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Topper Launches Global Off-Ramping Service, Supporting Over 230 Cryptocurrencies

Uphold

Today Topper, a fiat-to-crypto on-ramp by the global web3 financial platform Uphold, launches off-ramping which supports an outstanding 232 cryptocurrencies—up to five times more than any other off-ramp on the market. Designed to streamline the crypto experience for users who are accessing crypto via non-custodial wallets, DEXs and Web3 projects, the Topper off-ramp provides worldwide accessibility with debit card support, the user receives settled transaction funds in their bank in their local fiat currency. “We are empowering crypto users with better options for exiting their crypto positions when they are ready to do so,” said Robin O’Connell, CEO of Uphold Enterprise. “Many competitors may offer limited off-ramp choices, such as lack of support for assets outside of Bitcoin and Ethereum, or inability to sell from certain jurisdictions, leaving users stuck. We are providing flexibility and control, allowing customers to convert and move their money effortlessly.” As consumer cryptocurrency adoption increases, more users require options to sell their crypto, Topper is committed to facilitating seamless transitions between digital currencies and fiat, reinforcing the fluidity of modern financial interactions. To meet the ever evolving demands of modern financial transactions, Topper’s off-ramping offers: Instant Transactions and Lower Fees: Experience rapid transaction speeds and a competitive fee structure, significantly lower than competitors which typically charge over 4%. Unmatched Asset Variety: Access a diverse range of 232 supported assets—up to five times more than any other off-ramp in the market—ensuring users have more options for their transactions. Global Accessibility: Enjoy seamless global transactions. Users in the U.S., U.K., and Europe have the added flexibility of choosing between Mastercard or Visa, while users in other countries can off-ramp to a Visa debit card with Visa Original Credit Transactions (OCT). “Topper now supports the full cycle, not just accepting digital payments, but also enabling smooth and flexible off-ramps so users can exit the digital economy when they choose,” said Frankie Picciano, Global Head of Sales for Topper. “The future of money is fluid, and businesses that can offer users both entry and exit points will thrive in this evolving financial landscape." Topper’s off-ramp feature is currently accessible at their website www.topperpay.com. Look for Topper’s partners to enable the off-ramp later this year in early the following. Additionally in 2025, Topper plans to continue to add more assets to the platform and expand local payment methods in regions where credit card access is restricted or has low approval ratings. To find out more, visit www.topperpay.com. About Topper Topper, the easy fiat on-ramp with higher approval rates, is a quick-to-implement web3 payment tool that lets crypto projects process more of their customers’ payments - supporting twice as many digital assets than its competitors. The Topper payment widget is built to simplify the payment process, accept more currencies and deliver higher approval rates, resulting in fewer declines and more revenue. Developed by Uphold, the web3 financial platform, Topper is a reliable, regulated and trusted payment system. About Uphold Ranked #1 in the San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 List, Uphold is committed to making web3 easy. As a web3 financial platform, Uphold serves over 10 million customers in more than 140 countries. It provides businesses and consumers with easy access to digital assets and services. Uphold’s unique “Anything to Anything” interface gives end users seamless access to and between digital assets and national currencies and precious metals. Uniquely, Uphold smart routes orders across 30 trading venues delivering optimal execution and superior liquidity to customers. Uphold never loans out customer assets and is always 100% reserved. The company has pioneered radical transparency and uniquely publishes its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds on a public website ( https://uphold.com/en-us/transparency ). Uphold is regulated in the U.S. by FinCen and State regulators. The company is registered in the UK and Canada with the FCA and FINTRAC respectively and in Europe with the Financial Crime Investigation Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. To learn more about Uphold’s products and services, visit uphold.com. Contact Details Lauren Bukoskey lauren@serotonin.co Company Website https://uphold.com/en-us

December 04, 2024 07:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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New Research Shows SPARK Microsystems Wireless Audio Delivers Highest Possible Sound Quality

