I once worked for Siemens. It’s an interesting company that’s heavily driven by financial considerations and provides some of the most powerful large-scale industrial solutions in the world ranging from transportation to communication to manufacturing. It’s thought of as more of an old-school company and often not connected to the cutting edge of technology (though it has been connected to very advanced projects like Maglev trains in the past), which is why the recent announcement that they would be partnering with NVIDIA on an Industrial Metaverse solution was so fascinating. (By the way, if you ever get a chance to ride the Maglev trains in China, it is an amazing experience that showcases just how far behind we are in the U.S. on train technology).  

When it comes to the metaverse, NVIDIA is the technology vendor to watch. NVIDIA tends to build parts, not solutions, but with the metaverse being so new, it went far farther than usual to create Omniverse, a fully capable metaverse platform that is currently unique in the market given it is designed as a final solution, but something a third party could use to create a product targeted at a potential market or opportunity. NVIDIA knows what is needed because it has used Omniverse to create a near-complete solution for the automotive market and as a foundation for its Earth 2 Metaverse project focused on dealing more effectively, and hopefully more economically, with climate change.  

NVIDIA + Siemens

Companies like NVIDIA like to focus on creating platforms and technologies that do amazing things. They don’t usually focus on individual customers or industries outside of gaming and automotive largely because there are other firms, like Siemens, who aren’t competitors who have far deeper skills and far more focused capabilities than NVIDIA is interested in building or buying. 

In fact, NVIDIA’s path is wise because by not competing with Siemens-class companies, it can use those firms as a force multiplier and grow its product reach for sales and services far more quickly than if it decided, like Apple would, to go it alone. This has allowed NVIDIA to expand more rapidly in this evolving market by staying laser-focused on technological advancement instead of building new channels and support structures that are already built-in to firms like Siemens.  

Siemens gains technology in the metaverse more quickly, making it more capable of acquiring and holding related clients, while NVIDIA gets a bigger sales and service reach with a well-regarded and very capable global vendor.  

The result should be a rapid deployment of metaverse tools and capabilities globally for both NVIDIA and Siemens, moving Siemens from one of the vendors considering how to create the metaverse, to one of the leaders deploying it.  

BMW: The test case

BMW was the first showcase of how the metaverse could be used to improve the process of creating, maintaining, optimizing, and assuring the safety of future highly automated factories.  Using the Siemens Xcelerator platform they were able to create an amazing new factory, first digitally, then physically, all based on NVIDIA’s Omniverse 3D collaboration and simulation development platform. 

The result not only helped create the factory in record time but assured that the robots to be used in the factory were safe, efficient, and optimized for the environment upon completion rather than having to wait for a lengthy test and certification process post-build. The advantage of a tool like Omniverse for testing is that you can run years of testing in hours because you are operating at machine speeds, and this allows you to better anticipate fringe events that might not have been caught through physical testing.  

Wrapping up

This is a huge step towards making one implementation of the Metaverse real. Much like it was with AR and VR where the real money was in industry, not the consumer market, the same is likely true for metaverse. The cool consumer stuff is coming, but the industrial efforts have arrived, and NVIDIA  working with Siemens is a showcase of how mature this technology is in the manufacturing space. Another area that is in full production is automotive and, I believe, the reason we will have Level 3+ autonomous cars in 2025 will be because of Omniverse and the massive amount of testing that it enabled.  

Thanks to companies like NVIDIA and Siemens, our robotic future is coming far faster than most realize, and by the end of the decade, we will likely see a massive change in the world as a result.  

Source: TG Daily – NVIDIA and Siemens: Building the Industrial Metaverse

If you’re a long-time fan of one of the longest-running game shows in the United States, then you’ll have already heard of Plinko. If not, settle in, as The Price is Right made this entertaining game one of the best out there for enthusiasts of all things chaos theory.

What is Plinko?

Made famous across the world on TV game show The Price Is Right, Plinko is a game of apparent randomness played on a pegboard-like board. Contestants mount a set of stairs to be able to stand at the top of the Plinko board and aim to drop anywhere up to five chips into the board, with the hope that their chip would fall into one of the higher value spaces on the board’s base. This base is split into around eight to nine different slots, all of which have a different value. Certain slots are of higher value compared to others, and contestants aim to get one of their chips into these slots. 

Once dropped into the Plinko board by the contestant, the chip bounces off strategically placed dowels or pegs that are deliberately placed across the pegboard in order to disrupt the path of that chip across the board. The apparently random path taken by the chip on its descent down the board is what makes Plinko so entertaining, as it feels like a real game of luck. However, you heard it here first: Plinko can, in fact, be gamified. It requires statistical know-how and practical skill, but it can be done.

What is pinball?

Pinball is very similar to Plinko, which is why the two are often confused. Much like Plinko, pinball is a game typically played in arcades by one contestant. Players use two buttons on either side of the Pinball machine in order to try and manipulate a small ball to the top of the machine. If the ball drops to the machine’s base because of an unlucky interaction with one of the various obstacles in the way, the game is over.

A pinball machine is specially designed in order to disrupt the path of the ball and encourage it to fall to the machine’s base so that players have to restart another game and keep playing. It’s fast, it’s addictive, and it can even be themed on different movies and TV shows to add an extra element of fun.

Pinball is actually one of the oldest games we have, much like bowling or bowls. It’s become popular for its fairly simplistic gameplay and can be played both via physical machines and through digital offerings. 

What’s the difference between pinball and plinko?

Plinko and pinball are fairly similar in format. One player aims to win prizes by attempting to navigate a ball or chip across a board. The journey is made more complicated by obstacles designed to throw that ball or chip off course.

The main difference is in the direction of the ball or chip’s travel. With Plinko, the chip is dropped in from the top of the board, whereas with pinball, the aim is to keep the ball from touching the machine’s base. The player also has more of a degree of control with pinball, as they can use two arms or springs in order to try and push the ball back into play. Once the chip has been played on a Plinko board, however, the gamer has no control over its journey.

