News Hub | News Direct

Lifestyle

Beverage: Coffee/Tea/Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Spirits/Beer/Wine Casino/Gaming Fashion Food/Cooking/Baking Health & Fitness Home Goods Hospitality Leisure Activities & Hobbies Parenting Pets Photography Seniors Travel & Tourism
Article thumbnail News Release

YourFMO Helps Provide 3 Million Meals to Feeding America® in 2023

YourFMO

YourFMO, a national, non-governmental, independent marketing organization providing agents with valuable resources to help clients decide on Medicare options, announced that it has donated a milestone 3 million meals to Feeding America in 2023. YourFMO first partnered with Feeding America in 2019 with a shared goal: to help people get the food and resources they need to thrive. In service of this partnership, YourFMO donates the equivalent of 10 meals for every effective insurance enrollment that agents submit through the YourFMO Enrollment Center. Since the inception of this program in 2019, agent submissions via the YourFMO Enrollment Center, an essential agent resource, have grown significantly, resulting in an overall donation of the equivalent of 7.5 million meals to the Feeding America network of food banks, food pantries, and local meal programs. In 2023, YourFMO set an aggressive goal to donate the equivalent of 1 million meals. “We were thrilled to have reached 2 million meals this year, but to see us now passing the 3 million meal mark, we could not be more pleased” said Matthew Graham, senior vice president and YourFMO program leader. “We’re exceptionally grateful for the independent agents who use our enrollment center. Their support is the reason we reached this milestone in the battle against hunger.” Through its Feeding America partnership, the YourFMO team has gained new insights into the challenges faced by Americans experiencing food insecurity. Graham said the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn brought into clearer focus the important services Feeding America provides, especially within the senior population. According to Feeding America, 1 in 14 seniors, age 60 and older, was food insecure in 2021 and 7.1% of the senior population was food insecure. Every state is home to seniors and older adults who experience food insecurity. “YourFMO’s support of Feeding America has been outstanding,” said Lauren Biedron, senior vice president, Corporate Partnerships, Feeding America. “Through their generosity, they have helped to provide 7.5 million meals since 2019 to our neighbors facing hunger in the U.S. We are appreciative of YourFMO and thank them for their support." YourFMO’s support for Feeding America has inspired other efforts, including those with one of its closest partners. “The YourFMO team is relatively small, but they have motivated others across AmeriLife,” said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health for AmeriLife. “We’ve used YourFMO’s blueprint to organize other highly successful events with Feeding America throughout our company, and it’s uplifting to know that the food donations from our partners and employees have also helped so many in our community and across our nation.” YourFMO’s commitment to Feeding America will continue into the new year. “We’re so very grateful for the support from our independent agents and AmeriLife,” added Graham. “If we keep up this pace, YourFMO is certain to exceed an overall donation of 10 million meals in 2024.” Individuals wanting to support YourFMO’s efforts can visit its Team Feed Corporate donation page to make a financial contribution. ### About YourFMO YourFMO is a national non-government, independent marketing organization that is a one-stop shop for independent agents to grow their business. The site provides agents with the information they need to help their clients make thoughtful Medicare decisions. YourFMO provides agent and consumer resources, including the YourFMO Enrollment Center, which is a multi-carrier platform that allows agents to compare, quote, and enroll their clients conveniently in one place. For more information, visit YourFMO.com. About Feeding America Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://yourfmo.com/

December 05, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Cedar Point Collegiate Softball League to Launch in 2024 at Sports Force Parks in Ohio

