News Hub | News Direct

Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
Article thumbnail News Release

Downtown Music Publishing signs legendary French touch artists, Boombass and Étienne de Crécy

Downtown Music Holdings

Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) today announces global music publishing agreements with notable producer and one half of renowned duo, Cassius, Boombass and acclaimed DJ and producer, Étienne de Crécy. Downtown Music Publishing will be entering into a worldwide administration deal with celebrated producer, Boombass, who - together with Phillipe Zdar - co-produced MC Solaar's first album before forming the revolutionary duo Cassius that went on to become one of the key vanguards of the French touch era. Boombass - given name, Hubert Blanc Francard - will benefit from Downtown Music Publishing’s global administrative and sync services across the producer’s past and future catalog, as well as Boombass’ publishing efforts across the Cassius historical catalog; including ‘Cassius 99’ which entered the UK singles chart at #7, 2002 album ‘Au Reve’ which featured Jocelyn Brown, Ghostface Killah and Leroy Burgess, and the duo’s 4th album, ‘Ibifornia’ featuring the likes of Pharrell Williams, Ryan Tedder and Cat Power to name a few. The deal will also include single ‘I <3 U SO’ which was famously sampled by Jay Z and Kanye West in their hit single, ‘Why I love You’ on Watch The Throne. In 2021, Boombass published his book Boombass. Une histoire de la French touch to high acclaim, with the biography documenting his legendary journey and career in the music industry that spanned decades and inspired generations. Matthieu Couturier, Co-founder and President of Grand Musique Management comments, "We are very happy to begin this collaboration with Downtown Music Publishing and its excellent organization, who is known for working with legendary artists covering a scope of both legacy and new works.' Downtown Music Publishing will also be providing global administration and sync placement for lauded producer, Étienne de Crécy. Pioneering the French touch movement of the 1990s, Lyon-born Étienne de Crécy is the mastermind behind some of electronic music’s most trailblazing albums. Working as a sound engineer for the legendary Plus XXX studio in Paris, de Crécy met the late musician and producer, Phillipe Zdar and eventually formed the duo, Motorbass whose first album ‘Pansoul’ in 1994 served as the birth of French House. The deal will include de Crécy’s legendary back catalog and all future releases, including ‘Super Discount’, ‘Tempovision’ released in 2001 and the 2009 follow up to his debut solo album, ‘Super Discount 2’ produced entirely using old analog instruments. Released in 1995, Étienne de Crécy’s first solo album, ‘Super Discount’ went on to sell over 200,000 copies and was ranked by Q Magazine in their 1997 list of "The 25 Best Dance Albums Ever". Its critical success placed the album as one of the most iconic, seminal masterpieces to emerge from electronic music. The announcement follows a significant number of high-profile signings for Downtown Music Publishing in the last year, including Josh Ramsay, who co-wrote Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’, Grammy-winning artist and songwriter, Raja Kumari and iconic alt-rock group The National. Laura Bedikian, Senior A&R Manager, France for Downtown Music Publishing comments, “Downtown Music Publishing is proud to be working and representing the seminal work of two legendary producers. Boombass and Étienne de Cr é cy are both pioneers in their genre and we look forward to working closely with both of their teams and providing their iconic music with our administrative and creative sync services. As well as representing AIR’s catalog, Downtown Music Publishing is proud to have such a large footprint in the French market, especially those responsible for the French Touch movement. “ About Downtown Music Holdings & Downtown Music Publishing Downtown is the world's leading music services company with over 2 million clients from 145 countries representing a catalog of over 38 million music assets in a wide variety of genres and languages. Downtown's technology and service offerings support creators and businesses in all facets of the music industry including music creation, distribution, publishing, marketing, royalty collection, financing, accounting and payment services. Since the foundation of Downtown Music Publishing in 2007, publishing has been at the core of Downtown’s mission. Downtown Music’s publishing administration services - Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust, and Sheer Publishing Africa - currently have over 360,000 songwriters and almost 5 million copyrights under management. Representing nearly 100 years of popular music, clients include Miles Davis, The National, Raja Kumari and many others Contact Details Holly Rust Kite Hill PR downtownmusic@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.downtownmusic.com/

February 21, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Nextech3D.ai announces launch of GPT AI 3D solutions led by former Microsoft Executive

