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August 3, 2022 8:41 AM
EDT
Boonville, CA

Fourth Annual International Canned Wine Competition Turns Aluminum to Gold

Almost three hundred canned wines from all over the world flexed their aluminum muscles at the fourth annual International Canned Wine Competition held July 19-21 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California. Wines from twenty foreign countries competed with their compatriots from all corners of the United States.

The judges awarded 97 gold medals.

Veteran wine industry judges included Dan Berger, Laura Ness, Jonathan Cristaldi and Greg Richtarek, who were joined by social media wine evangelists Brooke Martin, Brielle Buckler, Ali Nemo and Dennis Doorakkers. (Doorakkers, from Holland, floated the idea of holding a partner canned wine competition in the Netherlands in 2023.)

Best of Show honors for 2022 went to:

  • Maker Wines 2021 Chardonnay from Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley, California
  • Djuce Wines 2021 Rosé, Famille Chaudié, Provence, France
  • Joiy 2018 The Gryphon Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
  • The OBC Wine Project Rosé with Bubbles, American
  • Riot Wine Co. Rosé Spritz, South Australia

Rogante Wines of Italy won the Sweepstakes Award, winning eight gold medals, more than any other winery. Other multiple medal winners included Devonian Coast Wineries, Canada; Suntory Wines, Japan; Bridge Lane Wines, New York; and Leelanau Cellars, Michigan.

Plans are in the works for the fifth annual International Canned Wine Competition, to be held in July, 2023. Competition director Allan Green promises it will be "aluminating!"

Complete results and photographs are available at https://cannedwinecompetition.com/2022-results.

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August 3, 2022 8:38 AM
EDT
Las Vegas, NV

TuneGO® Awarded New Web3 Patents, Expanding Intellectual Property Portfolio

TuneGO®, a leading Web3 music platform, was awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") two new patents for technology that protects content creators and copyright owners.

"The patented TuneGO Vault demystifies and simplifies Web3 for creators, and TuneGO's Web3 marketplace is the community gateway to the new culture of fans, collectors, and consumers," said John Kohl, Co-Founder and CEO of TuneGO. "We continue to lead with innovation and are pleased the U.S. Patent Office has once again recognized the uniqueness of our proprietary technology as we forge ahead into the future of Web3."

TuneGO operates on the Flow blockchain, the home of NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, UFC Strike, and LaLiga (coming soon). TuneGO creates a technology gateway between the creative ecosystem and consumers, and is bolstered by the ease-of-use and no gas fees of the eco-friendly Flow blockchain.

TuneGO has been granted the following two U.S. patents:

  • U.S. Patent No. 11,250,111—The patent is directed toward technology for verifying, via the digital vault, a completeness of the content metadata associated with the media content in the container file and identifying a salable content item that is to be put up for sale via a non-fungible token (NFT) transaction, while prohibiting the sale of the salable content item until consent for the sale is received from each stakeholder from whom consent is required.
  • U.S. Patent No. 11,256,788—The patent is directed toward technology for populating an NFT container file with a salable content item and a specification of ownership rights to the salable content item, offering the ownership rights to the salable content item for sale via an NFT transaction, and updating the NFT container file to reflect change in the ownership rights to the salable content after sale of the salable content item.

These recently granted patents enhance TuneGO's already formidable patent portfolio that includes 18 U.S. and foreign-granted and pending patent applications—covering various aspects of secure digital storage of music and digital media, creative rights administration and protection, safe and secure project collaboration, and the monetization of creative work through traditional channels and new revenue streams in the world of Web3.

"These new patents, in addition to our formidable existing patent portfolio, demonstrate that TuneGO continues to be the industry's innovator with regard to our application of proprietary Web3 technology," said Stacy Haitsuka, CTO of TuneGO. "We will continue to invest in and innovate around our revolutionary TuneGO Vault with additional patented technologies so that we can provide our customers with the best solution to securely manage and monetize their media content."

TuneGO's proprietary technology provides an industry-unique platform that establishes a digital record of the creative process, by tracking creative contributions from the inception of the project—ensuring all credits are properly recorded, creative rights are properly protected, and digital assets are properly secured. TuneGO's patented technology protects the creative community by ensuring proper credit is given for their creative work, resulting in the proper collection of royalties. For fans and collectors, TuneGO provides assurance of the authenticity of work to validate and maximize the value of Web3 collectibles.    

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August 3, 2022 8:38 AM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

Actor & Singer Jibreel Releases Debut Track Just Like That - A Soul-Baring Summer R&B Anthem Produced by Hitmaker Duo The Audibles

Detroit native Jibreel released his debut song Just Like That on July 29, a sun-drenched, R&B-inspired summer track that showcases Jibreel's smooth, virtuosic vocal talent.

Produced by the peerless Las Vegas-based production duo The Audibles, who have worked on award-winning releases for chart-topping artists including Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and Travis Scott, Just Like That captures the poignancy of baring your soul to another person following bitter heartbreak, taking the ultimate gamble on love.

Jibreel explains, "The track is about the beauty and joy of opening your heart again, and giving love another chance. It tells the story of a conflicted person who is haunted by the past; he is distant, almost cautious, but he finds himself falling in love again, and the journey is beautiful."

Broadway pro Jibreel, born Jibreel Mawry, was personally selected by legendary record executive Berry Gordy Jr. to play the role of young Michael Jackson in 'Motown: The Musical', a journey captured by the international media in the lead-up to opening night.

Press praised Jibreel's "thrilling" (NBC New York) and "electrifying" (NewYorkGuest.com) performance, with Gordy himself noting Michael Jackson would've been "proud" to have seen the young star onstage.

