News Hub | News Direct

Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
Article thumbnail News Release

ACTIVATE’S CUTTING-EDGE GAMING EXPANDS TO MISSISSAUGA

Activate

Activate, the world’s first active gaming facility and TikTok viral sensation, is thrilled to announce its fourth location in Ontario, set to open in Mississauga on June 14, 2024. Following successful openings in Brampton, Burlington, and Scarborough, Activate offers an entertainment option like no other of unparalleled excitement that has sparked a nationwide gaming sensation. Activate Mississauga is located at 5980 Mclaughlin Rd, Unit 1, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3X9. Founded in Canada, Activate is transforming the gaming landscape, counting 13 locations across Canada and 10 locations in the United States with no signs of slowing down. Attracting over 2.6 million players worldwide, the experience blends cutting-edge technology with action-packed challenges for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. "Activate's expansion into Mississauga marks an exhilarating milestone in our journey to revolutionize gaming entertainment," expressed Adam Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Activate. "We are thrilled to introduce our action-packed challenges to a new market in Ontario. Our mission is to deliver an unforgettable social adventure, uniting friends and families and creating lasting excitement, camaraderie, and cherished memories." With over 9,000 square feet of fun, Activate Mississauga’s new state-of-the-art gaming facility welcomes all ages and skill levels, encouraging players to explore and create their own unique experiences. Here’s what to expect: Guests can sign up in groups of two to five players Through progress tracking via Activate’s high-tech electronic RFID wristbands, players can rack up points, leveling up and earning prizes along the way. Top gaming rooms include the TikTok viral sensation Mega Grid with 500+ multi-activated rainbow-coloured tiles, blasting the beaming bullseye in a game called Strike, and feel like a modern day spy in the Laser room. Try Level 1 easy or take it to Level 10 extreme. Play as a team in cooperative mode, or challenge your friends in competitive mode games. In addition to Mississauga, Activate can be found in major Canadian markets such as Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Brampton, along with U.S. markets such as Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Jersey. Additional Activate locations are set to open in 2024 across Canada in markets such as Southern Ontario, Saskatchewan and B.C, along with internationally, including Dubai opening in the Fall, 2024 and launching in the UK in 2025. Today, Activate operates over 30 locations across Canada and the U.S. PLAN YOUR VISIT Book in advance to save time and ensure your preferred time is available. Each game lasts 1-3 minutes. The full gaming experience lasts 75 minutes. Complete the waiver required for you to play in advance. Wear activewear and indoor runners. Age requirements: 10 and older. Where: 5980 Mclaughlin Rd, Unit 1 Mississauga, ON, L5R 3X9. When: Sun-Thurs 9:30 am - 10:00 pm, Fri-Sat 9:30 am - 11:00 pm. For a sneak peek into Activate’s dynamic gaming experience, and to keep tabs on the Activate Mississauga grand opening, click here. Join the Inner Circle to be the first to hear about new locations, behind-the-scenes information, deals, and more. Please find imagery assets here. Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com. Follow Activate on social media: Facebook: Activate Instagram: @activategames TikTok: @activategames Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Jalila Singerff +1 613-614-6777 jalila@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://playactivate.com

June 10, 2024 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

AmeriLife and Succession Capital Alliance Partner to Expand Distribution Platform for Advanced Life Insurance Solutions