Pinball and Plinko also differ from pachinko, which is a Japanese game that combines pinball with the fun of slots. It’s seriously popular in Japan, which has thousands of parlours where players come to participate in the game. Players pay for a number of balls, which are then dropped into the machine, and the aim is to get to the top of the board in order to win cash prizes.

Written by Ruben Denton

Source: TG Daily – Pinball vs Plinko: What’s the Difference?

Considering customer care outsourcing? Here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider. In this article, we will cover the costs, training, and quality of service. If you haven’t tried customer care outsourcing, yet, it may be time to reconsider. Outsourcing customer care can improve your business in a number of ways. The quality of service and the people behind the customer care process are just as important as the business itself. Here are some of the key reasons for outsourcing customer care.

Problems with customer care outsourcing

When choosing a customer care outsourcing firm, you must consider a few things before moving forward with the process. While a domestic BPO is a better option for customer service, the cost of international outsourcing is almost always cheaper. Low-cost countries can easily recruit top support professionals and pay them comfortable wages. However, outsourcing to a low-cost country may pose some problems. Here are some of the most common problems you may encounter:

Costs

Outsourcing customer service is a great way to scale your business while still maintaining high levels of service. However, outsourcing customer care can come with unexpected costs. For example, you may have to train your customer service agents or hire extra help during peak periods. Another cost of outsourcing customer care is dealing with language barriers. If your company’s customer support team does not speak English well, you may find that it is difficult to communicate with your customers. Integration of third-party customer service providers can also take several months, as they have to learn your policies and procedures.

Quality of service

Outsourcing customer care services is a smart move for any business looking to scale their operations while maintaining a high-quality experience for its customers. In recent years, companies have sought ways to improve customer service and experience. Delays in response time and a lack of personalized contact have proven to be frustrating for customers. These negative experiences can lead to bad reviews and cost a business valuable customers. Outsourcing customer care can help businesses improve their customer experience and retain their customers while saving time and money.

Training

Considering training as part of your customer care outsourcing program? Consider the importance of the training process. Training can make a big difference in customer satisfaction. A trained team will be more effective at solving customer issues and delivering exceptional service. Training is an ongoing process, and it should be incorporated into the employee’s onboarding process. For this, you must make sure to hire the best possible talent and ensure that training is tailored to fit the needs of the company.

Finding the right partner

A key factor to consider when outsourcing customer support is the type of industry that the partner is experienced in. While the outsourcing partner may handle many different clients at once, the voice of an insurance company is not the same as that of a women’s apparel brand. To make sure that the team handling customer care is up to scratch, it is vital to train the team so they understand the needs of your brand. The right partner should also have experience with your industry, as B2B and B2C customer support are vastly different.

Written by Lara Harper

Source: TG Daily – Benefits and Drawbacks of Customer Care Outsourcing

This week IBM announced their latest Power 10 servers, and they are impressive. They mostly appeal to existing Power users and they represent a level of vertical integration that is currently only matched by Apple which struggled with its own server offerings through the first part of the century. The issues IBM has with expanding the Power line of servers are consistent with any company trying to build outside of existing processor standards which are largely driven by the market’s component approach to the problem (using firms that specialize on certain components like processors instead of building them yourself).  

IBM’s approach has been significantly more successful than Apple’s failed attempt, and I’d like to explore that this week. 

When I first met the Apple server

Counter to company policy, I volunteered as an advisor to Apple after Steve Jobs took the company back over. On my last meeting with the company (which is why I remember it so clearly) they were very proud of two things: they were planning to implement a command line interface to the MacOS for users and to their own line of servers. I wasn’t a fan of either move and argued that Apple’s strength was in their GUI, not command line interfaces, and that were they to push that interface hard, Microsoft was likely to point out that they’d done it longer and better, causing users to consider abandoning the company at an even higher rate (at the time they were bleeding market share). 

As for servers, I argued that Apple didn’t have the brand for servers and would either need to create a sub-brand for servers that had no relationship to its consumer business or spin out a unit with its own identity to go after business buyers. My bridge-too-far was telling them they needed to pay Gartner a lot of money to take them seriously as a server vendor. Otherwise, it would never get the coverage it needed to grow the business. Even though I didn’t work for Gartner, Apple interpreted that as blackmail,  and I was banned from working with Apple anymore. 

Apple didn’t play up the command line interface, but it also didn’t take my advice on its servers. That business failed several years later. 

IBM vs. Apple

With Power, IBM has many of the same problems that Apple had in that IBM’s technology is unique, it is vertically integrated and it is fighting through majority market ownership by AMD and Intel in this market. But IBM has an enterprise brand, not a consumer brand, it has enterprise sales capability and it’s seriously considered to be a server vendor by companies like Gartner that cover the segment.  

These capabilities are what Apple lacked and IBM’s ability to continue to not only play in this segment but grow its market, against Apple’s failure, showcases that to build and sell alternative servers (to X86), you need the proper sales and support capabilities coupled with a brand that is consistent with business rather than consumer sales.  

IBM can do this while Apple cannot. While IBM would, and has, underperformed with consumer products, that same limitation turns into an asset when it comes to business, and especially enterprise sales.   

While I’d hoped that Apple and IBM would turn into great partners with each company addressing the shortcomings of the other, that simply was not to be, not because IBM can’t partner (it is one of the best at partnering), but because Apple just doesn’t get partnerships and refused to design and build PCs that IBM’s channel could sell. Ironically, IBM likely could have successfully sold Apple’s servers.  

Wrapping up:

IBM’s similar server success is a sharp counterpoint to Apple’s server failure, showcasing the need, when going into any market, for a brand that market will accept, an offering uniquely designed for that market and a sales and service organization focused on that market. Apple did create a uniquely designed server but missed every other requirement while IBM didn’t take that list of requirements as options and executed on all of them. The result is that IBM Power servers are growing in a market dominated by another technology while Apple struggled for relevance and eventually failed.  

This still showcases that should both companies partner well, they could expand their presence significantly but, like any partnership, one partner can’t carry all the load. Until Apple is willing to do its part, any subsequent partnership is likely to fail.  

Put more simply, IBM succeeds because it’s IBM. Apple failed because it wasn’t willing to become a company like IBM to serve a market that required an IBM-like provider. 

