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

New Alvarez & Marsal Spring 2023 Consumer Sentiment Report Highlights Impacts of Inflation, Recession Expectations, Newfound Optimism

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

· Category spend up from fall 2022 for basic needs, experiences, gifts & indulgences · Half of consumers are taking a vacation this spring/summer, up 14% from last year · Consumers believe inflation has yet to peak and majority are preparing for a potential recession Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) today released its newest consumer report, Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2023, which looks at the impacts of inflation and resultant changes in consumer spending over the last year, as well as spending expectations for the coming six-month period. This is the fourth installment of its bi-annual Consumer Sentiment Report, based on a survey of 1,500+ consumers matching the U.S. adult population according to gender, age, ethnicity, region and income. The report covers various changing behaviors in response to personal finances and the state of the economy, including consumers’ shopping priorities by category, concerns over rising prices, vacation plans, and other factors that will affect purchase decisions this spring/summer, and more. “Our objective was to understand how the financial headlines American consumers have been hearing is affecting them in terms of their optimism or lack thereof, their buying patterns and expectations, and their preferred shopping channels,” noted Jonathan Sharp, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group, and lead author of the study. “What we found is that the ‘recession is coming’ drumbeat has got through to US consumers and they expect a slowdown in the coming months. That’s all theoretical for now and the reality is that the US consumer is still punching – spending plans are up, inflation-fatigue is being overcome and optimism is back in fashion.” The study found that: · Consumer expectations on things getting better, saving more, having more money, and plans to spend the same or more on basic needs were all up from fall 2022 · Among shopping priorities by category, all non-essential categories were up this season compared to fall 2022 · Vacation spend is up year over year – half of respondents are taking a vacation this spring/summer, and 31% of those taking a vacation plan to travel internationally (+12% y-o-y) · 65% of consumers believe that prices will continue to rise, and two thirds believe the U.S. will be in a recession within the next year “Retailers should capitalize on this optimistic mindset by balancing consumer preferences, managing inventory, and driving traffic in-stores & online” added Jonathan Sharp. “But smart retailers will remain agile should consumer mindsets revert.” To download a pdf of Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2023, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/consumer-sentiment-survey-spring-23/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities toward their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

April 18, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Leading Psychologist Explains Why Teaching Kids to Manage Stress is Key to Overall Wellbeing

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

If a child is not sleeping or eating well, irritable or anxious, these could be early signs of mental health challenges ahead. “Teaching children about stress and how to manage the stress response is an important way of developing emotional intelligence, building resilience, and preventing future physical and mental health problems,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “Too many children experience daily stress related to pressures at school, problems with friends, separation or divorce of parents, personal illness or that of a family member, changes in their bodies, difficulty balancing school and extracurricular responsibilities, and more. There are also residual stressors from having lived through a pandemic that we know have had a very serious impact on children’s development. And sadly, too many children live with serious chronic stress as a result of poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and violence,” she added. Dr. Nealon, a clinical psychologist and mother of two, has just written an illustrated book for primary school children, “The Amazing Four’s Very Stressful Day,” in which four friends come together to learn about stress and how to manage it. Available now at Barnes and Noble, Dr. Nealon's book taps into her wealth of knowledge and experience about stress management to give parents and caregivers a tool to help children develop stress management skills. This book is the first in a series to educate adults and children about mental health wellbeing. “Even in young children, prolonged stress can trigger a cycle of emotion-regulation challenges, which can turn into anxiety, depression and behavior problems,” she said. "Parents and caregivers play a crucial part in helping children develop effective coping mechanisms. Through early identification and the creation of a supportive environment, adults can help children develop the skills needed for mental health wellbeing.” Dr. Nealon recommends the following t o help children understand and manage their own emotions and those of others: 1. Identify stress symptoms early. These can include emotional and physical signs such as withdrawing from people, slipping grades, or frequent headaches and stomach aches. 2. Practice coping skills, such as breathing, seeking support from others and positive thinking. These have immediate benefits and can also be used long-term for combat complex issues. 3. Strengthen the parent-child relationship. When parents understand and support their child’s stress management, it can foster trust, build resilience, and instill courage and confidence. “The U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics have declared a national child mental health emergency” said Dr. Nealon, “By addressing stress early, we can mitigate circumstances that contribute to this emergency and begin the long, difficult road to turning the mental health crisis around.” # About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