SPARK Microsystems

SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company specializing in next-generation short-range wireless communications, has released the findings of a new third-party expert research analysis demonstrating the bit-perfect wireless audio delivery achievable with SPARK’s ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The research findings were initially presented at AES Show 2024 NY and are now available here in a video overview featuring SPARK Microsystems CTO Frederic Nabki and audio expert Jeff Anderson. The research results demonstrate that SPARK UWB audio delivery is indistinguishable from a wired transmission, exhibiting bit-perfect signal fidelity. This performance profile, complemented with low latency of under 7 milliseconds, enables uncorrupted, pristine wireless audio. The sound quality produced is vastly superior to legacy Bluetooth technology, distinguishing SPARK UWB as the wireless platform of choice for prestigious audio brands including Sonus Faber and Focal. Notably, the SPARK UWB wireless connection also offered bi-directional audio transport, supporting an additional bit-perfect, low-latency uncompressed audio back channel. Although this feature was not a primary focus of the study, it highlights the versatility and advanced capabilities of the technology. The testing was performed by Jeff Anderson, an independent audio engineering consultant with 25 years of industry expertise. Leveraging wired equipment as the reference, Anderson provides an in-depth comparison of SPARK’s UWB technology to competing audio codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, and SBC. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) measurements were used to evaluate the signal quality of the tested audio systems. Among the findings, Anderson observed that LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs displayed elevated noise floors and noticeable distortion, especially at higher frequencies. Bluetooth codecs LDAC and aptX HD exhibited latency ranging from 30 to 200 milliseconds, degrading audio quality and introducing noticeable delay. In contrast, SPARK’s UWB delivers a clean, distortion-free signal, demonstrating superior fidelity and comparable performance to the wired reference. “Wireless solutions based on SPARK UWB technology represent a major step forward, offering unparalleled stability and performance even in increasingly interference-prone environments,” said Rejean Bedel, Groupe Marketing Manager, Focal. “This advancement marks a turning point for high-end audio, enabling seamless, user-friendly, and wire-free products without compromising sound quality.” “For decades, the industry has accepted compromises in sound quality, latency, and energy efficiency to make wireless audio possible. SPARK's low-power UWB technology changes that, delivering bit-perfect audio exactly as it was encoded at the source, with ultra-low latency that rivals wired connections,” said Frederic Nabki, Co-founder and CTO, SPARK Microsystems. “This breakthrough doesn’t just eliminate wires; it redefines what wireless audio can achieve, setting a new benchmark for fidelity and responsiveness—with low power consumption optimized for battery-powered devices.” For the video overview of the testing methodology and results data, and to hear more about SPARKs ultra-low latency and energy efficiency advantages for audio applications, learn more here. CES 2025 attendees can personally experience the superior sound quality of SPARK’s UWB technology with a live demo of our wireless headset in our Palazzo suite. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems is building next generation short-range wireless communication devices. SPARK provides high data rate and very low latency wireless communication links at an ultra-low power profile, making it ideal for personal area networks (PANs) used in mobile, consumer and IoT-connected products. Leveraging patented technologies, SPARK Microsystems strives to minimize and ultimately eliminate wires and batteries from a wide range of applications while delivering a wired-like performance. For more information, please visit www.sparkmicro.com. Contact Details Jenna Desimone +1 508-340-6851 jdesimone@rainierco.com Company Website https://www.sparkmicro.com

December 04, 2024 09:28 AM Eastern Standard Time

Revenue Management Solutions Study Highlights Consumer Reaction to Restaurant Dynamic Pricing