Nextech3D.AI

Nextech3D.ai CEO Evan Gappelberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company's launch of the next era of GPT AI 3D product solutions. These proprietary Artificial Intelligence algorithms represent a significant advancement in Nextech3D.ai's technology offerings and are poised to drive innovation in the e-commerce industry. Leading this initiative is Hareesh Achi, a former Microsoft Executive who currently serves as Nextech3D.ai's Head of Product Operations. With Achi's expertise and leadership, the company aims to capitalize on the early stages of the AI opportunity, particularly in the realm of 3D modeling for e-commerce. Gappelberg emphasized that the transition from 2D to 3D modeling represents a major multi-decade transformation driven by AI. Nextech3D.ai is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging its suite of GPT AI solutions to provide cutting-edge technology to enterprise clients. The company plans to offer annual enterprise licensing deals for its suite of GPT AI solutions, which initially feature 12 GPTs. Moreover, Nextech3D.ai intends to develop additional GPTs throughout 2024, further expanding its product offerings and market reach. By focusing on enterprise licensing deals and advancing its suite of AI solutions, Nextech3D.ai is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for innovative 3D technologies in the e-commerce landscape. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to driving technological innovation and delivering value to its clients in the evolving digital marketplace. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 20, 2024 11:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Bitcoin To Surge To $70k As Traders Look Forward To the 'Year of the Dragon', Sui and KangaMoon To Lead the Altcoin Rally

Kangamoon

East Asia is preparing to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon in the next few weeks. Crypto traders are excited, anticipating a major rally for Bitcoin as the year is considered one of the luckiest and most prosperous animals in the Chinese Zodiac. Ahead of the celebration, Markus Thielen has forecasted that Bitcoin could peak above $70k before the year ends. Meanwhile, two altcoins, Sui (SUI) and KangaMoon (KANG), are gearing up to lead the altcoin market rally in 2024. Markus Thielen Forecasts a Surge To $70,000 for Bitcoin (BTC) Markus Thielen, a famous crypto analyst at 10X Research, predicts that the Bitcoin (BTC) price will rise to $70,000 by the end of the year. This implies a 65% increase over the current $42,500 - $43,000 range, where the Bitcoin price has remained unchanged for more than a week. Thielen depends on his positive projections on strengthening macro conditions, the U.S. elections, monetary tailwinds, and growing demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs. His claims are bolstered by the increasing attitude in the cryptocurrency industry. On February 10, East Asia will begin the Year of the Wood Dragon. Crypto traders anticipate that the crypto market will suffer the same fate as one of the Chinese Zodiac's luckiest and most affluent animals. As the Bitcoin price increases, the altcoin market is expected to surge in 2024. Sui (SUI) TVL Sets New ATH, Price To Follow With the broader crypto market looking bullish, Sui (SUI) is one of the top altcoins that could take advantage. Over the past few months, the Sui network has grown at an incredible rate, with its total value locked (TVL) increasing by more than 1,000%. According to DeFiLlama data, Sui has a TVL of more than $515 million, making it the ninth-largest DeFi project. The growth of the Sui network can be linked to the rapid development of dApps with real-world use cases. With the network continuing to grow, experts expect the Sui coin to soar in 2024. Year-to-date (YTD), Sui has gained more than 100% to trade at the $1.5 range. However, as the network growth continues, a 30% surge to take SUI to a new ATH is expected, making it one of the top altcoins to buy. KangaMoon (KANG) To Dominate the 2024 Altcoin Market Rally In the upcoming altcoin market rally, KangaMoon (KANG) has been picked by experts as one of the top altcoins to watch. Built around an exciting new concept, the KANG token has been predicted to record a parabolic 100x price surge before the year ends. The DeFi project has attracted this kind of prediction because of its unique Social Finance (Social-Fi) network in the works. The platform also combines elements of play-to-earn, NFTs, and meme coins. This Social-Fi ecosystem aims to become the ultimate hub for meme coin enthusiasts. KangaMoon was designed to encourage interaction among meme coin enthusiasts and reward them for their participation. As the players participate in weekly, monthly, and quarterly challenges and special giveaways, they will earn KANG tokens and other rewards. The greater the participation, the more rewards a user stands to earn. The real-world application of KangaMoon has drawn a ton of interest to the project and is why market experts anticipate its launch. Given the 100x predictions, KANG is considered very cheap, as it is only priced at $0.0075 per coin. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Kangamoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://Kangamoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/Kangamoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To EarnEmbark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Disclaimer: The following disclaimer is important to read and understand before engaging with Kangamoon, a play-to-earn meme coin. By accessing or participating in any activities related to Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below: 1: No Financial Advice: This whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. 2: Volatility and Risks: Cryptocurrencies, including Kangamoon, are volatile and subject to significant price fluctuations. Investing in or holding Kangamoon tokens involves substantial risks, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 3: Regulatory Compliance: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Kangamoon. 4: Uncertain Market: The market for meme coins and play-to-earn platforms is highly speculative and subject to rapid changes. There is no guarantee of market demand, liquidity, or utility for Kangamoon tokens. Token values may fluctuate drastically and may not reflect the intrinsic value of the project. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

