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SPARK Microsystems to Demonstrate Bit-Perfect Wireless Audio Delivery at AES Show 2024 NY

SPARK Microsystems

SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, will showcase an industry-first breakthrough in wireless audio delivery at AES Show 2024 NY (October 8 -10, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York). At the event, SPARK will share the results of an exhaustive third-party expert analysis comparing SPARK ultra-wideband (UWB) digital audio performance versus the performance delivered with a digital wire. On Thursday, October 10, 11AM in Demo Room 3D04, audio industry expert Jeff Anderson will present an audio transmission data comparison of UWB and straight S/PDIF wire links at data rates up to 24 bits and 96Ks/s. In a major breakthrough for the audio industry and a giant leap beyond legacy Bluetooth wireless, the results will show that SPARK UWB audio delivery is indistinguishable from a wired transmission, exhibiting bit-perfect fidelity. Data shows that the SPARK UWB transmission scheme delivers a pristine, uncorrupted audio bit depth at ultra-low latency. Headsets, speakers and audio equipment harnessing this bit-perfect performance profile can deliver wired-like sound quality – without the wires. AES Show 2024 NY attendees are invited to experience SPARK’s breakthrough wireless audio quality for themselves via demonstrations of SPARK’s headset demo kit. Delivering pristine uncompressed 96kHz 24-bit audio quality, the SPARK UWB audio technology featured in the headset design ensures that listeners can enjoy their music and entertainment with flawless sound fidelity. SPARK’s headset demo kit offers support for up to 96kHz stereo audio and a 48kHz 16-bit microphone back channel with an impressive low latency of sub-7ms, making the technology ideal for applications where clear, uninterrupted communication is essential. SPARK audio technology far outperforms legacy Bluetooth in data throughput, low latency and power efficiency, while enabling lower latency and significantly lower power consumption than Wi-Fi-based audio technologies to ensure longer battery life. “SPARK’s reputation for audio excellence has been embraced by prestigious audio brands from Focal to Sonus Faber,” said Fares Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, SPARK Microsystems. “Expert analysis now affirms what these brands and their discerning customers already know – SPARK’s wireless audio delivery performance is unrivaled. I’m looking forward to meeting with attendees, customers and stakeholders at AES Show 2024 NY to discuss the future of wireless audio delivery.” AES Show 2024 NY attendees are invited to visit SPARK Microsystems at Booth 542 for live demonstrations of SPARK’s headset demo kit. Audio industry expert Jeff Anderson will present his research and findings on Thursday, October 10, 11AM, in Demo Room 3D04. About SPARK Microsystems​ SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications while delivering a wired-like performance. For more information, please visit www.sparkmicro.com.​ Contact Details Jenna Beaucage +1 508-340-6851 jbeaucage@rainierco.com Company Website https://www.sparkmicro.com

October 07, 2024 01:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Paddington Bear’s unexpected journey to Peru portrayed in second trailer

Promperu

From today, audiences can join Paddington on a trip to the land where his remarkable journey began in the film's second trailer, which provides an enticing glimpse into the diverse landscapes of Peru that play a crucial role in his latest adventure. “Paddington in Peru”, the new installment of the world's most famous bear, tells the story of his return to his homeland to visit his Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Along with the Brown family, he embarks on an exciting adventure through the country. With the trailer, viewers have been teased with a glimpse of what the incredible destination of Peru can offer. Paddington’s journey highlights the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, in the region of Cusco. This ancient site, known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and panoramic views of the Andes, serves as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilisation. The movie also portrays iconic locations in the country's capital, Lima. The vibrant streets of its Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colonial architecture and bustling markets. The charming Miraflores boardwalk that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, where warm sunsets and coastal vistas create an idyllic backdrop. Starring acclaimed actors Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, “Paddington in Peru” is a Studio Canal (United Kingdom) production based on the English children's story “A Bear Called Paddington” by writer Michael Bond. It will be released in the US and Canada cinemas on January 17, 2025. Film In Peru, PROMPERÚ's strategy to promote the country as a filming location, provided assistance for filming in Lima and Cusco. This support involved coordinating with public and private entities to secure filming and drone usage permits. Additionally, guidance was provided in processing 26 visas for the film crew. In recent years, Film In Peru has supported international audiovisual productions such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Street Food Latin America, Down to earth with Zac Efron, La Reina del Sur, among others. You can watch the second trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELfvaByE9Rg Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PROMPERÚ). We are the government agency in charge of the development and implementation of global strategies to position Peru via the promotion of its image, touristic destinations, added value exports and inversions. Contact Details José Carlos Collazos jcollazos@promperu.gob.pe Company Website http://www.promperu.gob.pe