Source: TG Daily – IBM Power: The Servers that Apple Should Have Created

There are many ways to buy a luxury men’s watch online, and these tips can help you avoid being a victim of fraud. The first tip is to educate yourself on the watch you’re buying. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources online and offline to help you do this. It doesn’t just mean reading reviews, either. The same goes for checking out the seller. Beware of offers that are too good to be true. Make sure to read product reviews to protect yourself from these scams.

1. Buying a luxury watch is a solid investment

There are many reasons why buying a luxury timepiece is a solid investment. While you can buy a high-end watch as a gift or reward for a loved one, it is equally valuable as an investment. 

One major advantage of Magnus King luxury timepieces is their inherent ability to increase in value over time. In addition to making you look stylish, the mechanisms of a luxury timepiece will retain their value over time. And a luxury watch will never lose its value; it will increase in value over time as the owner wears it. This means you can purchase a high-end timepiece and have it be worth thousands in a decade.

2. It boosts man’s self-esteem

Luxury items are status symbols that not everyone can afford. They act as rewards for achieving a certain milestone in one’s career or can commemorate an important event. Men can buy their dream watches online for various occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. Despite the cost, every man can own the watch of his dreams. You can even buy a men’s luxury watch online for him to boost his self-esteem.

Besides being an attractive accessory, a luxury watch can inspire men to work harder. Many top-notch men buy them as trophy pieces for their achievements. A luxury watch reminds them to strive harder and succeed. This means that it holds tremendous value in the real world. However, buying a men’s luxury watch online is the best way to boost a man’s self-esteem and confidence.

3. It gives him a sense of pride

If your husband has a penchant for expensive goods, he might feel great about buying a new luxury watch. After all, you’ve worked hard for it and he deserves the bragging rights. However, a lot of people are intimidated by the price tag associated with such items. Many luxury watch buyers are afraid of making a mistake. You can help him avoid such a situation by following the tips below.

A luxury watch is one of the most iconic accessories for any man. These high-end timepieces are not simply a status symbol; they speak volumes about a man’s character. And if you choose a good one, a men’s luxury watch will become a family heirloom for generations to come. If you’re looking for a gift for a man you know, luxury watches are a must-have.

4. It is a memento

When you are looking for a gift for your man, a luxury watch is an excellent choice. This memento is both functional and attractive. You can find a range of different styles and materials online. Men love to have unique timepieces, and a luxury watch is an excellent way to show this. Whether you want to surprise your man with a special memento or give him a gift that he will treasure, a watch is a great choice.

5. It is an investment

While luxury watches can be a great investment, they can also become a liability if you do not properly care for them. Like other high-quality goods, luxury watches can lose value over time. This is particularly true for vintage watches, which have remained at the top of the price listing for decades. New releases, meanwhile, have climbed steadily in value. Purchasing a men’s watch, however, requires careful consideration of personal tastes and capital.

Source: TG Daily – 5 Reasons Why Men Should Buy Luxury Watches Online

Elon Musk is moving to the courts. “Twitter brings this action to enjoin Musk from further breaches, to compel Musk to fulfill his legal obligations, and to compel consummation of the merger upon satisfaction of the few outstanding conditions,” Twitter writes in the lawsuit, which was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery where the company is incorporated.

Catherine Hill, a spokesperson for Twitter, didn’t have a comment beyond the legal filing, while Twitter board chairman Bret Taylor said the lawsuit is intended to “hold Elon Musk accountable” in a brief tweet.

The lawsuit paints a picture of Musk going out of his way to make an unexpected and unusually generous offer to Twitter, only to almost immediately turn around and start toying with the company and the idea of abandoning their agreement.

After the market turned and tech stocks began sinking, Twitter alleges that Musk looked for an escape from the deal, which required a “material adverse effect” or breach of contract. 

Twitter sues Elon Musk to force him to complete acquisition

Twitter has sued billionaire Elon Musk in an effort to force him to follow through with his deal to buy the social media company.

Continue reading on CNN

Musk abandons deal to buy Twitter; company says it will sue

Elon Musk announced Friday that he will abandon his tumultuous $44 billion offer to buy Twitter after the company failed to provide enough information about the number of fake accounts.

Continue reading on AP NEWS

Scathing Twitter lawsuit claims Elon Musk “mounted a public spectacle”

Musk “believes that he… is free to change his mind, trash the company, disrupt its operations, destroy stockholder value, and walk away,” the lawsuit states.

Continue reading on Newsweek

Source: TG Daily – Twitter Sues Elon Musk to Force Him to Complete B Buyout

Winees just launched its new home security camera M3Plus, which aims to solve the problems customers encounter with a security camera, such as not seeing enough details and not being satisfied with the night vision quality.

Winees M3Plus is a 4CCT spotlight camera with 4MP starlight sensor. The 4MP has an almost top-level resolution when it comes to home cameras and is capable of catching more details. The 4 CCT spotlight with starlight sensor is a new feature, the picture qualities at night are said to be far beyond only the color night vision.

Detailed introduction

4MP is not a new word in tech circles.

What is a 4 CCT spotlight with starlight sensor?

Colorful pictures at night depend strongly on lighting conditions and sensors. The color rendering index (CRI) is very important to the picture quality. The better the light spectrum, the better CRI and picture quality. A 4CCT spotlight is built with LEDs of 2700K, 3500K, 5000K, and 6500K, it is composed of all spectrums we can find in the LED. The CRI is much better than the ordinary spotlight with only 1 CCT.

People sometimes ask how they can see an object from a far distance when the spotlight does not look so bright. Some technology fans may already have answers here. The starlight sensor is here to address this problem. With 4MP starlight sensor, the Winees WiFi camera can take good quality pictures under a light even lower than 3 lux, thus people can see the object beyond 10 meters. Winees guys solve the picture quality problem in an elegant way! Winees M3Plus WiFi camera not only gives customers a good quality picture, it also saves energy!

Scenes to be used

Like other spotlight cameras, Winees M3Plus camera can be used on the front door, porch, or other places where people need surveillance. It can be installed on the wall, under the ceiling, or simply placed on the table. It has a stand capable of covering every angle as people needed.