April 17, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

LunaOne Announces Campaign to Burn Nearly 90% of Total XLN Supply

Luna One

The campaign kicked off on April 10th, 2023, with the burning of one billion XLN in addition to revealing plans to burn 100% of the company’s XLN, which is nearly 90% of the total supply. LunaOne, a leading Web3 project harnessing virtual technology to create a premier entertainment multiverse, is proud to announce its XLN Burn Campaign, incorporating a further deflationary mechanism that rewards holders and encourages long-term investment. LunaOne seeks to leverage the burning of nearly 90% of the total XLN supply and the resulting scarcity to increase token value, making it more attractive to investors before the big launch. Burning tokens combats inflation and typically increases the value of token holdings—encouraging long-term investment and reducing short-term speculation or volatility. To strengthen community engagement at significant milestones, LunaOne has scheduled multiple burns within Q2, including 750,000,000 XLN on April 26th, May 10th, May 24th, and June 7th. The final burn amount will be determined June 21st, 2023. The final burn amount will be determined based on several factors including staked XLN, rewards for holders, contest payouts, promotions, and completing KYC for some XLN holders. The XLN Burn Campaign will not impact any relaunch plans, but rather provide significant benefits for the LunaOne multiverse and its holders. XLN will then become a hyper-deflationary token utilizing a deflationary utilization system. About LunaOne LunaOne is a hyper-realistic open-world concept with a focus on impactive gaming, education, work, and social life. The main mission of the LunaOne project is to lay the foundation for a global meta-infrastructure creating an enhanced ability to earn, study, play, and attend superior entertainment events—all powered by XLN. Website: www.lunaone.com Contact Details LunaOne Cory Cozad Info@lunaone.com

April 15, 2023 12:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Enrich Lives throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania This Summer with Two Ways to Support United Disabilities Services.

UDS

Winter is finally letting up, so it’s time to get out and enjoy! While planning your future events, consider spending some time supporting Lancaster County, Pennsylvania-based non-profit United Disabilities Services (UDS). Whether you’re looking to dress to the nines at a gala or dust off your clubs for a golf tournament, there are a variety of services and programs in which you can be involved to enrich lives and expand boundaries for people throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania and beyond. Annual Gala The UDS Foundation’s Annual Gala raises critically-needed funds to support its mission and provide personal care and support services for people with physical and age-related disabilities and mobility issues. These services enhance their clients’ independence and enrich their lives, along with the lives of their families, caregivers, and the community. The event will occur from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Lancaster Country Club at 1466 New Holland Pike in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Enjoy a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a seated dinner with a cash bar. While you’re there, enjoy exclusive bidding opportunities on live and silent auction items as well as raffles. Event Details: UDS Foundation’s Annual Gala Lancaster Country Club: 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 Individual Tickets: $150 Table of Eight: $1,100 Table of 10: $1,350 Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Event Page: https://udservices.org/annual-gala-2023 Tickets: https://udservices.org/gala-ticket-sales/ Silent Auction Items: https://udserv2023.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse 4th Annual Service Dogs Golf Tournament UDS will host the fourth annual golf tournament supporting its Service Dogs on Friday, August 18, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Crossgates Golf Club located at 1 Crossland Ps in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Golfers can play in groups of up to four and enjoy activities like a hole-in-one contest to win a $10,000 cash prize, longest drive, putting contest, silent auction, raffles, and more! Registration forms can be found online here and must be completed and submitted by August 1. If you have any questions about this event, please contact lorib@udservices.org. Event Details: 4th Annual Service Dogs Golf Tournament Crossgates Golf Club: 1 Crossland Ps, Millersville, PA 17551 Player Registration: $135 Putting Contest: $10 Mulligans: $5 each (max. 2 per golfer) Friday, August 18, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. More Information: https://udservices.org/events/3rd-annual-service-dogs-golf-tournament/ Event Page: https://udservices.org/golf23 About UDS Foundation UDS Foundation is a Lancaster, PA-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with physical and age-related disabilities. UDS accomplishes that by providing a variety of home- and community-based services to help people with disabilities enjoy safer, happier, and more independent lives in the comfort of their homes. Incorporated in 1970, UDS has evolved from a small organization to a company providing a network of 12 different programs through several nonprofit and for-profit entities. UDS serves individuals with disabilities, including the aging and veterans, throughout Pennsylvania and coordinates a network of business partners and satellite offices in multiple counties. For more information, visit www.udservices.org. Contact Details United Disabilities Services Madison Baber +1 210-213-2426 madison@rprfirm.com Company Website https://udservices.org

