The leading hunger relief organization in South Florida will host its Annual Outrun Hunger 5K. Runners, walkers, families and community leaders of all ages will come together to take steps to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida at Tropical Park in Miami. Currently in South Florida, there are over 1.2 million food insecure individuals, and 1 in 9 individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal. Registration is currently open to all four counties that Feeding South Florida serves including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe at: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ Participants can join the event as an individual or a team. Those not participating in the race may also support the organization by creating a personalized fundraising page when they register. By ML Staff. Top image courtesy Unsplash.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to present Juan Francisco Elso: Por América. Open November 1, 2023, Elso’s show will also be celebrated during Miami Art Week with a public opening on Tuesday, December 5, followed by a curator-led walkthrough on Saturday, December 9. On view through March 17, 2024 (L-R) Installation view of Juan Francisco Elso’s Corazón de America [Heart of America], and El Rostro de Dios [The Face of God],1987-88. Photo by Martin Seck. Courtesy of El Museo del Barrio. Juan Francisco Elso: Por América is a captivating retrospective of the late Cuban artist’s career; part of the first generation of artists born and educated in post-revolutionary Cuba, Elso was a pioneer in Cuban art who created sculptures using natural materials. The artist gained international recognition in the mid-1980’s before dying of leukemia at the age of 32. The exhibition gathers nearly the entirety of the late artist’s works in the largest survey of his career to date. As visitors experience these works in dialogue with that of generations of Cuban, Caribbean, and American artists, they will also witness the evolution of his practice, from his experimentation with new materials to incorporating spirituality, ritual, and decolonial ideals. A visceral representation of the artists’ journey throughout his short career, Por América spotlights Elso’s experimental process as a focal point. “What has made Por América so special for me is seeing how Elso's poignant and personal art continues to resonate, even forty years later, across a vast range of audiences,” says co-curator Olga Viso. “Whether presented in New York, Phoenix, or Miami, where there are strikingly different cultural histories of migration and colonial legacies, the timeless, humanist concerns of Elso's art strike a powerful and memorable chord. Anyone who has had any kind of exile experience or experience of migration will appreciate the narratives that Elso's art unfolds." Por América is co-organized by guest curator Olga Viso and Susanna V. Temkin, curator at El Museo del Barrio, the show’s organizing institution. At MOCA, the exhibition gathers more than 70 works by over 30 artists, including Glenn Ligon, Tania Bruguera, Belkis Ayón, with new commissions by Tiona Nekkia McClodden and Reynier Leyva Novo. Assembling Elso’s works alongside work by Jamea Richmond-Edwards and Chris Friday in a group presentation, the exhibition investigates contemporary Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American identities shaped by Indigenous traditions, Afro-Caribbean beliefs, and the impact of colonial oppression. This is illustrated throughout the show as Elso’s works are used as pillars, or centerpieces, to which generations of artists, students, and Elso’s peers respond. The result being a conversation between past and present, where ideas introduced by Elso are reflected back some 40 years later through a contemporary lens. “We are excited to share this show in Miami where the political and spiritual dialogues between Elso’s works and that of the artists represented feel particularly resonant with the city’s diasporic communities.” said Susanna V. Temkin, curator at El Museo del Barrio. Previously exhibited at El Museo del Barrio in New York and the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona, Por América is the first traveling survey of Elso’s work in the United States since the early 1990s, presenting a rare opportunity for MOCA’s audiences to experience these pieces. Accompanying Elso’s show, a full-colored catalog will be published, championing the important scholarship related to the exhibition with new texts and essays by curators and scholars. Juan Francisco Elso: Essays on América, the first comprehensive bilingual study dedicated to the artist, is co-published by El Museo del Barrio and Miami-based [NAME] Publications, featuring texts by Jimmie Durham; Coco Fusco; Fernando Gómez; Orlando Hernández; Graciela Iturbide; Erica Moiah James; Magali Lara; Corina Matamoros; Cuauhtémoc Medina; Gean Moreno; Javier Téllez; Olga Viso; and Rachel Weiss. Miami Art Week Programming and Schedule MOCA will celebrate their fall exhibitions with a Miami Art Week reception on Tuesday, Dec. 5 to include a private VIP reception (invitation only) from 6–8 p.m., and open to the public from 8–10 p.m. The museum will also hold an Artist and Curator-led Exhibition Tour on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. The museum will also offer extended hours throughout the week. In MOCA’s continued efforts to include diverse voices and perspectives, the exhibitions will be accompanied by a robust series of educational and public programming. The museum’s extended hours for Miami Art Week: Saturday, Dec. 2: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. *MIAMI ART WEEK RECEPTION 6 –8 p.m. (VIP), 8 –10 p.m. (Public) RSVP: https://111401.blackbaudhosting.com/111401/Art-Week-2023-Public-Opening Wednesday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 7: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Public Reception: $15 Earlybird rate (valid until 11:59pm on December 4), $20 on December 5 (online and at the door), $10 for seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities; and free for MOCA Members, City of North Miami residents and City of North Miami Employees. More on the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami MOCA North Miami presents contemporary art and its historical influences through exhibitions, educational programs, and collections. Inspired by its surrounding communities, MOCA connects diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas and voices and nurturing a lifelong love of the arts. MOCA developed from the Center of Contemporary Art which was inaugurated in 1981. The establishment of the permanent collection coincided with the institution’s move into their current building designed by Charles Gwathmey of GSNY in 1996. Under the direction of Executive Director Chana Sheldon and a newly installed Board of Trustees, MOCA showcased My Name is Maryan curated by Alison Gingeras during Miami Art Week in 2021, which traveled to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in late 2022. An accompanying exhibition catalog highlighting key works will be published, along with other archival imagery and critical essays. The museum also premiered AFRICOBRA: Messages to the People during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2018. AFRICOBRA: Nation Time, the next chapter of the exhibition, was selected as an official Collateral Event of Biennale Arte 2019 in Venice, Italy. Other original exhibitions include: Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè curated by Erica Moiah James, Ph.D (2022), Michael Richards: Are You Down? co-curated by Alex Fialho and Melissa Levin (2021), Raul de Nieves: Eternal Return and The Obsidian Heart curated by Risa Puleo (2020), and Alice Rahon: Poetic Invocations curated by Teresa Arcq (2019). Support: Juan Francisco Elso: Por América is organized by El Museo del Barrio and guest curated by Olga Viso, Selig Family Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at Phoenix Art Museum and Senior Advisor for Global Partnerships in the Arts at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, in collaboration with Susanna V. Temkin, curator at El Museo del Barrio. The exhibition is made possible thanks to major support from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Commissions are made possible by VIA Art Fund and the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. Its presentation at Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is made possible with major support from Shirley and William M. Lehman, Jr. Additional support was provided by Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer, the Funding Arts Network, NV2A Group, and the Wege Foundation. We also thank The Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation for their generous support. MOCA North Miami is generously funded by​ the North Miami Mayor and Council and the City of North Miami; the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. MOCA is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Fine & Greenwald Foundation and the Sol Taplin Charitable Foundation. Founding support for the MOCA Sustainability Fund provided by the Green Family Foundation Trust. We also thank our Board of Trustees, Curator’s Circle, and MOCA Members for their meaningful support. www.mocanomi.org | @mocanomi By ML staff. Image courtesy of El Museo del Barrio

As Art Basel fast approaches, we are highlighting design driven brands including Danish Fine Jewelry Designer Fie Isolde. Fie Isolde tapped Mark Kremer of Extra Ordinary Studio to bring the new flagship LA boutique to life. “The concept for the store includes contemporary architectural interventions in a historic, worn space. It's about highlighting, reflecting, and celebrating the beauty in a space that has tons of history and patina. This resonated with Fie as it reminded her of the architecture of her hometown in Copenhagen where decades, if not centuries of people, have been adding and subtracting to its built environment -- creating spaces that speak to their past identities. The challenge with pulling off this concept was that the initial space was a completely bland white box that was built in 2018. We pulled it off in a few ways, but the biggest move was to incorporate monolithic columns that are mis-aligned, buried in walls, and intersecting with display cases in intentionally odd and unique ways. We wanted these columns to feel like they'd been around for a century -- beat up, stained, chipped away, with residues and paint stains left behind. We're so lucky to be in Hollywood where there's so many talented people who create imaginary sets that helped us bring this concept to life. I think part of what drew Fie to working with me is that I have a background in experiential design in addition to interiors. Because of that, the way I approach a project is about distilling down a brand's identity and communicating that in a space. It's not just about chasing down the next viral couch, trendy tile, or paint finish, but really about telling a story through materials and space. Fie's jewelry is so much about this heirloom quality and it's so organic and wearable. For me, this concept of an architectural palimpsest felt perfect. Additionally, we decided to use hints of green in the space to really make the gold jewelry pop -- a little visual trick to highlight the color of the metal and the gems. We also designed custom merchandising units that are 3D-printed rocks, reminiscent of the forms of Fie's jewelry. It's amazing to see the jewelry on them because you're able to paint a clearer image of Fie's process in creating these gorgeous pieces.” - Mark Kremer, Extra Ordinary Studio Fie Isolde eternalizes one's life memories, creating captivating fine jewelry designed to become an irresistible part of life, made with exceptional materials, and exquisitely designed for generations to come. Fie Isolde pieces are meant to be collected and worn to cherish, make memories, and celebrate milestones. All Fie Isolde jewelry is designed to meld, layer, or stack with other Fie Isolde items in order to build a personalized and stunning collection over time. Founded by LA-based, Danish-born designer Fie Isolde in 2018, the eponymous, unisex collectible fine jewelry brand offers custom, unique, and handmade pieces crafted with precious metals like 14k and 18k gold, and gemstones including diamonds, amethysts, sapphires, tourmalines, emeralds, tsavorite, and more. Every piece of jewelry is created and inspected by 3-4 experienced jewelers before leaving the workshop. Every piece is designed and sculpted in hot wax by Fie Isolde herself. Once the wax models are done, they get carefully cast in precious materials, finished, and set with diamonds or precious stones by experienced jewelers located in downtown LA. Fie Isolde’s production is equipped to manufacture both one-of-a-kind pieces and larger in-stock orders, using recycled