Ripken Baseball

Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center announced the formation of the Cedar Point Collegiate League, a new softball league that will launch in the summer of 2024 in Sandusky, Ohio, located on the shores of Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo. The Cedar Point Collegiate League will operate under the umbrella of the American Collegiate League (ACL), the national body of governance for regional NCAA summer league softball that was established in 2022. Scheduled to take place during June and July, the league will feature up to six teams, each with a roster of 16 players. The league aims to provide opportunities for youth and amateur softball players to showcase their skills and foster greater interest in the sport. Prospective players can apply for participation at americancollegiateleague.com. Players will have access to summer job opportunities through the Cedar Point Amusement Park and have lodging options through employee housing at Cedar Point or The Landing Residence Hall at Terra State College. Participation in the league will include a fitness center membership and access to an indoor turf training facility. “The Cedar Point Collegiate League represents a significant expansion in our mission to offer college softball athletes more diverse training and competition options nationwide,” said Ryan Moore, President of the American Collegiate League. “This new league not only provides a top-tier venue for athletes to sharpen their skills during the summer but also plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of youth softball players.” “Ohio's vibrant sports culture and strong community support make it an outstanding location for advancing softball – and our facility at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center, with its state-of-the-art amenities, stands as the perfect stage for the new league,” said Amanda Shank, Vice President of Business Development at Ripken Baseball®, which acquired the center in May 2023. “We're thrilled to contribute significantly to the growth and development of collegiate softball athletes by offering them a platform where they can hone their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a high level.” Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center boasts versatile facilities, including 11 high-quality softball/baseball synthetic turf diamonds, and features batting cages, spectator seating, and scoreboards at each field. Ripken Baseball also recently announced the acquisition of Baseball Factory™ and Softball Factory™, an organization focused on player development for ages 11 to 18. On the softball side, 88% of Div. I and Division II schools have at least one Softball Factory alum and 71% of Division III level. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour® (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center (Ohio), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also develops and trains athletes through the acquisition of Baseball Factory™ and Softball Factory™. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. Contact Details Eric PR & Marketing, LLC Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.americancollegiateleague.com/

December 05, 2023 07:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair returns in January 2024

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Fair Websites HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair – hktoyfair.hktdc.com HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair – hkbabyfair.hktdc.com Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair – hkstationeryfair.com HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 December 2023 - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the 50 th edition of Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 15 th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 22 nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will be held from 8-11 January 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fairs will return in EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, complemented by the "Click2Match", an online smart business matching platform that will operate on 1-18 January, providing an extended platform for traders to connect beyond geographical limits. Buyer Registration link: https://bit.ly/3Tm2viH Hong Kong's toy industry Hong Kong exporters have a reputation for high quality toys. Contract manufacturing with overseas manufacturers and license holders generates a large share of the industry's revenues. Taken together with re-exports, Hong Kong was the world's eighth largest toy exporter in 2022. Meanwhile, the ASEAN market has become a key export destination for the Hong Kong toy industry recently, with its share of Hong Kong toys exports growing from 8.4% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2022. According to the International Trade Centre, emerging markets such as mainland China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Poland will continue be the key drivers of the global toys market. Revenue from Asia market is projected to grow faster than global average in the next 5 years, according to Statista. Toys & Games revenue amounts to US$38.34billion