October 03, 2024 04:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Direxion Launches Netflix and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Single Stock Leveraged and Inverse ETFs

Direxion

Furthering their continued success with Single Stock Leveraged and Inverse ETFs, Direxion, a leading provider of tradeable and thematic ETFs, today announced the launch of two additional pairs. These four funds allow active traders to obtain magnified, or inverse, exposure to the daily performance of the common stock of Netflix, Inc., or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., through either the Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares ( Ticker: NFXL ) and Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares ( Ticker: NFXS ), or the Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares ( Ticker: TSMX ) and Direxion Daily TSM Bear 1X Shares ( Ticker: TSMZ ). “Direxion launched its first two pairs of single stock leveraged and inverse ETFs just over two years ago, amassing more than $3 billion in the expanding suite since,” said Direxion Managing Director, Edward Egilinsky. “Netflix and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing are two of the hottest names in the retail space, lending themselves well to tactical trading in response to potential company events and market sentiment. We look forward to expanding our suite of single stock leveraged and inverse ETFs in the near future.” As ground-breaking products built for active traders, Direxion’s pairs of single stock leveraged and inverse ETFs are meant to be used for short-term trading purposes. Leveraged and inverse single stock ETFs should not be viewed as buy and hold investments, but rather trading tools for traders with a high risk tolerance. In addition, unlike traditional ETFs, or even other levered and/or inverse ETFs, these ETFs track the price of a single stock rather than an index, eliminating the benefits of diversification. All Direxion leveraged and inverse ETFs are intended only for investors with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with seeking leveraged investment results, and who plan to actively monitor and manage their positions. There is no guarantee these ETFs will meet their objective. Please visit the Direxion Leveraged and Inverse ETF Education Center, where you will find educational brochures, videos, and a self-paced online course to help you understand if leveraged ETFs are right for you. About Direxion: Direxion equips investors who are driven by conviction with ETF solutions built for purpose and fine-tuned for precision. These solutions are available for a broad spectrum of investors, whether executing short-term tactical trades, or investing in thematic strategies. Direxion’s reputation is founded on developing products that precisely express market perspectives and allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $48.6 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. For more information, please visit www.direxion.com. There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives. For more information on all Direxion Shares ETFs, go to www.direxion.com, or call us at 866.301.9214. An investor should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus call 866-476-7523 or visit our website at direxion.com. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Investing in the funds involves a high degree of risk. Unlike traditional ETFs, or even other leveraged and/or inverse ETFs, these leveraged and/or inverse single stock ETFs track the price of a single stock rather than an index, eliminating the benefits of diversification. Leveraged and inverse ETFs pursue daily leveraged investment objectives, which means they are riskier than alternatives which do not use leverage. They seek daily goals and should not be expected to track the underlying stock’s performance over periods longer than one day. They are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by investors who understand leverage risk and who actively manage their investments. The Funds will lose money if the underlying stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Bull Fund will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance increases, and the Bear Fund will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance decreases, over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his or her investment in a single day. Investing in the Funds is not the same as investing directly in NFLX or TSM. Entertainment Industry Risk — Companies in the entertainment industry may be impacted by the high costs of research and development of new content and services in an effort to stay relevant in a highly competitive industry, and entertainment products may face a risk of rapid obsolescence. Entertainment companies are subject to risks that include cyclicality of revenues and earnings, changing tastes and topical interests, and decreases in the discretionary income of their targeted consumers. Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk — Because companies in the consumer discretionary sector manufacture products and provide discretionary services directly to the consumer, the success of these companies is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy. Semiconductor Industry Risk – Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on such companies’ profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Companies in the semiconductor industry may have products that face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel. Netflix, Inc. Investing Risk – Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment held by the Fund to be more volatile than the market generally. The value of an individual security or particular type of security may be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. As of the date of this prospectus, in addition to the risks associated with companies in the consumer discretionary sector, and more specifically the entertainment industry, Netflix, Inc. faces risks related to maintaining and expanding membership for its streaming services; competition in the entertainment video market; unforeseen costs or liability in connection with content that is acquired, produced, licensed and/or distributed through its service; the ability to manage change and growth in its business; costs and challenges associated with strategic acquisitions and investments; regulatory changes and legal issues; protecting its intellectual property; consumer data privacy issues; and network operators handling and changing data access. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Investing Risk – Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment held by the Fund to be more volatile than the market generally. The value of an individual security or particular type of security may be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. As of the date of this prospectus, in addition to the risks associated with companies in the semiconductor sector, TSM faces risks associated with: the highly competitive nature of the semiconductor industry; economic and market uncertainty; reductions in demand for its products; potential concentration of revenues in a few large clients; geopolitical events and pandemics; adequate protection of technology or other intellectual property; exchange rates; reliance on third parties to manufacture products; possible shortages of equipment or materials needed to manufacture products; cybersecurity attacks and data breaches; system failures or outages; potential incompatibility of product with some or all industry standard software and hardware; increases in costs; adverse government regulations; regulatory compliance costs; litigation; taxes; indebtedness; and the ability to attract and retain high quality talent. Direxion Shares Risks – An investment in each Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Each Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with a Fund concentrating its investments in a particular security, industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. A Fund's investments in derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other investments, including imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund's other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility and lack of availability. As a result, the value of an investment in a Fund may change quickly and without warning. Risks of the Funds include Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk, Derivatives Risk, Counterparty Risk, Rebalancing Risk, Intra-Day Investment Risk, Netflix, Inc. or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Investing Risk, Market Risk, Industry Concentration Risk, Cash Transaction Risk, Indirect Investment Risk, and risks specific to the consumer discretionary sector, entertainment industry or semiconductor industry. Additional risks include, for the Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares and Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares, Leverage Risk and Daily Correlation Risk, and for the Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares and Direxion Daily TSM Bear 1X Shares, Shorting or Inverse Risk as well as Daily Inverse Correlation Risk. Please see the summary and full prospectuses for a more complete description of these and other risks of the Funds. Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc. Contact Details Ditto Public Relations Danielle Black, AD direxion@dittopr.co Company Website https://www.direxion.com/

