the expected days. Not only did the dye turn the water red, it exposed the vulnerability of Florida’s carbonate aquifers to contamination. Contaminants could reach irrigation and drinking water systems rapidly enough to pose economic and health risks before any effective warnings could be issued. So although there’s been a sharp debate over fracking in Florida, the focus on “fracking” alone risks losing sight of the bigger picture. Florida’s aquifers are potentially vulnerable to injected wastes, contaminant migration through poorly sealed wells and from surface activities, regardless of whether fracking is involved. By Ray Russo Associate Professor of Geophysics, University of Florida Elizabeth Screaton Professor of Geology, University of Florida. Special thanks to The Conversation.

NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, in collaboration with the Stacy Garcia ® Design Studio, brings the highly anticipated Stacy Garcia ® Trend Tour, an immersive exploration of the upcoming trends in interior design for 2024/25, to Miami, Florida. The event will take place on Thursday, December 5th at the Vondom Miami (270 NE 39th Street, Miami, FL, 33137) from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Ticket sales from the tour will benefit NEWH educational resources and scholarship opportunities.  The Stacy Garcia ® Trend Tour includes a dynamic 45-minute keynote presentation from renowned color forecaster and product expert Stacy Garcia. Stacy will take center stage and share key insights into the evolution of colors, materials, and design for textiles, furniture and accessories in the hospitality sector. Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience, featuring trend displays with material examples and curated palettes that offer a glimpse into the future of design aesthetics. “The Stacy Garcia ® Trend Tour provides a unique platform for local chapters that will contribute to NEWH’s fundraising efforts for scholarships awarded to students and emerging professionals. Miami is a hub of culture and design, and we knew from the start it would be an integral stop along our tour,” said Garcia, Founder of LebaTex and Stacy Garcia® Design Studio. “With products sold in 52 countries, our company's global influence and recognition as a leading voice in the industry will offer attendees a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. This exclusive event presents a unique opportunity for design professionals to stay ahead of the curve.” The tour, which will run through March 2025, spans 12 U.S. cities, each partnering with their respective local NEWH chapters. Tickets for the Stacy Garcia ® Trend Tour will cost $25 for  NEWH members, $15 for students, and $50 for non-members. For more information on additional tour dates, locations, sponsors, and tickets, visit the NEWH website .  About NEWH: NEWH, Inc. is a dynamic association dedicated to providing scholarships to those interested in various areas of the hospitality industry. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, NEWH strives to foster leadership development and facilitate meaningful connections among industry professionals. For more information, visit https://newh.org/ .   About Stacy Garcia® Design Studio: Stacy Garcia® Design Studio is a dynamic design hub, based in New York, dedicated to inspiring creativity and elevating spaces. With trend-forward designs, unique color combinations, and fashion-forward materials, the studio offers holistic collections that anticipate trends and enrich interiors. From hospitality to residential, the company’s brands include Stacy Garcia ® Blue Label, SGNY, Stacy Garcia ® Home, and Stay by Stacy Garcia ® , which all embody modern yet eclectic aesthetics. Grounded in professionalism and collaboration, the company’s signature process ensures excellence from concept to creation. For more information, visit https://stacygarciainc.com/ By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Stacy Garcia® Design Studio

Bicycle , the iconic playing card brand, has turned the world of gaming into an artistic experience with its new special collection. This special collection features the works of four renowned artists—Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Bijou Karman—offering a unique opportunity to bring fine art into everyday moments of play. This collection transforms ordinary card games into extraordinary experiences, with each card serving as a miniature canvas. By bridging the gap between art and leisure, Bicycle celebrates the bold visions of legendary artists while offering fans a hands-on way to engage with their creativity. Each deck in the Artist Series captures the essence of its featured artist: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s raw and expressive style blends text, abstraction, and powerful social commentary; Keith Haring’s vibrant, energetic figures reflect his commitment to social activism and public art; Kenny Scharf’s surreal and playful designs bring a whimsical touch that fuses pop culture with fine art; and Bijou Karman’s dreamy, colorful compositions celebrate fashion and femininity. Jean-Michel Basquiat Keith Haring Kenny Scharf Bijou Karman Guillaume Reslou, Global Vice President of Luxury Development for Cartamundi, underscores the significance of this collection: “The Artist Series was inspired by our vision to transform common playtime into a cultural and artistic experience. By featuring iconic artists like Basquiat and Haring, we transformed each card into a canvas, turning traditional gameplay into an artistic experience. This collection allows players to connect with these powerful works in a personal, hands-on way, creating moments of play that are enriched by culture and creativity.” The cards serve as more than just tools for a game—they are a tactile connection to cultural history, offering players the chance to hold a piece of the artist’s vision in their hands. Bicycle’s Artist Series is also a nod to the brand’s storied 135-year history of innovation and creativity. Known for blending artistry with play, Bicycle has always been at the forefront of crafting unique designs that resonate across generations. “This collection is a testament to Bicycle’s legacy of blending artistry with play, reflecting both our heritage and our commitment to innovation,” Reslou adds. “The Artist Series builds on this tradition by introducing iconic works by Basquiat, Haring, Scharf, and Karman, inviting players to experience fine art in a hands-on way.” The Bicycle Artist Series is now available for purchase online at bicyclecards.com/artistseries and will be featured at Art Basel Miami Beach, further cementing its role at the intersection of art and culture. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Artestar