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

Gen Z Responds, Demands More From Facebook and Big Socials

LookUp.Live

Facebook’s attempt during today’s Congressional hearing to defend its inaction to protect children from online harms fell short on transparency and accountability. Digital natives, tired of being the guinea pig for big social media companies, are taking their message to the global stage at the Youth 4 Youth iSummit, October 14-17th, 2021. Hosted by LookUp.live, a by-youth-for-youth social venture, in partnership with the creators of the Netflix docu-drama, The Social Dilemma, more than 100 youth activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators are confirmed to speak on topics ranging from digital addiction, suicide, ethical AI, sexual exploitation, and the undeniable impact of Instagram and Tik Tok on young girls mental health. A sampling of youth speakers includes: Maddie Freeman, who after losing several friends to suicide in high school, launched NoSo November to educate youth about social media’s impact on mental health/suicide. John Grady of Screen Allies will lead a panel of ethical engineers in a discussion around the definition, benefits, and need for more human-centered technologies. Smith Alley, Founder of Live Life Bigger, will speak to the effects of the addictive nature of social media and pornography on children and teens. Emma Lembke, Co-Founder of LogOff Movement, alongside her co-founder of Tech[nically] Politics, Aliza Kopans, will speak to current legislative efforts to regulate tech and how youth can get involved. Sanat Mohapatra, Founder of Unmasked, a mental health app, will speak to the importance of creating supportive, anonymous mental health communities. The Y4Y iSummit is a catalyst for uniting and mobilizing youth advocates and their allies who are taking bold actions to create a healthy, more inclusive, and responsible digital world. Nearly 700 youth advocates representing 35+ countries registered last year for what was believed to be the largest known gathering of youth changemakers committed to this global movement. Attendance at the Y4Y iSummit, which will be hosted live, virtually, and free around the clock in the US, UK, and India, is expected to double this year. In addition to the Children’s Screentime Action Network adult ally panel, which includes several parents who have lost their children to cyberbullying suicide or a social media challenge, a host of global leaders have stepped up in support of this movement including English Premier League star, Nedum Onuoha, Deval Patrick, Co-Chair of the Future of Tech Commission and former Governor of Massachusetts; Marissa Meizz, founder of No More Lonely Friends; Amanda LaCount, hip hop dancer, choreographer, and plus size model; Jenk Oz, the UK’s youngest CEO and social entrepreneur; and John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at Harvard’s Insitute of Politics and author of Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Passion and Fear to Save America. Senator Edward Markey will issue a call to action in support of this youth-led movement and the KIDS Act. Susan Reynolds, Co-Founder of LookUp.live, believes that youth-led and youth-designed solutions are key to fixing the broken digital ecosystem so it benefits the whole of society - especially youth. "Adult-designed solutions to a problem they don’t fully understand or - as in the case of the big social companies - have chosen not to fix, have had limited success. The Y4Y iSummit will amplify youth voices and showcase youth-designed solutions to creating a digital world in which they can thrive." Why it Matters The digital transformation of society is happening at a rapid pace yielding many undeniable social and economic benefits: mental health and wellbeing communities and support are more available online, access to information and economic opportunities have improved, as has the use of artificial intelligence to advance the sustainable development goals. Yet, our disruptive and ubiquitous digital ecosystem and attention economy are wreaking havoc on the social, emotional, and developmental fabric of our youngest generations - those born digital. Consider the following: Fact - Children who are cyberbullied are 3X more likely to commit suicide; Fact - Non-fatal self-harm for girls 10-14 has increased 189% since 2009 - coinciding with the launch of Instagram; Fact - Nearly 1 in 3 teen girls have been asked by adults for nudes online; Fact - 50% of youth surveyed say they feel addicted to their phones. One of the most important facts, however, is that Facebook’s own internal research, which was recently exposed in The Wall Street Journal Facebook Files, indicates that the company knows that Instagram is damaging youth mental health. Still, Facebook continues to push toward the launch of Instagram for Kids under 13. About the Organizers The Y4Y iSummit is made possible by LookUp and the creators of the Netflix Docu-drama, The Social Dilemma, in partnership with Center for Humane Technology, Children’s Screentime Action Network, AGL Communications, Digital Wellness Institute, Thred. and the JW Brick Foundation. Founded in 2019, LookUp is a youth-led 501(c)3 social venture dedicated to helping young people thrive in the digital world. Through our flagship programs and events, we discover, empower, and mobilize youth leaders who are taking action to raise awareness, inspire, and design a healthy, more inclusive, and responsible digital world. Exposure Labs is the film & impact production company behind The Social Dilemma a film that blends documentary investigation and narrative drama to disrupt the disruptors, unveiling the hidden machinations behind everyone’s favorite social media and search platforms. Attend: Those interested in attending any or all of the Y4Y iSummit should register HERE. Contact Details LookUp.Live Julie Barrett O'Brien +1 617-834-9227 info@lookup.live Company Website https://www.lookup.live

