Slovenian star Primož Roglič will spearhead the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team at this year's Tour de France - the biggest cycling race of the year - and starting in 2025, a new U23 program will also bridge the gap between the juniors and the WorldTeam. Here is all you need to know: Starting with the 2024 Tour, Red Bull will join long-time partners BORA and hansgrohe as a main sponsor with 2023 Giro d'Italia and three-time Vuelta a España champion Roglič leading the charge while, starting in 2025, a new U23 program will bridge the gap to the WorldTeam. CEO Ralph Denk revealed: "We have a clear plan to become the most attractive brand in cycling. I want to find iconic riders and the development of young talents is a huge focus for us. Everything is new, not just the jersey, not just the bike... also the feeding bags and bottles for the guys." The German outfit's eight-man team selection was unveiled at a press conference in Salzburg ahead of the Grand Départ on Saturday, June 29 in Florence, Italy with Roglič joined by Jai Hindley, Aleksandr Vlasov, Matteo Sobrero, Danny van Poppel, Marco Haller, Nico Denz and Bob Jungels. Roglič is Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's main overall title hope and the 34-year-old Slovenian will be aiming to become only the eighth rider in history to complete cycling's prestigious Triple Crown after he claimed stage victories in the 2017, 2018 and 2020 editions of the Tour de France. Wearing all new colours at the innovative launch, Roglič declared: "It's crazy to be a part of this. This jersey for the start is pretty good - the yellow one is for the end." Roglič will be aided in the winning yellow jersey pursuit by experienced Grand Tour riders Hindley and Vlasov, who will be his main support entering the mountains in the second and third weeks. Australian Hindley was the 2022 Giro d'Italia champion and won a stage at the Tour de France on his debut last year, while Russian Vlasov also has one Tour under his belt - finishing top five in 2022. Italian Tour debutant Sobrero will be additional support in the mountains - just like for the team's recent triumph at the Dauphiné - while the powerful trio of Dutchman Van Poppel, Austrian Haller and German Denz aim to give confidence to the climbers by excelling on the flatter stages. The seasoned professional and Tour de France stage winner Jungels of Luxembourg knows what it takes to win a stage at cycling's pinnacle race and he will be the road captain for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. The 111th Tour de France will be Red Bull's first as a team sponsor and it will be the German team's 11th since it made its debut in 2014 after being founded in 2009 by German ex-cyclist Denk. Since its Tour debut a decade ago, BORA - hansgrohe has achieved 11 stage wins – almost half of which were achieved by green jersey points champion Peter Sagan during his five-year spell (2017-2021) at the team. The riders will use carbon fibre S-Works bikes from American brand Specialized, while Italian clothing specialist Sportful is behind its distinctive jersey design - which has been given a Red Bull refresh - with fashion and lifestyle-brand BOSS visible as a new official fashion partner. The long-term development of iconic riders is a key part of the new strategy and a further milestone in the Rookie Program, which already consists of the junior team, GRENKE - Auto Eder, as a recognized talent factory and Red Bull Junior Brothers as an innovative scouting campaign. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of RedBull

Join Frost Science during Summer Camp for a new, Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program that invites middle school students to gain leadership skills, learn about various science disciplines, and create a scientific resource or community action project under the guidance of a mentor. CITs will explore their interests in science, build their resumes, become young leaders in STEM, gain community service hours, and receive a recommendation letter for their time as a CIT. During Summer Camp, CITs will develop a science-based activity for Frost Science campers, aligning to the theme of the week or to a science topic of interest to the CIT. At the end of the week, CIT’s will lead and facilitate the activity they developed to a group of campers. LOCATION Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 TIME AND DATE July 8 - 12, 2024 Register Now By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Miami Dolphins announced they have signed their first-round pick, linebacker Chop Robinson. Robinson was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played in 22 games with 10 starts over two seasons (2022-23) at Penn State, where he totaled 41 tackles (31 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He earned first-team All-Big 10 honors and third-team All-American honors in 2023. Robinson transferred from Maryland, where he recorded 19 tackles (12 solo) and 2.0 sacks as a true freshman. By ML Staff. Content/Images courtesy of Miami Dolphins