"Jibreel Mawry proves a scene-stealer" Entertainment by Thom Geier

"Another audience favorite is Jibreel Mawry" Broadway.com

Jibreel continues to work on new music in collaboration with The Audibles, with further releases scheduled in the next few months, including a full music video for Just Like That.

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August 3, 2022 8:36 AM
EDT
San Jose, CA

TapClassifieds Announces Partnerships with Google and Microsoft

TapClassifieds is proud to announce it has both earned the Google Partners badge and was accepted into the Microsoft Partner Network this year for its continued innovation and digital marketing success on both platforms. TapClassifieds is a Silicon Valley-based marketing success technology solutions company that provides lead generation, customer engagement, and attribution solutions to automotive dealerships.

The Google Partners program recognizes companies that have demonstrated expertise with Google Ads and fostered successful marketing campaigns for clients. Becoming a Google Partner allows TapClassifieds to develop a deeper strategic partnership with Google, helping them better serve their clients through the Google VLA, Google Business Profile, and Google Cars for Sale features.

The Microsoft Partner Network enables partners to better support clients' digital acceleration, drive new growth, and create real-world impact. Status as a Microsoft Partner grants TapClassifieds the ability to enhance and optimize existing marketing solutions for clients through Bing and MSN. This program boosts the company's existing expertise with Bing Places, Bing Dealer Storefront, and MSN Autos Marketplace.

These partnerships with Google and Microsoft give TapClassifieds access to increased product education and certifications that allow them to maximize campaign optimization, consumer insight reports that will inform the implementation of proven successful strategies based on global consumer insights, and technical support from Google allowing them to address clients' concerns quicker than before, and special promotions to boost new customers' advertising budgets to ensure successful launches.

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August 3, 2022 8:33 AM
EDT
Boca Raton, FL

New App Launches to Simplify and Organize 50 Million Dating App Users

With the world becoming increasingly digitized, singles are looking to their phones to find their one-and-only. It's no secret that dating apps are here to stay. Now that finding love is plugged into the internet, My Little Black Book created a productivity app to organize dating users. The Statista Research Group predicts that 50 million online dating users in the United States will grow to 53.3 million by 2025.

My Little Black Book streamlines the process of the dating apps everyone knows and loves. Users are now able to sort potentials based on the dating app they met. With over 1,500 dating apps, users can remember where they met (Toptal) (CNET). My Little Black Book utilizes a patented bucket system which helps the user to filter by 'Hard No,' 'Just for Fun,' and 'Potential.' The bucket system isn't just practical– it's fun!

My Little Black Book helps users to think with their heart AND their brain. With the 'Rate your Date' feature, users can take a more objective approach in deciding how the date went and how it compares to other rendezvous.

Safety is an important issue for dating users and My Little Black Book has taken this challenge head on. They have partnered with PeopleLooker to offer background checks directly on the platform. Also, users can add friends to their safety network, so someone is notified of who, where and when you went on a date and includes a check in and check out feature as an added layer of protection. My Little Black Book has forged partnerships to provide burner dating phone numbers, so users do not need to provide their real phone number until they are sure there is a long-term match.

Co-founder Billie Prisby feels that "the beauty of My Little Black Book is that it simplifies online dating and serves as an instant connection to funnel all of your dates onto a single user-friendly platform while making it SAFER. It is time to put safety back in the users hands."

My Little Black Book came about because Co-founder Melissa Gross made a common dating faux pas. As an avid digital dater, she quickly realized that "Dating felt like a part-time job. Most of the time, I was on multiple apps to increase my prospects. I was going from one app to the other and it just got too confusing." She needed a way to simplify the dating process without having to switch from screen to screen.

My Little Black Book is joining the ranks of the dating world as the first dating productivity app, and it changes the user experience in the online dating industry. It's here to bring simplicity and a semblance of peace to everyone's chaotic dating lives.

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August 3, 2022 8:33 AM
EDT
New York, NY

Olive Oil Bottle Reuse Technology

Certified Origins, a European-based company specializing in fresh and authentic extra virgin olive oil, has recently signed a partnership with Loop. As part of the Loop platform, the first refillable Italian Bellucci Extra Virgin Olive Oil line will soon be available in multiple top USA store chains, pioneering this project.

Loop is a global reuse platform enabled by a multi-stakeholder coalition of manufacturers, retailers, and consumers that aims to Eliminate the Idea of Waste®. Loop partners with brands and retailers to shift from a disposable to durable supply chain which enables consumers to responsibly shop for a wide variety of commonly used products.

"Loop's goal is to make as many world-class products as possible available to as many consumers as possible," says Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle and Loop. "Bellucci Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a tried-and-true consumer favorite that we will be able to offer in durable, reusable containers, with the convenience of shopping at their local market."

Certified Origins has a strong culture and history of prioritizing sustainability and traceability, with other initiatives implemented across their various global facilities including zero-waste policies and solar panels for renewable energy. They use recycled raw materials and continuously invest in research and alternative packaging solutions.

"Our extreme attention to the quality and traceability of our products, distinguishes us as a leader in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil sector." Adds Nacho Nuez, Managing Director of Certified Origins U.S. operations. "Every bottle of EVOO we deliver is traceable from plant to bottle thanks to a combination of technology, with a BlockChain platform built by Oracle and third-party certifications like the ISO2205 by Bureau Veritas."

Certified Origins mission is to contribute to people's enjoyment and health through good food: the kind made by using wholesome, sustainable, and genuine ingredients. To do so, the company carefully selects unique producers and cooperates with them to promote their gastronomic excellencies worldwide.

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August 3, 2022 8:31 AM
EDT
Healdsburg, CA

Gracianna Winery Reveals How to Deepen Business Relationships in a Troubled Economy

Today, Gracianna Winery in Sonoma County, California is excited to announce their newest service offering, an integrated virtual tasting called "Grateful Gathering"—for those desiring innovative approaches to virtual team building with work colleagues and clients.

