The release from Russian prison of WNBA star Britney Griner has been greeted with general delight in the United States. Announcing the deal that saw her freed on Dec. 8, 2022, President Joe Biden lauded the “painstaking and intense negotiations” that made it happen. Others may have legitimate concerns over the equivalence of the exchange, which saw convicted arms merchant Viktor Bout returned to Russia. Brittney Griner on the plane after being released. Russian Security Service via AP As a longtime scholar of Russian law, I believe the episode prompts a reflection on the application of Russian law in Griner’s case, and more broadly consideration about such exchanges in general. The problem American negotiators face in such situations is that it matters whether the U.S. citizen is guilty of committing the crime alleged under foreign law or whether there has been a miscarriage of justice, incompetent investigation or prosecution, or false accusation. And from this perspective, the Griner case was difficult. A question of ‘direct intent’ Griner has yet to give a full account of her story, but the available facts suggest that she legally acquired in the U.S., probably in Arizona or California where she is based, vaping cartridges containing hashish oil upon a physician’s recommendation, but not prescription. She then, probably illegally under federal law, carried them across state lines to New York, where vaping cartridges are sold but cannot be carried to states where they are not legal. From there, the question becomes a classic law school examination issue: Did Griner violate zero-tolerance Russian legislation on narcotics when she boarded a Russian aircraft in New York – unless, of course, she flew Delta as the only U.S. carrier that goes direct? Or was the law broken when that aircraft entered Russian airspace, or touched down in Moscow? Or perhaps it was when passengers disembarked at Sheremetevo airport, when Griner passed through passport control; or when the basketball star chose the green customs channel at the airport instead of declaring what she had in the red channel and was found out by a sniffer dog policing the green channel. These were all possibilities, but the green channel was incontrovertible. Accusations of possession and smuggling of narcotics under Russian criminal law require proof of “direct intent” – that the individual knew or should have known what act they were performing. In this case, passing through the green channel with nothing to declare while carrying a controlled substance would constitute direct intent. That, as Griner said, she did not “intend to commit a crime” when she packed the vaping cartridges in her hand luggage was immaterial. The question was whether she entered the green customs channel with intent. Brittney Griner, prior to release. Evgenia Novozhenina/AFP via Getty Images The choice she made was to not declare the cartridges. Had she done so, the cartridges likely would have been confiscated, but no offense committed. Under Russian law and also that of the U.S., direct intent was present. What she did was, from her government’s standpoint, at best careless and thoughtless. Moreover, it exposed the United States, in the end, to a unwelcome scenario of exchanges at a most difficult time in the international community. The personal costs to Griner were not insignificant. It likely cost her a lucrative contract, a criminal conviction, and some nine or so months in custody. Under Russian law, quantity matters Russian law – just as many jurisdictions, including many American states – does not recognize medical uses of marijuana. Griner has been traveling to Russia for eight years and will have been expected to know this. Under Russian law, the amount in her hand luggage qualified as a “significant amount” – the lowest threshold of criminal liability. Another individual whose situation is receiving more media attention in light of the Griner case is Marc Fogel, an American still serving a criminal sentence in Russia of 14 years for smuggling narcotics. His case fell into the next category – a “large-scale amount” of marijuana, and a more severe sentence. He beyond doubt was aware of the risks in bringing it in for personal medical purposes. There is no question that the sentences imposed on Griner and Fogel were severe. Other alternatives were potentially available, including administrative responsibility – a legal code embodying a category of offenses we do not have in Common Law jurisdictions. There are sanctions for violations, but they are not treated as criminal. Without imputing political motives to the apprehension of Griner – which may or may not be justified – the Russian Procuracy will have had reason to assume that both Griner and Fogel acted with direct intent both in the narrow legal sense and in the larger human sense. Both are familiar with Russia, not casual tourists. They brought in a prohibited substance, had prior experience with and knowledge of Russian legal practice in this domain, and nonetheless either carelessly or knowingly brought in a prohibited drug. The problem of ‘Americanizing’ Russian law Another lesson to be learned from the Griner case is that American media frequently experiences difficulty in explaining foreign systems of criminal law. Part of the problem is the “Americanizing” or “Anglicizing” of Russian criminal law and procedure. In the Griner case, most media reported that she was liable to punishment of up to 10 years, but omitted to say that the Criminal Code imposed a minimum of five years. This understated the gravity of the offense in Russian law. The nine-year sentence handed to Griner was on the heavy end, but not unheard of or unreasonable and is consistent with the Fogel sentence. That wasn’t the only misstep in foreign media reporting. The accusation of smuggling was widely and correctly reported, but said nothing about the charge of possession. References were made to a “guilty plea” by Griner, but Russian criminal procedure does not have pleas. The prosecution had to prove its case irrespective of what the accused may say. There are good historical reasons from the Soviet past as to why acknowledgments of guilt – or “confessions” – do not affect the burden of proof on the prosecution. In this case, however, the burden of proof was easy to satisfy, and Griner’s counsel will have given sound advice in suggesting that she acknowledge guilt after the prosecution had presented its case. We have yet to hear a more complete version of Griner’s side since her return to the U.S. One must hope that the American negotiators achieved not only the exchange, but an outcome which gives her no record of conviction in Russia and enables her, at an appropriate time, to resume her million-dollar Russian contract if she wishes to do so and circumstances permit. Words by William E. Butler Distinguished Professor of Law, Penn State. Special thanks for The Conversation.