April 14, 2023 02:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

EARTH DAY WITH CHERYL NELSON

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

April 13, 2023 01:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

SIGMA America Announces NAB Show Activity, and SIGMA + Atomos Show Specials

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, is pleased to announce its participation in the 2023 NAB Show, running April 15-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. SIGMA technical experts will be on hand to discuss the full product line, SIGMA CINE Ambassador Graham Sheldon will be speaking, and SIGMA + Atomos Creativity bundles are being announced at the event. SIGMA America CINE Technical Specialists will be available to speak with guests at the B&H Photo Video Audio Booth #C8317 throughout the expo. SIGMA will have the full CINE product line on display here, including the new 65mm T1.5 FF High Speed Prime and 65mm T2.5 FF Classic Prime, as well as SIGMA fp series cameras; along with a sampling of Art, Sports and Contemporary lenses, including the new 17mm F4 DG DN | Contemporary and 50mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary "I series" lenses. SIGMA lenses and cameras will also be on display in booths throughout the show floor, including Atlas #C6230, Atomos #C4135, DJI #C3350, Kinefinity #7035, Panasonic #C3308, and Smallrig #C6545. SIGMA America CINE Ambassador Graham Sheldon will be presenting "New Options for Camera 2 Cloud Workflows" at the Remote Production Conference on Monday, April 17 from 3:00-4:15PM PDT, and again on Tuesday, April 18 in three sessions running between 9:30AM PDT and Noon PDT. These sessions will explore remote and streaming workflows employing SIGMA fp series cameras paired with the Atomos Ninja V/V+ and Atomos Connect. Additionally, SIGMA America and Atomos are jointly announcing special bundle pricing on SIGMA fp series cameras and select Atomos products, including the Ninja V/V+ and Connect. Starting with the launch of the NAB Show on April 15, 2023 and running until June 15 through authorized retailers, these SIGMA + Atomos bundles offer powerful solutions for filmmakers including 4K ProRes RAW output and Atomos Cloud for streaming and instant backup at great savings. Full program details and bundle options are available at: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/atomos-bundles "NAB Show is always very special for SIGMA America, as we get to connect with so many talented video professionals who have come to trust SIGMA cameras and lenses for their work," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA Corporation of America. "Our expanding presence and influence in the filmmaking industry can be seen by how many industry partners are showcasing SIGMA gear, from our CINE lenses to our fp cameras, to our new bundle partnership with Atomos." To learn more about SIGMA CINE Products visit: http://www.sigmacine.com/ ### 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 Company Website https://www.sigmaphoto.com/

April 13, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2023

Comcast Texas

Comcast Texas, the Houston area's largest internet service provider, will commit more than $1 million to shrink the local digital divide this year by supporting more than 60 organizations and programs that help people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder. The investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity across the nation and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. To help fuel economic mobility locally this year, a large portion of Comcast Texas’ $1 million investment will go to area nonprofit organizations to fund community programs with the following focus: Connectivity & Adoption, Digital Skills in the Workforce and Entrepreneurship. Connectivity & Adoption Connectivity programs equip individuals, families and community partners with the right tools and resources to take advantage of the Internet. Adoption programs teach individuals the skills needed to increase competency and confidence in technology in order to use it proficiently. Digital Skills in the Workforce Over 90% of jobs available today require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of US workers lack opportunities to build these skills. Digital skills programs teach individuals the tech skills needed to land a job and stay competitive in the changing marketplace. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship programs focus on helping people build digital skills to launch and grow their businesses. “These investments are part of Comcast Texas’ ongoing commitment to provide people with the digital tools needed to succeed in this ever-connected world,” said Ralph Martinez, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. “As we expand our next-generation network across southeast Texas, we’re here to be good neighbors. We’re here to support and uplift the communities we’re honored to do business in by teaming up with trusted partners to invest in programs that make a difference.” The first round of Comcast Texas’ 2023 grant funding and other support to local organizations will be announced in May with more announcements made throughout the year. Additional support will be considered for local organizations that raise awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Internet Essentials provides affordable home Internet for qualifying households ($9.95/mo for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/mo for up to 100 Mbps) — as well as low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and free Internet training. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides qualified households with a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet and mobile services. About Comcast Corporation: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Project UP Project UP is Comcast Corporation’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. Contact Details Comcast Texas Steve Campion +1 281-605-9658 Steve_Campion@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