The way of buying

For the convenience of customers, the first batch Winees M3Plus camera was launched on the online channel on 7/1.  Anyone interested can click below.

About Winees

Winees is a professional company that focuses on home camera products. It aims to use cutting-edge technologies to give people peace of mind.

For more information please visit：https://www.iwinees.com/

Source: TG Daily – Winees M3Plus: A feature-packed security and outdoor camera

In recent decades the continent has become hooked on cheap Russian gas, accounting for about 40pc of Europe’s supply in the run-up to the war. 

Europe wants to fill up its gas storage sites before winter but has so far only reached 60pc, far short of its 80pc target. 

Efforts have been stymied by Russia cutting off buyers including Denmark, Poland, and Bulgaria in recent weeks after they refused to meet demands to pay in rubles. Gazprom, Russia’s state gas giant, cut flows to Italy by one-third on Monday.

In the weeks running up to the maintenance shut-down, it had already cut flows through Nord Stream 1 to 40pc of normal volumes. It blamed sanctions for leaving it short of vital equipment, which Canada has now said it will supply.

Europe fears energy crisis as Russia shuts off key gas pipeline

Europe is fearful that the Kremlin will indefinitely extend this week’s planned shutdown of a key Russian natural gas pipeline in a bid to ratchet up pressure on Western nations during the war in Ukraine.

Continue reading on New York Post

Europe is planning to ditch Russia’s oil. Will it go after its gas?

Europe has finally proposed a ban on Russian oil, but has again stopped short of using its most potent weapon, sanctioning Russia’s natural gas.

Continue reading on CNN

Russia accused of ?blackmail? as it halts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria

Ukraine reported on Wednesday that Russian troops had made gains in several villages there, while Russia reported a number of blasts on its side of the border, which Kyiv called “karma”.

Continue reading on New York Post

Source: TG Daily – Russia Shuts-Off Gas Pipeline Amid Energy Crisis

There’s no doubt that the medical cannabis industry is growing—fast. Its U.S. market size rose from $5,504 million in 2019 to $9,872 million in 2022, with figures expected to reach $11,273 million by 2025. Thanks to increasing knowledge and societal acceptance of cannabis’ therapeutic abilities, more and more people are exploring medical cannabis as a natural alternative to traditional medications. 

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis

You can find both medicinal and recreational cannabis on dispensary shelves across the country, but what exactly is the difference between them? It comes down to policy, potency, and intended use. 

Both medical and recreational cannabis products come from the Cannabis sativa plant and contain active compounds known as cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD). These cannabinoids act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling network that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, pain perception, and so much more. When a person consumes cannabis, they can experience a variety of effects related to these functions. 

Recreational users primarily desire the euphoric high created by THC, the most abundant and psychoactive cannabinoid. For this reason, most recreational products emphasize THC content over other compounds. Anyone of legal age (generally 21+) can purchase recreational products, but they’re currently only legally accessible in 19 states. Recreational cannabis is also laden with significant excise taxes, making these products quite expensive compared to their medical counterparts. 

Medical cannabis patients, on the other hand, consume cannabis very intentionally to relieve specific conditions. While some use THC-rich products, others opt for products with CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids that offer medical benefits but little to no intoxication. Despite being legal in more states, medical cannabis is also less accessible than recreational because a doctor’s recommendation is required to purchase it. In contrast to the strict age requirements of recreational cannabis, many states allow people of all ages to use medical cannabis if they demonstrate a need.

Medical cannabis is also significantly stronger in order to effectively target symptoms, many of which are chronic. It has antioxidant properties and the ability to reduce nausea, ease mood-related symptoms (e.g., depression), and relieve pain. Here are some of the conditions that can benefit from medical cannabis: 

• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma

Medical cannabis is available in the form of flowers, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, and more. 

A Growing Interest in Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis can help manage a variety of conditions. But although it’s been around for centuries, it’s just now receiving mainstream attention. Let’s dive into some of the top reasons that medical cannabis is becoming more widely used in the U.S. by the day. 

A Rise in Mental Stress

The global COVID-19 pandemic and tangential events led to a drastic increase in chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues for many people. In fact, data from cannabis tech company Veriheal revealed mental stress as the main reason people gained interest in using medical cannabis in 2020.  

Different cannabinoids are capable of alleviating mental symptoms. CBD has anti-anxiety properties, THC may be helpful for depression, and cannabis is known to relieve stress generally. For people who are hesitant to take traditional medications for mental illness (e.g., antidepressants), cannabis can be a gentler yet effective alternative. 

Increased Cases of Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases have been recently increasing worldwide. This has created a need for more research into these ongoing, often incurable conditions, some of which have pointed to cannabis as a potential treatment for them. For instance, the increase in cancer cases led to clinical trials that showed that cannabis could kill cancer cells. Cannabis also:

• Reduces extreme nausea caused by chemotherapy
• Relieves pain caused by arthritis and migraines
• Manages weight loss in anorexia and wasting syndrome patients
• Prevents seizures in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes
• Reduces the spasticity that comes with multiple sclerosis

More Legalization and Approval of Cannabis

One of the biggest reasons Americans are bringing medical cannabis into their households is expanded access. Up until the last couple of decades, no one in the U.S. could safely obtain cannabis due to its federally illegal status. As research has begun stomping out the cannabis stigma by educating the masses, 37 states have legalized the plant for medical purposes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has even approved a few cannabis-based medicines. 

Additionally, the medical community has begun accepting cannabis as a plausible treatment option for various diseases and symptoms. As a result, patients interested in adding cannabis to their wellness plans have become more comfortable talking to their physicians about it.  

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card

Do you think you’re a candidate for medical cannabis? In order to purchase medical cannabis products, you will need a medical cannabis card from your state. Getting one looks a bit different in each state, but telehealth platforms like Veriheal facilitate the entire process for you online. Visit Veriheal’s website to make an appointment with a licensed medical cannabis doctor and find out if medical cannabis is right for you.