October 03, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Focal Chooses SPARK Microsystems’ UWB Wireless Tech for New HiFi DIVA UTOPIA Speakers

SPARK Microsystems

SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, today announced its collaboration with Focal, the renowned French audio brand, in the development of the revolutionary DIVA UTOPIA loudspeaker. This collaboration brings together Focal’s expertise in high-fidelity audio with SPARK’s Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, delivering a high-performance wireless audio experience. The DIVA UTOPIA is Focal’s first connected, wireless active loudspeaker, designed to meet the demands of those seeking exceptional sound quality with the convenience of modern wireless technology. SPARK’s SR1020 wireless transceiver leverages UWB technology to supply the data transmission between the two speakers, delivering uncompressed audio with ultra-low latency, setting a new standard for wireless audio performance. “Our collaboration with Focal showcases the advantages of SPARK’s UWB in delivering high-resolution audio without the limitations of traditional wireless technologies,” said Julie Delamarre, SPARK Microsystems, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales. “The DIVA UTOPIA is a great example of how a UWB wireless connection ensures every note is transmitted with the highest fidelity.” SPARK’s UWB connectivity allows for a seamless wireless connection between the two DIVA UTOPIA loudspeakers, maintaining a stable and lossless signal at 96kHz/24bit resolution. This advanced technology eliminates the need for wires while preserving the quality of sound typically associated with wired connections. With support for major streaming platforms and wireless protocols, the DIVA UTOPIA offers a versatile and intuitive user experience. SPARK’s UWB technology supports multiroom configurations, making it easier than ever to integrate the DIVA UTOPIA into a complete home music ecosystem. "The DIVA UTOPIA represents a new era in high-fidelity audio. By integrating SPARK Microsystems' UWB technology, we have created a loudspeaker that not only delivers exceptional sound quality but also offers the freedom and flexibility that today’s consumers demand,” said Rejean Bedel, Focal & Naim, Group Marketing Manager. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and redefining the listening experience." The DIVA UTOPIA loudspeakers are now available exclusively at qualified Focal Powered by Naim stores. For more information, visit Focal's website. About Focal Since 1979, Focal has stood out from the crowd in manufacturing loudspeakers and acoustic speakers. Their expertise extends to headphones, car audio kits, professional speakers, and installations for yachts. This unique know-how, combined with their in-house manufacturing in France, puts Focal among the top audio brands globally. In 2011, Focal joined forces with Naim — the British leader in high-end electronics — under the VerVent Audio group to offer exquisite complete audio systems. Visit www.focal.com for more. About SPARK Microsystems​ SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications while delivering a wired-like performance. For more information, please visit www.sparkmicro.com.​ Contact Details Jenna Desimone +1 508-340-6851 jdesimone@rainierco.com Company Website https://www.sparkmicro.com

October 02, 2024 12:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Building Success Across Industries: A Leader’s Journey from Manufacturing to Film

