Beginning October 6th, North Florida and South Florida will clash in the 15th Florida Cup Match, held every two years. The event features 16 top amateurs from each region competing in a Ryder Cup format, where the team with the most points over two days claims the cup. The tournament begins with morning Four-Ball matches, followed by afternoon Foursomes, and concludes with Singles matches to determine the champion. Players are selected based on their performance over the previous two seasons, with the current year's results receiving a 50% bonus.  In the last match, which took place in 2022 at Kensington Golf & Country Club, South Florida won 18.5-13.5, tying the series at 7-7 with the North team. Get ready for an exciting Florida Cup as this year one team will take the lead of overall wins. Without further ado, we’d like to introduce the two teams playing in the biannual Florida Cup.  North Team The North Team will be led by Joe Alfieri out of Tampa, and Mike Finster of St. Petersburg. Click Here to read more about the North Team Captains. The team is formed by Daniel DeBra (Lutz), Ty Capps (Palm Coast), Marc Dull (Lakeland), Jimmy Ellis (Atlantic Beach), Matthew Galloway (Tampa), Tyler Gulliksen (Flagler Beach), Jay Halverson (St. Pete) Rhett Pooley (Babson Park), James Preston (Bartow), Michael Smith (Ponte Vedra Beach), Jon Veneziano (Mount Dora), Chad Ibbotson (Sanford), Brian Keenan (Tampa), and Miles McConnell (Tampa). To read the North Team bios, click here . One standout player on the North Side is Jimmy Ellis . This year, Ellis claimed victory at the Amateur Championship at Quail Valley, overcoming a seven-stroke deficit with a stunning eight-under-par 64. His impressive performance earned him an exemption to the 124th Amateur Championship at Hazeltine, where he shone during stroke play, posting a career-best 61. This near-record score earned him medalist honors and came within inches of the USGA’s all-time 18-hole scoring record. This is Ellis’s debut at the Florida Cup, and he is set on securing his first win and leading the North Team in overall victories.  South Team The South Team will be led by R J Nakashian of Palm Beach Gardens, and Will Davenport of Palm City. Click Here to Read about the South Team captains. The South Team features Austin Collins (Deerfield Beach), Will Davenport (Palm City), Richard Donegan (Jupiter), Blanton Farmer (Bradenton), Joey Latowski (Port St. Lucie), Carl Santos-Ocampo (Naples), Jake Sherwin (Naples), TJ Shuart (Fort Lauderdale), Nick Solimene (Naples), Scott Turner (Palm City), Jonah Wasserstrom (Hollywood), Abbie Valentine (Naples), Bobby Bird (Vero Beach), William Mallon (Vero Beach), R J Nakashian (Palm Beach Gardens), and Pete Williams (Juno Beach). To read the South Team bios, click here .     On the South side, keep an eye on  Jake Sherwin . A seasoned FSGA competitor, Sherwin triumphed at this year’s Mid-Amateur Championship, defeating Ty Capps, a fellow contender, in the championship match 2 & 1. Sherwin only fell behind for one hole during the final and ultimately claimed his first FSGA Championship trophy. His previous close call came in 2022 when he was the runner-up at the 41st Mid-Amateur Championship. From his beginning playing on the Florida Junior Tour to now the Florida Cup, Sherwin is focused on leading the South Team to victory. Old Memorial Golf Club This year, Old Memorial Golf Club will host the 15th Florida Cup. In the fall of 1994, Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, and Bob Merritt—best known as the founders of Outback Steakhouse—fulfilled their vision of creating a private, national golf club in their hometown of Tampa. They enlisted architect Steve Smyers, renowned for his traditional, strategic design and firm playing surfaces, to craft the course. Today, Old Memorial Golf Club is celebrated as a "pure, undisturbed sanctuary of golf" and promises to offer a true test for the top amateurs from each region. The 15th Florida Cup will be the first FSGA Championship contested at Old Memorial Golf Club. The FSGA will conduct US Open Final Qualifying at Old Memorial in June of 2025, the fifth time the club will host, after previously doing so in 2001, 2002, 2005 & 2006. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of FSGA and Courtney Cook