in 2023, which is projected to grow by an average rate of 3.5% between 2023-2028, versus world market growth of 2.6%. Demand for toys and games in Asia has been boosted by the region's young demographic, growing household incomes, and the rising popularity of Asia's pop culture and entertainment brands, from Hallyu (Korean Wave), Japanese anime, and to an increasing extent T-culture (Thailand). Strong Asian participation at HK Toys Fair Against this backdrop, the upcoming Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair features an extensive array of innovative and smart tech toys, creating ample sourcing opportunities for buyers. In the coming edition, the three concurrent fairs are expected to welcome around 2,500 global exhibitors, showcasing a broad selection of smart toys, quality baby products and creative stationery. Alongside with the presence of 'World of Toys' pavilion which features mainly European exhibits, the fairs also feature a strong line-up from Asia, including group pavilions from Mainland China, Korea and Taiwan, as well as exhibitors from India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. The strong presence of Asian toy exhibitors in the fair provides an excellent and ideal avenue for those looking to expand their sourcing reach. New zones to debut at the 50 th HK Toys & Games Fair The collectibles market has become a significant part of the toy industry, with growing numbers of adults and seniors collecting toys. A new Collectible Toys zone is launched at the Kidult World. Hong Kong exhibitor Yu Tung Technology Limited is the global licensee for multiple global brands. They created the proprietary Internal Interconnect Endoskeleton System (IIES) that incorporated IIES into 24" Optimus Prime from Bumblebee the Movie. They are also making PLAMO for Transformers from Bumblebee the Movie and for kids' category products like Toy Story 4, Cars 3, Minions and TF Rescue Bots. To promote Hong Kong's creative industries and branded toys to the world, Hong Kong Brand Toy Association (HKBTA) will set up a pavilion at the toys fair for the first time. Threezero (HK) Ltd is a high-end collectible toys company with design and development teams based in Hong Kong. They will exhibit high-quality collectible figures based on characters from pop culture around the world. Sustainability takes centre stage in the fair. The new Green Toys zone showcases exhibitors with commitment to eco‑friendly innovations. Banatoys Co., Limited is a toy branding supplier focusing on creative R & D and branding solutions. They are committed to developing and designing toys with high quality, safety and environmental responsibility. The Smart-Tech Toys and Games zone will showcase a wide array of tech-based toys and games including those operated via mobile apps, or incorporated with the latest VR, AR and MR technologies. Exhibitor Cheertone (HK) Industrial Co Limited has an innovative team with experienced product developing engineers. The company will exhibit kids' smart watches, kids' camera, kids' learning machines and game console. Other highlighted product zones including the Brand Name Gallery, which will feature unique and innovative products by internationally renowned brands, including Eastcolight, Hape, Welly, Classic World, Rastar, Masterkkidz, AURORA and more. Presenting industry trends A series of events will be held for visitors to keep abreast of the latest industry development and strengthen their networks. The inaugural Asian Toys & Games Forum will feature speaker from reputable international market research provider, who will share valuable insights on the market outlook, emerging trends, and unique opportunities for the toys and games industry in Asia. Children Research expert will analyse consumer preferences across generations, highlighting the strategies necessary for success in expanding brand horizons within the toys and games industry. Steering the industry towards a sustainable future, the Forum will invite speaker from prominent global testing and certification company to offer informative session on achieving sustainability goals throughout the production journey, from concept and design to certification. The forum will also delve into trending topics such as 'phygital' toys and AI, looking into the future of the toys and games industry and the opportunities these trends may present. Concurrent events create crossover opportunities The HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will be held concurrently. The Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will present a wide range of baby products, including strollers and baby gear, bedding and furniture, skincare and bath products, baby clothing and footwear and maternity products to buyers while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, will assemble the latest art and craft supplies, gift stationery, back-to-school items, office and school supplies. The three fairs provide abundant trading opportunities and good potential for crossover business activities among the participants from various sectors. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn Contact Details Senior Media Relations Executive Leila Cheng +852 2240 4049 leila.sy.cheng@hktdc.org