Gutterglove

Robert Craig Lenney is a visionary entrepreneur who defied the odds to establish two flourishing companies in vastly different fields. Both successes are born from his desire to do good and help others. His remarkable success in manufacturing paved the way for a seamless transition into the film industry, where he has channeled the same creativity and determination to produce award-winning film projects. His journey stands as a powerful testament to pursuing one’s dreams, no matter how diverse or ambitious they may be. After initial stints in founding a tree-trimming business and a home-shopping network, ambitious entrepreneur Lenney eventually found enormous success as the founder and CEO of Gutterglove®. He developed ​​a stainless-steel micro-mesh gutter guard technology that earned multiple patents, improved the lives of millions of homeowners, and became a #1 rated Consumer Reports product now available at major retailers like Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, and Amazon. However, his real passion, which was his dream for most of his life, was making movies. He used Gutterglove as an outlet for his movie-making dreams, gaining extensive experience producing, directing, and hosting award-winning infomercials for his products during his 20+ year business career. This led to his transition to film development, founding Robert Craig Films. Movies produced by the film production company have changed lives, impacting many with their positive messaging and bringing awareness to critical issues. They have been chosen for hundreds of film festivals and have garnered numerous awards. “Neither of these paths has been easy. Building a manufacturing company from the ground up based on an idea is challenging, and so is establishing a film company that leans towards faith-based films in today’s Hollywood. I've found success in both areas for many reasons, like staying true to my passion and core values and surrounding myself with the right people who become like family, who have helped bring these dreams to life,” says Lenney, “I believe that my faith was training me my whole life with these various companies and life's challenges to prepare me for producing films that hopefully will inspire and positively impact people’s lives.” Here are four key takeaways from Robert Craig Lenney that inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial paths: Follow your heart and your calling - Both companies are ultimately about caring for and helping others. The cornerstone of Gutterglove is “We Care.” This is exemplified in the programs created and how the company interacts with coworkers, customers, and the communities served. With each Robert Craig Film, the focus is to help others, whether the topic is homelessness, bullying, or sex trafficking. Hire the best team - Find the right people. Lenney says, “Look for people that bring out the best in you, feed your creativity, and make you a better person. It’s not about the product; it’s about the people. Give them opportunities to share their heart and passion with the natural skills they have; be an example of one who cares about them.” Stay true to the mission - Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films are about keeping people safe, inspiring communities to help one another, and ultimately finding ways to save lives. Gutterglove’s high-tech gutter guard keeps people safe from hazards and home damage. In 2019, Lenney established Robert Craig Films to develop, create, and produce films that inspire audiences to engage with greater empathy, compassion, and generosity within their communities. This mission led to creating different kinds of movies that bring a high level of entertainment with spiritually uplifting storylines and awareness of important topics. Be creative; have fun! Every industry is crowded, so creativity is crucial to reaching an audience. Think outside the box in the development and marketing stages and enjoy the creative process! To learn more about Lenney’s films and his passion for making movies that inspire people to be more loving, kind, and forgiving towards each other, visit www.RobertCraigFilms.com. Learn more about Gutterglove products and Gutterglove Cares at www.Gutterglove.com. ### About Robert Craig Films Robert Craig Films, based in California, develops, creates, and produces films that inspire audiences to engage with greater empathy, compassion, and generosity