Revenue Management Solutions

A new behavioral study led by Revenue Management Solutions (RMS), a leader in restaurant tech solutions, revealed that consumers perceive dynamic pricing in restaurants as unfair, leading to reduced spending and increased price scrutiny. Key Findings from the Study RMS researchers used cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to study how 260 U.S. and U.K. participants interacted with online restaurant menus under different conditions. Participants were split into two groups: one primed with questions about past airline ticket purchases (dynamic pricing context) and the other with vacation-related questions (control). Both groups were then asked to place an order from identical online restaurant menus. The study tracked where participants directed their attention, using heat maps to highlight menu elements of interest and analyzing spending behaviors to reveal the impact of perceived price variability on menu decisions and overall spending. Key insights include: ● Heightened Price Sensitivity: Participants from the dynamic pricing context group focused more on prices, suggesting heightened concern. Control group participants spent more time perusing photos and menu item descriptions. ● Reduced Spending: Those exposed to dynamic pricing ordered smaller portions and spent, on average, 3% less than the control group. Dynamic Pricing: Opportunity or Risk for Restaurants? In 2024, “pricing” became a key focus for restaurant operators facing rising costs and reduced consumer tolerance for price hikes. Dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices based on real-time demand, has proven effective in industries like travel, hotels and events. The study reveals that the practice causes resistance in the restaurant context. “Our research reveals that even subtle indicators of dynamic pricing can lead to reduced spending, a heightened focus on finding good deals, and ultimately lower customer satisfaction,” said RMS Managing Director for Europe Dr. Philipp Laqué. “As restaurants explore innovative pricing strategies, maintaining transparency will be the cornerstone of building lasting customer relationships.” Preparing for 2025 As the industry looks toward 2025, RMS predicts ongoing challenges for fast-food brands and restaurants amid economic pressures and shifting consumer expectations. “Avoiding perceived unfair pricing transforms customer hesitation into trust and long-term loyalty,” said Laqué. “Our eye-tracking research shows consumers are deeply sensitive to perceived losses, which dynamic pricing can unintentionally evoke. By highlighting value and fairness, restaurants can address these concerns while driving profitability.” RMS recommends consumer-centric approaches like value-focused promotions, occasion-based price differentiation, and thoughtful menu engineering to safeguard profits and build trust in an evolving market. For more firsthand insights into dynamic pricing and alternative profitability strategies, tune into RMS’ latest Revenue Stream episode, featuring revenue management experts Dora Furman, Alfonso Delgado, and Sherri Kimes, Bloomberg analyst Michael Halen, and hosted by Alicia Kelso of Nation’s Restaurant News. About Revenue Management Solutions For 30 years, Revenue Management Solutions (RMS) has partnered with restaurant brands to deliver actionable insights and data-driven solutions to boost sales, streamline costs and maximize profitability. Its AI-powered solutions support 150,000-plus locations worldwide, empowering brands to confidently navigate challenges such as inflation and labor costs. Unlock the power of your data with RMS by visiting www.revenuemanage.com. Contact Details Center Reach Communications Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.revenuemanage.com

December 04, 2024 08:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Chainers Announces Arena Playtest: A New Era for Web3 Gaming

CHAINERS

Get ready to dive into the future of Web3 gaming as Chainers.io, a rapidly growing Web3 MMORPG, launches the Chainers Arena Playtest this December. With over 25 million NFTs distributed and a thriving community of 350,000+ players, Chainers is redefining the MMORPG experience by introducing its first-ever multiplayer shooter game, complete with blockchain-powered rewards. The closed playtest is set to run on December 5-6, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM (local time for each region). This exclusive event invites players to test the Chainers Arena, explore immersive combat gameplay, and provide feedback to shape the future of the game—all while earning exciting rewards. Chainers: A Connected Gaming Ecosystem Chainers.io is not just a gaming platform; it’s a fully interconnected Web3 universe where games seamlessly link together, forming a dynamic creative ecosystem. Players can explore diverse gameplay options, from managing an NFT farm to participating in high-stakes battles in the Arena. In Chainers, every action matters. Resources crafted in the NFT Farm can power your performance in the shooter, while rewards earned in Arena battles can enhance your farming setup. This interconnection adds depth and strategy, creating an engaging and cohesive gaming experience. What is the Chainers Arena Playtest? Chainers Arena marks a significant milestone as the first multiplayer shooter in the Chainers ecosystem. Players will compete in adrenaline-pumping battles featuring unique mechanics like airstrikes, blending tactical gameplay with blockchain rewards. The playtest will focus on technical gameplay and server performance, ensuring a smooth launch for the full game. Why Join the Playtest? Test Game Mechanics: Be among the first to try out the shooter gameplay and combat systems. Provide Valuable Feedback: Shape the future of the Arena with your insights. Earn Exclusive Rewards: All participants will receive guaranteed rewards, including: An exclusive “Dummy” character NFT skin for providing feedback. 400 $CFB tokens for the most active contributors. How to Join Sign Up: Register now at Chainers.io to secure your spot. Fill out the registration form and apply to participate. Start Testing: Dive straight into the Arena and start competing! Future Plans for Chainers The Chainers roadmap for 2024-2025 includes groundbreaking updates such as new resources, crafting recipes, and expanded multiplayer functionalities. The Arena is just the beginning—future games and events will further enhance this interconnected Web3 ecosystem, providing endless play-to-earn opportunities for players. Join Now Don’t miss your chance to participate in the Chainers Arena Playtest. Register today and be part of the most exciting Web3 gaming experience of the year. Stay tuned for more updates at Chainers.io. Contact Details Chainers Nick J support@chainers.io Company Website https://chainers.io/