September 30, 2021 05:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Why Women Are Driving Mobile Gaming’s Popularity and Competition Worldwide

YourUpdateTV

Mobile gaming has shot to the top of the video game industry, now representing 60% of the market, and growing. While the traditional video games industry still remains a male-dominated category, one of the fastest growing segments in mobile gaming is growth largely being driven by women, who love to compete. According to Skillz, the leading mobile games platform that powers over two billion tournaments every year, nearly 60% of players on its platform are female. What’s more, 64% of women today say they prefer mobile games over other platforms. Skillz mobile games platform that’s accessible to everyone, connects players in fair, fun and meaningful competition, with the chance to win world-class prizes in the games they love to play. Skillz offers hundreds of FREE casual mobile games across a variety of genres such as puzzle, board, word games, and more. The company recently introduced Big Buck Hunter: Marksman, a new competitive mobile game based on an iconic arcade franchise that women have been playing and competing on for over two decades. In celebration of its release, a two-day live and virtual Skillz-powered Mobile Division Tournament featuring the Big Buck Hunter: Marksma n game will debut at this year’s 14th Annual Big Buck Hunter World Championship being held October 1-2, 2021 in Chicago. Players of all skill levels around the world can compete for a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize. The Big Buck Hunter World Championship draws the best Big Buck Hunter arcade game players competing in an epic two-day double-elimination tournament for a piece of the $100,000 prize. Over 20,000 Big Buck Hunter players attempted to qualify for the tournament this year. During a nationwide media tour on September 29 th, in conjunction with YourUpdate TV and D S Simon Media, Sara Erlandson, a four-time Big Buck Hunter World Champion and George Petro, Founder of Play Mechanix and developer of one of the most popular games women love to compete and play discussed: How mobile gaming is evolving as a major growth category. What is the motivation driving women like Sara Erlandson to become avid mobile gamers and more importantly, inspiring them to compete professionally. What makes mobile gaming so appealing, especially for women, and how can players compete with free apps like Skillz competitive mobile games platform. The thriving social community and camaraderie behind the Big Buck Hunter video game franchise, comprising millions of fans around the world who travel far and wide every year to compete. What’s happening both live and virtually at this year’s 14th annual Big Buck Hunter World Championship October 1-2. How can gamers participate, get involved, and find out more information. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 30, 2021 10:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Bluberi brings Gaming. Animated. To the Global Gaming Expo October 5 – 7 in Las Vegas