Through relationships with corporate clients/members, Gracianna has tracked the need to join groups together to deepen distanced work connections and celebrate the things teams are thankful for. "The ability to connect with a client or gather work teams of 8 or more across many locations to engage outside of our stressful work environment is a severe corporate need! Our 'Grateful Gathering' online wine tasting is designed around the ease of virtual technology in order to deliver a fun and intimate Sonoma County wine tasting experience, while helping clients build and maintain satisfied clients and employees," said Lisa Amador, Gracianna co-founder.

The program is designed for work teams to better collaborate by gathering around a relaxing wine tasting to celebrate a promotion, the landing of a big client, hitting sales targets, or just a way to reward those who suffer the stress of working apart all year. Or, break the ice with a new client by doing something fun in a non-selling environment.

Kerry Huffman, VP, Client Services of Labrador Systems, Inc., developer of a new generation of assistive robots, says "Keeping partners and clients happy is our goal. We are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to delight and surprise them, trying to go beyond what they expect from a 'standard' business relationship. Our Gracianna Winery 'Grateful Gatherings' have been well received and paid off for this small CRM investment. Next we plan to award our own team members with the program."

Additionally, families and friends can take advantage of the program to celebrate an engagement, anniversary, birthday, reunion or just get everyone together for an impromptu reunion for groups of 8 or more!

It's very easy to get started: "Simply tell us how many tasting kits you need, where to send them, and when you want to hold the virtual tasting. We do the rest! We handle billing, shipping, and organizing. The tasting will be conducted by an expertly trained Grateful Gathering host and lasts about an hour," adds Fernando Arellano, Gracianna Hospitality Manager.

Each tasting kit arrives in safe, weather-appropriate packaging and contains four award-winning Gracianna Russian River Valley wines in 50ml glass bottles—a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Ground shipping is included and each kit is $75 which also includes the hour-long well-produced virtual tasting with a brand ambassador. (Tax will be added and summer weather shipping is extra when required for safe travel.)

Businesses or individuals wishing to host their own Grateful Gathering virtual tasting may do so at https://www.gracianna.com/gratefulgathering/

Extending beyond the multitude of gold medals from wine competitions and honors from the wine press, Gracianna has recently been racking up hospitality accolades across multiple platforms, including Yelp, Tripadvisor and Airbnb. On Tripadvisor, Gracianna is a 2022 Travelers' Choice Award Winner, placing it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. This is a multi-year continuation of Gracianna's hosting accolades. Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor says, "The Travelers' Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: guests."

Recently Yelp featured Gracianna— with a five-star overall rating—in the list of Top 10 Wineries in California, out of a field of 3,600 wineries in the state. And for six years running, Gracianna has been named an Airbnb SuperHost for their two spectacular properties, the Gracianna Estate Loft and the Sea Ranch Lodge & Bunkhouse.

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August 3, 2022 8:31 AM
EDT
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Earth Baby® Takes Home a 2022 Baby Innovation Award

Earth Baby® has done it again. The family care brand already made a splash when its Moisturizing Lotion+ edged out over 1,500 competitors to win the 2021 Lotion Product of the Year award at the inaugural Independent Baby Innovation Award Program. During the second year of the prestigious (and massive) event, Earth Baby® has taken home yet another award, this time for its innovative sunscreen.

Earth Baby® Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen officially won the Sunscreen Product of the Year award at the 2022 edition of the Baby Innovation Award ceremony. "We're proud to be the recipients of a Baby Innovation award two years in a row," says company VP of Sales and Marketing Bianca Murphy, "Our mission is to enable parents to safely and effectively care for their children — and what better way to exemplify this objective than with a product that protects from the sun?"

The dual desire to provide safe and effective products is a throughline that runs through every one of Earth Baby®'s products. The entire range utilizes non-toxic, certified organic fruit and vegetable-based ingredients that are gentle on a baby's hair and body. They guard the skin and avoid the need for harsh or grading chemical alternatives.

As far as efficacy is concerned, the company relies on its Oleosphere® Technology to get the job done. This high-performance delivery system utilizes organic skin-softening oils and vitamins for hyper-effective delivery and time-controlled release.

Earth Baby®'s sunscreen, in particular, is composed of a mineral-based formula that is both hydrating and antioxidant-rich. It is crafted using a variety of certified organic and natural ingredients (including aloe, shea butter, and chamomile) as well as two key active ingredients: non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. The formula is reef-friendly, photostable, hypoallergenic, and clinically tested. It's free of, among other things, preservatives, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, propylene glycol, DEA, and MEA.

Earth Baby® Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen isn't just an award-winning family care product. It's a sunscreen designed by parents and grandparents who truly care about creating safe, effective solutions for parents to use as they care for their children.

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August 3, 2022 8:31 AM
EDT
Reno, NV

Demand Payment for Your Data and Ad Views: Dorado Exchange Browser Extension Available for Free Download

Dorado Exchange LLC  is offering a free download of its newly developed, innovative Google Chrome extension to anyone wanting to combat ad overload and fight back against data collection schemes – all while getting rewarded for doing so. Dorado is the only free ad-managing Chrome extension that enables users to get payment for shared data and ads presented, providing users online independence from the dominance of ad marketing and online data mining. Dorado also gives content publishers a way to earn revenue, providing advertisers access to first-party data that is freely shared by users.

"The ad manager's filtering process delivers great results for users burnt out on ad overload," said Kevin Garcia, COO and Co-Founder of Dorado. "The system is designed to pay users for each ad impression they see online – incentivizing them to voluntarily input their market interests into the platform for redeemable credits. And this works out for both users and advertisers because it is a voluntary and reciprocal relationship. It's time for people to have control over their online data and ad quality. Most importantly, it is time people get paid for their data!"