December 04, 2024 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

News Release

Dunbrook Associates Unveils Tailored Investment Strategies for Every Life Stage

Rev Up Marketers

Dunbrook Associates, a leading financial advisory firm in Canada, introduces comprehensive investment strategies designed to evolve with life’s changing milestones. From building a foundation in early adulthood to managing wealth in retirement, these tailored approaches aim to support individuals in achieving financial security and long-term growth. Each phase of life presents unique financial challenges and opportunities. In the early years, the focus is on maximizing growth potential and establishing solid financial habits. Strategies such as investing in growth-focused assets like stocks and ETFs, leveraging low-cost options like index funds, and contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans are central to building a strong financial base. Additionally, maintaining an emergency fund ensures readiness for unexpected expenses. In the middle years, as financial stability increases, diversification becomes paramount. Expanding portfolios to include bonds, real estate, and alternative investments helps balance risk and reward. Planning for major life expenses, such as children’s education or homeownership, can be supported through tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans. A steady increase in retirement contributions further solidifies long-term goals during this stage. Approaching retirement, the focus shifts to protecting accumulated wealth and maximizing savings. Adjusting asset allocations to include more stable investments, such as bonds, helps mitigate market volatility while maintaining some exposure to equities for continued growth. This period is also an ideal time to review estate plans and reduce debt to ensure a secure financial future. In retirement, strategic wealth management takes center stage. Emphasis on income-generating investments, including annuities and dividend-paying stocks, provides a steady stream of funds to cover living expenses. A balanced portfolio ensures purchasing power is preserved against inflation, while dedicated savings address healthcare costs and long-term care needs. Thoughtful withdrawal strategies help retirees sustain their resources throughout their golden years. Throughout all life stages, certain principles remain universal. Starting early to take advantage of compounding growth, regularly reviewing financial plans, avoiding emotional decision-making, and seeking expert advice form the backbone of successful investment strategies. Dunbrook Associates prides itself on offering personalized financial plans that adapt to each client’s evolving needs. With a deep understanding of the complexities of modern financial planning, the firm delivers solutions that prioritize long-term success and financial well-being. About Dunbrook Associates Dunbrook Associates is a leading Canadian financial advisory firm committed to providing personalized investment strategies that evolve with clients' life stages. With expertise in navigating the complexities of financial planning, they offer tailored solutions to help individuals build wealth, protect assets, and achieve long-term financial security. Dunbrook Associates prioritizes clients' unique needs, delivering expert guidance to ensure a prosperous future at every phase of life. For more information about tailored investment strategies and professional financial guidance, visit https://dunbrook.ca Contact Details Dunbrook Associates Tianna Hackett admin@dunbrook.ca Company Website https://dunbrook.ca

December 04, 2024 07:47 AM Eastern Standard Time

News Release

SRM Entertainment (NASDAQ: SRM): Capitalizing on a $156.5 Billion Entertainment Licensing Boom