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Succession Capital Alliance (“SCA”), the innovator behind premium financing for life insurance and a leading provider of advanced life insurance solutions for financial professionals and their high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Succession Capital Alliance stands out in our industry for its unique approach to serving the high-net-worth life insurance market,” said Scott R. Perry, chairman and CEO of AmeriLife. “I’m excited to welcome Julian Movsesian and his team to AmeriLife as our newest partners. Succession represents a powerful addition to our growing distribution, and I look forward to working together.” Founded in 2004, SCA is known industrywide for its proprietary, nationally recognized Capital Maximization Strategy℠, an innovative strategy that finances policy premiums through custom loans tailored to each client’s unique circumstances to maximize the value of their life insurance assets. This approach – coupled with deep relationships with top carriers and financial institutions – has set SCA apart in the high-net-worth space and has helped financial professionals place more than $60 billion of life insurance and $6 billion of financed life premium since inception. Now, alongside AmeriLife, SCA will gain access to best-in-class shared services and one of the largest wealth distribution networks in the industry to expand its market opportunities and accelerate its already impressive growth. “Over the past 20 years, Succession Capital Alliance has grown into the premier partner for elite advisors across the nation in the advanced life insurance space,” said president and CEO Julian Movsesian. “Our partnership with AmeriLife will enable us to get to the next level, as it offers SCA the ability to expand our distribution channels and leverage AmeriLife’s technology, shared services, and deep analytical capabilities. I couldn’t be more excited for our team and the financial professionals we serve.” As AmeriLife Wealth Group continues to break through traditional distribution models, the addition of Succession Capital Alliance will help drive and fortify its wealth protection business, arming AmeriLife’s growing wealth affiliate network with advanced life, tax, estate, and succession planning solutions in service to the company’s holistic approach to the markets it serves. “Today’s announcement is another critical milestone achieved for AmeriLife Wealth Group and our ability to grow and sustain the next generation of wealth firms and their financial professionals,” said Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer for AmeriLife Wealth Group. “SCA provides a distinctive offering that will not only elevate our life insurance business, but also expand protection solutions for more agents and their clients.” ### About Succession Capital Alliance Succession Capital Alliance, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, is the gold standard in advanced life insurance planning for advisors and their high-net-worth clients. With a singular focus on maximizing the performance of life insurance assets through Premium Financing, SCA leverages the Capital Maximization Strategy to provide leverage within a client's portfolio. For additional information, please visit SuccessionCapital.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and financial professionals and more than 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 media@amerilife.com Succession Capital Alliance Adrina Movsesian amovsesian@successioncapital.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

June 10, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Room to Roam: ‎The Elephant’s Path to Climate Resilience

News Media Group, Inc.

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

June 10, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Loneliness Crisis Being Faced by Older Americans: AmeriCorps Seniors Believes Volunteering Fosters Connections and Conquers Loneliness

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dcH7-VsQaYQ Older adults are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious effect on health, according to a recent report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General. Chronic loneliness (persistent feelings of isolation and/or a lack of companionship) can adversely affect mental, cognitive, and physical health, general well-being and even longevity. However, there are ways to overcome loneliness and volunteering might be the answer. AmeriCorps Seniors is helping older adults form connections in their community, provide purpose and improve their lives through volunteering. After two years of volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors, 78% of those who reported more than five symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study said that they felt less depressed two years later. Of those who first described a lack of companionship, 88% said they felt less isolated after two years. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps Seniors focuses on engaging adults ages 55 and up in service in their local communities. Through three signature programs, RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program, AmeriCorps Seniors provides a space for older adults to take charge of this moment in life and use their time in impactful ways. Each year, AmeriCorps Seniors matches more than 140,000 Americans with service opportunities. For example, Shelley Brosnan, a volunteer with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP through Volunteer Fairfax, Fairfax, Va., said, “Giving back is so very important. I’ve been volunteering for most of my adult life. Volunteering allows me to connect with my community and make it a better place. I also love the social aspects and meeting people who share my interests. We have a chance to help others and form new relationships, which has grown my social circle.” RSVP offers flexible scheduling and a diverse mix of opportunities. The Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteers with children and youth in mentoring and tutoring relationships. Lastly, the Senior Companion Program provides a helping hand to other older adults and those with disabilities. They also support caregivers through respite services. For more information and to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AMERICORPS.GOV/YOURMOMENT. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 07, 2024 12:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast Announces Live American Sign Language Interpreting Services at Eight Bay Area Xfinity Store Locations