Dorado Exchange – Your Data, Your Money

Dorado Exchange is a free, easy to use ad manager that filters out unwanted ads, letting users customize and monetize their own online ad data while browsing the web. This is done automatically, so users can surf and enjoy a better web experience while earning credits during their browsing time. And with its excellent ad reduction features, Dorado Exchange is designed to become an entire ecosystem of participating advertisers, content publishers, and nationwide users.

The process is simple. Users download the free Dorado Exchange ad manager, select their market interests, and then the Dorado Exchange matches and presents relevant advertisements while users are on partner sites. In exchange, users earn redeemable credits for every matching ad impression. The Dorado Exchange's filtering system blocks all outside advertisers, giving the benefits of a powerful ad managing system and much more:

  • Allows users to select and update their own market interest preferences.
  • Presents Dorado Exchange Ads specifically matched to those preferences.
  • Allows users to collect cash-redeemable credits for each matched ad impression.
  • Screen and block all ads from sources not approved by users (3rd party ads outside of the system, etc.).

"Even though the Dorado Exchange blocks 3rd party ads from data collecting, approved content providers still get paid for each ad impression when using our system," said Brian Garcia, Co-Founder of Dorado. "They can therefore generate an even greater revenue stream for themselves by respecting your data rights while ensuring you only see what you want to see. It's a win-win situation. Dorado Exchange user feedback has already been fantastic, with many comments like: 'Wow, I didn't think it was possible to collect a toll for data and ads!'"

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August 3, 2022 8:30 AM
EDT
BIRMINGHAM, AL

Altru Rehabilitation Hospital, a 37-Bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital, Now Open in Grand Forks

Altru and Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) announce the opening of Altru Rehabilitation Hospital, a 37-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital located at 4500 South Washington Street in Grand Forks. The hospital, which is an expansion of Altru's previous 23-bed unit at the same location, features all private patient rooms, a large therapy gym with advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite, and an on-site dialysis suite. Following state inspections, the hospital is expected to expand to 40 beds this fall.

The hospital serves patients recovering from debilitating injuries and illnesses, including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and complex orthopedic conditions. In addition to 24-hour nursing care, Altru Rehabilitation Hospital will continue to offer physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life. Care is provided by highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians.

"As our region's trusted health system, Altru is committed to providing high-quality rehabilitative care to our patients," said Janice Hamscher, Chief Nursing Officer at Altru. "This partnership with Encompass Health gives us the opportunity to serve even more patients throughout our region. I am very proud of this partnership and the additional services we will provide through this expansion. Together, we will continue our legacy of high-quality rehabilitative care."

"We are excited to open this hospital in Grand Forks as a joint venture between Encompass Health, a national leader in post-acute healthcare services, and Altru Health System, a trusted provider of rehabilitative care for more than 60 years," said Brad Kennedy, President of Encompass Health's South Central Region. "Both Altru and Encompass Health have a proven track record of quality, patient and family satisfaction and are united in our mission to providing compassionate care and helping patients regain the strength, function and confidence needed to move forward in their lives."

Altru Rehabilitation Hospital is Encompass Health's inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and its first location in North Dakota. Altru's inpatient rehabilitation unit, which has provided care to residents in the area since 1958, has consistently maintained its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

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August 3, 2022 8:30 AM
EDT
Campbell, CA

Refresh Your Fall Routine with Pro-Designed LUXIE Beauty Tools to Master Every Look - Now Available at Top US Retailers

Like the trees slowly shifting their colors, the best part about fall is the chance to reinvent yourself. LUXIE is the brand makeup artists turn to for the sustainably crafted pro tools to create any fall look. Freshen up a tired makeup routine with travel-friendly brush bundles and sets now available at the nation's finest retailers.

The online-exclusive Bronze & Sculpt Bundle ($81) is an expert mix of get-glowing essentials in a signature "LUXIE pink" bag, including:

  • LUXIE 620 Angled Sculpting Face Brush
  • LUXIE 650 Precision Angled Contour Brush
  • LUXIE 680 Pro Precision Face Brush

Soak up the vibrant energy of the world's best luxury department stores, browsing fan-favorites that include:

  • LUXIE Skincential Skincare Set, 6-Piece ($85) and 4-Piece ($55)
  • LUXIE Classic Eye Brush Set ($35)
  • LUXIE Classic Face Brush Set ($50)
  • LUXIE Complete Face Set ($80)
  • LUXIE Kabuki 4-piece Set ($60)

Shop Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, or Macy's for best-selling LUXIE brush sets. Find the all-new LUXIE Bronze & Sculpt Bundle ($81) exclusively online, plus watch for innovative new tools - including eyeliner/globe sets and curated collections for the holiday season - as LUXIE continues to challenge industry norms.

Visit LuxieBeauty.com to see how LUXIE gives back, supporting Miracles for Kids, the World Wildlife Fund, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Campaign Zero, the ACLU, Reclaim the Block, and the Grassroots Law Project. LUXIE also donates products to the San Jose Women's Shelter and volunteers time at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

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August 3, 2022 8:18 AM
EDT
South San Francisco, CA

Detecting Immunity to COVID Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Scientists at Enable Biosciences report a novel method to easily, rapidly and accurately detect neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from dried blood spots, named "SONIA" (Split-Oligonucleotide Neighboring Inhibition Assay). Published in Nature Communications, the peer-reviewed article was co-authored with an international team of scientists from the California Department of Public Health, Vitalant Research Institute, Mayo Clinic, Oregon Health & Science University, Swiss Red Cross, University of Basel (Swizerland), and Cerus Corporation. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31796-1)

Neutralizing antibodies are a special class of antibodies that focus on disrupting virus activity. They are critically important in determining immunity to infection, supporting vaccine development and efficacy/effectiveness testing and in quality control for blood-based therapeutics like convalescent plasma. For viral diseases like COVID, neutralizing antibodies defend against future infection and are a widely-used marker of protective immunity from vaccination or past infection. SONIA improves upon the existing gold-standard assay for neutralizing antibodies, the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT), by eliminating the need for dangerous live viruses. SONIA uses Enable Biosciences' patented DNA-barcoding technology to speed up testing while achieving excellent accuracy. SONIA increases easy access to testing by being compatible with both conveniently-collected dried blood spots and regular blood samples. SONIA showed up to 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity in comparison to PRNT.