SRM

The global licensed merchandise market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, valued at USD 269.93 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 400.93 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%. This growth is fueled by consumers’ deep emotional connections with entertainment franchises, driving demand for branded products across categories such as apparel, toys, homeware, and collectibles. Amid this booming market, SRM Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRM) is carving out its niche by aligning with fan-favorite franchises and creating custom-designed products for globally renowned entertainment venues. SRM Entertainment: Bridging Media and Merchandise SRM Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRM) is emerging as a key player in the licensed merchandise sector. The company specializes in custom-designed products for globally renowned entertainment venues, including Walt Disney Parks, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Six Flags. Its product range spans plush toys, figures, apparel, and home goods tied to multi-billion-dollar franchises. By focusing on high-traffic venues like theme parks, zoos, and aquariums, SRM taps into the worldwide demand for fan-centric merchandise. In recent years, SRM has expanded beyond traditional categories, entering areas like location-based entertainment (LBE) and media. This diversification positions the company to capture a broad audience of fans eager to express their love for favorite franchises in new ways. Strategic Licensing Partnerships Drive Success SRM's success is built on strong licensing agreements with major brands, including The Smurfs, Zoonicorn LLC, and The ICEE Company. By creating unique and stylized products based on popular intellectual properties, SRM enhances fan engagement while delivering long-term value for its partners. The company's product lineup caters to a diverse audience, from children to adult collectors, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $50. By offering both trend-driven designs and timeless classics from franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, SRM has developed strong relationships with retailers and content providers while earning a loyal customer base. Product Innovation Fuels Growth SRM continues to innovate with its merchandise offerings. In 2023, the company introduced several high-demand products, including holiday-themed items and licensed merchandise based on blockbuster films. Its patented Sip With Me drinkware collection, featuring beloved characters like The Smurfs and Zoonicorn, has become a standout hit in theme parks worldwide. SRM’s recent launch of Bluetooth-enabled RGB LED light sticks underscores its ability to integrate technology into its products. Designed for use at theme parks, concerts, and sports arenas, these interactive light sticks enhance the customer experience, reflecting SRM’s commitment to evolving with consumer trends. Expanding into Media A pivotal step in SRM’s evolution is its recent foray into media with the creation of SRM Media. This new division builds on a partnership with Suretone Pictures and allows SRM to leverage its merchandising expertise in the film and television space. In 2024, SRM Media acquired the rights to The Kid, a 2019 Western starring Ethan Hawke, Chris Pratt, and Dane DeHaan. Streaming on Amazon Prime, this acquisition marks SRM’s entry into content distribution. It also provides new merchandising opportunities tied to the growing popularity of Western films, a genre whose demand in the U.S. increased by 146% between 2021 and 2023. A Synergistic Media-Merchandise Model SRM’s partnership with Suretone Pictures, led by industry veteran Jordan Schur, positions the company to create a robust portfolio of film and television content. By owning both the media and the associated merchandise rights, SRM can maximize the value of its intellectual properties and build a sustainable, integrated business model. The Road Ahead With its foundation in licensed merchandise, expanding media division, and innovative product lineup, SRM Entertainment is poised for continued growth. Its ability to forge lasting relationships with entertainment venues, retailers, and licensors provides a solid platform for long-term success. Products like the RGB LED light sticks and the Sip With Me collection showcase SRM's commitment to meeting consumer demand with creativity and relevance. Meanwhile, the launch of SRM Media offers diversification and a promising new revenue stream. Investors seeking exposure to a company that bridges entertainment content with consumer products should keep an eye on SRM Entertainment as it charts an exciting path forward. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Awareness Consulting to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

December 04, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Audible Names ‘Bistec’ Podcast Series about Betrayal and Redemption in Revolutionary Cuba a 2024 ‘Lo Mejor del Año’ Best Series for Fiction