Dom Pérignon and its Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon celebrated creation during the Révélations 2024, an annual rendez-vous to deep dive into the creative path of Dom Pérignon. Held in Barcelona, the fourth edition of Dom Pérignon Révélations gathered an array of journalists, chefs and sommeliers from the Dom Pérignon Society, artists and creators from all around the world. The event featured the reveal of two new vintages – Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 and Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006-Plénitude 2 – set against the stunning backdrop of Ricardo Bofill’s renowned La Fábrica. An experiential six-hands dinner orchestrated by Vincent Chaperon with Michelin-starred chefs Albert Adrià and Niko Romito explored the aesthetic value of the newly released vintages: tactility. This creative dialogue offered a tactile exploration thanks to the resonance of each dish with the wines revealed. Born from an exceptionally contrasted year, Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 reveals an unwavering presence. Somewhat dark at first, it proves tactile throughout the tasting, with a unique sense of touch. The dense matter of Vintage 2015 anchors its natural authority, which progressively becomes horizontal, broad and rectilinear. With Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006-Plénitude 2, Dom Pérignon reconnects with the year 2006. At each step of its evolution, this vintage confirms that time is essential in the equation of Dom Pérignon. The mouthfeel is marked by more present saline tension. Bitterness has gained subtleness and delicacy, balancing the generosity with which 2006 was born and bringing it to a new emotion, both embracing and delicate. In addition to the gastronomic experience, an exhibition entitled “Trace: Pré-Assemblages 2023” was inaugurated at the Palau Martorell, immersing visitors into the world of the Pré-Assemblages, a key stage in the creation of the Dom Pérignon vintages, where intuition and nature come together to give birth to exceptional wines. With these initiatives, Dom Pérignon once again fuses winemaking tradition, creative ambition and artistic avant-garde, crafting memorable experiences around its exceptional wines. ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Mini-Me Science is a monthly program at Frost Science designed for you and your little one (ages two to five). You’ll share experiences that engage the senses while promoting exploration and discovery through hands-on activities that are specifically designed for early learners. Learn more at frostscience.org/mini-me . Little marine biologists will shine on the dance floor while learning about the adaptations that make animals glow. Continue learning at home with this Science Store pick ! Mini-Me Science sessions last approximately 60 minutes, with a 30-minute hands-on activity followed by a 30-minute guided museum exploration in one of our exhibitions. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Location Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 Date and Time October 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Cost : $25 for one child (ages two to five only) and one adult. Cost for every additional child is $20. Cost for every additional adult is $10. Museum admission must be purchased separately to participate. Older siblings may participate for an additional registration fee or $20 per sibling. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

After an important victory for Inter Miami CF II against a Philadelphia Union II side that entered the match in first place in the Eastern Conference, the team now prepares to face Atlanta United 2 on Tuesday, September 24, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET in more MLS NEXT Pro action. This fixture will mark the third and last encounter between the sides in the regular season with a win in favor of IMCF and a draw. Inter Miami II will play the first of their final three matches of the regular season, and with a potential playoff berth in sight, they will look to secure three points on the road. The Herons will also aim to extend their positive run of results, which includes just one loss in their last 10 matches. The three points are crucial for Inter Miami, given how tight the playoff race is. Only ten points separate the eighth place (the last playoff spot) from the top of the conference. The team will visit the "Peach State" in fourth place with 42 points from twelve wins, seven losses, and six draws. Meanwhile, Atlanta United 2 will host this encounter after their most recent scoreless draw against Crown Legacy FC this past Thursday. In total, Atlanta has registered seven wins, twelve losses, and seven draws, for a total of 32 points this regular season. Subscribe to the MLS NEXT Pro Season Pass on Apple TV to tune in to the game by clicking HERE. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of Inter Miami CF