gold and sustainable materials. Turning her passion for gold, diamonds, and precious stones into her own line of fine jewelry handcrafted pieces, Fie Isolde is fine jewelry with Scandinavian grace and Los Angeles sophistication, honoring the refined. The Danish-born jewelry designer was inspired to begin her eponymous brand after losing her mother at age 25. “To me, jewelry embodies much more than mere material possessions; it encapsulates genuine emotions and irreplaceable memories. At 25, I experienced the profound loss of my beloved mother, a loss that deeply impacted me. Her precious jewelry became the most valuable and meaningful physical reminder of her presence in my family's life. Every time I touch her jewelry, I feel an intimate connection to her soul and the love she had for our family. This emotional bond became the driving force behind my venture, Fie Isolde, where I design unique and cherished jewelry meant to become cherished heirlooms. These collectible pieces are intended to be treasured and passed down, allowing you to build your own meaningful collection throughout your life. Designing unique fine jewelry pieces for any person to wear holds an indescribable significance for me. “ – Fie Isolde FIE ISOLDE Address: 953 N Sycamore Ave, Suite 100 Los Angeles Store Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11am - 5pm Phone #: 323-366-2980 Instagram: www.instagram.com/fieisolde

In an area of South Florida yet unchartered for arts and cultural events, OMSA GALLERY opens its doors, going from a once Pop-up Gallery in 2021 to having a curating director and a full calendar year showcasing a vibrant roster of local, international, emerging and established artists. Patricia Schnall Gutierrez, Visiting Manet's Beach, 2023, charcoal on Arches paper, 72"x90" In this move OMSA establishes itself as a world class gallery and exhibition space, garnering the 2023 ABC construction award. Located in Ft. Lauderdale’s Southwest Ranches area, the gallery's mission is to cultivate a cultural hub in this area of South Florida, establishing relationships, empowering creativity, inspiring collectors. Starting off the calendar year, OMSA Gallery presents an all female roster featuring a figurative show that borders on the sublime. Julia Rivera,It is our Ability to Recognize, Accept & Celebrate Our Differences. Image courtesy of the artist Open to Public Dec. 2 – Feb. 15 | FEMALE, FIGURATIVELY | Selected works by 7 female artists on the female form. OMSA GALLERY begins the 2024 Art Calendar Year with a poignant group exhibit: Female, Figuratively, Selected works by 7 female artists on the female form. Amy Laskin Rooted in Her Story, Oil on Linen, 17" X 14" inches Medium: oil on linen. Image courtesy of the artist The exhibit opens with a VIP exclusive Preview Evening days ahead of the Basel Week bustle with former Formula-3 race car driver now award-winning Chef Vincent Gourmet at the helm of a 5-course experience with wine pairing. The Artist, Patricia Schnall Gutierrez will be present in their first of a series of “Chef’s Table w/ Artist Present” events for collectors to preview each opening exhibit for the coming year. Veronica Pasman, Steps, 2023, Acrylic and pencil on watercolor paper, 42” x 10 yards The show includes brand new and recent works by Sofia Balut Paéz, Marina Font, Heidi Lanino, Amy Laskin, Veronica Pasman, Julia Rivera and Patricia Schnall Gutierrez in what is a poignant and shared narrative, a herstory that speaks to all of us on the ways that are uniquely female. Something in each of their oeuvre that is a peaceful resilience, a loving out loud, a silent certitude of who they are in their own skin. There are tones that reference classical Greco-Roman notion of beauty and gradually deconstructs into a contemporary vernacular. Marina Font, The Crown, mixed media on paper. Image courtesy of the artist After several POP-UP Exhibits in 2021, resulting in a resounding response, Gallerists, Dr. Ramon Perez and his wife, Jasmin Batir Perez, set out to expand their space to encompass a 3000-square foot, state of the art exhibit hall. To consolidate their vision, they hired on the Argentine born, NY savvy, Miami curator, Daniella Sforza, as Curating Director of Exhibits. Currently the gallery is scheduling a year of poignant exhibits that speak to contemporary issues, while bridging the divide, rather than a political approach, choosing a poetic path to encourage thoughtful contemplation rather than hotbed reactions so prevalent in today’s public conversation. Sofia Balut Paez, La Divina Union, 2023, oil on linen. Image courtesy of the artist Empowering Creativity, Inspiring Collectors. OMSA GALLERY is dedicated to fostering a vibrant artistic community, curating, and exhibiting exceptional works of art from international and local, emerging, mid-career and established artists as well as from the secondary market. OMSA GALLERY seeks to cultivate new art collectors, connecting them with unique works and artists, while also providing unparalleled service and support to seasoned collectors to bulild legacy collections. Our dedication to artistic expression and the growth of an art presence in our community drives us to create a space that bridges the gap between art creators and art lovers. To enrich lives by building relationships through the power of art. Heidi Lanino, Venus Gaze, acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist OMSA GALLERY 15661 Sheridan Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33331 www.omsagallery.com @omsagallery By ML Staff. Images courtesy of the artists