Japanese for “home,” Uchi is Hai Hospitality’s award-winning flagship restaurant, named after the little red house where Chef Tyson Cole first introduced his non-traditional take on elevated Japanese cuisine to Austin in 2003. After the success of Uchi Austin, Houston, Dallas and Denver, the restaurant group opened Uchi Miami in 2021 in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood at 252 NW 25th Street. Inspired by the vibrant Miami culture and energy, the newest Uchi expansion brings a range of textures, flavors, and warmth to its specially crafted menu, curated by Chef de Cuisine Dina Butterfield and Head Sushi Chef Cyrus Hire. Uchi strikes a delicate balance between elevated food and impeccable service alongside a welcoming and homey atmosphere, boasting Uchi’s signature hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura, and changing omakase based on seasonal items. For those indulging in the latter, there are three omakase offerings on the menu, including a 10-course chef’s tasting, six-course signature tasting and six-course vegetarian tasting. The Uchi experience begins and ends with art to curate a unique experience, whether it's in the beauty of the fresh ingredients used, or the way the chefs build the flavors of each dish. Take the selection of makimono (variety of rolls). Just as an "Endo" is a wheelie on the front tire of a bicycle, the biendo maki is a sushi roll turned on its head. Instead of rice, they use rice paper, as well as creative components like frozen grapes and Uchi fish sauce to elevate the flavors in each bite. Or the otoro gunkan; shaped like tiny boats, gunkan translates to "battleship" in English. With the star of the show always sitting atop perfectly seasoned rice, these bites are waiting to explode with flavor. This winter, Uchi Miami will offer a special uni flight, incorporating a variety of different unis from Japan and the U.S. Chef Butterfield will also elevate the popular A5 hot rock special made with wagyu beef and ponzu, for a limited time. Happy Hour is also offered daily from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and features a unique menu with a rotating selection of cool and hot tastings, handrolls, sushi and sashimi, and an okashi offering. The core menu is also available at these times, along with various cocktails, beers, wines, and sake specials. Dine-in, take-out, and private dining options are also available. Looking ahead, Hai Hospitality has recently announced it is expanding its Miami footprint with plans to open Uchiko Miami in the heart of Sunset Harbour Village in 2024. Bold flavors with hints of smoke and char will differentiate Uchiko from its sibling Uchi. At Uchiko Miami Beach guests can expect an ever-changing menu that spotlights Uchi's signature raw fish at the sushi bar, balanced with wood-fired items and Yakitori-grilled options, striking a balance between richness and delicacy. Uchiko Miami Beach will also offer a full bar with hard-to-find Japanese whiskys and a menu of “classic cocktails with a twist” that pair nicely with the robust hearth-centric menu. Restaurant Contact: Address: 252 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127 Phone: 305.995.0915 Website: https://www.uchimiami.com/ Hours of Operation: Daily, 5-11 p.m. | Happy Hour daily, 5-6:30 p.m. Social: Instagram, @uchirestaurants More on Hai Hospitality Hai Hospitality is an award-winning restaurant group based in Austin, Texas, that began with Uchi, Japanese for ‘home,’ and so named for the little red house where Chef Tyson Cole first created his nontraditional take on elevated Japanese cuisine in 2003. Hai Hospitality concepts include Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā, and LORO Asian Smokehouse and Bar. Hai currently operates in five cities across the US, including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Denver, and Miami. Hai Hospitality gives each of its restaurants the space to create and cultivate their own identities and supports them in a variety of capacities so that each location has the freedom to grow while still being part of the bigger family—a family that has a common set of core values; a shared vision for food, service, and design; and a collective pool of knowledge and expertise to draw upon no matter where they call home. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Hai Hospitality

The prestigious American Heritage Schools is proud to announce that its Broward Campus has been ranked as the No. 1 K-12 private school in Florida by Niche – a global ranking organization for schools and universities. Niche’s 2023 Best Private Schools and Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings and more. Additionally, the Broward campus is No. 1 in Florida for all private and public schools and the No. 2 private school in the nation with the highest number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. 55 seniorsfrom the Broward Campus Class of 2023 have been named National Merit Scholars Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)®. One of six students from American Heritage Schools in the Class of 2023 is a National Merit Scholar. “We are very proud of our students, faculty and staff members for helping us achieve the ranking of No. 1 private school in Florida out of over 200 schools,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “Niche is a market leader in connecting schools with students and families and it is gratifying to be recognized for our commitment to academic excellence.” Niche uses in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, over 140 million reviews and ratings, and powerful search and data tools, to connect millions of students and families with the right school. Niche’s platform, data, and services help thousands of schools, school districts, and communities recruit and enroll best-fit students. The 40-acre campus in Broward consists of investigative science labs facilitated by Ph.D. research scientists, engineering and robotics labs, mock courtrooms, media centers and computer labs, outdoor environmental classrooms with a certified wildlife habitat, Center for the Arts, Olympic-size pools, sports fields and quiet courtyards. American Heritage Schools’ Broward Campus serves the rapidly growing areas of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The school also has free express nonstop buses that go as far south as Miami Shores and Doral. A door-to-door bus is also available per request for a fee. For more information about American Heritage Schools, please visit: https://www.ahschool.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of American Heritage Schools