The NTRP Sectional Qualifiers are just around the corner, and there’s still time to sign up for the Quest for the Golden Ticket! This exciting time of year provides players across Florida with the chance to compete in singles, doubles, or mixed doubles for a National Championship.  The NTRP tournaments offer a unique format where players are grouped by skill level, giving everyone the opportunity to compete against others at similar play. These tournaments are a great way to improve your game, meet new players, and enjoy competitive tennis in a fun environment.  The sectional qualifiers are being hosted at venues throughout Florida, giving players from all over the state a chance to participate. Whether you’re in South Florida, the Panhandle, or Central Florida, there’s a sectional qualifier near you. With multiple sectional qualifiers on the schedule, now is the perfect time to sign up for the event closest to you.  The Quest for the Golden Ticket is open to players 18 and older and all NTRP skill levels, making it one of the most inclusive tennis competitions in Florida. Winners from each sectional event will advance to the sectional qualifiers in early 2025.  Players advancing from the sectional qualifiers will represent Florida at the NTRP National Championships, bringing the pride of the Sunshine State to tennis courts across the country.   Earlier this year, USTA Florida saw a ton of winners at the National event. With 8 winners in Singles , and 4 teams in Doubles ,  bringing home NTRP National Championships, Florida is always one of the top sections at the events.  Jose Mejia, Eli Panell of the Florida section came in first place in the 40+ 4.0 Men’s Doubles NTRP National Championship at the Pelham Racquet Club in Pelham, Alabama. Don’t miss out on the excitement, find your sectional qualifier, sign up, and get ready to compete in the Quest for the Golden Ticket! Whether you’re looking to compete for fun or chase that coveted Golden Ticket, there’s still time to get involved.  Find a NTRP tournament near you . By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of USTA Florida. Support the USTA Florida by becoming a member today.

Saks and LOEWE are joining forces for the first time to debut an exclusive edit of the Spanish luxury house’s highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2024 collection, available on Saks.com  and at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. To celebrate the collaboration, LOEWE is taking over the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue New York flagship with immersive visual installations and unique offerings inspired by the collection. The partnership comes to life throughout the store, from the garden-themed displays in Saks’ legendary Fifth Avenue windows, to an in-store juice bar and towering vegetable sculptures featuring designs from the collection. To further celebrate the partnership, Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of LOEWE, will co-host a launch event with Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchandising Officer of Saks, on Saturday, September 7 during New York Fashion Week. Additionally, digital content showcasing the collaboration will be featured on Saks.com and across both brand’s social media channels.  “Jonathan Anderson is a visionary and a changemaker, and Saks has been mesmerized by his innovative and boundary-pushing approach from the start of his journey at LOEWE,” said Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchandising Officer at Saks. “We are thrilled to mark an important milestone in our partnership with Jonathan and LOEWE with this exclusive edit. With this collaboration, we are delighted to celebrate Jonathan’s unique voice and remarkable creativity, and we look forward to bringing our customers inspiring fashion and experiences they can’t find anywhere else from one of the most iconic names in luxury.”  “It's exciting to be working on a collaboration that echoes the craft and innovation of the LOEWE Fall Winter 2024 collections that is centered on two great, but very distinct American artists, Richard Hawkins and Albert York, as well as historic English ceramics," noted Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of LOEWE. "These collaborations are invigorating, encouraging us to look at what we do in new ways and reminding us to always be curious, and it’s brilliant to be able to celebrate the moment with Saks.” THE SAKS-EXCLUSIVE EDIT In celebration of the partnership, LOEWE curated a distinctive edit of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories from the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, available only at Saks. The edit features five limited-edition styles of the iconic LOEWE Squeeze Bag, boasting intricate beaded designs. Notably, more than 20,000 beads were hand sewn onto each Squeeze Bag using a caviar beading technique to achieve a 3D texture. The assortment includes ethereal floral print dresses and beaded women’s Campo Biker Boots inspired by the work of American painter Albert York, as well as two new colorways of the Gala Sandal. Men’s styles include an artful printed dress shirt, a hooded jacket and matching sweatpants and a striped sweater inspired by the work of American artist Richard Hawkins, along with a new colorway of the coveted LOEWE Flow Runner Sneaker. The edit and additional styles from the LOEWE Fall/Winter 2024 collection are available for purchase now on Saks.com and at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores including Atlanta, Beverly Hills and New York.  