Nuestro Stories

Global audio leader Audible has named the duo-language podcast series ‘ Bistec ’, the eight-part audio series about betrayal and redemption in Revolutionary Cuba, one of its 2024 “Lo Mejor del Año” Podcast Winners for Fiction. Audible’s inaugural award is being widely promoted across its platform and as part of a media campaign that also highlights other best of 2024 audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals. The full list of winners can be found at https://www.audible.com/es_US. “This is an awesome honor for me and the entire team of producers, actors, editors, and musicians who joined to tell this story,” said Manuel Ruiz-Barrera, who wrote and directed the historical drama and is co-founder of Nuestro Studios, a division of Nuestro Stories and Brilla Media that produced ‘Bistec.’ “This prestigious recognition, and the massive views and listens we’ve generated across digital platforms underscore why the timeless and timely story of ‘Bistec’ must come to the big screen, which is our ultimate goal.” Following its sizzling summer debut, Bistec has generated more than 1.5 million views and listens across multiple digital platforms in Spanish and English, including YouTube in Spanish, and English, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Instagram, and more. (The visual trailer for the audio series, which represents the next stage of what producers believe will become a feature film, can be viewed here ). As part of the next stage of the ‘Bistec’ film project, the producers are about to launch pre-orders for the related photobook called ‘Surreal Cuba’ that will launch in early 2025. The Story Behind ‘Bistec’ Produced by Nuestro Studios, a division of Brilla Media Ventures, ‘Bistec’ is the riveting story of a longtime Cuban Revolutionary and what happens when one of the nation’s prominent dissidents moves into his neighborhood, exposing secrets, upending lives, and testing loyalties. Set during the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in 2009, ‘Bistec’ unveils the contemporary world of Cuba’s enigmatic surveillance and snitches system, all within the framework of a compelling, emotional narrative filled with unexpected twists. This is the first story to ever delve deeply into the secret world of Cuba’s widely despised but little known Comités de Defensa de la Revolución (CDR), the neighborhood government apparatus Fidel Castro cherished so much he branded “the vanguard of the Revolution.” Bistec leans on events from the life of Micaela Ruiz, the late poet grandmother of writer Ruiz-Barrera, as well as the strange adventures he experienced during four documentary photography trips he made to Cuba in the early ‘90s. Prominent dissidents Amaury Pacheco del Monte, and his wife Iris Hernandez, co-founders of El Movimiento San Isidro, served as key story consultants and also play characters in the series. To learn more about Bistec or support the production for the film, follow @Bistec.Film on Instagram or visit our website at www.BistecFilm.com. Bistec is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BistecFilm. Producers and cast Adapted from a screenplay written 15 years ago by Ruiz-Barrera, and masterfully sound engineered and edited by Jaime Almiral, Jr, the series took 15 months to produce. In addition to Pacheco and Hernandez, the production was also anchored by Ernesto Fundora, who was an assistant director, associate producer, and story consultant, as well as Efrain Gonzalez, and Felix Montelara, who executive produced the series, and Elena Ruiz, who served as an associate producer. Bistec features a Who’s Who of actors, musicians, and producers with more than 60 novelas and 12 feature film credits between them. The production team leads includes Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Peruvians, Mexicans, and Colombians. Bistec talent represents every single generation of Cubans, including children of dissidents, TikTok influencer and hip-hop artist Jawndarko, and Venezuelan influencer and actress Laura Termini. The musical score of ‘Bistec’, ‘Canción de un Disidente’, was composed by nine-time EMMY-winning Maestro Alberto Bade, and features a beautiful performance by the University of Miami Orchestra. The Spanish and English-language cast of ‘Bistec’ includes Albertico Pujol and Roberto Escobar as Echauri Suarez, Adrian Mas and Rene Granado as Orlando Contreras, Vivian Ruiz and Mayte Vilan as Micaela Martinez, Mauricio Renteria and Rene Lavan as Colonel Ramiro Roca, Laura Termini as Hortensia, Amaury Pacheco Del Monte and Robert Ramos as Vizcaino “El Bizco”, Andy Barbosa as Vladimir Suarez, Omar Gonzalez and Michael Ferreiro as Orlandito Contreras, Iris Hernandez and Maggie Zafra as Cecilia, and Alejandra Cossio and Melissa Ann Hubiscsak as Marlene Presley. Bistec’s narrators were Ray Guiu, Gregg Weiner, and Scott Fortney. Additional voice actors include Frank Egusquiza, Teresa Rodriguez, Ramonín Veloz, Efrain Gonzalez, Cecilia “Ceci” Diaz Arguelle, Rick Najera, Julian Najera, Jeffrey Batista, Juan Camilo Jurado, Tanya Cecilia Diaz, Alex Hernandez, Naomi Ruiz, Briani Ruiz, Katherine Costa, Rameh Ali Echeverri, and Manuel Ruiz-Barrera. Additional music was produced and/or performed by Federico Colloca, Elimir Colloca, Leandro Tresero y Luthier, Bernardo Izaguirre, Alfredo Chacon, Odalys Salina, Humberto Casanova, Juan A. Diaz, Lianet Ulloa, Lazaro Fundora, Pavel de la Noval, and Bernardo Izaguirre. Additional executive producers include Armando Azarloza, Santiago Eljaiek, III, Lourdes Castillo and Angela Sustaita-Ruiz. The poster for Bistec was designed by Hiram Henriquez. Casting was led by Ana Braga Morfi. Media and marketing distribution are being handled by Brilla Media Ventures, and Audio Dice Network. The producers are grateful for the collaboration of the University of Miami School of Music, Ochenta Studio, Ralph Rivera, Celines Toribio, Katherine Costa, Robert Armband, and Piera Garibaldi. They are also grateful for the contributions of Iris Fraga, Pedro Fraga, Ravi Baichwal, Yolanda, and Jose Garcia, Michael Ortega, Sonia Diaz, and Cristy Clavijo-Kish. Bistec was recorded at South Point Productions, and Panoramik Audio. To learn more about Bistec or support the production for the film, follow @Bistec.Film on Instagram or visit our website at www.BistecFilm.com. Bistec is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BistecFilm. About Brilla Media Ventures Brilla Media Ventures provides engaging cultural content for multicultural marketers through its owned and operated platforms, Nuestro Stories, Minivela, Nuestro Studios, and Brilla Latina. Offerings also include programmatic advertising technology services for scalable media delivery, digital shorts, influencer marketing, creative studio services, and brand activations. Brilla Media is a certified women-owned Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The company is led by Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, its chairwoman, and Manny Ruiz, creators of Hispanicize, and trailblazers in the Hispanic media, social and influencer marketing industries, the Latino press release wire industry, and the first network of Hispanic print media companies online. Contact Details On behalf of Brilla Media / Nuestro Studios Rameh Ali Echeverri +1 305-303-2322 rameh@brillamedia.com Company Website https://bistecfilm.com/