Lisa Kinzelberg, in partnership with Volgesang Gallery, Brussels, will for the first time exhibit her art outside of Chicago to an international audience during Art Basel Miami Week, Dec. 5-10, 2023, at the CONTEXT Art Miami fair, booth A16. Lisa’s highly textured abstract oil paintings have been described as powerful, universal and “poetic.” A lover of Philosophy, Kinzelberg sees a parallel between her complex layering of paint to an inward feeling of “trying,” a trapped-versus-free-duality of the human condition, producing an aesthetic similar to primitive cave drawings to voice primal feeling and experience. Coming from a long line of percussionists, she intentionally interrupts lines, sculpts and composes the surface of her canvas, strategically covering and revealing markings to produce a highly evocative composition, color field and texture. She explains, “I want the raw markings of color in my works to deliver a powerful yet quiet energy, the energy we feel when we are aware of our own consciousness – the “awe” of human being.” She continues, “I embrace conflict and duality in my work, and in life – the feeling of beauty and truth in pain or ugliness, light in darkness. My art is crying and vulnerable, yet triumphant.” Kinzelberg’s work is currently exhibited at Virgil Catherine Gallery in Hinsdale, Illinois, and is part of private collections around the U.S. She was recently featured in The North Shore Weekend; Hinsdale Living; on the cover of Sheridan Road Magazine; as well as in North Shore Modern Luxury Magazine as a "local influencer." Representing an international group of established and upcoming artists, Vogelsang Gallery is a contemporary Art Gallery based in Brussels, Belgium. Vogelsang Gallery's main focus is discovering and representing their artists to a mature audience. Vogelsang Gallery also generates a continuous and culturally relevant dialogue with art enthusiasts and private collectors by surfacing and connecting them to exciting and innovative artistic talent. For more information, visit lisakinzelbergart.com By ML staff. Image courtesy of Lisa Kinzelberg.

Picture yourself on a beach, listening to the waves and feeling the sand beneath your feet while the sun gently warms you. It's hard to resist the beach's allure as a respite from the pressures of academic life. As students, we often spend all of our waking hours working on schoolwork, which leaves us with little time for fun or self-care. A healthy beach lifestyle can help you strike a balance between the demands of school and the liberating effects of the sun and surf. This essay takes you on a journey to discover how learning and the coast complement one another. The seashore stands out as a unique but useful learning environment in addition to the typical study spots. For our research, we are starting with the simple but profound idea that the beach's healing properties can help both our health and our study times. The Benefits of Beach Life on Wellness The beach, with its wide open space of water meeting the sky, is more than just a pretty sight; it's also a natural way to deal with the stress of school. One of the best benefits is that it can help relieve stress. The sound of the waves crashing and the wide view of the distance make for a relaxing atmosphere that helps you let go of stress and feel calm. Sunlight, which is a great source of vitamin D, has a big effect on mental health. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps control mood. It is released when you spend time in the sun. You'll feel better and be able to focus and think more easily because of the extra natural light. These are both important things for good study habits. Besides being good for your mental health, the beach offers a lot of ways to be active. These beach activities, like a brisk walk along the shore, a game of beach volleyball, or even a relaxing swim, are good for you physically and mentally. The fresh air, exercise, and relaxing sounds of the beach all work together to make a place that is good for both body and mind. Most importantly, the beach gives you a special way to connect with nature. The vastness of the ocean, the softness of the sand, and the way the coast is always changing make us feel amazed and grateful. It has been shown that this connection can lower stress, boost happiness, and improve a person's general health. Study Tips for a Beachside Academic Experience The most important thing is to learn how to handle your time well. Make a study plan that you can actually stick to and that gives you plenty of time to relax. Your energy and attention span will be better used if you break up your study time into doable chunks. Follow the Pomodoro Technique by switching between short bursts of focused study (25 minutes) and short breaks (5 minutes). This will help you be as productive as possible without getting too stressed out. Another important thing is to find the best places to study along the beach. Try to find places that are both peaceful and good for focusing because they should be quiet and comfy. Finding the right place to study, like a quiet stretch of beach, a shady spot under palm trees, or a cozy café by the water, can make your meetings much more productive. It's not just a good idea to take breaks while you study; it's necessary. Instead of traditional breaks, you might want to do some short activities related to the beach to clear your mind. You can focus and feel more energized after a short swim, a walk along the water, or even a meditation exercise with the sound of waves in the background. In the vast expanse of beachside academia, effective study tips are essential for a seamless integration of intellectual pursuits and the coastal haven. Whether you find yourself on the sun-kissed shores of Miami Beach or the serene landscapes of Alaska, maintaining focus amidst the allure of the beach can be challenging. In such moments, consider getting assignment help in Canada that is available online. Regardless of your geographical location, modern technology allows you to access assistance with your academic tasks directly from your laptop. So, as you soak in the inspiration of the beach, rest assured that support for your studies is just a click away, ensuring that your academic journey remains both enriching and stress-free. If you use these study tips, the beach can go from being a distraction to a lively place to study. The important thing is to find a balance that lets you learn successfully while also enjoying the relaxing effects of being near the coast. Creating a Beach-Friendly Study Environment Now that we know why it's important to study while at the beach, let's talk about how to make this a good place to study. You can use portable study tools to help you with this. Buy a laptop or tablet that is light and has a long battery life so that you don't have to cut your study sessions short because of technology issues. Cloud-based note-taking apps make it easy to move from one beach spot to another because you can always access your notes. Sun protection is very important for an efficient and comfortable study session. You could protect yourself from the sun's rays by buying a sunshade, a hat with a wide top, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Using a beach umbrella or a pop-up tent to make a shady study nook lets you enjoy the outdoors without being in full