Miles Russell, the Jacksonville native that started playing golf on the Florida Junior Tour, has now become a household name at only 15 years old. Russell made waves across the professional golf world earlier this year when he became the youngest player to ever make the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event. Russell fired rounds of 68-66-70-66 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic described his experience in an interview with the PGA TOUR as, “It was an awesome week. It was a blast,” he further explained, “The goal was to make the cut and we made it. The big goal would be top-25 and to get into next week.” Russell achieved his goal after finishing T-20 in his first ever Korn Ferry Tour event and also earning a spot into the Veritex Bank Championship the following week in Dallas. Falling just short of the cut, Russell still fired under-par rounds of 68-70 in his second consecutive Korn Ferry Tour event. Now, only a few short months later, Russell is set to make his PGA TOUR debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic which will be played at Detroit Golf Club. The tournament will begin Thursday, June 27 and Russell will tee it up at 2:11pm off of the tenth hole. The #1 ranked junior has proven himself to be quite the phenom. Not only has he won both the Junior PGA Championship and the Junior PLAYERS, but he was also the youngest player to win AJGA Player of the Year surpassing a record held by none other than Tiger Woods. In addition, he is also a member of the U.S. National Junior Team announced by the USGA earlier this year. However, before the Team Florida member achieved all of these outstanding accolades, he started his career on the Florida Junior Tour. He has captured 14 wins on the Florida Junior Tour including a victory this season at the FJT Deerwood Open. Russell also captured his first championship win at the 2021 Futures Championship where he fired a 71-66 to outlast the field by four strokes. It certainly has been fun to watch our 2021 Futures Champion develop into a world class player. Indeed, that is the goal the FSGA has for our juniors starting out and finding their way in the golf world through the Florida Junior Tour. Russell has earned a spot on Team Florida for three consecutive years as he shows outstanding sportsmanship and etiquette along with his remarkable talent for the game of golf. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of FSGA

Ukrainian Olga Kharlan warmed up for what could be her last Games this summer with European Fencing Championships team silver last week alongside compatriots Yuliya Bakastova, Alina Komashchuk and Olena Kravatska as we look back at why she became one of fencing's tactical greats. Here is all you need to know: After studying as a dancer, Kharlan started fencing aged 10 in Mykolayiv, Ukraine, under the guidance of her godfather - a fencing coach who prepared her for the crucial rapid decision-making needed in the cut and thrust of the sport. Kharlan, who featured in the 2021 Ukrainian version of the TV show 'Dancing with the Stars', explained: "When you're in the rhythm of music, it's similar to the rhythm of fencing, the rhythm of a partner to the rhythm of an opponent. Sometimes you can see some dancing moves in fencing, too." Aged just 14, Kharlan used her first prize money to help her family by paying off debts and buying a television which highlights her deep familial ties and sense of responsibility to others. Her big breakthrough on the international scene arrived at the 2008 Games where the then teenager helped win Team Sabre gold for Ukraine in China before going on to win Individual Sabre bronze in London four years later. With her fast becoming known as fencing's rising global star, Kharlan earned World Individual Sabre Gold Medals at the 2013 Budapest and 2014 Kazan editions before 2016 Games silver and bronze medals in Brazil. She declared: "Fencing's like chess at 200kph while dressed as an astronaut. It's very high level tactically and very fast, especially in sabre – we just don't have any time." Further World and European Sabre golds have followed leading into last week's 2024 European Championships in Basel where she bounced back from an early Individual Sabre defeat to help run champions France close