Written by Johnny Steele

Source: TG Daily – Medical Cannabis Demand Reaches All-Time High

GameStop announced the CFO change in a press release Thursday. He added the company had hired over 600 people in corporate in 2021 and the first half of 2022. “Today, we’re making a number of reductions to help us keep things simple and operate nimbly with the right talent in place,” Furlong’s memo reportedly added without immediately making it clear how many jobs will be eliminated.

The memo obtained by the outlet added the company would make some sort of investment in “store leaders,” and retail employees to be announced later, touched on Recupero’s departure, and pushed for the slightly embattled video games retailer’s shift into digital.

The personnel announcements come on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement that GameStop would continue with its plan to conduct a 4-for-1 stock split, which means it increased the number of shares. That makes it cheaper to buy a share of the company, but it doesn’t diminish its total value. Despite that, shares of Gamestop were off 4.7% in recent after-hours trading on Thursday. 

Gamestop is the latest in a series of companies to announce layoffs amid recession anxiety and stock market rout, from Twitter, per the Wall Street Journal, to startups to Tesla.

GameStop is laying off staff and has fired its CFO

The company is making “a number of reductions.”

Continue reading on The Verge

GameStop reports $158 million loss and decline in hardware sales

null

Continue reading on CNBC

Cryptocurrency markets collapse to their lowest levels in years, but it’s not all good news for gamers

Brutal. Savage.

Continue reading on pcgamer

Source: TG Daily – GameStop Announces Plan to Layoff Employees; CFO Terminated

Qualcomm has been talking about the “Connected Intelligent Edge” for some time and, like a lot of you, I’ve been struggling with why I should care. Then the other day I watched a troubling video and suddenly got why the Connected Intelligent Edge is so important. No, the word ‘important’ isn’t strong enough. It should be ‘critical’ to our mutual health and well-being.  

Let’s talk about why the Connected Intelligent Edge could be a huge game-changer for our futures.  

The video

The video I was watching was on a news program and it showed a young autistic child who was around four years old. The child was unsupervised and ran across the yard and into his parents’ pool. There was no fear since his parents likely had taught him that the pool was fun and nothing to fear because he was used to having a life jacket on. He nearly drowned. The security camera caught the whole event and, had the child died, it would have highlighted that the child was inadequately secured and protected, and the parents would have a video record of an event that would torture them for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, that was not the case because a neighbor heard the splash and looked over to see the drowning child, jumped over the fence, and got ahold of the father who saved the child.  

I have smart cameras at my house, rudimentary Connected Intelligent Edge stuff, and I get a notification on my Smartwatch and Smartphone whenever the camera sees a human. It sends an alert along with a snapshot of the person and allows me to click and then see a short video clip of what is going on. That same feature on that child’s parents’ security camera would have alerted them of the problem with enough time to save their child. 

What’s the value of that? Having a camera without that capability seems like a waste of money now. Worse, it might just show me things I would have liked to have prevented but now can only deal with after the fact. 

As an older person, I can imagine falling and being fatally injured. With current technology, my wife would have a record of how that happened which would prevent blame, but if it had alerted her, she might have been able to save my life. To me, that is a far better outcome.  

Other Connected Intelligent Edge examples are security cameras that alert if they see guns (say at schools or celebrations) so response can begin before someone gets shot.  

Why Intelligent Edge vs. Smart Cloud

Now you could do the same thing with a dumb camera and a cloud service that would analyze the video stream and alert you to the danger. But high-definition streams take a lot of bandwidth and potentially introduce latency. If the cloud server is experiencing a lot of traffic, the alert you are depending on may be delayed seconds to minutes. If we’re talking about a child in a pool or an adult who has been badly injured, that time could mean the difference between no lasting injury and something far more serious.  

By putting at least some of the intelligence at the edge, you lower the load on cloud services, potentially providing both a less expensive and faster result. And while I’d like to say that for things like this, price shouldn’t matter, the fact is it does. If the service is too expensive you are less likely to buy and use it and forego preventing the dire outcomes I’ve discussed.  

Wrapping up: Why the Connected Intelligent Edge is important

The Connected Intelligent Edge is important because it best optimizes the relationship between the relatively costly cloud resources and increasingly congested networks and the end devices feeding the related services. The result isn’t something that is better, faster, or cheaper, it is potentially better, faster, and cheaper. It is rare you get all three benefits in any single solution but that is what the Connected Intelligent Edge that Qualcomm is promoting potentially promises.

It’s a way to optimize against the cloud limitations of today to provide solutions that would otherwise not be viable in a cloud-centric world given network and server limitations until, and unless, those network and server limitations can be overcome. And given how data is growing faster than our ability to consume it, without the Connected Intelligent Edge, that future might never come.  

Source: TG Daily – The Personal Importance of Qualcomm’s Connected Intelligent Edge

Spanish police have uncovered three underwater drones, used to smuggle drugs to Europe from Morocco.

Eight people have been arrested so far, and police believe they have broken up a gang.

Spanish authorities say it’s the first time they have discovered an unmanned underwater vehicle.

Spanish police seize underwater drones designed to carry drugs

The vessels would have allowed traffickers to smuggle 200kg of drugs across strait of Gibraltar, police say

Continue reading on the Guardian

Gang on personal watercraft smuggled drugs at high speeds: Police

The cops said they arrested 20 people and seized 4 tons of cannabis in hashish form.

Continue reading on Newsweek

In too deep: the epic, doomed journey of Europe’s first narco-submarine

Former boxer Agustín Álvarez jailed for piloting a sub carrying 3,000kg of cocaine across the Atlantic

Continue reading on the Guardian

Source: TG Daily – Police Seizes Underwater Drones Smuggling Drugs From Morocco to Europe

Announcing the results of an investigation, the North ordered people to vigilantly deal with alien things coming by wind and other climate phenomena and balloons in the areas along the demarcation line and borders, the official KCNA news agency said.

The agency did not directly mention South Korea, but North Korean defectors and activists have for decades flown balloons from the South across the heavily fortified border, carrying leaflets and humanitarian aid.

South Korea’s unification ministry, handling inter-Korean affairs, said there was no possibility of the virus entering the North through leaflets sent across the border. 