December 05, 2023 05:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

OPPO and Fashion Pioneer AMBUSH® Launch Exclusive New Accessory for the OPPO Find N3 Flip

OPPO

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 December 2023 - OPPO, a leading smart device brand, announced a new collaboration with fashion house AMBUSH®. The collaboration centers on a unique, stylish Flipped Padlock smartphone case designed exclusively for the OPPO Find N3 Flip by AMBUSH® Creative Director, YOON. As OPPO's latest collaboration in the world of fashion, the new campaign extends OPPO's commitment to exploring the frontiers of fashion through its compact yet powerful Find N Flip series phones. Through the collaboration, OPPO and AMBUSH® seek to reimagine the intersection of style and functionality with the new OPPO X AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK, inspired by the Heart Padlock Bag designed by YOON. Perfectly embodying OPPO's brand mission, "Inspiration Ahead," the Flipped Padlock stays true to YOON's signature heart-shaped design, enveloping the compact OPPO Find N3 Flip in a trendy, eye-catching pink shade for a chic look. The OPPO X AMBUSH® collaboration goes beyond what meets the eye. The two brands have intertwined their unique styles to present a dynamic fusion of cutting-edge technology and pioneering fashion that resonates with today's tech-savvy style icons. By bringing together the powerful yet compact OPPO Find N3 Flip with YOON and AMBUSH®'s forward-looking designs, the partnership showcases how technology and fashion can be flawlessly blended. "I've been a sci-fi fan since I was a kid, and technology development has always inspired my designs. The return of the Flip phone trend has brought me back to the late 1990s, a pivotal time in fashion, when futuristic styles were on the rise, and people started using style as a status symbol. This collaboration explores how the smartphone, our most-used technology product, can become an extension of who we are. With the Flipped Padlock and Flip phone, you can be anyone you want to be, which is exactly what AMBUSH® has always stood for," said YOON, Creative Director of AMBUSH®. Like AMBUSH®, the OPPO Find N3 Flip fuses vintage and modern inspiration with its retro flip design and cutting-edge technology. In its design of the Flipped Padlock, AMBUSH® has taken cues from the sleek body and powerful performance of the Find N3 Flip to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that collides Y2K style with contemporary trends. AMBUSH®'s imprint on the Flipped Padlock stands out instantly, thanks to its heart shape and metal padlock handle. Like these contrasting elements, the Flipped Padlock allows the wearer to flip the script on any situation too. No matter the circumstances, a flip is all that's needed to unlock a boundless world. The OPPO X AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK case for the OPPO Find N3 Flip is set to debut in December in China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. To learn more about the OPPO X AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK and availability, please visit the official campaign website. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. About AMBUSH® AMBUSH® was founded in 2008 by YOON and VERBAL as an experimental line of jewelry - innovative pop art-inspired designs capturing a distinct Tokyo aesthetic. The iconic trademarked POW!® motif received wide media coverage around the world. With apparel created as a canvas to complete the aesthetic YOON envisioned, AMBUSH® evolved into unisex ready-to-wear collections. The brand made its Paris debut in 2015 with YOON and VERBAL listed as two of Business of Fashion's Top500 people influencing the global fashion industry for 4 consecutive years since 2015. In 2017 AMBUSH® was selected as one of the top 8 finalists for the LVMH PRIZE. AMBUSH®'s uniquely crafted parts form an idiosyncratic style that led to commissions and collaborations with an illustrious list, including Nike, Converse, Rimowa, Moët & Chandon, Gentle Monster, Bvlgari, Sacai, UNDERCOVER and others. In 2018, AMBUSH® debuted at Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo. In the same year, Kim Jones named YOON as Jewelry Director for Dior Men, with the first creations for the house appearing in the S/S 2019 collection in Paris. In 2022, AMBUSH® presented the brand's first runway at Milan Fashion Week and began experimenting with Web3 and other technologies to enhance the customer experience. AMBUSH® opened its first Tokyo flagship store in September 2016; the second store in Tokyo opened in 2019. The brand expanded globally in 2022 and 2023 with new stores in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Ginza. These spaces encapsulate the brand's ethos and extend the AMBUSH® Universe. Contact Details OPPO Media Contact press@oppo.com

December 05, 2023 03:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Dazzling Avenue of Stars Runway for Louis Vuitton and Pharrell Williams’ First Fashion Show Highlights Hong Kong as World-Class Stage for Mega Events

The Avenue of Stars Management Company

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 December 2023 - Hong Kong's Avenue of Stars lit up in the glitziest fashion on Friday night (30 November) as French fashion house Louis Vuitton took over the promenade for its first-ever fashion show in the city. Overlooking Hong Kong's stunning skyline, Victoria Harbour and the revitalised Victoria Dockside, Louis Vuitton's Men's Pre-Fall 2024 show was a nod to the city's cultural vibrancy and nautical past, and showcased Hong Kong's allure as a world stage for mega, cultural events. Led by Louis Vuitton men's creative director Pharrell Williams, the Avenue of Stars was transformed into a sandy beach, as models marched down digital displays of lapping waves. One of the biggest spectacles of its kind in Asia, hundreds of international stars and socialites lined the promenade, including Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari, French actor Tahar Rahim, American rapper Pusha T, Chinese idol band TNT, South Korean actor Song Joong-ki, as well as Hong Kong celebrities Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, and Louis Koo. The success of the momentous event was attributed to facilitation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, which offered its full support to Louis Vuitton, including coordination of approvals, venue usage and layout, as well as crowd control, ensuring the show advanced smoothly from conception to fruition, and all planned in only a few months. The Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department also played instrumental roles in staging the remarkable event. Ending with a riveting light show above Victoria Harbour, where a squadron of choreographed drones displayed "LVers" (a combination of Louis Vuitton's monogram with the word "lovers"), the show sent a message of positivity to Hong Kong and the rest of the world. The event was livestreamed on Louis Vuitton's social media accounts, attracting over 10 million views, and is still reaching eyeballs on multiple social media platforms transmitting snapshots of the magnificent show to the globe. Hong Kong's international comeback as a hub for mega cultural events The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to enticing international and mega arts and cultural events, cultivating Hong Kong as an arts and cultural metropolis and tourist attraction. Locals and tourists alike can expect more acclaimed events in the city over the coming year. Contact Details Isabel Kwok +852 6475 7796 isabel.kwok@citigatedewerogerson.com

