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

Ripken Baseball® Expands All-Ripken Games in 2024 – adds Under Armour as Presenting Partner

Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball ® today announced it has expanded its All-Ripken Games in 2024 by increasing the number of facilities and tournaments for top individual youth baseball and softball players to compete at Ripken Baseball’s world-class facilities nationwide. It also confirmed Under Armour® (NYSE: UA, UAA) will be All-Ripken Games’ presenting sponsor in 2024 and will provide custom All-Ripken uniforms and performance wear to participating athletes. All-Ripken Games, which debuted in 2023 at four facilities, will host seven baseball tournaments and two softball tournaments at six facilities in 2024 starting this April. The season will culminate with the All-Ripken Futures Games in December, featuring the top players of the season. Players must be nominated by their peers and coaches for the opportunity to train the Ripken Way, compete against elite young athletes, and receive the ultimate Big League Experience. “The first year of All-Ripken Games was a massive success, and with our partners at Under Armour we are expanding to additional facilities with more tournaments in 2024,” said Ripken Baseball Co-Founder Bill Ripken. “The incredible feedback we received last year has led to a tremendous response for the 2024 nomination process, which is already underway.” All-Ripken players will be evaluated by Baseball Factory scouts, compete in skills challenges, and play for the ultimate team goal, the All-Ripken Games Tournament Championship, which will be awarded at each location. In addition to receiving uniforms, Under Armour will provide participating players with an opportunity to test new Under Armour products and be included in digital playing cards. “As a partner of Ripken Baseball, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of athletes through platforms like All-Ripken Games,” said Craig Cummings, VP, Team Sports & Sport Performance at Under Armour. “What they accomplished with All-Ripken Games in only one year is remarkable, and we look forward to helping them take it to the next level in 2024 and beyond.” 2024 All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour schedule: April 5-7: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-12U July 25-28: The Ripken Experience® Elizabethtown in Kentucky Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 1-4: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-14U Aug. 8-11: Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center in Ohio (a Ripken Baseball facility) Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 15-18: The Ripken Experience® Pigeon Forge in Tennessee Baseball 8U-12U Aug. 29 – Sept. 1: The Ripken Experience® Aberdeen in Maryland Baseball 8U-14U Dec. 19-22: All-Ripken Futures Games Showcasing the top baseball players from the 2024 All-Ripken season (8U-14U) Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach, FL "The All-Ripken Futures Games in Panama City Beach will be a significant milestone for our athletes," said Scott Hacker, President of YTH Sports and Director of the All-Ripken Games. "This year, players participating in the All-Ripken Game s from April to August will have the unique opportunity to be selected as the season's top performers for the December event. It’s not just a celebration of the year's accomplishments, it’s a platform for outstanding athletes to gain recognition as the season's top players." All-Ripken players must exhibit an elevated level of baseball knowledge, dedication, sportsmanship, and skill. To nominate and register a player for the All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour, parents, coaches, and leagues can visit www.AllRipken.com or email questions to scout@allripken.com. Any participants of The Ripken Experience who are nominated will automatically be selected for the All-Ripken Games. Families, players, teams, and fans can follow @AllRipken on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest information. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour® (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center (Ohio), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also develops and trains athletes through the acquisition of Baseball Factory™ and Softball Factory™. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour's innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.allripken.com/

January 11, 2024 08:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

CES 2024 Latest Trends

News Media Group, Inc.

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

January 11, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Presents New Exhibition of Contemporary Western Master Artist Tom Gilleon

