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The Cobblers is a group of hand-picked, master artisans who provide expert cleaning, repair, restoration and customization services for premium sneakers and high-quality leather goods, including women’s and men’s shoes, handbags, and select leather garments. The Cobblers provide superior service from second- and third-generation artisans with thoughtfully selected cleaning products, repair materials and accessories that are unquestionably the finest and most coveted on the market. The concept of “The Cobblers” was born in November of 2019, when Warren Barthes - a serial entrepreneur with expertise in the circular economy decided to start buying and reselling used shoes. Through research, Mr. Barthes uncovered that out of some 60,000 shoe repair stores nationwide, only about 4,000 remained, but that of those who remain, most can barely keep up with the growing demand. In fact, U.S. News and World Reports had recently shared that, “Cobblers face extinction - and are busier than ever.” SUSTAINABLY REVIVING AND REIMAGINING AN OLD WORLD CRAFT THROUGH MASTER ARTISANS, HAUTE COUTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY. Warren also learned that 80% of the complaints customers had were “no technology, no visibility and no customer experience”.  Lucky for The Cobblers, their conceptual vision to ‘digitize’ an otherwise dusty and dated shoe repair industry is already placating the matter, to say the least; find a never-more-thorough, or convenient, or fashionable e-commerce platform for “shoe-repair” at TheCobblers.com. The Cobblers is bridging the gap for the new generation, totally reinventing the world of shoe repair ipso facto. The Cobblers ushers in an elegant and hip new age of “shoe repair” - one that marries enduring traditions in shoemaking or ‘cordwaining’ with fresh new-school tricks for sneaker-wearing aficionados. Co-Founder and Partner Eric Guedj is convinced that of all the moments in history this is the perfect time to unify the two disciplines; he believes the latter is a parallel universe and market that is as ripe for the taking as it is vast (see today’s seemingly insatiable ‘sneakerhead’ culture around the globe). One might say The Cobblers have some big shoes to fill, but they are well positioned to satisfy the demand. The up-start recently acquired a super savvy, sneaker detail crew (previously known as Raleigh Restorations) for astounding sneaker maintenance services, colorway upgrades, and unique customization offerings. The no-nonsense executives behind The Cobblers also tactfully acquired “Shoe Repair & Beyond” a seasoned family shoe repair business with 35+ years of experience and a discerning, loyal clientele out of Boca Raton, FL. It’s two brick-mortar stores have recently been revamped to meet The Cobblers’ brand specifications. So, if you care about your pricey sneakers, your dress shoes, or your valuable handbag, The Cobblers can “revive, restore and refresh” any and all of it. “You can trust us with those pricey AJ1s, your designer Birkin bag, or your precious Christian Louboutin red-bottoms. You name it, we’ve got you covered.” says Warren. According to The Cobblers, ‘there is no such thing as irreparable harm.’ Not only will they fix most any type of shoe, they’ll leave your favorite pair looking like-new. The Cobblers begs the question: Why buy new (at a premium) when you can save your signature shoes, your money, and the planet? Up-cycling also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Think clean, think green. The Cobblers is a fash-tech brand and experience like no other. Utilizing always-on technology to effectively communicate with their customers, The Cobblers also created their exclusive “E-Cobblers” concierge service. It’s a complimentary client service that allows for video calling, virtual consultations and tours with your “E-Cobbler” who provides white glove service and step-by-step communication throughout the process. The innovative retail experience serves to build trust, educate and personally engage. The process is simple: choose your service, send your product, track every step, then wear. In addition to their convenient online experience option, The Cobblers also provides services at their state-of-the-art showroom headquarters and processing facility in Miami, FL, locations in Boca Raton, FL, and various kiosk locations. The HQ in Miami, FL is located at 6300 NE 4th Ave Miami, FL 33138. For a full list of services and locations visit www.thecobblers.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Cobblers.

