The 2023 Miami Open presented by Itaú will once again host the world’s greatest players and the next generation of tennis legends at Hard Rock Stadium, March 19 – April 2. The iconic tennis tournament returns with energy and excitement that has long made it a fan favorite event. The Miami Open announced the player field for the 2023 tournament today, after receiving the initial entry lists from the ATP and Hologic WTA tours. The list boasts an impressive eight previous Miami Open titleholders. Three of the past four men’s singles titleholders will return to Miami including Carlos Alcaraz (2022), Hubert Hurkacz (2021) and John Isner (2018). On the women’s side, three previous titleholders return to see if they can claim glory yet again. Current No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek, will defend her 2022 title against previous winners Sloane Stephens (2018), Victoria Azarenka (2016, 2011, 2009) and many more who are still looking to take home the M.O. trophy. Other players to watch include Australian Open women’s singles titleholder Aryna Sabalenka (No. 2), Florida native Coco Gauff (No, 6), 2022 US Open Finalist Ons Jabeur (No. 3), former Miami Open finalists Casper Ruud (No. 4), Jannick Sinner (No. 12) and Alexander Zverev (No. 16), No. 1 American women’s player Jessica Pegula (No. 3), and No. 1 ranked American men’s player Taylor Fritz (No. 7), hot off his win at the Delray Beach Open this weekend. 2022 winners Carlos Alcaraz & Iga Swiatek and more to compete at Hard Rock Stadium Qualifying rounds will be held March 19-21 and will determine 12 additional slots in each singles’ draw. The Miami Open also will award wildcards to five men and eight women. The women’s main draw begins on Tuesday, March 21, followed by the first round of the men’s main draw on Wednesday, March 22. Tickets for the 2023 Miami Open presented by Itaú are on sale now at www.MiamiOpen.com and start at $18. From Single Session and Grounds Passes, to Full Tournament Duration Packages and Suites & Lounge Passes, there’s an experience for everyone at the Miami Open. This is your chance to see the greatest players in the world compete for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of IMG/Miami Open

This is a time of endings. In the midst of the all-consuming media spectacle surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II, “tennis royalty” in the form of Roger Federer will retire in the same week and in the same city that she is laid to rest. When the career of a sporting celebrity concludes, it is widely represented as if they have died, in what journalists call “sports obituaries”. The person in question is usually still alive and will probably go on to be successful in the business, media and/or charity sectors. But the experience of watching them perform live at the stadium or on screen immediately mutates into nostalgic reflection. So, what can be said about the sporting life of “Roger”, one the few people often known solely by their given name? The final curtain When the institution of sport emerged during the late industrial revolution in the 19th century, it changed, as Allen Guttmann famously put it, “from ritual to record”. It became all about the numbers and the score. By this measure, Federer’s sporting record is formidable – world men’s number one for the best part of six years, 20 Grand Slam singles titles (including six Australian Opens), the only player to win at least ten titles on clay, grass and hard court surfaces, and sundry other tennis achievements. Federer won his first Grand Slam as a 19-year-old at Wimbledon in 2003.AP Photo/Dave Caulkin, File Of course, it has not all gone smoothly. The body that was his finely tuned instrument on the tennis court increasingly failed him, although the steely determination of the champion never wavered. Until, facing one last hurrah but probably playing on one leg, he chose to lower the curtain at the event that he co-created. Named after his tennis hero, the Laver Cup is a testament to Federer’s unusually intense immersion in tennis history and, ultimately, his own place within it. Federer, who arrived as a teenage firebrand, admires not just the impressive tennis record but also the demeanour of Rod Laver. Federer, pictured here after winning at the Australian Open in 2018, often cried with joy.AAP Image/Mark Cristino An elegant and courteous stylist who was instrumental in the professionalisation of tennis in the 1960s, he has been a significant role model for Federer. Laver is not just acknowledged as a superlative tennis player, but widely respected and admired. In emulating him, Federer generally behaved well on and off court, although unlike Laver, he sometimes wept with frustration or joy. In the pure aesthetics of tennis, Federer arguably eclipsed the master. No cold-eyed counting of tournament wins can capture the beauty of his backhand, the flourish of his forehand. King Roger and the big three In the early days of his career, the Swiss-South African Federer could have gone the way of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who is more than a decade younger. Both supremely talented and combustible, Federer and Kyrgios went in different directions. Federer became “King Roger”, as he was anointed by the august Times of London in 2018 – a player who trained hard, curbed his temper, and won Wimbledon at the age of 21. Kyrgios, by contrast, emerged as “Nasty Nick”, attracting media and spectator interest as much for his confrontational on-court antics as his sometimes sublime tennis. Even if Kyrgios begins to win Grand Slams while continuing to fascinate younger tennis fans, it is unimaginable he will come close to Federer’s elevated place in the pantheon. Federer’s place in tennis history has been enhanced in part by his membership of the “Big Three” alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – or the “Big Four” if Andy Murray is included. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were ‘the big three’ of tennis.AP Photo/Mark Baker, File With more than 60 Grand Slams between them, the three rivals dominated men’s tennis, supplying the kind of “golden age” narrative so beloved of terminally sentimental sport fans. Now, with Nadal also prone to injury and Djokovic sacrificing tournaments by refusing to be vaccinated against COVID, Federer’s retirement signals the end of this era. The departure of “Queen Serena Williams” from the women’s game and the youth of the singles winners in the 2022 US Open is further evidence that the wheel has, perhaps mercifully, turned in favour of renewal. But longevity is a major aspect of Federer’s status. He has been at or near the top of tennis for most of the 21st century. Just as most people have only known one Queen of England, young and middle-aged tennis fans have had the comforting certainty of King Roger plying his trade on the world tennis circuit. Unlike constitutional monarchies, though, those of the sporting world are produced by performance, not heredity. The new tennis regime is yet to take shape. Astonishing athleticism I only saw Roger Federer in the flesh once. It was two decades ago in London’s shiny NikeTown, and young Roger – an up-and-coming professional contracted to Nike – was playing an exhibition game with oversized tennis balls and undersized racquets. My initial cynicism was overwhelmed by the astonishing athleticism on display. I thought he’d do well then, but had no idea I was witnessing the rise of the House of Roger. The last two decades saw the rise of the House of Roger.EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS Federer, we are told, may return to such spaces to play post-retirement exhibition games. The Roger Federation Foundation, dedicated to alleviating child poverty through education, could use the money. But before the next phase of King Roger’s life there must be the ceremonial media moment of his appearance in the O2 arena in London, this week’s global capital of farewell ceremonies. Words By David Rowe Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University . Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

As one of the most beautiful cities in Florida, Miami is a top tourist destination for visitors from around the world. With miles of white sandy beaches and stunning blue water, it's no surprise that this sunny city is so famous. While you'll probably spend a good chunk of your time soaking up the sun on the beach, there are a lot of other fun activities worth doing. With that in mind, we've compiled this list of fun ways to spend your free time in Miami. Visit South Beach Spending time hanging out on South Beach is a must-do for all visitors to Miami. The stunning four mile long coastline is one of the most famous in the world, so gather your stuff and head over. If you plan to spend the day at the beach, be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, a large beach towel, and flip-flops or beach shoes. You may also want to bring a beach umbrella if you burn easily because the sun's rays can be quite strong, especially at the peak of the day. Since you probably won't spend all of your time swimming in the ocean, it's a good idea to bring something to keep you entertained while you're reclined in your beach chair. Playing games on your phone is a great way to relax and pass the time on the beach. Slots, blackjack, roulette, and other games are available online. Many of the top casinos listed on OddsChecker offer bonuses to new players, letting them try out their offerings before wagering their own money. On the other hand, if you prefer battle-royale style games, there are plenty you can play on your phone, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PUBG. As a change of pace, there's nothing like relaxing on the beach and getting lost in a good book. Whatever you choose, you're almost guaranteed to have a good time on South Beach. If you're looking for instagrammable moments while visiting Miami, you won't want to miss the art deco buildings located on Ocean Drive. It's the largest collection of these buildings in the city, and it's easy to get lost walking among them. You'll get to see Versace's Villa Casa Casuarina, other mansions and pastel-colored hotels. Keep an eye out for the cool antique cars and luxurious new cars scattered throughout the area, including eye-catching Cadillacs. Feast on Delicious Food Foodies from all over the country, and indeed the world, flock to Miami to enjoy the city's delicious cuisine. Miami's food is famous for blending Latin, European, and American flavors, creating a fusion that will make you and your tastebuds happy. Miami Beach Boardwalk After spending time swimming and soaking up the sun on Miami beach, it's time to take a walk along the boardwalk. This spectacular walk is a must-do, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the ocean and the city as they stroll along the path. The Miami Board Walk stretches an impressive 40 blocks from South Beach, so be sure you're wearing comfortable shoes before you get started. If you need a break, you can stop at one of the many shops to get a bite to eat or drink. Enjoy the Street Art of Wynwood What was once an overlooked manufacturing district in the 1970s is now one of Miami's most popular destinations, known for its unique street art. Some of the world's most talented street artists have added their style to this outdoor museum comprised of full-size colorful murals. A free self-guided walking tour of Miami Street Art is available for those who want to dig deeper into the details of these creations. Besides beautiful art, the area has hipster cafes in old warehouses, art galleries, craft breweries, and boutiques. Everglades National Park When you need a break from the city, the Everglades National Park is waiting for you just 45 minutes outside Miami. The wetlands reserve extends from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Okeechobee and boasts all kinds of wildlife, including alligators. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Miami Beach