Bluberi

Bluberi or (the “Company”) today announced it will showcase its new brand and lineup of innovative slot games for the casino floor October 5 – 7 at the Global Gaming Expo (“G2E”) at the Sands Expo® in Las Vegas. Bluberi will display its product portfolio in booth 3559, highlighting over 30 games, along with several new cabinets. “We are excited for this year’s live event,” said Andrew Burke, Bluberi’s Chief Executive Officer. “We can’t wait to showcase our new brand, alongside our growing library of titles and cabinets, and the team that is poised to take Bluberi to the next level. This year’s G2E will mark the beginning of something great for Bluberi.” At G2E, Bluberi will introduce a number of new cabinets to house its growing library of high-performing slot games. The company will showcase its new Novus b49 cabinet, which is already on casino floors across the country, and experiencing success with titles such as Waves of Fortune ™ and Colossal Dragons ™. The Company already boasts over 20 titles for the Novus b49, and is planning to add to the library in 2022. Bluberi has also partnered with bZillions™ to create something truly unique and establish a new niche on the casino floor. The first game to be released from this partnership, Reels of Steel™, will stop players in their tracks with its combination of new and legacy features that combine to become game-changers in the space. The game is housed in the Big Mech™ cabinet, which stands over 9 feet tall and features three oversized, stenciled mechanical reels. The reels feature LCD screens behind each symbol to deliver surprising and delightful animations and effects to enhance game play. Reels of Steel is a high wager game, featuring a top award of $100,000 at max bet. In addition to new slot products, Bluberi is focused on pursuing licenses and partnerships in new jurisdictions across the country. All games created by Bluberi are available for Class II, Class III, and Washington TLS markets, making the company uniquely poised to serve all of its customers simultaneously with new and compelling games. All these exciting products will be showcased under the Company’s new logo and brand identity. “The new Bluberi logo represents the people-first, authentic mission of the Company,” said Burke. “We are excited for new customers to get to know us for the first time, and for existing customers to see our new style and personality come to life. G2E gives us the opportunity to showcase who we are, along with our commitment to becoming the easiest company to do business with. We hope that all of our audiences find our brand as engaging and refreshing as the people who work here and are working every day to bring the brand to life.” ### About Bluberi Backed by more than 25 years of industry experience, Bluberi is an established and reliable company with an expansive vision to deliver the highest quality casino gaming experience to players in Class II, Class III, and TLS markets across the globe. We strive to provide industry-leading customer service by being the easiest company to do business with and are proud to be an agile supplier; able to respond to customer feedback quickly as we grow to become a best-in-class gaming partner. To learn more, visit bluberi.com. About Global Gaming Expo For over 20 years, Global Gaming Expo (G2E) has been the leader in uniting the global gaming community. Whether engaging in-person or digitally, G2E offers industry leaders a productive, educational, and rewarding way to connect year-round. G2E’s strong foundation and location in Las Vegas continues to showcase innovation while highlighting transformation in the gaming industry. Click here for a free pass to G2E. Contact Details Lesley Hodges Sr. Director of Marketing lesley.hodges@bluberi.com

September 29, 2021 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

J Alvarez Headlines NuestroFest Hispanic Heritage Month Broadcast and Livestream Event Hosted by Natti Natasha this Saturday