Navier, the makers of America’s first 100% electric hydrofoil boat, today revealed a demo of their inbuilt autodocking feature, an industry-first for recreational boats. Aimed at making boat ownership easier for beginners, this new tool supports Navier’s larger vision to increase the autonomy of water vessels and unlock the world’s waterways. For nearly a decade now, marine companies have been working to build fully autonomous autodocking systems. With many achieving assisted docking but with limited adoption, and as a retrofitted feature, Navier has become the first to make autodocking a reality. The only boat of its kind to go from sketch to flight in under a year, Navier’s initial offering, the N30, will now allow boaters of all experience levels the ability to dock with single click cutting edge autonomous technology. Built by a renowned team including the naval architect of America's Cup Oracle boat Paul Bieker, and drawing from experience at Uber ATG, Google X, and NASA, the N30 operates a lot like an airplane, combining design, software, and performance. “Autodocking was the most requested feature by our existing customer base,” said CEO and founder Sampriti Bhattacharyya, a former space engineer and MIT Ph.D. “Being the first in the industry to deliver this is a huge milestone for the company and the future of the boating experience. We’re rethinking design from the ground up - with software at the core - enabling us to deliver a product that is highly differentiated on customer experience and performance. Our goal is to bring the joy of sustainable boating to anyone, even those who love water but are overwhelmed at the thought of handling a boat.” How it works: The N30 auto-docking system uses advanced computer vision and additional sensors to estimate the location of the boat with respect to the selected slip while compensating for external perturbations such as wind while also avoiding obstacles. Notably, the independently steerable twin motors in the N30 can perform some docking maneuvers such as pure translational and turning movements that other single and fixed rear engine hydrofoil boats just cannot do. Once in the final docking position, the auto docking system actively keeps the boat in a fixed position to allow the boat to be secured to the dock. The advanced steering and maneuvering capabilities of the N30 can also be used in manual docking mode via a joystick available in the helm. The N30 is the first commercially available electric hydrofoil boat built in America and the longest-range electric boat in the world. Ten times more efficient than traditional gas boats, this 30ft craft uses electric hydrofoil technology- the first electric boat with compelling range, utility, and luxury combined. Navier has raised over 10M in seed funding from Next View Ventures, Liquid 2, Global Founders Capital, and Primavera Capital (one of the largest funds in China, focussed on climate, investors in Tiktok/Bytedance, Alibaba, etc), and prominent angel investors of Silicon Valley to help them build for the future. Initially launching in the recreational vessel market, the bigger mission of the company is to unlock waterways, moving into water taxis and beyond, aiming to decrease emissions and optimize our world’s waterways. The autodocking feature will be available for beta users in the 2023 edition. While the 2023 edition has already sold out, customers can reserve the 2024 edition of N30 (which you add auto docking) for a refundable deposit of $1,000. For more information or to reserve a vessel for 2024, please visit here. For more information on the company click here or email info@navierboat.com By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Navier

Orno at THesis Hotel launched Wine O’clock Tuesday, Jan. 4. During Wine O’clock, all wines by the glass and bottle are 50 percent off between 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday. Nestled in the culinary showroom orbiting around an open-kitchen concept, the notable 400-bottle wine cellar features a wide selection of unique and diverse wines. When selecting the wines from Orno’s wine list, which features more than 100 different varietals from sparkling and rosé to white and red vintages, chef Niven Patel took the time to pair each of the wines with the restaurant’s signature dishes. Focusing on the quality of each blend, chef Patel worked with growers and vineyards who specialize in sustainable and biodynamic harvesting practices as he hand-picked the expansive portfolio of global wines, including: Champagne by J. De Telmont, a French bubbly which is structured and accessible, airy yet with a real personality and presence. El Enemigo, Mendoza, Argentina 2018, a Semillon with rich, lemon and lightly grassy aromas in a very fresh, pure and focused mode. Bodegas Emilio Moro, Ribera Del Duero, Spain 2018, a powerful, balanced Tempranillo with exceptional elegance. The aromas have been refined through the aging process and it has notes of wood in the background and the personality of the variety. For an elegant and intimate dining experience, reservations can be made by clicking here. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Orno

Savor the fork-tender goodness of red wine braised short ribs—the ultimate comfort food for a cold evening or holiday gathering. If you’re in search of a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter evening or holiday celebration, give these wine-braised short ribs a try. They’re similar in taste and technique to beef bourguignon in that they’re first seared, then slow-braised until fork-tender in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce. For a leaner option, look for boneless short ribs, which have significantly less fat and are easier to trim and serve than the bone-in variety. However, if you can’t find boneless ribs, you can substitute 6 to 7 pounds of bone-in short ribs—the meat will fall off the bone as it cooks. Pair the short ribs with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta for a cozy yet elegant meal that will make everyone happy. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE RED WINE BRAISED SHORT RIBS As always, when cooking with wine, use a bottle that’s inexpensive but still good enough to drink; a Pinot Noir or Merlot in the $8 to $12 range is ideal. STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Begin by trimming all excess fat off of the exterior of the short ribs (although leave the marbling that goes throughout the meat alone), otherwise, your sauce will be greasy. It’s also a good idea to remove any silver skin, which is the thin, white/silvery membrane on the surface of the meat. Season the short ribs all over with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the short ribs and cook, without moving, until well browned on one side only, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining tablespoon of oil and short ribs. Browning the beef adds flavor. It may seem strange to brown one side only, but it saves a lot of time and does the job just as well. Pour off all but one tablespoon of fat, return the pot to the stove, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. (If the onions begin to darken too quickly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the pan.) Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes more. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until fully absorbed by the onion-tomato mixture, about 1 minute. Add the wine, broth, sugar, bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Add the short ribs and any accumulated juices to the pot and return to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid, transfer to the oven, and cook for 2 hours. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the carrots. Cover and return the pot to the oven and cook 45 to 60 minutes more, or until the carrots and meat are tender. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Skim any grease off the surface of the sauce, if necessary. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Spoon the short ribs and sauce into bowls over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs By Jennifer Segal Savor the fork-tender goodness of red wine braised short ribs—the ultimate comfort food for a cold evening or holiday gathering. Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 3 Hours Total Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes INGREDIENTS 4 pounds boneless short ribs, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin, cut into 3-in chunks (see note) 2 teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, diced 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1½ tablespoons tomato paste ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2⅓ cups red wine (see note) 1 cup beef broth 2 teaspoons sugar 1 bay leaf 5 sprigs fresh thyme 2 large carrots, sliced ½-in-thick diagonally INSTRUCTIONS Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F. Season the short ribs all over with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the short ribs and cook, without moving, until well browned on one side only, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining tablespoon of oil and short ribs. (Note: Browning the beef adds flavor. It might seem odd to brown on one side only but I find that it saves time and does the job just as well.) Pour off all but one tablespoon of fat, return the pot to the stove, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. (If the onions begin to darken too quickly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the pan.) Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes more. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until fully absorbed by the onion-tomato mixture, about 1 minute. Add the wine, broth, sugar, bay leaf and thyme sprigs; increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Add the short ribs and any accumulated juices to the pot and return to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid, transfer to the oven, and cook for 2 hours. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the carrots. Cover and return the pot to the oven and cook 45 to 60 minutes more, or until the carrots and meat are tender. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Skim any grease off the surface of the sauce, if necessary. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Spoon the short ribs and sauce into bowls over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. Note: It's very important to trim all excess fat off of the exterior of the short ribs (although leave the marbling that goes throughout the meat alone), otherwise your sauce will be greasy. It's also a good idea to remove any silver skin, which is the thin, white/silvery membrane on the surface of the meat. Note: In selecting wine for this recipe, look for an inexpensive bottle that's still good enough to drink: a Pinot Noir or Merlot in the $8 - $12 range would be ideal. Make-Ahead Instructions: The short ribs can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Reheat, covered, over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in a 325°F oven. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The short ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Before serving, defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then reheat, covered, over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in a 325°F oven. NUTRITION INFORMATION Per serving (8 servings) Calories:680 Fat:47 g Saturated fat:19 g Carbohydrates:12 g Sugar:4 g Fiber:2 g Protein:41 g Sodium:740 mg Cholesterol:166 mg Special thanks to Jennifer Segal, for the recipe and images. You can support Jennifer by purchasing her cookbook, "Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook," featuring over 100 delightful recipes.

British footwear brand Mallet London is relaunching its Women’s Collection just in time for this Winter under the creative direction of founder, Tommy Mallet. The first shoe to debut is the Hoxton Boucle, a brand new silhouette. The sneaker takes pride in its everyday functionalities, a casual yet classy design that features white leather with suede boucle panels, silver branding and the signature Mallet London heel clip. The Hoxton Boucle is available now in three colorways, Rose, Beige and Baby Blue, with two additional colors, Moss and Lilac, launching in the coming weeks ($280). The second style dropping this week is the Rosemary boot, the first-ever boot by Mallet. Known for its bold yet sleek silhouette the Rosemary is made from Leather Working Group certified leather, a conscious decision by the brand which is looking for ways to become more sustainable. This certification is awarded to manufacturers that have implemented programmes for energy use and wastewater. The supple black leather boot features the signature Mallet London heel clip in either silver or gold. As custom with each Mallet London shoe, the name has a special and personal meaning for Tommy. Rosemary Park was the local park near where he grew up. His childhood is filled with memories of riding bikes for hours, with his mum watching, wearing a pair of boots like the new Rosemary. The boot is available now and is priced at $295. About Mallet London Mallet London was founded in 2015 by unconventional entrepreneur Tommy Mallet and businessman Evren Ozkarakasli. It all began with a spark of creativity from Tommy, combined with Evren’s business experience. Mallet, an avid trainer collector and urban fashion trendsetter, had an idea for a unique pair of trainers. He couldn’t find anything on the market that spoke to his style sensibility and was both affordable and high quality. Tommy eventually took matters into his own hands and sketched his idea. He reached out to Evren, who worked in the fashion industry at the time, and asked if he could make his dream trainer a reality. Tommy and Evren collaborated on the design and production and sold their creations online as a trial, expecting their friends might be interested in purchasing them. The rest, as they say, is history. Less than seven years later, the London based brand is now a major force in the premium footwear industry with distribution at 145 stores throughout the US, UK, Europe and in locations as far reaching as Dubai and South Africa. The brand is at home in some of the world’s most distinguished stores including Selfridges, Harrods, Browns, Harvey Nichols, Level Shoes, Harry Rosen and Saks Fifth Avenue. In North America, Mallet London Mens is stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue and Harry Rosen. The Women’s collection is available exclusively at mallet.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Mallet London

Join us at Gulfstream Park on March 4th for Fountain of Youth Day, a thrilling event filled with world-class horse racing, entertainment, and dining. The day will feature the highly anticipated $400,000 Fountain of Youth race, which serves as a major prep race for the Triple Crown of horse racing. This year, the race is expected to feature the early favorite, Forte, making his first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Along with the Fountain of Youth, there will be nine stakes races with total purses of approximately $2 million. In addition to horse racing, Gulfstream Park offers a variety of entertainment options. The newly opened Carousel Club is a stunning open-air gathering spot, offering cool cocktails, delicious food, and exciting entertainment. On Fountain of Youth Day, the Carousel Club will celebrate “Mint To Be” with half-priced Mojito pitchers. Gulfstream’s state-of-the-art casino is also a must-visit destination, open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Wednesday. The casino features the latest in slots and electronic table games, providing guests with a top-notch gaming experience. For more information on the Carousel Club and Fountain of Youth Day, visit https://carouselclub.com/events. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience at Gulfstream Park! By ML team | Courtesy of Gulfstream Park.