Gulfstream Park’s Championship thoroughbred racing season continues March 4 with Fountain of Youth, one of Florida’s most legendary races in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. Join us for an afternoon and evening of world-class racing, entertainment, and dining. During the Fountain of Youth run on March 4th, the Carousel Club will be open from noon to 3 a.m. and will celebrate this legendary race with half-priced Mojito pitchers from noon until 4 p.m. There will also be performances throughout the day by jazz artist and Lady Gaga’s Vegas bandleader, Brian Newman. Newman is celebrated for blending the jazz influences of Miles Davis and Chet Baker, and the American Songbook influences of Gershwin and Porter to find room with the modern songbook through his love of bands such as Nirvana, Willie Nelson, Elliot Smith, and The Police. St Patrick's Day Celebration at Carousel Club Join us for the most magical times as we celebrate our first-ever St Patrick's Day at Carousel Club! St Patrick's Day Event Details Magic Hour Special (4 PM - 7 PM): 5 for $15 on select beers Venue Open from 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM Complimentary Admission RSVPs are available Buy An Irish Whiskey, Get A Free Harp Lager! St. Patrick’s Day Carousel Club Complimentary RSVP: Enjoy cool cocktails, delicious eats, & exciting entertainment from day to night! EATS BY: Los Altos Taqueria, La Traila Texas Craft Barbecue & Spris Artisan Pizza DRESS CODE: Proper Dress Attire is Required. The venue reserves the right to deny entry at the doorman’s discretion. DOORS: 2:00 PM, EST to 3:00 AM, EST Carousel Club is a 21+ venue. Children accompanied by parents are welcome before 7 PM. Start your magical journey by finding your way to Carousel Club. For more information, click here. Walk Ups Welcome! On Sundays We Spritz at Carousel Club On Sundays We Spritz! Enjoy live entertainment, delicious eats, and $35 bottles of Chandon Garden Spritz from 12 PM- 4 PM. Spend Sunday at Carousel Club! Event Details: Live Entertainment Our signature Specialty Cocktails $35 bottles of Chandon Garden Spritz (from Noon to 4 pm) Horse Racing Entertainment (All Day) Delicious food options from 3 unique & amazing vendors More on Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park From Breakwater Hospitality Group, the creators of The Wharf, & 1/ST Experience, Carousel Club is a new open-air gathering spot for cool cocktails, delicious eats & exciting entertainment from day to night. Designed by the esteemed, Venice, CA-based – Studio Collective, Hallandale Beach’s newest entertainment venue features 14,000 square feet of tented and open-air spaces including a spacious deck, a covered Carousel Bar with ample seating, and a grassy garden for lounging and lawn games. Carousel Club will create memorable moments for over 1,500 guests, highlighted by signature day-to-night programming. Food vendor pop-ups include Lincoln Road’s Spris Artisan Pizza, Mad Room Hospitality’s Los Altos Taqueria, and Ms. Cheezious to name a few. Carousel Club is open weekly on Friday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM till 10:00 PM. For bottle service, or to RSVP, please visit CarouselClub.com. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Of Gulfstream Park

The recitals series at the Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach offer a special opportunity to our audience to feel close and personal with our artists. This Landmark in Miami Beach is one of the most enchanting, inspiring and magical places to hear piano recitals. The Discovery Series is the crown jewel of this truly unique Festival. Is in these series that we search for those artists that are not only great talents but are unique, passionate, and creative, and with much to share with our audiences. Once these artists are discovered we take them under our wing, offer them multiple opportunities to develop their careers, making sure that they will be mentors for the next generation of pianists. MARCH 4 ARISTO SHAM (Hong Kong) “This young artist’s potential is boundless.” Aristo Sham showed tremendous command and involvement, passion, and pianism” The New York Concert Review Hailed by the New York Times as a pianist “whose playing combines clarity, elegance and abundant technique,” and by the Washington Post as a young artist with “boundless potential” who can “already hold his own with the best,” pianist Aristo Sham has dazzled audiences on five continents. In 2009, Aristo was featured in the documentary ‘The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies’, broadcast by Channel 4 in the UK. Aristo has also performed for royalty and dignitaries such as Prince Charles, the Queen of Belgium, and ex-President Hu of China, and collaborated with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra under Edo de Waart, English Chamber Orchestra under the late Sir Raymond Leppard, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne and the Minnesota Orchestra. Aristo first came under international recognition when he won First Prize in the Ettlingen International Piano Competition in Germany in 2006, and First Prize in the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition in 2008. More recently, he has also won prizes in the Vendome Prize at Verbier Festival, Gina Bachauer, Dublin, Clara Haskil, New York, Saint-Priest, and Viotti International Piano Competitions. In 2019, he was First Prize winner of the Casagrande International Piano Competition. MARCH 5 NICOLAS NAMORADZE (Georgia) “Set to become one of the truly important artists of his generation.” – Emanuel Ax Pianist and composer Nicolas Namoradze, whose performances have been hailed as “sparkling… sensitive and coloristic” (The New York Times) and “simply gorgeous” (Wall Street Journal), came to international attention in 2018 upon winning the triennial Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary, Canada—one of the largest prizes in classical music. His often-sold-out recitals around the globe have been met with universal critical praise, and recent album releases have received extraordinary accolades, including the Choc de Classica, Record of the Month in Limelight, Instrumental Disc of the Month in BBC Music Magazine, Editor’s Choice in Gramophone, Editor’s Choice in Presto Classical and Critics’ Choice in International Piano, as well as a first-place debut in the UK charts for classical instrumental albums. Among the most critically acclaimed musicians of his generation, Namoradze was bestowed the 2020 & 2021 Young Pianist Award by the UK Critics’ Circle, which called him “very much more than a top-flight pianist.” A Gramophone “One to Watch” and BBC