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West announces today the debut of Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon, celebrating a painter who has become one of the most respected masters in contemporary Western art. Before dedicating himself to fine art in the 1990s, Gilleon was an accomplished illustrator who worked on NASA’s Apollo and Saturn space programs and then embarked on a successful career with Walt Disney Imagineering, where he was mentored by several of their master artists. The exhibition opens on January 16, 2024, and will continue through August 2024. Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon features luminous colors and authentic portrayals of Native Americans and iconic Western structures and landscapes. The exhibition presents a 70-painting career retrospective featuring 12 original paintings on special loan from Walt Disney Imagineering. Gilleon worked alongside Walt Disney Imagineering art legend Herb Ryman and other greats, and his art helped develop the concepts for Imagineering’s projects worldwide. Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon is co-curated by Tim Peterson, Western Spirit Trustee, and Richard King of KingArts art agency, in collaboration with Western Spirit. Noted writer, Gilleon collector, and friend Patrick Hemingway described Gilleon’s sophisticated use of colors as “magical elegance” and compared him to modern greats Edward Hopper and Mark Rothko. In addition to showcasing paintings created throughout Gilleon’s Western art career, the exhibit also presents the world premiere of Spirit Catcher, his stunning 22-minute digital painting triptych that magically morphs before viewers’ eyes, created with former Disney Imagineer and concept designer Marshall Monroe of Marshall Monroe Magic. Western Spirit’s CEO and Executive Director Todd Bankofier says, “Tom Gilleon’s mastery of light and the emotional resonance it brings to his art is remarkable. Inner Light is a testament to his profound ability to infuse his creations with the very essence of the American West, inviting viewers to explore hidden treasures of the soul within the landscapes we often take for granted.” “The Tom Gilleon retrospective will be a major exhibition by one of the greatest living American artists today,” notes Tim Peterson. “His artistic odyssey is a brilliant fusion of nature, light, and spirit that transcends traditional artistic boundaries.” Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon promises to be an immersive experience, allowing visitors to delve into the heart of the American West and discover a world where nature and the human spirit are harmoniously intertwined. Wall signage throughout the show features Gilleon’s own words, explaining his life and work directly to museum visitors. Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life. Other current special exhibitions are Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo, through February 25, 2024; William Matthews: Decades, through April 28, 2024; the Elliott Southwest Women Art collection preview, through Fall 2023; and “Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry,” currently on display. Permanent exhibitions continuously on display include Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection, featuring 65 of the finest examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries; the Frankie and Howard Alper Collection of John Coleman Bronzes; and The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection, a showcase of more than 1,400 saddles, spurs, cowboy gear and other Old West objects. For more information on Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, visit Scottsdalemuseumwest.org. About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Western Spirit is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Within months of opening in January 2015, Western Spirit qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum has also received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, enjoys a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, and is continually recognized as one of the “Nation’s Best Western Museums” by True West magazine, most recently named the #1 Western Museum in the United States for 2023. Also, named to Phoenix Magazine’s 2022 Best of The Valley Readers' Choice: “Best Museum You Probably Don’t Know About”, Arizona Foothill’s Best of Our Valley: “Best Museum” & “Best Annual Charity Event: Saddle Up” and the winner of Your Valley’s “East Valley Favorites” for the museum category. For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org. Contact Details 48 West Agency Alison Rose +1 602-300-3433 alison@48westagency.com

January 11, 2024 06:22 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Ventito Unveils Comprehensive Guide to Iceland's Top Adventures