February 20, 2024 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

FuelRod Installs Swappable Charger Kiosks at Union Station in DC

Fuel Rod

FuelRod, a leading provider of portable power solutions, today announced the installation of their innovative swappable charger kiosks at Union Station in Washington, DC. FuelRod’s patented two-way exchange mobile charging program will help to keep travelers connected as they pass through the station, and act as the latest addition to their growing network of kiosks both within DC and Nationwide. FuelRod’s installation at Washington Union Station—their second within an Amtrak-serving hub, following a 2023 installation at Los Angeles Union Station—will provide city residents and long-distance travelers alike with portable, environmentally friendly power within the railway station. Visitors will now be able to purchase a FuelRod charging kit or swap an empty charger for a fresh, fully charged replacement at the kiosks to be installed. Washington Union Station is the latest FuelRod location to join an already established network throughout the nation’s capital city. Examples of existing stations in DC include the Walter E Washington Convention Center, Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and Six Flags America. “We are extremely proud of the expansion of our FuelRod mobile charging program into Union Station, Washington DC. We have a strong commitment to the traveling public and are focused on continued growth in transportation hubs across the United States,” said COO Joe Yeagley regarding this newest deployment in the nation’s capital. “Staying connected in today’s fast-paced world is more essential than ever, and people on the go should have convenient access to mobile charging regardless of where they happen to be.” The company’s presence in Washington, in turn, is part of a nationwide effort by FuelRod toward a network that people can rely on to stay powered and connected wherever they go. About FuelRod FuelRod is a California-based portable power solutions company and developer of the FuelRod kit—the first reusable, portable charging system that allows you to charge your mobile device on the go, and then recharge or swap for a fresh one. With a growing network of kiosks nationwide, FuelRod can keep your devices powered virtually anywhere you go. Learn more at www.fuel-rod.com. Contact Details Claudio Frescas +1 423-914-9647 claudio@fuel-rod.com Company Website https://www.fuel-rod.com/

February 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Buy Signals Emerge for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), As KangaMoon (KANG) Accumulation Continues

