ACS Laboratory, the largest hemp and cannabis testing facility in the eastern U.S., is pleased to announce its entrance into Decentraland’s Automatic Slims Metaverse Marketplace. Powered by blockchain company, Blockticity, Automatic Slims is a virtual Metaverse Marketplace featuring four floors of dynamic experiences merging retail, education and entertainment. Visitors will find ACS Laboratory on the first floor, where they can leisurely explore the 3D lab or take ACS Laboratory’s Cannabis Quest to learn about the industry and redeem real-world prizes. On the laboratory floor, Slims visitors will discover ACS Laboratory’s instruments and learn how to read test results from Blockticiy-verified Certificates of Analysis (COAs). In the process, they’ll realize how hemp and cannabis compounds synergize to create the unique strains and products they love. Those who embark on the Cannabis Quest will answer pop quizzes, earning virtual prizes when they complete the journey. After interacting with ACS Laboratory, quest-goers will move to the second floor, where they’ll visit cultivation, extraction, and edibles processing stations, earning more points as they complete the quizzes at each one. They may even stop at the retail store to purchase NFT collections from their favorite cannabis brands. ACS Laboratory’s Cannabis Quest is just one of several Slims Metaverse Marketplace experiences that allow visitors to learn about the industry, connect with brands, and ultimately buy safe products verified by ACS Laboratory and Blockticity’s blockchain technology. Other experiences include product treasure hunts, influencer podcasts, live-streaming music events, health and wellness company interactions, and digital brand activations. “The metaverse is a new and exciting medium for cannabis users to learn more about products, how they affect their body and how finished goods are made. We are proud to be part of the cannabis metaverse community and look forward to harnessing this medium for cannabis compliance,” said ACS Laboratory President and CEO Roger Brown. For an invitation to Automatic Slims Cannabis Metaverse Marketplace’s opening event this Fall, brands, consumers, operators, and influencers can visit https://blockticity.io. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of ACS Laboratory

6 international creators were invited to collaborate on a digital project sharing their personal vision of the Gucci Diana and Gucci Bamboo 1947, including Cinthia Mulanga, Hailun Ma, Nicole Mclaughlin, Juan Francisco Bertoni, Lorenzo Vitturi and Masayoshi Matsumoto. Gucci Diana A bamboo handle tote first presented by the House in 1991 is reimagined by Alessandro Michele in the Gucci Diana. The current iteration is distinguished by removable, neon leather belts—a nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles—the latest expression of the Creative Director’s contemporary approach to archival elements. Alessandro Michele explores the concept of embodiment in the line, which is designed to evoke an aesthetic, but also an attitude. At the edge of inspiration, he takes a step beyond in a contemplation on the vast and impactful influence that a person, or perhaps, a persona, has had across generations and cultures. The Gucci Diana is reflective of a certain era—even its silhouette echoes a moment in which practicality took its rightful place in the wardrobe—but the line maintains its timeless appeal. It represents the notion of style in constant evolution, fitting perfectly into the conventions of sophistication one day and undergoing reinvention the next, speaking to the House’s message of fluidity, freedom, and embracing fashion as a powerful medium of self-expression. More on Gucci Bamboo 1947 Alessandro Michele takes inspiration from the historic Bamboo Bag and presents it through a contemporary lens in the new Gucci Bamboo 1947. The renowned design, now part of the signature Gucci Beloved lines, forges a connection between past, present, and future, representing a reiteration of heritage and an iteration of the Creative Director‘s own legacy within the House. In 1947 – amidst Italy’s post-war era in which traditional raw materials were difficult to come by – the enterprising founder, Guccio Gucci, with the help of the House’s visionary Florentine artisans, decided to use the lightweight and durable bamboo for the handle of a purse, thus forging an instant emblem. In the decades to come, the Bamboo Bag became a fixture among Hollywood’s leading ladies and the international jet set, consolidating the style’s status as an innovative icon around the world. The current version of bamboo top handle style is distinguished by interchangeable leather and Web straps, casting a contemporary light on the sophisticated silhouette, presented in various sizes and in a palette of vibrant colors. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of GUCCI