in Team Sabre. Her success has seen her been crowned Female Athlete of the Year at the Ukrainian Heroes of Sport Awards multiple times as well as being awarded the prestigious Orders of Princess Olga and Orders for Merit in Ukraine. She has faced adversity along the way with a comeback from shoulder surgery after Rio in 2016 and - aided by media appearances in films and music videos - wants to make fencing more understandable and accessible to children with increased TV and YouTube coverage. Her snowboard prowess has also been beneficial for her fencing balance and knee work, while she was chosen as the inspiration for a fencer doll as part of the Barbie Role Models project in 2020. Kharlan, who counts her parents and American fencer Mariel Zagunis as her role models, revealed: "As a little girl, I always dreamed of having a Barbie doll [of herself] and I had one, like most girls. But I couldn't imagine that someday, I would become a Barbie doll myself." Whatever the result in France in late July and early August under the guidance of coaches Andrea Terenzio and Yevgeniy Statsenko, the right-handed sabre phenomenon Kharlan has fashioned a brilliant career which will inspire fencers just like her Italian husband Luigi Samele, who also has an impressive medal collection of his own in men's sabre. Magnanimous to the last, Kharlan said: "I always treat my rivals with respect. Before we go out onto the piste, we can be friends, talk, and on the strip we fight to the last, to show who is stronger." By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of RedBull

Summer is heating up and so are USTA Florida Adult Leagues as the Mixed 40 & Over Sectional Championships were hosted at the USTA National Campus. With four divisions in play, there were over 50 teams in attendance, all looking to stamp their ticket to nationals. Mixed play follows the normal format for USTA Leagues but sees each line of partners consist of a man and a woman. Since the competition was 6.0 and above, the duo’s combined rating would equal the rating in which they competed in. For example, two 4.0 players team up to play in the 8.0 draw. The competition was fierce, with four different counties winning each division. The 6.0 was close with Alachua and Orange County going back and forth. Coming down to the last line, Alachua pulled out the win. Over in the 7.0, it was an intense battle of South Florida tennis as Miami-Dade and Broward County were battling it out. It was a close match, with Miami winning two of the three lines. For the 8.0 Mixed matches, it was a strong showing from Okaloosa Walton Bay (OWB) County, as they went on a strong run and ended up being crowned as the champions. Finally, the 9.0 draw was another great display of Florida tennis. These athletes left everything they had on the courts, but ultimately, it was Hillsborough County that took the trophy. Broward County had a great showing this weekend, finishing second in three of the four divisions. The winners from this tournament will represent Florida at the National Championships, which are scheduled to start on November 8 in various locations. MIXED 40 & OVER SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Mixed 6.0 Championship Result: Alachua County (Jonesville Tennis Center) defeated Orange County (Sanlando Park) 2-1 No. 1 Doubles: Lisa Booth/Subramanyam Pasumarti (Alachua) d. Richard Cooper/Lisa Van Smith 7-5, 5-7, 1-0 No. 2 Doubles: Joel Montes/Yazmin Valentin (Orange) d. Angie Gomez/June Navarro 6-3, 6-4 No. 3 Doubles: Carla Intal/David Cianci (Alachua) d. Leticia Monge/Elliot Ortiz 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 Alachua County Season Roster: Jorge Torres-Vazquez (Captain), David Cianci, Sophie Marcoux, Dan Harloff, Carla Intal, Subramanyam Pasumarti, Robert Tangeman, Linda Garcia-Crespo, Lisa Booth, Jodi Cox, Joseph Cox IV, June Navarro, Anthony Gonzalez, Cara Duffaut, Jillian Lee, Angie Gomez Mixed 7.0 Championship Result: Miami-Dade County (Key Biscayne Tennis Association) defeated Broward County (Weston Racquet Club) 2-1 No. 1 Doubles: Paulette Janice Snagg/Mario Rosa (Miami) d. Maria Lanza/Roberto Palma 6-3, 6-4 No. 2 Doubles: Marianne Rivas/Victor Rodriguez (Broward) d. Gricel Boto Bernales/Carlos Nicolopulos 6-3, 7-5 No. 3 Doubles: Lissette Viloria/Mel Tejada (Miami) d. Chagin Buaiz/Daniela Hernandez 6-4, 7-5 Miami Dade County Season Roster: Schubert Sengupta (Captain), Ana Pastorino, Claudia Taboada, Ivan Castro, Mel Tejada, Gricel Boto Bernales, Julieta Peralta, Paulette Janice Snagg, Mario Rosa, Carlos Nicolopulos, Federico Molinari, Thomas Tamayo, Lissette Viloria, Jennifer Roque Mixed 8.0 Championship Result: Okaloosa Walton Bay Counties (Rosemary Beach Racquet Club) defeated Broward County (Midtown Athletic Club Weston) 2-1 No. 1 Doubles: Todd Zaborski/Katie Robinson (OWB) d. Yvonne Dacal/Antonio Maciasvaldes 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 No. 2 Doubles: Akiko Ichimasa/Lubomir Kaderjak (OWB) d. Pedro Reggiardo/Maria Moreno 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 No. 3 Doubles: Ronald Coletto/Garbine De La Mora (Broward) won via Default OWB County Season Roster: Todd Zaborski (Captain), Carlye Zaborski, Ashley Edmonds, Bart Salim, Katie Robinson, Hari Prasad, Ashley Goyne, Akiko Ichimasa, Lubomir Kaderjak, Ingo Riemer Mixed 9.0 Championship Result: Hillsborough County (HCC Tennis Complex) defeated Broward County (Midtown Athletic Club Weston) 2-1 No. 1 Doubles: Sharon Runk/Andres Lozano (Broward) d. Anthony Hatori/Gail Gibson 4-6, 3-4 Retired No. 2 Doubles: Ignacio Molina/Maki Smith (Hills) d. Antonio Necuze/Gabriela Castanon 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 No. 3 Doubles: Manuel Alvarez/Stephanie Means (Hills) d. Naisha Joseph/Miguel Fundora 6-2, 6-0 Hillsborough County Season Roster: Joe Orsini (Captain), Gail Gibson, Stephanie Means, Maki Smith, Lilivette Arroyo, Jeffrey Stern, Stephanie Wager, Manuel Alvarez, Gerardo Cuevas, Anthony Hatori, Amy Lyons, Edwin Jagger, Ignacio Molina, Christina Dorothy, Scott Schuhriemen Interested in joining a USTA Florida Adult League team? Visit ustaflorida.com/leagues and learn how you can get involved. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of Jaret Kappelman Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida

The PGA TOUR today announced that Andy Weitz has been named Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and Executive Vice President, Investor Relations, for the TOUR’s global operations. In the role, Weitz will be responsible for positioning the PGA TOUR brand for current and future investment while communicating its global strategy and performance to the TOUR’s stakeholders and beyond. “As our business continues to evolve and grow, Andy will be an invaluable addition to the PGA TOUR given his experience as a trusted advisor to many of the world’s largest and most influential companies,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “With his track record of helping global companies tell their stories and engage their stakeholders, as well as his deep knowledge of the business community, Andy will be instrumental in further elevating the PGA TOUR brand and helping our organization grow.” In addition to overseeing marketing and communications for the PGA TOUR, Weitz will take on a newly created investor relations role that is responsible for developing messaging and communicating strategy for PGA TOUR Enterprises, a for profit subsidiary of PGA TOUR, Inc., incorporated earlier this year. In January, the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) made an initial investment of $1.5 billion – with up to $3 billion available – into the new commercial venture, and this funding will allow the PGA TOUR to make significant strategic investments to enhance the PGA TOUR experience for fans and players, and benefitting tournaments, sponsors and other constituents. Through the PGA TOUR Enterprises structure, the PGA TOUR unveiled a Player Equity Program, a first in professional sports. PGA TOUR players now have an investor stake in the TOUR’s commercial growth, which creates alignment between the organization’s athletes and the strategic investments that will further grow the game and engage the next generation of fans. “With the launch of PGA TOUR Enterprises and the investment made by SSG, the PGA TOUR’s business has grown significantly in value, opportunity and complexity,” said Joe Gorder, PGA TOUR Enterprises Board Chairman. “This new role is important to the PGA TOUR’s ability to successfully execute its strategy and deliver an engaging, satisfying future product for fans.” “In our search, Andy’s experience and clear ability to use a mix of techniques to reach and engage everyone from Main Street consumers to Wall Street investors stood out,” said Ed Herlihy, PGA TOUR Policy Board Chairman. “I am confident Andy will contribute enormously to the organization’s future success.” Weitz comes to the PGA TOUR following a decade at Aon plc, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for the global professional services firm. During his tenure at Aon, Weitz led the integration of the worldwide marketing and communications team and the unification of its global brand strategy, including a rationalization of its sponsorship portfolio, which included properties across Premier League football, Formula One racing, Major League