sunlight. This way, you can get vitamin D while also protecting yourself from UV rays. Adding beach-themed items to your study room makes it more comfortable and helps you get more done. To make a comfy place to sit, choose a beach chair or blanket that is light and easy to move. A cooler full of snacks and drinks that are good for you will help you stay hydrated and fed while you study. Remember that the place where you study by the beach should be both comfortable and useful. You can turn the beach into a lively and inspiring study place that helps you with your schoolwork by making sure your tools are easy to carry, covering up from the sun, and adding useful extras. Testimonials and Real-Life Experiences Starting the path of beach life and school balance has struck a chord with people from all walks of life. Here are the stories of people who have found that studying at the beach works well with their other activities, helping them stay focused and calm. Jessica, a college student, talks about how the relaxing sounds of the waves enabled her to study more effectively. "Studying at the beach has changed how I think about school." The peace and quiet help me focus better, and taking short swims in the ocean during breaks makes me feel refreshed. Mark, an independent writer, found that the beach was the best place to work. "The beach is the perfect place to get ideas and relax." My creativity comes easily, and taking a walk on the beach every once in a while clears my mind and makes my writing better. This collection of comments shows how combining beach life with schoolwork can change your life. Real-life examples show that the beach isn't just a place to relax; it's also a lively place that makes studying more fun. As you start your own trip of sun and surf, these stories should encourage you to look into the unique ways that academic work and the steady tides of the beach can work together. Conclusion "Beach Life and Wellness: Balancing Study with Sun and Surf" is coming to an end. It was a beautiful time, with the sounds of academics and the sea. We've learned about the many ways the beach is good for your health, useful study tips that are made for learning at the beach, and the most important things you need to make your study space beach-friendly. We should rethink where we usually study because educational activities and the relaxing warmth of the beach go well together. As we reflect on the transformative power of the beach in enhancing well-being and focus, let us embrace the notion that balance is not a compromise but a strategy for success. The beach becomes more than a destination; it becomes a dynamic partner in our academic journey. So, as you navigate the delicate dance between study and the sea, may the waves be your inspiration and the sun, your guiding light. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexel.

Cranberries are a staple in U.S. households at Thanksgiving – but how did this bog dweller end up on holiday tables? Cranberries grow on vines in sandy bogs and marshes. Lance Cheung, USDA/Flickr Compared to many valuable plant species that were domesticated over thousands of years, cultivated cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a young agricultural crop, just as the U.S. is a young country and Thanksgiving is a relatively new holiday. But as a plant scientist, I’ve learned much about cranberries’ ancestry from their botany and genomics. New on the plant breeding scene Humans have cultivated sorghum for some 5,500 years, corn for around 8,700 years and cotton for about 5,000 years. In contrast, cranberries were domesticated around 200 years ago – but people were eating the berries before that. Wild cranberries are native to North America. They were an important food source for Native Americans, who used them in puddings, sauces, breads and a high-protein portable food called pemmican – a carnivore’s version of an energy bar, made from a mixture of dried meat and rendered animal fat and sometimes studded with dried fruits. Some tribes still make pemmican today, and even market a commercial version. Cranberry cultivation began in 1816 in Massachusetts, where Revolutionary War veteran Henry Hall found that covering cranberry bogs with sand fertilized the vines and retained water around their roots. From there, the fruit spread throughout the U.S. Northeast and Upper Midwest. Today, Wisconsin produces roughly 60% of the U.S. cranberry harvest, followed by Massachusetts, Oregon and New Jersey. Cranberries also are grown in Canada, where they are a major fruit crop. Farmers often flood cranberry bogs to harvest the fruit, which they rake loose from the vines.Michael Galvin, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism/Flickr, CC BY-ND A flexible and adaptable plant Cranberries have many interesting botanical features. Like roses, lilies and daffodils, cranberry flowers are hermaphroditic, which means they contain both male and female parts. This allows them to self-pollinate instead of relying on birds, insects or other pollinators. A cranberry blossom has four petals that peel back when the flower blooms. This exposes the anthers, which contain the plant’s pollen. The flower’s resemblance to the beak of a bird earned the cranberry its original name, the “craneberry.” A blossom on a cranberry bush in Wisconsin.Aaron Carlson/Wikimedia, CC BY-SA When cranberries don’t self-pollinate, they rely on bumblebees and honeybees to transport their pollen from flower to flower. They can also be propagated sexually, by planting seeds, or asexually, through rooting vine cuttings. This is important for growers because seed-based propagation allows for higher genetic diversity, which can translate to things like increased disease resistance or more pest tolerance. Asexual reproduction is equally important, however. This method allows growers to create clones of varieties that perform very well in their bogs and grow even more of those high-performing types. Every cranberry contains four air pockets, which is why they float when farmers flood bogs to harvest them. The air pockets also make raw cranberries bounce when they are dropped on a hard surface – a good indicator of whether they are fresh. These pockets serve a biological role: They enable the berries to float down rivers and streams to disperse their seeds. Many other plants disperse their seeds via animals and birds that eat their fruits and excrete the seeds as they move around. But as anyone who has tasted