2022 marks the 60th year of Bond—James Bond. What better place to celebrate than GoldenEye, the lush Jamaican hideaway where Ian Fleming wrote all fourteen 007 novels? Travelers who book a minimum four-night stay from September 28-December 19 will unlock 30 percent off accommodations, among other perks. Go to the source of Fleming’s literary inspiration by booking the five-bedroom villa that the author built and resided in as he penned classics like Casino Royale and Live and Let Die. As a guest of GoldenEye, you’ll celebrate 60 years of Bond in killer style. A complimentary arrival cocktail will set the tone, followed by a bottle of Bollinger Champagne and a flask of Blackwell rum in the room. When you’re not lounging on the golden sounds or strolling the gardens where Fleming sought inspiration, enjoy complimentary use of the tennis court, non-motorized water sports, and the fitness course. Starting from $575 per night; booking is subject to availability, blackout dates apply (November 24-28, December 20-January 3, 2023); services and tax not included; valid for new bookings only, not combinable with other promotions. The 60th Anniversary package is one of GoldenEye’s many offers for this year. Others include License to Chill, an exclusive promotion that gives guests US$500 to put toward dining during five-night minimum stays. Booking is subject to availability; blackout dates apply (April 13-18, July 1-4, November 24-28, 2022); travel window: January 4, 2022 to December 19, 2022; Booking window: now to December 14, 2022. There’s also the Hut Life offer, where you can reserve four nights for the price of three (or seven nights for the price of five) in a Beach Hut—owner Chris Blackwell’s preferred accommodation—some of which have private verandas, outdoor showers, and claw foot tubs set amid lush gardens. Booking is subject to availability; blackout dates apply (April 13-18, July 1-4, November 24-28, 2022); Travel window: January 4, 2022 to December 19, 2022; Booking window: now to December 15, 2022; Valid in Beach Hut category. To experience the diversity of Jamaica, consider the Two-Post Outpost package, which includes three-night minimum stays at both GoldenEye and Strawberry Hill, another property in the Island Outpost portfolio, set in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. At GoldenEye, enjoy a guided coral reef snorkeling excursion and a rum and brown sugar scrub included. During the 2.5-hour drive to Strawberry Hill, you’ll motor through Jurassic Park-like scenery and steep roads with bends tighter than a hairpin, passing jerk shacks with names like “Pon di Road Nyammings” that cling tightly to the mountainside. Once you’ve arrived at the 12-room cottage hotel, unwind with a signature in-room spa treatment, complete with views over the city of Kingston and beyond. Minimum length of stay: 3 nights per property for Goldeneye & Strawberry Hill, 6 nights in total. Subject to blackout dates (April 13-18, July 1-4, November 24-28, 2022); Cannot be combined with any other promotion; Travel window: January 4, 2022 to December 19, 2022; Booking window: now to December 13, 2022. More on GoldenEye Once the Jamaica home of renowned author Ian Fleming, GoldenEye was developed by Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, and opened as a resort in 2011. GoldenEye is home to private beaches, secret coves, a seawater lagoon and The Fleming Villa (where all 14 James Bond books were written). There are four dining options (The Gazebo, Bizot Bar, Shabeen and the Bamboo Bar), a newly expanded FieldSpa and accommodations that include Beach and Lagoon Villas, Lagoon Cottages, Beach Huts and an ocean front villa. GoldenEye is located 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios. It’s 90-minutes by car from Montego Bay Airport and an eight-minute drive from Ian Fleming International (private aviation only). By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Ian Fleming

The new flagship location, with architecture by Johnston Marklee, celebrates the brand’s heritage and vision for the future. Marking an important step forward in their evolution, HOLLY HUNT – America’s premier luxury design brand – expands its Los Angeles presence with a new showroom on North Highland Avenue. Spanning half a block in the city’s up-and-coming Sycamore District, the new flagship location was designed in collaboration with L.A.-based architecture firm Johnston Marklee and conceived as a hub for the brand’s international and local clientele. The space contrasts sophisticated architecture with a mix of rich materials set against the backdrop of a raw industrial-style building, thus creating a unique sense of place that marries the brand’s elegant aesthetic with L.A.’s characteristic urban grit. The grand opening will take place this October. In keeping with the tradition of adaptive reuse in Los Angeles, HOLLY HUNT’s SVP and Executive Creative Director Jo Annah Kornak collaborated with Johnston Marklee to transform the 1940s-era building into a space that would serve as a cornerstone of the client experience – a physical representation of the brand’s values and heritage – and also demonstrate HOLLY HUNT’s vision for the future. Bringing to life Kornak’s concept of creating a “house within a house” (a nod to the company’s roots in residential design), the Johnston Marklee team designed a pair of freestanding villas set inside the building’s original two-story concrete structure. Surrounded by a gallery space that is reminiscent of an exterior promenade, the villas showcase a series of curated residential interior compositions outfitted with pieces from the HOLLY HUNT portfolio. “Our new L.A. location is more than just a showroom; it is an expression of our core values of design, quality and craftsmanship,” says Jo Annah Kornak. “We approached the interior architecture in the same way that we would design a new product, being very thoughtful with our use of scale, proportion and materials. I think we’ve created a remarkable space that is authentic to the HOLLY HUNT brand, but also to our new neighborhood. We were very intentional about incorporating elements that celebrate L.A.’s signature urban aesthetic, like the original exposed concrete walls, beams, and other details throughout the space.” “The existing structure –– a prototypical 1940’s Los Angeles corner warehouse –– is left as a framework of raw concrete, as-found archaeology,” says Nicholas Hofstede, Managing Director of Johnston Marklee. “The two new ‘villas’ nested within combine contrasting urban histories of Southern California: those of the industrial landscape of factories and studio backlots and the elegance of Hollywood domesticity.” Lead architect Sharon Johnston elaborates on the design, which reflects the fluidity of space characteristic of architecture in Southern California. “The raw concrete shell frames an interior street; a double height promenade space around the villas, together with the villa interiors, creates an atmosphere and experiential narrative for the display of elegant domestic furniture for house and garden. The visitors’ journey through the spaces reflects a spatial dialogue between exterior and interior, linked through richly finished in-between spaces.” Left: Sharon Johnston and Jo Annah Kornak, photo by Ye Rin Mok. Right: Photo by The Ingalls Located in a neighborhood that has seen recent growth and transformation with new art and design galleries, pioneering retail shops and mixed-use developments, HOLLY HUNT Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to engage the local creative community and reinforce its authority as the leading destination for luxury furniture, wallcovering, window shades, lighting, textiles, rugs and accessories in the region. “Brick-and-mortar locations have been the nucleus of our brand for almost 40 years,” shares Marc Szafran, President of HOLLY HUNT. “HOLLY HUNT Los Angeles shows our commitment to creating the most luxurious showrooms while also advancing our digital platforms, ensuring our clients are provided the best experience, no matter how they choose to engage with us.” Inside the showroom, the North Villa serves as a gallery space to display iconic pieces from the brand’s Vladimir Kagan and HOLLY HUNT Studio collections. The vaulted ceilings, signature lighting and illuminated wall niches create a distinct point of contrast with the architecture of the surrounding promenade, which features a sweeping open volume with tall ceilings and exposed concrete beams. On the opposite end of the floor plate, the South Villa presents another series of curated residential interior rooms featuring product from across the HOLLY HUNT Studio, Vladimir Kagan, CASTE, Christian Astuguevieille, Mark Albrecht Studio, Pouenat, McCollin Bryan, Draga & Aurel and Moss & Lam collections. A large circular atrium at the center of the South Villa reveals the upper mezzanine level, which is home to an extensive library of textiles, leather, trim and rugs, along with wallcovering brands HOLLY HUNT Walls, ASSEMBLAGE, Carlisle & Co. and a new addition to the HOLLY HUNT portfolio, CONRAD Shades. The two villas share a common theme of custom oak floors in a light gray wash; honed gray, veined marble-clad openings; and accents of bronze, leather and more quality finishes that are foundational to the HOLLY HUNT aesthetic. Bronze also makes an appearance in various architectural features throughout the showroom, such as the entry vestibules, stairwell and lighting gallery. In contrast, the interior promenade features terrazzo flooring, concrete walls and hand-troweled plaster –– all in a matte finish to capture the city’s grit and emphasize the more refined materials and finishes that are synonymous with HOLLY HUNT’s specialty offerings. The balance of these sophisticated details set against the backdrop of elemental materials and raw surfaces further cements HOLLY HUNT’s place within the context of L.A.’s urban environment. Along the showroom’s eastern façade, the interior promenade is flooded with natural light, framed by tailored draperies made with HOLLY HUNT textiles. The open space is defined with entry pavilions, custom millwork niches and compositions that showcase a range of offerings across HOLLY HUNT’s diverse brand and product portfolio. Designed specifically for the L.A. showroom, a monumental 24-foot Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sofa anchors the space and demonstrates one of HOLLY HUNT’s core competencies in customization. Also being introduced are three bespoke lacquer finishes, featured on the Boulonnais Drink Tables and X Base Consoles by HOLLY HUNT Studio. Illuminating the entire experience are site-specific lighting installations including HOLLY HUNT Collection lighting; new introductions from Alison Berger Glassworks; pieces from Atelier Alain Ellouz, JMW Studio, Kevin Reilly, Stefan Gulassa, VeniceM, Humbert & Poyet for Pouenat and Draga & Aurel; and a custom Elizabeth Lyons chandelier. Prior to the opening of this flagship location, HOLLY HUNT maintained two showrooms in the Pacific Design Center on the third and sixth floors. From July 2022, HOLLY HUNT will maintain just the sixth-floor space in the PDC (Suite B619), focused on textiles, wallcovering and leather. With a renewed mission to support the region’s growing design community through unparalleled client services and first-class product offerings, HOLLY HUNT Los Angeles will celebrate its grand opening in October 2022. The new neighborhood will bring fresh creative opportunities and access to a broader, more diverse customer base as the brand continues to evolve. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Ingalls/Holly Hunt

A Wells Fargo Certificate of Deposit (CD) offers an alternative way to grow your savings. You choose the set period of time to earn a guaranteed fixed interest rate, regardless of market conditions. Investing in a CD can provide peace of mind whether you're saving for tomorrow, next year's projects, college tuition, or retirement. Benefits of a Wells Fargo CD account Interest rates: CDs typically pay higher interest rates than other deposit products. Guaranteed return: Interest rate is set at opening and doesn’t change until the CD matures, so you know exactly how much you'll earn. Security: Your funds are FDIC-insured up to the maximum applicable limits. Flexible terms: You choose what term works best for you. You earn interest from the date of your opening deposit up to your maturity date. Your interest compounds daily and is generally paid monthly, although interest payments made quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or at maturity are also available. Interest can be re-deposited to the CD, transferred to a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, or paid by check if the Time Account has a minimum balance of $5,000. For more information visit https://www.wellsfargo.com DETAILS Wells Fargo CDs (Time Accounts) give you guaranteed fixed rates and a choice of terms. 7-month CD Special Offer (minimum deposit of $5,000) Renews for 6-month term Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 1.01% Special Interest Rate1: 1.00% Relationship APY2: 1.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 1.01% 3-month CD (minimum deposit of $10,000) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% 3-month CD (minimum deposit of $2,500) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% 6-month CD (minimum deposit of $10,000) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% 6-month CD (minimum deposit of $2,500) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% 1-Year CD (minimum deposit of $10,000) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% 1-Year CD (minimum deposit of $2,500) Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 0.01% Standard Interest Rate: 0.01% Relationship APY2: 0.02% Relationship Interest Rate: 0.02% By ML Staff. Terms are subject to change. Consult your local Wells Fargo branch for details. Image courtesy of Icons-8/Unsplash

Chotto Matte, the pioneering global Nikkei dining destination with locations in London, Toronto and Miami Beach (and upcoming outposts in Doha, Riyadh, San Francisco and Beverly Hills), will transport guests to the heart of the Peruvian jungle with the launch of its Jungle Brunch on October 9. The immersive brunch will be available every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in Chotto Matte Miami’s expansive dining room, complete with exotic beats, wild atmosphere and live DJs to welcome guests to the jungle in style. A portion of sales from the Sunday brunch will be donated to the South Florida Wildlife Center, one of the highest-volume wildlife trauma hospitals in the United States. The Themed Sunday Brunch Features All-New Menus, Free-flowing Champagne, Live Entertainment and Benefits the South Florida Wildlife Center “We are thrilled to launch Jungle Brunch at Chotto Matte Miami,” says Jordan Sclare, Global Executive Chef of Chotto Matte. “Our team has been working hard to curate an exciting new menu of jungle-inspired dishes and cocktails that complement the vibrant atmosphere, tropical beats and lush surroundings that will ensure guests have a brunch experience unlike any other in Miami.” Chotto Matte’s new brunch will feature two unique sharing-style menus: Jungle Brunch ($75 per person) and Vegetarian Jungle Brunch ($65 per person). Keeping with the theme, each menu features dishes elevated by herbs, spices and citrus fruits found in the Peruvian jungle. Those who opt for the Jungle Brunch menu will start the experience with mouthwatering appetizers, including Oak-Smoked Salmon Tostada, Bao Pato Crujiente, Edamame and Jungle Ceviche, a spin on Chotto’s classic ceviche that incorporates three types of fish rather than just one. Guests will then enjoy a selection of tableside torched sushi, including the Sato Maki and Spicy Tuna Roll. Before digging into Chotto Matte’s Dessert Platter, guests can choose three robata grill favorites from a selection of options, including the Spicy Chicken Karaage with a special Nikkei rub; the Gambas a la Parrilla, Argentinian red shrimp flavored to perfection in a spicy coconut marinade; or the BBQ Huacatay Broccoli with Peruvian black mint, red chili and cilantro. Guests can imbibe with Chotto Matte’s new Free-Flowing Champagne & Cocktails Package ($90), which includes a selection of jungle-themed craft cocktails and free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Brut. Exotic, colorful cocktails span the menu, including the Sach’ara, made with Codigo 1530 Blanco tequila, mezcal espadin, watermelon, raspberry, hibiscus, mirin, roco and lime; Lima Bellini, with Caravedo quebranta pisco, banana, lychee, lime and prosecco and Morning Bird, with Bacardí Añejo Cuatro, Aperol, pineapple, shrub and lime. The Nikkei hot spot is even offering a jungle-inspired take on the classic bloody mary, the Inca Mary, with Tito’s vodka, guava glaze, soy and tomato. Guests who reserve a Free-Flowing Champagne & Cocktails Package from 1-2 p.m. will be invited to the bar to order their first drinks and enjoy passed appetizers from the menu ahead of being escorted to their table. To complete the experience, diners will receive a small bottle of Chotto Matte’s limited-edition yellow anticucho sauce, created by Chef Sclare and freshly prepared in-house. Chotto Matte is located at 1666 Lenox Avenue in Miami Beach. Call 305.690.0743 or visit chotto-matte.com/miami. Follow Chotto Matte on Facebook and Instagram. #ComeAsYouAre By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Chotto Matte Miami

Positively optimistic collection made mainly from sustainable materials such as grape leather for bags and trainers. For more information visit www.stellamccartney.com. Images courtesy of Stella McCartney.

Leading North American lifestyle hospitality group, INK Entertainment, is proud to introduce their beloved Toronto-born Italian gem, Sofia, to the Miami Design District neighborhood, this Fall. The highly-adored Toronto transplant will unveil in Miami as part of the hospitality powerhouse’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., officially opening its doors in the very heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district, this Fall. Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary concepts across Canada and South Florida. Joining their existing and widely lauded South Florida restaurant ventures - Byblos Miami, meet Dalia, and Amal - Sofia will extend the ultimate upscale, modern Italian dining and entertainment experience. Complemented by her chic yet playful signature backdrop and enlivened ambiance, Sofia Design District will offer more than a nightly dinner spot, but rather a destination to celebrate, savor, and explore within. “We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District will be the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.” Dine with Sofia Sofia Design District will offer a fresh perspective and honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings will highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. The menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salads, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini, and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Aragosta (butter-poached lobster), and Gamberetti (wild king prawn), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Wagyu Filets, Breaded Veal, Ribeye, Prime Striploin, among others. Drink with Sofia Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cibiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of true Italian wines rare to the local dining scene. Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia will exist as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings. Featuring nightly DJ’s and curated live entertainment and musical performances, guests can look forward to a premier celebratory experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s enchanting indoor spaces and livened courtyard’s secret garden retreat. Design by Sofia Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, Sofia Design District is an exciting fashion-forward addition to chic Palm Court, born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and Italian cuisine. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, couture design, Italian glam, and exquisite taste. Thoughtfully curated accents and design details are delicately layered throughout, from the curation of pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and frilly rose umbrellas in Sofia’s charming outdoor terrace, to the lustrous crimson fabrics, mirrored columns, and custom Italian-imported Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers in the main dining area. At first entry, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. An inspired David Drebin mural encases the bar, fueling the Italian fantasy of vacationing in the Tuscan hills above Florence, while rich marbles in gradient shades of purple, pink, and jade form an expressive herringbone flooring. While most tables will host groups of four and more, three intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma. Sofia also contains a semi-private dining room, with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people. A custom Bubbly chandelier by Rosie Li playfully dances above the table; while on its side, a half-moon glass cellar invites celebratory libation. Sofia is located at 140 NE 39th street St #133, Miami, FL 33137. Hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Sofia Design District

Mr. Psychedelic Law, a 501c4 non-profit focused on legal reform in Florida for psychedelic medicines, has appointed Courtney Barnes, a devoted social justice and regulatory attorney, as the Lead Drafter of Florida’s next psychedelic research and therapeutic access bill, focusing on readying the State of Florida for FDA approval of psilocybin and MDMA. The team plans to work with a Representative or Senator to file the bill in Florida’s next legislative session. Mr. Psychedelic Law is a non-profit repository of lawyers and medical, scientific, and spiritual experts, working toward driving responsible legal reform in Florida for psychedelic medicines. Co-founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law, Dustin Robinson, worked with Representative Grieco in part to design the first draft of the state psilocybin bill, and has continued to play an integral role in progressing the movement forward in the State. Mr. Psychedelic Law is partnering with Barnes who is a leading trailblazer in psychedelics policy reform. Barnes serves as Counsel for Feldman Legal Advisors, General Counsel for the Society for Psychedelic Outreach Reform and Education (SPORE), and Advisory Board Member for Heroic Hearts Project Inc. She was a lead drafter of the nation’s first voter-initiated psilocybin policy reform ordinance, and has unparalleled experience drafting state and local psychedelics policy reform measures. "Since the formation of Mr. Psychedelic Law, I have set out to build a team of the top individuals in their respective domains,” said Dustin Robinson, co-founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law. “Courtney has stood out as one of the top advocates and legislative drafters in the psychedelic space. The Mr. Psychedelic Law team and the Florida community are fortunate to have her lead this effort.” Mr. Psychedelic Law is committed to continuing its open dialogue with community members and stakeholders throughout the process to help push Florida in becoming a leader of research and innovation in psychiatry. If you are interested in joining the Mr. Psychedelic Law community and getting involved in this movement, you can fill out this form at mrpsychedeliclaw.com/get-involved. About Mr. Psychedelic Law: Mr. Psychedelic Law is a 501(c)(4) focused on using medical and spiritual research to drive responsible legal reform in Florida for psilocybin mushrooms and other entheogens. Mr. Psychedelic Law envisions a responsible legal framework that allows people to reach a higher level of consciousness through psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelics while also accounting for the potential negative effects of taking these compounds under the wrong set and setting. For more information, visit www.mrpsychedeliclaw.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Mr. Psychedelic Law

As Hurricane Ian intensifies on its way toward the Florida coast, hurricane hunters are in the sky doing something almost unimaginable: flying through the center of the storm. With each pass, the scientists aboard these planes take measurements that satellites can’t and send them to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center. Jason Dunion, a University of Miami meteorologist, leads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2022 hurricane field program. He described the technology the team is using to gauge hurricane behavior in real time and the experience aboard a P-3 Orion as it plunges through the eyewall of a hurricane. What happens aboard a hurricane hunter when you fly into a storm? Basically, we’re take a flying laboratory into the heart of the hurricane, all the way up to Category 5s. While we’re flying, we’re crunching data and sending it to forecasters and climate modelers. In the P-3s, we routinely cut through the middle of the storm, right into the eye. Picture an X pattern – we keep cutting through the storm multiple times during a mission. These might be developing storms, or they might be Category 5s. In the eye of Hurricane Teddy in 2020. The eye is the calmest part of the storm, but it’s surrounded by the most intense part: the eyewall.Lt. Cmdr. Robert Mitchell/NOAA Corps We’re typically flying at an altitude of around 10,000 feet, about a quarter of the way between the ocean surface and the top of the storm. We want to cut through the roughest part of the storm because we’re trying to measure the strongest winds for the Hurricane Center. That has to be intense. Can you describe what scientists are experiencing on these flights? My most intense flight was Dorian in 2019. The storm was near the Bahamas and rapidly intensifying to a very strong Category 5 storm, with winds around 185 mph. It felt like being a feather in the wind. When we were coming through the eyewall of Dorian, it was all seat belts. You can lose a few hundred feet in a couple of seconds if you have a down draft, or you can hit an updraft and gain a few hundred feet in a matter of seconds. It’s a lot like a rollercoaster ride, only you don’t know exactly when the next up or down is coming. Hurricane Dorian seen from the International Space Station.NASA Expedition 60 At one point, we had G-forces of 3 to 4 Gs. That’s what astronauts experience during a rocket launch. We can also get zero G for a few seconds, and anything that’s not strapped down will float off. Even in the rough parts of the storm, scientists like myself are busy on computers working up the data. A technician in the back may have launched a dropsonde from the belly of the plane, and we’re checking the quality of the data and sending it off to modeling centers and the National Hurricane Center. NOAA’s P-3 Orion nicknamed ‘Kermit’ prepares to take off.Lt. Cmdr Rannenberg/NOAA Corps What are you learning about hurricanes from these flights? One of our goals is to better understand why storms rapidly intensify. Rapid intensification is when a storm increases in speed by 35 mph in just a day. That equates to going from Category 1 to a major Category 3 storm in a short period of time. Ida (2021), Dorian (2019) and Michael (2018) are just a few recent hurricanes that rapidly intensified. When that happens near land, it can catch people unprepared, and that gets dangerous fast. Since rapid intensification can happen in a really short time span, we have to be out there with the hurricane hunters taking measurements while the storm is coming together. A hurricane hunter flies through Hurricane Ida in 2021.Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Doremus/NOAA Corps So far, rapid intensification is hard to predict. We might start to see the ingredients quickly coming together: Is the ocean warm to a great depth? Is the atmosphere nice and juicy, with a lot of moisture around the storm? Are the winds favorable? We also look at the inner core: What does the structure of the storm look like, and is it starting to consolidate? Satellites can offer forecasters a basic view, but we need to get our hurricane hunters into the storm itself to really pick the hurricane apart. What does a storm look like when it’s rapidly intensifying? Hurricanes like to stand up straight – think of a spinning top. So, one thing we look for is alignment. A storm that isn’t yet fully together might have low-level circulation, a few kilometers above the ocean, that isn’t lined up with its mid-level circulation 6 or 7 kilometers up. That isn’t a very healthy storm. But a few hours later, we might fly back into the storm and notice that the two centers are more lined up. That’s a sign that it could rapidly intensify. We also look at the boundary layer, the area just above the ocean. Hurricanes breathe: They draw air in at low levels, the air rushes up at the eyewall, and then it vents out at the top of the storm and away from the center. That’s why we get those huge updrafts in the eyewall. So we might watch our dropsonde or tail doppler radar data for how the winds are flowing at the boundary layer. Is that really moist air rushing in toward the center of the storm? If the boundary layer is deep, the storm can also take a bigger inhale. Cross-section of a hurricane.National Weather Service We also look at the structure. A lot of times the storm looks healthy on satellite, but we’ll get in with the radar and the structure is sloppy or the eye may be filled with clouds, which tells us the storm isn’t quite ready to rapidly intensify. But, during that flight, we might start to see the structure change pretty quickly. Air in, up and out – the breathing – is a great way to diagnose a storm. If that breathing looks healthy, it can be a good sign of an intensifying storm. What instruments do you use to measure and forecast hurricane behavior? We need instruments that not only measure the atmosphere but also the ocean. The winds can steer a storm or tear it apart, but the ocean heat and moisture are its fuel. We use dropsondes to measure temperature, humidity, pressure and wind speed, and send back data every 15 feet or so all the way to the ocean surface. All of that data goes to the National Hurricane Center and to modeling centers so they can get a better representation of the atmosphere. A NOAA technician deploys an airborne expendable bathythermograph.Paul Chang/NOAA One P-3 has a laser – a CRL, or compact rotational raman LiDAR – that can measure temperature, humidity and aerosols from the aircraft all the way down to the ocean surface. It can give us a sense of how juicy the atmosphere is, so how conducive it is for feeding a storm. The CRL operates continuously over the entire flight track, so you get this beautiful curtain below the aircraft showing the temperature and humidity. The planes also have tail doppler radars, which measure how moisture droplets in the air are blowing to determine how the wind is behaving. That gives us a 3D look at the wind field, like an X-ray of the storm. You can’t get that from a satellite. We also launch ocean probes call AXBTs – aircraft expendable bathythermograph – out ahead of the storm. These probes measure the water temperature down several hundred feet. Typically, a surface temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 Fahrenheit) and above is favorable for a hurricane, but the depth of that heat is also important. If you have warm ocean water that’s maybe 85 F at the surface, but just 50 feet down the water is quite a bit colder, the hurricane is going to mix in that cold water pretty quickly and weaken the storm. But deep warm water, like we find in eddies in the Gulf of Mexico, provides extra energy that can fuel a storm. The depth of ocean heat as Hurricane Ida headed for a warm eddy boundary on Aug. 28, 2021.University of Miami, CC BY-ND This year, we’re also testing a new technology – small drones that we can launch out of the belly of a P-3. They have about a 7- to 9-foot wingspan and are basically a weather station with wings. One of these drones dropped in the eye could measuring pressure changes, which indicate whether a storm is getting stronger. If we could drop a drone in the eyewall and have it orbit there, it could measure where the strongest winds are – that’s another important detail for forecasters. We also don’t have a lot of measurements in the boundary layer because it’s not a safe place for a plane to fly. You also targeted the Cabo Verde islands off Africa for the first time this year. What are you looking for there? The Cabo Verde Islands are in the Atlantic’s hurricane nursery. The seedlings of hurricanes come off Africa, and we’re trying to determine the tipping points for theses disturbances to form into storms. Over half the named storms we get in the Atlantic come from this nursery, including about 80% of the major hurricanes, so it’s important, even though the disturbances are maybe seven to 10 days ahead of a hurricane forming. In Africa, a lot of thunderstorms develop along the Sahara desert’s southern border with the cooler, moister Sahel region in the summer. The temperature difference can cause ripples to develop in the atmosphere that we call tropical waves. Some of those tropical waves are the precursors for hurricanes. However, the Saharan air layer – huge dust storms that come rolling off Africa every three to five days or so – can suppress a hurricane. These storms peak from June to mid-August. After that, tropical disturbances have a better chance of reaching the Caribbean. At some point not too far in the future, the National Hurricane Center will have to do a seven-day forecast, rather than just five days. We’re figuring out how to improve that early forecasting. Words By Jason Dunion Research Meteorologist, University of Miami. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

Hurricane Ian strengthened into a major hurricane on Tuesday as it headed for Florida and was on track to bring dangerous storm surge to the coast and flooding rainfall to large parts of the state. Several areas, including around Tampa Bay, were under evacuation orders. After a slow start to the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, Ian formed in ideal conditions, with minimal vertical wind shear, which can tear apart a storm, and warm ocean surface waters providing fuel. Hurricane Ian gained strength as it headed over warm waters off Cuba on Sept. 26, 2022. NOAA Forecasters expect Ian to remain a major hurricane – meaning Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with winds over 110 mph – as it leaves western Cuba and moves through the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and Wednesday. But the scale doesn’t take water risk into account, and flooding and storm surge are both major risks from Ian. Ian’s forecast as of Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. The probable path could shift as the storm moves through the Gulf of Mexico.National Hurricane Center As a meteorologist living in Florida, I study tropical storms and hurricanes. Here are three reasons Florida is facing a high risk of water hazards this week. The rainy side of the storm Tropical systems are not perfectly symmetrical systems – one side is typically larger. With Ian tracking up the west coast of Florida, the peninsula is expected to be on the “wet” side of the storm. The part of the storm east of the center of circulation generally has more cloud cover and more rain. The most dangerous side of the storm is its front right quadrant. While Ian travels up the Florida coast, these outer bands will stretch over much of the peninsula and produce heavy rain for many locations, beginning as early as Monday night for South Florida and late Wednesday for northern parts of the state. Some weather models are forecasting 10 inches or more of rain in the region where the storm makes landfall and travels across the state, possibly as high as 15 inches. Regardless of the landfall location, most of the Florida Peninsula will see effects from Hurricane Ian. Storm surge risk As Hurricane Ian continues to track north, it will be pushing the waters of the Gulf of Mexico northward with it. This is storm surge, and it raises the water level, with waves on top adding to its destructive power. The Gulf acts like a huge bathtub, and when strong storms enter into this region, they help lift up the water due to low barometric pressure. Barometric pressure has a direct influence on sea levels. When air pressure rises, sea levels lower. However, lower barometric pressure lifts the sea. Additionally, the storm’s strong winds will push the water in the same direction the storm is heading. Since land surrounds the Gulf of Mexico, there is nowhere for this water to go but inland. Storm surge from Hurricane Irma flooded neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2017.Sean Rayford/Getty Images Locations along a large part of the western Gulf Coast could see storm surge heights between 4 and 10 feet, depending on just how close Ian tracks to the coastline. The Tampa area forecast as of Tuesday, was for up to 10 feet of storm surge that could be pushed into Tampa Bay. Up to 3 feet of storm surge was expected for the Florida Keys and South Florida, but these amounts could also be higher, especially as Ian strengthens. Due to Ian’s northward track, portions of the Big Bend and the Panhandle can expect to see some storm surge and coastal flooding, especially as the storm nears land. The Tampa Bay area in particular should be monitoring Ian closely, especially if the center of circulation makes a direct impact or remains just offshore. Mandatory evacuation orders were already in effect Monday for parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties, and Hernando County had a voluntary evacuation order. Residents were encouraged to check their evacuation zones and identify the closest shelters before the storm arrives. Size matters Another factor to watch is Ian’s size. Size plays a key role in a hurricane’s impact. A large hurricane, like Irma in 2017, will have more cloud cover and therefore more rain. Storm surge will reach a larger area with larger storms. If the storm is large enough, it could even generate storm surge on the eastern side of the Florida Peninsula, like Irma did along portions of northeast Florida. A smaller storm, like Hurricane Andrew in 1992, is more of a wind storm and the impacts are in a smaller area. But as Florida saw with Andrew, wind damage can be catastrophic in these smaller systems. It’s too early to tell how large Ian will get, but the storm is expected to intensify over the Gulf of Mexico. Residents across Florida need to prepare for the risk of heavy rain, flash flooding, storm surge, isolated tornadoes and strong winds. Words By Athena Masson Adjunct professor, Flagler College. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

American Academy, a program within American Heritage Schools, is pleased to host "Secrets to Better Communication with Your ADHD Teenager," a virtual event via Zoom on Thursday, September 29 at 7 p.m. This event is part of American Academy's monthly program, "Experts in Learning Differences" speaker series. Hosted by Alexandra Rollins, admissions director of the American Academy Program, the expert speakers for the September event are Diane Dempster and Elaine Taylor-Klaus, parent coaches and co-founders of ImpactParents. This virtual event will provide viewers with proven techniques and scripts that can be used for better conversations and will help parents and teachers create harmony at home, in the classroom, and everywhere else. Attendees will learn how to diffuse defensiveness, get buy-in, provide effective feedback, and improve relationships instantly. "We felt strongly that parents of complex kids with learning differences needed someone to provide support to help their kids navigate life's complications, and we realized that 'someone' was us! Who better than two professional moms whose lives and families had been transformed by coaching to pave a new path for other parents?" said Dempster and Klaus. "Parents and educators want their children and students with learning differences to become independent and believe in themselves. They want to help them genuinely feel capable of becoming successful adults. When parents and educators have the support they need, they can become who they really want to be for their children and students." Diane Dempster, MHSA, CPC, PCC is a professional coach, speaker, author and educator with 20 years of corporate leadership experience. Dempster is the co-founder of ImpactParents.com, a coaching organization for parenting neurodiverse kids, and co-creator of Sanity School® and the Sanity School® Certification Program for professionals. An experienced leader, expert in change management, and all-around life-sherpa, Dempster helps clients create deep, sustaining change and open their eyes to life. Dempster received a master's from the University of Michigan and coaching certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Elaine Taylor-Klaus, MCC, CPCC co-founded the first global coaching organization for parenting neurodiverse kids, ImpactParents.com. The mother of a complex family of five, she co-created a comprehensive and empowering collaborative problem-solving method for fostering independence: the Impact Model for taking a coach-approach to parenting complex kids. An author, speaker, coach and trusted advisor, Taylor-Klaus is the co-creator of Sanity School® for Parents and the Sanity School® Certification Program for professionals. She is also co-author of "Parenting ADHD Now! Easy Intervention Strategies to Empower Kids with ADHD," and the author of "The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD, Anxiety and More." The speaker series is streamed live virtually, and available for viewing following each event. The purpose of the speaker series is to educate families about topics that relate to mild learning differences and are relevant today. All of the speakers are experts in the various disciplines of each topic. The American Academy's goal is to provide families with a safe space to ask questions and strengthen their knowledge about how to ensure the success of their child. For more information about the speaker series, please click here. To reserve a spot, please visit: bit.ly/3ddL3do Limited spots are available for this free, online, and live event. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of ADHD \