Rev Up Marketers

Ventito, an innovative tour and activity provider, has launched a new website designed to be the ultimate resource for travelers seeking the best experiences in Iceland. From the bustling streets of Reykjavik to the serene landscapes of the Icelandic countryside, Ventito offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to all types of adventurers. Whether you're looking for things to do in Iceland, seeking thrilling helicopter tours in Iceland, or exploring the unique attractions of Reykjavik, Ventito has you covered. A One-Stop Shop for Iceland's Top Tours and Activities Ventito's new website is more than just a booking platform. It's a comprehensive guide that brings together the best of Iceland's tours and activities in one easy-to-navigate place. This includes everything from airport transfers and rental car services to adrenaline-pumping snowmobiling adventures. With a focus on convenience and quality, Ventito ensures that each traveler finds the perfect experience to match their interests and preferences. Helicopter Tours Offer Unique Aerial Perspectives of Iceland's Landscape For those looking to experience Iceland from a unique perspective, Ventito offers breathtaking helicopter tours. These tours provide an unparalleled view of Iceland's diverse landscapes, from its volcanic terrain to its expansive glaciers. It's an unforgettable way to witness the natural beauty of this Nordic island nation. The company understands that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to exploring Iceland. That's why they offer customizable tour packages that allow travelers to experience the best of what Iceland has to offer, including the vibrant culture and attractions of Reykjavik. From multi-day tours that cover all the iconic sights to tailored experiences that meet specific interests, Ventito's packages are designed to provide a comprehensive and personalized Icelandic adventure. About Ventito Ltd: At the heart of Ventito's mission is the commitment to enhancing the Icelandic experience for every traveler. Recognized for facilitating stress-free and enjoyable journeys, Ventito Ltd specializes in helping visitors find the ideal rental car at competitive prices, ensuring more resources are available for fun and exploration. With a customer-centric approach, Ventito Ltd offers comprehensive support through service agents, ready to assist in all aspects of travel planning in Iceland. Their platform is more than just a booking site; it's an inspirational guide to Iceland's diverse regions, helping travelers discover unique vacation spots that resonate with their interests. Furthermore, Ventito partners with a select range of tour and activity providers, presenting meticulously curated options. This careful selection process guarantees that travelers have access to the best deals for an unforgettable adventure. Whether it's viewing the vibrant city of Reykjavik from a helicopter or embarking on a mountainous excursion, Ventito is dedicated to making each adventure memorable. With the launch of their new website, Ventito has created a user-friendly and informative portal that reflects their passion for Icelandic adventures. It's a testament to their goal of providing an unmatched experience in one of the world's most stunning destinations. Contact Details Ventito Stefan Kristinsson +44 20 8187 0228 smile@ventito.is Company Website https://ventito.is/

January 10, 2024 02:35 PM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Human-augmented AI data marketplace Ta-Da debuts on strategic MultiversX incubator xLaunchpad

STORM Partners

Ta-Da, the platform revolutionizing AI data annotation, announces its highly anticipated debut on xLaunchpad, MultiversX’s strategic incubator. This collaboration sets the stage for a groundbreaking advancement in the secure and ethical development of AI, harnessing the power of human-validated data. Founded on over seven years of expertise in AI, Ta-Da leverages the power of MultiversX blockchain technology to disrupt conventional data collection methods. With its focus on video, audio, and image verticals, Ta-Da introduces a hybrid model of data annotation that blends quality, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Addressing major challenges in AI development, such as bias and high data-related costs, this approach has already proven its efficacy with over 2.5 million tasks completed during its public beta phase. “The future of AI is not just about algorithms but about the quality and diversity of data that trains these algorithms,” says William Simonin, CEO of Ta-Da. “ Our launch on xLaunchpad is a pivotal step in realizing our vision of creating more effective AI systems by harnessing the power of human insight and the robustness of blockchain technology. ” xLaunchpad is the strategic incubator and acceleration platform of the MultiversX blockchain ecosystem. It is renowned for backing the most ambitious and impactful technologies in the web3 space, enabling them to leverage MultiversX’s highly scalable and secure blockchain network, which processes over 30,000 transactions per second at negligible cost. “ Ta-Da’s innovative model for AI data annotation aligns perfectly with our mission to foster technological advancements that have a profound global impact, ” said Beniamin Mincu, CEO and founder of MultiversX. “ Their debut on xLaunchpad is a testament to our commitment to nurturing projects that tap into the massive opportunities that emerge from the convergence of blockchain and AI. ” The collaboration between Ta-Da and xLaunchpad signifies a transformative movement in AI and blockchain technology. It not only propels Ta-Da’s mission forward but also reinforces MultiversX’s position as a leader in supporting revolutionary tech initiatives. This partnership is set to redefine the landscape of AI development, making it more accessible, diverse, and efficient. The public launch event of Ta-Da on xLaunchpad is taking place on February 09, 2024. For more information and to be part of this transformative journey, visit https://xlaunchpad.com/tada About MultiversX MultiversX is a highly scalable, secure, and decentralized blockchain network built from first principles, to solve the two fundamental problems critical for widespread, global adoption: a transition from dialup to broadband, and a significant UX paradigm shift. Distributed by STORM Partners. Contact Adrian Bono for interviews and quotes -adrian.bono@storm.partners or telegram @STORMPartners Contact Details Dan Voicu +1 561-325-8757 dan.voicu@multiversx.com

January 10, 2024 09:12 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

CES 2024 Opening Day: Sneak Peek

News Media Group, Inc.