Brilla Media

-- NuestroFest is collaborating with the Rhythm Foundation to broadcast the Virtual Festival Live on stage of the North Beach Bandshell on 73rd and Collins Avenue from 8 -11 pm free -- -- Los Wizzards will Debut New Album ‘Spanglish Love’ at the In-Person Live Event -- Organizers of NuestroFest today announced that J Alvarez will headline the stellar music lineup of its Oct. 2nd Hispanic Heritage Month broadcast TV and live stream event that is being hosted by Reggaeton superstar Natti Natasha. Presented by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the virtual event will also feature a free, in-person viewing party and concert from 8 to 11 pm EST in the North Beach Bandshell featuring Latin Funk sensation Los Wizzards, who will launch their new album, “Spanglish Love”. Produced by Atlantino and Brilla Media, the virtual part of the event features a jam-packed line-up of iconic and emerging Latin music artists, mixology segments, comedy, and other creative surprises. “We’re honored to have Natti Natasha, the pride of Santo Domingo, as the host of this inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month show,” said NuestroFest co-executive producer Ralph Paniagua. “Natti is the first female Reggaeton superstar to host one of our national pop culture festivals and her presence alone elevates the line-up.” Natti’s appearance coincides with the launch of her brand-new album, Nattividad. Other talent performing at the event include: Latin Legend Richie Ray; Anna Dominguez; Artefacto; Bryanne; Hemir; Chrissie-I-EECE; David Kada; Guillermo Roude; Isairis; JawnDarko; Soleil; Julito Alvarado; Leo Aether; Luis Gonzalez; Solo Fernández; and William Cepeda. Sponsored in part by the upcoming film “Dune” (in theaters and on HBO Max October 22), NuestroFest will also include mixology segments from Hey Bartender’s Gustavo Rojas and Spirit & Spoon’s Karl Steuck. Award-winning director Efrain Gonzalez is producing a series of historic music segments about how Miami has given the world many grooves ranging from the Miami Sound Machine and Marc Anthony to Willy Chirino and the Bee Gees. In addition, NuestroFest is collaborating with the Rhythm Foundation to broadcast the Virtual Festival Live on the 25’ Stage Screen at the North Beach Bandshell on 73rd and Collins Avenue on Miami Beach from 8-10 pm free for all music lovers. Los Wizzards are performing from 10 to 11 p.m. Atlantino and Brilla Media have already produced five of the pandemic’s most prominent U.S. Hispanic virtual festivals, including the recent Cinco de Mayo LA Virtual Festival, Altísimo Live, which was a PRWeek 2021 finalist for the Best Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year, the 116th Street Fest and last year’s Calle Ocho Live. Where to View the Broadcast and Livestream NuestroFest will enjoy major national and regional media, digital and OTT views thanks to distribution partnerships with VME TV Network, VivaLive TV, Tarima TV Network, Bronx Net, MEGA TV Miami, Maria Marin Live, and the Bean & Chisme Show. In - Person Viewing and Live Performance NuestroFest is collaborating with the City of Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee and the Rhythm Foundation to broadcast the Virtual Festival Live on the 25’ Stage Screen at the North Beach Bandshell on 73rd and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach from 8-10 pm on Saturday October 2. Admission to the Bandshell is free with the support of Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins. RSVP can be done at www.northbeachbandshell.com Other Production Partners Additional media and production partners of NuestroFest include Latinx Newswire; Dustelli Music; Eddie Lopez; Heather Lopez, and Lynda Thorn. Award-winning broadcaster and producers Richy Miranda-Cortese and Ralph Paniagua will direct the broadcast with Efrain Gonzalez as the Master Editor. About Atlantino LLC Over the past 35 years, Ralph and Joseph Paniagua have built Atlantino, a minority-owned company, into a powerhouse sponsorship and activations organization for Latino sports, entertainment, experiential, and digital. Through Atlantino, they have spearheaded Fortune 100 brand activations with Major League Baseball programs, the Roberto Clemente Brand, and more recently Golden Boy. In 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic canceling many major Latino events, Atlantino pivoted to co-produce the 116 Street Festival, Calle Ocho Festival, and the Dominican Days at the Ballpark at 18 MLB stadiums reaching millions of viewers. And through 2022, Atlantino will produce a series of Virtual content promoting the Baseball Icon Roberto Clemente. About Brilla Media Latina-owned and operated, Brilla Media provides brand marketers with premium Latinx branded storytelling, distribution, and guaranteed media. Created by Angela and Manny Ruiz, the innovative entertainment company features five pillars: Brilla Media (digital and social distribution), Brilla Creative (original storytelling), Brilla Social (influencer marketing with social media amplification), Brilla Live (festivals and livestreams), and Brilla Purpose (social good). Source ( LATINX NEWSWIRE ) Contact Details Angela Sustaita-Ruiz +1 305-321-5002 angela.sustaitaruiz@brillamedia.com Company Website https://www.nuestrofest.com/

September 29, 2021 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Agile Therapeutics Partners with Carli Lloyd, U.S. Women’s Soccer Star and Four-Time Olympian, to Bring Awareness to Women’s Health Topics