"Importantly, SONIA detects neutralizing antibodies against different viral targets all at once, which PRNT can't," said Jason Tsai, PhD, CTO of Enable Biosciences and corresponding author of the article. "Testing for neutralizing antibodies versus multiple variants simultaneously provides clinicians and public health officers invaluable insight into waning immunity to all these variants and can uniquely empower targeted recommendations for better booster timing or updated variant-specific vaccinations," explained David Seftel, MD, MBA, Enable CEO/CMO.

SONIA is currently used by the CDC-funded California Department of Public Health's CALSCOPE program to help determine correlates of immunity to COVID infection. While the version of SONIA described in Nature Communications is designed for COVID neutralizing antibodies, the patented technology can be utilized to accurately assess immunity to any infection, including monkeypox and smallpox.

SONIA testing services are available worldwide for public health, vaccine development and/or research purposes via Enable Biosciences' CAP and CLIA certified laboratories.

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August 3, 2022 8:10 AM
EDT
Coeur d'Alene, ID

Gen Z Beats the Heat with Tractor Beverage as Temperatures Soar So Does Demand for Organic Drinks

Tractor Beverage Company, exclusive creator of the world's first and only Certified Organic, Non-GMO total beverage solution for foodservice is chilling this summer with the mouthwatering debut of six fantastic new flavors for a thirsty nation that wants its drinks to get real.

Americans are staying hydrated as a heat wave continues to scorch the nation, opting for better-for-you beverages when they're dining out. "Our pouring partners are reporting that their patrons are opting for clean, fruit-forward beverages this summer," said Luke Emery, Chief Customer Officer for Tractor Beverage Company. "We know that young consumers are label readers who appreciate certified organic, farm to table options and want something other than tap water, especially during a heat wave." According to a report by The NPD Group, Generation Z consumers are interested in food quality and an experience they would not be able to reproduce themselves at home. The report found 18 percent of Gen Z consumers care about organic products, compared to 12 percent of those over 25. And when it comes to sustainable sourced foods and beverages in restaurants, 16 percent care about it, compared to 11 percent of older generations.


Joining the company's deliciously original Agua Fresca line of lightly sweetened, all-natural, non-GMO, Certified Organic non-carbonated drinks are a virtual orchard of new nature-blessed flavors: Peach, Mango, Strawberry Dragonfruit, Farmers Punch, Clementine, and the popular Lemonade, now with pulp.

Formulated by Travis Potter, beverage chef and co-founder of Tractor Beverage, each of these new refreshers squeeze the unbounded joys of real whole-fruit and perfect organic juice combos into every sip to create a uniquely differentiating choice for discriminating restauranteurs and discerning consumers alike. In addition to deep flavor and the pure refreshment it delivers, each serving of Tractor's clean new tastes includes organic inulin for a helpful boost of beneficial all-natural prebiotic fiber that supports a thriving microbiome.

Tractor's new flavors include:

  • Peach features vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg for that grandma's peach pie aroma, with a combination of peaches and apricot to add extra peak season midsummer harvest taste. "Most peach drinks have an artificial or canned peach taste," said Travis. "I was intent on delivering a natural peak harvest drink that would mix well with sweet or white tea and pair well with a fried chicken sandwich or super greens salad." For a special summer treat, add vanilla ice cream for a peach float.

  • Mango delivers a big taste from fresh mangoes, a touch of apricot for texture and mouthfeel, a touch of ginger, a hint of cardamom, black pepper, and fresh pine aroma from the fruit's skin. "Mango can go to an off or overly cooked sweet potato taste," said Travis, whose recipe delivers a refreshing mango flavor that pairs with Indian or Thai food, as a breakfast beverage or added to a smoothie.

  • Strawberry Dragonfruit "Dragonfruit is a mysterious tropical succulent plant that looks like a dinosaur or a dragon," observed Travis. "The Dragonfruit we use for our Tractor beverage is pink skinned, and when you cut through it you see this pink fleshed, heavily seeded fruit that is a beautiful mix of strawberry, pear, and kiwi flavors." As much fun to look at as it is to drink, the beautifully-hued Strawberry Dragonfruit is an all-day refresher, and makes a delicious frozen drink.

  • Farmer's Punch Tractor's farmstand-fresh, vitamin-packed fruit punch is packed with berries, apples, pomegranates and cherries. In developing this flavor, Travis was intent on creating an alternative to the chemical-laden artificial sodas. "Our Farmer's Punch is the solution for those family events where the whole family doesn't have to detox afterwards but instead get a tasty fun drink full of antioxidants, vitamins that makes everyone happy."
  • Clementine "I was looking for a citrus that adds a more citrusy, slightly sweet bite, and works as a great palette cleanser," offered Travis. His solution? The refreshing clementine, cousin to the easy-peeling mandarin. "Clementine is just fun to say!," he added. The flavor conjures up the feeling of stopping off at a farm stand on a road trip, and pairs well with everything from breakfast to Italian food, as a frozen drink, or added to vanilla ice cream for a summertime Clementine Creamsicle.