Baseball, the National Football League and international rugby. While at Aon, Weitz was also responsible for leading the firm’s widely recognized brand building efforts, especially advancements in its use of digital strategies to engage the firm’s colleagues, clients and investors. In 2019, Aon established an Official Marketing Partnership with the PGA TOUR, beginning with the award-winning “Aon Risk Reward Challenge” that launched simultaneously on the LPGA Tour and was the first program to offer equal prize money to winners on the men’s and women’s tours. At that time, Aon also became a worldwide partner of the Ryder Cup and introduced the “Nicklaus/Jacklin Award presented by Aon,” which recognizes the player that best represents the spirit of each Ryder Cup competition. More recently, Aon evolved its PGA TOUR relationship to include naming rights to the new eligibility paths for Signature Events, known as the Aon Next 10 and the Aon Swing 5, and transitioned the Aon Risk Reward Challenge into “Aon Better Decision Breakdowns” to emphasize the use of real-time data during in-telecast segments to analyze player decisions. In parallel, the firm has continued it successful Aon Risk Reward Challenge program with the LPGA. “I’ve seen the power of the PGA TOUR brand firsthand, as both a fan and a partner, and am truly excited to play a role in growing its global impact at this transformative moment,” Weitz said. “As the organization evolves, it’s critical that we stay focused on fan priorities, aligned with player interests and accountable to partner and investor expectations. I’m looking forward to listening to and learning from all our stakeholders.” Prior to joining Aon in 2014, Weitz was U.S. President and Chief Executive Officer of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a leading global strategic communications consultancy in the WPP portfolio. While there, he also served as Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. region and as Vice-Chair of the global Corporate Advisory Practice, which included the financial, internal, corporate communications and public affairs practices of the global firm. Weitz holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Weitz and his family will relocate to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this summer, and formally begin his work with the PGA TOUR in mid-August. The PGA TOUR thanks its partners at Korn Ferry for the successful completion of this important executive search. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of PGA

ICA Miami presents “Rose Marie Cromwell: A Geological Survey,” the artist’s first solo museum exhibition, featuring her most recent body of work from 2022–23, in which she applies her own interpretation to the storied tradition of landscape photography. A personal reflection on identity, coming-of-age, and familial relationships, the series of photographs follows the artist, her mother, and her young daughter on a journey through the American West. Juxtaposing this deeply personal endeavor with broader social and ecological concerns, the visually compelling and moving photographs contend with the complex history of the region and the loaded legacy of artistic depictions of landscape. Rose Marie Cromwell (b. 1983, Sacramento; based in Miami) is a photo and video artist whose work explores the effects of globalization on the local as well as the tenuous space between the political and the spiritual. Her first book, El Libro Supremo de la Suerte, was published in 2018 by TIS books and was awarded the Light Work Photobook Prize and named one of the 25 Best Photobooks of 2018 by TIME magazine. In 2021, she published two books, Eclipse (TIS books) and A More Fluid Atmosphere (Pomegranate Press). She has had solo exhibitions at DiabloRosso and Antítesis, both in Panama City, Panama; Institute 193, Lexington, Kentucky; and Filter Photo, Chicago. Her work has also been exhibited at Aperture Foundation, New York; High Museum, Atlanta; PRIZM Art Fair, Miami; TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image, Philadelphia; and the Silver Eye Center for Photography, Pittsburgh; among many others. Cromwell is the recipient of a Fulbright grant and a Getty Reportage grant, was a Light Work artist in residence, and was an artist in residence at Oolite Arts in Miami. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Institu of Contemporary Art Miami