NEW YORK FLAGSHIP TAKEOVER Now through September 23, customers can discover garden-themed visual installations at Saks Fifth Avenue New York, inspired by the distinctive floral and vegetable motifs featured throughout the LOEWE Fall/Winter 2024 collection. In Saks’ famed windows on Fifth Avenue, looks from the exclusive edit are presented against a bold backdrop of towering hand-painted vegetables surrounded by brilliant green beading. Inside the store, vegetable sculptures showcasing the collection can be found on the main floor housing handbags, leather goods and accessories and on the third floor featuring women’s designer ready-to-wear.  On Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the LOEWE juice bar will be available while supplies last on Saks’ renowned women’s shoe floor, 10022-SHOE, located on the eighth level of the store. The activation will offer complimentary fresh juices in co-branded Saks and LOEWE biodegradable cups, and Issue 4 of the LOEWE Magazine will be distributed to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.  ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

New Wave: Icons of Modern Japanese Prints Online auction presents and introduces the essence of 20th-century Japanese woodblock print. This sale is led by a selection of Yoshida Hiroshi’s Sailing Boat, followed by Kawase Hasui’s Zojoji Temple and Konjikido. Other artists featured in this sale includes Kobayashi Kiyoshi, Elizabeth Keith, Munakata Shiko, Ito Shinsui and more. ML Staff. Content/image courtesy of Christie's

The Miami Dolphins announced they have elevated wide receiver Robbie Chosen to the active roster for Sunday's game. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Chosen has played eight NFL seasons with the N.Y. Jets (2016-19), Carolina (2020-22), Arizona (2022) and Miami (2023), totaling 120 games played and 86 starts with 379 receptions for 5,082 yards (13.4 avg.) and 30 touchdowns. Chosen also has 16 career rushing attempts for 98 yards (6.1 avg.). He played in nine games with the Dolphins in 2023, catching four passes for 126 yards (31.5 avg.) and one touchdown. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the N.Y. Jets in 2016. He played collegiately at Temple. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq. Robbie Chosen WR 6-3 185 5/9/93 9 Temple ‘16 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of Miami Dolphins and USA TODAY Sports

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and its Board of Trustees invites you to An Evening of Discovery. This ticketed event is their signature fundraiser, supporting the museum’s captivating exhibitions and vital community programs. Guests will embark on a celestial adventure with an exclusive viewing of the Journey to Space special exhibition. The space-themed evening will feature a cocktail reception followed by a three-course dinner inspired by the wonders of the cosmos. Highlighting the event, a renowned author and astrophysicist will deliver a special keynote presentation, sharing insights that bridge the mysteries of the universe with our everyday experiences. An Evening of Discovery promises an enchanting experience, blending science, culture, and philanthropy. Secure your tickets and be a part of this stellar celebration supporting Frost Science. For sponsorship and table information, please call 305-434-9596 or email advancement@frostscience.org .   By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Armina brand, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is proud to announce its expansion into the South Florida market with the opening of two new locations in Miami-Dade County. The first   is Armina Stone Miami,  a state-of-the-art stone gallery and fabrication facility in Hialeah, and the second is a luxury showroom, Armina Luxe , in the Miami Design District. These new locations will serve as premier destinations for both residential and commercial clients seeking the finest in natural stone and quartz surfaces and custom cabinetry products and services. As one of the largest natural stone importers and fabricators in the United States, the Armina brand has an established reputation for excellence with notable projects, including the recent multi-million dollar renovation of the five-star Nemacolin Resort in Pennsylvania, and partnerships with major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and IKEA.  Armina Stone Miami offers a comprehensive “one-stop-stone solution” for design, fabrication and installation services. The state-of-the-art stone gallery and fabrication facility, which opened this summer, spans 35,000 square feet and provides clients with top-tier service from start to finish. Armina Stone can handle anything from small residential projects to large-scale commercial projects.  