in the communities they live in. The company's mission is to create impactful films that spark meaningful conversations and drive social change. Visit www.RobertCraigFilms.com for more information. About Gutterglove Gutterglove® is an innovator in the home improvement space focused on people, products, programs, and technology. They manufacture gutter guards and accessories designed to protect any home, regardless of roof type or gutter size, with both do-it-yourself and professionally installed product options. Their innovation extends beyond products into new programs and technology that deliver seamless support to customers and contractors nationwide. Starting in 1996 as a gutter cleaning business, the team at Gutterglove noticed gutter guards needed to perform as promised. Gutterglove explored new designs, the best materials, and customers' needs to create an extensive patented portfolio of the highest quality gutter guards available. Gutterglove is proud to offer the Nation's Most Trusted Gutter Guards®. For more information, please visit our website www.gutterglove.com. Contact Details R Public Relations Ilissa Goldenberg ilissa@rprfirm.com Company Website https://www.gutterglove.com/

October 01, 2024 01:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Market Alert: Silexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SLXN) Sees Record Volumes Following Breakthrough Preclinical Data for SIL-204

Global Markets News

Shares of Silexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SLXN) are seeing significatnly today after the company announced promising new preclinical data for its next-generation siRNA candidate, SIL-204. The stock saw a significant initial of price spike of over 50% in pre-market activity as investors responded to the latest developments in Silexion's RNA interference (RNAi) platform, which targets KRAS-driven cancers. As of now, volume is at record highs, currently standing at over 50 million shares today. The company revealed that SIL-204, an extended-release microparticle formulation, demonstrated substantial tumor reduction and necrosis in mouse models of pancreatic cancer bearing the KRAS G12D mutation—one of the most common mutations found in pancreatic cancer patients. This latest data builds on a string of recent successes for Silexion, including its September 24 announcement of results from the Phase 2 trial for its first-generation product, LODER™, which showed significant improvements in tumor resectability among non-resectable pancreatic cancer patients. Alongside the new preclinical results, Silexion has recently reported plans to begin toxicology studies for SIL-204 in preparation for Phase 2/3 clinical trials expected to commence in the first half of 2026. The company is also expanding the application of its siRNA technology to colorectal cancer models, reflecting its broader ambitions to target multiple KRAS-driven cancers, which are notoriously difficult to treat with conventional therapies. While stock price has pulled back since premarket, The spike in Silexion’s market activity as marked by these record high volumes (according to market data) may highlight the growing market interest in the company’s novel approach to tackling cancers with high unmet medical needs, particularly its focus on KRAS mutations, which are common across a variety of aggressive cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Silexion’s continued momentum in the precision oncology space potentially positions it as a leading player in the development of next-generation RNAi therapies. With its promising pipeline and recent positive developments, the company seems to be gaining attention as it advances toward clinical trials that could offer new hope for patients battling some of the deadliest cancers. Click here to read Silexion's full announcement *** This update is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment or any form of professional advice, recommendation or endorsement. Please review the full documentation detailing financial compensation disclosures and disclaimers the article is subject to. [https://justpaste.it/ab9dn/pdf]. Global Markets News Network is a commercial digital brand compensated to provide coverage of news and developments related to innovative companies as detailed in the full documentation and it is thus subject to conflicts of interest. Contact Details News Coverage ronald@futuremarketsresearch.com