The Aventador 780-4 Ultimae Roadster, of which only 250 will be produced, is the latest dream supercar from Lamborghini. The $546,000 roadster features the most advanced technological solutions with a 780 CV V12 engine and is the latest and most powerful and iconic Lamborghini production to date. The Lamborghini DNA of the Roadster is unmistakable, with even sharper lines and a perfect contrast of refinement and aggressiveness: a design masterpiece in which esthetic and practical perfection is no longer just an ideal. The removable hardtop, produced using the innovative RTM high-pressure die-casting process, provides strength and comfort, underlining the lifestyle and spirit of this limited series. The Aventador 780-4 Ultimae Roadster evokes emotions that are intense, uncompromising and stand the test of time. SPEED Top speed: 355 km/h. Acceleration: 0-100 KM /H 2.9 s and 0-200 KM /H 8.9 s. FRAME & BODY Carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum frame front and rear. Body: high-pressure RTM carbon fiber. Hard Top painted (Aventador S Roadster). Aerodynamics: 3-position electronically controlled rear spoiler; fully covered underbody. INTERIOR The interior of this open-top limited series superbly combines sportiness and elegance. The fine and skilfully crafted materials, including carbon fiber for the main surfaces and laser-cut Alcantara® with a Y motif for the upholstery. BODY Engine: V12, 60°, MPI (multi-point injection) Convenience: 6,498 cm3 (396.5 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 95 mm x 76.4 mm (3.74 x 3.01 in.) Compression Ratio: 11.8:0.2 Max. Power: 780 CV (574 kW) at 8,500 rpm MAX. Torque: 720 Nm (531 lb.-ft.) at 6,750 rpm Emission Control System: Catalytic converters with lambda probes Cooling System: Water and oil cross-flow cooling system with variable air intakes Engine Management System: Lamborghini Iniezione Elettronica (LIE) with ionic current analysis WHEELS & STEERING Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with ABS and TCS with different characteristics depending on the driving mode selected. Steering with hydraulic power assistance with 3 different Servotronic characteristics, coupled with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) and Rear Wheel Steering (RWS) controlled by Drive Select mode. SUSPENSION Active magnetorheological pushrod suspension front and rear with horizontal dampers and springs. BRAKES Carbon ceramic brakes with fixed monobloc aluminum calipers with 6 pistons (front) and 4 pistons (rear) TRANSMISSION Electronically controlled all-wheel drive system (Haldex gen. IV) with mechanical self-locking rear. Manual gearbox: ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) gearbox with 7 gears. For more info, visit https://www.lamborghini.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Lamborghini.

Play, friendship, passion, a tale of vanity set free, a shared vision of a men’s world as an instrument of the avant-garde for the renewal of culture, the practical and everyday use of a “dream wardrobe.” The House presents the Gucci HA HA HA campaign that captures moments of the human desire for masculine transformation, interpreted by British singer-songwriter and actor, Harry Styles. It is the natural continuation of a journey of shared creativity that began the moment Creative Director Alessandro Michele asked his friend Harry Styles to prepare a “two-headed” collection. Presented in June 2022, Gucci HA HA HA, a crasis of the initials of ‘Harry’ and ‘Alessandro,’ is a collection that represents the landing place of a creative two-person journey, born from a deep bond of friendship. “I’m so happy to see this project finally come to life. I’ve known Alessandro for years now, and he’s always been one of my favourite people. I’m always inspired watching him work, so doing this collaboration with my friend was very special to me.”, says Harry Styles. Now, the artist stars in a campaign to which he lends not only the physicality of his face and body, but also releases his expressive emotionality while taking on all the intrinsic “meanings” within the collection. This becomes evident from the way he plays with the scenic elements of everyday life: a chair, a plant, a couch. And even more so from the natural gesturality with which he handles accessories, without assigning any particular importance to a hat or a bag. And it is indeed a bag, the Gucci Bamboo 1947, that the campaign embeds within the narrative like a beacon of the renewal of the masculine world. Gucci HA HA HA transpires from a game between two friends who decide to combine those small oddities that come from almost childlike visions. This is the creative device that allows sartorial jackets, formal suits, Prince of Wales coats, and all the other pieces to narrate the essentiality of a fashion that tends towards a manipulation of symbols established to transform into elements of autonomy for a cultural renewal and revolution. The images and video, shot by Mark Borthwick, tell the story of this avant-garde journey. Through the interpretation of Harry Styles, the collection is able to exhibit masculine vanity without hypocrisy and false scruples dictated by convention. Photo after photo, Styles enacts a theatrical piece that transforms the men’s wardrobe into a platform of freedom. CREDITS Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer & Director: Mark Borthwick Make up: Ammy Drammeh Hair: Malcom Edwards By ML Staff. Photos by Mark Borthwick/Gucci

Pelé occupies a central, albeit problematic, place in the construction and affirmation of Brazil’s national identity. His role in helping forge the identity of modern Brazil has roots in helping the country win the World Cup in Sweden in 1958 and in the global role taken on soon after by his club team, Santos. Santos in the Pelé era travelled the planet as sporting diplomats, crossing ideological divides between communism and capitalism and celebrating the political emancipation of nations emerging from colonialism. There is no doubt that the main achievements of the teams led by Pelé were encouraging the playing of soccer in countries where the sport was rarely played, and, conversely, to have transformed the way the game was played in traditional soccer nations. In doing so, Pelé transcended the role of “national idol.” He became something much more significant: a symbol of the Black diaspora, a pan-African reference point and a cosmopolitan icon. It was no coincidence that Bob Marley – who similarly was held up as a hero to the Global South – made a point of wearing Pelé’s number 10 shirt during the singer’s brief visit to Brazil in 1980. To Marley and others, Pelé embodied the aesthetic of soccer as art and an expression