April 13, 2023 10:39 AM Central Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Bringing Dialysis Home with the Tablo® Hemodialysis System

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Mqq3M7o4YZ8 Living with kidney disease is hard. While the treatment is life-saving, it is also life-changing, forcing patients to fit their lives into their dialysis schedules. For patients like David Rush, it meant going into a dialysis center for five hours, three days a week, forcing him to fit his life around his dialysis schedule. As a touring musician, this rigid schedule didn’t work. Outset Medical, creator of the Tablo® Hemodialysis System, teamed up with David Rush on a nationwide media tour to discuss his kidney health journey and experiences treating in clinic and at home. Dialysis is one of the largest, most expensive, least-changed healthcare sectors, even though half a million Americans depend on dialysis to live. Despite the huge expense and burden on providers and patients, dialysis has seen virtually no innovation over the last 30 years. Until Tablo, an easy-to-learn, all-in-one dialysis device that allows for dialysis to be delivered anytime, anywhere and by virtually anyone. Tablo is FDA-cleared for use in many settings, from hospital to home. The intuitive, interactive touchscreen displays 3-D animations and conversational instructions to simplify system set-up, treatment and alarm resolution. With the help of Tablo, David is dialyzing at home, on his schedule, and has been able to build his life around what matters most to him: his family, music career and kidney disease advocacy efforts. The ease of use has provided David with the flexibility to choose when and how he receives treatment, even when he’s on the road touring. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.TABLOHOMENOW.COM Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 13, 2023 10:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

In Proxy Memo, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Are Urged to Stay Out of Divisive Abortion Issue

National Legal & Policy Center

Following last year’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, advocates have continued their battle for unrestricted abortion access in a new forum: Corporate America. Under the guise of two shareholder proposals that demand reports on “Impacts of Reproductive Healthcare Legislation” as the result of newly enacted state laws that limit or ban abortions, activists seek to bully The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc. into advocacy for their own policies on the controversial political issue, and for the companies to steer their campaign contributions accordingly. In responses filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month, National Legal and Policy Center argue why shareholders of the two multinational soft drink makers should oppose the resolutions sponsored by the radical pro-abortion proponents. NLPC’s reports to the SEC can be viewed at the following links: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. As NLPC’s filings explain, the proponents of the two shareholder proposals cite biased research, selective data, slanted opinion polls, and preconceived outcomes to make their cases. For example, the sponsors assert that it will be more difficult for the companies to recruit women to their workforces in states where abortion limits or bans have been enacted into law. But the proponents stake their claim based on a “study” that one critic said suffered from “self-selection bias,” using “an unrepresentative, highly biased sample and misleading questions.” The boards of directors for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo also ask shareholders to vote against the proposals on their respective proxy statements, but for reasons that don’t address the misleading and even deceitful claims of the proponents. Coca-Cola, in its opposition, proudly points to its coverage of travel expenses for medical procedures that are “not available in-state.” PepsiCo repeatedly emphasizes its “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” policies that “improve the attraction, retention and advancement of women,” which include “a robust and highly competitive set of flexible benefits” with “reproductive health” coverage. “Although we wish their opposition was stronger, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are right to resist these thinly veiled attempts to push their companies to take a public stance on the divisive issue of abortion, which would undermine their fiduciary responsibility to all their shareholders,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “We hope the directors and company executives are finally starting to learn that capitulating to aggressive Leftist politics is a long-term loser for the bottom line.” The so-called “Reproductive Healthcare” resolutions that NLPC opposes are Proposal No. 9 on the Coca-Cola proxy statement, and Proposal No. 7 on the PepsiCo proxy statement. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 13, 2023 09:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 8384858687 ... 277