Kangamoon

Ethereum (ETH) has formed a large ascending channel over the past year and has recently retested the higher boundary of the channel. This can result in a more significant upswing, assuming it manages to break above a significant price barrier. Bitcoin (BTC) could soon experience a major upswing as well based on the latest on-chart metrics. KangaMoon ( KANG ) is a memecoin currently in its blockchain ICO period that has captured significant buying attention from traders and investors. KangaMoon (KANG) Hottest Memecoin in 2024 KangaMoon (KANG) is an upcoming DeFi project whose main goal is to establish a community for meme enthusiasts. Through its ecosystem, players will be able to engage in fun-filled activities and access competitions to earn rewards and win prizes. Every challenge provides users with the opportunity to earn, and as they rack up victories, they can win prizes and earn rewards. KANG holders will not need to wait until the launch of the project to begin earning KANG tokens and win prizes. Moreover, the holders can take advantage of a unique Social-Fi model, through which they can get extra tokens just by competing in weekly, monthly, and quarterly challenges and special giveaways. Those who are not interested in participating in battles can also spectate and bet on the outcome of the battles, and they will be able to win prizes. Alongside thrilling gameplay, KangaMoon will offer other opportunities for earning and will feature a dedicated marketplace. Bitcoin (BTC) Climbed 84.5% YTD – Price to Move Above $72K in 2024 Bitcoin (BTC) could soon experience a price increase based on its recent price performance, The cryptocurrency is up 84.5% year-to-date (YTD), and a thorough examination of the chart reveals that the temporary halt in the Bitcoin price performance could result in a pivotal support range, indicated by the middle boundary of the ascending channel in the crucial 200-day moving average. This support prompted an uptick in the Bitcoin crypto demand, which can lead to an uptrend retracement. With the strength of this support range and the possible presence of substantial demand, it is anticipated to act as a catalyst for buyers in the long term. According to the Bitcoin price prediction, it can end 2024 at $72,814.39. Ethereum (ETH) Finds Support at $2,300 – How Far Can It Go? Ethereum (ETH) is now experiencing a major point of volatility as its market capitalization could be in a declining period soon. Yet, it has seen a total climb of 45.2% in the past year, showcasing that the Ethereum price has the potential for further growth. According to the altcoin’s on-chart metrics, the crypto managed to climb from $2,186.24 to a maximum value of $2,379.82. Additionally, the Ethereum crypto is just 52.6% under its all-time high point, indicating that it has the potential to recover even in the short term. According to the Ethereum price prediction, it can reach $3,694.71 by the end of 2024. Summary Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market cap and if it surges in value, this can result in an overall spike across the broader industry. Ethereum is also recovering well, and while it did stagnate at its support line, there is potential for growth. Yet, all of the attention is heading towards KangaMoon, as the project just started Stage 22 of its presale. Here, it trades at just $0.0075. However, at launch, analysts project a price increase of 100x, making it the hottest memecoin to get into in 2024. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the KangaMoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://KangaMoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/KangaMoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To EarnEmbark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Disclaimer: The following disclaimer is important to read and understand before engaging with Kangamoon, a play-to-earn meme coin. By accessing or participating in any activities related to Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below: 1: No Financial Advice: The whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. 2: Volatility and Risks: Cryptocurrencies, including Kangamoon, are volatile and subject to significant price fluctuations. Investing in or holding Kangamoon tokens involves substantial risks, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 3: Regulatory Compliance: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Kangamoon. 4: Uncertain Market: The market for meme coins and play-to-earn platforms is highly speculative and subject to rapid changes. There is no guarantee of market demand, liquidity, or utility for Kangamoon tokens. Token values may fluctuate drastically and may not reflect the intrinsic value of the project. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

February 19, 2024 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Standard Chartered: Ethereum (ETH) Could Hit $4,000 By May – All Eyes on Dogecoin (DOGE) and KangaMoon (KANG)

Kangamoon

Following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, all attention turned to Ethereum (ETH). With the first spot ETFs for ETH expected by May 2024, Standard Chartered has predicted that the altcoin price could surge above $4,000. In other developments, Dogecoin (DOGE) has captured attention, with its network hitting a new milestone. Meanwhile, KangaMoon ( KANG ) is fast becoming the preferred meme coin in the crypto community thanks to its community-driven approach. Read on to find out more. Ethereum (ETH) To Hit $4,000 in May – Standard Chartered As the leading altcoin, a spot ETF for Ethereum (ETH) was expected to follow after Bitcoin got it. However, not many expected it to come just months after Bitcoin's ETF approval. Standard Chartered predicts that the US SEC will approve ETH ETFs in May. This expected clearance might significantly increase Ethereum's market value. According to reports, the bank projected a potential increase to $4,000 by May 23. With the Ethereum price hovering around $2,800, this rally could make it one of the top crypto coins to buy. Another factor that could influence the altcoin price is the recent Dencun upgrade. Dencun has gone live on two Ethereum testnets already. With the promise of reducing the cost of transactions for ETH L2 blockchains and making data availability cheaper, Dencun on the mainnet could spark a rally. Dogecoin (DOGE) Network Hits New Milestone, Analyst Expects Price Hike While its price performance hasn't met the expectations of investors, Dogecoin (DOGE) has been growing behind the scenes. The number of new addresses on the Dogecoin network reached a new high on January 29. According to data from IntoTheBlock shared by Ali Charts, users created 247,240 new Dogecoin addresses. This breaks the previous record of approximately 160,000 addresses set in 2014, shortly after the meme coin was launched. The network growth and recent price upswing have piqued the interest of crypto trader and analyst Crypto Patel. According to Patel, DOGE has formed a historic pattern last witnessed in 2021. Crypto Patel stated that if Dogecoin can replicate this incredibly bullish pattern, it may finally break above $1 for the first time. KangaMoon (KANG) Captures the Interest of the Crypto Community Amidst the growing positive sentiments of Dogecoin and Ethereum, KangaMoon (KANG) has become one of the most talked-about memecoins. KangaMoon has gained massive attention for attempting to do things differently in the meme coin space. The project represents the next generation of memecoins with its focus on utility as well as meme culture. KangaMoon is a social-fi project that aims to bring together the meme community under one umbrella. Not only will the project unite meme coin enthusiasts, but it will also create an opportunity for them to earn, adding more excitement to KangaMoon. KangaMoon will reward users based on their participation and activity within the ecosystem. The more you participate, the greater your earnings. Crypto experts have predicted that KangaMoon could become the next big meme coin, making it one of the top crypto coins to buy now. Many believe that KANG has the potential for a 100x surge in the 2024 bull market. With the altcoin price at just $0.005 per coin, now is the best time to join KangaMoon. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Kangamoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://Kangamoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/Kangamoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To Earn. Embark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Disclaimer: The following disclaimer is important to read and understand before engaging with Kangamoon, a play-to-earn meme coin. By accessing or participating in any activities related to Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below: No Financial Advice: The whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. No Financial Advice: This whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. 2 Volatility and Risks: Cryptocurrencies, including Kangamoon, are volatile and subject to significant price fluctuations. Investing in or holding Kangamoon tokens involves substantial risks, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 3 Regulatory Compliance: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Kangamoon. 4 Uncertain Market: The market for meme coins and play-to-earn platforms is highly speculative and subject to rapid changes. There is no guarantee of market demand, liquidity, or utility for Kangamoon tokens. Token values may fluctuate drastically and may not reflect the intrinsic value of the project. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