them raw knows, cranberries are ultra-tart, so they have limited appeal for wildlife. Reading cranberry DNA For cranberries being such a young crop, scientists already know a lot about their genetics. The cranberry is a diploid, which means that each cell contains one set of chromosomes from the maternal parent and one set from the paternal parent. It has 24 chromosomes, and its genome size is less than one-tenth that of the human genome. Insights like these help scientists better understand where potentially valuable genes might be located in the cranberry genome. And diploid crops tend to have fewer genes associated with a single trait, which makes breeding them to emphasize that trait much simpler. Researchers have also described the genetics of the cultivated cranberry’s wild relative, which is known as the “small cranberry” (Vaccinium oxycoccos). Comparing the two can help scientists determine where the cultivated cranberry’s agronomically valuable traits reside in its genome, and where some of the small cranberry’s cold hardiness might come from. Researchers are developing molecular markers – tools to determine where certain genes or sequences of interest reside within a genome – to help determine the best combinations of genes from different varieties of cranberry that can enhance desired traits. For example, a breeder might want to make the fruits larger, more firm or redder in color. While cranberries have only been grown by humans for a short period of time, they have been evolving for much longer. They entered agriculture with a long genetic history, including things like whole genome duplication events and genetic bottlenecks, which collectively change which genes are gained or lost over time in a population. Whole genome duplication events occur when two species’ genomes collide to form a new, larger genome, encompassing all the traits of the two parental species. Genetic bottlenecks occur when a population is greatly reduced in size, which limits the amount of genetic diversity in that species. These events are extremely common in the plant world and can lead to both gains and losses of different genes. Analyzing the cranberry’s genome can indicate when it diverged evolutionarily from some of its relatives, such as the blueberry, lingonberry and huckleberry. Understanding how modern species evolved can teach plant scientists about how different traits are inherited, and how to effectively breed for them in the future. Ripe at the right time Cranberries’ close association with Thanksgiving was simply a practical matter at first. Fresh cranberries are ready to harvest from mid-September through mid-November, so Thanksgiving falls within that perfect window for eating them. Cranberry sauce was first loosely described in accounts from the American colonies in the 1600s, and appeared in a cookbook for the first time in 1796. The berries’ tart flavor, which comes from high levels of several types of acids, makes them more than twice as acidic as most other edible fruits, so they add a welcome zing to a meal full of blander foods like turkey and potatoes. In recent decades, the cranberry industry has branched out into juices, snacks and other products in pursuit of year-round markets. But for many people, Thanksgiving is still the time when they’re most likely to see cranberries in some form on the menu. By Serina DeSalvio Ph.D. Candidate in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University Special thanks to The Conversation.

For the first time in 20 years, the NBA began its season with no Black-owned franchises. The New York Rens played from 1923 to 1948. Black History Heroes/Twitter In fact, there’s been only one Black majority-owned team in league history. In late 2002, the NBA awarded an expansion team, the Charlotte Bobcats, to Black Entertainment Television co-founder Bob Johnson. Four years later, former NBA star Michael Jordan bought a minority stake in the franchise, and in 2010, he bought Johnson’s stake. However, Jordan sold his majority stake in the franchise in July 2023. This lack of diversity in basketball team ownership is especially disappointing considering the rich history of Black ownership in sports, which began when the top leagues in the U.S. were still segregated. A century ago, one of the top pre-NBA professional franchises began play in Harlem thanks to the efforts of a Black business owner named Bob Douglas. A challenge to the dominance of white sports My students are often surprised that the history of professional team sports in the U.S. goes far beyond the NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB. But the media’s focus on the “big four” leagues can cause fans to overlook the incredible accomplishments and leadership of many pioneers in athletics, including those from marginalized groups whose participation in mainstream leagues were limited or banned. The first 50 years of professional basketball was an amalgam of regional leagues and barnstorming teams. As with baseball and football, basketball teams from this era were segregated. But white teams and Black teams would square off against one another in exhibitions as they toured the country. On the business side, many white businessmen were profiting from – if not exploiting – this Black talent pool, arranging tournaments and competitions and taking a disproportionate cut of the earnings. But Black entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to support Black communities through sports by keeping the talent – and money – from exclusively lining the pockets of white owners. Douglas helped found the Spartan Field Club in 1908 to support his and other Black New Yorkers’ interest in playing sports. These clubs provided facilities and organized amateur teams across a number of sports, with cricket and basketball being among the most popular. Douglas had fallen in love with basketball after first playing in 1905, only a few years after he had immigrated to New York from St. Kitts. Despite encountering discrimination as a Black man and immigrant, he founded and played for an adult amateur basketball team within the club named the Spartan Braves. He transitioned to managing the club in 1918. Bob Douglas was nicknamed the ‘Father of Black Professional Basketball.’Harlem World Magazine Douglas was searching for a permanent home for his team and offered to rename the Spartan Braves the Harlem Renaissance in exchange for the use of the Black-owned Renaissance Ballroom & Casino on Seventh