December 05, 2023 02:21 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Investors Dogpile Into Dogecoin and Galaxy Fox for End-of-Year Crypto Surge

RoundHouse Media

Investors Dogpile Into Dogecoin and Galaxy Fox for End-of-Year Crypto Surge As 2023 comes to an end, investors are piling into $DOGE and $GFOX for a massive end-of-year crypto surge. So, why these two? The upcoming DOGE-1 moon mission, a SpaceX project fully funded by $DOGE, drives the excitement surrounding Dogecoin. Meanwhile, Galaxy Fox ($GFOX), a more recent arrival on the market, gained major interest after raising over $400k in a few short weeks. These remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, and investors have started to look at these two as the best meme coins to buy now. What Makes $GFOX the Best ICO Crypto of 2023? Galaxy Fox is quickly becoming very popular on the market with its rewarding and exciting platform that blends gaming, DeFi, staking, and NFTs. This new ERC20 coin powers a Web3 running game where users can compete with each other and gain tangible rewards. Each gaming season, which will be held weekly and monthly, the top 20% of players will receive a share of the prize pool. This pool, raised with the in-game purchases, also funds the treasury and supports long-term project growth. An essential component of the Galaxy Fox ecosystem is staking. This program is powered by 2% of all transaction fees, which are collected in the Galaxy Fox Stargate reward pool. This setup, which rewards investors who lock up their $GFOX tokens, supports long-term holding and gives $GFOX a great competitive edge among the best meme coins to buy now. A clever tax structure supports the further sustainability of the token. Besides the mentioned 2% staking pool fee, another 4% is deducted from each $GFOX sale/purchase, supporting liquidity pool and treasury. This approach guarantees a steady stream of capital for future expansion and discourages investors from selling. One of the most notable aspects of Galaxy Fox is its presale, whose phased approach indicates a guaranteed 450% growth by the end. The presale will include ten separate stages, each will start at a higher price and, in the end, will reward the earliest backers with the highest rewards. Apart from this, the whole ICO phase will be packed with bonuses and giveaways, so the chances to profit with $GFOX are truly massive. The project has just entered the second presale phase, but many expect quick sellouts, considering the intensive buying pressure and adoption rate. So, ensure you join in early and benefit from all these opportunities. Is $DOGE Rebounding? In May 2021, SpaceX founder Elon Musk, in collaboration with Geometric Energy Corporation, first announced the DOGE-1 mission, which aims to broadcast advertisements from space. The plan was to integrate it into an Intuitive Machines ridesharing mission. According to the latest news, NTIA has finally approved the project’s X-Band frequency. This development, considering the DOGE-1 Satellite being fully funded by $DOGE, has already positively impacted the cryptocurrency's performance. It's important to keep an open mind on Dogecoin, though. While such events can cause some short price boosts, $DOGE’s long-term growth is always a topic of debate. This is because $DOGE is inflationary and lacks in-house developments, which have always been, and most likely will be, the main reasons for its volatility and sharp declines. Summary Finding the best meme coins to buy now is a tricky task. Yet, looking at the market direction and trends can help a lot. $DOGE seems to rebound finally, but the hype might be short-lived. Meanwhile, Galaxy Fox is becoming a fascinating new player, with an ecosystem built for long-term success and consistent financial returns. So don’t miss out on this exciting newcomer with insane profit potential. Check out their presale today to cash in on the biggest rewards. Learn more about $GFOX here: Visit Galaxy Fox Presale | Join the Community Contact Details Team media@galaxyfox.io

December 04, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

SIGMA America Announces First-Ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway"