February 18, 2024 08:00 AM Central Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Nextdoor Helps Share Kindness in Your Neighborhood

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Ks0CSHf9e3Y Everyone loves a random act of kindness – from a stranger paying for your coffee or giving you a seat on the bus– these little spontaneous actions make a big impact. Small and spontaneous gestures matter even more than we may think. Too many times we forget the impact that simple gestures can make –this is exactly why National Random Acts of Kindness Day is being celebrated – to encourage everyone to spread kindness. Nextdoor wants you to know that it’s not just about spreading kindness, this winter season you should not be shy about making an ‘ask for’ kindness too; often, if you ask a neighbor for help shoveling snow, or cleaning storm drain - they’ll step in and help. Simply giving recognition to someone is another great way to brighten their day. Nextdoor has a new product feature called #ThankANeighbor, that provides a thoughtful prompt to celebrate the displays of kindness you see in your neighborhood. You can read more about it here: https://blog.nextdoor.com/2023/11/03/nextdoor-thank-a-neighbor/ On February 6th, Caty Kobe, Nextdoor US Market Lead, conducted a nationwide media tour to discuss National Random Acts of Kindness Day and these topics: · Provide neighbors with tips about how to celebrate kindness in their neighborhoods, · Advise viewers that 'asks for' kindness are often welcomed by neighbors, particularly during winter weather events. · Highlight new features on Nextdoor that help neighbors recognize and honor one another. To connect with your neighbors on Nextdoor.com, download the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or visit nextdoor.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 14, 2024 12:09 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Apple Shareholder: Company’s Actions on Human Rights Don’t Match Its Words

NLPC

Ahead of Apple Inc. ’s annual meeting on February 28, National Legal and Policy Center is highlighting a report it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains how the iPhone maker’s claims about its respect for human rights fall far short of its real-world engagements and operations. NLPC, a shareholder in Apple, is sponsoring a proposal (No. 8 on Page 97 of the company’s proxy statement ) that asks the company to explain why its actions fail repeatedly to match its statements and policies regarding human rights, especially considering its ongoing pandering to the government of China. The SEC filing builds on the case made in the proposal, with extensive evidence of Apple’s concern for cheap labor and enormous profits, at the expense of the people who buy and make its products under the brutal communist regime. “Over the past ten years, various shareholders have brought at least six different proposals at Apple annual meetings because of its weaknesses when it comes to protecting human rights,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Why does the Board of Directors have to keep addressing this issue? Because they only pay lip service to it, while their Chinese government business partners constantly violate standards of respect and decency. The U.S. State Department actually calls it genocide.” NLPC’s proposal and SEC filing note the following examples where Apple fails to follow its own proclamations regarding human rights, rendering them empty: Apple removed the New York Times ’s apps from the App Store in China in 2017, and removed apps including HKmap.live and Quartz from its offerings, during the protests in Hong Kong in 2019; The company severely restricted use of its AirDrop wireless filesharing feature on users’ iPhones during protests against Chairman Xi Jinping’s “zero COVID” policies in late 2022; The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice said in January 2024 that it had cracked Apple’s encryption and was able to track senders. According to The Epoch Times, “That allows local police to find ‘several suspects’ who use the iPhone feature to transmit files containing what authorities have referred to as ‘inappropriate remarks,’ according to the agency;” According to Reuters, “Apple has started requiring new apps to show proof of a Chinese government license before their release on its China App Store, joining local rivals that had adopted the policy years earlier to meet tightening state regulations.” Perhaps most telling, the tech giant lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act when it was up for consideration in Congress. “Apple wants to avoid this embarrassing issue so badly, that the Board asked the SEC to prevent our proposal from being heard by our fellow shareholders, by claiming that they were already addressing the issue,” Chesser added. “Fortunately – even under a presidential administration cozy with both Big Tech and China – the SEC staff followed the facts instead of political bias, and decided to allow our proposal at the annual meeting. “We look forward to explaining to our fellow shareholders why Apple’s carelessness over human rights presents fiduciary and reputational risks to the company.” ### 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. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