  • Lemonade Tractor's all new lemonade adds just the right amount of pulp for texture, with the added benefit of utilizing more of the fruit for less waste. "We use lemon juice, the zest from the rind, the pulp, as well as orange blossom which adds the fresh aroma of a citrus grove," said Travis. Another added benefit of citrus pulp? It helps digestion, is beneficial for our circulatory system and when combined with Jerusalem artichoke, it delivers an immune-boosting prebiotic effect.

Now a parched public can locate their closest organic beverage source in less time than it takes to gently turn an organic peach into something even better. To find the nirvana nearest you and for more information about Tractor's fresh new options for restaurants and other foodservice providers, head to drinktractor.com.

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August 3, 2022 8:00 AM
EDT
Boston, MA

Bertucci's Launches Happy Hour & Brings Back Throwback Thursdays!

Bertucci's, serving original brick oven pizza, pasta, and more since 1981, invites you to enjoy the best hours of the day, Happy Hour, with seven-dollar appetizers and a selection of bar favorites! Starting in August, Bertucci's is offering a selection of beverages and appetizers for only seven dollars, served the bar and/or patio areas, Happy Hour is featured Monday-Friday from 3pm-7pm.

For just seven dollars, guests can enjoy their favorite appetizers and a selection of bar drinks including Mozzarella Frita, Garlic Knots, Meatballs, Twice-Baked Brick Oven Chicken Wings, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, and choice of Margherita and Cheese Menuccis. Drinks include Hideaway Creek Chardonnay, Hideaway Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Classic Martini, and Sam Adams Wicked Hazy IPA.

And, after an incredible response in July, the wildly popular Throwback Menu is returning every Throwback Thursday! Enjoy a special selection of menu items priced as they were in the 80s, beginning this Thursday, August 4 and continuing every Thursday through the end of September. Prices range from $3.25-$6.00.

Visit your local Bertucci's this summer for great food at great prices! For more details on locations, Throwback Thursday menu offerings, Happy Hour and Bertucci's SUMMER OF SAVINGS, check out www.Bertuccis.com

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August 3, 2022 7:50 AM
EDT
New York, NY

French Toast Launches New Adaptive Collection for Back-to-School

French Toast, a schoolwear brand dedicated to the students, educators and communities it serves, is delivering on its mission to help all kids shine with the launch of its new French Toast Adaptive collection.  French Toast worked closely with the community of people with disabilities (PWDs) to create a collection that authentically meets the needs of students with disabilities and those seeking sensory-friendly options.

Stephen Ashear, President of French Toast, said, "Every child deserves to feel comfortable and confident when they go to school and have as much independence as possible to get dressed on their own. The process by which our design team developed the collection demonstrates our dedication to taking an authentic approach. We are proud to be supporting PWDs and helping to raise visibility for this underserved community." He continued, "It was important for French Toast to keep the product at our everyday great value – which is why we kept our prices the same across the board. The most important thing for us is to be inclusive and do the right thing."

Best-in-Class Design

French Toast designed the collection based on direct feedback from kids with disabilities and their caregivers, during a four-year process leading to the launch in August 2022.  The journey began in 2019 with brand messaging evolution towards inclusion and shaping of "Schoolwear for All." In 2020 Research and Development began, and by 2021 the French Toast design team was working with focus groups and testing. This included 3D design fittings and designs on real kids.  Ongoing focus groups and testing continued to be fine-tuned through 2022, with the collection available in time for back-to-school 2022.

French Toast partnered with GAMUT Management to authentically understand kids with disabilities and their caregivers' needs.  This started with education and training for the French Toast team.  The team at GAMUT Management, led by Founder and CEO Mindy Scheier, worked with French Toast to hold panel discussions, focus groups and fit testing with kids with disabilities and caregivers to fine-tune each piece and get their honest feedback.

"The collection is empowering for students with disabilities. It's important for brands to work closely with people with disabilities in creating new collections from conception to completion, including the designs of the product, messaging and marketing.  French Toast has really put in the work and resources necessary for the new adaptive line and we're proud to have played an integral role," says Scheier.

A+ Style and Comfort

The design team led by Ashley Tashjian, Sr. Director of Design at French Toast, said, "The design team came together with tremendous excitement to create an authentic adaptive schoolwear collection that will have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of students across the country."

The collection is made up of 12 dress-code-ready tops and bottoms including polos, woven shirts, shorts, pants, skorts, dresses, and activewear.

Key adaptive features include EZ-Closure Hook + Loop featured on lower leg closures and replaces zippers and buttons for easy dressing. Additional features include flat seam details and Label-Free Comfort that won't chafe or irritate skin, High Rise for extra coverage, and Lift Loops™ to easily pull clothing on and off.  French Toast Adaptive includes the same comfort and quality features of the French Toast core collection, like Stretch Fabric, Power Knees®, Hidden Comfort Shorts, Wrinkle No More™, Expandable Collars, and Adjustable Waists.

Launching on August 3, 2022, French Toast Adaptive will be available online at FrenchToast.com, Amazon.com, JCPenney.com, Zappos.com, to name a few.

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August 3, 2022 7:00 AM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

WindRose Health Investors Makes Strategic in BPD

WindRose Health Investors, LLC ("WindRose"), the New York-based healthcare private equity firm, announced today that it has completed its strategic investment in BPD, LLC ("BPD" or the "Company"), a hospital- and health system-focused provider of data-driven marketing solutions. Hospitals and health systems engage BPD to develop brand strategy, execute high-ROI precision marketing services, develop campaigns and creative content, and execute omnichannel media strategies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

WindRose partnered with BPD's founders to recapitalize the business to support future growth. With WindRose's investment, BPD is well-positioned to further accelerate its impressive growth, drawing on WindRose's experience investing in data driven marketing solutions within healthcare. Jason Brown, BPD CEO and co-founder, and the BPD management team will continue to lead the Company and will remain significant shareholders.