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, today announced its first-ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway" which offers the chance to win SIGMA lens packages in the month of December for four mirrorless interchangeable lens camera systems. The four lens package prizes are: Week #1 (Dec. 4-10) Three ultra-fast SIGMA prime lenses for Fujifilm X Mount cameras (MSRP $1,267) 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Week #2 (Dec. 11-17) Three pro-level F2.8 zoom lenses for Sony E-Mount cameras (MSRP $3,997) 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Week #3 (Dec. 18-24) Three pro-level F2.8 zoom lenses for Panasonic, Leica & SIGMA L-Mount cameras (MSRP $3,997) 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Week #4 (Dec. 25-31) Three ultra-fast SIGMA prime lenses for Nikon Z cameras (MSRP $1,397) 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary "Four lucky photographers will win lens sets featuring some of the most well-regarded lenses available for each mirrorless camera platform, and bring their equipment portfolio to a whole new level," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of SIGMA America. "The Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway is our way of expressing gratitude to SIGMA's loyal customers during the holiday season, welcoming new customers, and supporting the growth of the art of photography." Interested photographers can complete the entry form here for a chance to win the first of four lens packages. Entrants can also earn bonus chances to win by browsing the SIGMA America website, answering some easy questions, and visiting SIGMA on social media. Entry information for additional giveaways can be found in the coming weeks on SIGMA America social media channels. Although there will only be four winners in SIGMA's first-ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway," all holiday shoppers have the chance to enjoy savings on dozens of SIGMA lenses through the 2023 Holiday Sale. ### About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA CINE lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA CINE lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products, or follow SIGMA America on social media. SIGMA Photo: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram SIGMA CINE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Stacey Doss Stacey@sddpr.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

December 04, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Design from Taiwan Shines Worldwide

Asia University Taiwan International Student Design

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 4 December 2023 - Organized by the Ministry of Education, the Taiwan International Student Design Competition is the biggest international competition of its kind. Initiated back in 2008, it is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year. Widely recognized by the global design community for being both prestigious and trustworthy, TISDC serves as the best example of the Ministry of Education's success in promoting design education. Starting from this year, TISDC begins its collaboration with local governments, including Chiayi City Government, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chiayi City Government, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Kinmen County Government. The competition encompasses three categories: Product Design, Visual Design, and Digital Animation. With "compassion" as the theme of this year, the competition invited students from all over the world to observe and care more about the world and their surroundings. With a compassionate and caring mindset, they can make the world a better place. The award ceremony of the 2023 Taiwan International Student Design Competition was held at Eslite Performance Hall in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City on December 1st, 2023. This year, a total of 18,367 entries representing 1,161 universities, colleges, departments, and schools from 56 countries and regions participated in the competition. The jury panel consisted of international professionals. During the preliminary selection, 741 works were shortlisted by 112 professionals from 31 countries, with 38 jurors from Taiwan and 74 from abroad, accounting for 34% and 66% respectively. The final selection was held face-to-face and the judging panel consisted of professional judges from Taiwan and 21 representatives from international design associations, making it a diverse group of 41 judges from all five continents. Eventually, 85 works were selected as winners, which means only 4% of the works can be a finalist and the winning rate was even as low as 0.46%. It shows how rare and precious it is to stand out from all the other works. The prizes are listed as the following: 1 grand prix of the year and 1 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze, and 12 honorable mentions for each category (sponsored by the Ministry of Education); 21 international design association special prizes (jointly sponsored by iSee Taiwan Foundation and Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation); 3 environmental sustainability awards and six regional special awards (established by TPCA Environment Foundation); one special award and two honorable mentions in collaboration with the Chiayi City Government. With the sponsorship of iSee Taiwan Foundation and Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation since 2015, TISDC has been collaborating with 21 international design associations. These reputed global design partners are located across the five continents of Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. These 21 organizations, which have authorized the establishment of international design association special prizes in TISDC, include Cumulus, International Council of Design (ICoD), World Design Organization (WDO), The Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA), Pan Afrikan Design Institute (PADI), etc. The winners of these international design association special prizes this year came from Poland, India, Thailand, the United States, Taiwan, and so on. The collaboration of global partners builds an international design exchange platform that can expand the impact of design from Taiwan, allow Taiwan to be seen and known for design, and provide young students worldwide with a stage where they can shine and unleash great potential. Contact Details Asia University Taiwan International Student Design Competition Executive Miira Lin tisdc.tw@gmail.com

December 04, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Top Toys (and Trends) for the Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