Avenue between 137th and 138th streets. The team played its first game as the Renaissance on Nov. 3, 1923, with Douglas signing his players to full-season contracts. Two years later, the “Rens,” as they came to be called, were declared the World Colored Basketball Champions. The squad went on to establish itself as a national powerhouse and competed in some of the first professional basketball games between white teams and Black teams. In 1925, the Rens bested the Original Celtics, a white team from Manhattan’s West Side that many viewed as the top team in the nation. The next year, another all-Black team claiming Harlem as its home was founded. Unlike the Rens, however, the Harlem Globetrotters had no connection to the New York City neighborhood. They were based out of Illinois and had a white owner, Abe Saperstein, who sought to profit from the connection between Black Americans and the place that served as the epicenter of Black culture. A stretch of dominance During the 1932-33 season, the Rens won 120 of the 128 games they played, including 88 in a row. Six of the losses came at the hands of the Original Celtics, although the Rens did end up winning the season series, beating their all-white rivals eight times. Basketball’s influence on Black culture continued to grow throughout the interwar period. During Duke Ellington concerts, basketball stars like Fats Jenkins would entertain the crowd between sets, facilitating the deep cultural connection between basketball and Black music that continues today. Harlem’s Renaissance Ballroom & Casino was the home of the New York Rens.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images By the end of the 1930s, the Rens and Globetrotters were not just looking to prove themselves as the best Black teams but also establish themselves as the best basketball teams in the nation. In 1936, the New York Rens played a two-game series against the formidable Oshkosh All-Stars, who played out of Wisconsin. The popularity of the games led to Douglas and Oshkosh founder Lon Darling to agree to a longer series, with the Rens winning three of the five games. Douglas agreed to extend the competition another two games to create a “world series.” Oshkosh ended up winning them both to take the series. The victories led Darling and the All-Stars to join what would become the National Basketball League, a predecessor to the NBA. The NBL signed its first Black player in 1942, five years before Jackie Robinson made his MLB debut. As the NBL grew in popularity, the World Professional Basketball Tournament was created. In the 10 years the tournament was played, NBL teams won all but three championships, with all-Black teams claiming the other three. But only one of those teams – the Rens – had a Black owner. War, competition and integration The Rens struggled to maintain their dominance after the newly established Washington Bears, another all-Black team, poached a number of Ren players in 1941. The Bears were founded by legendary Black broadcaster Hal Jackson and backed by theater owner Abe Lichtman, who lured players with higher pay and a lighter schedule. After the war, a number of NBL franchises struggled, including the Detroit Vagabond Kings, who dropped out of the league in December 1948. Since the league needed a replacement, the Rens moved to Dayton, Ohio, and finished the season with the NBL, becoming the first Black-owned team in a primarily white league. The NBL shuttered following the season, and several teams joined the newly formed NBA, leaving the Rens behind. The NBA was segregated during its first season after the merger was completed. But in 1950, several Black players – including former Rens player Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton – integrated the league. Nat ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton played for the New York Rens and went on to become one of the first Black players in the NBA.Bettmann/Getty Images As professional sports grew and continued to integrate over the course of the 20th century, all-Black teams lost much of their top talent to white-owned teams. Despite quotas that limited the number of Black players on white-owned teams, the loss of top talent led to the end of teams like the Rens. The unique community and fan experiences fostered by these all-Black franchises was forever lost. The Rens legacy In 1963, the 1932-33 Rens squad was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Several individual players, along with Douglas, would enter the Hall in later years. Today there are no Black majority owners in any of the four major North American professional leagues. There are a handful of Black Americans who are minority owners of teams – former NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Grant Hill have minority stakes in the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks, respectively – but it isn’t clear how much influence they wield. It’s an especially discouraging situation for the NBA. In a league that is over 70% Black, the dearth of Black owners and executives can lead to a disconnect between the players and the people running the league. In recent years, players have clashed with owners over dress codes, discipline and political protests. As league revenue continues to soar, and the NBA serves as an example for inclusive hiring practices, the lack of Black ownership is harder to ignore 100 years after the Rens first stepped on the court. By Jared Bahir Browsh Assistant Teaching Professor of Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado Boulder Images courtesy of The Conversation.

The 63-meter Benetti motor yacht Artisan embodies the pinnacle of luxury and design. With five decks, including a stunning gym and yoga deck high above the sundeck, Artisan offers an opulent experience like no other. Her exterior, designed by Giorgio Cassetta, is a testament to Italian craftsmanship, turning heads in every harbor she graces. Inside, she boasts an impressive 1,245 gross tons of living space, expertly designed by Bannenberg & Rowell to accommodate up to 16 guests. Innovative asymmetric interior spaces provide ever-changing, breathtaking views. Iconic Fendi furniture, bespoke white oak finishes, and exquisite details in smoked oak, cream leather, and stainless steel create a contemporary, elegant ambiance. Artisan is the epitome of modern luxury on the seas. To learn more visit www.benettiyachts.it. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Benetti Yachts.