"We are very excited to partner with WindRose as BPD begins its next chapter," said Mr. Brown. "We believe that our partnership with WindRose allows BPD to continue creating and executing impactful strategies that drive meaningful value to our clients while also focusing attention on new service offerings and exploring unique avenues for growth. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and health systems realize now more than ever the need for marketing partners who are great at three things: 1) inspiring internal and external audiences; 2) driving transformative growth across their high-margin services; and 3) adopting modern, data-driven performance marketing strategies to attract new patients. WindRose's experience and prior success working with innovative and high growth healthcare marketing services businesses made them our partner of choice."

"BPD's deep understanding of the healthcare industry, unique approach to data driven marketing, and proven track-record of collaborating with clients to evolve their service offerings differentiates them from other outsourced marketing providers," said CJ Burnes, Partner at WindRose. "We believe the strategic value BPD provides to its clients will allow the Company to continue its robust growth trajectory as they enter new markets and expand their service offerings. We are excited to partner with Jason Brown, Jessica Schmidt and the rest of the BPD team as they continue to build upon the differentiated platform they have created."

Canaccord Genuity acted as the exclusive financial advisor to BPD. McDermott Will & Emery LLP acted as legal advisor to WindRose and Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. acted as legal advisor to BPD.

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August 3, 2022 7:00 AM
EDT
Kapolei, HI

'Ohana Health Plan Provides Guidance on Safely Feeding Newborns During Infant Formula Shortage

Amid the ongoing infant formula shortage, families are experiencing additional stress as they struggle to find nutritious options for their babies. 'Ohana Health Plan is performing outreach to its members with infants who may be impacted and encourages families to exercise caution with alternative feeding options and is providing resources to help families identify healthy and safe feeding options.

Around the country, supply chain issues have affected the availability of infant formula for children ages 0-12 months, and while efforts have been made by the federal government to increase availability, many parents across Hawaii continue to struggle to find formula – particularly those in rural and underserved areas. Infant formula is critical to the health and development of newborns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 1 in 4 parents exclusively breastfeed their children up to the age of 6 months, leaving the overwhelming majority of parents and caregivers at least partially dependent on formula.

"At 'Ohana Health Plan, we understand how critical infant formula is to a newborn's health and development, as it has the right balance of nutrients needed for growth," said Scott Sivik, Plan President and CEO. "That's why the increased cost and scarce availability of infant formula is distressing for families, especially those living in rural and underserved communities in Hawaii.

If impacted by infant formula shortages, 'Ohana Health Plan is encouraging families to follow the following guidelines and to seek out community resources for additional support, as needed:

  • DO talk with your pediatrician and ask if they have supplies of formula. Your local WIC office may also be able to suggest places to look
  • DO check smaller stores and local community pharmacies, which may not be out of supply when the bigger stores are.
  • DO try new formulas. Many babies can switch brands of formula, including generic store brands, unless your infant is on a specific extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula. Ask your pediatrician about recommended specialty formula alternatives available for your infant.
  • DO NOT make a homemade formula or use imported formulas. This is not safe for your infant, as there are specific nutritional needs for an infant. The FDA reviews and makes sure that all infant formula sold in U.S. stores meets very strict rules about their ingredients to ensure it supports healthy growth and development.
  • DO NOT switch to cow's milk or other milk substitutes from the dairy section of the grocery store, such as almond or soy beverages (sometimes labeled as milk). This is true for babies 0 – 12 months of age.
  • DO NOT water down formulas or use toddler formulas for infants younger than 12 months old. This includes adding more water when mixing powdered formula or adding extra water to ready-to-serve, non-concentrated liquid formula. Both practices affect the nutrition your infant is getting.
  • DO NOT purchase expired or damaged cans. Check expiration dates.

For families impacted by infant formula shortages, 'Ohana Health Plan members can call toll-free for supply assistance at 1-888-846-4262, TTY 711, Monday – Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the free community resource database at www.GoAskAunty.OhanaHealthPlan.com.

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August 3, 2022 7:00 AM
EDT
Boston, MA

ENGO Eyewear Introduces ENGO 2, The Lightest Heads Up Display for Training and Competition for Endurance Athletes

ENGO Eyewear, the leading manufacturer of connected eyewear for endurance athletes, today unveiled ENGO 2, the lightest, and most technologically advanced eyewear created specifically for endurance athletes. Developed to provide instant, intuitive, real-time access to performance data directly in the natural field of view, ENGO 2 features advanced ActiveLook 2.0 technology. ENGO 2 also offers industry leading battery life and can be used for 10-12 consecutive hours before being recharged, and weighs just 36 grams for the standard size - the lightest HUD on the market.

ENGO 2 eliminates the need for athletes to break stride or slow down to look at a watch or cycling computer. For endurance athletes, this can be a significant advantage over the course of a marathon or triathlon. In addition, ENGO 2's touchless gesture control makes it easy to toggle between custom data screens by waving a hand in front of the lens.

Available in two sizes to fit a variety of face shapes, ENGO 2's frameless design comes with ENGO Eyewear's 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and a clear, stable view of the user's data. ENGO 2 also features high-definition optics, moisture and dust resistance, impact protection, and 100% ultraviolet protection.

"The ActiveLook 2.0 technology embedded in ENGO 2 gives users greater ability to customize the data projected into their field of view based on what is most useful to them," said Eric Marcellin-Dibon, ENGO Eyewear CEO. "Garmin users now have the ability to connect an array of compatible watches and cycling computers and configure and view custom data fields directly in ENGO 2."