of freedom. Outside Brazil, nowhere was Pele’s presence as an icon of Black achievement felt more than in a decolonising Africa. The Mozambican footballing great Eusébio – who represented colonial masters Portugal on the international stage – first found his soccer identity playing for “Os Brasileiros” (The Brazilians), a team created in the suburbs of what is now the capital Maputo, in homage to 1958 World Cup winners. Indeed, countless African players from the capital of Mozambique were given the nicknames of “Pelé”, “Garrincha”, or “Didi” – three Black heroes of the Brazilian national team, and an inspiration for millions across the African continent. Global inspiration, domestic force Pelé’s professional career, falling between the years 1956 to 1974, coincided with the period in which Brazilian authorities held claim to what was called “racial democracy” – the belief that discrimination against non-white Brazilians did not exist. But this ideology only served to muffle the very real struggle of Afro-Brazilians and blocked debate over racial inequality. It placed racism as something apparently unthinkable in national society, as the scholar Antonio Sergio Alfredo Guimarães states in his book “Classes, Raças e Democracia”. These were the conditions under which Pelé’s trajectory took place, and his experiences lay bare how Brazilian-style racism operated. Shortly after winning the country’s third World Cup in 1970, Pele decided to retire from the national team to dedicate himself to his business ventures and club career. When he did so, the unanimity that had been woven around his image in Brazil quickly fell apart. Pele faced pressure to continue playing for the national team by a dictatorial regime keen on extracting political dividends from any soccer triumphs on the international stage. At the same time, he was admonished by white elite that sought to limit his role to that of an athlete – and in so doing reiterate the place afforded to Black people in Brazilian society. Pele’s approach to dealing with the Brazilian dictatorship has been criticised – the implication being he could have been more direct in his opposition to it. But from 1971, when he announced his departure from the national team, until 1974, when he ended his career at Santos, Pelé faced coercion, threats and blackmail in attempts to make make him bow to the converging interests of the military dictatorship and structural racism. Such intimidation included the cancellation of two farewell games that were due to be held in mid-1971 in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to honor his achievements. Pelé would not back down in the face of severe criticism from certain quarters made in the name of an exacerbated nationalism that cast him as a mercenary or traitor. Greatest political legacy The contested nature of his farewell from the pitch in effect, closed one of the most fascinating chapters of the unsubmissive will of a Black player in the face of the power structures of Brazilian society. Pele’s stance was informed not only by his disgust at the torture that had been carried out by the Brazilian dictatorship, but also a personal desire to be able to be rewarded for his fame and soccer. Nonetheless, Pelé’s determination to stand up to a military dictatorship and structural racism represents the greatest political legacy of his life. Pelé demonstrated that sport and entertainment did not constitute the “natural place” for the Afro-Brazilian as it had been conceived in racist discourse. He went on to acquire a university education, become a businessman and even held the role of minister of sport in the 1990s. Brazil’s president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva talks with Pele.Joedson Alves/AFP via Getty Images) Pelé’s trajectory reveals that soccer can be transformed into a space for the anti-racist struggle. In steadfastly refusing to be seen as simply a soccer player and in pursuing a career away from the pitch, Pele exerted a right that Afro-Brazilians not be excluded from activities historically monopolised by the more privileged white groups. The historical significance of Pelé chimes with the present context Brazil finds itself in. After four years of an extreme right-wing government, the return of a government not inclined to diminishing democracy, and committed to the anti-racist struggle, represents the resumption of a trajectory for Brazil that Pelé’s own journey illustrated. Words by José Paulo Florenzano Professor of Social Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. Images Courtesy of Getty Images. Special thanks for The Conversation.

So you’re finally coming to Miami? Great! Let me give you the Insider’s Tour – you know, the “must do’s” that will let you say you really saw Miami, along with some “we do’s” so you can say you know Miami like a native. Photo by Muzammil Soorma on Unsplash Image courtesy of Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables Insider Tip #1: “Miami” includes Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Homestead and a whole hunk of places that aren’t technically in the city. But they’re most definitely what we mean when we say “Miami.” Insider Tip #2: You need a car. You can park when you want to walk or to ride the Gables Trolley or to hop on the Metromover to get a bird’s eye view of Brickell Avenue or Downtown. Otherwise, trust me, you won’t see much of Miami. Our definition (see Tip #1) sprawls over an area the size of Rhode Island, and includes everything from models and manatees to mangoes, mangroves and murals. Coral Gables Classy, chic, trendy and historic all in one. The Gables (see, you’re already talking like a native) is one of the oldest neighborhoods – actually, a city all unto itself – where you can come for the architecture, enjoy the fine dining, and stay for a stroll through some of the finest art galleries in the area. Image courtesy of The Biltmore Hotel~ VISIT FLORIDA Start early if you think you might want to do more than just ogle the outside of the Biltmore Hotel or the Venetian Pool. The Biltmore’s 93-foot copper-clad tower may be the Gables’ most recognizable point. It’s modeled after a 12th-century Moorish tower in Seville, Spain. Everyone from Judy Garland to Al Capone has stayed there, including “Tarzan,” Johnny Weissmuller. It’s got a spa, a 22,000-square-foot marble swimming pool and one of the most elegant and challenging – but not daunting – golf courses around. Venetian Pool started as a quarry providing the rock to build the first Coral Gables homes. City founder George Merrick fancied it up as a “Venetian” lagoon with loggias and towers, added waterfalls, a cave and “cliffs” for the kids to jump off (you, too, if