Oh what fun is CityPlace Doral! Offering over 30 restaurants and bars, shopping and entertainment options, CityPlace Doral has something for everyone this holiday season. Children: Offering a playground, soft-play, VR motion stations, arcade, and PS4/Nintendo Switch Stations, Marina Kids is sure to make it to the top of any child’s Letter to Santa this year. Consider this a “bonus gift” for parents as they have the option to use the “Super Fun Drop” service, where parents can dine and enjoy the entertainment CityPlace Doral has to offer knowing their child is safe and entertained. Ladies: A stunning piece from Tarbay’s gorgeous collections of jewelry, shoes, handbags, clothing and sunglasses will guarantee a spot on the nice list. With pieces that are inspired by women from around the world, Tarbay’s offers unique gifts that show personal attention and appreciation for a loved one. The Movie Buff: Give the gift of an elevated movie-going experience with a trip to CMX CinéBistro. Guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers and cocktails while lounging in cozy, oversized reclining leather seats, full-service in-theatre dining and 4k digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. The Sports Fanatic: Kings Dining and Entertainment offers timeless social gaming right up anyone’s alley, including bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, food and much more. The Home Chef: Thermomix has debuted its first-ever retail space in the United States at CityPlace Doral. Customers are now able to purchase the iconic TM6 appliance and its accessories just in time for the holidays. The all-in-one kitchen appliance with 28 functions replaces numerous kitchen appliances including a blender, food processor, bread maker, rice cooker and more. Tech-driven with seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, the TM6 offers automatic updates and links to its very own online recipe platform Cookidoo®, featuring 80,000+ meals with step-by- step directions. The Wellness Warrior: CityPlace Doral debuted two fitness brands in 2023. Anatomy – Miami’s premier health and wellness brand – and BÜNDA – the first gym to incorporate the StairMaster® in group fitness. The Spa Lover: Venetian Nail Spa and TipsySalon Bar are conveniently located in the center. 4Ever Young is dedicated to helping clients optimize their health and wellness by employing functional medicine applications to address healthy aging. Receiving a gift card or booking an appointment at any of these retailers is guaranteed to make anyone's holiday special. After a day of shopping, Santa’s helpers can take a break from shopping and indulge in one of CityPlace Doral’s bars or restaurants including Carrot Express The Fresh Market, The Cheese Course, Tap 42 , Cooper’s Hawk, Juan Valdez, Chico Malo, Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen or Martini Bar Doral. Additionally, they can experience the holiday season as CityPlace Doral transforms into a winter wonderland. Through Dec. 31, 2023, the community is invited to enjoy CityPlace Doral’s free “Light Up The Night” extravaganza featuring multi-colored LED lighting on the center’s Christmas tree and palm trees lining the outdoor shops, as well as a colorful waterfall display choreographed to everyday favorites and holiday classics. A ten-minute light show takes place at the top of every hour from 7–11 p.m. As part of CityPlace Doral’s seasonal Instagrammable art installations and new this year, guests will be welcomed with 80 three-foot illuminated blue and white snowflakes floating overhead on the boulevard upon entering the center. Open seven days a week, CityPlace Doral is South Florida’s premier wellness, entertainment, dining, and restaurant destination, located at 8300 NW 36th Street in Doral, Florida, in the center of Doral. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. To view all of CityPlace Doral’s retailers – click here. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of CityPlace Doral

MADD Southeast Florida is kicking off the 13th Annual UKG 2024 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County with a meaningful event on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at BBX Capital in Fort Lauderdale. Guests will enjoy light bites provided by Red Chair Catering, mocktails and a unique opportunity to win exclusive prizes such as beautiful jewelry from Daoud’s Fine Jewelry and more. Guests will also enjoy a performance by a poet from the Jason Taylor Foundation’s Bluapple Poetry Network. Money raised stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving. Special guests include Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Founder and Chairperson Heather Geronemus, MADD National President Tess Rowland, local dignitaries and more. From 2019-2021, drunk driving deaths in the United States increased by 31 percent. This is a 100 percent preventable crime, and MADD’s goal is to see a future with no more victims. The 13th Annual UKG 2024 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at SE 1st Avenue and Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. More than 1,000 walkers and runners are expected to attend the event. Since it was established in 2011, this event has raised more than $3.7 million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. For more information about the 13th Annual UKG 2024 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale. When: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, 6–8 p.m. Where: BBX Capital 201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1900 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Parking will be validated for those that use the garage at 201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Why: To raise awareness and funds to stop drunk and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. Cost: Free. How: To RSVP for the VIP Kick-Off Party, email Rachel.Stephens@madd.org. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of MADD Fort Lauderdale

With international superstar Gloria Estefan as the emcee, the star-studded event inaugurated the cutting-edge $36.5 million, 25,000-square-foot music and technology hub that’s setting a new standard for an elite music school. The celebratory evening showcased stand-out performances by Frost School alumni, including Jon Secada, Dawnn Lewis, and Lee Levin. It culminated with the presentation of Frost School of Music's Centennial Medals to luminaries such as Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Ben Folds, Bruce Hornsby, Lee Levin, Carmen Lundy, Matt Serletic, and Jon Secada, making it a historic moment. University of Miami Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Silvers, University of Miami President Julio Frenk, and Frost School of Music Dean Shelton G. Berg hosted the gala. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Frost School of Music