February 13, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

After Two Seasons Of Netflix Show, Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON) Continues To Expand 'Llama Llama' Franchise Through Partnership With Penguin Young Readers

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Every parent knows the importance of a nighttime routine for young children. Oftentimes, this routine will enlist the help of trusted stuffed animals and books that transport us to faraway places with cuddly characters. With over 30 million copies in print worldwide, Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books have captured the hearts of families. The series has been translated into eight languages and provides soothing tales of first childhood experiences and adventures to preschoolers. In 2018, Llama Llama’s success translated to the screen when Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON) adapted the stories to a Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) Original preschool series. The show stars Jennifer Garner, who voices the lead role of Mama Llama. Seasons one and two of the series are available to stream. Kartoon Studios is a global company specializing in creating, producing, distributing, marketing and licensing entertainment brands. With a diverse portfolio of original animated content, including popular shows such as Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq's Garage, Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama, Kartoon Studios seems to have established itself as a prominent player in the entertainment industry. Expanding the Llama Llama franchise, Kartoon Studios has partnered with Penguin Young Readers and KOHL’s (NYSE: KSS) to launch new back-to-back nationwide retail promotions featuring books and plush products from the series. This product line will be part of the popular Kohl’s Cares program, which uses 100% of Kohl’s net profit to benefit non-profit organizations. Kartoon Studios has enlisted two new plush toy licensing partners, Spirit and YOTTOY, to its growing roster, expanding the company’s presence in the merchandise space. Starting February 1, customers can look forward to a charming plush toy and book set. This set features the book Llama Llama Easter Egg from Penguin Young Readers, paired with a plush toy from Spirit. Available for a limited time while supplies last, this set will be priced at $9.00. On April 12, a second release will be introduced. Fans can discover the book Llama Llama Red Pajama from Penguin Young Readers, accompanied by a plush toy from YOTTOY. These items will be available for purchase separately, priced at $5.00 each, for a limited time while supplies last. Both promotions will be accessible to customers at stores nationwide and can also be found online at Kohls.com. “We began our collaboration with Kohl’s and Penguin in 2020 with our introduction of ‘Llama Llama’ into the Kohl’s Cares initiative, and we extended the partnership in 2022 as we continue to steadily grow the brand. Launching two more promotions in 2024 offers us a tremendous opportunity to continue to honor Anna Dewdney with delivering the heartwarming stories she created, along with new quality products from our recently added licensing partners Spirit and YOTTOY,” shared Lloyd Mintz, SVP Global Consumer Products at Kartoon Studios. Kartoon Studios reports that it has a track record of success with licensed manufacturers – Kids Preferred and Books To Bed, plush and pajama partners, respectively, continue to perform well both in-store and online. Kartoon Studios has also expanded Llama Llama’s reach with audio storytelling from Tonies. Speaking on the partnership, Margaret Anastas, VP & Publisher at Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, added, “We are thrilled to have ‘Llama Llama’ included in the Kohl’s Cares program twice in 2024. Their promotions do such good charitable work while giving young readers more ways to connect with their favorite character, ‘Llama Llama’.” Kartoon Studio's ability to tap various markets highlights its commitment to being a dynamic company that is dedicated to delivering engaging and diverse entertainment experiences to audiences around the world. Featured photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 13, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
1 ... 2324252627 ... 207