"ENGO eyewear gives you real-time control. You can glance at it—you're not having to stare at the numbers the entire time," said Paul Thomas, gravel racer and ENGO Eyewear customer. "They're really helpful. By having real-time control, you never go into the red. With these ENGO, I'm faster, safer, and a more confident rider."

"By having your pace always available at a glance, there's no need to question 'is your exertion correct? Is your pace correct?' It's right in front of you," said 7-time Boston Marathon runner, Pam Nisevich-Bede. "Having the data in real time can give you confidence with executing the plan because anytime you can chip away at that properly designed plan and see it come to life, confidence just builds."

ENGO 2 is available now for pre-order for $329 with orders expected to ship in September 2022. Learn more at www.engoeyewear.com.

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August 3, 2022 6:44 AM
EDT
Santa Fe, NM

Contemporary Art Installations, Special Exhibition & Featured Gallery Presentation

Objects of Art & American Indian/Tribal Santa Fe 2022 is a one-of-a-kind art prism of peoples, times and places with a special focus this year on spectacular contemporary and indigenous art. Visitors will discover two art installations including one from Jason Baerg hot off his enormous success at Art Toronto, a special exhibition, and a featured gallery presentation.

Akoota ooshchi ka tapihk / Viewpoint

Jason Baerg is a Cree-Métis curator, educator, and visual artist. He pushes new boundaries in digital interventions in drawing, painting and new media installation. Fazakas Gallery will display Baerg's laser cut painting (ladder) installation series, alongside a new series of print works. Baerg uses unique ways in emergent 2D, 3D, interactive, immersive and fabrication technologies to envision Indigenous futurities through expansive visual forms and immersive optical experience.

Multidisciplinary Cree-Metis sensation Jason Baerg art installation presented by Fazakas Gallery

Shake Rattle & Roll

"Rattles are spiritually sacred instruments used by the majority of North American Indians. Rattles are used in religious ceremonies, rituals, feasts, and healing ceremonies as well as social dances and gatherings. Rattles are used as a form of communications, through prayer and ritual, with the spirits. The rattles that I make are an extension of this tradition intended to reflect the use of 21st century materials in making contemporary rattles from modern sources."

Richard Glazer Danay—highly-regarded multimedia artist--art installation presented by Trotta-Bono Contemporary

Looking Forward Through The Past: Contemporary Native American Art

Native artists today are rooted in tradition but create dynamic cross-cultural dialogues examining our past and reinterpreting our shared future. This exhibition connects early transitional artists such as Stephen Mopope and Pop Chalee to formative artists of the 20th century such as Fritz Scholder and George Morrison with important artists of today such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Tony Abeyta. Through these diverse voices, we witness a continuing narrative of ancestral knowledge and cutting-edge progress.

Trotta-Bono Contemporary presents a special exhibition of these integral figures of the 20th and 21st Century

Solo Exhibition by Rande Cook

Rande Cook is a multimedia artist born in culture-rich Alert Bay. With the strong teachings from his grandparents about culture and the sacred ceremonies of Potlatch, Cook became an accomplished singer and dancer and learned the values of life and culture that prepared him to be a strong leader. He carries two chieftainships: the Hamatam/Seagull, and the Gigalgam, both from the ancient ancestor Kwanusila/Thunderbird.

Fazakas Gallery features Rande Cook

WHEN:

August 11-14

Opening Celebration & Benefit For SWAIA/Indian Market

Thursday, August 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Show Dates & Times

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 12, 13 & 14

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:

El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, New Mexico

555 Camino de La Familia / Santa Fe Railyard

PHOTOS:

Striking new 2022 show images & logos are here.

ONLINE:

www.objectsofartshows.com

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August 3, 2022 6:18 AM
EDT
Cambridge, MA

Tevard Biosciences Appoints Zoya Ignatova to Its Scientific Advisory Board

Tevard Biosciences, the pioneer of tRNA-based therapies for severe genetic diseases, today announced the appointment of leading tRNA scientist Zoya Ignatova, Ph.D, to its scientific advisory board.

"Dr. Ignatova's work has profoundly impacted our understanding of the structure and function of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and the mechanism by which tRNAs participate in the translation of mRNAs into proteins," said Tevard co-founder Harvey Lodish, Ph.D., who chairs the company's SAB and sits on its board of directors.

"I am very excited to work with Dr. Ignatova to further the development of our Suppressor tRNA and Enhancer tRNA platforms and create novel tRNA-based treatments for a wide range of inherited diseases," said Tevard Chief Scientific Officer Gopi Shanker, Ph.D.

Dr. Ignatova has made fundamental discoveries about how tRNAs can speed or slow the intricate process of mRNA translation, how that in turn influences the folding and function of proteins, and how altering the process can lead to disease. Recent discoveries from her lab implicate tRNAs as underlying entities in several pathologies. Dr. Ignatova and her team are now working on ways to structurally repurpose tRNAs to correct inherited mutations, including nonsense mutations, which prematurely stop the cell's protein production machinery in numerous serious diseases.

"I'm fascinated by the many ways that tRNAs influence the vital process of making new proteins," said Dr. Ignatova. "Tevard shares my belief that tRNAs can be leveraged to create a potent new class of therapeutics for diseases that profoundly affect people's lives and I'm thrilled to join their efforts to do just that."

Dr. Ignatova is a professor of RNA Biology and Managing director of the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Hamburg (UHH), Germany. She established her independent research group at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry in Munich, Germany, in 2005 and, after an appointment (2008-2014) at the University of Potsdam as an associated professor, took the chair in RNA Biology at UHH in 2015. She is a recipient of numerous awards for her research and teaching, a member of the German Society for Cell Biology and German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a member-at-large of the American Biophysical Society.

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