Located at 1800 W 4th Avenue, Hialeah, Florida, Armina Stone is equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology that ensures precise and seamless stone fabrication. The company has the largest inventory of stone in the region, including unique stones not available anywhere else in Miami. Using digital technology and advanced machinery, Armina Stone’s team of experts delivers flawless results with razor-sharp accuracy. The company’s attention to quality and detail is further exemplified by its use of the highest-grade finishing machinery, with skilled artisans meticulously adding the final touches to each piece. This blend of technology and craftsmanship allows Armina Stone to consistently meet the industry’s highest standards.  Furthering its commitment to South Florida, the Armina brand will soon open Armina Luxe, a luxury showroom in the Miami Design District located at 3635 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 115E, Miami, Florida. Set to open in December 2024, the 3,250-square-foot showroom will specialize in luxury finishes and offer an unparalleled level of service, including a complimentary car service for customers between the Armina Luxe showroom and the stone gallery. Armina Luxe will offer bespoke kitchen, bath and closet solutions featuring custom Italian-crafted cabinetry and luxury finishes, along with an extensive stone collection.  Marble Calacatta Borghini (polished 2cm slab) Quartzite Crystal Delmare (polished 2cm slab) Quartzite Blue Louise (polished 2 cm slab) “South Florida is the fastest-growing region in the nation, making it the perfect place for our expansion,” said Emre Basman, Founder of Armina. “This market has incredible potential, and we are excited to offer a one-stop solution that handles everything from sourcing material to fabrication and installation, all under one roof.” Emre Basman Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Armina is known for sourcing and for having a large stock of the highest-quality stones from around the world, featuring more than 20,000 slabs of stone. Given its exceptional quality and customer service experience, Armina has been chosen by major retailers, developers, architects, home-build companies, interior designers, and homeowners seeking high-end natural stone and quartz products. For more information, please visit www.armina.com .  ABOUT ARMINA: Armina is the premier source for granite, marble, and quartz countertops, specializing in the design, fabrication, and installation of stone, cabinetry and large slab flooring of both residential and commercial projects. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Armina operates three Armina Stone locations serving the Greater Pennsylvania area. In 2024, the company expanded into the South Florida market with the opening of the Armina Stone Miami gallery and fabrication facility in Hialeah, along with the Armina Luxe showroom in the Miami Design District. Armina Stone has earned recognition as the “Best Kitchen & Bath Supplier” by Pittsburgh Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2020 and 2023, and it has received accolades such as The Cosentino Group’s 2019 “Top Fabricator in North America” Award and the 2019 Smart 50 Award for Innovation, Impact, and Sustainability. Armina is committed to delivering the highest quality in luxury products and services. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Armina

The Guatemalan Fashion Designer Lia Cohen presents the FW24 “Camellia”  Collection.  Lia Cohen is a woman-owned, designed, and produced independent fashion design studio, which creates handmade, limited-edition collections of impeccably crafted, timeless, one-of-a-kind heirlooms that are meant to be treasured and worn for generations to come. Lia Cohen specializes in elevated daywear with a playful elegance. The creations are made using traditional techniques with luxurious, high-quality imported textiles and materials, embellished with handmade details and custom prints, created by an in-house team that consists of 12 women seamstresses and designers. The goal of each piece is to make women feel authentic, confident, and powerful through what they wear. Lia Cohen celebrates dignified, empowered, and passionate women, and seeks to help them express the best version of themselves through elegant fashion. After living abroad in New York, Milan, and Paris, and working in the fashion industry for European design houses such as Custo Barcelona, Antonio Marras, John Varvatos, and Sohie Theallet; Lia Cohen returned home to Guatemala and opened her eponymous atelier in Guatemala City. Her mission is to build a prosperous design community marrying traditional techniques with modern high fashion sensibility in order to leave a legacy and transcend her art through time.  