October 01, 2024 11:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Former USC Student-Athlete L Simpson Launches "Take No L’s" Collection with Shiekh at USC Village

Full Scope PR

Current USC student, former USC football player and fashion entrepreneur L Simpson is rewriting the playbook for student-athletes with the exclusive launch of his highly anticipated streetwear collection, “Take No L’s”, at Shiekh at USC Village on Sept. 26. What began as a middle school project has evolved into a brand that embodies a mindset of relentless determination: no losses, only lessons – whether it’s on the court, field or in life. “Take No L’s” gained significant traction throughout Simpson’s high school basketball career at Sierra Canyon High School (Chatsworth, Calif.), where he captained his team to back-to-back California Open State Championships alongside notable teammates Scottie Pippen Jr., KJ Martin, Cassius Stanley and Christian Koloko. The brand’s momentum continued to increase when he joined USC’s renowned football program. Coached by USC head coach Lincoln Riley alongside former teammates and current NFL players, Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison and Brenden Rice, “Take No L’s” quickly became a regularly worn brand among his teammates and coaches. “I’m thrilled for L,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “It’s always great to watch our players achieve their dreams, both on and off of the field. Whether we’re on campus or around the city, our players and staff love wearing the brand. L is extremely bright and innovate, and I know he is going to be incredibly successful.” “This launch is special,” says Simpson. “I shopped at Shiekh as a kid. Whenever Jordans would drop or when I wanted new athletic gear, I would always ask my parents to take me to Shiekh. It truly does feel like a full- circle moment. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re promoting a mindset of going after your dreams and never accepting defeat. That’s what Take No L’s stands for—no losses, just lessons.” Take No L’s is a bold, confident and unapologetic premium streetwear brand featuring striking graphics and vibrant colors. The collection includes hoodies, cropped sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants and hats, with prices ranging from $90 to $200. With significant attention from L’s influencer network, which boasts a combined reach of over 100 million followers, the brand is already generating buzz on social media. Join Simpson on Sept. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. PT at Shiekh in USC Village for the official launch of the “Take No L’s” collection. Experience firsthand why “Take No L’s” is setting a new standard in streetwear. The event will include special appearances, exclusive products and live entertainment featuring stars like Storm Reid, Brenden Rice, Riri Simpson, Jazz Hill, Temi Ojoro, Tade Ojoro, Ceyair Wright, Amber Jasmine, Lboogz, and Saint Thomas. Don't miss this exciting celebration of fashion and culture! About L Simpson: L Simpson, current USC student and former student-athlete, is the founder of the “Take No L’s” brand. Inspired by sports, culture and the journey of perseverance, Simpson created “Take No L’s” to encourage people to live fearlessly and embrace a lifestyle without losses. Simpson’s collection combines bold design, high-quality fabrics and empowering messaging to create a distinctive streetwear line that resonates with today’s generation. L has previously hosted his own talk show on SLAM and recently co-hosted the “Almost Pro” podcast with former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Simpson is currently pursuing a degree in communication from the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, and he will graduate in the spring of 2025. For more info on the brand, visit takenolsstore.com and follow Simpson on Instagram at @lboogz. About Shiekh Shoes: Style Elevated, Sneakers Celebrated. Shiekh offers a curated collection of footwear, apparel, and accessories. Explore top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan at Shiekh. Shiekh stores can be found at premium locations in multiple states. For more information follow @Shiekh on Instagram and visit Shiekh.com Media Contact: Pia Malihi | Full Scope PR pia@fullscopepr.com # # # Contact Details Pia Malihi pia@fullscopepr.com Company Website https://takenolsstore.com/