Agile Therapeutics

Agile Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGRX ), a women's healthcare company, announced today a partnership with U.S. Women’s Soccer legend, Carli Lloyd. The partnership with Agile will focus on bringing awareness to women’s health topics, and Agile’s commitment to elevating women’s healthcare. Lloyd, who will play her final game for the U.S. Women’s National Team on October 26 th against South Korea, was attracted to the company’s mission of addressing the healthcare needs of today’s women. “I’m excited to be partnering with a company solely dedicated to women’s health,” said Lloyd. “I aim to work with organizations that focus on things I care about, and staying healthy has been a priority for my career on the field and will continue to be so as I look ahead to my next chapter. Agile’s focus on bringing women options and knowledge when it comes to their healthcare decisions is a mission I’m proud to be part of. And the fact that I’m a Jersey girl, representing a New Jersey company makes it even better.” Agile has built its brand around a commitment to addressing women’s health needs. It received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2020 for its first product, Twirla ® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system, a weekly contraceptive patch. It currently has four additional contraceptive products in its pipeline. “Carli’s ‘ always believe and never quit ’ attitude fits what Agile Therapeutics believes as a company,” said Al Altomari, CEO of Agile Therapeutics. “We’ve been selective about aligning with the right partners at the right time, and Carli is someone who seamlessly fits our corporate culture, aligns with our values, and understands the importance of empowering women, especially young women, to reach beyond their limits, believe in themselves, and never compromise, especially with their healthcare.” As a growing company, Agile sees this partnership as an opportunity to help further develop its culture and corporate brand by partnering with leaders who share the company’s values and mission.. “Our short-term goal is to establish Twirla in the contraceptive market, and our long-term mission remains the same: Build a robust women’s health franchise, and Carli is a critical piece of that puzzle,” said Altomari. “She’s been a vocal advocate for women, and her voice is an important one in the national conversation about women’s health and healthcare needs. We want to be sure we communicate our message and commitment to women’s health in an authentic and relatable way. This is a mission we share with Carli, and we are proud to welcome her to our team.” About Agile Therapeutics, Inc. Agile Therapeutics is a women's healthcare company dedicated to fulfilling the unmet health needs of today’s women. Our product and product candidates are designed to provide women with contraceptive options that offer freedom from taking a daily pill, without committing to a longer-acting method. Our initial product, Twirla®, (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol), a transdermal system, is a non-daily prescription contraceptive. Twirla is based on our proprietary transdermal patch technology, called Skinfusion®, which is designed to allow drug delivery through the skin. For more information, please visit the company website at www.agiletherapeutics.com. The Company may occasionally disseminate material, nonpublic information on the Company’s website. About Twirla® Twirla (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system is a once-weekly combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) patch that contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG), a type of progestin, and ethinyl estradiol (EE), a type of estrogen. Twirla is indicated for use as a method of contraception by women of reproductive potential with a body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are encouraged to consider Twirla’s reduced efficacy in women with a BMI ≥ 25 to <30 kg/m2 before prescribing. Twirla is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Twirla is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from CHC use. Twirla is designed to be applied once weekly for three weeks, followed by a week without a patch. Contact Details Matt Riley, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications mriley@agiletherapeutics.com Company Website https://agiletherapeutics.com

September 28, 2021 02:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

R2 Technologies’ Novel Glacial Rx® System Earns Third FDA Indication and Unique Product Code