Music Magazine “Rising Star,” Namoradze was also named among WQXR’s “20 for 20,” a list that “includes long-time heroes, established favorites and newcomers set for stardom who are redefining what classical music can be.” Recent critical highlights include rare five-star reviews in The Telegraph and The Guardian, which called his performance at Royal Festival Hall “ideally laconic and debonair, weighty yet exquisite, and exactingly precise in tone and touch.” A January 2022 cover feature in International Piano declared Namoradze’s Wigmore Hall debut “astonishing,” concluding that, “with so many talents and interests it is impossible to predict what this young man will go on to do: all we can be sure of is that it will be both original and unexpected.” DISCOVERY SERIES AT THE WOLFSONIAN-FIU MUSEUM 1001 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL All concerts at 7:30 PM March 4 ARISTO SHAM Johan Sebastian Bach Partita No. 4 in D major, BWV 828 Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor "Appassionata", Op. 57 Heitor Villa-Lobos Astor Piazzolla Adiós Nonino "Tango Rhapsody" Smuel Barber Piano Sonata in E-flat minor, Op. 26 Samuel Barber (1910-1981) March 5 NICOLAS NAMORADZE (Georgia) Johan Sebastian Bach Selections from Art of Fugue, BWV 1080 Rachmaninoff-Kocsis Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 Rachmaninoff-Namoradze Adagio from Symphony No. 2, Op. 27 Namoradze Memories of Rachmaninoff’s “Georgian Song” Intermission Franz Schubert Sonata in B-flat major D960 For information on the full season and tickets, please visit www.miamipianofestival.com. PATRONS OF EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTS Exceptionally talented pianists devote their entire youth to the development of their skills, abiding by rigid and demanding schedules; focused on achieving a successful career in music. During this arduous process, they find themselves lost without the support and understanding of a benefactor. That is where the mission and purpose of Patrons of Exceptional Artists comes in, an organization that for the last 25 years has exposed the talent of countless deserving pianists to the attention of the public, conductors, and agents. Many of our artists are now in the international circuit represented by top management. In order to further its mission, in 1998, Patrons of Exceptional Artists branched out to create the Miami International Piano Festival, (MIPF), which resulted in highly popular and inspiring summer academies held at Nova Southern University in Florida. This summer, however, MIPF offered students exposure to a most accomplished international faculty in the beautiful region of Briosco, Italy, at Villa Medici Giulini, a historical building that houses an astonishing collection of keyboard instruments. We also expanded our outreach through an online state-of-the-art virtual platform that continues to evolve, creating an archive and visual library of these activities. The goal is to provide global exposure to our artists while allowing music lovers around the world the opportunity to enjoy our concerts, lectures, and masterclasses. Giselle Brodsky, founder and artistic director of Patrons of Exceptional Artists, spends hundreds of hours listening to innumerable performances of hopeful entries to select the artists that will inspire our audience and students with their passion and commitment to the expression of music. The Miami International Piano Festival concerts are interactive experiences that engage our audiences and enhance their appreciation of music in its infinite prism of ideas and emotions. Patrons Of Exceptional Artists is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, contact Giselle Brodsky, at info@miamipianofest.com or visit our website at www.miamipianofest.com. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Unspalsh

Ann Storck Center will host “Love and Mystery in Paris,” a musical production presented by the center’s heARTS Music Therapy Department, on Wednesday, May 24, at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend this free, one-of-a-kind musical performance featuring the residents and students of Ann Storck Center. Ann Storck Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them to discover abilities and build independence. Ann Storck Center accommodates 96 permanent residents and serves more than 300 clients daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability focused programs. A Musical Production Presented by The Ann Storck Center Music Therapy Department Ann Strock Center’s dynamic, award-winning heARTS program is available to all members of its All Heart learning and ability community. Through art, music, drama, dance, creative writing and musical performance Ann Storck Center empowers experiential art from every perspective to inspire and promote expression without boundaries. It aims to boost and affirm creative ability, cultivating avenues of self-expression, personal achievement and life enrichment. Ann Storck Center’s goal is to stem off social and emotional isolation, enhance community engagement and promote healthier outcomes for the entire County Broward community. For more information about the event, please visit https://www.annstorckcenter.org/musicproduction. To attend the event, please RSVP for tickets by clicking here. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Ann Strock Center. Top image by Unsplash