you want), and opened it as the “Venetian Casino” in 1924. The 820,000-gallon pool, fed by artesian wells, is drained and refilled nightly. When you’re done, drive down just about any street to see some of the exquisitely maintained original Mediterranean Revival 1920’s homes with their Old World arches and columns. Merrick’s coral stone home (tours available) is on Coral Way. A statue of him stands next to City Hall, a limestone palace topped by a 90-foot clock tower and bronze belfry. It sits at the head of Miracle Mile, the center of the shopping and fine eating district. It’s hard to go wrong here. There’s cuisine from around the world. Gallery night (first Friday) brings showings of fine contemporary and Latin art, including talented new artists and Cuban art you won’t find anywhere else. Take the trolley. Insider stop: Books & Books. It’s kind of the unofficial epicenter of the South Florida literary scene, with frequent author readings and signings, as well as a weekend gathering place for good jazz and Latin fusion. Coconut Grove This used to be the starving artists’ district, and the site of some of the nicest old Miami houses overlooking the bay. Now, folks like billionaire developer Jorge Perez (the guy whose name is on the art museum downtown) call it home. Some of the houses are newer, too, but still just as nice. You’ll see great examples heading along South Bayshore Drive. Or, you can cut in a block to Tigertail Avenue for more. Keep an eye out for the Grove peacocks. They wander into the road along narrow neighborhood roads, seemingly indifferent to the cars that have to stop while the birds meander. (Why did the peacock cross the road in the Grove? He didn’t. He just stood there with his peacock buds while the cars backed up.) Then it’s time to park and wander. There are plenty of boutique-y shops, and lots of restaurants boasting Brazilian fusion, middle eastern inspired American, Key Westy seafood, and more. Peacock Park looks out over a marina and allows an easy bayfront stroll to the Dinner Key Marina and Miami’s historic city hall. The Art Deco building once served as the “Air Gateway Between the Americas,” back when it was the biggest and most modern seaplane base in the world and the international flight terminal building for Pan American Airways, with its giant and luxurious “Clipper” flying boats lined up on the water outside. (An insider note to impress your friends: FDR flew there in 1943, the first time a U.S. president traveled by air while in office.) Inside, there’s a marvelous zodiac mural on the ceiling of the commission chambers and photos from the building’s heyday, including one of Charles Lindbergh in his leather aviator’s helmet, stepping into a seaplane cockpit. The Grove is a great jumping off point. If you head south, you can take a magnificently scenic tree-lined drive along Old Cutler Road to Matheson Hammock and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The garden has a world-recognized collection of palms, orchids and tropical fruit trees. Locals come out in droves for the art exhibits and annual Chocolate, Orchid, Edible Garden and Mango Festivals. That last one has sparked more than one lifelong love-affair with the many flavors and feels of this international fruit. Matheson is a unique man-made atoll, with a tranquil lagoon ringed by palm trees. It fronts Biscayne Bay at a favorite place for kite-boarders to zip along the water’s edge. The Vizcaya House~ Image by Peter Cross for VISIT FLORIDA If you head north from Dinner Key Marina, you’ll drift past joggers, walkers and roller-bladers at Kennedy Park, and soon reach Vizcaya, the bayfront winter home of International Harvester heir James Deering. Designed to look like a fully restored 400-year-old Italian estate, it’s now a museum with 34 rooms filled with sumptuous antique European art and furnishings, amid a lavishly landscaped labyrinth of gardens. It’s next to the Ermita de la Caridad (there’s an English name, but no local would ever use it) the Catholic church that now holds the original statue of Cuba’s patron saint, smuggled here in 1961. Just past that is Alice Wainwright Park, a family-friendly gathering place with tremendous views of Key Biscayne, nestled on the quiet and exclusive street where both Madonna and Sylvester Stallone once had homes. Key Biscayne That puts you next to the Rickenbacker Causeway and the entrance to Key Biscayne. The drive goes over the water, with one of the best views of Miami’s skyline, past the public beaches, the Miami Seaquarium, the Crandon/Key Biscayne golf course (one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the area), the site of the Sony Open tennis tournament and along the main street of the Village of Key Biscayne. Turn down just about any of the side streets to spot some of the most stunning multimillion dollar homes around, or continue straight to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. That’s at the end of the island, with its bike trails, beach and the oldest structure in the county, the Cape Florida lighthouse. Look south to glimpse what’s left of Stiltsville. It was a community of 27 shacks mounted on pilings out on the shallows of Biscayne Bay, established in the 1930s. There are only seven left. It’s also a good spot for manatee-sighting. Insider stop: If you’re feeling adventurous and have access to a boat, the Neptune Memorial Society Reef, just over three miles due east into the bay, is truly unique. It’s an underwater mausoleum for cremated remains, 40 feet below the surface, designed as an “artistic representation” of the Lost City of Atlantis. It’s also a living man-made reef eventually expected to spread over 16 acres. Financial District and Downtown The way back from the Key dumps you on Brickell Avenue for a drive through Miami's financial district, to the Christopher Columbus statue on the bridge at the mouth of the Miami River. There’s another insider stop there: Rooftop soccer, with games played nearly a dozen stories up atop an office building where Brickell meets the river. It’s mostly lawyers and bankers shedding their wingtips on weeknights, but just about anyone is welcome to watch and yell, “Gooooooool!” The Perez Art Museum, Image by Patrick Farrell From there you can continue along the waterfront edge of Miami's downtown. That takes you past the Perez Art Museum Miami; Bayside Marketplace – a decidedly touristy outdoor mall, but with enough unique shops and such a great view that locals like it, too; the magnificently restored (and breathtakingly lit at night) Freedom Tower; and the American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. A great side trip to one of the best restaurant zones in the area and to a