Comcast California

As part of its ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, Comcast today announced the availability of live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services at eight Xfinity Store Locations in the Greater Bay Area. Customers who need ASL support can stop into any of the select Bay Area Xfinity Stores, where representatives will utilize ASL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to access a live interpreter provided by partner, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). The Retail Associate simply taps the app on the store iPad and is connected in moments via video to a live interpreter who can translate from ASL to English and vice versa as the customer and Associate converse. “We’re proud to deliver an inclusive service solution that will help more customers better interact and engage with Retail Associates representing our Xfinity Products and Services, to provide them with a much better in-store experience,” said Thomas Wlodkowski, Comcast Vice President for Accessibility. “I’m also grateful to our partners in California — who are helping to close the digital divide for more members of our disabled community by working with us on a variety of digital equity initiatives.” Comcast launched the ASL VRI service as a pilot in select stores last year; it is the first telecommunications retailer in the country to offer live, on-demand, remote ASL interpreting services in stores to better serve customers. The company is expanding the service to additional stores across the country this year. The eight Xfinity Greater Bay Area stores that offer ASL VRI service include: San Jose: 1068 E. Brokaw Rd. # 50, San Jose, CA 95131 Sunnyvale: 301 W. McKinley Ave. Suite 140, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 San Jose: 1566 Monterey Hwy #20, San Jose, CA 95110 San Jose: 1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129 Palo Alto: 2825 El Camino Real #100, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Fremont: 43325 Christy St., Fremont, CA 94538 Oakland: 3070 E. 9 th St., Oakland, CA 94601 Dublin: 4104 Grafton St., Dublin, CA 94568 “As part of California School for the Deaf’s mission, we are deeply committed to providing a language rich environment that maximizes communication access in order for our students to lead fulfilling lives,” said Amy Novotny, Superintendent, California School for the Deaf. “Access to technology and connectivity builds confidence and independence, and that’s why we are excited to partner with Comcast on opportunities to close the digital divide for members of our Deaf and hard of hearing community.” The American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 3.6% of the U.S. population is “deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.” Additionally, according to Pew Research Center, 23% of people with disabilities say they never go online, with 57% saying they do not have a home broadband connection. That’s why, through its Project UP initiative, Comcast is working to address and eliminate the unique barriers to connectivity through a series of efforts, including Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and skill development and training. In addition to announcing this inclusive retail experience for customers, Comcast donated $60,000 in digital equity grants to community partners, San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Deaf, and the World Institute on Disability. These grants aim to broaden the scope of digital inclusion and accessibility to students, families, seniors, and community members. “Assistive technologies are opening doors to greater independence for folks with a range of disabilities,” said Sharon Giovinazzo Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco LightHouse of the Blind and Visually Impaired. “These innovations truly can level the playing field. Comcast has been a valued partner in delivering technologies and supporting our efforts to promote independence, community, and equity for blind and low vision people.” “Diversity, equity and inclusion are the guiding stars of what we do here at the World Institute on Disability, and it is gratifying to see partners, such as Comcast, who also believe that equity and accessibility go hand-in-hand,” said Marcie Roth, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, World Institute on Disability. “Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and we must continue to work together to invest in solutions, which will help support people with disabilities having equal and greater access to products and services in today’s world as well as laying the foundation for greater accessibility for future generations.” About Comcast’s Accessibility Program: For more than a decade, Comcast has invested in making its products, technology, and experiences accessible to the widest possible audience while opening new doors to independence for people with disabilities. These innovations include the Large Button Voice Remote, voted USA Today’s Best Accessible Design remote in 2023, and the Xfinity Adaptive Web Remote. To learn more about Comcast’s groundbreaking accessibility work, visit corporate.comcast.com/accessibility. 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. Contact Details Comcast Calfornia Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 jon_koriel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

June 06, 2024 10:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Black Radiance Launches Beautyverse App as First Step into Beauty Tech Space