The holidays are here, and as always, the most on-trend and innovative products will continue to be atop of wish lists. But this year, parents are looking to shop smart and are seeking out feature-rich toys that offer bang for their buck. Recently, Toy Trends Specialist with The Toy Association, Jennifer Lynch, participated in a nationwide virtual media tour to discuss the top toys and trends for the holiday season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/EBX9bVGD9jQ According to new research from the Toy Association, 64% of parents are looking to make connections with their kids this holiday season by buying todays they can play with together and create memories. Here are some of the top toys this holiday season: Rubble & Crew Bark Yard Crane Tower Playset Based on the construction yard and home base for the pups in Rubble & Crew, the new PAW Patrol spin-off series, this playset stands over 2 feet tall, providing hours of preschool-friendly building play. The playset comes with 12 ounces of all-new Kinetic Build-It Sand, four molds, interchangeable tools and a Rubble vehicle and pup, encouraging open-ended sensory play for preschoolers. Lights, sounds, music, and phrases from the series help bring the setting to life for fans. Hot Wheels® Ultimate T-Rex Transporter The Hot Wheels™ City Ultimate Hauler can gobble up and haul more than 20 1:64 scale cars and then transform into a growling, stomping T-Rex with a race track on its back. In hauler mode, pull it by the handle and it will eat the 1:64 scale cars in its path. Lower the tail and it transforms into a Robo T-Rex with lights and sounds and a two-lane race track. Kids can also launch cars from its mouth! Two 1:64 scale Hot Wheels® cars are included. Bearlieve Bear Bearlieve Bear is Build-A-Bear Workshop's first-ever interactive furry friend that responds to touch and the sound of your voice. From opening its eyes to wiggling its ears to verbalizing sweet phrases, Bearlieve Bear is poised to capture the hearts of children and adults alike as the must-have gift of the season. Guests can partake in Build-A-Bear’s special stuffing experience to create this new furry friend and participate in a specially designed heart ceremony to bring their new friend to life. Bearlieve Bear comes to life in Build-A-Bear Workshops in its own unique way as guests proclaim, “I BEARlieve!” while pressing the red heart on its paw during the iconic heart ceremony. Bearlieve Bear is introduced in Build-A-Bear’s family-friendly holiday film, Glisten and the Merry Mission. Storytime With Sunny Sunny’s expressive personality engages kiddos as she tells stories with surprising plot twists to keep them hanging on her every word. Sunny invites participation in 300+ activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly jokes, tongue twisters, daily routines and much more. Her animated face and movements add emotion and expression to jokes, stories and songs, inviting kids to respond as she asks them what they think. Sunny teaches healthy habits, encouraging good manners, brushing teeth and mindfulness exercises. Cleanup time is easy with a dedicated disk rack to store the four disks. When the day is done, take a quiet moment with Sunny as she leads kids in a bedtime routine. Set her gentle alarm, then fall asleep to her softly glowing night-light. Spy Guy Game Take on the role of Spy Guy, whose task is to find and catch a criminal who is prowling the city! Players will work together to search the long jigsaw puzzle board for clues aiming to catch the culprit as quickly as possible! Can you catch the criminal before he escapes from the city? Available at Target, Amazon, Trefl.com. For more information on these toys and much more, visit thegeniusofplay.org About Jennifer Lynch As an official spokesperson and toy trends specialist for The Toy Association, Jennifer Lynch chats with toymakers throughout the year to track trends and developments impacting the toy aisles and kids’ entertainment. She has been interviewed by publications including New York Magazine, Inc. Magazine, The Spruce and Insider, and made appearances on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, ABC News, KTLA-TV, Good Day Philadelphia, WGN Chicago, Bloomberg Radio, and CNET, among others. Jennifer has more than a decade of experience covering the toy and kids’ entertainment industries. Prior, she served as the editorial manager for aNb Media and its b2c review site TTPM.com, where she oversaw all digital and print communications, reviewed product, and co-hosted a web series conducting in-depth interviews with toy industry executives. She began her career in her home state of Pennsylvania, handling marketing communications for Penn State’s art galleries (her alma mater). She resides in New Jersey with her husband and baby girl. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 04, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
1 ... 5960616263 ... 319