R2 Technologies

R2 Technologies Inc. ("R2"), the leader in CryoAesthetic™ medical devices, announces that its revolutionary in-office system, Glacial Rx®, FDA-cleared to remove benign lesions and temporarily reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, is now the first and only dermal cooling system FDA-cleared for general dermabrasion, scar and acne scar revision, and tattoo removal, permanently changing the aesthetics industry. “This additional FDA clearance is a huge win, and not an easy feat. It took innovation, dedication, time, and resources,” says Tim Holt, R2 Chief Executive Officer. “It couldn’t have been possible without our amazing team and strategic partners. The clearance had an exceptional outcome in which we went from being part of one classification, among hundreds of other devices, to being placed in our very own FDA-issued product code. This is further proof that our product is so novel, it warrants a completely new category.” “R2 has been at the forefront of the med-esthetics space since inception with its unmatched technology and continues to lead advancements in the industry. We are excited to see the company break boundaries yet again with its latest indication,” says David Present, MD and Cherine Eldumiati Plumaker, R2’s Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. In conjunction with the commercial launch, R2 looked within its remarkable team of industry veterans, including the inventors of the Glacial Rx technology, Rox Anderson, MD; Dieter Manstein MD, PhD; and Henry Chan, MD, PhD, to create its newly established Scientific Advisory Board. By continuing to have these highly regarded pioneers as an integral part of the company, R2 stands out amongst the competitive medical aesthetics market as an industry frontrunner. “With the appointment of our new Scientific Advisory Board, R2 is tapping into years of knowledge and expertise to launch new groundbreaking innovations, develop a superior product pipeline, and leverage technical insights to secure new clinical indications and expansion opportunities,” says Holt. Launched in March 2021, Glacial Rx’s presence in the U.S. has grown significantly. R2 is continuing to take orders from aesthetic providers who want to offer this revolutionary treatment in-office. To learn more about R2, treatment offerings and providers, visit glacialskin.com and follow the company on LinkedIn. About R2 Technologies Headquartered in Silicon Valley, with a recent expansion in Florida and new Miami-based satellite office, R2 Technologies is a world leader in CryoAesthetic™ medical devices. In 2014, Pansend Life Sciences, LLC and Blossom Innovations, LLC founded R2 Technologies and licensed exclusive intellectual property from Massachusetts General Hospital and Blossom Innovations. In 2019, R2 brought on strategic partner, Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. In close collaboration with these partners and the brand’s scientific founders and world-famous luminaries in aesthetic medicine, Drs. Rox Anderson, Dieter Manstein, and Henry Chan, R2 focuses on the development, engineering, clinical research, and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies for aesthetic providers and consumers. Its first innovation, Glacial Rx, was named one of the ‘2021 Launches Doctors are Buzzing About’ by RealSelf, the leading, most trusted source to educate on cosmetic procedures. R2 also won the 2nd Annual Aesthetics Tech Summit LaunchPad SBDC, hosted by Octane, a company committed to making resources, capital, and mentorship available to tech startups. Since inception, R2 has raised $76M in financing. Contact Details Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://glacialskin.com/

September 28, 2021 08:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Atlys Survey Finds New and Emerging Travel Patterns Amongst Americans Showing Increases in Travel Expenses; Non-Vaccinated Travelers on the Rise