Black Radiance

Black Radiance, one of the first inclusive beauty brands, is excited to launch its first augmented reality app, Beyond Radiant. Available now in all app stores, Beyond Radiant empowers women of color with the confidence to be their best selves by seeing the unlimited possibilities in the avatars. Beyond Radiant stands at the intersection of augmented reality technology, beauty, and empowerment. Unlike traditional beauty apps that focus solely on makeup application, Beyond Radiant offers an immersive experience surrounding four diverse avatars, each with unique personalities and professions, to inspire women of color and foster a community of confident, empowered women who see themselves in the achievements and aspirations of the app’s avatar. “Black Radiance has always stood on the cutting-edge of the intersection between beauty and race,” said Sherry West, Brand Marketing Manager at Black Radiance. “We know the way of the future is to embrace technology in new and unique ways, especially with the increasing presence of AI in the beauty industry. We’re excited to step into the future in an inclusive way that holds true to Black Radiance’s long-standing mission of empowering women of color.” Beyond Radiant Augmented Reality avatars are inspired by history-making women who have blazed new paths for Black women, like NASA Astronaut Jessica Watkins, and record-breaking ice skater Starr Andrews. Jessica Watkins is the first Black woman to complete an International Space Station long-term mission, while Starr Andrews is the first African American woman to win a Grand Prix medal in the singles discipline. The dedication, creativity, imagination, and fortitude of these women can be seen in the four avatars: The Boss Babe, The Champ, The Content Creator, and The Innovator. “In a world where beauty standards often feel limiting, Black Radiance dares to redefine what beauty can mean for women of color,” said K. Parris MacDonald, Vice President of Marketing at Black Radiance. “The Beyond Radiant App feels like a natural progression to further offering space to women of color to be their authentic selves and see themselves reflected in the narratives of achievement and success.” The Beyond Radiant app is available to download in all app stores now and at www.blackradiancebeauty.com. For more information and updates, visit www.blackradiancebeauty.com/beyondradiant and follow @blackradiancebeauty on social media. Hi-res images and interviews are available upon request. About Black Radiance: For over 30 years, Black Radiance® has recognized, represented, and celebrated the diversity of darker complexions by offering affordable, high-quality cosmetics with uncompromising color, trusted coverage, and formula innovation. Black Radiance empowers and inspires women of color through cosmetics, beauty, and lifestyles. Our mission – to enable Black women worldwide to be even more beautiful. We promise to create both products and experiences that encourage women of color worldwide to embrace, enhance, define, and love their shade of beauty. Contact Details Cami Carlson camryn@six-one.com

June 06, 2024 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Culturelle® Probiotics and Re:wild Team Up to ‘Protect the Gut Microbiome’

YourUpdateTV

A new campaign from Culturelle® Probiotics and global conservation non-profit, Re:wild, is highlighting the similarities between endangered ecosystems on Earth and the endangered ecosystem within: the human gut microbiome. Recently, Dr. Robin Moore from Re:wild, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the new initiative. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/JT_Nv2wpwrU Earth’s ecosystems are what sustain us. They are our first line of defense against emerging diseases and climate chaos, and they provide everything from clean air and water to food and medicines. But research shows that the populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have declined by nearly 70% since 1970. And a loss of biodiversity can significantly disrupt an ecosystem – lowering its productivity and quality. The gut microbiome – made up of trillions of living, breathing bacterial species – is also facing a loss of biodiversity and is under constant siege from a variety of modern-day stressors, like anxiety, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits, that can put it out of balance and hinder its ability to thrive. This led the Culturelle brand to make a poignant connection between the vulnerable state of our gut microbiome and the other ecosystems of the world. The gut is a critical ecosystem — and it's at risk. Culturelle Probiotics and Re:wild have teamed up to draw attention to the similarities between the endangered ecosystems of our world and the ecosystem within – the human gut microbiome – and raise awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity in all ecosystems, both inside and out. To learn more about the campaign, visit ProtectTheGut.com. About Dr. Robin Moore Dr. Robin Moore blends his scientific training with his passion for photography and storytelling to connect a broad audience with the urgency and opportunity for saving endangered species and critical ecosystems. Recognizing the importance of communications for challenging perceptions and changing behaviors, Robin has spearheaded innovative campaigns to raise the profile of too-often overlooked species. The Search for Lost Frogs, a global quest to find species missing for decades, attracted significant media attention and inspired the book, In Search of Lost Frogs, which was named one of The Guardian’s best nature books of 2014. Robin is an award-winning photographer and Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. The Search for Lost Species, a signature initiative of Re:wild, builds on this success. About Culturelle® Probiotics For more than 25 years, Culturelle® Probiotics have helped individuals, children and families support their health. Covering digestive, immune, feminine, and pediatric health, Culturelle® product formulations are based on science, utilizing clinically studied probiotics to support the unique benefits of each product. Plus, the ingredients are proven effective and work in harmony with the human body.* About Re:wild Re:wild protects and restores the wild. They have a singular and powerful focus: the wild as the most effective solution to the interconnected climate, biodiversity and human wellbeing crises. Re:wild brings together Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need. Learn more at rewild.org. © 2024 dsm-firmenich group, Culturelle® is a trademark of the dsm-firmenich group. * The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 05, 2024 03:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