December 03, 2024 12:39 PM Eastern Standard Time

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KRYTON INTERNATIONAL OFFERS CURE FOR THE “CONCRETE CANCER” THAT HAS PLAGUED MAJOR SPORTS VENUES AROUND THE U.S.

Kryton International

Kryton International, the world’s leading Smart Concrete® solutions provider, is studying recent structural failures in sports venues like Kauffman Stadium, home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals, to illustrate the dire consequences of “concrete cancer” and highlight available solutions that protect new venues from suffering the same fate. The company points to recent high-profile incidents of “concrete cancer,” a condition known more technically as alkali-aggregate-reaction caused when water penetrates concrete containing reactive aggregates. The expansive reaction results in microscopic cracks – invisible to the naked eye – and causes significant concrete degradation and rebar corrosion, which can drastically reduce the lifespan of beloved sports venues throughout the nation. Kauffman Stadium is a prime example and cautionary tale of how concrete cancer can drastically shorten the life expectancy of some of the country’s famed sports venues. “Though invisible to the naked eye and easily overlooked, the effects of these microscopic cracks are often underestimated until the situation escalates and becomes a serious problem,” said Kevin Yuers, Kryton’s vice president of product development. “The same concrete cancer that infected Kauffman Stadium and threatens other major sports venues is completely preventable when concrete is mixed with permeability-reducing and self-healing additives that repair microcracks as they form.” As construction and renovation of sports venues gains momentum in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, combined with other major sports facilities under development – notably a state-of-the-art Major League Baseball stadium being built in advance of the Oakland A’s relocation to Las Vegas – there exists a limited window of time when “Smart Concrete” solutions can be executed to ensure long-term durability of these structures well after the closing ceremonies. Kauffman Stadium was completed just over 50 years ago – around the time of Kryton International’s founding – prior to the advent of concrete technologies that extend a structure’s life expectancy. These smart concrete solutions, for which Kryton has become a global leader for over a half century, could easily add another 50 years to the stadium’s lifespan. A pair of university research studies – undertaken at the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa – employed multi-year analyses of concrete additives such as those developed by Kryton. Both studies found that Kryton’s self-healing Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), a hydrophilic crystalline admixture used to create permanently waterproof concrete, is highly effective in repairing microcracks as they form. As a result, the microscopic access point that allows water and other elements to corrode concrete and rebar from the inside out remained watertight, thereby preventing “concrete cancer.” Despite the obvious benefits, Yuers noted that some developers bypass the use of Smart Concrete additives to control up-front construction costs. “This decision often has much more costly and structurally catastrophic consequences years later. I truly believe that when sports franchises and even taxpayers invest $1 billon to build a world-class stadium, it shouldn’t come with an expiration date. There are cost-effective solutions that ensure these facilities outlive all of us.” As the construction of Olympic venues and other sports facilities gains momentum in the coming months, Yuers urges contractors to take decisive action. These soon-to-be iconic buildings must be fortified to withstand the passage of time, rather than facing premature demolition in just a few decades. ### ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with their proprietary Krystol® technology since 1973. They have won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports their products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International Leeza Hoyt +1 310-343-3197 llhoyt@hoytorg.com