storied bar that’s a favorite for locals is just a one-block jog west to Miami Avenue, starting at Coral Way. Miami Avenue is effectively 0 Street, the dividing point between East and West roads, and it takes you through Mary Brickell Village (Eat anywhere; you can’t go wrong.) That also puts you right by the east end of one of Miami’s best-known streets, Calle Ocho –Eighth Street, in English – in the center of Little Havana. Access to Miami Beach is next to the arena. The MacArthur Causeway takes you past the striking Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami Children's Museum and Jungle Island, then drops down to water level for an incomparable view of cruise ship row on one side and the exclusive island houses of the stars that the likes of Al Capone, Shaquille O'Neal, and Gloria Estefan have all called home. Miami Beach The road ends at South Beach, where movie stars, millionaires, models and regular folks like you and I can get a ground-level view of Ocean Drive, and the beach and the Art Deco hotels that have served as the iconic backdrop for ”Miami CSI,” “Miami Vice,” and just about every televised sporting event in a 25-mile radius. Photo by Ryan Spencer on Unsplash Every north-south street has a distinctive flavor, and is packed with restaurants and shops. East-West spots not to miss are tiny Española Way with its Mediterranean flair, and Lincoln Road, a chic, pedestrian-only mall lined with shops and eateries, most of which offer shaded outdoor eating under clusters of umbrellas. The stunning Holocaust Memorial stands a few blocks north, behind the convention center. Continuing north by car, Ocean Drive turns into Collins Drive and, just a few minutes later, to where it seems like you're going to smack into the back of the Fontainebleau hotel. You won't. Just follow the road for a drive between the hotels and the Intracoastal Waterway into the condo canyons of mid-beach. Design District and Wynwood Or follow the signs toward Arthur Godfrey Road. That'll take you back to the mainland to two of the hippest neighborhoods in the area, the Design District and Wynwood. Photo by Bruce Warrington on Unsplash Wynwood is best known for casual eats, including clusters of food trucks, and as the heart of the new art scene. There are galleries galore, but no trip to South Florida is complete without a visit to the Wynwood Walls, a world-class display of graffiti by some of the top artists in the urban art field, such as Os Gemeos and Shepard Fairey (you know, the guy who did the famous Obama “Hope” poster). That’s just a few blocks from one of Miami’s most impressive structures, the Bacardi Buildings at 21st and Biscayne. They very deliberately merge art and innovative engineering, with massive murals of traditional Spanish blue and white tiles on one and walls made of one-inch thick hammered glass tapestries on the other. Restaurants in the Design District are equally trendy, but more upscale, with fusion menus and fancier décor. There’s art here, too. A whole crowd of jury-selected resident artists work and show at the Bakehouse Art Complex, and Swampspace Gallery regularly presents innovative Miami art. North County You can go back to the beach or take I-95 north to Bal Harbour Village and THE luxury shopping mall in the county, the Bal Harbour Shops; past an elevated look at the Sun Life Stadium where the Miami Dolphins play; amid the soaring condo-scrapers of Aventura and the Aventura Mall; and to the Oleta River State Park. It proudly pronounces itself Florida’s largest urban park, but we like it for its miles and miles of bike trails (novice to blistering expert paths) and its peaceful canoe and kayak river routes between the mangroves. You can rent what you need for a ride on land or water, and you can even spend the night in one of the rustic (but blissfully air-conditioned) cabins. Homestead and Redland One more area, at the opposite end of the county, has the exact opposite feel. Homestead and the neighboring Redland (which everybody calls The Redlands even if it’s wrong), is still largely rural, with a mix of Mexican and Old Florida. It’s got rodeo and narrow roads sided by plant and tree nurseries, mango groves and horse farms. El Taco Toro is probably the best authentic Mexican restaurant in the area, and Knaus Berry Farm (open only from November to mid-April) is a tradition. Folks gladly stand in line for a couple of hours or more for their oven-fresh pecan and cinnamon rolls. Robert is Here has some of the fattest and freshest veggies and fruits you’ll ever find, including carambola, mamey, lychee, atemoya, papaya, and plump and juicy mangoes. There’s a petting zoo out back, and do not leave without trying one of his smoothies. (You’ll thank me for that one.) Schnebly Redland’s Winery, just a little farther west, boasts of being the southernmost winery in the country and “crafters of the most exotic wines and beers in the world.” With flavors like lychee, mango, guava and avocado wine, it’s hard to argue with them. Everglades National Park Trolley, Image by Greater Miami CVB Head west, and a little south, if you want to visit the “river of grass.” The Florida Everglades National Park offers walking and biking trails, as well as canoe and kayak routes. Or stop at the Everglades Alligator Farm, where you can get up close and personal with some 2,000 of the reptiles, or take an airboat tour into the swamp. Coral Castle Image by Christina Rutz Two more stops, east of there. The Coral Castle is a quirky roadside attraction everybody ought to see at least once. That should leave you with enough questions to last a lifetime. Like, how did a skinny little guy barely five feet tall move slabs of coral rock weighing 58 tons each into place – using only hand tools? And how did a guy with a fourth grade education balance them so neatly that you can move a nine-ton coral gate with the push of a finger? Homestead Bayfront Park, Image by Greater Miami CVB The other place to see is Black Point Marina and Key Biscayne National Park. Black Point is a popular weekend spot on the water for music and beer. It’s next to the national park, a mostly underwater expanse big enough to hold Detroit and Atlanta with room to spare and containing a pristine coral reef and some of the best shallow diving grounds in the state. Too much to see in a single trip? Well, yeah! We know that. That’s why we live here. And why so many others know to find a fave or two, and explore others as they come back again and again. Face it, we haven’t talked about the Keys yet. Text and images courtesy of Visitflorida.com, Florida's official tourism non-for-profit corporation. It is the official source for travel planning to visitors across the world.