The North has claimed the COVID wave has shown signs of subsiding, although experts suspect under-reporting in the figures released through government-controlled media. North Korea reported 4,570 more people with fever symptoms on Friday, with the total number of fever patients recorded since late April at 4.74 million. 

Pyongyang has been announcing the number of fever patients daily without specifying whether they had contracted COVID, apparently due to a lack of testing kits.

N. Korea suggests balloons flown from South brought COVID-19

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea suggested Friday its COVID-19 outbreak began in people who had contact with balloons flown from South Korea a highly questionable claim that appeared to be an attempt to hold its rival responsible amid increasing tensions over its nuclear program.

Continue reading on AP NEWS

North Korea: The mystery of its Covid outbreak

The government says it has the situation under control, but what do we really know about the scale of the crisis?

Continue reading on BBC News

Kim Jong Un warns of ‘grave consequences’ after Covid-19 incident

Kim Jong Un fired several senior officials who failed to enforce North Korea’s stringent Covid-19 prevention, a dereliction of duty which the young dictator said will have “grave consequences” for the impoverished and isolated nation, state media reported Wednesday.

Continue reading on CNN

Source: TG Daily – North Korea Claims Reason for Covid Outbreak Due to “Alien Things”

Lenovo has been a bit of a merger mess for much of the last two decades. Lenovo’s merger with IBM PC company was an example of best practices, but it was followed by two merger disasters that had as much to do with unique problems with the IBM x86 server division and Motorola as it did with Lenovo’s use of a common practice that more generally fails, but where Lenovo may not have had a good alternative choice.   

Let’s talk this week about how Lenovo got messed up doing a series of mergers but is now emerging stronger because of its approach to solving the related problems.

The cause of Lenovo’s merger problems

When Lenovo merged with the IBM PC company, it generally followed IBM’s practice of the time which was one of, if not the best, merger processes. The strategy was to leave the acquired property alone pretty much until it was well known enough to make critical changes. There were issues like turf conflicts with existing Lenovo businesses and a lack of strong coordination between the old and new parts of Lenovo that the company struggled with, but that isn’t uncommon.  

While the later Dell merger process proved to be better (that process both starts earlier and focuses more tightly on the initial identification and preservation of existing core assets), at the time of Lenovo’s merger, the Dell process hadn’t been developed yet.  

Then Lenovo acquired Motorola and attempted a similar process but, unlike the IBM PC company, Motorola was not well run. It had been in trouble prior to Google acquiring it, and Google had so mismanaged the company it was arguably non-viable. When buying a non-viable entity, the “leave it alone” approach doesn’t work. A better approach is to immediately fold operational responsibility into existing working groups, have the acquired employees’ interview for positions in Lenovo, and collapse the failed company quickly into the better operating parent while still identifying and preserving key assets like intellectual property, the brand and any critical human assets. In this case, following the prior process backfired on Lenovo. Maintaining the non-viable company became a drag on the parent company.

Then Lenovo acquired IBM’s x86 server division, but, unlike the IBM PC company, it was not viable. It lacked the infrastructure needed to stand alone. Lenovo tried the “leave it alone” approach again, but, again, because it wasn’t viable they moved to integrate but adding a sick division to a company already struggling with another acquisition just wasn’t working. The result was two businesses that pulled resources instead of contributing to Lenovo’s bottom line.

Fixing the problem

Here’s where it gets interesting and reminds me of a story my father told me years ago. He was flying his private plane onto a military base on a foggy night when he got into an inverted spin he couldn’t pull out of. So, he put the plane into a nose-down spin that he could pull out of before he crashed. Given I hadn’t been conceived yet, his quick thinking arguably saved both of our lives.  

In effect, Lenovo performed a similar maneuver. Rather than trying to continue to integrate the units, it kept them separate and focused on turning them into viable entities. Lenovo knew how to merge viable entities because it did it before with the IBM’s PC company and thus was able to use a process it was now arguably good at to fix the problems. Because now it’s merging the two viable entities into one company to create a more integrated and synergistic One Lenovo.  Lenovo’s finances have improved substantially, and once it removes the unneeded redundancies, its financial success should improve significantly and, given it’s done this before, success on this last part is all but certain. However, I ran a merger clean-up team at IBM and even with lot of resources and experience, they can still go sideways.  

Wrapping up: One Lenovo

Lenovo already has one unique global advantage: It’s the only company that can equally operate in China and the U.S. because not only is its executive team multi-national, so is the company. All other multi-national tech companies reside in either the U.S. or China. Lenovo has a big footprint in both countries and presents as the only tech world company as opposed to being U.S. or Chinese. This also makes Lenovo a unique partner for Chinese companies wanting to successfully penetrate the U.S. market and U.S. companies wanting to penetrate China. And both the organizational model and the strategic use of mergers in the country where it was initially weak stand as best practices for any other company wishing to do the same.  

I’ll still argue that Dell’s merger process for viable companies is the best in the world, Lenovo’s executive decision to recognize its mistake and, rather than cover it up, learn from it and fix the underlying problems, stands as a best practice for general management with broad applicability not only for mergers but day-to-day operations. Sadly, that approach is also unique because most companies would rather hide from their mistakes than identify and correct them. Lenovo’s far more adult approach stands in sharp contrast to that foolishness and is a credit to its CEO, Yang Yuanqing, who has proven to be one of the most astute company leaders in any segment.  

A lot of other companies could learn from Lenovo in this regard as it reflects an impressively well-thought-out approach to problem-solving with executive leadership. 

Source: TG Daily – One Lenovo: How Lenovo Backed into a Set of Merger Best Practices

You cannot help but sense that privacy is being violated. As of the date of this writing, net neutrality is no longer in effect. ISPs will soon be able to sell their customers’ personal information to outside parties, and we are all currently subject to some form of surveillance. It’s time to start thinking about buying a Free VPN if you don’t already have one. 

In this post, we’ll clarify how VPNs operate, define them for the uninitiated, and explain why they form the basis of any privacy plan.

What is VPN?

Using a VPN can help you protect your online privacy. Consider a tunnel to demonstrate how a virtual private network functions. You and a VPN server are on opposite sides of the tunnel, which has you on one side. 