Two years ago, Henderson was hired as assistant director for USPA Umpires, LLC. In that position, he helps with scheduling, evaluating and supporting professional umpires. He also travels quite a bit, visiting as many clubs as he can. “I meet with club management, talking about the umpires and what the program can do to help them,” he said. Joe Henderson Assistant Director, Umpires LLC Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, in a ranching and farming environment, Henderson started playing polo with his family when he was just 10 years old. His grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all played. His father held a 5-goal handicap and an uncle was 6 goals. His sister Alison currently lives in Aiken, South Carolina, where she plays. “When I was a kid, we didn’t have trucks and trailers, so we used to ride our horses out to the polo field on the weekend, play them Saturday and Sunday, and ride them two hours home,” he explained. He attended Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal where he played rugby and cricket. Following college, he completed two years of compulsory military training. “All I wanted to do was play polo, but there were no professionals in South Africa, so that wasn’t an option for me,” he said. “The only place you could try to make a life was in the U.S. or England, and the U.S. was year-round.” His dad encouraged him to move to the U.S. when he was 20. He landed his first job in Detroit, Michigan, as a groom. When a playing opportunity came up in Los Angeles, California, he moved West. He went on to play throughout California, at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Empire and Eldorado Polo Clubs. He also played occasionally in Florida and England. Later in his playing career, he split his time between California and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He went on to earn an 8-goal handicap on grass, and compiled an impressive list of tournament titles, including the Pacific Coast Open, C.V. Whitney Cup, America Cup, North America Cup and the Bronze Trophy. In the arena, he rose to the pinnacle of the sport as one of only four players to ever reach a 10-goal handicap. He made a name for himself in the pro arena leagues in Los Angeles, and counted wins in the U.S. Arena Open, the U.S. Arena Handicap and the Arena Delegates Cup. He was recognized in 1993 as the Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Open, and won the Hugo Dalmar Award for sportsmanship in 1996. “Polo is the only job I have been lucky enough to ever have, first as a pro and now working for Umpires LLC,” he said. Though not in an official capacity, Henderson had plenty of experience umpiring. Most of his playing career was before there were professional umpires. Back then, the pros would take turns umpiring. Eventually, he did get an umpire certification. He still rides in the summertime, and outside of polo, he likes to play golf and fish. When time allows, he loves going back to Africa, taking trips to see the country’s wild animals. He also enjoys quieter times, doing the New York Times’ Sunday crossword puzzle. Someday, he would like the opportunity to travel around Europe. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of United States Polo Association

Nigo, the Japanese Artistic Director of Kenzo, chose the gardens of the Palais Royal to stage his new collection. Unfolding on a runway of gold-painted sand, the women’s and men’s silhouettes presented a wardrobe that updates traditional pieces, nurtured by an ongoing creative exchange with the archives of Kenzo Takada. The fusion of Japanese heritage and the Kenzo’s Parisian spirit takes on new meaning with this collection. Menswear expresses an East-West sensibility in sporty outwear, relaxed tailoring or baggy satin pants informed by the tobi-shoku  worn by Japanese scaffolders. The women’s silhouettes are about sophistication with effortless comfort. Revisiting archival pieces, draped scarf dresses with elongated fringing are joined by wrap dresses for an ethereal silhouette. Crocheted evening dresses exude a relaxed sensuality. The traditional Japanese kimono inspires new creations. The obi kimono belt is adapted into skirts and tops. Flared kimono sleeves impart an elegant cut to jackets. Flower and plant motifs adorn the looks, from founder Kenzo Takada’s favorite peonies to the Japanese boke and bamboo forests. The Eiffel Tower makes a special guest appearance amidst luxuriant nature, inspired by ink-wash paintings. Dragonflies – an ancient Japanese symbol of the refusal to retreat in the face of adversity – appear throughout the collection, as do the tiger and elephant, Kenzo emblems portrayed by graphic artist Verdy. Fishing bags, a traditional Edo-period knapsack modernized as a backpack and bags inspired by furoshiki folding bring a resolutely contemporary accent to tradition. Shoes feature traditional Jojo sandals designed with heritage artisan Gion Naito of Kyoto. Traditionally worn with the kimono, the sandals become a wardrobe staple, symbolizing a collection proud of its heritage and firmly anchored in the present. ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Proper catering supplies are the backbone of any successful culinary operation. Whether you’re a professional chef orchestrating a large event or a home chef preparing a special meal, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. This guide dives into the essential catering supplies that will streamline your cooking and ensure that your culinary creations shine. We’ll cover everything from kitchen equipment to serving gear, food storage solutions to health and safety supplies, providing you with the ultimate resource to elevate your catering game. Image by Microgen / Adobestock Kitchen Equipment A well-equipped kitchen starts with high-quality cookware and bakeware. Essential pots and pans include a sturdy frying pan, a versatile saucepan, and a large stockpot. These are your workhorses for most cooking tasks. For specialized needs, consider adding a sauté pan for quick searing and a Dutch oven for slow-cooked meals. When it comes to bakeware, invest in a few key pieces: a reliable baking sheet, a muffin tin, and a couple of cake pans. These will cover a wide range of baking needs, from cookies to cakes to savory dishes. Knives are arguably the most important tools in any kitchen. A good chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife will handle most cutting tasks. Maintaining your knives is equally important, so include a knife sharpener or honing steel in your kit. Cutting boards are essential for protecting your knives and keeping your work area clean. Opt for a sturdy wooden board for most tasks and a plastic one for handling raw meat to prevent cross-contamination. Small appliances can significantly enhance your efficiency in the kitchen. A stand mixer is invaluable for baking, while a hand mixer can handle smaller tasks. Food processors and blenders are perfect for pureeing soups, making sauces, and chopping vegetables quickly. For more advanced cooking techniques, consider investing in specialty appliances like a sous-vide machine for precise temperature control or an immersion blender for blending soups directly in the pot. Image by Atlas / Adobestock Food Storage And Transportation Proper food storage is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing waste. Invest in a variety of containers made from durable materials like plastic, glass, or stainless steel. Airtight containers are perfect for storing dry goods, while glass containers are ideal for reheating leftovers in the microwave. Labeling your containers with dates helps keep track of freshness and reduces food waste. For catering events, transporting food safely and efficiently is paramount. Insulated carriers keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, ensuring they arrive at the perfect temperature. Cooler boxes and ice packs are essential for transporting perishables. When transporting food, always follow safety guidelines to prevent spoilage and contamination. This includes keeping cold foods below 40°F and hot foods above 140°F. Explore https://cmjjgourmet.com/ for more info on the right packaging required for both. Serving Equipment Serving utensils are the unsung heroes of any catered event. Essential tools include tongs, ladles, and serving spoons. These utensils allow you to serve food hygienically and efficiently. For specific dishes, consider specialty utensils like pie servers, salad tongs, and cake cutters. Having a variety of serving tools ensures that you’re prepared for any type of cuisine or event. Presentation is key in catering. Use platters and trays to arrange food attractively, and consider chafing dishes to keep dishes warm during service. Garnishing tools like squeeze bottles, tweezers, and peelers can help you add the perfect finishing touches to your presentation. The way food is displayed can significantly impact guests’ perceptions, so invest time and resources into creating visually appealing setups. Disposable serving ware offers convenience, especially for large events. However, eco-friendly options are becoming increasingly popular. Compostable plates, biodegradable cutlery, and recyclable cups are excellent choices for reducing environmental impact. Not only do they offer convenience, but they also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, which can be a selling point for eco-conscious clients. Image by SDF_QWE / Adobestock Specialty And Event-Specific Supplies Outdoor and BBQ events require specialized equipment. Grills, smokers, and outdoor cooking stations are