September 26, 2024 01:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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drive21, Van Wagner Collaborate to Elevate In-Venue Branding and Fan Engagement Across College Athletics

drive21

drive21, a leader in experiential design and marketing solutions, today announced a strategic relationship with leading collegiate athletics marketing agency, Van Wagner to become a preferred experiential graphic design and implementation provider for Van Wagner. Van Wagner is recognized for its expertise in collegiate sponsorship sales and multi-media rights and will collaborate with drive21 to redefine branding strategies, drive revenue growth, and create Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) execution opportunities in the collegiate sports industry. Through this relationship, Van Wagner’s collegiate clients will be afforded advantageous pricing and access to drive21’s suite of services to provide innovative branding and design solutions across their venues; driving innovative solutions that bridge the gap between brand aspirations and reality, creating immersive environments that resonate with audiences and drive tangible business results. "This relationship represents a significant step forward in our mission to transform sports and entertainment venues into impactful environments that are also powerful marketing tools," said Warren Godridge, drive21 Founder and President. "By collaborating with Van Wagner, we can leverage our creativity and expertise to deliver a consistent brand experience across all venues, enhancing the value for brands, universities, and fans alike." “Traditional approaches often focus solely on aesthetics and overlook the potential to maximize partnership, sponsorship and NIL opportunities, leaving untapped value on the table” said John Libro, Head of Sports and Entertainment at drive21. “Working with Van Wagner College will allow us to push the boundaries of experiential design and transform collegiate athletic facilities into dynamic revenue-generating tools that engage fans and drive real business growth.” This relationship may also offer an even more comprehensive solution to collegiate clients by providing new NIL revenue streams. Through this collaboration with drive21, a portion of the facility’s expenditure can be reallocated to the universities’ NIL efforts. This allows universities to offer a more engaging experience for athletes and fans while creating dynamic environments supporting athletic performance, fan engagement and brand partnerships. "drive21’s ability to seamlessly integrate brand experiences into our facilities is a game-changer for our clients,” said Mark Donley, Chief Revenue Officer at Van Wagner College. “Through our arrangement with drive21, our university clients have an opportunity to access the expertise of drive21 to not only enhance their facilities but also ensure a consistent and high-quality experience for a variety of initiatives at an advantageous rate. It's truly a win-win-win scenario." The first major joint effort was a collaboration at Florida International University for the brand implementation of the newly named Pitbull Stadium. drive21 and Van Wagner played a key role in creating cohesive branding for the first college athletic venue named after a musician, exampling the transformative potential of experiential design and strategic branding. To learn more about the partnership, or drive21’s sports, entertainment and hospitality solutions, please visit www.drive21.com. About drive21 drive21 elevates the sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries by delivering one-of-a-kind branded venue experiences. A leader in experiential design and marketing solutions, drive21 bridges the gap between imagination and reality to deliver functional and impactful environments through design, fabrication, implementation, and holistic project management. Servicing organizations including MLB, MLS and NCAA institutions, drive21 helps its clients maximize partnership and sponsorship revenue and turns ordinary environments into extraordinary works of art. For more information, visit www.drive21.com. About Van Wagner Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, sponsorship sales, multi-media rights, and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises, and sells for world-class teams, leagues, brands, and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Jackson Gaskins jgaskins@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://drive21.com

September 25, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AI Unpacks Generational Stereotypes, Highlighting Key Differences, but Beer Bridges the Gap