Atlys

Eighteen months after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, countries have reopened borders to travelers. A recent survey conducted by Atlys found new and emerging travel trends, with travel becoming more expensive and uncertain than ever. The survey analyzed data from more than 3,500 travelers who used Atlys to travel abroad to understand these new travel patterns amongst Americans. Travel expenditure increased by a whopping $330 per trip due to COVID-19-related entry requirements, and so has the uncertainty, with 41% of travelers actively involved in travel communities related to their journeys. Additionally, 58% of American travelers were unvaccinated, with the most common destinations being Mexico (37%), Greece (19%), Dominican Republic (12%), Bahamas (11%), and Aruba (13%), and Costa Rica (8%). Major Survey Results Other significant results from the Atlys survey conducted over the summer include: 58% of Americans that traveled abroad this summer were not vaccinated. As countries reopened their borders, non-vaccinated travelers returned to the same travel patterns as before COVID-19. Old travelers are on the rise with a quarter being 50+. Amongst other demographic shifts, 47% of millennials refused to travel because of high costs, while 25% were scared to travel with unvaccinated children. Florida is the hub for unvaccinated travelers: 20% of unvaccinated American travelers live in Florida. The top 4 U.S. states by active COVID-19 cases also led the pack for most outbound travel amongst unvaccinated Americans. Florida accounted for most outbound unvaccinated tourists, followed by Texas, New York, and California. Traveling is inefficient: Each traveler spends more than 5 hours determining entry requirements and filling out paperwork. In addition, 23% of travelers saying they contacted either their airline, hotel,” or travel platform to understand the entry requirements with airlines call waiting times running into hours. The New Normal The current process is highly confusing for travelers. Mohak Nahta, CEO and founder of Atlys, said, “This survey highlights the inefficient processes set in place by governments. While it’s understandable that requirements exist to keep COVID-19 at bay, countries must streamline the process. As countries look to revamp tourism, they underestimate the impact of fast, efficient systems and clear, easy-to-understand processes have.” Countries have introduced a range of requirements to enter, making it more expensive to travel than ever. On average, the extra cost adds up to $330 per traveler and constitutes COVID-19 visas, travel insurance, and COVID-19 tests. In addition, 79% of travelers expressed frustration at the lack of disclosure by hotels & airlines on the added costs of traveling, only to discover them much later when the cancellation was not an option. A COVID-19 visa, also known as a health visa, is a new visa that travelers need to get. While they’re electronic, the approval is not instant. Authorities review each application; they can only be submitted a few days before the trip and are not free. “I wanted to travel to the United Kingdom, but I need to get a test within three days and then once I reach on the second and eighth days, and in between too? I am confused. I just decided not to go," said Sid, a 26-year-old Software Engineer based out of New York City. Many other travelers echo this sentiment, and the survey brings to light the importance of building systems to guide and educate travelers in the post-Covid world. About The Survey Atlys conducted the survey based on data from 3500 Atlys users between May 15, 2021, and September 5, 2021, for U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The Atlys app makes it fast & easy for travelers to get their visas. Contact Details Atlys Media Relations +1 650-550-1417 pr@atlys.com Company Website https://www.atlys.com/