Just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season, Westfield Broward announced today a “Shop Your Heart Out” charitable shopping event to be held October 23 through November 1. Participants will have the chance to donate to their favorite charity to unlock exclusive offers and discounts from retailers and restaurants such as: - Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Francesca’s, G by Guess, Haagen-Dazs, Hollister Co., LensCrafters, Paul Mitchell the School, Roots to Ends Salon, The B-12 Store, and Yankee Candle Co. Starting October 14, those that want to take part in the program can buy a ticket online ($10 minimum) on the center’s website and select a participating charity they wish to have their purchase support. Then, during the ten-day event, guests simply show their digital ticket – coined the “VIP Kind Pass”— to access exclusive shopping deals available in-store at Westfield Broward. Offers vary by retailer and include 20 percent or more off a purchase; buy one, get one free; and special gift with purchase. Community organizations partnering with Westfield Broward include: - Broward Art Guild, HANDY Inc., Island SPACE, Project Destined, The Pantry of Broward, Inc., and Young At Art Museum. “Westfield Broward is thrilled to host ‘Shop Your Heart Out’ and provide a simple way for our guests to contribute to the local community while they are doing something they likely already planned to do—holiday shopping. This year, we feel it’s more important than ever to not only provide shoppers with special services, experiences and offers, but to also give back to organizations that are helping those in need,” says Angel Cabrera, General Manager of Westfield Broward. The shopping event continues the company’s #WestfieldCares initiative, which launched in March 2020 to help some of the most vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative includes making monetary and in-kind donations to local organizations that serve groups such as those experiencing homelessness, economically disadvantaged families, seniors, and children along with activities thanking local first responders and medical professionals. Further information on ticket sales can be found by visiting https://shopyourheartout.westfield.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

As you know, Art Basel has been canceled for 2020 due to the pandemic. Last year an estimated 81,000 visitors including private collectors, directors, curators, trustees, and patrons of nearly 200 museum and institution groups traveled to Miami from around the globe for the event. ALINA concept painting by architect Peter Stromberg of GarciaStromberg/GS4 Studios Historically, Art Basel has strongly influenced all areas of our city's real estate market but this year developers and brokers who highly depend on the event for sales are looking to cater to its Basel demographic. Developers and agents are still celebrating art this year throughout Miami, partnering with art galleries, designers and beyond. The Integration of Art and Fashion French-Moroccan interior designer Rita Chraibi of International Designers is passionate about integrating art and fashion harmoniously into her projects. For her project Monad Terrace in Miami Beach, she is working closely with New York art gallery, Galleria Ca' d'Oro in harmony with Haute Couture furniture by fashion designers like Jean Paul Gautier, Christian Lacroix and Kenzo Takata for Roche Bobois. Rita approaches each of her projects as a fashion designer approaches a top model, creating a unique space and feel, unlike anything you’ve felt before. Rita’s artistic signature style attracts sophisticated clients from around the world. Real Estate and Creating an Art Collectors Heaven Reflecting the centrality of the arts to South Florida’s cultural heritage and global reach, 2000 Ocean is dedicated to vivifying its space through an innovative Art Program: transforming public indoor and outdoor spaces into venues for curated exhibitions, artists in residence, and exclusive educational programming with leading art experts. The 38-story glass tower in Hallandale Beach is offering an elevated lifestyle and the utmost artistic experiences through its brand new comprehensive art curator program. Developed by KAR Properties and designed by Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos and Minotti, 2000 Ocean welcomes Art Curator Megan Kincaid to its team of renowned partners to spearhead this Art Program. Megan is an art historian with extensive expertise in modern and contemporary art. In addition to organizing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art at each residence, Megan hopes to establish an enriching dialogue with residents about enlivening their domestic spaces with art by offering services that range from consulting and purchasing one-of-a-kind pieces to curated lectures and exclusive events. 2000 Ocean Renderings ALINA Residences, a 121-unit luxury condominium development in Boca Raton, has an ongoing partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art, a staple cultural institution in Palm Beach County. The partnership brings rotating sculptural exhibits to ALINA and will also bring sculptures lining Mizner Boulevard to downtown Boca Raton, available for the public to enjoy. Currently, an outdoor sculpture by artist Larry Mohr is displayed at the project’s Sales and Model Gallery located at 300 Southeast Mizner Boulevard. Crafted in 1984, the 91 x 78 x 58 piece titled cXc XXII, is a large abstract work constructed of cut aluminum I-beams. According to Mohr, the sculpture is an “interpretation of Matisse’s outspreading centrifugal effect in paintings of dancers.” Art has always been a prominent theme in ALINA’s development. Architect Peter Stromberg of GarciaStromberg/GS4 Studios began the design process for the luxury condominium by painting a picture of his vision for the project on canvas. His design evolved from this painting, which still stands as a point of inspiration for the design teams involved in the project. In addition to the art and architecture of the development, Stromberg will also be actively creating art pieces throughout the construction process. His finished works will be featured in the completed building. ALINA Sculpture Example These are the types of sculptures that will be on display at ALINA Residences and along Mizner Boulevard. ALINA Concept Painting By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Rita Chraibi

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to feature two South Florida artists – Autumn Casey and Kelly Breez – as part of its free, virtual “Conversations at MOCA” series on Oct. 22. The artists will be discussing stories their past, current and future work with MOCA North Miami’s Exhibitions and Project Manager Kevin Arrow. The speakers include: Kelly Breez Kelly Breez is a multidisciplinary artist whose work chronicles the perfectly unholy attitude and landscape of South Florida, where the characters she grew up with left the decorum and prohibitions of elitist culture in the dust. She works in – and combines – illustration, sculpture, tufting, painting, and installation. She is currently in her second year as an Ambassador for the Vans Custom Culture program, and she recently completed a five-week residency at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Colorado. Her work has been shown during Miami Art Week at NADA Art Fair, The Faena Forum and the Juxtapoz Clubhouse. She has a permanent installation at Facebook’s Miami offices, as part of their Artist in Residency Program. She is represented by Primary Projects in Miami, where her latest solo show, “Any Major Dude Will Tell You,” opened in October 2020. Breez holds a BFA from New World School of the Arts. Autumn Casey Autumn Casey draws on the ambiguity of personal memory and pop-cultural ephemera, to challenge and question her subjectivity against the world at large. Her practice, which moves from sculpture to collage, as well as video and performance, considers the history of the found object and assemblage – redeploying existing materials or moments in unexpected, idiosyncratic ways. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL. She is represented by Primary (Miami) where she has had two solo exhibitions, and was selected to have a solo booth at Art Wynwood in 2015. Her work has also been included ingroup exhibitions at The Pérez Art Museum Miami, FL; The Museum of Contemporary Art, Miami, FL; Vox Populi, Philadelphia, PA; the Anne Bryan Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, among others. Her work is collected by the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, The Pérez Art Museum Miami and in private collections in Miami and New York City. MOCA North Miami’s exhibitions and programs are made possible with the continued support of the North Miami Mayor and Council and the City of North Miami, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and with support from the Green Family Foundation. The panel will be free and open to the public via the Zoom video conferencing platform. To reserve a spot, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vApnLztnQZ-f1bIBOYGgNw By ML Staff. Images courtesy of each featured artist

The uber-exclusive neighborhood is booming with billionaire buyers seeking privacy and peace of mind Nestled steps away from the beach and the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops, an under the radar community has become the most recent South Florida neighborhood being swooped up with billionaire transplants moving to Miami. “Bal Harbour Village is Miami’s best kept secret,” said Sarah Sheridan, a luxury real estate agent with One Sotheby’s International Realty who has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. “Residents like to keep it private, there’s no sign by the front gate and most people don’t even know it’s there - but, if you know, you know.” For those in the know, Bal Harbour Village feels like a well-guarded secret. Dubbed the “dream village” by its founder Robert C. Graham more than 70 years ago, the gated community is comprised of less than 200 homes with a private police force, a residents-only yacht marina and park. The neighborhood's current resident rolodex includes billionaire businessmen, high powered attorneys, high profile developers and hedge fund managers. “I think the secret is out, people are moving here from all over the world, all walks of life,”said Moshe Goldshtein with Harding Realty, a top agent in the area. “There's a constant flow of people looking for an opportunity to buy or build their dream home in Bal Harbour.” In just the past 90 days, Goldshtein closed 4 sales totaling more than $23 million and says he has never been busier. Much of the demand, he says, is coming from Northeasterners looking to flee high tax states and congested cities due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Many buyers have been considering moving or purchasing a second home here for some time, and the pandemic convinced them to pull the trigger and make the move,” said Goldshtein. “People realized they can manage their businesses remotely - and ultimately, if you can choose to be stuck at home anywhere in the world, it would definitely be in Miami.” 165 Camden Drive Listed for $12.99 by Moshe Goldshtein with Harding Realty 70 CAMDEN Drive Courtesy Miguel Perez for Sarah Sheridan with One Sotheby's 56 Bal Bay Dr Listed by Brigitte Lina with One Sotheby's 126 Bal Cross Dr Listed by The Kleer & Garcia-Diaz Team with One Sotheby's Recent big name buyers include healthcare mogul Bent Philipson who recently closed on a $9 million waterfront home and investor Richard Kilstock, son-in-law of the late British billionaire Marc Rich, who purchased a Chad Oppenheim-designed mansion for $23 million. “People want a place where they can hunker down in a secured private neighborhood, but they also want walkability and to be in close proximity to shopping and dining,” said Sheridan. “Bal Harbour has it all – the beach, Bal Harbour Shops, world class restaurants and excellent schools all within walking distance.” The average sale price for homes in Bal Harbour has steadily increased over the past decade, and from 2019 to 2020 price paid per square foot jumped by nearly 30% from $1,400 to $1,800. Demand is rising and inventory is limited, with only about a dozen homes currently listed for sale. “It’s really a generational neighborhood,” said Goldshtein. “People who own here rarely move. They usually buy more property for their children and grandchildren, it’s an extremely family-oriented neighborhood with a strong community.” Property records indicate multiple parcels in the neighborhood are registered under the same owner. The CEO of Duty Free of Americas recently closed on a $5.5 million dollar home and owns at least 3 other properties in the neighborhood, public records show. “Buyers regularly ask me to make offers on properties that aren't for sale,” said Goldshtein. “At the rate we're going, pricing will continue to drastically increase as the supply dries up and flow of demand continues.” By ML Staff. Aerial image courtesy Michael Jerome for Sarah Sheridan with One Sotheby's

Advertisers understand that providing consumers with the facts will not sell products. To get people to stop and pay attention, successful advertising delivers information simply and with an emotional hook so that consumers notice and, hopefully, make a purchase. Climate communication scientists use these same principles of messaging – visual, local and dramatic – to provide facts that will get the public’s attention. Such messaging is intended to help people understand risk as it relates to them, and perhaps, change their behavior as a result. As social scientists studying the effectiveness of climate change communication strategies, we became curious about a particular message we found online. Some houses advertised for sale in South Florida were accompanied by banner ads with messages such as “Flooding hurts home value. Know more before you buy. Find out for free now.” The ads were sponsored by the First Street Foundation through their website FloodIQ.com. The nonprofit foundation provides detailed aerial photos of present and future flooding as a consequence of rising sea level. My colleague and I decided to survey residents of coastal South Florida to better understand how information affected their attitudes and opinions. Did these messages developed by a nonprofit organization change the perceptions of coastal residents who live in low-lying areas about the threat of coastal flooding as a result of sea level rise? Defining the danger to property by ZIP Maps can be a way to see potential flood risk. www.FloodiQ.com, Author provided Many studies of climate change communication and response have been based on national surveys or more local reviews of counties and states susceptible to a range of coastal flooding. We focused our survey on a single region and a population at greatest risk: those who live in ZIP codes along the South Florida coast where the probability of flooding in local neighborhoods is extremely high. With permission of the First Street Foundation to reproduce their maps that represent what flooding in the future might look like, we developed a survey to understand the effectiveness of tailored messages. How would this messaging impact residents’ beliefs about climate change and sea level rise? We also asked if residents believed their communities and homes were at risk. We surveyed more than 1,000 residents living in 166 ZIP codes in South Florida between October and December of 2018. All those surveyed were at risk from either the direct or indirect effects of flooding to their homes, including a decrease in property values as coastal property is perceived as a less desirable destination. We sampled residents of seven metropolitan areas including Tampa-Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, Fort Myers, Key West, Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, and Vero Beach. Half the sample received a map of their own city, rendered at a scale so that their city block was visible. The maps illustrated what could happen just 15 years from now at the present rate of sea level rise if there were a Category 3 hurricane accompanied by storm surge flooding. Does visual information make a difference? The study was intended to assess how residents might perceive the vulnerability of their property and their communities to severe storms. We asked residents about their political affiliation and their support for policies such as zoning laws, gasoline taxes and other measures to address climate change. Surprisingly, we found that those who had viewed the maps were, on average, less likely to say they believed that climate change was taking place than those who had not seen the maps. Further, those who saw the maps were less likely than those survey respondents who had not seen the maps to believe that climate change was responsible for the increased intensity of storms. Respondents who classified themselves as Republicans had the strongest negative responses to the maps. Those who saw the maps were no more likely to believe that climate change exists, that climate change increases the severity of storms or that sea level is rising and related to climate change. Even more dramatically, exposure to the scientific map did not influence beliefs that their own homes were susceptible to flooding or that sea level rise would reduce local property values. Property values can be diminished by the threat of coastal flooding. Shutterstock.com/Phonlamai Photo Consistent with national surveys, party identification was the strongest predictor of general perceptions of climate change and sea-level rise. However, the majority of homeowners denied that there was risk to their property values, regardless of political affiliation. What does it take to change minds? We believe that the motivation of our respondents, their underlying beliefs when forming an opinion, is important when reflecting on these survey results. Specifically, people often process information or learn in a way that protects their existing beliefs or their partisan leanings. In the case of our respondents’ general beliefs about climate change and its connection to sea-level rise, those who belonged to the Republican Party may have dismissed the maps either because they challenged their party’s stance on the issue or because they did not view the information as credible given their prior views. In the case of our respondents’ views about the future effects of sea-level rise on property values, all of the homeowners we surveyed, regardless of their partisanship, may have been motivated by their personal financial interests to reject the notion that sea-level rise would reduce their own property values. It is important to emphasize that targeted information about climate change may lead to unintended effects. While accurate and easily absorbed information is important, it will take a much more nuanced approach to change the way people understand information. As advertisers well know, it takes more than facts to sell any product. By Risa PalmProfessor of Urban Studies and Public Health, Georgia State University | Toby W. BolsenAssociate Professor, American Politics, Political Science, Georgia State University. Special thanks to The Conversation for this story and images. You can support the independent network which provides news by donating today.

The #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements have forced Hollywood and other artists and filmmakers to rethink their subject matter and casting practices. However, despite an increased sensitivity to gender and race representation in popular culture, disabled Americans are still awaiting their national (and international) movement. “Disability drag” – casting able-bodied actors in the roles of characters with disabilities – has been hard to dislodge from its Oscar-worthy appeal. Since 1947, out of 59 nominations for disabled characters, 27 won an Academy Award – about a 50% win rate. There’s Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything”; Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of Christy Brown, who has cerebral palsy, in “My Left Foot”; and Dustin Hoffman’s role as an autistic genius in “Rain Man” – to mention just a few. In recent years, however, we’ve seen a slight shift. Actors with disabilities are actually being cast as characters who have disabilities. In 2017, theater director Sam Gold cast actress Madison Ferris – who uses a wheelchair in real life – as Laura in his Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.” On TV and in movies, disabled actors are also being cast in roles of disabled characters. Despite these developments, the issue of representation – what kind of characters these actors play – remains mostly unaddressed. The vast majority of characters with disabilities, whether they’re played by actors with disabilities or not, continue to represent the same outdated tropes. As a professor of theater and media who has written extensively on the elements of stage drama, I wonder: Are writers and directors finally poised to move beyond these narrative tropes? Breaking down the tropes Typically, the disabled characters are limited to four types: the “magical cripple,” the “evil cripple,” the “inspirational cripple” and the “redemptive cripple.” Magical cripples transcend the limitations of the human body and are almost divinelike. They make magical things happen for able-bodied characters. In many ways, the magical cripple functions like “the magical Negro,” a term popularized by director Spike Lee to describe Black characters who are usually impoverished but brimming with folk wisdom, which they selflessly bestow on existentially confused white characters. Like the magical Negro, the magical cripple is a plot device used to guide the lead character toward moral, intellectual or emotional enlightenment. The magical cripple doesn’t learn anything and doesn’t grow because he already is enlightened. In film, examples include Frank Slade, the blind army colonel who guides young Charlie through the perils of teenage love in 1992’s “Scent of a Woman.” Marvel’s Daredevil character is a perfect example of a magical cripple: A blind person imbued with supernatural abilities who can function above and beyond his physical limitations. Evil cripples represent a form of karmic punishment for the character’s wickedness. One of the most well-known is Shakespeare’s Richard III, the scheming hunchbacked king. In a 1916 essay, Sigmund Freud pointed to Richard as an example of the correlation between physical disabilities and “deformities of character.” The trope of the evil cripple is rooted in mythologies populated by half-man half-beasts who possess pathological and sadistic cravings. More recent examples of the evil cripple include Dr. Strangelove, Mini-Me from “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and Bolivar Trask in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Then there are inspirational cripples, whose roles equate to what disability rights activist Stella Young calls “inspiration porn.” These stories center on disabled people accomplishing basic tasks or “overcoming” their disability. We see this in “Stronger,” which retells the story of Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Jake Gyllenhaal and Jeff Bauman walk a red carpet for ‘Stronger’ during the 12th Rome Film Fest on Oct. 28, 2017. Venturelli/WireImage In the inspirational narratives, disability is not a fact of life – a difference – but something one has to overcome to gain rightful sense of belonging in society. An offshoot of the inspirational narrative is the redemptive narrative, in which a disabled person either commits suicide or is killed. In movies like “Water for Elephants,” “Simon Birch” and “The Year of Living Dangerously,” disabled characters are sacrificed to prove their worth or to help the protagonist reach his goal. These characters serve as dramaturgical steppingstones. They are never partners or people in their own right, with their own drives and ambitions. They are not shown as deserving their own stories. The persistence of these tropes underlies the urgent need to reevaluate the makeup of writers and production teams. Who writes these parts is perhaps more important than who acts them. Beyond the hero’s journey There’s a reason these formulaic roles are so prevalent. For much of the past century, Hollywood storytelling has operated according to the hero’s journey, a dramatic structure that places the white male able-bodied character at the center of the story with atypical characters serving as “helpers” to support his goals. This narrative model has conditioned audiences to see the helpers as purely functional. The tropes based on this framework define the categories of belonging: who is and who isn’t human, whose life is worth living and whose isn’t. The one narrative journey that historically allowed the disabled to play a central role depicted them as working toward the symbolic reclamation of their dignity and humanity. In tragic narratives, this quest fails, and the characters either die or request euthanasia as a gesture of love toward their caretakers. “Million Dollar Baby” and “Me Before You” are two good examples of films in which disabled characters choose voluntary euthanasia, communicating the socially internalized low value of their own lives. But what if disabled characters already had dignity? What if no such quest were needed? What if their disability weren’t the thing to overcome but merely one element of one’s identity? This would require deconstructing the conceptual pyramid of past hierarchies, one that has long used disabled characters as props to illuminate conventional heroes. Carrie Mathison in the series “Homeland” can be thought of as representing this new approach. Carrie, played by Claire Danes, struggles with mental illness, and it affects her life and her work. But it is not something to overcome in a dramatic sense. Overcoming the disability is not the central theme of the series – it’s not the main obstacle to her goal. Carrie’s disability does give her some insights, but these come at a price and are not magical. “Homeland” further breaks the mold by giving Carrie a helper who is an older white male – Saul Berenson, played by Mandy Patinkin. As we move towards greater gender and race inclusivity at work and in the arts, disability should not be left behind. More complex, more sophisticated stories and representations need to replace the simplistic, outdated and cliched tropes that have been consistently rewarded at the Oscars. Magda Romanska - Associate Professor of Theatre and Dramaturgy, Emerson College. Special thanks to The Conversation for this story and images. You can support the independent network which provides news by donating today.

Located in the heart of the city’s bustling business district, Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale is now open as a premiere destination for business, group, and leisure travelers. The full-service, 238-room property is located inside the new-build 100 Las Olas tower, which has dramatically transformed the city’s downtown skyline as its tallest building to date. Inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront location and iconic yachting culture, with architecture and interiors by Simeone Deary Design Group, the property’s aesthetic features colors, textures and shapes emblematic of boats, the city’s intricate canal systems, and life on the water. Guests are immersed in the hotel’s nautical concept upon arrival. Check-in desks are designed to emulate boat hulls while a massive light fixture by Yellow Goat Design serves as a focal point, glittering with reflections and refractions that represent an abstracted ship hull as if it were being seen from below the water’s surface. Additional lobby features include an antique brass sextant – a tool used for measuring angular distances between objects and determining altitudes, a brass line that communicates the coordinates of the hotel, teak wood and blue wall coverings designed to look like ocean ripples, and a floor pattern that resembles yacht decking. The lobby-level Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar, a full service restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Greg McGowan, features a menu of classic American comfort food with a modern, international twist. A vibrant social hub with doors that open right onto bustling Las Olas Boulevard, the bar is flanked by a library with bookshelves reminiscent of boat rigging with shelf locations designed in an abstract grid of Fort Lauderdale’s canal system. The bar’s lighting uses ephemeral materials inspired by exotic sea life, while an oversized wall graphic with neon text reading, “You Are Here,” encourages guests to channel their inner Instagram influencer, and a mural by local artist David Lavernia depicting the city’s canals and waterways wound throughout the shape of a woman’s face. “Fort Lauderdale is getting an entirely new kind of hotel with the opening of Hyatt Centric Las Olas,” said General Manager Eyal Goldberger. “Bridging the gap between business and leisure, we’ve embraced our location in vibrant downtown Lauderdale with fun design elements that pay homage to the destination and amenities that encourage human connection and social sharing. With cultural institutions like the NSU Art Museum, outdoor recreation, and tons of leisure activities at our guests’ fingertips, we’ve created a sophisticated, yet relaxed environment that’s the ideal launch pad from which to explore.” The property’s 238 guest rooms and suites, many of which feature views of downtown Fort Lauderdale and the riverfront, feature neutral color palettes of nautical blues and greys with subtle, dusky pinks reminiscent of sunset over water, wall graphics designed to look like sailors’ knots etched in pencil, and large closets and countertops that offer a residential feel.  On the hotel’s eighth floor, Elev8 Rooftop Bar features handcrafted cocktails served in a chic, urban-inspired setting, and an expansive pool deck can be accessed directly from guest rooms and function space; it’s an idyllic venue for corporate events, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette groups, and pop-up activations. The property features 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, with touches that include floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that offer views of the riverfront, downtown and Las Olas Boulevard. Additional features include a fitness center outfitted with Peloton cycling equipment, a house Tesla, and 113 luxury condominium residences currently for sale, which offer residents access to hotel perks and amenities. More on Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Located inside the new-build 100 Las Olas tower, the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale at 499 feet, Hyatt Centric Las Olas is a modern, urban escape in a chic, sophisticated setting complete with city skyline views. Features include 238 stylish guest rooms and suites, lobby-level Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar, and Elev8 Rooftop bar and pool deck, which features panoramic downtown views. Add to that, more than 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and 113 luxury condominium residences, beginning on the 16th level. Inspired by the area’s yachting culture, the property’s design features nautical colors, textures, and shapes that seamlessly blend with its surroundings. Location here is everything: the hotel features close proximity to the riverfront, Las Olas Entertainment District, Flagler Art & Technology (FAT) Village, Broward College and Florida Atlantic University campuses, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades Cruise terminals, Brightline/Virgin Train station, Broward Performing Arts Museum, and more. For info and bookings, click here. My ML Staff. Images courtesy of Hyatt Centric Las Olas

Miami’s go-to spot for healthy, clean, feel-good eats, Pura Vida announces the opening of its fifth and largest South Florida location situated on West Avenue in Miami Beach. Since its inception in 2012, Pura Vida has established itself as a health-conscious all-day cafe and wellness hub for South Floridians, serving an all-day breakfast menu, superfood smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, flavorful salads, wraps and bowls, along with a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan sweet treats, sourced using all local and organic ingredients whenever available. The new Miami Beach location will continue serving its traditional menu items patrons have grown to love, along with some new standout items. Located at 959 West Avenue, Suite 10 in Miami Beach, the new Pura Vida outpost boasts 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, designed in Pura Vida’s signature tropical and casual aesthetic, traditionally associated with their other establishments. New and exciting menu items featured, will include a Pumpkin Spice Latte; Blue Majik Smoothie Bowl made from blue algae, rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, that is blended with organic fruit and topped with homemade gluten-free granola and coconut; and gluten-free flourless Chocolate Cake and Lemon Polenta. Other new items featured, include dog bakery items, wellness shots and a new catering menu featuring mini bowls. Moreover, the West Avenue cafe plans to partner once opened, with other like-minded brands for its debut, including Modo Yoga, Anatomy and nearby CrossFit studios. “We are thrilled to continue expanding the Pura Vida brand, with the opening of our new West Avenue location,” states Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer at Pura Vida. “Our goal at Pura Vida is to provide a place for people to enjoy simple, yet delicious meals using quality ingredients that you can find in our own kitchen at home. Hopefully making a lasting and positive impact on the community, while contributing to the South Florida economy by creating jobs.” Founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev, Pura Vida serves up an array of nourishing and refreshing yet simple menu items inspired by the pair’s travels, as well as recipes shared from friends and family. Some menu highlights include Pura Vida’s famous Acai Bowls, which features raw organic Brazilian acai, topped with vegan gluten-free granola and accompanied by a variety of refreshing fruits and toppings. Other popular gluten-free dishes are the Mango Salmon, Spicy Tuna and Vegan Lentil Bowls. A few of the cafe’s highly-coveted All-Day Breakfast items include Avocado Smash, Perfect Egg Sandwich and Overnight Oats. “What started out as a side passion project, quickly grew into a full-time all-day cafe and lifestyle brand,” states Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer at Pura Vida. “We strived to create a welcoming space, offering simple and healthy dishes. We saw a demand for a place that offered nourishing food, and filled the void to meet the needs of conscious diners.” Pura Vida was originally established in Miami Beach and has since launched multiple other locations. The thriving health-minded concept can also be experienced in Miami Design District, Edgewater, South Beach and in Coral Gables at the University of Miami. Driven by a passion for providing simple and nourishing foods as well as impacting hundreds of lives by creating real careers, the health-conscious lifestyle brand plans to welcome four more locations in the coming months including establishments in Aventura, Bay Harbour, Las Olas and West Palm Beach. Pura Vida’s new West Avenue location is situated at 959 West Avenue #10, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Hours of operation will be 7AM - 8PM Daily. Delivery and pick-up is available through the Pura Vida Miami app. For more information, please visit www.PuraVidaMiami.com. ### ABOUT PURA VIDA: Pura Vida is an all-day cafe established in South Florida offering a balance of nutritious and delectable dishes, sourced from high-quality, fresh local ingredients. Founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev, the Miami-based concept provides an extensive menu that showcases an all-day breakfast menu, including a range of raw, organic acai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, bowls and more. Since its inception in 2012, Pura Vida has evolved into a lifestyle brand, providing a nourishing all-day menu and refreshing dining experience that has quickly become the “go-to” spot for people in the wellness community in the area. Drawing inspiration from Omer’s and Jennifer’s travels, as well as recipes from friends and family, Pura Vida was designed to feel like an extension of their own home with a menu that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serving enriching options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between, Pura Vida is a community of individuals who value health. The wellness-minded concept strives to make an impact, not just by providing wholesome foods, but by creating a community of people who appreciate locally sourced ingredients, along with creating real careers for hundreds of people within South Florida. Moreover, Pura Vida is committed to making conscious decisions towards a more eco-friendly world. Further strengthening the wellness brand’s dedication to the environment, Pura Vida partners with different organizations in the community to participate in quarterly beach cleanups. Pura Vida currently has four locations in South Florida, including South Beach, Miami Design District, Edgewater and Coral Gables and looks forward to expanding to other areas, beginning with the brand’s West Avenue location, in the coming months. Delivery and pick-up is available through the Pura Vida Miami app. Pura Vida: Fresh. Simple. Sustainable. Locally Sourced. For more information, visit https://puravidamiami.com/ Instagram: @puravidamiami

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami’s favorite outdoor destination with over 83-acres of manicured green space and 6,000 rare and exotic plants on display, is celebrating the change of seasons with an all new lineup of socially distanced, fall-inspired events beginning this month. As temperatures begin to drop throughout Florida, Fairchild invites Miami locals and visitors to enjoy an outdoor Family Movie Night on Halloween night, a Paws on Parade Dog Halloween Costume Contest, and Date Night at the Garden, where guests are encouraged to bring a friend or a loved one and enjoy a range of fun activities. Fairchild will also be shining a spotlight on its members during the month of October with member-exclusive events and discounts such as the Members Day Plant Sale and a members-only virtual exotic orchid Plant Sale. Please see the list below for additional programming details: Events Open to the Public Date Night at the Garden: Fairchild is pleased to present Date Night at the Garden, where every Friday evening guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities with their date (or friend), like terrarium building with wine, swing dance lessons, and a Halloween movie night. *Date Night is rain or shine Friday, October 9th - Succulents & Wine are Fine: A Terrarium Building experience - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, building starts at 6:00pm Friday, October 16th - Swing Dancing Social: Swing Dance, Two sessions - 5:30 pm & 8:30 pm Friday, October 30th - Garden Cinema: Halloween Classic Film Edition - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, movie starts at 7:30 pm Halloween Dream | Family Movie Night at the Garden: Trick or Treat through the gardens dark and stormy rainforest and then find your favorite spot on the lawn for a special family movie feature. The Glasshouse Cafe will open for additional food and beverage options. The fun starts at 6:00 pm and the movie starts at 7:00 pm. *Weather permitting Dog Dates: Starting at 5:30 PM on Thursdays throughout October, wander among the lush plants and gardens with Fluffy and spend some time exploring the 83-acres of green space as the sun sets. Please see a list below of the pawsome programming throughout the month. *Dog Date is rain or shine Thursday, October 15 - Dog Bazaar - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Thursday, October 22 - Dog Date Movie Night - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, movie starts at 7:00pm Thursday, October 29 - Paws on Parade Halloween Costume Contest - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Costume Parade starts at 6:00 pm Eat. Drink Garden: On Saturday, October 31, Fairchild will host the third installment of Eat. Drink. Garden., a monthly outdoor dinner series that highlights specially curated menus by South Florida’s favorite chefs. The candlelit dinner includes two seating’s at 5:30 PM and 8 PM with a limited seating capacity of 30 guests. Stay tuned for more updates. *Eat. Drink. Garden. is rain or shine Member Exclusives: October is Member Appreciation Month, so Fairchild is celebrating their loyal members with exclusive monthlong events and discounts. Members' Day Plant Sale: On Saturday, October 24, Fairchild will host its annual Members’ Day Plant Sale, exclusively selling native and exotic orchids only. Members will also receive 30% off the Fairchild Store. *Rain or shine, Time 10- 4 pm. The Fairchild Online Plant Sale: Every month, Fairchild gives plant lovers access to some of their finest plants for home gardening through their Online Plant Sale. Throughout October, members can shop a rare collection of orchids virtually and receive a video from Jason Downing, PH.D and orchid biologist, explaining the type of orchid and tips on how to care for it. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL. 33156. Stay up to date by following along on Facebook at @FairchildGarden, Twitter at @FairchildGarden and Instagram at @fairchildgarden. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Ready to (not) party together? It's time to dust off that look you bought in March, saved for June, and still haven't had a chance to wear. Brickell City Centre will be hosting its first ever pop up dining experience at the end of the month. This October 23-25, prepare your palates for a pop-up dining experience that takes you out of your kitchen and onto the streets of Brickell. Brickell City Centre will be celebrating its newly minted dining platform, BCC  EATS  with a socially distanced weekend-long series of outdoor foodie events. Dubbed the Anti-Social, the shopping center will host a mix of open-to-the-public and RSVP’d brunches and dinners for guests of all ages seeking a safe way to reconnect with loved ones while dining and imbibing al fresco. The Anti-Social will take place in a reimagined outdoor urban garden oasis North Square - across the street from Luna Park on SE 6th Street. The Anti-Social will offer epicureans the opportunity to indulge in Brickell City Centre restaurants’ newest and most popular dishes from favorites including Pubbelly Sushi, Tacology, Quinto La Huella, CMX Stone Bar and newly opened Marabú. During the three days, groups of 2-4 can choose from a brunch or dinner reservation catered by the restaurant of their choice and purchase tickets to reserve their time, with ticket prices starting at $55 for brunch and $80 for dinner. The ticket will include a prix fixe menu with dishes and cocktails from each restaurant that guest are able to enjoy all while dining under the stars. An Anti- Social Bar will be open in Brickell City Centre to the public throughout the weekend and will offer specialty cocktails from SUGAR at East Hotel. The Anti-Social will have ample spaced seating to ensure the safety of our guests throughout the weekend. Increased cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing will occur at each of the Anti-Social seatings, to ensure that the standards, established by both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), are met and exceeded. Friday, October 23rd Dinner with Pubbelly Sushi Dines available at 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24th Brunch with Quinto La Huella Dines available at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Dinner with Marabu Dines available at 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25th Brunch with CMX Stone Bar Dines available at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Dinner with Tacology Dines available at 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. WHO: Anti-Social hosted by BCC Eats WHAT:  Brickell City Centre will be hosting a community-inspired dining weekend. The reimagined outdoor dining promenade will feature restaurants from BCC including Pubbelly Sushi, Tacology, Quinto La Huella Marabú and CMX Stone Bar. WHEN:  Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th WHERE: North Square across the street from Luna Park on SE 6th Street, Miami COST: $55 for brunch and $80 for dinner (per person) TICKETS & MORE INFO: HERE More on BCC Eats From happy hour to date night - BCC EATS offers around the clock tastes from around the world.   BCC EATS is the new brand that makes up all of the BCC restaurants – all future programming at BCC that is related to dining will be under the “BCC EATS” brand. BCC Eats has something for everyone to enjoy, from Margaritas to Sake to Pasta to Empanadas, guests will never leave hungry. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of BCC.

As South Florida residents continue to look for ways to safely return to adventure, Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) is offering a chance to experience true weightlessness while soaring high above the earth’s surface. Taking off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on November 7, 10, 11 and 12, ZERO-G will also offer three “Astronaut Experience” flights to celebrate the return of their research program later this month. Eager Fort Lauderdale thrill-seekers can register now at www.GoZeroG.com. “Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding neighborhoods have always been a place that appreciates adventure, exploration and incredible space experiences,” said Matt Gohd, ZERO-G CEO. “We are excited to be a part of the scientific curiosity that South Florida is known for by offering an experience our flyers won’t soon forget.” As the consumer space race heats up and interest in commercial space travel deepens, the flights offered by ZERO-G continue to be the only FAA-approved opportunities in the U.S. for Floridians to experience true weightlessness without actually going to space. Welcoming visitors and locals alike with all new health and safety standards, more South Florida takeoffs are expected to be added to ZERO-G’s flight schedule in the coming months. The current national flight schedule can be found here. “Floating weightless like an astronaut is a bucket list item for many and we’re delighted that ZERO-G is bringing this experience to Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Stacy Ritter, President at CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “I’m glad to see that pandemic protocols are in place so those that want to float above the earth and leave 2020 behind for a few minutes can do so safely.” With a continued presence in the South Florida market, ZERO-G is a proud advocate of space exploration and advancement. In addition to consumer flights, ZERO-G’s Weightless Lab has launched nearly 300 research and education flights to date, proving itself a global leader in parabolic microgravity research for academia, corporate, government and non-profit organizations. At a fraction of the cost of consumer flights in development, ZERO-G’s dedication to discovery is paving the way for the general public to enjoy the wonders of interstellar travel. The Weightless Flight Experience Each ZERO-G mission is designed for maximum fun. Flyers will board G-FORCE ONE®, ZERO-G’s specially modified Boeing 727 that uses parabolic arcs to make achieving weightlessness easier than ever. The aircraft’s interior is a zero-gravity playroom, complete with padded floors and walls and video cameras to record the unforgettable moments. When experiencing weightlessness, guests can fly the length of an airplane cabin, pour water in the air and watch the droplets hover before their eyes, release a handful of M&M’s and chase them down like a game of human Pac-Man, and enjoy 10-times more hang-time than the world’s best basketball player. Valued at $6,700 per person, the ZERO-G experience includes breakfast, flight training, 15 periods of weightlessness, a ZERO-G flight suit, ZERO-G merchandise – including a branded mask, a certificate of weightless completion and photos and video to remember this unforgettable experience. For flyers who are extra curious about the cosmos, ZERO-G also will offer a limited number of “Astronaut Experience” seats on a series of exclusive flights taking place November 10, 11 and 12. These special weightless adventures will have 30 parabolas per flight – nearly twice that of normal flights – offering a more extreme experience. Mirroring real-life astronaut training with close to 15 minutes of weightless time, these rare flights are being offered in conjunction with ZERO-G’s upcoming research flights and start at $7,865 per seat. Health & Safety The company’s updated health and safety plan includes pre-flight pulse and temperature checks, as well as the required use of personal protective equipment provided by ZERO-G. Additionally, ZERO-G has reduced flight capacities by 30 percent to not only allow for adequate social distancing, but to also create even more room for guests to float freely. During all flights, a full cabin exchange with external air will occur every 3 minutes. To find more details regarding ZERO-G’s health and safety plan, click here. For more information about ZERO-G, please visit www.gozerog.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Zero-G