Make lasting memories at Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre (MSDC)! MSDC is pleased to announce its 2023 Summer Dance Camp which will include classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Acrobatics and Hip-Hop. Also incorporated into the camp experience are classes in dance improvisation, dance history, musical theatre, yoga, music terminology, nutrition, stage makeup, arts and crafts, and more. Each session is designed with a different theme that concludes with a performance showcasing the many talents of all participating campers (excluding half day campers.) Showtime is every Friday at 2:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to watch via Zoom. The summer dance camp will entail eight, one-week sessions starting the week of June 13 through August 4. Dates and themes include: Week 1 (June 13-16): Dancing Through the Decades – Dance, Dance, Dance! Join Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre for a fun and energetic hip-hop week with music from several decades. The music will be turned up and the lights will be turned down for its annual glow party! Week 2 (June 19-23): Welcome to New York – Campers will experience the “Big Apple” as they celebrate Musical Theatre. Participants will be dancing, singing and acting to their favorite show tunes and learning special choreography straight from New York City. Week 3 (June 26-30): Adventures of Universal – Calling all Universal Studios fans. Campers will dance their way through the adventures of Harry Potter, The Minions and Dr. Seuss. Participants can show their team support for Spirit Week and Color War. Week 4 (July 3-7): Welcome to the Jungle – Take a walk on the wild side! Dancers will jam to songs from The Jungle Book, Tarzan, and The Lion King. Campers will enjoy a safari experience and animal face painting, too. Week 5 (July 10-14): Hey Mickey! – Participants’ dancing dreams will come true during this week of Disney magic, where they will celebrate all things Walt Disney World! Week 6 (July 17-21): Life in the Dreamhouse – This one's for the girls - a week of fitness, friendship, and fabulousness! Join Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre for student choreography, a fashion show, and a pampering spa day. Week 7 (July 24-28): Under the Sea – Get ready for an underwater experience as dancers perform The Little Mermaid using new music from the hit live-action film. Week 8 (July 31-Aug. 4): Soak Up the Sun – Campers will say goodbye to summer as they dance to their favorite tropical beats and celebrate with the annual End of Summer water fight on Friday. Campers are encouraged to bring a healthy lunch as well as snacks that do not require refrigeration. Dance campers will have pizza every Friday, as it’s Pizza Day (included in tuition). What to Wear: Leotards and tights (shorts/skirts over leotards and tights are optional.) Ballet, Tap, and Jazz shoes and sneakers. Hair must be worn in a bun or a secure ponytail. When: Camp hours for ages 5 to 13 are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A half-day option for ages 3-5 is available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers must bring lunch and must be fully potty trained, out of diapers/pull ups and able to use the restroom independently. Pre-care drop-off is available at 8 a.m. for an additional $5. After-care is available from 3-6 p.m. How/Cost: $350 per week for full day $70 daily rate for full day $35 per half day (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) For more details and to register, please email Segretodance@aol.com or visit https://segretodance.com/summer-dance-camp/. Where: Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre 12900 W. State Rd 84 Davie, FL 33325 More on Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre has been training and educating South Florida’s Top Dancers for over 40 years. It offers dance training for students enjoying the thrill of his or her first dance class, to casual, recreational dancers and to those dancers on their way to university programs and professional careers. Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre believes that exposure to the arts, including dance, plays an integral part in the development of a child. It offers classes that are age appropriate, structured, yet fun filled and supportive. It provides the finest dance instruction in South Florida in a creative atmosphere of professionalism, respect, nurture, encouragement and fun! For more information, please visit: https://segretodance.com/ By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Meg Segreto’s Dance Centre. Top image by Eugenia Maximova/unsplash

TAG Heuer celebrated the Sixth Annual Miami Design District Concours at their Miami Design District boutique on February 18th with cocktails by Gio Gutierrez. Specialty cocktails featured at the event included a smoked whiskey called The Carrera and a tequila based drink with a burnt orange wedge garnish called The Porsche. In honor of Miami Concours, TAG Heuer collaborated with RIOCAM, a Miami-based photographer, to create a pop-up art gallery at the TAG Heuer MDD Boutique focused on specially curated art pieces featuring our Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing chronograph. The new bold and sporty timepiece launched earlier in February showcasing the enduring passion for racing shared by both brands. TAG Heuer and Porsche share a rich history, an independent and powerful mindset, and a dedication to design excellence. Celebrating the new launch during the midst of Miami Concours was only natural as the special edition is the perfect symbol of the racing heritage. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of TAG Heuer/RIOCAM

Whether it is enjoyed as creamy milk chocolate truffles, baked in a devilishly dark chocolate cake or even poured as hot cocoa, Americans on average consume almost 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of chocolate in a year. People have been enjoying chocolate for at least 4,000 years, starting with Mesoamericans who brewed a drink from the seeds of cacao trees. In the 16th and 17th centuries, both the trees and the beverage spread across the world, and chocolate today is a trillion-dollar global industry. As a food scientist, I’ve conducted research on the volatile molecules that make chocolate taste good. I also developed and taught a very popular college course on the science of chocolate. Here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions I hear about this unique and complex food. There’s a lot of processing that happens between cacao beans in a pod and the chocolate at your table. Gustavo Ramirez/Moment via Getty Images How does chocolate get its characteristic flavor? Chocolate starts out as a rather dull-tasting bean, packed into a pod that grows on a cacao tree. Developing the characteristic flavor of chocolate requires two key steps: fermentation and roasting. Immediately after harvest, the beans are piled under leaves and left to ferment for several days. Bacteria create the chemicals, called