September 28, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

NO DOGS LEFT BEHIND APPLAUDS CONGRESS FOR ITS BIPARTISAN CALL TO REEVALUATE THE CDC’S DOG IMPORTATION BAN

No Dogs Left Behind

No Dogs Left Behind (NDLB), an international non-profit that rescues dogs from the illegal dog meat trade, commends a major accomplishment in the effort to overturn the recent rule imposed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that imposed a blanket ban on the importation of dogs from 113 countries. In a letter sent to the Director of the CDC, 57 bipartisan Members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed concern about the blanket ban that the CDC imposed on dogs coming from these countries. The Congressional letter to the Director of the CDC specifically addresses dogs rescued from China, stating: The CDC’s ban prevents thousands of dogs from 113 countries from being rescued and adopted into loving and safe homes. China is a country that fails to enforce laws against the consumption of dog meat and does little to halt particularly inhumane means of killing dogs at annual Yulin “dog meat” festivals. This dog abuse is one that has stirred many American humanitarians to work with charities that rescue. According to [the CDC], not a single dog originating from the People’s Republic of China, and imported into the U.S., has been diagnosed with rabies in the past decade. The letter further states that the signing Members of Congress believe that dogs destined for American adoption can be safely imported by requiring confirmation of rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, followed by rabies serology testing. Additionally, Congress believes that: the CDC can and should establish a process that allows adoptions to resume. This process might include a country-by-country risk-based analysis, proof of rabies vaccination, pre-departure rabies serology testing, and development of a secure and fraud-resistant “pet passport." NDLB saves dogs trapped in the illegal dog meat trafficking trade in East Asia. “We provide refuge in our sanctuaries in East Asia to over 500 dogs, each one individually saved from horrific conditions and destined for the most barbaric and torturous form of slaughter,” says Jeffrey Beri, Founder and President of NDLB. Of these 500 dogs, 120 have adopters waiting for them in the United States but are currently stuck in East Asia because of the CDC’s ban. “The CDC ban directly impacts the work we do”, notes Beri. “If we cannot transport our dogs to their adopters in the United States, we cannot continue to save lives. The CDC is charged with following the science, and the science simply does not support a blanket prohibition on importing dogs from all of these countries.” “We have been working with members of Congress, as well as other animal welfare organizations, groups and advocates, to address this ban since it was first announced,” says Jackie Finnegan, VP of NDLB and CEO of USA Operations. “We applaud the Members who signed on to this letter. Today is the culmination of everyone working together to help these innocent animals.” This letter follows both the recently passed House appropriations amendment to provide the CDC with $3 million towards screening dogs for entry into the United States, and the introduction of the Healthy Dog Importation Act. These actions, taken together, show that Congress believes there is a more narrowly tailored solution for the CDC to respond to any legitimate concern about canine rabies than a wholesale ban on the importation of dogs around the world. “There isn’t a more important time than now for all international animal rescues to stick together as we all fight in this mutual cause to help these dogs,” say Beri. “This is but one part in our fight for the enforcement of global animal welfare laws.” About No Dogs Left Behind: No Dogs Left Behind operates boots on ground in East Asia, fighting on the frontlines to rescue dogs from the illegal dog meat trafficking trade. We work hands-on with local activists through emergency response, pulling dogs directly from slaughterhouses, dog meat trucks, wet markets and traffickers. Our mission extends beyond borders, advocating for the creation and enforcement of animal welfare laws and raising awareness for a cruelty-free, sustainable world in which no animal is violated, exploited, tortured or slaughtered for commercial goods or profit. With nearly 500 survivors in our care, No Dogs Left Behind operates sanctuaries in Dayi and Gongyi, China. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest. Contact Details Sherry Chen +1 855-665-0888 sherry@nodogsleftbehind.com Company Website http://www.nodogsleftbehind.com

September 27, 2021 09:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

D8.co to Launch 1-Hour Delivery for Delta-8 THC Products

D8 Holdings, Inc.

D8.co the market leader in hemp-derived Delta-8 THC —today announced it is launching 1-hour delivery for consumer orders throughout the United States. D8.co will deliver their award winning Delta-8 carts, Delta-8 disposables, and Delta-8 gummies to any customer within 1-hour in a 25-mile radius of any professional NFL team. Outside that radius customers will receive next day packages at the latest. “The largest problem we have is fulfillment and delivery,” said Chris Duffield, CEO of D8.co. “Anyone shipping consumer goods knows that all the carriers are a current nightmare. We have shipped thousands of packages priority and the majority show up two or three days late, with far too many getting lost or stolen. If a customer places an order after cutoff on Friday, they have to wait an additional three days. Customers want our products, and they want them immediately.” The first six states D8.co will integrate into their program are Texas, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and North Carolina. The company will expand into the rest of the U.S immediately, with full integration expected to take approximately 45 days. “We have more than 50 major fulfillment centers locked in that are centrally managed from our cloud technology. Once an order is placed, our customers will receive an email and text where they can track our drivers all the way to delivery,” said Hugh McPherson, EVP of D8.co. D8.co expects to immediately double online sales with the new integration. “We are extremely excited to launch 1-hour delivery,” said Duffield. “We just became the largest cannabis company in the United States, which makes us a prime acquisition target. I’m very proud of our core team and all the hard work everyone has put in to make D8 the number one brand in the market.” About D8.co D8.co is based in Colorado and Miami with satellite offices in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The company is an assembly of the top hemp and cannabis minds in the country. With backgrounds in extraction, chemistry, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and legal, the D8 team came together organically around this elusive, but extremely powerful molecule to create a new category of products. More info at www.d8.co. Contact Details D8.co Chris Duffield +1 424-333-2112 chris@d8.co Company Website https://d8.co/

September 23, 2021 12:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 309310311312313 ... 369