Lia Cohen also has a special scholarship program that provides opportunities in Guatemala, specifically for young, aspiring women, and women who are the breadwinners and primary leaders of their home, through job creation with the hope of growing the local design community. “In a world where fashion seems more disposable than ever, we aim to design timeless wardrobe pieces that can be passed on to generations to come. We believe in creating a dignified and empowered environment for our makers to invest their passion into the creation of modern treasures for women to reflect the best version of their authentic selves. As a slow fashion company, we focus on the creation of exclusive limited-edition collections that portray a woman’s unique natur e.” - Lia Cohen “Remember You Are Magnificent.” - Lia Cohen  Lia Cohen is available online at www.liacohen.com . By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Lia Cohen Studio

Over the past few years, we've heard a lot about how our lives will be lived out in the metaverse and other virtual realities. While these predictions haven't yet come to pass, the truth is that most of us spend a lot of time interacting with people virtually and connecting to digital platforms for entertainment. While these aren't virtual worlds in the metaverse sense, they give us a glimpse of what this entirely virtual future might hold. If you've spent time on platforms like VRChat or played games like Fortnite, you've been part of the emerging virtual world.   These platforms go beyond traditional social media  and gaming, immersing participants in a world of real-time communication, shared experiences, and interactive elements. Many people spend more time in these virtual hangout spots than physical ones in the real world. After all, these virtual spaces offer everything from entertainment to social interactions, allowing people to hang out without leaving the comfort of their homes. In this article, we take a look at how virtual worlds are changing the way we socialize.  The Rise of Virtual Hangout Spaces Hanging out virtually has become a pastime of many who want a social experience that traditional gaming and social media don't offer. Platforms like Fortnite, VRChat, and Second Life have taken on a life of their own, becoming social hubs in addition to places where people gather to play games. If you've spent any time playing Fortnite, you're probably familiar with the virtual concerts the platform hosts featuring major artists. These events draw millions of attendees who can interact with each other just like they would at a concert in a physical venue.  As one of the most popular card games in the world, a game of poker has always been a social occasion. Before the internet, if someone wanted to play poker, they'd organize a game night with friends, go to a poker room, or travel to a casino. Online casinos have changed all of that, making it possible for people to learn how to play poker  and practice the skills they've learned with people from all over the world. While there are some differences between online poker and traditional poker, the virtual poker world has become a hangout for those who want to enjoy this game on the go or from the comfort of their living rooms.  Another virtual hangout that has gained a following in recent years is VRChat, where users can create and explore user-generated worlds, socialize, attend events, or just hang out with friends. Many look to Second Life  as the original metaverse, and it is one of the first virtual social platforms. In Second Life, visitors can hold meetings, explore virtual marketplaces, and attend social gatherings. All of these hang-out spots are an example of how platforms are shifting from being only about gaming experiences and becoming fully-fledged social hubs where interacting with others is just as important as gameplay.   The Role of Technology in Enhancing Virtual Socialization As with everything online, technology has driven many of the changes we've seen in the past few years. With the price of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices falling, more and more people have the tools needed to explore these virtual worlds in ways that weren't possible before. AR and VR make everything more realistic and offer a degree of realism that's not possible just by looking at a computer or smartphone screen. High-speed internet, AI integration, and innovations in 3D environments have also played a big role in making these virtual spaces feel more tangible. While the metaverse is no longer dominating headlines, major tech companies are still exploring ways to use it in daily life. All of these changes have made it so that people are excited to spend time in these virtual hangouts, which are quickly becoming an important part of how the world socializes. In a few years, we might find that people are doing the majority of their socializing online instead of in-person. Until then, we'll have to wait to see how that turns out.  By ML staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash.