BOSTON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for "Drugs and Diagnostics for Hematological Disorders: Global Markets" is expected to grow from $131.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $189.3 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.

The global market for drugs used to treat hematological disorders, along with the devices and reagents used for their diagnosis, is categorized based on product type into reagents & instruments, and software. By end user, the market segments include hospitals, diagnostic labs, and others. Hematological disorder treatments are further divided into oncology drugs and non-oncology drugs. Geographically, the market spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). The report provides market estimates using 2023 as the base year, with forecasts extending from 2024 through 2029. It also includes details on approved drugs, pipeline analysis, innovative research, market opportunities, and profiles of leading companies. A key driver of market growth is the increasing incidence of leukemia, which has spurred the development of more effective treatment options.

This report is particularly relevant at this moment due to the complexity of blood as an organ, which is associated with a wide range of hematologic disorders and diseases. Each of these conditions is unique, yet blood serves as a common link among them. The increasing prevalence of various blood-related diseases—such as cancers, anemias, hemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure syndromes, bleeding disorders, platelet disorders, blood clots, plasma cell disorders, and numerous rare diseases—is driving significant growth in the market.

Please click here for more details on "The global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders Report."

The following factors drive the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders:

High Incidence of Blood Disorders: Blood disorders like anemia, sickle cell anemia, and leukemia affect a large segment of the global population, driving the need for effective treatments and diagnostic tools. The rising awareness of these conditions emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research and innovation.

Government and Private Funding: Both government agencies and private investors are increasingly funding initiatives to combat hematological disorders. This financial support is essential for developing new therapies and improving access to existing treatments, ultimately enhancing patient care.

Automation in Hematology: Automation in hematology has streamlined laboratory processes, increasing efficiency and accuracy in diagnostics. Technologies like automated blood cell counters and coagulation analyzers enhance the speed and reliability of test results, minimizing human error.

Advancements in Diagnosis: Innovations such as flow cytometry, molecular testing, and genetic profiling have improved the precision of diagnosing blood disorders. Early detection through these advanced methods facilitates timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies, leading to better patient outcomes.

Request a Sample Copy of the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders Report.

Report Synopsis 

Key Interesting Facts About the global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders:

Cell-Based Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):

• The U.S. FDA approved the first cell-based gene therapies for SCD in December 2023.
• These treatments are specifically for patients aged 12 years and older.
• The groundbreaking therapies are named Casgevy and Lyfgenia.

Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Cilta-cel) Approval:

• In April 2024, Johnson & Johnson announced the approval of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti).
• Cilta-cel is a second-line therapy for patients with refractory SCD.
• It is used when lenalidomide (Revlimid) and a proteasome inhibitor are ineffective in prior treatment.

The global market for drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders report includes in-depth data and analysis addressing the following important queries:

1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market?•  The global drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders market was valued at $122.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $189.3 billion by the end of 2029. The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2029.
2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market?•  Key factors that are driving the growth are the high incidence and prevalence of blood disorders, increasing government and private funding for treatment, rising adoption of automation, and advancement in the diagnosis of hematology disorders.
3. What segments are covered in the market?•  The global drugs and diagnostics for hematological disorders market is segmented based on market, drug type, product type, end-user, and region.
4. By market, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029?•  The hematology drugs segment will dominate the market in 2029.
5. Which region has the highest market share in the market?•  North America holds the highest share of the market.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

•  ABBOTT
• BIO-RAD LABORATORIES INC.
• DANAHER CORP.
• NOVARTIS AG
• SYSMEX CORP.
• AMGEN INC.
• BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO.
• F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE LTD.
• SANOFI
• TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL CO. LTD.

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Directly Purchase a copy of the report with BCC Research.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC

Last Updated on August 4, 2024

PLOT: A small time wrestling company accepts a well-paying but too good to be true gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader… and their event is now a pay-per-view fight to the death.

REVIEW: Filmmaker Lowell Dean’s Wolfcop remains criminally underrated, despite myself and others singing its praises to no end. It’s got just the right amount of humor mixed with some downright nasty gore. So to see Dean enter the world of pro wrestling and give it a horror twist, got me excited. Then add Future Hall of Famer Chris Jericho to the mix and I’m first in line! As a fan of both wrestling and cult cinema, Dark Match seems marketed directly toward me. But does it get over?

Following a small-town wrestling company, Dark Match focuses on the indie side of professional wrestling. Once they’re invited to a strange show in the middle of nowhere, the situation is not as it appears. The plot can get a bit convoluted at times, with some unnecessary rampups to add drama. I would think that wrestling to the death would be high enough stakes, but apparently not. As much as this goes horrific, they do a great job of setting up a realistic and blue collar world. The cast of wrestlers is affable and interacts in a fun way. I could have spent more time with them and their exploits.

Most people on the planet will know Steven Ogg as Trevor from Grand Theft Auto V, but he’s fantastic as Mean Joe Lean. I’ve always felt he deserves so much more than just bit parts and character roles and he really makes the most of it here. I really like Chris Jericho but he’s chewing up the scenery in a way that only a wrestler can manage. I’ve seen Jericho’s promos for over 25 years so I’m used to his delivery but it’s an acquired taste when it transfers over to film. The Prophet/Leader is a pretty over-the-top character and allows for some menacing moments. He’s got a large hat and jacket that makes him look either like The Creeper from Jeepers Creepers or Randall Flagg in The Stand.

Dark Match isn’t as downright funny as Lowell’s other work but it’s still got plenty of humorous moments. The plot can get a little messy and I wish it had been simplified a bit, as each reveal puts the true purpose a little further in the rearview mirror. The wrestling is extremely well shot and Dean clearly seems to be a fan. While the wrestling isn’t exactly required to be good, given where the story goes, but times when they need to pull off moves: it looks great. I almost thought I was watching a Joe Begos movie with all the neon and black lights being used. And the film certainly gets wet with the gore, providing plenty of death and carnage to satiate those gorehounds.

This kind of strange indie horror film is always going to be for niche audiences. Add in the wrestling element and it gets even more confined. But there’s something that works here. Whether it’s the band of wrestlers or the silly way of getting them there, it comes together in a fun package. I really enjoyed my time with Dark Match. I felt rewarded both in my wrestling fandom and my love for weird Satanic Cults in cinema. There are some odd eccentricities that wrestling fans are likely to be accepting of but I’m not sure how mainstream audiences will feel. It won’t be for everyone, but I think those that give it a chance will have a blast!

DARK MATCH IS CURRENTLY PLAYING AT FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL.

The number of players continues to decline

The number of companies involved in the roboshuttle market has decreased from over 25 to just 12 within three years - a sharp decline of more than 50% since 2020. Data available before 2023 shows that most companies in this sector were either conducting small-scale trials or were still at the conceptual stage, with nobody close to full commercial deployment. Even those who garnered substantial interest often struggled to progress from small to larger trials. In 2023, these larger trials, which IDTechEx anticipates would be the final step before commercialization, proved to be a significant hurdle. The primary reasons for the market contraction include inadequate funding, which prevented many companies from advancing beyond small-scale tests, and a lack of public interest, which is crucial for supporting a viable business case for this transportation mode. Consequently, many companies have exited the market, unable to overcome these challenges and secure the necessary resources for larger trials.

Several notable examples illustrate the challenges faced in the roboshuttle market. Navya, once a leader in the industry, faced financial and multifaceted issues, leading to its joint acquisition by Gaussin and Macnica and the formation of GAMA. Macnica is expected to fully acquire GAMA, with plans to establish their business model in Japanese mobility markets. ZF has delegated the manufacturing, sales, and operations of its roboshuttles to partners Oceaneering and Beep, ceasing internal development and focusing on supplying the necessary software and hardware for autonomous driving. Cruise suspended its commercial service following a robotaxi incident in October 2023 that resulted in serious injuries and led to the revocation of its autonomous vehicle testing license, halting its roboshuttle project. May Mobility has shifted its business model from using Polaris GEM shuttles to leveraging Toyota Sienna for its robotaxi services. Lastly, Coast and IAV's HEAT project has not announced any shuttle-related business initiatives over the past two years, instead redirecting their focus towards autonomous tractors for port logistics. The primary challenge facing the roboshuttle industry lies in the difficulty of finding practical commercial applications. This leads to a number of issues including financial difficulties, market consolidation, business model adjustments, safety and regulatory concerns, changes in market positioning, and project redirection.

Roboshuttles still need to prove commercial viability

Roboshuttles have always been envisioned as a futuristic concept, aiming to be small, shared vehicles that operate more flexibly than buses and more economically than taxis. This dual expectation has led to an unclear definition of their use cases, facing challenges similar to those of operating robotaxis and autonomous buses. These challenges include navigating complex urban environments and optimizing routes to increase usage rates. The hope is that overcoming these challenges will provide a highly used, high-revenue service, with a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than a bus.

Initially, the industry pictured roboshuttles providing a variety of dynamic routes within cities. However, it has become difficult to find enough scenarios that require these characteristics. Most current test cases are in closed or semi-closed environments, such as the Park Shuttle service provided by QCraft in Beijing, where the roboshuttles can provide public transportation. Public transportation and mobility as a service (MaaS) were considered key use cases for roboshuttles in the early days. However, robotaxis are now entering high levels of technical maturity and commercial deployment, which could potentially fulfill this market need.

Given all the challenges faced by roboshuttles, such as changing use case scenarios, and competition from robotaxis, IDTechEx believes that the commercialization of roboshuttles is possible, but still an uphill battle. To get from where the industry is today to full commercial deployments will require efforts in infrastructure development, transportation system integration, and regulatory support. They need to be incorporated into urban transit systems to fulfill their role as dynamic dispatchers.

Against the odds: Some roboshuttle unicorns are still securing open road-testing approvals worldwide

Despite the overall downturn and all the challenges faced, some players achieved significant milestones between 2022 and 2024. In August 2023, WeRide received the M1 and T1 licenses from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA), allowing their Robobus to undergo large-scale public road tests. By July 2024, WeRide launched Robobus shuttle services in Sentosa, marking Singapore's first publicly accessible L4 autonomous Robobus route, and the industry's first truly commercialized Roboshuttle operation. Additionally, in May 2024, WeRide successfully operated a shuttle service during the French Open, and China's QCraft is conducting open tests in 10 cities across mainland China. Pix Moving is deploying 100 roboshuttles for testing in 16 cities worldwide, leveraging its production line to support these trials. These achievements point in the direction of early commercialization of roboshuttles, namely providing services in limited areas with high-quality infrastructure, highly controlled access, and short-distance journeys.

The commercial breakthroughs of leading players show some government support for on-road vehicle testing. However, with the development of robotaxis and other on-demand mobility services, the uniqueness and value of roboshuttles appears to be diminishing. The expectation of recouping costs through fare revenues is also becoming unrealistic in the short term. IDTechEx's report provides insights into early commercialization, suggesting that achieving sustainable progress will rely on the continuous and additional value brought by roboshuttle services (e.g. addressing commuting gaps within regional areas) to attract investment from governments and customers. IDTechEx believes that during the early commercialization process, companies should focus on vehicle delivery and maintenance services to secure their hard-won market share.

IDTechEx's report, "Roboshuttles and Autonomous Buses 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts", provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector, contextualizing the current roboshuttle market with historical sales data from 2019 onwards and offering regional insights across China, Europe, the USA, and the rest of the world. It identifies key challenges and opportunities for the roboshuttle industry, making predictions about when commercial deployment can be expected. The high-fidelity analysis of each market informs IDTechEx's 20-year forecasts, offering critical guidance for stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape.

To find out more about this report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/AutonomousBuses.

For the full portfolio of autonomy market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Autonomy.

About IDTechEx 

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com. 

Media Contact: Charlotte Martin Subscriptions Marketing Manager [email protected] +44(0)1223 812300 

Social Media Links: X: https://www.twitter.com/IDTechEx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idtechex/ 

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SOURCE IDTechEx

LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrated entrepreneur and business owner Kerri Harper-Howie announced today the publication of her new book THE FAMILY SECRET: The Business and Franchise Owner's Guide to Building Generational Wealth. The book details Harper-Howie's unexpected and life-changing career transition from lawyer to franchise owner, following in the wake of her mother Patricia Williams' pioneering legacy as a McDonald's franchise owner in Los Angeles.

"I assumed I would retire after a long career as an employment attorney, never anticipating that in 2012 I would leave my full-time employment law practice behind and join my family's franchising business," said Harper-Howie. "The mindset shift, economic downsizing and skillset deficit I encountered during this career transition were massive. Yet indisputably, it has been the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I wrote this book to share my family's story and what we have learned over the decades, in hopes that our story can inspire people to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come."

The Family Secret explores the complexities introduced into the work environment by family dynamics and how to use them to build a stronger foundation – both business and personal, the basic steps for what is needed to set up any business properly, and the difficult and necessary considerations and possible pitfalls when transitioning a family business from one generation to the next. The Family Secret reveals Kerri and her family's pathway to achieving generational success that others can follow and replicate, including the emotional, practical, and logistical requirements for building the foundations of cooperation and communication that can turn any business into a family business. It also explores the advantages and pitfalls of joining and expanding an existing family business – and what you need to consider and how best to leverage the strengths and weaknesses of those around you.

Advance praise for the book includes:

"The Family Secret is a must-read for anyone - family business leaders, small business owners, franchisees, or someone who simply wants to read an inspiring story filled with practical business advice." – Emma Sharif, Mayor of the City of Compton, CA

"The next great step for women and Black people in the United States is the leap from being objects in our economy to being subjects in control of it. Kerri, along with her family, have made that step. Her personal testimony and practical advice provide a roadmap for multi-generational family businesses. I loved all of it." – Rukaiyah Adams, Chief Executive Officer of the 1803 Fund

"A wonderful family history and guidebook on how to work together, grow together, support each other, and leave a living legacy for future generations. I'm now focused on identifying my own "thrive factors" and thinking about what type of legacy I want to leave for my son. Thank you for sharing your unique story, expertise, and guidance to readers. I'm certain it will inspire many generations to come." - Dr. Tana M. Session, TMS Business Solutions

The Family Secret is the inspiring story of a family of Black women who succeeded against all odds, interwoven with invaluable business acumen and insight. Read it to be inspired and finish it feeling empowered to take your business to the next level for generations to come! The book is available for purchase now at Amazon and on other sites.

ABOUT KERRI HARPER-HOWIE: Kerri Harper-Howie is an entrepreneur, lawyer, author and public speaker with extensive experience owning and operating successful businesses, representing clients in all stages of employment litigation, publishing and public speaking. In partnership with her sister, Kerri owns 21 McDonald's franchises in one of the most challenging business environments in the United States. Kerri combines her legal expertise with practical business acumen, offering a unique perspective on workplace issues, business operations, succession planning and fostering family-like workplaces. Her career is marked by legal victories, innovative business strategies, and a commitment to establishing and maintaining equitable and efficient workplace environments. Kerri's leadership and dedication to excellence have established her as a thought leader in the business community, where she continues to advocate for best practices, sustainable growth, and fair treatment of everyone. For more information, please visit www.KerriHarperHowie.com

Contact:April Roberts[email protected]

SOURCE Kerri Harper-Howie

The EOS R1 boasts advanced features that enable news and sports professionals to capture the headline shot every time, whilst the EOS R5 Mark II is built for a wide range of hybrid professionals to tackle any creative project.

EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II – the most anticipated editions of the EOS R mirrorless range

The release of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II full frame mirrorless cameras marks a monumental moment in Canon's history – the EOS R1 being the first camera in the EOS R range within the EOS-1 series – known for its legacy of high performance and reliability. The EOS R5 Mark II succeeds the highly acclaimed EOS R5 which combined high resolution, speed and 8K movie performance.

For the first time, both cameras are introduced with the new 'Accelerated Capture' imaging platform comprised of a new processor – the DIGIC Accelerator – along with the well-known high-performance DIGIC X image processor and newly developed high-speed image sensors featured on both new camera models.

The DIGIC Accelerator is newly added to support the processing of large volumes of data, alongside Deep Learning technologies. This combination unlocks higher performance and new features in several areas including auto focus, continuous shooting and image quality.

Thanks to this new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II both feature the latest version of Dual Pixel CMOS – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF. This includes multiple enhancements including the ability to more accurately track subjects, by identifying the face and upper bodies of players and avoiding obstacles or other players. This is further enhanced by the ability for users to register specific faces and track and prioritise them consistently over other players.

The newly added 'Action Priority' mode automatically identifies common action poses in basketball, soccer and volleyball, identifying and tracking the main subject in fast and dynamic situations and capturing the headline-grabbing moment of action.

Eye-control AF is offered for the first time in the EOS R5 Mark II and is improved to twice the level of the EOS R3 in both models including a higher pixel count sensor, enhanced LEDs, a larger eye detection area, and an updated detection algorithm allowing a unique and instinctive way to select a subject to track in a complex scene.

The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II offer new high-speed image sensors, resulting in faster shooting speeds and faster sensor readout with a 40% reduction of rolling shutter in the EOS R1 compared to the EOS R3 – putting it on the same level as the mechanical shutter in the EOS-1D X Mark III. With a similar 60% reduction in the EOS R5 Mark II both models are highly capable in capturing action without any reduction in image quality or dynamic range. The cameras newly feature a pre-continuous shooting function offering up to 20 frames (for EOS R1) and 15 frames (for EOS R5 Mark II) to be captured in HEIF/JPEG or RAW format at any frame rate before the shutter is pressed, allowing the key moment to be captured even if it was missed. Both feature large, high brightness and resolution blackout-free viewfinders with the EOS R1 featuring the highest resolution at 9.44M dots and the EOS R5 Mark II offering twice the brightness of the EOS R5.

Thanks to the new imaging platform, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II benefit from enhanced image quality with Deep Learning in-camera image upscaling and noise reduction, providing an additional four times resolution or reduced noise in-camera when using JPEG or HEIF formats. Users can also crop and upscale in-camera making it that much easier to send out photos without editing via separate applications.

Both cameras feature up to 8.5 stops of image stabilisation[i] with effective shooting capabilities particularly in low light or in other difficult conditions.

For videographers, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II offer video in 12 bit RAW recording internally to the memory card as well as using Cinema EOS Movie Recording formats alongside Canon Log 2 and 3 with proxy video recording that is now fully supported between two cards, and four channel audio. This takes professional video production to new heights, delivering outstanding quality and creative flexibility no matter the scenario. The cameras are also able to record high resolution stills and Full HD video simultaneously, with the option to record externally via the HDMI type A ports in both cameras.

To support the workflow of professionals, several features ensure fast and stable connectivity and failsafe options, with multiple routes to image/video destinations for filing news with support for the C2PA content authenticity format[ii] or reviewing the first rushes of a film. Industry standard file naming, separate photo/video folders, and advanced tagging in News ML-G2 standard are also supported. Both cameras support Wi-Fi6E/11ax 6GHz in-body, making them the first EOS series cameras to offer new levels of transfer speed, with the EOS R1 additionally supporting 2.5Gbps Ethernet connectivity and dual-threaded FTP in the body and the EOS R5 Mark II providing 2.5Gbps Ethernet via an optional grip.

Introducing the EOS R1 – Canon's new flagship camera

With 35 years since the introduction of the original EOS-1, the EOS R1 takes on a legacy of cameras that represent the ideal option for professionals worldwide, thanks to its groundbreaking autofocus, speed, reliability and durability.

Engineered for elite sports photographers the EOS R1 is designed to ensure the moment is never missed in the fast-paced world of sports and news photography. Auto focus alongside speed is the key to obtaining previously unobtainable results. The EOS R1 is uniquely equipped with a groundbreaking, new Cross Type AF system, meaning it excels in challenging conditions such as when shooting through a tennis net, picking out smaller subjects and locking on to vertical detail in situations where horizonal detail is missing from the subject under the AF area. This latest technology is a first for Canon and requires a completely new Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor arrangement in which individual Gb pupil divisions of pixels are rotated by 90 degrees to offer auto focus tracking sensitivity along the vertical and horizontal axis of the sensor, offering users fast and accurate results and the ability to capture an image that could have previously been missed.

The camera offers an astounding 40fps silent electronic shutter with AF tracking and 20 frames of pre-continuous shooting, meaning that users can follow a scene without sacrificing image quality. Its 24.2 megapixel resolution delivers exceptional high-speed performance, while also achieving up to 96 megapixels in-camera with Deep Learning and image upscaling and noise reduction. Enhanced flash sync speeds up to 1/400^th of a second and improved white balance and image exposure evaluation means more consistency and versatility for a variety of genres.

The EOS R1 also champions hybrid multimedia functionality with 6K resolution at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, along with Full HD at 240fps.

Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, the EOS R1 features a newly designed weather-resistant body with renewed outer texture and integrated vertical grip. A high-resolution EVF with an anti-fog design and a wide viewfinder eyepiece make it a comfortable camera for shooting sports over long durations. Newly added is the two-stage AF-ON button which allows the instant activation of two programmable functions within one button allowing photographers to quickly respond to changing action in front of them.

Presenting the EOS R5 Mark II, the pinnacle of all-round versatility and hybrid creativity 

Building on the legacy of the EOS R5 and pushing the boundaries of what's possible for emerging genres, the EOS R5 Mark II is aimed at creative storytellers and hybrid users ready to elevate their craft, making it the ultimate tool for a wide range of applications, from wildlife to wedding, event coverage, filmmaking and news reporting.

Designed to capture fast-moving subjects without compromising on high-quality detail, the EOS R5 Mark II features a revolutionary new back-illuminated, stacked sensor design with a stunning 45 megapixel resolution. Auto focus tracking and an electronic shutter capable of 30fps with low rolling shutter allows users to truly excel in fast-paced action situations. The pre-continuous shooting mode captures 15 frames before the shutter is even pressed, while advanced image upscaling can achieve up to 180 megapixels with exceptional noise reduction, preserving the finest details.

Seamless hybrid multi-media functionality is at the heart of the EOS R5 Mark II as well as a greater synergy with Canon Cinema EOS line with shared features and formats. Improved from the EOS R5, the EOS R5 Mark II offers 8K 60p resolution from the full width of the sensor and 12-bit RAW recording internally, along with 4K video at up to 120p with sound. The newly introduced Cooling Fan Grip is designed specifically to extend shooting periods for event coverage, interviews and high-quality live streaming.

The possibility to record video proxies, industry-standard file naming, and structured folders enhances post-production workflows. Shooting Virtual Reality is also made simpler with enhanced preview and playback navigation.

A new higher performance LP-E6P battery and heat-dissipating and durable magnesium alloy body ensures the EOS R5 Mark II is ready for any challenge, even in unpredictable weather environments.

The EOS R5 Mark II maintains a compact and lightweight design, but with key enhancements such as a fog-resistant, two times brighter viewfinder and larger opening making it an indispensable tool for hybrid creatives seeking top-grade performance and versatility all in one package.

Ushering in a new generation of EOS R System products

The EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II together represent a complete professional pairing with the ultimate in reliability and speed matched with versatility and practicality. These new bodies join a roster of recently announced EOS R System cameras and RF lenses, cementing Canon's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology for creative storytellers across all genres of photography and videography.

For more information about the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, please visit:

https://en.canon-me.com/cameras/eos-r1/ 

https://en.canon-me.com/cameras/eos-r5-mark-ii/

Key specifications

[i] Based on the CIPA 2024 standard. In yaw, pitch, and roll image stabilisation performance when using RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (f=105mm).

[ii] A camera firmware will be released in 2025 for the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II that will add support for the C2PA format.

About Canon Middle East 

Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East based in Dubai, UAE.  

Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history with its commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation.  Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei – 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. 

Canon invests heavily in R&D, delivering the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realise their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com 

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SOURCE Canon Middle East

Book Publishing is Not Simple

Book publishing is a multifaceted endeavor that extends beyond mere manuscript writing. It involves meticulous editing, precise formatting, and compelling cover design. Each stage requires specialized skills and attention to detail, coupled with a strategic understanding of both physical and digital distribution landscapes. The process demands perfection at every step to ensure the book reaches its intended audience.

Introducing BookBud.ai's Game-Changing Service

BookBud.ai's "Idea to Market Book Publishing" service is tailored to handle every aspect of the publishing process. Authors bring their ideas, and BookBud.ai takes care of the rest—from writing and editing to formatting, cover design, and distribution. The company even offers a unique guarantee: if the final product doesn't meet the client's expectations, they will either publish it under their own account or refund 100% of the client's money.

Addressing the Needs of Time-Strapped Authors

For those who find the DIY publishing route too time-consuming or technically challenging, BookBud.ai offers a solution that requires minimal effort from the author. Whether you're looking to publish multiple books for profit or simply don't want to deal with the technicalities, the "Idea to Market" service is designed to meet these needs efficiently.

How It Works

Authors can share their non-fiction book ideas or use BookBud.ai's AI-based tool to generate potential best-sellers. From there, BookBud.ai handles everything: writing, proofing, formatting, conversion, and distribution. Options are available for those who wish to be more involved in the process, including editing and customization features.

Monetize Your Ideas with Ease

BookBud.ai's distribution is managed through BookMarketing.pro, allowing authors to track sales and receive monthly royalties, typically around 50% of the retail price. Payments are made via PayPal, ensuring a seamless and transparent process.

Diverse Publishing Options

The service includes the creation of ebooks, with additional options for paperback and AI-generated audiobooks. The company offers full cover design and comprehensive distribution through Ingram for print books, and to all major audiobook retailers that support AI voices.

Customization and Control

For authors desiring more control, the "Allow Editing and Customization" option lets them provide outlines, include images, proofread, and take part in cover design. This option also allows for more flexible distribution choices.

Commitment to Quality and Satisfaction

BookBud.ai's service is designed with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. While editorial decisions are typically handled by BookBud.ai, the customization option gives authors the freedom to make their mark on the final product. And with their satisfaction guarantee, authors can be confident in the value they receive.

Bo Bennett, PhD, creator and founder of BookBud.ai, emphasizes the company's mission: "Our goal is to democratize book publishing, making it accessible and straightforward for everyone. We leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to handle the complexities, so our clients can focus on their creative vision and business goals."

For more information, visit BookBud.ai.

Contact:Bo Bennett, PhD Creator and Founder, BookBud.ai [email protected] +1 978 522 6530

SOURCE BookBud.ai

NEW YORK, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Francisco Cigarroa, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation, announced that president Darren Walker has shared his plans to step down from the foundation by the end of 2025. 

The Ford Foundation Board of Trustees will oversee the presidential leadership transition process. A search committee composed of trustees Francisco Cigarroa, Ursula Burns, Laurene Powell Jobs, Tom Kempner, Lourdes Lopez, Paula Moreno, and Ai-jen Poo will assist the board with the search process.

"Every day, Darren brings to the role intelligence and curiosity, strategic vision, and an infectious, positive spirit and energy that will leave an indelible mark on the foundation. He has guided Ford through some of the most challenging moments of our time with grace, kindness, and empathy, and his tenure will be remembered as one of the most consequential periods in the institution's nearly 90-year history," said Ford Foundation board chair Francisco Cigarroa. "Identifying a successor who can build on Darren's legacy will be no small task, but it's the most important responsibility of a governing board. We are confident that we will find the right leader who will work with our talented team as we look to this next chapter in our mission to fight inequality and advance social justice. The board is also confident that Darren will continue to work with vibrant energy until his last second as president of the Ford Foundation."

"I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have had the opportunity and privilege to serve the Ford Foundation over these past 11 years," said Ford Foundation president Darren Walker. "The work of the Ford Foundation is the work of generations, and I'm proud to have played a part in leading this storied institution. The efforts to address the societal drivers of inequality with grantees and partners would not have been possible without the tenacity of our incredible program and operations colleagues. I remain steadfast in my belief that the Ford Foundation is in the business of hope and in its future in pursuing a more just and equitable world."

For over a decade, Walker oversaw some of the foundation's most influential work, from the evolution of its mission to focus squarely on inequality and social justice to changing how Ford and many of its peer foundations conduct funding. Walker's leadership style earned him a reputation as a visionary and pragmatic leader, where he helped reshape philanthropic sector practices, built bridges across multiple sectors, innovated new programs, and contributed to how leaders think about major societal issues around the globe. 

He has been recognized around the world for his stellar achievements, garnering 16 honorary degrees and university awards and being awarded numerous accolades and honors, including being listed among TIME's "100 Most Influential People" in 2016 and Rolling Stone's "25 People Shaping the Future" in 2017, WSJ Philanthropy Innovator of the Year in 2020, and Inside Philanthropy's Philanthropy Leader of the Year in 2023. In 2022, he was awarded France's highest cultural honor, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, for leadership in the arts. In 2023, he was also appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Order of the British Empire for services to UK/US relations. 

Walker conceived and led Ford's grantmaking in revolutionary ways. Under his leadership, Ford established new programs like Tech and Society to build out the field of public interest technology and Ford's first-ever program for disability rights. He spearheaded the strategy to provide sustained, multi-year grants and organizational support for grantees, influencing many peer foundations to adopt funding approaches through efforts like Ford's $1 billion BUILD initiative and activated Ford's endowment to invest for impact with its $1 billion Mission Investments program. 

He also engaged leaders across the sector to create the President's Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, the President's Council on Impact Investing, the Arts Foundations Presidents Group, and the Indigenous People's Land Tenure Fund, among others.

In 2014, he headed the philanthropy committee that helped resolve Detroit's historic bankruptcy through Detroit's Grand Bargain, a landmark deal that saved the Detroit Institute of Arts and ensured retired municipal employees would receive their pensions. He was also instrumental in bringing the Ford family back into the foundation with the election of Henry Ford III to the Board of Trustees, the first family member to serve since 1976.

Walker worked in lockstep with global leaders to help launch initiatives throughout the world, such as the Constitutionalism Fund in South Africa to back local organizations advocating for constitutionalism and rule of law in the country, the Black Feminist Fund, which helps to ensure Black femme-led movements have the resources they need to advance change, and the Nusantara Fund, an effort to support Indigenous and local communities in Indonesia by improving the efficiency with which climate funds are allocated.

In an urgent response to COVID-19 and concurrent crises, Walker led the effort to issue a first-ever $1 billion social bond by a foundation to bolster and strengthen nonprofit organizations. He conceived of and organized a consortium of foundations to launch America's Cultural Treasures, a $300 million fund to help sustain cultural institutions during the pandemic. 

Walker assumed his leadership role after overseeing grantmaking across a range of programs as vice president. Before joining Ford, Darren was vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation, overseeing global and domestic programs, including the Rebuild New Orleans initiative after Hurricane Katrina. In the 1990s, as chief operating officer of the Abyssinian Development Corporation—Harlem's largest community development organization—he led a comprehensive revitalization strategy, including building more than 1,000 affordable housing units and the first major commercial development in Harlem since the 1960s.

For more information on the executive search process, visit fordfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE FORD FOUNDATION

The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For more than 85 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

SOURCE Ford Foundation

ATLANTA, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Orphan Society of America, one in every 28 children in America – more than 2.7 million children, has a parent behind bars. As of 2011, 73.7 million children under 18, 28% (20.6 million) lived with no parent. More than half of the children living with no parents lived with grandparents.

For centuries, grandparents have been the glue that holds families together, and on Grandparent's Day, 2024, they will be celebrated with the launch of author Adrienne Alexander-Allen's new book, The Accidental Parent: Nurturing Love in Unforeseen Circumstances,

But it isn't just for grandparents. "The Accidental Parent" is a heartfelt companion for anyone thrust into the world of becoming a primary caregiver overnight, offering the tools and encouragement needed to create a nurturing and supportive family environment.

"As I wrote this book, I reflected on each time I've been touched by kinship care – being raised by my grandparents, raising my younger brother, and now raising my granddaughter. The range of emotions I feel when thinking about my circumstances and the response I get from others when sharing my story lets me know how important this book truly is." Adrienne Alexander, Author and CEO, IPY Agency

In "The Accidental Parent: Nurturing Love in Unforeseen Circumstances," readers will discover a compassionate and practical guide for those who find themselves stepping into the role of accidental parenthood. The book offers helpful insights and strategies to help readers cope with the extreme changes, challenges, and rewards of raising a child whose biological parents are unable to do so due to trauma, incarceration, or addiction.

Readers of The Accidental Parent will gain insight into topics like how to:

• Navigate the emotional and psychological impact of becoming an unexpected parent.
• Manage practical changes in living arrangements, finances, and time.
• Understand and address the unique needs of children affected by trauma.
• Build trust, foster open communication, and implement therapeutic approaches.
• Engage respectfully and effectively with biological parents who are still part of the child's life.

With personal anecdotes, expert advice, and supportive resources, this book is a beacon of hope and guidance. It also includes dedicated diary pages for writing love letters using the transformative "Joy Balm" technique to foster positivity and healing.

The Accidental Parent: Nurturing Love in Unforeseen Circumstances will be released on September 8, 2024. To learn more about Adrienne Alexander-Allen, please visit www.theipyagency.com.

ABOUT ADRIENNE ALEXANDER-ALLENAdrienne Alexander-Allen is a seasoned publicist, author, and certified expert in conflict resolution and conflict management. With a deep passion for helping families navigate challenging circumstances, Adrienne combines her extensive professional experience with her commitment to fostering understanding and healing. Her work is dedicated to providing practical guidance and emotional support to those stepping into the role of accidental parenthood. Through her writing and advocacy, Adrienne empowers families to build resilient, nurturing environments where children and caregivers can thrive.

Adrienne Alexander[email protected] 404.734.9297

SOURCE Adrienne Alexander

Once set up at Netflix, Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy’s production company Intrepid Pictures now has an exclusive multiyear overall series deal with Amazon MGM Studios – and one of the shows they’re working on for Prime Video is Flanagan’s dream project, a series adaptation of Stephen King’s Dark Tower novels. Flanagan also recently signed on to make the next Exorcist movie for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, a move that caused some King fans to worry that he’s being distracted from his efforts to bring The Dark Tower to the screen… but during a recent interview on the podcast Talking Scared, Flanagan assured fans that’s not the case.

Flanagan said (with thanks to Cinema Blend for the transcription), “Oh, (The Exorcist) is not in the way. They coexist very well. I think the trick with The Dark Tower is just it’s still just takes an enormous amount of time to get going. But we’re further along than the last time we spoke. It seems to be moving on its own momentum. There’s so much logistical, boring, legal stuff that we have to kind of machete our way through to get that thing moving. But yeah, it has not at all stalled and none of the other work that’s that’s kind of emerged has in any way taken away from it.“

We previously heard that Intrepid was able to get the Dark Tower rights because Flanagan sent Stephen King “a very, very detailed outline of what I wanted to do with it. And it was in response to that, that he gave us the rights. A project like this, I wouldn’t want to be involved in it at all If we were taking it in a direction that was going to be blasphemous to the Stephen King material, but he’s been very, very supportive and very excited about what we’d like to do with it.“

Flanagan has said he envisions The Dark Tower story playing out over the course of five seasons, so here’s hoping that he’ll not only be able to get a first season of the show made, but also that he’ll be able to continue through the remaining four seasons worth of story. He has also said that the five seasons could be followed by two feature films, but he doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself. The focus right now is on getting the series up and running.

Many of Stephen King’s stories and novels are connected to The Dark Tower in some way, but the Dark Tower series itself consists of The Gunslinger, The Drawing of the Three, The Waste Lands, Wizard and Glass, The Wind Through the Keyhole, Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, The Dark Tower, and the short story The Little Sisters of Eluria.

While we wait to see when Flanagan’s The Dark Tower series will make it into production, his feature adaptation of King’s short story The Life of Chuck is ready to start making its way out into the world and his Exorcist movie is scheduled to reach theatres on March 13, 2026.

Are you glad to hear that Flanagan’s other projects aren’t getting in the way of The Dark Tower?

Peerbolte noted that from the moment the Museum took control of the Prison site in 2018, the penitentiary's connection to The Blues Brothers loomed large and proved to be a major factor in the decision to reopen the former penitentiary, constructed in 1858. Prior to this, the Joliet Prison sat largely vacant after its closure in 2002 and was subjected to vandalism and several acts of arson.

Efforts to host the first "Blues Brothers Con" began in 2019 to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the film were stifled by the pandemic. The inaugural Blues Brothers Con was later held in August of 2022 in which 6,000 attendees descended on the Prison to watch Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi perform as "The Blues Brothers" inside the Prison walls, supported by a performance from Judy accompanied by Kate Taylor and Chicago Blues standouts like Toronzo Cannon and Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials. The inaugural event was also attended by founding Blues Brothers band members Steve Cropper and Tom "Bones" Malone.

Lucas Pisano, Judy's son, who also served as an organizer of the Blues Brothers Con since its inception, felt the dedication fitting tribute. "Our family is honored that this festival will be dedicated to our beautiful Judy. Few people are fully aware of her influence on the Blues Brothers' and John's creative magic," he said. "She served the blues community diligently in honor of his memory, and in her own right, championed this legacy. Her light and spirit are missed, but not forgotten. Through live music, good food and love, the festival will be a beautiful celebration of an extraordinary life."

This year's Blues Brothers Con, planned for 2023, was again delayed, this time by the SAG-AFTRA strikes. "It took patience, grit and determination to see this historic event through," said Peerbolte. "Judy was with us every step of the way, fighting through her health challenges to assist us with planning and coordination."

While specific plans to honor Judy at Blues Brothers Con are underway, a loan of her personal artifacts from the film, which Peerbolte termed "the Holy Grail," are making their way to the Joliet Area Historical Museum for display. She previously loaned two of the iconic black suits worn by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi throughout the film that are currently on display in the Museum's Route 66 Visitor's Center.

Peerbolte reflected that while this year's event will be bittersweet without her, he feels that Judy and the Old Joliet Prison's shared legacy is worthy of celebration. "We will be forever grateful to have hosted Judy's final public performance before 6,000 adoring fans who came from around the world to celebrate the 'universe' of The Blues Brothers in the place where the film began – a universe she crafted."

To purchase tickets and for more information on Blues Brothers Con, click here.

For high-res images of Blues Brothers Con for media use courtesy of Gill Ross, click here.

For more information about Blues Brothers Con, visit www.jolietmuseum.org.

About the JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) is a private 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that celebrates the diverse industrial heritage and culture of the Joliet region. It is funded primarily through the support of membership, sponsored programs and government grants. Founded in 2002, it operates a contemporary Museum facility in Joliet's City Center in the historic 1909 Ottawa Street Methodist Church along Old Route 66. Since 2018, JAHM has operated the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site and now operates two additional historic properties as museum experiences, the Planinsek Meat Market & Grocery Museum and Joliet Railroad Museum. In 2024, JAHM purchased the iconic "Gemini Giant" muffler man statue for display in its home community of Wilmington, Illinois and also leases the World's First Dairy Queen Building at 501 N. Chicago Street, Joliet.

Media ContactsGreg Peerbolte[email protected](815)549-9530

Madeline Sweeney[email protected]

SOURCE Joliet Area Historical Museum

Bill Way's new book is a comprehensive guide designed to help readers navigate the rapidly expanding micro-market industry. Micro markets, often described as "automated convenience stores," are revolutionizing the vending and retail world by providing fresh, nutritious food and drink choices for businesses across the country. As the demand for healthier, convenient snack options continues to grow, micro markets present an incredible business opportunity.

In "Micro Markets - Profit from the Automated Convenience Store BOOM!" Bill Way shares his expertise and knowledge accumulated over more than three decades in the industry. Readers will learn the key elements of creating a successful micro market, including how to:

1. Enter the Industry: Bill Way provides a step-by-step guide on how to enter the automated convenience store industry, making it accessible for anyone interested in this lucrative field.
2. Place and Stock Micro Markets: Learn the best practices for selecting and obtaining great locations, stocking products, and maintaining inventory to ensure your micro markets thrive.
3. Operate and Maintain a Profitable Business: Discover operational strategies and maintenance tips that maximize efficiency and profitability, allowing you to create more profit with less time and effort.

This book is more than just a guide; it's an invitation to transform your business approach and capitalize on one of the fastest-growing sectors in the retail industry. Bill's practical advice and real-world applications make this book an essential resource for anyone looking to enter the micro market industry or enhance their existing business operations.

Bill Way is no stranger to success. As an authority in the vending and micro market industry since 1988, he has built multiple multi-million-dollar businesses. He is also a Wall Street Journal number ONE bestselling author and has published four bestselling books. His latest work continues his legacy of providing valuable insights and empowering readers to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

Join the ranks of entrepreneurs who have discovered the incredible potential of the micro-market industry. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, Bill Way's National Best Seller provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading experts.

Get your copy of "Micro Markets - Profit from the Automated Convenience Store BOOM!" on Amazon today and start your journey to transforming your business and maximizing your profits.

Amazon Link: Grab your copy here

Bill Way, CEO of Live Free LLC and creator of Healthy Smart Mart, is a vending industry veteran with a Wall Street Journal bestseller. He's built multiple successful businesses and is dedicated to sharing his expertise. Learn more at https://healthysmartmart.com/.

About Healthy Smart Mart Healthy Smart Mart is revolutionizing the micro-market industry with innovative solutions that offer convenience and quality. Their cashless kiosk and app-based payment system offers a curated selection of higher-end, health-conscious snacks designed to meet the needs of modern consumers. They are committed to providing fresh, nutritious food and drink choices that enhance the break-room experience for businesses everywhere. Discover the future of convenience with Healthy SmartMart — Inspired Break Rooms!

Contact:Bill Way[email protected]970-222- 8582

SOURCE Bill Way

Actor Clark Duke made his feature directorial debut with the 2020 crime film Arkansas (you can read our 8/10 review at THIS LINK), and now Deadline reports that he has just wrapped production on his second feature, a comedic thriller called Stranglehold, which also happens to be set in Arkansas. The cast includes Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars), Justin Long (Barbarian), Jake Lacy (Apples Never Fall), and Ron Perlman (Hellboy).

Described as “a Southern-fried siege, with shades of Dog Day Afternoon and Die Hard,” while also being “in the vein of the Coen Brothers’s oeuvre,” Stranglehold follows Bailey (Benson), an exotic dancer with big dreams. She and her Army vet husband Tim (Lacy) are fed up with their lives of barely getting by in small-town Arkansas, so they decide to rob the strip club that employs her. Clark Duke wrote the screenplay with Chandler Duke and Billington Garrett.

Coming our way from Yale Productions, the film is being produced by Jordan Yale Levine, Jordan Beckerman, and Michael Day, along with Clark Duke. Executive producers include Rabbits Black’s Lawrence Minicone, Ronnie Exley, Jeremy Ross, and Sean Krajewski, as well as Will Hirschfeld, Edmund Lowell, Aden Darmody, Michael Becker, Jeffrey Tussi, Michael J. Rothstein, Nick Donnermeyer, Andy Rich, David Nazar, Jason Kringstein, Scott Levenson, and Brian S. Unger. Jourdan Henderson is co-producing, with Carol and Joseph Tufaro serving as co-executive producers.

Levine and Beckerman provided the following statement: “Clark Duke is a phenomenal talent, we are thrilled to be working with him, along with this fantastic cast. Stranglehold is a singular film– it is equal parts action-packed, horrifying, and hilarious — from a singular filmmaking voice.“

Clark Duke added, “I am thrilled to be making my follow-up to Arkansas with such an amazing cast. Stranglehold is a continuation of many themes I explored in Arkansas, very much a movie about where we are right now, and I cannot wait for people to see it.“

In addition to directing the film, Duke starred in Arkansas alongside Liam Hemsworth, John Malkovich, Eden Brolin, and Vince Vaughn. Scripted by Duke, Andrew Boonkrong, and John Brandon, that movie told the following story: Kyle and Swin live by the orders of an Arkansas-based drug kingpin named Frog, whom they’ve never met. But when a deal goes horribly wrong, the consequences are deadly.

Have you seen Arkansas, and does Stranglehold sound interesting to you? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.

MONTREAL, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Age of Union Alliance, the non-profit environmental organization led by Emmy award-winning executive producer, global environmentalist, and Lightspeed Commerce Inc. CEO Dax Dasilva, announces The Black Hole Experience (BHX) will premiere for the first time in New York City in Times Square from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 with free admission for the public. The debut in New York City is in collaboration with Refraction, an artist-owned community leading the next wave of digital art, music and culture. Designed exclusively for Age of Union by multidisciplinary artist Kelly Nunes, Age of Union hopes to ignite the next generation of changemakers and foster a collective consciousness by immersing individuals in BHX. For a sneak peek, watch the sizzle reel here.

The Black Hole Experience is housed in a 53' double expandable trailer with an impressive 1000 sq. ft. of interior space that hosts an LED tunnel leading to the black hole projection chamber where visitors sit enveloped from all angles by celestial and black hole phenomena. There are two antichamber rooms for waiting and exiting with information about the experience and Age of Union. The Black Hole Room is inspired by the Spirituality pillar of Dasilva's book Age of Union, which explores the meaning of spirituality and how it can connect us to our greater purpose in a modern world by seeking light in the darkness, exchanging fear for curiosity, and finding the potential for growth and positive change in the unknown.

BHX fosters a meditative experience that taps into the widespread fascination with the cosmos, reignited by recent celestial events like the 2024 solar eclipse and aurora borealis sightings. By immersing individuals in a visually stunning environment inspired by black holes, Age of Union aims to cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world around us, even among those who don't typically meditate.

• WHAT: The Black Hole Experience, a 53' mobile immersive exhibition presented by Age of Union
• WHERE: Times Square, New York City (West 47th Street & 7th Avenue)
• WHEN: Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024
  • August 2: 4pm-8pm
  • August 3: 12pm-8pm
  • August 4: 12pm-8pm

"The Black Hole Experience goes beyond just being an exhibition," says Dax Dasilva. "It is an expedition into the core of our consciousness. By immersing individuals in a visually stunning environment inspired by black holes, Age of Union aims to cultivate a sense of appreciation for the natural world and inspire active participation in its preservation. We are thrilled to announce that BHX will be in New York City's Times Square in collaboration with Refraction, allowing us to share this impactful experience with a vibrant community in one of the world's largest cities."

"We are thrilled to partner with Age of Union to bring The Black Hole Experience to New York City," says Malcolm Levy, founder of Refraction Festival. "Bringing BHX to New York City is an opportunity for attendees to discover the potential for growth and positive change in the unknown. At Refraction festival, our mission is to push the boundaries of digital art, music, and culture, and this collaboration marks an exciting step forward in that journey." 

About Age of Union Alliance

Age of Union is a non-profit environmental alliance that supports and makes visible a global community of changemakers working on the ground to protect the planet's threatened species and ecosystems. Launched in October 2021 by tech leader and environmental activist Dax Dasilva in Montreal, Canada, Age of Union seeks to ignite a flame within every person through conservation efforts that solve critical environmental challenges around the world and inspire high-impact change by showing the positive impact that every individual can make. Age of Union is also actively involved in environmental documentary filmmaking. The organization has produced impactful short and feature documentaries that delve into the stories of dedicated changemakers. One such production, "Wildcat," earned acclaim as the "Outstanding Nature Documentary of 2023" at the prestigious 44th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards.

For more information: 

blackholeexperience.comageofunion.com

SOURCE Age of Union Alliance

BIELEFELD, Germany, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT DATA Business Solutions announces the publication of the book IGNITE.2034. In this visionary book project, the global IT service provider, together with 32 authors from twelve countries, offers an outlook on the year 2034. Over the course of 216 pages, the authors examine the key issues of the future and illustrate how potential developments over the next decade will have a lasting impact on our lives. Many of the scenarios described are already foreseeable today and illustrate the rapid pace of technological progress.

"I am very pleased that we were able to win so many well-known experts for this book. As a leading IT service provider focused on SAP, we have a social responsibility to actively shape the future. How will AI, quantum computing, climate change and medicine change our lives? And how can we at NTT DATA anticipate digital solutions for the needs of the future? Questions like these from the book drive us and are our engine for innovation and sustainable action," explains editor Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions AG and EVP NTT DATA, Inc.

The list of contributors to IGNITE.2034 is impressive: Dietmar Hopp, founder of SAP; Prof. A. Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate in Economics; Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO Covestro; Diana Rauhut, Board Member Mainova AG; Dr. Alexander Glätzle, CEO & Founder Planqc; Robert Swan, polar explorer; Nikola Hagleitner, Board Member DHL Group; Prof. Andreas Bett, Director Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems; Yasuharu Sasaki, Global Chief Creative Officer Dentsu; and many more. With Abhijit Dubey, Global CEO of NTT DATA, Inc., and Andy Steer, Chief Partner Officer of NTT DATA Business Solutions UK&I, two experts from the Group also share their knowledge.

They all consider how their field of expertise will change over the next ten years. Their predictions are based on NTT DATA's six values: People, Trust, Sustainability, Innovation, Transformation and Society. Through these core topics, NTT DATA intends to set standards and demonstrate how technology can have a positive impact not only on businesses, but also on our planet and society as a whole. 

IGNITE.2034 is now available as a paperback and Kindle version in German or English and can be ordered here. 

About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider focused on SAP with a powerful ecosystem of partners. With more than 35 years of in-depth experience, we enable companies worldwide to become Intelligent Enterprises. We deliver end-to-end solutions that accelerate sustainable growth and success – from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and leverage the latest technologies to support our customers individually and across all industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries work passionately every day to make it happen.

NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA, a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services headquartered in Tokyo. As One NTT DATA we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping customers innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2472599/IGNITE_2034.jpg

Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions:Jasmin StraeterHead of Global CommunicationsNTT DATA Business Solutions AGKönigsbreede 1, 33605 Bielefeld, Germany+49 521 9 14 48 108[email protected] LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

SOURCE NTT DATA Business Solutions AG

There are some actors who you recognize immediately. They are unique, iconic, and simply stand out because they have a magic about them that can’t be replicated. Sadly we lost one of these icons recently when the news was reported that Shelley Duvall had passed away at the age of 75. Duvall had gone out of the public eye for a number of years until quite recently. But with her passing the world lost an actress that was unique, talented, and brought to the screen a special sort of magic that’s hard to find. So in celebration of the life of Shelley Duvall, let’s take a look back on Whatever Happened to This Horror Star.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1949, Shelley was the oldest child of her parents Bobbie Ruth and Robert Duvall. Her other three siblings were all sons, Scott, Shane, and Stewart. I guess names starting with S were important. Shelley hadn’t gone to school for acting but actually majored in nutrition in college. She was discovered during a party in the early 70s by director Robert Alman. She’d had no other acting experience at the time other than some things in High School, but she was game to try and was cast in Brewster McCloud with Bud Cort. The movie is just as strange as you you’ve probably heard and Shelley and Bud Cort are a duo not to be missed. The film involves Brewster trying to fly, the police being a bunch of idiots, and someone committing murders in the Houston area. Bud Cort in this just makes me think of Where’s Waldo and I can’t think of why. The cast is impressive with Sally Kellerman, Margaret Hamilton, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Murphy and basically every 70s-character actor you could think of.

Her work on Brewster McCloud would lead to Duvall being cast in a number of films alongside other iconic actors with Altman coming back to work with her a few times over the years including the 1975 classic Nashville. She’d wind up hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1977 as well as co-starring in Annie Hall, and around that time she also dated musician Paul Simon. It would be the following decade though that would see Duvall take the role that would nearly define her career and place her in the pantheon of horror with what many consider one of the best horror films of all time. The Shining would introduce audiences to Stanley Kubrick and Stephen King unleashed on a big screen with a big budget. The story of an alcoholic writer who finds himself and his family staying alone over the closed season of a massive and possibly haunted (is it the demons of the hotel or the demons of Jack Torrance’s mind?) is a terrifying descent into madness and horror.

The Shining is a classic that to this day has it’s own sort of mythology and legacy. There’re still discussions as well full-on documentary films that discuss what the movie is actually about and all the things that are hidden within it. But one thing was abundantly clear and that was the shoot was a marathon for Duvall’s nerves. Kubrick would work Duvall to tears through the grueling year (yes, a full year) of shooting for the film. Stanley Kubrick was a known perfectionist and this would come through in multiple takes and editing. Wendy Torrence was, at least to me, one massive walking nerve of emotion who like to smoke but not really smoke (Wendy’s cigarette ash is almost as famous as the Twins.)

Over the course of the shoot Shelley Duvall would actually have her hair start falling out due to the massive stress she was put under. Her scenes were intense and required her to convey absolute hysterical terror. Besides the hair loss she’d actually become ill with exhaustion. Jack Nicholson himself would say years later that her role as Wendy was one of the hardest, he’d ever see anyone take on. An example would be the scene where Wendy would be threatening the now crazy Jack with a baseball bat. Duvall would have to shoot this scene 127 times. Years later Duvall would actually state that even with the issues with Kubrick and what she went through on the set she was glad for the experience. In her mind, Kubrick was singling her out for this treatment to really bring out the torment that a woman like Wendy had been through. Even before The Overlook, Wendy had already been through abuse at the hands of her husband and had seen that abuse happen to her son without any way of stopping it. When we as the audience come into the picture, we’re seeing Wendy already a the end of her rope. Duvall stated that the experience made her a better actor, but she’d never go through it again.

Duvall’s work as Wendy Torrence is more than a final girl, though she is in the end. She’s a real survivor not of just a supernatural force, but of an abusive relationship and toxic marriage. She saves herself and her son. It’s raw, emotional, and brutal in that realism that comes through on screen.

The same year The Shining was released, 1980, Duvall returned to director Robert Altman to create a cartoon come to life when she played Olive Oyl opposite Robin Williams in the live action Popeye. While Popeye isn’t a horror film, the effects that turned Robin Williams into Popeye are sort of creepy (them arms, man…) The film was a musical and I will always remember Duvall’s singing “He’s Large.” Duvall with her thin and lanky frame and big eyes seemed genetically engineered to play the character. Popeye wasn’t a complete flop when it released, making three times its budget back but it was heavily panned by many. Today though it’s become a cult classic. The music was written by Harry Nilsson and the look of the film was based on the comic strips that the story of Popeye came from rather than the cartoons many were familiar with. The movie looks like the strip come to life and Williams and Duvall are literally the characters made real. It’s forgotten by a number of people that this was an early comic book adaptation and a musical one no less.

In 1981 Duvall would enter another fantasy world as Pansy, the unlucky lady who crosses paths with the thieves in Time Bandits. Duvall would actually be very unlucky during filming of the movie when director Terry Gilliam, to prove a point about a stunt involving Duvall who was supposed to have Michael Palin land NEXT to her during a shoot, climbed up and jumped off a scaffolding and landed ON the actress. Duvall was nearly paralyzed by the incident and wound-up having pain in her head and ears for weeks after.

In 1982 though, Shelley Duvall would help create one of the greatest things I think she ever did and something that would stick with me and a number of my fellow Gen X’rs with Faerie Tale Theatre. Duvall looked like she’d walked out of a fairy tale herself and she had a natural sweetness and innocence that came across in her roles. Here, she would host a series of episodes based on classic Fairy Tales that would be acted by some of the biggest names of the day. Duvall herself would appear in a number of episodes not only as host but as characters. The series would run for 6 seasons and within these episodes were some really beautiful and terrifying stories. Here’s some standouts for me: The series retelling of Beauty and The Beast was actually a massive homage to Jean Cocteau’s film of the same name, to the point that the Beast (played by freaking Klaus Kinski) was redoing of the films make up. Many of the sets recreated the look of Cocteau’s film. Beauty was played by Susan Sarandon. The episode was actually directed by Roger Vadim. The Boy Who Left Home To Find Out About The Shivers tells a story about a boy who doesn’t know how to feel fear. This cast list is insane. Peter MacNicol, Dana Hill, Christopher Lee, David Warner, Frank Zappa…no really…and it’s all narrated by Vincent Price. Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp would, naturally, be the story of Aladdin. But this was directed by Tim Burton. Robert Carradine, James Earl Jones, Leonard Nimoy and Valerie Bertinelli would star.

I can’t tell you how much I loved this series. It was a great way to introduce kids to these stories in more depth and it had enough humor and star power that parents could watch along. It felt very Muppet Show in how there was just enough adult humor to keep things interesting. They were beautifully done.

Duvall would follow up Faerie Tale Theatre in 1985 with Tall Tales and Legends. This would only last two seasons but would continue with the star power within episodes and behind the camera. Most of these are based on more North American fare when it came to the stories save for the Ponce De Leon and the Search for the Fountain of Youth episode (which had the late Dr. Ruth in the cast.) One of the standouts here was Johnny Appleseed which had Martin Short as the title character and would co-star Rob Reiner, Michael McKean and Molly Ringwald. The episode was directed by McKean’s Spinal Tap bandmate Christopher Guest. Duvall would star as Clemintine in the story Darlin Clemintine which would be narrated by Randy Newman. The Annie Oakley episode would star Jamie Lee Curtis as the title character alongside Brian Dennehy and Cliff DeYoung.

Duvall would continue working steadily through the 80s and would team up with that young Tim Burton guy for a short film called Frankenweenie as the mother of the young boy whose dog is killed and resurrected. It’s ironic that Disney fired Burton after this project was made as they felt it wasn’t family friendly enough. Nearly 30 years later, Disney would make a stop motion film adaptation of it with Burton directing and producing.

Towards the end of the decade Shelley Duvall made yet another of my favorite things (that I only wished there were more of) with Nightmare Classics. This, as well as Faerie Tale Theatre and Tall Tales and Legends would be part of the Showtime network. These weren’t as family friendly as the first two series and were for more mature, teenage audiences as these were unabashed horror stories. Yet again, these had a number of name actors in the roles. While there were only four episodes made, these were longer and basically feature length telling’s of classic horror stories. The first episode was The Turn of the Screw and would star Amy Iring, David Hemmings, and Balthazar Getty. The next was Carmilla, the female vampire story which would inspire Dracula. This would have Ione Skye, Meg Tilly, Roy Dotrice and Roddy McDowall. The third entry would be The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…and I’m not going to lie, this is probably my favorite because Anthony Andrews rules in the lead role. It would co-star Nicholas Guest, Laura Dern and Rue McClanahan. The final episode was The Eyes of the Panther which is a western werewolf story from the late 1800’s. This would star John Stockwell, C Thomas Howell and Daphne Zuniga. While you can find most of these uploaded on YouTube, no DVD release has ever been done as opposed to Faerie Tale Theatre. Each of the episodes of Nightmare Classics did get a VHS release though.

In the 90s Duvall would continue championing Fairy Tales with works like Mother Goose Rock N Rhyme and Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories. She’d take roles in feature films and television through the decade and would co-star in Casper Meets Wendy, the direct to video follow up to the live action Casper film. She’s also appear alongside Christopher Lee, Sean Pertwee and Jason Scott Lee in Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the Mummy. She’d also co-star in the teen horror comedy Boltneck which would have not only Richard Moll and Matthew Lawrence in the cast but a guy by the name of Ryan Reynolds is in fact…Boltneck. If the name Boltneck didn’t give it away, this was a redo of the Frankenstein story but with a lot more comedy…and a lot more Ryan Reynolds.

It was in the 2000’s that Duvall made an exit from public life. During production of Mother Goose Rock N Ryme she began a relationship with musician Dan Gilroy which would continue until her death. An earthquake scare in the 90s and her brother’s cancer diagnosis led to Shelley leaving California and heading back to her home state of Texas.

Shelley would be interviewed by Doctor Phil in an infamous piece of exploitative tabloid TV. Duvall had had issues with mental health over the years and in this interview in 2016 many felt Doctor Phil should have just not aired any of it. Friends and fans were scared for Duvall’s well-being. Following the interview Duvall herself even said it was a mistake and she should have listened to Gilroy who told her not to do it.

It would be 21 years since her last acting role, but Shelley would be a part of an independent horror film shot in 2023 called The Forest Hills in the role of Mama. The film, which sadly was her last, will be released October of this year. It co-stars Edward Furlong, Dee Wallace, Stacey Nelkin, and Felissa Rose. The films story focuses on a man tormented with visions of murder and possibly being a werewolf. Duvall enjoyed the experience of working on her comeback film and joked, “Jessica Tandy won an Oscar when she was 80. I can still win.”

Duvall did one or two more interviews before her passing which showed her as a woman who was kind, private, and with a treasure trove of stories to share from a career that touched many. She was singer, an actress, a writer and to many an inspiration.

To me, Shelley Duvall was a story sharer who wanted to bring to everyone the magic of tales and legends. To show the light and the dark side of stories, for both young and old. She was a final girl who fought. She was a host to guide us through the Grimm’s brothers collection and the nightmare wing of the library. And she was a person who deserves respect and appreciation for what she gave us.

So thank you, Shelley Duvall. Your stories will keep going.

"IT'S A GREAT LIFE IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN! How to Deal with the Ups and Downs in Life and the JERKS In-Between" shares hundreds of tried and successful techniques used by the author for dealing with distressing predicaments and people, including doctors, lawyers, dentists, rude people, bad drivers, plumbers, veterinarians, insurance corps. And office politics.

What Public Reviewers Are Saying: "I loved, loved, loved it!""Laugh out loud humorous.""The Table of Contents are awesome for a ready reference for all topics." "Endless witty and clever examples of how to navigate difficult people and tricky situations.""What a great read; I literally almost could not put it down.""A fantastic How-to-Handbook on daily challenges for your bedside."

Sample Techniques Include

• How to successfully deal with doctors, lawyers, and dentists
• How to deal with rude people, bad driver and office politics
• How to get an insurance company to pay
• How not to get ripped off by plumbers and veterinarians
• How not to carry around a slight from another person
• 12 things to say when people ask, "How are you?" and don't care

Career Advancement and Life Empowerment Components

• *How to Own the Room, the consummate art of Public Speaking
• *How to get your entire life organized and get happy
• *How to create and run your own Mastermind Group
• *How to find the time to make real friends
• *Love and Marriage on an Ocean Cruise
• *The Law of the Universe and the Meaning of Life

The AuthorBrian Hampton has earned two Masters Degrees, but it has been through his hard-earned experience in many different jobs and occupations that he learned all the techniques. He has been an Advertising Exec., Political Consultant, Federal Gov't. Employee, Army Officer, College Instructor, Time Management Consultant, Fundraiser, Bill Collector, Telemarketer and Entrepreneur.

Product Details: 218 pages, 9" x 6" paperback $21.95, E-book $9.99Distributors include by Publishers Group West/Ingram Content GroupAvailable where most books are sold. ISBN 078-1-63698-320-2www.brianauthorhampton.com

Contact:Brian Hampton703-472-9349[email protected]

SOURCE Brian Hampton

FORT BELVOIR, Va., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka was presented today with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded collectively in 2011 to his paternal grandfather and fellow members of the U.S. Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service during World War II.

The presentation was arranged jointly by the National Veterans Network (NVN) and the Players Trust, the charitable arm of The Major League Baseball Players Association. Retired General Eric Shinseki, Chair of The Army Historical Foundation and 34th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, presided over the ceremony, held at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Higashioka's grandfather, G. Shigeru Higashioka, served in Company A of the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442ndRegimental Combat Team from 1943 – 1945, participating in the European campaigns that made the unit the most highly decorated in Army history. Like many American soldiers of Japanese ancestry at the time, he served valiantly while the U.S. government confined his parents and brothers in Poston War Relocation Authority camp, out of prejudiced suspicions of Japanese Americans. NVN conducted extensive research to uncover details of the elder Higashioka's military service and his family's experience at Poston WRA in Arizona.

"I am incredibly honored to accept the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of my grandfather," Higashioka said. "Learning more about his heroism, especially in light of the injustice faced by many Nisei families, is humbling and inspiring, and has influenced my own charitable work with veterans. I'd encourage all Americans to talk to the veterans in your lives, listen to their stories, and consider all they have endured on our behalf."

The ceremony took place in a special exhibition area of the museum featuring the Nisei Soldier Experience, a temporary exhibit with an unprecedented collection of Japanese American artifacts. In 2011 the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor, was presented to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service by the United States Congress.

Shinseki, whose four decades of Army service were inspired by his uncles' service in the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd RCT, emphasized the importance of sharing this rarely told story because it tells how the deep prejudice of the time was met by the Nisei Soldiers' enduring belief in the promise of our country and their unwavering will to serve.

In addition to discovering more about Higashioka's grandfather's service, NVN located newspaper articles that recorded Higashioka's uncles playing for a camp baseball team. Baseball had been embraced by Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century, so they formed teams in all 10 WRA camps as a way to build morale and maintain a sense of normalcy.

"The Players Trust was proud to be part of this special moment with Kyle and help recognize both his grandfather's storied military service and how his uncles looked to the game that he loves to rise above the extraordinary challenges of the time," said Players Trust Director Amy Hever. "This was a unique opportunity to further Kyle's commitment to our servicemen and women while also recognizing his own family's military experience."

The Nisei Soldier Experience at the National Museum of the United States Army currently displays the original Congressional Gold Medal on loan from the Smithsonian Institution until fall of 2025 when the Nisei Soldier Experience closes. The Museum, NVN and The Army Historical Foundation are currently developing the I Am An American: the Nisei Soldier Experience traveling exhibit that will launch in 2026. The Nisei Soldier Experience is included with the Museum's free, timed-entry tickets, which are available by request through the Museum's website at theNMUSA.org.

About the National Museum of the United States Army

The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. We are America's Army Museum. The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the Museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. The Museum is open daily with free admission. For more information on the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.theNMUSA.org.

More details about the Museum can be found in the Museum's media kit. A collection of high-resolution photos is available https://www.flickr.com/photos/usarmymuseum/.

About The Army Historical Foundation

The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army's official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED-certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army's inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.

About the Players Trust

Established in 1996, the Major League Baseball Players Trust is the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. The Players Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that harnesses the expertise, influence, and passions of players to create meaningful and sustainable change in the lifelong well-being of others. The organization amplifies the social impact of players throughout the communities where they live, play, and call home, impacting thousands of nonprofits and individuals around the world. For additional information, please visit www.playerstrust.org.

Media Contacts: 

The Army Historical FoundationDaniel Gregory: 215-285-4137 [email protected]

National Veterans NetworkMichelle M. Suzuki: 310-930-6655 [email protected]

Major League Baseball Players AssociationKevin Slack: 646-627-6816 [email protected]

About National Veterans Network

NVN's mission is to educate current and future generations about the extraordinary legacy of American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry in order to promote equality and justice. The organization launched the campaign to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the first Asian American recipients in the 100th, 442nd and MIS units, and worked with the U.S. Mint to design the medal. In 2012, the organization partnered with the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service for a seven-city tour to promote recognition of the Japanese American experience. In 2016, along with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, NVN launched an online Digital Exhibition to share the story of Japanese American soldiers of WWII (cgm.smithsonianapa.org). Beginning in 2017, NVN worked with the National Museum of the U.S. Army to gather artifacts from Japanese American WWII soldiers and their families that resulted in a special exhibit dedicated to Japanese American WWII soldiers when the Museum's opening in 2020 along with artifacts and information located throughout the museum. In 2020, the NVN in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, developed elementary and middle school curriculum. The NVN continues to honor the American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry by promoting, protecting, and preserving their legacy of uncommon valor and selfless service for future generations.

Please visit us at www.nationalveteransnetwork.com, and follow the NVN on Facebook (NationalVeteransNetwork), Twitter (@NtlVetNetwork) or Instagram (nationalveteransnetwork).

Press Contact:

Michelle Suzuki310-444-7115

SOURCE National Veterans Network

SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buyer Persona Institute (BPI), renowned for partnering with global companies to develop buyer personas that take the guesswork out of marketing and sales, today announced that the 2^nd edition of Buyer Personas, published by Wiley, is now available. This newly revised and expanded version of the groundbreaking business book provides a fresh look into understanding prospective customers' buying decisions to empower companies to influence them and win more business.

Buyer Personas enables marketers to stop basing critical decisions about customers on guesswork and gut feelings. Instead, Jim Kraus, BPI President, and Adele Revella, BPI Founder, provide the reader with a step-by-step approach marketers can use to drill down into what buyers truly value. With this understanding, marketers can then create strategies that break through the clutter to reach buyers with messages to speak directly to their needs.

Kraus is an author, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience leading high-performing market insight teams as the President of BPI and in executive roles at IBM and Prudential.

In the new edition, marketers will learn:

• Why understanding the buying decision is far more important than knowing a few things about the individuals or roles involved in that decision
• How to develop a modern Buyer Persona based on five types of buying insights that will inform nearly every marketing and sales decision you make
• Why interviewing recent buyers is the best way to develop your Buyer Persona and how to do it effectively
• How to use AI and quantitative survey research to enhance your Buyer Persona
• Ways to use Buyer Persona insights to increase awareness of your products and services, drive consideration, and convert more business

Buyer Persona Institute, a division of KS&R, provides persona research and workshop methodologies that have become the gold standard for hundreds of companies worldwide that rely on these studies to reveal everything a prospective buyer needs to know and experience to have confidence in their solution. Marketers use these insights to develop strategies and messaging that drive more leads, improve conversion rates, and help sales hit their numbers.

"The first edition of this book changed the way marketers think about buyer personas, helping them to shift from marginally useful character sketches of customer types to detailed studies that truly uncover their desires and buying motivations," Kraus said. "Over the last decade, BPI has developed new techniques and best practices that make buyer personas even stronger, all of which is included in this new edition."

Buyer Personas can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, or anywhere books are sold.

About BPIBPI's buyer persona research and workshop methodologies have become the gold standard for hundreds of companies worldwide that rely on these studies to reveal everything a prospective buyer needs to know and experience to have confidence in their solution(s). Marketers use these insights to develop strategies and messaging that drive more leads, improve conversion rates, and help sales hit their numbers.

SOURCE KS&R

Actress Justine Bateman is among those who have spoken against the growing use of AI in movies and TV. Earlier this year, Apple had announced the release of a new iPad Pro product, and in their ad for it, which boasted about its computing power, the commercial symbolically showed how the new advancements in their technology would revolutionize art and “crush” human creativity. The ad suffered backlash and Bateman was among those in the entertainment community who showed displeasure with the message.

Deadline has reported that the Family Ties alum will go a step further to promote human-based art with a new film festival that she is launching. The CREDO 23 Film Festival will be debuting in Los Angeles next year and submissions for the event will be opening next week. This new event professes to be “a filmmaker-first, no-AI event” that is “real, and raw.” Bateman told Deadline, “With studios, streamers, and now film festivals, embracing generative AI, it was time for the CREDO 23 Film Festival. It creates a tunnel for human artists through the theft-based, job-replacing AI destruction. The festival honors the incredible human artists who make films, and will financially grant recourses to human filmmakers to continue to do so.”

Per Deadline, Running from March 28- 30, 2025 at the American Legion, Post 43, in Hollywood, the C23FF will be accepting submissions from August 1 to Halloween, October 31, 2024. You can submit your AI-free film here. Badges for film fans will go on sale on November 1.

The CREDO 23 Council will include Bateman, as well as actress Juliette Lewis, Mad Men boss Matt Weiner, Handmaid’s Tale helmer Reed Morano and Once Upon a Time In Hollywood costume designer Arianne Phillips. The CREDO 23 event is described as “a collection of film and series professionals that hold filmmaking sacred, and understand their responsibility to preserve the art form.”

Bateman had stated to Deadline, “I’ve maintained from the very beginning, when I started talking to actors about what would happen, that’s the key to the front door. […] You can do all these renovations in the house. You can get all these other gains in the contract. But if you don’t get that, if you don’t get control of what they can do without you based on 100 years of performances…you put in a prompt and you get out this Frankenstein amalgamation of performances. I said that if you don’t get that, you’ve given them the front key to the house, because it’s not just the actors. It’s the crew, it’s the drivers, it’s everybody. If you don’t have to shoot an actor, you don’t need a set. You don’t need a crew. You don’t need drivers.”

On June 15, 2024, the "Xishan Yuelu • Great Perfection of the Mind" Famous Scholars Forum, was held jointly by the Confucius Academy and Yuelu Academy at the Confucius Academy. After delivering a lecture titled "Selling the TongJi: The Dissemination of Chinese Ming Dynasty History in the 16th and 17th Century", Professor Peter Ditmanson, from the Department of History, Yuelu Academy, Hunan University, gave an exclusive interview at the Confucius Academy in Guiyang.

Professor Peter Ditmanson delivered a lecture titled "Selling the TongJi: The Dissemination of Chinese Ming Dynasty History in the 16th and 17th Century"at the Confucius Academy on June 15, 2024.

Professor Peter Ditmanson, from America, has made remarkable achievements in the fields of the politics, culture, and publishing history of Ming Dynasty. He talked about his unique insights of the differences in Yangming Culture and Tunpu Culture this time.

In the mid to late Ming Dynasty, the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism quickly swept through the populace and the royal court, sparking an idea storm. Why was its energy so immense? Professor Peter Ditmanson analyzed this from a historian's perspective, suggesting that a crucial aspect is to consider the world faced by Wang Yangming, as the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism was a response to certain issues of that time.

Subsequently, Professor Peter Ditmanson remarked that the society was becoming increasingly diverse at that era. For instance, when Wang Yangming arrived in Guiyang, he encountered a social environment distinct from his previous experiences, and had to consider how to solve various issues. Therefore, he appeared to stress the importance of identifying an intrinsic standard to do so.

Tunpu represents a historical memory of Ming Dynasty immigrants. Professor Peter Ditmanson indicated that for Guizhou, the historical significance of Tunpu Culture was undeniable. He noted that previous scholars researching Ming history often concentrated on the Central Government or the Jiangnan Region. Nevertheless, border culture is equally significant as Tunpu Culture.

Regarding how to further explore Guizhou's Tunpu Culture and promote the integration of culture and tourism, Professor Peter Ditmanson suggested emphasizing the diversity of Chinese Culture, and exploring the possibilities of comparing Chinese Culture with that of overseas countries.

Professor Peter Ditmanson also emphasized that the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture is not an inward-looking attitude but an aspect of open outward exchange. As a cultural landmark embodying Guizhou style and Chinese essence, the Confucius Academy should also adopt this strategy, namely to inherit Chinese traditional culture and to be open to the outside world at the same time. This is of paramount importance.

SOURCE Huanqiu.com

NEW YORK, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 34 million TikTok posts, #BookTok has swept the world by storm, captivating people seeking their next literary adventure. As Americans flock to Europe in record numbers this summer, leaving their boring beach reads on the book shelf, Trainline – Europe's no.1 train ticket booking app – is transporting them to worlds unknown via its new summer book club, The Reading Route. Curated by Emma Roberts, co-founder of the viral online book club BELLETRIST, each of the 10 train reads selected by Roberts have roots in some of Trainline's most booked European destinations, from London and Paris to Rome and Barcelona.

"Reading has always been transformative for me, and there's nothing more exhilarating than losing yourself in a great book, especially while exploring picturesque towns and cities abroad," said Roberts. "By partnering with Trainline, I was able to combine my passions for travel and reading to curate a diverse selection of train reads for lovers of all book genres. My goal is that people will find inspiration and excitement in these books and, perhaps, even draw inspiration for their next European adventure."

According to a recent Trainline survey, 25%¹ of Europeans noted reading as their preferred train travel activity. And whether it's a tear-jerking romance or a suspenseful thriller set on a European sleeper train, Roberts' picks provide the perfect backdrop for a summer train journey abroad. Her top train reads include:

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – Embark on European adventures through parallel lives in an endless library set in the UK.
• Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter – A globe-trotting love story beginning in an Italian coastal town.
• The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman – Set at a newspaper in Rome, this novel captures the essence of Italian life.
• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway – Hemingway's account of the high-spirited lives of American writers and artists living in Paris during the 1920s.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith – A classic thriller set in Italy and other European locales.
• The Sleeper by Emily Barr – A suspenseful tale of a passionate affair on a European sleeper train.
• My Husband by Maud Ventura – A thrilling story of a French housewife romantically obsessed with her husband, exploring the lengths she'll go to keep their love alive.
• The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Set in post-war Barcelona, a mystery involving a rare book.
• The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy – Sally Jay Gorce frolics through Paris looking for adventure and excitement in the 1950s, ultimately finding more than she anticipated.
• Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo – Teeming with life and crackling with energy — a love song to modern Britain and black womanhood.

"There's no better way to travel around Europe than by train, relaxing and losing yourself in a gripping read. As Americans turn to their bookshelves for travel inspiration this summer, with the help of Emma and her BELLETRIST community, we want to inspire a new audience of readers with their own European rail adventure. The vivid scenes described by these compelling authors inspire dreams of exciting train journeys across Europe, and at Trainline we can help people turn those dreams into reality," said Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline.

Trainline offers routes from over 270 rail and coach operators in 40 countries, including the UK, Italy, France, and Spain, and Americans can buy their tickets in dollars for convenience. With Trainline, it is easier than ever for travelers to buy the best train ticket for their journey and budget, while having access to smart, real-time travel info on the go throughout Europe.

To learn more about The Reading Route and uncover your next train read, visit Trainline.com and BELLETRIST.com.

About Trainline:Trainline is the leading independent rail and coach travel platform selling rail and coach tickets to millions of travelers worldwide. Via our highly rated website and mobile app, people can seamlessly search, book and manage their journeys all in one place. We bring together millions of routes, fares and journey times from more than 270 rail and coach carriers across 40 countries. We offer our customers the best value for their journey and smart, real-time travel information on the go. Our aim is to make rail and coach travel easier and more accessible, encouraging people to make more environmentally sustainable travel choices.

Methodology:¹ Conducted in January 2024, YouGov collected data via an online survey from a sampling of 4,000 European rail travellers.

SOURCE Trainline

More than two years have gone by since we heard that Marvel Studios had hired Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada to start developing a Disney+ TV series that would center on the character Nova… but we never heard anything more about Nova until earlier this year, when Brad Winderbaum, the head of streaming, television, and animation at Marvel, told the Phase Zero podcast, “We love Nova. We are in really early development on Nova.” Now, during an interview with ComicBook.com, Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, has confirmed that a Nova TV series is “happening, it’s coming together.” Since there has been more than one Nova in Marvel comics, Feige also specified that the show will center on the Richard Rider version of the character.

Nova / Richard Rider is a member of the intergalactic police force called the Nova Corps, which was brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2014 – so fans of the character have been clamoring for him to make his MCU debut ever since.

If you’re not familiar with Richard Rider, Marvel Fandom provides some background information: “Richard Rider was born in Hempstead, New York. As a teenager, he was chosen at random by the alien Rhomann Dey, last surviving Centurion of the planet Xandar’s elite Nova Corps, to inherit his power and succeed him in the rank of Nova Prime following the destruction of his world by the intergalactic pirate Zorr. Having been mortally wounded in the battle that tore Xandar apart, Dey succeeded in tracking Zorr to Earth, but he was unable to exact vengeance himself due to the extent of his injuries. At death’s door, Dey had little choice but to transfer his power to an unsuspecting human on the planet below, gambling that whoever he found would be willing to take up his cause and prove worthy of the powers he had given their recipient.” Wikipedia adds that the power Rider inherited from Dey gives him “access to the Nova Force and superhuman abilities including enhanced strength, flight and resistance to injury.“

In the MCU, Thanos already made a mess of Xandar and the Nova Corps back during the Avengers: Infinity War days, so the TV show could use that event as the set-up instead of an attack by Zorr… but Avengers: Infinity War was several years ago and Thanos was killed off, so they might want to make the event that forces Dey to pass his powers to Rider something more recent, and something that involves a villain who’s still alive.

Winderbaum had made sure that fans wouldn’t get their hopes up too high for Nova, telling Phase Zero it might not make it into production at all. He said, “We have a new system behind the scenes at Marvel Studios. We’re more like a traditional studio now. We are developing more than we actually will produce. So, there are plans to develop Nova. I love Nova too. I love Rich Rider too.I hope it gets to the screen. You know, the world is chaos. There’s always things. It’s hard to make anything. You’ve got to kind of conjure these things to make them happen, But, I would like to see a Nova show one day.” Feige was more hopeful, telling ComicBook.com that “It’s three or four years out.“

Are you a fan of the Richard Rider character, and would you like to see the Nova TV series make it into production? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

China finished the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with four gold and three silver medals, losing only the mixed doubles gold to a Japanese pair.

Following the 2024 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Busan, South Korea in February, 16 men's and 16 women's teams have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

While China's men's and women's teams defended their titles at the Busan worlds, they faced stern challenges from the host, Japan and other emerging countries.

Japan's women's team pushed China to the wall in the final, while Wang Hao, head coach of the Chinese men's team, admitted that the team withstood unprecedented pressure in the semifinals against the host, but noted that the difficulties encountered in this competition were an asset for the Chinese team.

The elevated competition has raised expectations for the Paris Games, where China's young paddlers aim to defend the honor of the national sport.

In this installment of the Road to Paris series, we would like to offer you some insight into the four young ace paddlers who are the flag bearers of the Chinese team.

Petra Sörling, president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), told the Global Times during a recent interview that the Busan worlds showcased a notable increase in competitiveness within the sport, and expectations are high for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

"The world team championships in Busan showcased a remarkable display of skills and sportsmanship. Across both the men's and women's events, teams from four continents advanced to the round of 16, setting the stage for intense matches with unexpected upsets and the emergence of new contenders," said the Swede.

"While China ultimately retained its titles, the journey was marked by formidable challenges. This dynamic landscape promises an exciting future for table tennis, with each event offering thrilling encounters and opportunities for growth," she noted.

Sörling said ITTF holds great expectations for table tennis at the Paris Games.

"The recent historic achievements of the French men's and women's teams, both winning medals at the same event for the first time, particularly invigorate our anticipation. Notably, the men's team reached the final for the first time in 27 years," she said.

Sörling also recognized the contributions made by the Chinese Table Tennis Association in promoting the worldwide advancement of the sport.

China's dominance in table tennis is unparalleled, and its role in helping the development of the sport globally is crucial, said the president.

On March 26, Beijing, a dual Olympic city, was selected to host the World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash for the next five editions from 2024 to 2028. It has been 63 years since Beijing hosted a top-flight global table tennis event in 1961.

Men's world No.1 Wang aims for debut gold

All eyes are on the rise of Wang Chuqin, one of China's young sensations in men's table tennis.

Now sitting at world No.1, Wang will be taking part in his first Olympics, after being included as an unused reserve in the Olympic team event squad in 2021 at the Tokyo Games. 

With Chinese players dominating the top rankings as usual, the question on everyone's mind is whether Wang can seize the coveted men's singles gold now that veteran Ma Long is expected to not contest the singles event in Paris and with Wang's teammate and world No.2 Fan Zhendong recently playing inconsistently.

Drawing inspiration from Ma's resilience in the sport, Wang has emerged as a formidable force on the international stage. At just 24 years old, Wang has already left an indelible mark on the sport, as he has won seven world championships titles.

Despite his burgeoning fame and status as a medal favorite, Wang remains grounded and humble. His quiet demeanor off the court belies the fierce competitor within, a testament to his unwavering focus and commitment to excellence.

As he prepares to make his Olympic debut in Paris, Wang admits to feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event. Yet, this sense of uncertainty only fuels his determination to give his all on the grandest stage.

Despite the mounting pressure as a medal favorite, Wang remains unfazed, viewing the attention as a source of motivation rather than a burden. With humility and gratitude, he embraces the opportunity to showcase his talent and inspire a new generation of table tennis enthusiasts.

As Paris beckons, Wang stands poised to etch his name in the Olympics, ready to write the next chapter of his extraordinary journey in pursuit of gold.

Fan in pole position

With Chinese table tennis icon Ma Long stepping out of the major international competitions, Fan is the favorite to take over the mantle and clinch his maiden Olympic singles title at the Paris Games.

Ma is the first and only male player to complete a career Double Grand Slam as an Olympic gold medalist in the men's singles in 2016 and 2020. But Ma announced in February that the Busan tournament would be his last worlds and it remains unclear if Ma will compete at the Paris Games.

In his debut at the Olympic Games, Fan fell short of Ma 2-4 in the singles final of the Tokyo Games to win silver. Now, the 27-year-old has reached his prime but he has to keep his feet on the ground and move on from recent off-the-court incidents.

Fan took to social media on March 25 to urge fans to stop violating his privacy. He posted on China's X-like Sina Weibo that "someone has allegedly disseminated my personal ID number on the internet, seriously violating my right to privacy and reputation as a citizen."

He was also thrust into the spotlight earlier as some fans blamed his defeat to 18-year-old national teammate Lin Shidong in the round of 32 at the World Table Tennis Singapore Smash on his presence at pop superstar Taylor Swift's concert in Singapore.

In response to fans' criticism, Fan said on Sina Weibo that "music knows no borders. On the field, I'm an athlete cultivated by my country, tirelessly striving to bring honor to my country for over a decade. Off the field, in my limited personal time, I'm just an ordinary young person, with normal hobbies and connections."

"I experienced a lot of challenges (in 2023) during which I also matured, and after winning the world championships in Durban, that really helped me," Fan told Olympics.com in January.

"To me, I'm just eager to participate and perform well at Paris 2024. I hope in 2024 I have the same mentality and form and adjust myself to be the best," Fan said.

Sun rises to the occasion

Among the five female stars to watch at Paris 2024 listed by the IOC on its website in March, Sun Yingsha is one of the five must-watches set to shine in Paris.

Despite being just 23, Sun has been the women's singles world No.1 since July 2022. The Chinese paddler hasn't been out of the world's top three since October 2019, and continues to dominate among her teammates, according to the IOC.

Winning her first worlds singles title at the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships in Durban, South Africa in May of 2023, Sun is aiming to become the first table tennis athlete to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games in the singles, team and mixed doubles events in Paris.

In the nail-biting final of the Busan team worlds, when China was 1-2 down against a relentless Japanese team, the current World No.1 rose to the occasion and pulled China back on level terms with her tenacious performance. Her 3-0 win over Hina Hayata forced the final to a thrilling decider in which China triumphed to clinch its sixth consecutive team title.

If Sun were to be crowned in the ITTF Macao World Cup in April and the Paris Olympics in July, she will set a new record for the fastest Grand Slam achievement, taking approximately 432 days, surpassing former Chinese male player Zhang Jike's 445 days.

Japan's women paddlers will once again be a serious title contender in both the team and individual events for China in Paris. But for Sun, the biggest challenge is to strike a balance between the three events in which she is to compete.

"When people associate their ideals with their motherland, they are armed with unstoppable mental strength," Sun said.

Wang Manyu contributes beyond team role

Wang Manyu, 25, is rarely at the top of the echelon in China's star-studded table tennis squad, she has never been someone to ignore.

With a career brimming with accomplishments, including an Olympic team gold medal and six world championships titles, Wang stands poised to represent China again at the Paris Olympics.

Known for her lightning-fast reflexes and impeccable technique, she has quickly risen through the ranks of the sport. Wang's dedication and talent has propelled her to numerous triumphs on the international stage.

The current season is still challenging for her, as it has been marked by fluctuating rankings and intense competition within the Chinese national team.

Before losing to teammate Sun Yingsha in the WTT Champions event in Incheon, South Korea, on Sunday, Wang clinched the women's singles title at the 2024 WTT Singapore Smash on March 17, defeating her teammate Wang Yidi in a thrilling five-set final.

She has showcased her dominance by defeating top players like Mima Ito of Japan and defending Olympic champion Chen Meng en route to the final. Pairing with Chen, Manyu also won the women's pairs title in the Singapore event.

With the significant wins in Singapore, Wang Manyu has bolstered her chances for a spot in the singles event at the Paris Olympics following the optimization of China's Olympic selection criteria, proving her resilience and talent on the international stage despite facing challenges along the way.

A disappointment earlier this season came during the Busan worlds, where, despite her impressive performance in the group stage, she missed out on the knockout rounds due to the selection criteria favoring higher-ranked players in the team.

Whether Wang Manyu ascends to the top of the podium or faces adversity along the way, one thing is certain - her journey to Paris as well as her contributions to the national team are destined to captivate audiences globally.

SOURCE Global Times

The China International Import Expo, scheduled to be held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, will feature a dedicated area for new materials for the first time, according to Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau - the organizer of the expo.

This announcement was made during a news briefing on July 24, three days ahead of the 100-day countdown to the event.

Among the highlights for this year's expo, Sun noted that the automobile exhibition area will focus on exhibitors in unmanned driving, the low-altitude economy, and new energy storage for automobiles, showcasing key elements of future mobility. Additionally, a zone dedicated to health and elderly care will gather cutting-edge technologies and related products and services in the "silver economy."

Over 150 companies have signed up for the expo for seven consecutive years. New participants from Fortune 500 companies, such as the Mitsubishi Corporation and NTT, will join for the first time, along with industry leaders in the new materials and transportation sectors like Nippon Paint, Invista, Aptiv, and Alstom.

This year, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive more support. They will be organized to participate in key procurement events to enhance effective communication with potential buyers. Areas like the special zone for African agricultural products will be expanded and upgraded to better showcase their unique products.

The innovation incubation special section will focus on the digital economy, green and low carbon technologies, life sciences, and manufacturing technology. Tech startups will be invited alongside high-quality incubators, innovation centers, makerspaces, and accelerators from overseas to provide opportunities for small and micro-sized enterprises.

Measures to facilitate entries and exits for CIIE

Shanghai has launched a package of measures to facilitate the entry and exit processes for exhibitors and guests attending the CIIE, according to Shang Yong, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security.

The city has streamlined procedures to issue multi-entry visas for foreigners attending the expo. Additionally, convenient services will be provided for handling residence and stay permits for visa-free foreign exhibitors and guests who need to stay beyond the visa-free period.

For exhibitors and guests needing to extend their visa period or those interested in working or starting a business in Shanghai, the city will offer convenient document handling. A service station for foreigners will be set up at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for the expo, and the 12367 hotline will be opened for the CIIE, providing both online and offline consultation services.

Building on this, a "one-stop" service for entry and exit document processing will be introduced. For foreign exhibitors and guests applying for an extension of their stay permits, the service will provide on-site acceptance, simultaneous review, and immediate issuance.

Shanghai will also offer a green passage for invited foreign exhibitors and guests. For those who haven't obtained visas, the application can be filed by the individuals or their inviters, either in advance or on-site with the invitation letter and related documents, which can be processed on-site.

For more information: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-CIIE2024/index.html

SOURCE english.shanghai.gov.cn

Back in 2022, Charles Band, founder of the legendary company Full Moon, launched a podcast called Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow, where he talked to guests like John Carpenter, Bill Moseley, Tom Savini, Kane Hodder, Cassandra Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira), Barbara Crampton, Joe Bob Briggs, Joe Dante, Eli Roth, Rob Zombie, and more. Season 2 of Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow exclusively premiered for Full Moon Universe Patreon subscribers earlier this year, but now it’s ready to roll out on the Full Moon Features streaming service, Spotify, Apple, “and every other platform that you consume awesome podcast entertainment on!” The first episode was unveiled today, and since it was released on the Full Moon YouTube channel as well, I have it embedded at the bottom of this article. The guests on this first episode are Pulp Fiction co-writer / The Rules of Attraction director Roger Avary and his daughter / producer Gala Avary, the co-hosts of Quentin Tarantino’s Video Archives podcast.

The show has the following description: Join trailblazing producer, director, best-selling author and B-movie mogul Charles Band as he invites you into his weird world. Every week, Charlie sits down in the epicenter of the Full Moon universe in Hollywood, telling true tales from the front lines of strange cinema and welcoming a cavalcade of his favorite famous humans to share space and spill all! It’s the ULTIMATE pop culture sideshow; a funny, fascinating, insightful and often jaw-dropping exercise in un-PC fringe film culture banter, with one of genre film’s most iconic and enduring personalities serving as your ringmaster!

Other season 2 guests include Dee Wallace, William Forsythe, William Katt, Tim Thomerson, George Wendt, and Barbara Steele. Following the release of the first episode, Full Moon will continue to release episodes of Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow every week, giving us the chance to watch and/or listen to “hilarious and revealing interviews recorded at both the FM offices and on the road at conventions across America. You won’t want to miss a single episode!”

Charles Band is a fun interviewer and he lands a great line-up of guests for the show, so Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow is definitely worth checking out every week.

Will you be watching and/or listening to Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow season 2? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

• Revenue of $21.1 million, consistent year-over-year
• Consolidated operating profit of $4.0 million
• Non-GAAP consolidated operating profit of $4.8 million
• Cash flow from operations of $3.1 million
• Earnings per share (EPS) of $0.23

Travelzoo, the club for travel enthusiasts, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Consolidated revenue was $21.1 million, consistent year-over-year. In constant currencies, revenue was $21.2 million, up from $21.1 million year-over-year. Travelzoo's reported revenue consists of advertising revenues and commissions, derived from and generated in connection with purchases made by Travelzoo members, and membership fees.

Net income attributable to Travelzoo was $2.9 million for Q2 2024, or $0.23 per share, compared with $0.17 in the prior-year period. Net income attributable to Travelzoo from continuing operations was $2.9 million for Q2 2024, or $0.23 per share, compared with $0.17 in the prior-year period.

Non-GAAP operating profit was $4.8 million. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($88,000), stock option expenses ($0.7 million) and severance-related expenses ($30,000). Please refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the tabular reconciliation below.

"We will continue to leverage Travelzoo's global reach, trusted brand, and strong relationships with top travel suppliers to negotiate more exclusive offers for members," said Holger Bartel, Travelzoo's Global CEO. "With more than 30 million members, 8 million mobile app users, and 4 million social media followers, Travelzoo is loved by travel enthusiasts who are affluent, active, and open to new experiences."

Cash PositionAs of June 30, 2024, consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $13.2 million. Net cash provided by operations was $3.1 million.

Travelzoo North AmericaNorth America business segment revenue remained consistent year-over-year at $14.1 million. Operating profit for Q2 2024 was $3.7 million, or 26% of revenue, compared to operating profit of $3.8 million in the prior-year period.

Travelzoo EuropeEurope business segment revenue increased 1% year-over-year to $6.0 million. In constant currencies, Europe business segment revenue increased 1% year-over-year. Operating profit for Q2 2024 was $512,000, or 9% of revenue, compared to operating loss of $239,000 in the prior-year period.

Jack's Flight Club Jack's Flight Club is a membership subscription service in which Travelzoo has a 60% ownership interest. Revenue from unaffiliated customers increased 9% year-over-year to $1.1 million. The number of premium subscribers increased 19% year-over-year. Jack's Flight Club's revenue from subscriptions is recognized ratably over the subscription period (quarterly, semi-annually, annually). Non-GAAP operating profit for Q2 2024 was $25,000. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($59,000) related to the acquisition of Travelzoo's ownership interest in Jack's Flight Club in 2020.

New InitiativesNew Initiatives business segment revenue, which includes Licensing and Travelzoo META, was $23,000. Operating loss for Q2 2024 was $184,000.

In June 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Japan for the exclusive use of Travelzoo's brand, business model, and members in Japan. In August of 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Australia for the exclusive use of Travelzoo's brand, business models, and members in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Under these arrangements, Travelzoo's existing members in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore will continue to be owned by Travelzoo as the licensor. Travelzoo recorded $7,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Japan in Q2 2024. Travelzoo recorded $11,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore in Q2 2024. Licensing revenue is expected to increase going forward.

Members and Subscribers As of June 30, 2024, we had 30.8 million members worldwide, consistent with June 30, 2023. In North America, Travelzoo had 16.1 million unduplicated members as of June 30, 2024, down from 16.2 million as of June 30, 2023. In Europe, Travelzoo had 9.2 million unduplicated members as of June 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2023. Jack's Flight Club had 2.2 million subscribers, including premium subscribers, as of June 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2023.

Discontinued OperationsIn March 2020, Travelzoo decided to exit its Asia Pacific business and operate it as a licensing business going forward. Consequently, the Asia Pacific business has been classified as discontinued operations.

Income TaxesA provision of $1.3 million for income taxes was recorded for Q2 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $1.1 million in the prior-year period. Travelzoo intends to utilize available net operating losses (NOLs) to largely offset its actual tax liability for Q2 2024.

Share Repurchase ProgramDuring Q2 2024, the Company repurchased 800,000 of its outstanding common stock.

Looking Ahead For Q3 2024, we expect growth in revenue year-over-year, albeit at a smaller pace than in 2023. However, there could be unexpected fluctuations. We also expect for Q3 2024 higher profitability year-over-year. For 2025, we expect substantial growth in revenue as a result of additional revenue from membership fees.

In December 2023, we announced the introduction of a membership fee for Travelzoo beginning January 1, 2024. We recognize membership fee revenue ratably over the subscription period. Legacy Travelzoo members as of December 31, 2023, which represent more than 95% of members, are exempt from the fee during 2024. Therefore, we do not anticipate membership fee revenue from these members before 2025.

Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresManagement calculates non-GAAP operating income when evaluating the financial performance of the business. Travelzoo's calculation of non-GAAP operating income, also called "non-GAAP operating profit" in this press release and today's earnings conference call, excludes the following items: amortization of intangibles, stock option expenses and severance-related expenses. This press release includes a table which reconciles GAAP operating income to the calculation of non-GAAP operating income. Non-GAAP operating income is not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Conference CallTravelzoo will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2024 results today at 11:00 a.m. ET. Please visit http://ir.travelzoo.com/events-presentations to

• download the management presentation (PDF format) to be discussed in the conference call
• access the webcast

About TravelzooWe, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. Our 30 million members receive exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.

Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words "expect", "predict", "project", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Media Contact:Investor Relations:[email protected]

SOURCE Travelzoo

LibraryBub is an industry first. Established in 2015, it works in conjunction with all major libraries. It is dedicated to making strong, mutual connections between indie and small-press authors and an extensive network of libraries. The core commitment of the LibraryBub service is to help librarians to identify acclaimed books from the independent publishing sector. LibraryBub introduces thousands of librarians to bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector. These books hold immense potential for enhancing the lives of their readers. Pulitzer laureate Jericho Brown recalls that when he was a child, his mother would drop him off at the library on her way to doing errands. He confesses that he was intimidated by prose but found poetry books, with their slender page count and ample white space, very approachable. So he eagerly read Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes and Phillis Wheatley, Gwendolyn Brooks and Robert Pinsky, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. He discloses, "I didn't understand a word of them, and I didn't care... I could disinterestedly and distractedly read just for the sound of the poems and the beauty of the images." Librarians enable writers to make that kind of difference to people's lives, and LibraryBub CEO Alinka Rutkowska considers it a privilege to support them in that role.

Below is this month's selection by category.

FICTION

Literature & Fiction

Blameforest by Jason Stocks ISBN: 978-1736841020

The Hermit by Katerina Grishakova ISBN: 979-8988717324

The Inevitable Loss of Innocence by Zara D. Macias ISBN: 978-1637351925

Scar Songs: Stories by W. Royce Adams ISBN: 979-8986488523

Mystery & Thriller

Unsettled States by Tom Casey ISBN: 979-8988717355

NONFICTION

Biographies & Memoirs

Where the Light Gets In: stories about the transformative power of one action by Jill Tremlett Large  ISBN: 978-1956897418

Business

Disruptive Leadership: 8 counterintuitive secrets for running a successful business by Christopher Catranis ISBN: 978-1943386468

Don't Buy the Watch by Andrew Dupy ASIN: B09X6SLXFJ

The Elon Musk Method: business principles from the world's most powerful entrepreneur by Randy Kirk ISBN: 978-1943386444

Lead To Disrupt: 7 keys to success in the changing world by Kumar R. Parakala ISBN: 978-1637352618

Next Level Cybersecurity by Sai Huda ISBN: 978-1943386413

Pocket Mentor: the entrepreneur's guide to building a lasting business from scratch by Mark Nureddine ISBN: 978-1943386291

Think Like A Black Sheep: unlock your inner superpower and break free from the crowd by Aaron Poynton ISBN: 978-1637353080

Why They Buy: a bulletproof method to closing any sale by David Fuess ISBN: 978-1943386321

Politics & Social Sciences

Lies People Tell: an FBI agent's toolkit for catching liars and cheats by Frank Runles ISBN: 978-1667810898

Self-Help

Becoming Miss Right: a holistic journey to fulfillment by Demee Koch ISBN: 979-8862181944

Retirement Runway: a story about family and legacy by Joseph A. Clark ISBN: 978-1637352700

Children's

Tax and His Friends: the first lessons on tax education for your children by Maria Claudia Hoepers  ASIN: B0D77N114X

"LibraryBub made my book visible to nearly 3,500 libraries," Dr. Meg Van Deusen enthuses, "and their newsletter, mentioning my book Stressed in the U.S. was picked up by major television networks." Given that experience, she highly recommends this service to any self-published author.

Media Contact:

Alinka Rutkowska[email protected]www.leaderspress.com

SOURCE LibraryBub

Netflix has just released the trailer for the new raunchy high school comedy from the Chernin brothers — Dave Chernin and John Chernin — who are veterans of irreverent shows It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the tragically cut-short Fox sitcom The Mick. The Chernins reunite with The Mick‘s Kaitlin Olson and Thomas Barbusca in Incoming. The cast includes Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, Isabella Ferreira, Bardia Seiri, Loren Gray, Ali Gallo, Scott MacArthur, Thomas Barbusca, Kim Hawthorne, Victoria Moroles, Kayvan Shai, with Kaitlin Olson and Bobby Cannavale.

The short but sweet synopsis reads,
“Incoming is the story of one night in the life of a group of high school freshmen, the party they crash, and the chaos that ensues.”

Dave and John Chernin write and direct the film. The producers on the movie include Nicholas Stoller, Conor Welch, Todd Garner, Mark Korshak, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Peter Principato and Ben Silverman. Chris Stone, Caroline James and Noah Nusinow are on board as the executive producers.

In Netflix’s Tudum, the brothers profess their love for high school comedies and name-drop some of their favorites, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Can’t Hardly Wait and Superbad. They had aimed to make their own contribution to their favorite genre with this film. “We always wanted to write a high school movie,” Dave says. “So for 15-plus years we’ve been kicking around the idea of a high school movie, and there were just little moments that we always had written in notepads.” Then, they were able to build the structure around their notepad moments, “We landed on the title of Incoming and realized, ‘Oh, this is four freshmen having this weird early-life identity crisis.’ That kind of became the engine for the story.”

Incoming will be hitting Netflix on August 23.

About the Author

E.J. is a News Editor at JoBlo, as well as a Video Editor, Writer, and Narrator for some of the movie retrospectives on our JoBlo Originals YouTube channel, including Reel Action, Revisited and some of the Top 10 lists. He is a graduate of the film program at Missouri Western State University with concentrations in performance, writing, editing and directing.

A while back, a terrific book about the golden age of action stars called “The Last Action Heroes” came out (buy it here). Written by Nick De Semlyen, the book takes a very affectionate look at all of the icons we grew up with in the 80s and 90s, with one notable exception. Steven Seagal does not come off well in the book – at all. One of the wildest stories from the book recounts a time when Seagal grew outraged over the fact that a meeting room he wanted was being occupied by the legendary Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

The two actors, who would have been in their late sixties then, were participating in a read-through for their hit comedy Grumpy Old Men. According to the book, the vibe in the room was light, with the two old pros cracking up their director, Daniel Petrie and assembled guests. One of them was William Osborne, writer of Twins (and – well – Stop or My Mom Will Shoot), who said the read-through was interrupted by a loud thumping at the door. In walked Seagal, who thundered at the director Petrie, “What’s going on?” Petrie answered that they were trying to do a read-through with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, to which he responded, “Well, I don’t care. I have the room.”

As Osbourne remembers, “It was just classic Steven Seagal. He finally stepped out and closed the door. But he was an absolute nutcase. He made those absolutely banging early action films and then went completely batsh*t crazy.”

While it’s pretty funny to think of what Lemmon and Matthau must have thought of the pony-tailed Seagal yelling at them must have been like, there’s a tragic dimension to this story. As Osborne states, those early action movies he made were total classics. I’d wager his first five films, Above the Law, Hard to Kill, Marked for Death, Out for Justice and Under Siege (in which his screen time is surprisingly limited), are all action classics. Yet it was all downhill after that as hubris took over. For a more positive look at Seagal, check out his fantastic interview with fellow action star Scott Adkins. It’s Seagal at his best rather than his worst.

While his standing in the industry has no doubt changed a lot (and not for the better), Steven Seagal still did contribute a lot to the craft of action movies. It’s just too bad that he fell off so badly, with many pegging On Deadly Ground as the moment that really opened to the door to the other, more ego-driven side of the actor. Check out this funny story about Seagal’s reaction to a backhanded compliment from Michael Caine at the premiere.

As for Seagal, his acting days seem to be long behind him now, with him having not made a movie since Beyond the Law in 2019. While his IMDB credits list a couple of movies in pre-production, including Above the Law 2, it seems unlikely those will happen on a very large scale, with his connection to Vladimir Putin following the Invasion of Ukraine especially polarizing to fans. At any rate, one would be hard-pressed to remember the last truly decent Seagal movie. One could say maybe some of those early DTV movies like Belly of the Beast and Into the Sun were pretty good, but in terms of box office, most people would list Exit Wounds as his last hurrah, although he memorably played a villain in Machete.

Gee willikers, Superman! James Gunn continues to drip-feed fans with looks at his upcoming Superman film with a glimpse of Skyler Gisondo (Santa Clarita Diet, Vacation, Booksmart) as the plucky photojournalist Jimmy Olsen! Jimmy works alongside Clark Kent (David Corenswet), Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and Perry White (Wendell Pierce) at the Daily Planet, the famous newspaper based in the fictional city of Metropolis. Gunn posted the photo of Gisondo giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up, with Jimmy’s signature swoop on display and a warm smile.

Happy Anniversary to Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen, who debuted on this day in 1941 (although he did appear earlier as “office boy” in Action Comics 6). Created by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster & Bob Maxwell. I can’t wait for you to see @SkylerGisondo’s portrayal in #Superman on July… pic.twitter.com/PG7DdF7QSL

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 25, 2024

Superman kicks off James Gunn and Peter Safran’s retooled DCU with the first installment of the multi-part plan titled Gods and Monsters: Chapter One. Superman’s cast also includes Nathan Fillion (The Rookie) as Guy Gardner, a charismatic and slightly obnoxious member of the Green Lantern Corps; Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) as Mister Terrific; Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho; María Gabriela de Faría (Deadly Class) as The Engineer, a member of The Authority; Sara Sampaio (At Midnight) as Eve Teschmacher; Neva Howell (Logan Lucky) as Martha Kent; Pruitt Taylor-Vince (The Walking Dead) as Jonathan Kent; and Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luthor.

Other actors join Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen in the Daily Planet bullpen, including Beck Bennet (Saturday Night Live) as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover (The Suicide Squad) as Cat Grant, and newcomer Christopher McDonald as Ron Troupe.

James Gunn wrapped up the production for Superman in July, saying, “And that’s a wrap,” Gunn wrote. “God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life. I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set – and for that I am forever grateful.”

What do you think about Skyler Gisondo’s look as Jimmy Olsen? Will Gunn write the character as a get-up-and-go shutterbug hanging on Lois’ every word and whim, or does the filmmaker have something else in mind?

Superman is slated to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

About the Author

Born and raised in New York, then immigrated to Canada, Steve Seigh has been a JoBlo.com editor, columnist, and critic since 2012. He started with Ink & Pixel, a column celebrating the magic and evolution of animation, before launching the companion YouTube series Animation Movies Revisited. He's also the host of the Talking Comics Podcast, a personality-driven audio show focusing on comic books, film, music, and more. You'll rarely catch him without headphones on his head and pancakes on his breath.

DETROIT, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Telemetry, the award-winning integrated communications agency, published its 3,000th article, reaching a significant brand publishing milestone.

The agency's brand publishing discipline, which employs over 50 writers and editors, serves seven clients with meticulously crafted articles that undergo a rigorous process of industry insights, search engine optimization techniques, fact-checking, and editing.

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A substantial portion of these articles were developed for a globally recognized leading financial services company. The company focuses on automotive research content to help consumers make informed decisions during vehicle purchases. Additionally, Telemetry has produced content for endemic automotive research sites and B2B automotive suppliers, further solidifying its expertise in the automotive sector.

"Our 3,000-article milestone underscores the importance of high-quality, magazine-caliber content that brands can take full advantage of to help build trust and loyalty with their audiences, "said Craig Daitch, founder and CEO of Telemetry. "We've seen triple-digit levels of engagement and couldn't be more proud of our contributions to our clients' brand publishing needs."

Brand publishing is a subset of content marketing in which original material is developed to inform, engage and drive various business outcomes (improved site traffic, time on page/site and sales leads) for both B2B and B2C companies. At a time when paid placements are increasingly crowding out earned opportunities in media, brand publishing is the perfect opportunity for brands to step in to educate their customers on the virtues of their respective products and services.

For more information about Telemetry and its services, please visit www.telemetryagency.com

About Telemetry 

Founded in 2020, Telemetry is an integrated communications agency that brings leadership, experience and creative vision to brands seeking a fresh approach to communications. With a focus on intelligent content creation and distribution for the everywhere age, Telemetry enables clients to find their most powerful, resonant brand voice across various platforms. The agency specializes in content creation, content strategy, community management, and media engagement across automotive, finance, media publishers, professional services, real estate, and tech industries.

SOURCE Telemetry

BOSTON, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a positive labor market and high demand for skilled talent, employers continue to struggle with finding and retaining workers to meet their evolving business needs. A new report released today from Cengage Group, a global edtech company, reveals significant shifts in graduate perceptions, the growing impact of AI on the workforce and how post-secondary education is adapting to meet these challenges.

The 2024 Cengage Group Employability Report, based on surveys of 1,000 U.S. employers and 974 recent graduates (individuals who received a 2- or 4-year degree and/or a skills certification within the last year), offers key insights into how educational institutions are evolving to close talent gaps and prepare students for an AI-driven future, with a growing emphasis on practical, job-ready skills alongside traditional academic credentials.

This curricula shift toward employability has improved graduates' perceptions of education value with a substantial three in four (73%) graduates believing their education was worth the cost, a significant increase from 52% in 2023, 68% in 2022 and 56% in 2021. Additionally, two-thirds (68%) feel their education has positioned them for success in the current job market. The recognition of the need for higher education has also increased, with 51% of graduates stating that a college degree or certification was essential to their job performance, up from 42% in 2023. Perhaps most importantly, there has been a marked improvement in the focus on employable skills, with nearly 3 in 5 graduates (57%) believing their program equipped them with the skills needed for their first professional job, a considerable rise from 41% in 2023.

"Our 2024 Employability Report reveals post-secondary education is experiencing a pivotal moment," said Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage Group. "The increased satisfaction among graduates and their improved perception of education's value are encouraging signs that educators are listening and responding to the needs of both students and employers. As we continue to bridge the gap between education and employment, we're not just preparing students for jobs – we are empowering them to build successful, adaptable careers in an ever-changing market."

While the perceived value of education has improved over the last year, the report also exposes opportunities to continue driving new value by enhancing GenAI literacy. In fact, graduates expect it, with 3 in 4 (70%) believing basic GenAI training should be integrated into courses. As GenAI becomes more common in the workplace, there are critical disconnects between the widespread adoption of GenAI in the workplace and the preparedness – or lack thereof – of graduates to use these tools effectively. Key findings include:

• Graduates feel unprepared to work alongside GenAI: Currently, more than half (55%) of graduates said their programs did not prepare them to use GenAI tools. Gen Zers are the most likely to feel this way (61%) compared to Millennials (48%), Gen Xers (60%) and Baby Boomers (50%). Nearly 3 in 4 (69%) graduates say they need more training on working with new technologies in their current roles.
• AI is creating career doubt: Over half (51%) of graduates are second-guessing their career choices due to rapid technological advancements, up from 33% in 2023. More than a third of graduates (39%) fear AI could replace their jobs entirely.
• Employers expect GenAI competency: Nearly 2 in 3 (62%) employers believe candidates and employees should have foundational knowledge of GenAI tools, with 58% being more likely to interview and hire those with AI experience. Three in 4 employers say employees use AI tools in daily workflows to assist in research (49%), writing (47%), data analysis (43%), brainstorming (36%) and product development (27%).

"The data reinforces what most of us are experiencing in the workplace today – GenAI is at the forefront of nearly every conversation," said Hansen. "This omnipresence can create a great deal of uncertainty and fear, but it is important not to read too much into the sensationalism, and rather, find grounding in the opportunity."

Hansen continued to say, "The data supports the growing need for GenAI training and professional skills development. Given the rapid speed at which GenAI is evolving, the development of these skills must come from use, practice, and experimentation – both in the classroom and in the workplace. We cannot live in fear of this technology, we must instead create environments where individuals can gain exposure to these tools and deepen their skillset in working alongside GenAI. By bridging the GenAI skills gap, we can ensure our graduates are not just prepared for their first job but are equipped with the adaptability and technological fluency to thrive throughout their careers."

For more information about the 2024 Cengage Group Employability Report, click here.

About Cengage GroupCengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn or X.

ContactsEmily Featherston, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications[email protected] 

SOURCE Cengage Group

The new Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game from Gun Interactive was just released for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One last August, and the developers have been keeping a steady flow of updates coming ever since. Next month, a Content Pass will go on sale for the price of $19.99 that will include a new Family Member, a new Victim, a new Execution Pack, four new cosmetics, and early access to the new Game Mode Rush Week, which “will be an exciting and completely brand new way to play The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. This mode will be free to all players at a later date.” Now a teaser trailer for the Rush Week game mode has been unveiled, and it appears that this 1v6 multiplayer mode will be setting the killer Johnny loose in a sorority house! You can check out the teaser in the embed above.

The usual matches of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game pit 4 victim characters against 3 killer characters. The story of the game has the following set-up: When Maria Flores went missing, and local law enforcement seemed to stall out in their search, her younger sister Ana teamed up with some of Maria’s friends from college to pick up the trail. The game takes place before the events of director Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (watch it HERE).

Kane Hodder (who also worked on Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III) did the motion-capture performance for Leatherface in the game, as well as the Grandpa character. Other motion-capture performers include Sean Whalen (The People Under the Stairs) as The Hitch-hiker; Troy Burgess (Swedish Dicks) as The Cook; Kristina Klebe (Don’t Kill It) as new killer character Sissy; and Dove Meir (Dig) as new killer character Johnny. Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween) did the mo-cap for all of the female victim characters while Hunter C. Smith (Lucky) did the mo-cap for all of the male victim characters. Although Whalen did the mo-cap for the Hitch-hiker, Edwin Neal, who played the character in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, provided his voice for the game. Damian Maffei (The Strangers: Prey at Night) provided the voice of Johnny, and Michael Johnston of Teen Wolf did the same for Danny. BAFTA winner Cissy Jones did the mo-cap and vocal performance for Nancy. Robert Mukes (House of 1000 Corpses) brought Hands to life. Barbara Crampton provided the voice and likeness of a character named Virginia. You can find out more about the killer characters at THIS LINK and the victim characters HERE. To learn more about the voice cast, head over HERE.

The game’s developers have also revealed that DLCs that will be released in the September 2024 to February 2025 range will include “a new Leatherface Skin, a Victim Hair Pack, a new map, weather variants for already released maps, more cosmetics and execution packs.” These will not be included in next month’s Content Pass.

Have you been playing the Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game, and are you looking forward to the Rush Week game mode? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

DALLAS, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas painter and sculptor Ken Womack has partnered with the local nonprofit Clay's Color Crew and will be donating 25% of his art sales over the next few months.

Clay's Color Crew™ is a Dallas-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit started in 2024 by Colin Simmons, an edge rusher from Duncanville and highly touted five-star football recruit now playing for the Texas Longhorns and The University of Texas. While his skills on the field make headlines, it's his special off-the-field relationship with his younger brother Clayton that's the real story.

Clayton was diagnosed with autism in 2020 at age six, and the family quickly realized there were limited resources and activities around them for high-energy kids on the spectrum. Highlighting Clay's love of colors, Colin and his mom Monica McCarley founded the nonprofit with the goal of bringing autism resources and facilities to underserved and lower-economic areas in South Dallas.

"As a Texas Ex myself, I'm proud to partner with Colin Simmons and Clay's Color Crew," said Ken Womack. "We're calling this initiative 'Art for Autism' as we brighten the future for the autism community in South Dallas."

Womack's unique, oversized pop art sculptures can be found and purchased online at KenWomack.com. Available artwork includes TEXAS TOAST – a 4-foot lifelike piece of toast in the shape of Texas – as well as a 5-foot cassette mix tape, a giant burnt Pop-Tart, and an 8-foot-tall, diamond-encrusted nunchucks. Additionally, Womack's advertising agency, The Agency Hack, is donating branding and marketing services to Clay's Color Crew.

"Partnering with Ken Womack is a win-win," said Colin Simmons, founder of Clay's Color Crew. "I'm a big fan of his art, and an even bigger fan of how the proceeds from his art will benefit those on the spectrum like my little brother, Clayton."

For more information on Clay's Color Crew, visit ClaysColorCrew.org or follow the nonprofit on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Ken WomackPainter and sculptor Ken Womack has been selling his pop-inspired artwork in Dallas since 2017. He was the first-ever artist in residence at Scout Design in Dallas. And his work has been shown at Spectrum Art Fair in Miami and named one of Saatchi Art's top sculptures of 2023. Womack is also the co-owner of The Agency Hack, a boutique advertising agency in Dallas.

About Clay's Color CrewClay's Color Crew was founded in 2024 by Duncanville star and edge rusher at The University of Texas, Colin Simmons. It is inspired by his younger brother Clay who was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2020. Highlighting Clay's love of colors, the nonprofit raises funds to bring autism resources to the underserved area of South Dallas.

Press Contact:Mike StopperThe Agency Hack214.478.4921[email protected]

SOURCE Clay's Color Crew

YEAR-OVER-YEAR

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.4% annual gain for June, down from a 5.9% annual gain in the previous month. The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 7.4%, down from a 7.8% annual increase in the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a year-over-year increase of 6.5%, dropping from a 6.9% increase in the previous month. New York reported the highest annual gain among the 20 cities with a 9.0% increase in June, followed by San Diego and Las Vegas with annual increases of 8.7% and 8.5%, respectively. Portland once again held the lowest rank for the smallest year-over-year growth, notching a 0.8% annual increase in June.

MONTH-OVER-MONTH

The U.S. National Index, the 20-City Composite, and the 10-City Composite upward trends continued to decelerate from last month, with pre-seasonality adjustment increases of 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.6%, respectively.

After seasonal adjustment, the U.S. National Index posted a month-over-month change of 0.2%, while the 20-City and 10-City Composite reported a monthly change of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively.

ANALYSIS

"The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices continue to show above-trend real price performance when accounting for inflation," says Brian D. Luke, CFA, Head of Commodities, Real & Digital Assets. "Home prices and inflation continue to factor into the political agenda coming into the election season. While both housing and inflation have slowed, the gap between the two is larger than historical norms, with our National Index averaging 2.8% more than the Consumer Price Index. That is a full percentage point above the 50-year average. Before accounting for inflation, home prices have risen over 1,100 percent since 1974, but have slightly more than doubled (111%) after accounting for inflation.

"Another popular theme is making housing more affordable to first-time homebuyers. We compared each of the 16 markets that the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices calculate on a tiered basis to evaluate historical performance of more affordable homes. Our tiered indices divide each market into three price tiers, which range based on the market. Looking at the last five years, 75% of the markets covered show low-price tiers rising faster than the overall market," according to Luke. "For example, the lower tier of the Atlanta market has risen 18% faster than the middle- and higher-tiered homes. New York's low tier has the largest five-year outperformance, rising nearly 20% above the overall New York region. New York also has the largest divergence between low- and high-tier prices. New York's high-tier homes have lagged the region's market by 5.1%. Conversely, San Diego has seen the largest appreciation in higher-tier homes over the past five years. While the overall San Diego market has risen by 72% in the past five years, the high tiers have done even better, rising 79% versus 63% for the lower tier."

SUPPORTING DATA

Table 1 below shows the housing boom/bust peaks and troughs for the three composites along with the current levels and percentage changes from the peaks and troughs.

Table 2 below summarizes the results for June 2024. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices could be revised for the prior 24 months, based on the receipt of additional source data.

Table 3 below shows a summary of the monthly changes using the seasonally adjusted (SA) and non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) data. Since its launch in early 2006, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices have published, and the markets have followed and reported on, the non-seasonally adjusted data set used in the headline indices. For analytical purposes, S&P Dow Jones Indices publishes a seasonally adjusted data set covered in the headline indices, as well as for the 17 of 20 markets with tiered price indices and the five condo markets that are tracked.

For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spglobal.com/spdji.

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500^® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average^®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

April KabaharGlobal Head of CommunicationsNew York, USA(+1) 212 438 7530[email protected]

S&P Dow Jones Indices' interactive blog, IndexologyBlog.com, delivers real-time commentary and analysis from industry experts across S&P Global on a wide range of topics impacting residential home prices, homebuilding and mortgage financing in the United States. Readers and viewers can visit the blog at www.indexologyblog.com, where feedback and commentary are welcomed and encouraged.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices are published on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00 am ET. They are constructed to accurately track the price path of typical single-family homes located in each metropolitan area provided. Each index combines matched price pairs for thousands of individual houses from the available universe of arms-length sales data. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index tracks the value of single-family housing within the United States. The index is a composite of single-family home price indices for the nine U.S. Census divisions and is calculated quarterly. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 10-City Composite Home Price Index is a value-weighted average of the 10 original metro area indices. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index is a value-weighted average of the 20 metro area indices. The indices have a base value of 100 in January 2000; thus, for example, a current index value of 150 translates to a 50% appreciation rate since January 2000 for a typical home located within the subject market.

These indices are generated and published under agreements between S&P Dow Jones Indices and CoreLogic, Inc.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices are produced by CoreLogic, Inc. In addition to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices, CoreLogic also offers home price index sets covering thousands of zip codes, counties, metro areas, and state markets. The indices, published by S&P Dow Jones Indices, represent just a small subset of the broader data available through CoreLogic.

Case-Shiller^® and CoreLogic^® are trademarks of CoreLogic Case-Shiller, LLC or its affiliates or subsidiaries ("CoreLogic") and have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices. None of the financial products based on indices produced by CoreLogic or its predecessors in interest are sponsored, sold, or promoted by CoreLogic, and neither CoreLogic nor any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or predecessors in interest makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products.

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices

Thirteen-year-old Isaac's only friend is a Passenger Pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond's estate.

Isaac, with Joy, escapes into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they're caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she's found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.

Hipkins's storytelling, praised by The Historical Fiction Company as, "...nothing short of genius, weaving a narrative that balances sadness with hope, loneliness with companionship, and darkness with newfound light," is a wonderful learning resource for librarians and educators of young children or readers looking to peel back the curtain on a pivotal period in our nation's history.

If you would like more information about author Craig R. Hipkins and Bandy, please contact  [email protected] or visit https://hipkinstwins.com/.

SOURCE Craig R. Hipkins

"After two decades of working closely with both venues and artists, I am beyond excited for Confetto Artist Management. This will allow us to support and nurture talent in a more profound and personalized way. Our goal is to provide artists with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers," Stephanie Stegall says. "Mike's extensive background in artist management and his passion for helping artists succeed make him an invaluable addition to Confetto Artist Management.  His expertise and dedication will ensure that our artists receive the best possible guidance and support."

Prior to joining Confetto Productions, Mike Williams established himself as a respected figure in artist management, having worked with renowned artists such as Pat Green, Cory Morrow, Robert Earl Keen, and The Lost Trailers. His successful tenure at 823 Management and subsequent launch of his own management company showcased his ability to negotiate deals with major labels, booking agencies, and sponsors, fostering partnerships with industry giants like Universal Republic, WME, Miller Brewing Company, and Justin Boots.

In addition to his work in artist management, Mike Williams has played a pivotal role in the entertainment production team for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, overseeing performances by top-tier acts such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, Kid Rock, and many more. His experience in managing large-scale events and touring logistics further enhances his skill set and brings a unique perspective to artist management.

"I am thrilled to partner with Stephanie to launch Confetto Artist Management," comments Williams.  "Stephanie's deep understanding of the music industry, coupled with my 25 years of experience, creates an ideal partnership for building a thriving artist management division."

About Confetto Productions:Confetto Productions specializes in large-scale event production, entertainment procurement, project management, sales and operations leadership, and consulting services. We offer our personalized touch and exceptional experience to create and produce events ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Stephanie's storied resume spans over 20 years, most recently having worked with the Houston Astros for 10+ years as Vice President of Event Sales and Operations. During her time, she landed several large-scale concerts, including the likes of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and Billy Joel, among others. She has booked high-profile sporting events, including the Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland boxing match on HBO, Cricket All-Stars T20 match, the first ever MLB stadium appearance of the Savannah Bananas and the popular WWE Royal Rumble. Prior to her tenure with the Astros, Stephanie served as the Manager of Entertainment and Concert Production for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Media Contact: [email protected] 

SOURCE Confetto Productions

Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial over his involvement in the fatal shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was dismissed last month, but filmmaker Quentin Tarantino believes that Baldwin was “10 percent responsible.“

While sitting down with Bill Maher on the Club Random podcast, Maher asked Tarantino how the shooting could be Baldwin’s fault. “Like either you think he purposely shot that cinematographer or you think he didn’t purposely shoot her,” Maher said. “And if he didn’t purposely shoot her, then it’s all f**king bullshit. Am I wrong?“

“No,” Tarantino responded. “I think I’m being fair enough to say that the armorer, the guy who hands him the gun, is 90 percent responsible for everything that happens when it comes to that gun,” adding that “the actor is 10 percent responsible. It’s a gun. You are a partner in the responsibility to some degree.”

Tarantino added that if Baldwin “went through the steps that he’s supposed to go through, then he [should know better].” For example, if an actor has “three hot rounds” going into a scene, and “if one of the rounds doesn’t go off while he does his ‘bam, bam, bam,’ then he should cut the scene and say, ‘Guys, one of the rounds didn’t go off. I think I’m still holding a hot gun here.“

While the tragic death of Hutchins has sparked debate on the use of guns on set, with some believing that blank rounds aren’t necessary when the effect can just be added in post-production, Tarantino isn’t ready to take that step. “I guess I can add digital erections to porno, but who wants to f**king watch that?” Tarantino said. “[It’s] exciting to shoot the blanks and to see the real orange fire and not add orange fire.“

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out Baldwin’s case after learning how police and prosecutors treated a handful of bullets, which they failed to turn over to the defence. “The state has repeatedly made representations to the defense and to the court that they were compliant with all their discovery obligations,” Judge Sommer said. “Despite their repeated representations, they have continued to fail to disclose critical evidence to the defendant. The state is highly culpable for its failure to provide discovery to the defendant. Dismissal with prejudice is warranted.” Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey later said that Judge Sommer made a mistake and that the case was improperly dismissed. Have we heard the last of this? Probably not.

BROOKFIELD, Conn., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Pour, the independent print magazine devoted to all facets of drinks culture, has been named a finalist for three 2024 FOLIO: Eddie and Ozzie Awards. The recognitions include two Eddie awards for editorial excellence in the categories of Full Issue (Consumer) for Epicurean and Culture/Community titles, and Series of Articles (Consumer) for Culture/Community content, as well as an Ozzie Award for design in the category of Illustration for Consumer and Custom/Content Marketing.

The prestigious FOLIO: Eddie and Ozzie Awards program in the publishing industry awards excellence in editorial content and design across print and digital media. This year, a panel of judges composed of experienced editorial and design professionals reviewed more than 1,000 entries across nearly 80 categories in a celebration of peer-to-peer recognition, acknowledging the industry's top editorial and design talents for their creativity, innovation and dedication. Named finalists are entries that scored the highest in their respective categories.

"We are incredibly honored to receive these recognitions from such an acclaimed industry program and jury of our peers," says Full Pour Founder/Editor & Publisher Lauren Buzzeo. "We are inspired by the swell of support and appreciation we've seen for independent, print-first publishing since launching in March 2023, and are so proud of the achievements the magazine has accomplished in that short time. In these acknowledgements, we not only find great encouragement of purpose and reinforcement of mission, but also the immense drive to continue pushing the industry forward and celebrating what print drinks journalism could and should be for all."

Winners will be announced live at an awards luncheon on October 22 at City Winery at Pier 57 in New York City.

A quarterly publication, Full Pour celebrates the diverse world of social sips and beverage culture, reporting across category lines for a uniquely comprehensive view of the modern landscape, inclusive of wine and beer, spirits and cocktails, cider, cannabis infusions, zero-proof creations, coffee, tea and more.

Authenticity and passion for sharing beverage information and the array of cultures that surround drinks history, production and enjoyment drives every story published, with the aim to encourage conscious consumption, consumer confidence and new conversation across all drink categories, for all people.

Shipped in 100% compostable and biodegradable mailers, Full Pour is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, 100% post-consumer-waste (PCW) recycled paper, also labeled PCF (processed chlorine free) by the Chlorine Free Products Association. The magazine is committed to using natural soy- and vegetable-based inks and non-toxic toners as opposed to petroleum-based products, and eschews chemical laminates and plastic coatings that can affect recyclability.

Full Pour also features an innovative approach to advertising partnerships, reconsidering the traditional media-advertiser model to drive change and positive impact. The magazine's Flow Into Community Program aligns with advertising partners to mutually support nonprofit organizations and improve the food and beverage community at large in sustainable and equitable ways through promotion, visibility and monetary support. Read more about the Flow Into Community Program here, and visit the Flow Into Community giving-circle on Grapevine here.  

Full Pour is currently available for purchase as single-issue copies ($20) or annual subscriptions (4 issues, $76) at www.full-pour.com, with free shipping across North America. The magazine is also distributed to select retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Chapters/Indigo and a variety of amazing independent magazine retailers around the world, and shipped worldwide via online retailer Newsstand.

For more information or to subscribe for the latest news, please visit www.full-pour.com

About Full Pour:Full Pour, an independent print magazine with a fresh take on drinks media, is a celebration of the diverse world of social sips and beverage culture. Launched in March 2023 by Editor and Publisher Lauren Buzzeo, a decades-long drinks- and publishing-industry vet, the magazine reports across beverage category lines for a uniquely comprehensive view of the modern social-drinks landscape, reported with passion and authenticity. With a progressive advertising model aimed to foster visibility and support for nonprofit organizations as well as environmentally friendly production measures from sourcing to printing and shipping, Full Pour aims to have everyone drink in life to the fullest, regardless of what brims your cup.

Contact Information:Full PourLauren Buzzeo; [email protected]

SOURCE Full Pour

Event Details:

• Date: July 23, 2024
• Location: https://www.instagram.com/realbillwithers/ and https://www.instagram.com/grandmashandsbook/

Grandma's Hands celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers through evocative illustrations and the heartfelt lyrics of Bill Withers' beloved song. The book brings to life the warmth and comfort that grandmothers provide, making it a perfect addition to any family's bookshelf. With Illustrated artwork from African American multiple-award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie, "Grandma's Hands" is published by Black-owned independent publisher, Freedom Three Publishing.

Highlights of the Online Celebration:

• Musical Posts: Enjoy posted musical performances inspired by Bill Withers' legacy, including from his daughter, Kori Withers.
• Story Sharing: Followers and fans are encouraged to share their pictures, stories, and memories of their grandmothers by tagging @grandmashandsbook

"Gorgeous Grandma's Day is the perfect occasion to honor the incredible women who have shaped our lives with their love and wisdom," said Marcia Withers, wife of Bill Withers. "This book is a celebration of the profound impact grandmothers have on our families and communities. We are thrilled to share this special day with readers and fans of Bill's music."

About Bill Withers: Bill Withers was a legendary American singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. A three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Withers was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder. In 2024, "Ain't No Sunshine" was inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. Withers' songs continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, reflecting the universal themes of love, community, and resilience.

About the Book: Grandma's Hands is a heartfelt picture book that brings Bill Withers' classic song to life. Illustrated by [Illustrator's Name], the book captures the essence of the song's lyrics, celebrating the special bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren. It is available on Grandmashandsbook.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, The Grammy Museum, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, among other outlets.

Contact Information: For more information about the event or to schedule an interview with Marcia Withers (wife of Bill Withers and a grandma herself), please contact: Kerith Henderson of Quintessential PR at [email protected] or 310-770-4764

SOURCE Bill Withers

Mike Flanagan has been one of my favourite horror directors in recent years, but could he take his spooky talents to the DC Universe? There have been rumblings that Flanagan could be taking a DC gig. While nothing has been announced, the filmmaker told the crowd at Fan EXPO Canada that he’d be down to join the team.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of James Gunn as a person and filmmaker, and that is a universe that I would absolutely love to be a part of,” Flanagan said. Some fans have pointed to Flanagan hanging with DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran at the Paris Olympics (with a number of other DC folks in attendance) as evidence that something is in the works, but we’ll have to wait and see.

It was reported last year that Flanagan had pitched a Clayface movie to Warner Bros. There weren’t many details, only that the project wouldn’t depict the character as a straight-up villain. In response, Flanagan clarifed that the Clayface news was “entirely speculative” and that “when or if something like that ever becomes real, I promise I’ll tell you guys.” It’d be interesting to see what Flanagan could do in the DC Universe, particularly as the franchise does have a lot of horror-centric characters.

However, before Mike Flanagan gets involved in any potential DC project, he’s set to take the helm of another major franchise: The Exorcist. It was announced earlier this year that Flanagan had signed a deal to write, direct, and produce what is being described as a “radical new take” on the Exorcist franchise. While it will still be set in the Exorcist universe, the project will not be a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer. “The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe,” Flanagan said in a statement. “Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.” The last installment of the franchise, The Exorcist: Believer, was intended to be the first of a new trilogy (The Exorcist: Deceiver had even been given a 2025 release date), but the lacklustre box office and scathing reviews forced the studio to rethink its plans.

Which DC project could you see Mike Flanagan directing?

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index^® rose in August to 103.3 (1985=100), from an upwardly revised 101.9 in July. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—improved to 134.4 from 133.1 in July. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—also improved in August to 82.5. As the Expectations Index for July was revised up to 81.1, August marked the second consecutive month of the Index above 80. (A reading below the threshold of 80 usually signals a recession ahead.) The cutoff date for the preliminary results was August 21, 2024.

"Overall consumer confidence rose in August but remained within the narrow range that has prevailed over the past two years," said Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board. "Consumers continued to express mixed feelings in August. Compared to July, they were more positive about business conditions, both current and future, but also more concerned about the labor market. Consumers' assessments of the current labor situation, while still positive, continued to weaken, and assessments of the labor market going forward were more pessimistic. This likely reflects the recent increase in unemployment. Consumers were also a bit less positive about future income."

"In August, confidence declined among consumers under 35 while it increased for those 35 and older. On a six-month moving average basis, confidence remained the highest among young consumers. Despite the overall improvement in the headline Index, confidence declined for consumers earning less than $25K. On a six-month moving average basis, consumers earning over $100K remained the most confident. Confidence among consumers earning $15K to $24.9K continued to trend down and was almost as low as for those earning less than $15K."

Peterson added: "Consumers were likely rattled by the financial market turmoil in early August, as they were less upbeat about the stock market. In August, 46.9% of consumers expected stock prices to increase over the year ahead (down from 50.6% in July), while 27.2% expected a decrease (up from 23.1%). August's write-in responses also included more mentions of stock prices and unemployment as affecting consumer's views of the US economy. However, consumers did not change their views about a possible recession: the proportion of consumers predicting a recession was stable and well below the 2023 peak."

Consumers' assessments of their Family's Current Financial Situation were less positive, but consumers were more optimistic for the next six months. (These measures are not included in calculating the Consumer Confidence Index^®.)

Average 12-month inflation expectations dropped to 4.9% in August—the lowest since March 2020 and consistent with slower overall inflation and declines in some goods prices. Nonetheless, mentions of prices and inflation topped write-in responses. Meanwhile, the share of consumers expecting higher interest rates over the next 12 months dropped for the third month in a row to 46.5%—the lowest since February 2024. The share expecting lower rates increased to 31.5%, the highest since April 2020.

On a six-month moving average basis, purchasing plans for homes fell to a new 12-year low, while buying plans for cars improved slightly. Buying plans for big-ticket appliances were up on average but the increase was driven by only a few items: refrigerator, TV, and washing machine. Plans to buy a smartphone or laptop/PC in the next six months increased again.

In August write-in responses, the share of respondents believing the 2024 elections would impact the economy was stable, at slightly above 2020 levels—but well below the August 2016 level.

Present SituationConsumers' assessments of current business conditions were more positive in August.

• 20.8% of consumers said business conditions were "good," up from 19.2% in July.
• 17.7% said business conditions were "bad," down from 18.2%.

But consumers' appraisals of the labor market deteriorated in August.

• 32.8% of consumers said jobs were "plentiful," down from 33.4% in July.
• 16.4% of consumers said jobs were "hard to get," slightly up from 16.3%.

Expectations Six Months HenceConsumers were more optimistic about the business conditions outlook in August.

• 18.4% of consumers expected business conditions to improve, up from 15.2% in July.
• 15.6% expected business conditions to worsen, down from 16.2%.

Consumers' assessments of the labor market outlook were slightly less optimistic in August.

• 16.1% of consumers expected more jobs to be available, up from 15.2% in July.
• 17.5% anticipated fewer jobs, also up from 16.4%.

Consumers' assessments of their income prospects were more pessimistic in August.

• 16.9% of consumers expected their incomes to increase, down from 17.2% in July.
• 12.7% expected their incomes to decrease, up from 11.6%.

Assessment of Family Finances and Recession Risk

• Consumers' assessment of their Family's Current Financial Situation weakened further in August.
• However, consumers' assessments of their Family's Financial Situation going forward improved.
• Consumers' Perceived Likelihood of a US Recession over the Next 12 Months was virtually unchanged, and well below the 2023 peak.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey^®, based on an online sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Toluna, a technology company that delivers real-time consumer insights and market research through its innovative technology, expertise, and panel of over 36 million consumers. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was August 21.

Source: August 2024 Consumer Confidence Survey^®The Conference Board

The Conference Board publishes the Consumer Confidence Index^® at 10 a.m. ET on the last Tuesday of every month. Subscription information and the technical notes to this series are available on The Conference Board website: https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerdata.cfm.

About The Conference BoardThe Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. ConferenceBoard.org.                    

SOURCE The Conference Board

The Talent-Fueled Enterprise provides a comprehensive strategy for creating a resilient and agile workforce, essential in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book addresses the challenges posed by technological disruptions like artificial intelligence and the dynamics of hybrid work environments. It offers practical guidance for business leaders and HR executives to develop a workforce that is both adaptable and aligned with organizational goals while also promoting personal growth among employees.

"This book is an essential read for any CEO, CHRO, or CLO looking to harness the full potential of their employees through inclusive and skills-focused talent initiatives," says Linda Cai, former VP of Talent at LinkedIn. "The combined expertise of Mike Ohata, Larry Durham and Eric Dingler makes this book an indispensable tool for forward-thinking executives."

The authors bring over 80 years of collective experience in talent development and organizational transformation. They have held executive positions at major companies such as Microsoft, KPMG, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, and PwC. Their extensive knowledge and insights have been featured in numerous industry articles and conferences. This collaborative effort marks their debut book, underscoring their commitment to advancing the field of talent development.

"The call for talent has never been clearer," says Mike Ohata. "Organizations need to adopt a balanced and inclusive view of their workforce, recognizing employees as integral members of a living, learning organization. This book offers simple, actionable strategies to build a durable and agile workforce."

About St. Charles Consulting Group

St. Charles Consulting Group specializes in maximizing the value of talent for Fortune 1000 organizations through strategic consulting, innovative learning solutions, and managed services. Our Innovation Center, The HIVE, is dedicated to researching and developing cutting-edge talent development solutions. With over 20 years of experience, we have delivered hundreds of talent development solutions to more than 120 client organizations.

About The Talent-Fueled Enterprise

The Talent-Fueled Enterprise explores strategies for tapping into the contemporary workforce and invites CEOs and CHROs to adopt a new mindset for building resilient talent. This book provides actionable strategies for creating a workforce that is both adaptable and aligned with business goals, while celebrating the personal growth of employees. Priced at $25.99, The Talent-Fueled Enterprise is now available on Amazon.

**Media Contact**Melinda AdamecEmail: [email protected]Phone: 202-276-5335

SOURCE St. Charles Consulting Group

BOULDER, Colo., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovrn, a publisher technology platform that helps content creators earn and keep more of their revenue, today announced the launch of a new publisher steering committee focused on commerce and affiliate marketing. The group will serve as a platform for collaboration, thought leadership, and innovation, working together to tackle the biggest challenges in the affiliate ecosystem.

Composed of top publishers, including NewsCorp, Hearst, Dotdash Meredith, Walmart, Babylist, Penske Media Group, New York Times Wirecutter, Bustle, DailyMail.com and Vox Media, the committee's mission is to offer guidance for developing the tools, technologies, and processes publishers need to maximize affiliate revenue while minimizing the overhead of a highly fragmented workflow. Their input will provide a roadmap for enhancements to the Sovrn Commerce platform and help to shape the future of online commerce.

"It is always our belief that the best way to face and address the challenges within the publishing industry is by working together and collaborating to find innovative solutions that will stand the test of time," said Carla Cell, Managing Director of Commerce at Sovrn. "Our goal with this steering committee is to provide a forum for shaping the future of our commerce software and, more importantly, engage our customers and partners in conversations that contribute to the advancement and sustainability of our industry."

The affiliate marketers steering committee is made up of 10 executives from some of the world's best-known publishers. The individuals who make up the committee are:

• Tory Brangham, Chief Commerce Officer, Dotdash Meredith
• Camilla Cho, SVP, eCommerce/affiliate, Vox Media
• Lauren Dick, Executive Director, DailyMail.com
• Jackie Goldstein, VP, Commerce, New York Post
• Lee Anne Grant, Chief Growth Officer, Babylist
• Leilani Han, Executive Director, Commerce, New York Times Wirecutter
• Jamie Miles, Vice President, eCommerce, Penske Media Corporation
• Meghan Muntean, EVP, Commerce & Revenue Development, Bustle
• Mary Schulke, Associate Director, Affiliate Marketing, Walmart
• Jessica Spira, VP Commerce, Hearst Newspapers

Today's digital media landscape is facing significant headwinds. Rapid advances in technology, including the evolution of generative AI and constant changes to Google's search algorithm, have forced affiliate marketers to adapt their business models, embrace new channels, and experiment with innovative approaches to digital commerce. Ensuring long-term profitability will require simple yet effective tools that deliver maximum value from high-quality content and audience engagement.

"As the industry evolves rapidly, it's more important than ever to have an open dialogue with other leading affiliate experts and tech partners so that we can learn how to improve our practices to better serve consumers best-in-class shopping recommendations," said Jamie Miles, VP, E-Commerce for Penske Media Corporation.

Over the next 12 months, the steering committee will meet regularly with affiliate marketing stakeholders representing publishers, merchants, and affiliate networks to explore industry challenges, uncover opportunities, and exchange ideas on best practices to drive innovation. The group will also work directly with the Sovrn Commerce team, providing feedback on the Sovrn Commerce platform and identifying opportunities to develop new functionality that will empower affiliate marketers to meet their business goals and take control of their revenue potential.

About Sovrn

Sovrn provides products and services to thousands of online publishers to help them understand, operate, and grow their business. Sovrn is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with offices in New York and London.

With thousands of customers deploying advertising, affiliate marketing, and data products across more than 80,000 websites, Sovrn reaches over 500 million active consumers generating 40 billion page views every day. Sovrn has been a leader in online publisher technology since its founding and has been recognized by IAB, JICWEBS, and TAG for its role in combating fraud and promoting pro-transparency initiatives. Visit sovrn.com to learn more.

SOURCE Sovrn Holdings, Inc.

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement AwardThe Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in honor of William L. White, renowned recovery historian, author, and mobilizer. It recognizes significant contributions made to the recovery movement through outstanding advocacy, research, or policy reform.

This year's award goes to Sis Wenger, retired President and CEO of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) – VOICE for the Children.

Federal Champion AwardThe Federal Champion Award recognizes individuals within the Federal Government who have demonstrated transformational leadership and advanced public health efforts to improve the lives of people with mental and substance use disorders.

This year's award goes to Peter Gaumond, Senior Policy Analyst at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Advocate of the Year AwardThe Advocate of the Year Award honors exceptional advocacy leadership demonstrated by family members and youth or emerging adults.

These awards are presented in honor of the legacies of Lisa Mojer-Torres and Joel Hernandez, who each fought to end discrimination against people with substance use disorders.

This year's awards go to Rhonda Johnson, CEO, author, and Certified Peer Specialist Consultant for Now Hope 2 Reality, and Kristina Padilla, Director of Education at the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).

Excellence in Recovery Journalism AwardThe Excellence in Recovery Journalism Award recognizes journalists whose work makes a positive impact by reducing stigma and changing public perceptions of recovery.

As Dr. Melissa Anderson put it: "When we recover loudly, we keep others from dying quietly." The transformative power of journalism in representing recovery narratives and pushing for societal change cannot be understated.

This year's award goes to Elyse Wild, Senior Editor of Tribal Business news.

Attend AHR This SeptemberTickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Register while spots last at https://ahr.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/.

About Faces & Voices of Recovery:Faces & Voices of Recovery is the nation's leading non-profit recovery advocacy organization. We walk side-by-side with recovery community organizations, peer support specialists, communities, and thought leaders all over the country to advocate for normalizing recovery and de-stigmatizing addiction.

About America Honors Recovery:America Honors Recovery celebrates the legacies of recovery pioneers who have broken barriers and honors those that continue their work.

SOURCE Faces & Voices of Recovery

CLEVELAND, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the NBA basketball season draws closer, Libby, the award-winning library reading app from OverDrive, proudly announces its sponsorship of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Lakers Literacy League. As a participating sponsor, Libby and the Lakers will encourage all Laker fans to embrace the lifelong benefits of reading by promoting the resources of their local libraries. Building upon OverDrive's 20+ years of supporting community libraries and literacy, the innovative sponsorship supports the mission of the Lakers Literacy League, the Lakers Girls book club, and a variety of unique community activities. This multi-year sponsorship kicks off with the 2024-25 season and marks a long-term commitment to supporting California libraries.

"We are very excited to have Libby join the Lakers as we provide our community with literacy tools to reinforce the positive effects from reading. By providing monthly literacy activities and incentives to participating classrooms throughout Los Angeles, we can make an impact together," says Mathew Makovec, Director of Community Relations for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Through this sponsorship, which continues through the 2026-27 season, Libby aims to elevate awareness of the diverse and unique resources offered by the Los Angeles Public Library and local libraries throughout the state of California.

"Angelenos love using Libby with their Los Angeles Public Library cards, and we all love the Lakers," says John F. Szabo, City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library. "This exciting partnership will help even more people learn how our libraries are here to support them whether they are just starting out, getting ready to start over, or anywhere along the way."

As a vibrant community hub, LAPL offers everything from children's storytimes for the youngest learners and their families, to homework help and college readiness classes for students and online classes that promote lifelong learning. The library also helps patrons navigate an increasingly digital world while staying on the forefront of innovation and creativity, as evidenced by its makerspaces and the digital resources available throughout its system – all available to residents for free with a library card.

Libby's sponsorship of the Los Angeles Lakers aligns with the company's mission to support public libraries and foster a love for reading. As part of this commitment, Libby recently launched the "Check Out Your Library" initiative, aimed at driving awareness, engagement, and love for public libraries. The campaign, in partnership with OverDrive's award-winning apps Sora and Kanopy, encourages people to visit their local library to explore all they have to offer and to get involved in library programs and services.

Libby's association with the Los Angeles Lakers highlights a shared commitment to education, community enrichment, and lifelong learning, ensuring that the benefits of reading and library engagement reach as many people as possible. To learn more about Libby, visit www.overdrive.com/apps/libby.

About OverDrive OverDrive is a mission-based company that stands with libraries. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 92,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry's largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, video and other content. OverDrive empowers libraries and schools by expanding access for all through tireless industry advocacy and consistent innovation. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, Kanopy, the leading video streaming app for libraries and colleges, and TeachingBooks.net, which offers one of the largest catalogs of supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com

Contact:Madison Stoneburner(216) 573-6886[email protected] 

SOURCE OverDrive

Francis Ford Coppola told Rolling Stone that he didn’t want Megalopolis to be looked upon as “some woke Hollywood production,” which is why the cast includes a few controversial actors.

Megalopolis features a sprawling ensemble cast, which includes Jon Voight, noted for his conservative views and being a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, as well as Shia LaBeouf, who has been accused of sexual assault. “What I didn’t want to happen is that we’re deemed some woke Hollywood production that’s simply lecturing viewers,” Coppola said. “The cast features people who were canceled at one point or another. There were people who are archconservatives and others who are extremely politically progressive. But we were all working on one film together. That was interesting, I thought.“

Coppola did add that things were tense between himself and LaBeouf. “Shia [LaBeouf] really took to it,” Coppola said. “I had no experience working with him prior to this, but he deliberately sets up a tension between himself and the director to an extreme degree. He reminds me of Dennis Hopper, who would do something similar, and then you’d say, ‘Just go do anything,’ and then they go off and do something brilliant.“

A new trailer for Megalopolis was released last week, but it was pulled just hours later when it became apparent that the quotes from negative reviews of Coppola’s previous movies, such as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, had been faked. “Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis,” said a Lionsgate spokesperson. “We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry.“

The official synopsis for Megalopolis reads: “Megalopolis is a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.” The film is currently slated to hit theaters on September 27th.

NEW MARKET, Va., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of NeoMasculinity.Solutions, a pioneering initiative co-founded by John T. Krotec and Dan Ploger aimed at empowering men to embrace and redefine their roles in society. The launch is accompanied by the release of The Sentinel Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to foster critical thinking and uphold truth in the digital age. NeoMasculinity Minutes, a podcast show, is also scheduled for release.

John T. Krotec, co-founder of NeoMasculinity.Solutions, states, "We hope to empower men on a massive scale and embolden them to embrace their masculinity, to fulfill their masculine roles, and to protect their loved ones from the threats caused by unreliable information. We are also set on creating a global education program that teaches 'critical thinking skills' to everyone. In this age of information, humanity has its greatest challenge yet—how to deal with the continuous bombardment of unreliable information which is destroying families, relationships, cultures, and societies worldwide. For us to thrive, men and women must put an end to this practice. Truth is absolute. This is our mission, and it's within our reach if we commit to it."

The Sentinel Handbook serves as a foundational text for NeoMasculinity.Solutions, outlining the importance of men as protectors of truth and arbiters of information. The handbook addresses the detrimental effects of misinformation and propaganda and presents strategies for identifying and combating these threats. The book will be distributed worldwide, via the website and Amazon, in English, Spanish, German, Italian, with a total of eight languages.

Sixty-seven percent of Americans believe fake news causes a great deal of confusion. Ninety-four percent believe they have at least once been misled or influenced by disinformation before finding out it was false information. NeoMasculinity.Solutions and its handbook advocate for a return to nature-defined masculine roles that support the family unit and societal stability. The organization emphasizes that masculinity, when expressed with integrity and truth, is essential for societal well-being.

The initiative has already garnered support from various thinkers and celebrities who align with its values of education, family, and truth. "It's good to see a man who isn't afraid to live out his masculinity," commented actress Miranda Otto. John Krotec adds, "The vintage masculine ideals of honor, duty, and strength are more relevant than ever in today's world."

NeoMasculinity.Solutions is poised to influence discussions on gender roles, information integrity, and societal health through its educational campaigns and public engagements. The Sentinel Handbook is set to become the global curriculum for critical thinking.

The initiative has also secured ambassador support from notable figures such as Ryan Weaver, Country Music Artist, Former US Army Blackhawk Aviator & Inspirational Speaker, and other worldwide ambassadors to be announced soon.

For further information, interviews, or inquiries, please contact neomasculinity.solutions.

About NeoMasculinity.SolutionsFounded by John T. Krotec and Dan Ploger, NeoMasculinity.Solutions is an educational organization dedicated to empowering men to fulfill their traditional roles in modern society responsibly and honorably. It aims to provide men with the tools to become custodians of truth and rational thought in an increasingly complex world.

For further information, interviews, or inquiries, please contact: John Krotec at [email protected]

Contact: John KrotecEmail: [email protected] Tel: 941-400-7333

SOURCE NeoMasculinity.Solutions

Paramount took to social media to announce that production has begun on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and no one looks more thrilled than Paul Giamatti. The Academy Award-nominated actor is a big Star Trek fan and is set to play the main villain of the series. You can catch him in the image below throwing up the double Vulcan salute with his fellow cast members outside the Star Trek Stage at Pinewood Studios in Toronto.

Taking place in the 32nd-century era of Star Trek: Discovery, Starfleet Academy will follow a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. The series stars Kerrice Brooks (My Old Ass), Bella Shepard (Wolf Pack), George Hawkins (Tell Me Everything), Karim Diané (One Of Us Is Lying), Zoë Steiner (Significant Others), and Sandro Rosta (Snitches Get Stitches). The cast also includes Holly Hunter (The Incredibles) as the captain and chancellor of Starfleet Academy. There will also be a few familiar faces. Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, and Mary Wiseman will be reprising their Discovery roles of Jett Reno, Admiral Vance, and Slyvia Tilly, respectively. Additionally, Robert Picardo will be playing the Doctor, reprising the role in live-action for the first time since Star Trek: Voyager.

I’m very excited to see what Paul Giamatti will bring to Starfleet Academy, particularly as he’s such a big fan of the franchise. During the Star Trek Universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con, franchise producer Alex Kurtzman spoke about how wonderful it felt to have “one of the greatest actors in the world” want to come join them. They gave Giamatti a few options for possible roles as they didn’t think he’d have much time in his schedule, but the actor wanted the full experience. “We thought it was going to be one episode because his schedule is so busy, and he was like, ‘No, I want to play the villain,’” Kurtzman said. “And we’re like, ‘That’s the whole season,” and he said, “Great, let’s do it.’“

We’ve got plenty of Star Trek to look forward to in addition to Starfleet Academy, including a third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (with a fourth season already ordered), the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the Section 31 movie starring Michelle Yeoh, and a live-action comedy series in development from Justin Simien and Tawny Newsome.