precursors, needed for the next step: roasting. The flavor you know as chocolate is formed during roasting by something chemists call the Maillard reaction. It requires two types of chemicals – sugar and protein – both of which are present in the fermented cacao beans. Roasting brings them together under high heat, which causes the sugar and protein to react and form that wonderful aroma. Roasting is something of an art form. Different temperatures and times will produce different flavors. If you sample a few chocolate bars on the market, you will quickly realize that some companies roast at a much higher temperature than others. Lower temperatures maximize the floral and fruity notes, while higher temperatures create more caramel and coffee notes. Which is better is really a matter of personal preference. Interestingly, the Maillard reaction is also what creates the flavor of freshly baked bread, roasted meat and coffee. The similarity between chocolate and coffee may seem fairly obvious, but bread and meat? The reason those foods all smell so different is that the flavor chemicals that get formed depend on the exact types of sugar and protein. Bread and chocolate contain different types, so even if you roasted them in exactly the same manner, you wouldn’t get the same flavor. This specificity is part of the reason it’s so hard to make a good artificial chocolate flavor. How long can you store chocolate? Once the beans are roasted, that wonderful aroma has been created. The longer you wait to consume it, the more of the volatile compounds responsible for the smell evaporate and the less flavor is left for you to enjoy. Generally you have about a year to eat milk chocolate and two years for dark chocolate. It’s not a good idea to store it in the refrigerator, because it picks up moisture and odors from the other things in there, but you can store it tightly sealed in the freezer. What’s different about hot chocolate? To make powdered hot chocolate, the beans are soaked in alkali to increase their pH before roasting. Raising the pH to be more basic helps make the powdered cocoa more soluble in water. But when the beans are at a higher pH during roasting, it changes the Maillard reaction so that different flavors are formed. The flavor of hot chocolate is described by experts as a smooth and mellow flavor with earthy, woodsy notes, while regular chocolate flavor is sharp, with an almost citrus fruit finish. What creates the texture of a chocolate bar? Historically, chocolate was consumed as a drink because the ground beans are very gritty – far from the smooth, creamy texture people can create today. After removing the shells and grinding the beans, modern chocolate makers add additional cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is the fat that occurs in the cacao beans. But there isn’t enough fat naturally in the beans to make a smooth texture, so chocolate makers add extra. Machines can pulverize the beans to a very fine texture.Евгений Харитонов/iStock via Getty Images Plus Next the cacao beans and cocoa butter undergo a process called conching. When the process was first invented, it took a team of horses a week walking in a circle, pulling a large grinding stone, to pulverize the particles small enough. Today machines can do this grinding and mixing in about eight hours. This process creates a smooth texture, and also drives off some of the undesirable odors. Why is chocolate so difficult to cook with? The chocolate you buy in a store has been tempered. Tempering is a process of heating up the chocolate to just the right temperature during production, before letting it cool to a solid. This step is necessary because of the fat. Cocoa butter’s fat can naturally exist in six different crystal forms when it is a solid. Five of these are unstable and want to convert into the most stable, sixth form. Unfortunately, that sixth form is white in appearance, gritty in texture and is commonly called “bloom.” If you see a chocolate bar with white spots on it, it has bloomed, which means the fat has rearranged itself into that sixth crystal form. It is still edible but doesn’t taste as good. Careful chocolate prep tries to hold off the most stable – but undesirable – version of the fat in cocoa butter, which is called bloom.nbehmans/iStock via Getty Images Plus You can’t prevent bloom from happening, but you can slow it down by heating and cooling the chocolate through a series of temperature cycles. This process causes all the fat to crystallize into the second-most stable form. It takes a long time for this form to rearrange itself into the white, gritty sixth form. When you melt chocolate at home, you break the temper. The day after you’ve created your confection, the chocolate usually blooms with an unattractive gray or white surface. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Sheryl Barringer, Professor of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission. Top image courtesy of Unsplash

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges that the health and medical field have never encountered. Although the initial response was led by a sense of urgency and crisis management, the State Surgeon General believes it is critical that as public health professionals, responses are adapted to the present to chart a future guided by data. The State Surgeon General is notifying the health care sector and public of a substantial increase in Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) reports from Florida after the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Overall reports submitted to VAERS, Florida 2006–2022 In Florida alone, there was a 1,700% increase in VAERS reports after the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to an increase of 400% in overall vaccine administration for the same time period (Figure 1). The reporting of life-threatening conditions increased over 4,400%. This is a novel increase and was not seen during the 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign. There is a need for additional unbiased research to better understand the COVID-19 vaccines' short- and long-term effects. The findings in Florida are consistent with various studies that continue to uncover such risks. To further evaluate this, the Surgeon General wrote a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) illustrating the risk factors associated with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and emphasizing the need for additional transparency. According to a study, Fraiman J et al, Vaccine. 