AIport

What happens when you ask generative AI models to depict Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z? You might expect tech-challenged Boomers and avocado-loving Millennials. But what you get is far more interesting and in some cases, unexpected. A joint research project conducted by AIport and Turing Post last month analyzed over 1200 AI-generated images across four different models—Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, YandexART, and ERNIE-ViLG. The findings have revealed both familiar stereotypes and surprising quirks about how AI perceives these generations. Sad Boomers, Happy Zoomers? Contrary to the carefree Boomer stereotype, AI models like Midjourney depict Baby Boomers as introspective, or even somber, often bundled up and gazing wistfully into the distance—a reflection, perhaps, of their disillusionment with the unfulfilled ideals of the 1960s cultural revolution. However, the ERNIE-ViLG model, likely trained on datasets with a more collectivist cultural slant, shows 93% of Boomers smiling. This fascinating contrast underscores the cultural differences embedded in different AI models. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s images are vibrant and diverse, reflecting their reputation as a generation that embraces individuality, inclusivity, and self-expression. The AI-generated images depict Zoomers in colorful, highly detailed scenarios, making them the most visually distinct generation in the study. Generations Through the AI Lens The research explored how generations are portrayed in five key aspects of life: identity, relationships, work, lifestyle, and consumer habits. The AI models revealed consistent patterns and stereotypes; for example, males predominated in the depictions of Boomers and Gen Xers across all four models, while many images of Millennials and Zoomers showed greater diversity and more female representation. Surprisingly, Gen X appears to be the least well-understood generation by AI, characterized by fewer defining features compared to all other generations, likely due to the limited amount of training data available. The one stereotypical Gen X leitmotif that AI consistently identifies is their fondness for flannel shirts—an unmistakable symbol of the 1990s grunge scene worn by Gen Xers who were rebellious teenagers and young adults during that era. As for one (un)expected commonality… It’s beer. Whether they’re Millennials job-hopping or Boomers reminiscing about the good old days, AI consistently showed beer in 34% of the produced images across all generations. Prompt Engineering and AI Insights The prompts for this research were carefully crafted to avoid bias, using neutral phrases like "A Millennial at work" or "A Boomer relaxing." The results offer a telling look at how generative AI models mirror societal stereotypes, often shaped by the data they're trained on. These findings open the door to deeper discussions on how AI reflects, and sometimes distorts, cultural narratives. "Whether we think we can learn about generations from these images depends upon how confident we feel that the training data that went in is an accurate image of the self identity of a group,” explains Senior Engineer and Sociologist Stephanie Kirmer, who analyzed the findings. “For the younger sets, I don’t think we can know how much of it is media representation created by people outside the group versus how much is selfie-style personal expression. Some of what we’re getting, especially for the older groups who don’t contribute as much self-generated visual media online, is perceptions of that group from advertising and media, which we know has inherent flaws." About the Study The study examined the outputs of four globally recognized generative AI models, each with distinct aesthetic and cultural nuances, providing a comprehensive look at how each generation is portrayed visually. The selected models included Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, YandexART, and ERNIE-ViLG, offering diverse perspectives from different regions across the globe. Conclusion Whether confirming or contradicting societal stereotypes, AI-generated images provide a fascinating snapshot of how technology interprets generational differences. The fact that beer remains a unifying theme across all four models shows that, no matter our age, some things—like enjoying a cold one—transcend generational divides. To learn more about the project, visit https://www.aigenerations.tech/. Hero images for the media: Google Drive Link About AIport AIport is an emerging community of AI/ML enthusiasts and practitioners with a goal of providing a truly global view of the AI/ML/DS landscape. https://www.blog.aiport.tech/ About Turing Post Turing Post is everything you need to make smarter decisions about AI. https://www.turingpost.com/ Contact Details Nick Leighton nick.leighton@nettresultsllc.com Company Website https://www.aigenerations.tech/

September 23, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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