Using a VPN to conduct an online search allows you to browse the Internet anonymously as you pass via a secure tunnel to the VPN server on the other end, retrieve the information you need, and transfer it back to your device. By doing this, you increase your privacy from your ISP and hackers who might otherwise be able to monitor your online activities.

But why is using a VPN necessary to protect the privacy of your searches? Like your fingerprints, your computer has a different IP address. Your IP address can be used to identify you and reveal to curious eyes anything you have accessed online. However, a VPN functions as a privacy shield and conceals your fingerprint like a pair of gloves, preventing hackers from stealing your data or, worse yet, your identity. 

However, you need to be concerned about more than simply hackers. Even your ISP can collect and sell your data to advertisers in the modern world. Many people find that using a VPN gives them control over their privacy.

A VPN is intended to support online anonymity. By encrypting your data, it offers a certain level of privacy by preventing advertisers and those with bad intentions, like identity thieves, from accessing your information. Some VPNs have a no-log policy, meaning that not even the VPN service keeps track of your online activities. 

When an employee wants to access the company’s database while working from home or while traveling, businesses utilize a VPN to keep information secure. This kind of VPN service gives the impression that your computer is connected to the company’s servers and gives you access to data and programs precisely as if you were at the office.

How does VPN work? 

The VPN client, which is your device, and the VPN’s private server create a private, secure, and encrypted network between each other. The encrypted data that is delivered from your device to the Internet makes it appear as though it originates from the VPN server rather than your computer. 

A virtual private network (VPN) can be considered a safe “tunnel” that allows data to be sent securely over the Internet between a VPN client and server.

If you use a VPN, your device will connect straight to a server run by the VPN provider before traveling to its actual location. Even the most skilled hackers can no longer see what you are doing online thanks to the connection’s encryption, which effectively scrambles your data to make it unintelligible. 

Furthermore, websites are less able to track your online activity because they receive requests from the VPN server rather than your actual location.

How to use a VPN?

So now you are aware of the benefits of using a VPN. Despite their seeming complexity, using them couldn’t be simpler. Additionally, they are incredibly inexpensive, usually costing only a few pounds or dollars every month. 

1. Join a VPN service. 

Selecting a service is the first step in using a VPN. You can choose from free VPN or paid versions. 

2. Select a VPN server. 

Typically, a large “connect” button will be visible once you log in to the app. By doing this, a server will typically be selected automatically — either the one that will provide the fastest connection or the one that is closest to you.

3. Switch on the kill switch 

Many VPN providers have a kill switch that, in the event that the VPN connection dies unexpectedly, will prevent any data from being transferred via the internet connection. By guaranteeing that your actual location is never “leaked” helps to preserve your privacy.

Feel secure using the Internet and your apps, knowing that your security and privacy are well-protected.

Conclusion 

You may enhance your whole Internet experience by using a VPN configuration in addition to keeping you safe online. By helping you get around network congestion and throttling, using a VPN service can boost your performance. Bypassing censorship and repressive networks with the use of a VPN can also help you avoid data retention, cut costs on trips, and save money on shopping. With the help of a VPN, you may conceal your location and get around any geographically-based restrictions or other circumstances, such as regional pricing.

Written by Efrat Vulfsons

Source: TG Daily – How Does a VPN work?

Encouraging and incentivising clientele to pay your invoices more efficiently is a guaranteed way to increase the projected profit levels of businesses across a multitude of industries and trades. It’s important to take the time to consider the importance of this when aiming to maximise the financial prospects of your brand going forward. To learn more, stick around as we break down six actionable tips for ensuring that invoices are getting paid in a timely manner.  

1. Send Invoices Efficiently 

Making sure your team is staying on top of their game in regards to how quickly they’re sending out the invoices is an integral part of ensuring a faster response rate. A great way to go about this is by utilising software services such as Xelix as a form of AI that helps automate and deliver an efficacious financial system within a business operation.

2. Provide Various Ways to Accept Payment 

It’s important to ensure that paying invoices is not a chore or a hardship for your clients to have to go through. Making an effort to diversify your approach to invoices as a brand is an incredibly effective option to consider here. Consider offering online and app-based invoice payment methods in order to increase the likelihood of efficient transactions. 

3. Chase Up Your Clients 

Don’t be afraid to follow up on financial qualms and queries with your consumer base. Send over a quick email or give them a call if an invoice has been sitting in your inbox unpaid for an extended period of time. Providing a service comes at a natural cost, and advocating for your business’s remuneration is always good practice. 

4. Double Check The Invoice Recipient 

It may sound obvious, but it’s an easy mistake to make – many overdue invoices are simply caused by not being sent to the right client, at the right time. Whether it’s an issue with spam mail or a simple lapse in thinking, it can happen to the best of us. Be meticulous with the planning and dispatching of each invoice to avoid this rookie error. 

5. Offer Invoice-Based Discounts

A great incentive that is likely to motivate clientele to keep up with their due invoices, is to offer small discounts whenever they are paid with immediacy. A little can go a long way –  this method shows customers that your brand is appreciative of being made a priority. Consider the idea of reducing the overall pricing of your transaction by 5% or 10% in order to ensure that your team isn’t left waiting around for their payment when all is said and done. 

6. Utilise Late Fees for Overdue Invoices

On the flip side, heavily enforcing a late fee can also help garner the desired outcome in regards to seeking invoice remittance. Though it may feel a little drastic at first, at times taking such measures is the only way to emphasise company policy and procedure to your brand’s target demographic. Include the warning of a late fee in your general customer proposals to retroactively warn customers of this potential risk. 

A Brief Overview 

The issue of unpaid invoices is an annoying yet ubiquitous dilemma that most companies are forced to confront at one point or another. However, implementing the tips provided above can and will help your business effectively nip the problem in the bud.  

Written by Rida Sheppard

Source: TG Daily – Raise Your Invoice: 6 Tips for Getting Invoices Paid Faster

I hate to break it to you, but if you only have one income stream, you may be in trouble. With the market as tumultuous as it is right now, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to diversify your income.