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

January 10, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

The 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to San Francisco February 9-11, 2024

Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America

The 56th CA International Antiquarian Book Fair is making its in-person return to San Francisco next month. The fair, sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), takes place February 9-11, 2024, at Pier 27 (cruise ship terminal). Widely recognized as one of the world's largest exhibitions of antiquarian books for sale, more than 100 exhibitors from around the world will present rare books, maps, illustrations, historical documents, and ephemera on a vast array of subjects and genres. The fair boasts offerings in every conceivable genre including the first-ever catalog on the history of artificial intelligence (AI) from Novato book dealer and ABAA member Jeremy Norman. Part of this timely collection is an extremely rare, first edition pamphlet published in 1832 by Russian statistician and inventor Semyon Korsakov on what is believed to be one of the first machine-learning devices. Korsakov was a pioneer in the concept of “mechanized thought,” or artificial intelligence. The nearly 200-year-old AI print ephemera will be on exhibit and offered at the purchase price of $35,000. The fair’s specialties encompass art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books and much more. As highlighted in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, rare books and other objects have increasingly captured the attention of young collectors seeking one-of-a-kind offerings at more accessible price points. Book fair prices range from $100 to millions. This year, the fair welcomes international exhibitors from 9 different countries including the UK, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and The Netherlands. An impressive number of US exhibitors also highlight the wealth of material available stateside. Exhibitors will present a vast treasure trove of items: rare books, maps, manuscripts, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, prints and print ephemera. One of the rare maps up for purchase is Augustus Chevalier's stunning large-scale 1911 map of San Francisco, the premier map of the city following the San Francisco Earthquake and one of the most impressive and beautiful urban plans in the history of American mapmaking. The purchase price is $45,000 from S.F. Bay Area-based ABAA dealer, Neatline Antique Maps. Another extraordinary find is a piece of LGBTQ+ science fiction history discovered at an estate sale in Oakland, California – the original cover art for Ursula K. Le Guin’s groundbreaking “The Left Hand of Darkness.” The novel was one of the first examinations of androgyny in science fiction and explored the effect of sex and gender on society. Mark Funke, Novato book dealer and ABAA member, will exhibit the illustration art at the San Francisco fair. The purchase price is $20,000. “This is one of the most important events in the country for rare book enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to return to San Francisco after enjoying nearly a decade of success in Oakland,” says Julie Roper, Director of the 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair. “Post-pandemic, we are seeing resurgent demand for in-person fairs, where a global community of the top dealers offers the most sought-after collections of books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera. The experience of attending in person is like no other – it’s a real-life treasure hunt.” The Book Fair takes place from February 9-11, 2024. Tickets may be purchased in advance here or at the door, and a full list of exhibitors can be found here. MEDIA NOTE: Media preview hours are Friday, February 9, from 4-5p. Media kit with high-resolution images is available here. Please contact Liza Batallones at ABAA@landispr.com for b roll. QUICK FACTS The 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair will open Friday, Friday, February 9, 2024: Media Preview is 4pm to 5pm; Opening Night 5pm to 8pm ( Opening Night is open to the public with the purchase of a Friday ticket and includes complimentary sparkling wine plus a first glimpse and opportunity to purchase.) $25 ticket also includes Saturday & Sunday admission; Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Noon to 7pm • $15 ticket includes Sunday admission and Sunday, February 11, 2024 from Noon to 5pm • $10 ticket Location: Pier 27, The Embarcadero in San Francisco [ map ] The three-day event features the collections and rare treasures of booksellers from around the globe, including manuscripts, modern first editions, children’s books, ephemera, maps, and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics. Prices range from $100 to millions. The book fair is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees, with more than 120 sellers from 10 different countries. The book fair returns to San Francisco after a decade of success in Oakland. The influx of attendees is expected to generate $2.1 million in revenue for San Francisco restaurants and merchants over a 3-day period. Source: SF Travel The book fair is easily accessible by BART, ferry, or Muni, and offers over 100 free parking spots for attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be food, wine, beer, and liquor available for purchase daily. The fair is open to the public, and tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00. Available for purchase here. Admission is free for librarians, curators, and related non-profit cultural institution workers who register in advance, in addition to students with valid current school ID and children 12 years of age and under. Details available here. ABOUT THE ABAA The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) was founded in 1949 to promote interest in rare and antiquarian books and book collecting, and to foster collegial relations. We strive to maintain the highest standards in the trade. All members agree to abide by the ABAA's Code of Ethics. While our members sell, buy, and appraise books and printed matter, our staff can assist you with finding a bookseller and with other trade-related matters. Contact Details Landis Communications, Inc. Liza Batallones +1 415-766-0846 ABAA@landispr.com Company Website https://www.abaa.org/