West Hollywood’s 40th Anniversary: Vacation in The High-Energy Playground to the Stars, Full of Sunshine, Style, and Culture

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/XeWP9LIZ9Nw Style, culture, glamour, luxury, fun, wellness, shopping, design, trendsetting, playground to the stars, iconic. Those are just some of the words to describe West Hollywood, California’s most walkable city in the heart of LA. This year, West Hollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary with four decades of cultural innovation, diversity, and unparalleled experiences in one of Southern California’s most iconic cities, measuring only 1.9 square miles. With influence from rock ‘n roll, folk, hair, metal bands and the distinct charm and the continuance of the famed Halloween Carnaval and WeHo Pride contribute to the rich tapestry of West Hollywood's cultural relevance, not to mention being the hub of many reality TV shows and paparazzi sightings. West Hollywood also has a long history of enacting progressive policies that protect and promote the rights of the minority, including the LGBTQ+ community. West Hollywood became an official city in 1984 with a majority-gay city council and its first openly gay mayor was elected in 1985. West Hollywood hosts one of the largest and most vibrant Pride celebrations in the country, attracting global visitation. This annual event showcases the city's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and provides a platform for the local LGBTQ+ community and the many businesses that serve it. West Hollywood commemorates these milestones with 40 Days of Pride and the return of WeHo Pride. “Pride Starts Here” kicked off on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and runs through June 30 for “40 Days of Pride'' with programming that includes the WeHo Pride Weekend Parade, the Dyke March, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival and more. Headliners for the 2024 OUTLOUD festival included Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monāe, Kesha, and Diplo. A nationwide media tour was conducted on May 21st with Jeff Morris, Chief Marketing Officer, West Hollywood Travel and Tom Kiely, President and CEO, West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board. Topics that were discussed during the media tour included: ● How guests can dive into the cultural forefront by exploring West Hollywood's three neighborhoods: The Design District, Santa Monica Boulevard (including LA’s Rainbow District) and the famed Sunset Strip, all nestled in the heart of LA. ● WeHo Pride celebrates 40 Days of Pride, coinciding this year with West Hollywood’s 40th Anniversary. ● What some of the summer cultural, culinary and entertainment highlights will be for anyone visiting including new trendsetting restaurants, bars, boutique, including 20 fabulous hotels, ranging from luxury to historic to celebrity drenched, not to mention the phenomenon of "roof topping” (swimming pools, sun decks and even pickleball). For more information, visit VisitWestHollywood.com. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 05, 2024 02:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Dads and Grads Gift Ideas

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group Jennifer Rivera +1 954-667-9647 jrivera@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

May 30, 2024 03:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 1516171819 ... 171