2022, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were associated with an excess risk of serious adverse events, including coagulation disorders, acute cardiac injuries, Bell’s palsy, and encephalitis. This risk was 1 in 550 individuals, which is much higher than other vaccines. A second study, Sun CLF et al, Sci Rep. 2022, found increased acute cardiac arrests and other acute cardiac events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, Dag Berild J et al, JAMA Netw Open. 2022, assessed the risk of thromboembolic and thrombocytopenic events related to COVID-19 vaccines and found preliminary evidence of increased risk of both coronary disease and cardiovascular disease. While the CDC has identified safety signals for stroke among individuals 65 and older following the bivalent booster administration, there is a need for additional assessments and research regarding safety of all mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. To support transparency, the State of Florida reminds health care providers to accurately communicate the risks and benefits of all clinical interventions to their patients, including those associated with the COVID-19 vaccine as additional risks continue to be identified and disclosed to the public. The State of Florida remains dedicated to protecting communities from the risks of COVID-19 and other public health concerns, specifically by promoting the importance of treatment and promoting prevention through healthy habits. We encourage our health care partners and providers to do the same. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Florida Health. Top image courtesy of Unsplash

Spring break is just around the corner, and the warm spring sunshine and heated five-acre (two hectare) waterpark beckons families to enjoy an unforgettable getaway at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Recognized as the #1 Best Hotel and #1 Best Resort in Walt Disney World according to U.S. News & World Report, marking the ninth consecutive year of being awarded a top ranking, the Resort offers incredible activities for kids of all ages and rejuvenating relaxation for parents. Nestled within 26 sprawling acres (10.5 hectares) of lush Florida woodlands and tranquil lakeside scenery, in addition to the waterpark with lazy river, splash zone, and water slides, Four Seasons Orlando features an all-day complimentary kids club, the only adult pool within Walt Disney World Resort, Michelin-starred rooftop Capa Steakhouse and much more. Fun In The Sun Guests of all ages will enjoy discovering Explorer Island, the Resort’s expansive water park featuring a winding lazy river with cascading waterfalls, a gradually sloping zero entry family pool, an interactive splash zone, two exhilarating water slides and more. Teens will stay entertained at The Hideout featuring the latest gaming systems such as virtual reality, multi-player PAC-MAN, interactive video table games and more. A multi-purpose turf court and basketball court provide even more options for active recreation, as well as table tennis, billiards, and foosball found at the Ruinous Mansion - serving as homebase for Kids For All Seasons, the Resort’s complimentary kids camp available daily for children ages 4 to 12. Children will have a blast at Kids For All Seasons, with a packed day of twice daily supervised swimming and indoor and outdoor activities designed by Sarah Peltier, Director of Recreation. Peltier brings an always-sunny and imaginative disposition to craft fun and creative activities. “It’s always a rewarding experience to create special memories for our little guests,” says Peltier. In addition to traditional poolside entertainment such as air brush tattoos, hair wraps, and balloon artistry, Kids For All Seasons offers daily activations including family game nights, dive-in movies at the family pool and much more. Teens will enjoy special evening activities such as night time scavenger hunts throughout Explorer Island, karaoke at The Hideout, and pickleball tournaments. Peltier, being the oldest of 13 siblings from a blended household, stresses the importance of balancing family time when on vacation. She says, “Quality time spent together is precious, and giving each family member the freedom to recharge with their own Resort experiences makes the rest of the vacation journey that much more enjoyable.” Other fee-based activities are also offered, such as Explorer Island Takeover from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Teen Island Takeover from 8:00 to 11:00 pm on Saturday nights, where parents can drop off kids for a few hours, to enjoy a romantic dinner. Relax and Restore While kids are entertained at Kids For All Seasons, parents can retreat to the 18-treatment room spa, offering a wide array of innovative treatments including Ayurvedic Healing, Vibrational Sound Therapy, IV and IM Vitamin Vitality treatments, and private meditation sessions in the Somadome, a cocoon of healing lights and sounds utilizing binaural beats, colour therapy and energy medicine with magnets and crystal therapy. The Spa offers expansive indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges including a co-ed tranquillity terrace, solarium with zero-gravity wave loungers, steam rooms and al fresco whirlpools where guests can unwind pre or post treatment, or at any time during their resort stay. “The purpose of vacation is to leave feeling rested and rejuvenated, and we give guests the opportunity to do just that within the sanctuary of our Spa,” says Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa. More relaxation awaits at the aptly named Oasis pool, exclusive for guests ages 21 and up. The chic, infinity-edge pool is lined with swaying palms, private cabanas and loungers, complete with poolside cocktail service. For those who wish to stay active during their spring getaway, the Resort offers three Har-Tru tennis courts and a variety of clinics, as well as a 24-hour fitness centre featuring Peloton bikes, on-demand digital classes, and daily complimentary live fitness classes ranging from yoga to boot camp. Private instruction is also available, including personal Pilates reformer sessions guided by the Resort’s talented fitness instructors. Golfers will love the 18-hole championship golf course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. Whether seeking challenging play fit for professionals or family fun on the Par 3 six-hole short course and 18-hole putting course, guests are sure to enjoy an incomparable golf experience within the picturesque setting of the Tom Fazio-designed course, a certified Audubon Sanctuary featuring varying elevations, abundant wildlife and protected wetlands. In addition to enjoying the immaculate spring weather outdoors, guests can retreat to the Resort and enjoy shopping signature trunk shows with designer appearances at Wardrobe, the Resort’s luxury boutique featuring designer apparel and fine jewellery. Culinary Experiences After a day spent poolside or exploring the nearby Walt Disney World Theme Parks, there’s no better way to refuel than with a Michelin-starred dinner at the rooftop Capa Steakhouse. Helmed by Capa Chef Malyna Si, the only female chef overseeing a Michelin-starred restaurant in Central Florida, the 17th floor restaurant features Spanish-influenced cuisine with a delectable array of tapas, locally-sourced seafood and wood-fired prime cuts including the pluma Iberico pork loin Si sourced from Extremadura, a prime 12-ounce bone-in filet, and a 16-ounce bone-in New York strip, both from Creekstone Farms in Kansas. There’s also a 12-ounce Delmonico and a 16-ounce short rib, both PlatinumX wagyu level certified, a level above prime, from Jackman Ranch in Texas. Si takes pride in offering an elevated menu with unique and rare dishes, saying, “The practicality of my role is that everybody has to eat; the beauty of being a chef lies in the boundless possibilities to create.” In addition to these mouthwatering options, there are several signature dishes that are not to be missed, including the pan con tomate small plate, the bacon-wrapped and marcona-almond stuffed datiles, and the cinammon sugar-dusted churros de Madrid. The incredible cuisine is matched only by Capa’s stunning ambiance, featuring two outdoor terraces with views of the Walt Disney World Resort fireworks spectaculars. At Ravello, the Resort’s modern Italian-restaurant that was also included in the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa, guests will delight in authentic Italian cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, a native of Torino, Italy. Delicious pastas and pizza doughs are prepared with flour imported straight from Italy, and Fabrizio’s homemade limoncello is the perfect way to end any Italian feast. Plus, Ravello welcomes special guests every Thursday and Saturday morning, as well as select Tuesdays, for Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals. With six different on-site dining establishments featuring global flavours from a diverse culinary team, guests are sure to find something to satisfy every palate. The Most Magical Place on Earth There is no better time for guests to experience the magic of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, coming to an end March 31, 2023. However, guests can enjoy the excitement of the Disney Theme Parks all spring long with many on-site conveniences, including access to the Resort’s lobby level Disney Planning Center. Staffed by a Disney Cast Member, the Disney Planning Center team offers complimentary assistance with all Disney needs, including assisting guests with purchasing Park tickets conveniently on site, making Disney Park Pass and Disney dining reservations, and much more. Guests can venture to the nearby Disney Theme Parks with complimentary transportation in a luxury motor coach, and enjoy even more time to experience the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration with 30 minutes Early Park Entry to any Theme Park of choice daily. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Ocean Kayak has officially become part of the Old Town family, combining the inventive design of Old Town with the adventurous and enjoyable spirit of Ocean Kayak. With a humble beginning in 1971, Ocean Kayak has evolved into a leading brand in sit-on-top kayaks, creating watercraft that embody simplicity and the thrill of ocean exploration. The Old Town Ocean Kayak line boasts seven models, all crafted in the brand's advanced manufacturing facility in Old Town, ME USA. Although the word "Ocean" is in its name, these sit-on-top kayaks are versatile enough to handle both freshwater and saltwater environments thanks to their innovative hull designs. Designed to navigate moving water with ease, all seven models in the Old Town Ocean Kayak line feature quick and stable hulls, comfortable seating, cup holders, and convenient grab-and-go handles. With the merger of Old Town and Ocean Kayak, customers can now experience the best of both worlds - the inventiveness of Old Town and the fun spirit of Ocean Kayak - in every water adventure. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL The Malibu Two XL is the perfect versatile family boat. This longer craft can handle two paddlers in addition to a small child or your favorite four-legged friend. Optional frame seating is available. Features include: Stackable design QuickStash™ Dry Hatch provides convenient waterproof storage Open bow and stern tank well with bungees for quick storage Useable weight capacity: 491 lbs Assembled boat weight: 90 lb | 40.8 kg Length: 13 ft 3.96 in Ocean Kayak Malibu Two The Malibu Two is the world's most popular sit-on-top tandem kayak. Designed for family adventures on the water, this boat can accommodate one or two paddlers along with a small child or pet. Features include: Stackable design QuickStash™ Dry Hatch provides convenient waterproof storage Open bow and stern tank well with bungees for quick storage Useable Weight capacity: 375 lb Assembled boat weight: 78 lb Length: 12 ft For more information visit Ocean Kayak. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Old Town and Ocean Kayak