December 03, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

YourFMO Enhances Agent ACA Marketplace Sales Experience

AmeriLife

YourFMO.com, a non-government agent resource site built for today’s valued health and life insurance agent, today announced the integration of Agility Insurance Services and its MyAdmin by Agility platform to support Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan sales. This exclusive offering is now available to YourFMO-contracted, licensed agents for the ACA Open Enrollment Period and beyond, with a comprehensive, real-time, and turnkey solution. As a result, this integration provides YourFMO-affiliated insurance agents with access to 20 contracted carriers offering ACA plans through a digitized process that eliminates paperwork, streamlines enrollments, and is designed to help increase productivity and efficiency. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, empowering agents to successfully manage their clients' ACA needs and track commissions seamlessly. "We are thrilled to integrate this innovative technology offered by Agility Insurance to enhance YourFMO’s comprehensive suite of agent resources," said JC Moreno, National Director of ACA at AmeriLife. "For ACA sales, this platform is a game-changer that simplifies enrollment and provides our agents with complete training guides powered by a robust CRM system." Agility Insurance Services offers its comprehensive platform for everything related to ACA sales. MyAdmin by Agility enables agents to manage client relationships, track interactions, and organize their sales efforts more effectively. This integration ensures that YourFMO contracted and licensed agents have all the necessary tools in one place, providing security and simplifying their workflow. Key features of this exclusive offering include: Digitization: Automates the enrollment experience, resulting in speed and efficiency. Real-time solutions: Instant access to plan details, quotes, and registration status. Turnkey solution: A single platform for everything ACA sales-related, from carrier plans to commission tracking. Comprehensive training: Complete guides to ensure agents are well-equipped to navigate the platform and ACA plans. YourFMO-affiliated agents can now leverage this powerful platform to better serve their clients and maximize their opportunities during the Open Enrollment Period and beyond. To sign up or learn more, please visit YourFMO.com. ### About YourFMO.com YourFMO is a non-government agent resource platform designed and managed by AmeriLife that is built to make selling insurance easy for our valued agents. YourFMO.com understands the need for the right technology, tools, and training for our independent agent partners to be successful in today’s health and life insurance marketplace. Contact us today to see how this suite of tools will benefit your business. For more information, visit YourFMO.com. About Agility Insurance Agility Insurance Services is an agency focused on equipping health insurance agents with all the tools they need to make health insurance available to anyone who might need it – from individuals to small business owners. Agility’s sales professionals specialize in health insurance marketing and contracting, and they provide ample resources to agents, ensuring their ability to better serve customers. Whether through assisting an individual or small business owners, Agility agents are dedicated to helping their customers find the best coverage possible. Learn more here. Contact Details YourFMO Jeff Maldonado media@yourfmo.com Luminos Creative Frank Vasquez fvasquez@luminoscreative.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

December 03, 2024 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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