essential for preparing food on-site. Tools like long-handled tongs, grill brushes, and meat thermometers are necessary for handling and cooking food safely. Also, consider portable tables and shelters to create a functional outdoor kitchen. Beverage catering requires a unique set of supplies. For coffee and tea service, you’ll need quality urns, airpots, and tea kettles. Bar equipment includes shakers, strainers, jiggers, and a variety of glassware. Stock up on beverage napkins, stirrers, and garnish trays to ensure a smooth and professional service. Themed and seasonal events often require specific decor and equipment. For a beach-themed party, you might need tiki torches, beach umbrellas, and tropical serving ware. Seasonal supplies, such as holiday-themed tableware and decorations, help create a festive atmosphere. Having a diverse collection of themed and seasonal supplies allows you to cater to a wide range of events and client preferences. Conclusion Having the right catering supplies is essential for any culinary operation, whether professional or at home. From kitchen equipment to serving gear, and food storage solutions to health and safety supplies, being well-equipped ensures efficiency, quality, and a seamless culinary experience. By investing in the right tools and maintaining high standards, you can elevate your catering game and impress your guests with every meal. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock

Whether you are looking to finance a new business, pay for an unexpected expense, or make a major purchase, a loan is often the first place to turn. But not all loans are created equal. In fact, there are several different types that cater to a variety of individual needs. For instance, short term loans in the UK and long-term loans each have specific features that make them suited to different situations. Image by makibestphoto / Adobestock What are Short-Term Loans? Short term loans are generally smaller in amount and are designed to be repaid within a year, although the exact term can vary. These loans are typically accessible even by people with less-than-perfect credit and can be used for a wide range of purposes such as unexpected repairs or bills, medical emergencies, or bridging a temporary financial shortfall. What are Long-Term Loans? Long term loans, on the other hand, have a repayment period that extends beyond one year. They are primarily used for significant expenses or investments, such as buying a home or starting a business. Given their larger size and longer repayment period, they typically require a more rigorous credit check and approval process. Image by Small Smiles_dimple / Adobestock Key Differences Interest rate is one of the most noticeable differences between short-term and long-term loans. As short-term loans often carry a higher risk for the lender due to the quick repayment time, their interest rate is usually higher than that of long-term loans. On the other hand, due to the extended repayment period, even though long-term loan interest rates are lower, the total interest paid over time can be significantly higher. Apart from interest rates, the repayment plans also reflect significant differences. A short-term loan usually involves making regular, often monthly, repayments over a period of up to a year. On the other hand, a long-term loan usually involves lower monthly repayments, as the debt is spread out over a more extended period. This difference can greatly affect your monthly budget. Choosing the Right Loan for Your Needs With these differences in mind, it's crucial to choose the loan that best aligns with both your current financial situation and your long-term financial goals. For immediate needs or smaller expenses, a short-term loan may be a practical and efficient choice. However, for larger, more long-term purchases or investments, a long-term loan might be more cost-effective in the long run, despite the longer commitment. The level of risk involved is also a noteworthy consideration. Choosing a loan with a repayment plan you can reliably stick to will protect your credit score and help you stay in control of your finances. Image by Drazen / Adobestock Before committing to any loan, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, repayment plan, and potential penalties for late or missed payments. When used responsibly, both short-term and long-term loans can be effective tools in managing your finances and achieving your financial goals. No matter whether it is for an immediate need or for a long term purpose, thorough research and consideration will help you choose the loan that best suits your needs. By ML Staff. Images coutresy of Adobestock