January 09, 2024 09:10 AM Pacific Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Schedulefly Adds Industry Intelligence to Restaurant Employee Scheduling and Communication Platform

Vertical IQ

Schedulefly, a web-based platform that enables restaurants and other service-based businesses to schedule and communicate with their staff, recently incorporated Industry Intelligence from Vertical IQ into its scheduling software. This enhancement allows Schedulefly users to access Vertical IQ’s Industry Profiles on pertinent food and beverage niches such as Restaurants, Bars and Nightclubs, Breweries, Coffee Shops, Caterers, Golf Courses, Casinos and more. “We know that Schedulefly customers want to stay attuned to what’s going on in their industry in order to make informed decisions, but it can be tough for them to find the time to do this type of research,” explains Wil Brawley, co-owner of Schedulefly. “Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence is the best in the business, so giving our users easy access to these invaluable insights is another way we can help support our customers’ success.” Business owners within the hospitality industry who use Schedulefly are already realizing the benefits of the platform’s new content. "Having these industry reports consolidated in one easy-to-reach location alleviates the need to seek them out individually,” says Shaun Fiaccone, president of HumanKind Hospitality. “Doing so increases the likelihood that operators will consume the information and use it to make clear, data-driven decisions. This more efficient data flow also allows me more time to focus on other areas of my business, which is something we can all use." The Schedulefly integration marks a noteworthy new application of Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence, observes David Buffaloe, president of Vertical IQ. “Our product’s primary original target was financial services providers, but over the years, we have discovered countless sectors that can benefit from access to our industry insights,” Buffaloe says. “From insurance professionals and business advisors, to accountants and now, restaurateurs, just to name a few — the value of understanding the ins and outs of an industry — whether it’s your own or that of a client or prospect — can’t be understated.” ABOUT SCHEDULEFLY Serving thousands of customers across the U.S. and Canada, Schedulefly’s simple web-based platform enables restaurants, bars, breweries, boutique hotels and others in the hospitality industry to schedule and communicate with their staff. Schedulefly is fast, easy, engaging and fun, making life easier for business owners and their teams. Learn more at www.schedulefly.com. ABOUT VERTICAL IQ Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Vertical IQ is a nationally recognized leader in Industry Intelligence. Whether they’re pitching a local brewery or a national biotech company, successful sales, marketing and customer success teams use Vertical IQ to better understand a prospect’s or client’s business challenges before, during and after meetings. Covering more than 560 distinct industries, 3,400 local economies and more than 97 percent of the U.S. economy and Canada, Vertical IQ equips users with the confidence and credibility to make memorable first impressions and sustain enduring relationships. Contact Details Wil Brawley +1 704-906-2031 wbrawley@schedulefly.com Company Website https://www.schedulefly.com

January 09, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Intel ushers in the AI PC Era at CES 2024

News Media Group, Inc.

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

January 09, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
1 ... 3334353637 ... 247