Before you panic, don’t worry! This does not mean taking on a second job. At least, it doesn’t have to.

These days, there are several ways to bring in a second stream of cash without doing daily work. One of the most popular methods? Becoming an Airbnb host!

Airbnbs have soared in popularity over the last several years, with people realizing that renting out a home can be a solid source of income. However, an Airbnb business doesn’t run itself. If you want to start a successful Airbnb business, read on to discover tips you’ll need to know.

Location is Everything

Before you set up your Airbnb, consider the audience that you’re targeting. Properties in high-tourist areas are certain to get more activity than quaint houses in the suburbs. This isn’t to say that only beachside properties are worth setting up, just be realistic about how often you’ll have guests and factor that into your Airbnb profitability

Knowing your target audience will also help you tailor your listing on Airbnb so that you’re attracting the right guests. There’s a huge difference between a cottage getaway, a beach house, and a party pad.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

While the concept of owning an Airbnb home may seem simple enough, there are a few hoops you may need to jump through first. Check your local laws and leasing agreement to ensure that you’re aware of any restrictions on Airbnb properties or special permissions that you may need to acquire. Certain locations require permits or other licensing to launch an Airbnb.

Doing this research upfront can help you avoid a hefty fee later on.

Outsource Where You Can

You may feel pressure to do everything yourself, but outsourcing some of the work can save you a lot of time and stress. For example, having a professional clean the property in between stays can take a huge load off you.

If you want to be even less involved, you could hire a property manager to respond to emails, requests, and administrative tasks for you.

Make Your Airbnb Business a Home

Staying at an Airbnb is like staying at a hotel or renting a condo. Consider little touches that will wow your guests (and boost your rating). This might mean adding a keypad lock so guests can check themselves in.

Providing linens, coffee, or even board games could also help your property stand out.

Get Ready to Fluff Some Pillows

At the end of the day, starting an Airbnb business can be a great gig, but it does require a bit of setup.

Maximize your Airbnb profitability by doing your research, investing in your space, and garnering good reviews and you will thank yourself later! 

Written by Callum Jackson

Source: TG Daily – What You Need to Know When Starting an Airbnb Business

“It has been a typical “rollercoaster” journey that many if not all artists experience. If it were a graph, it would be a scatter plot.”  – Joshua W Graham

Joshua, your career start is amazingly atypical. Grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and you created a YouTube channel by chance. That’s how it all began? 

Yes, I split my childhood between Ontario and Alberta (0-12 in Ontario and 12-21 in Alberta). I played sports, such as basketball and baseball, growing up, and that was mostly my life. I never set out on anything drama or entertainment-related. Chance led me to YouTube in its infancy and launched that artistic/comedic side of me.

How has your journey in the entertainment business been so far? From YouTube channel to first acting class. 

It has been a typical “rollercoaster” journey that many if not all artists experience. If it were a graph, it would be a scatter plot. 

As for YouTube, I had some pretty crazy experiences. People from around the world reached out. Some fans found joy and laughter in what I did in moments of depression. Parents messaged me or left comments about hearing their kids giggling and laughing at my videos. And those who truly appreciated they could just laugh and have a moment when they disconnected for a bit. 

Being at the beginning of YouTube was a surreal experience. I knew I had a direct connection to intimate moments in others’ lives. This was in the first or second year of YouTube being a “thing”. So having fans or those who wanted to see me was surreal, even though it wouldn’t be that special by today’s standards. 

I had business opportunities present themselves. Though being in my late teens/the early 20s at the time, the whole internet entertainer concept was not really a thing, and I never truly pursued it. Some big opportunities that never materialized were Overbrook Studios and America’s Got Talent. 

Sadly, being a Canadian squashed all those things and kept them in the “keep in touch stage”. If I were that age today and able to replicate what I did back then, it could be a different outcome as being an Internet personality is now a “thing”. But, ultimately I chose to delete my channel during my father’s illness and eventual passing when I moved back to Ontario. 

As to the official end of the entertainment business, I did what every single voice, TV and film teacher, agent, and person says not to do. I made my own demos, then submitted them to reputable agents I found online. That’s how I got the ball rolling. 

Luckily, I found the backstage forums and directed myself to the most reputable agents in Toronto. One set up a meeting from those demos and had me audition. Though they did not sign me that day, they told me I had something, which led me to some classes. I took an animation class, and through Elley Ray Hennessy, the person running it, she saw something in me, got me to audition for her agent, and ultimately I signed to her agency. So one voice class in and, suddenly, I had an agent. That was the birth of my journey. 

How were you introduced to the movie industry and, generally, the entertainment world? What first got you interested? 

I honestly can’t pinpoint any one thing that introduced me to the industry. Growing up, I wanted to be an athlete. Like most kids, I loved TV but never watched thinking I would be a person in movies or shows. I enjoyed Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Disney, The Fresh Prince,

Family Matters, etc, and for comedy: Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Jim Carrey, In Living Color, MADtv, and The Chapelle Show. 

In hindsight, I can see how these characters and avenues influenced me in performing or approaching how I create characters. But ultimately I think YouTube, having fans, interacting with people, taking requests, trying to create characters or skits, seeing what worked and what didn’t, and getting videos to reach hundreds of thousands of viewers, was a proof of concept for me. I 100% believe that if I hadn’t had that YouTube experience, I would never have tried to pursue this as a career. 

You are an actor and a voice actor. Which one requires more training, what brings you the most excitement? 

Begrudgingly both. I have nothing against film and TV, but I classify myself as a voice actor. Though I do both, it’s tough to say what’s harder. I think they are both complicated and different in their own ways. 

Of course, being on camera is a visual-first medium, so you have to have a “look” right off the bat. Depending on what look you have, that will inform you on your path. You have to be okay with that even if your skillset is broad. You will be what you look like. If you get lucky and become more A-list, you can explore your capabilities to their maximum. 

Voiceover is more of a club. There’s a pool of people that do a vast majority of work, but that’s slowly changing. It can be very tough to break in. With voiceover, there’s not as much of a box to be placed in if you have broad skillsets. There are confines to voiceover roles, though not solely predicated on what you look like. So creativity can flow at a more pure rate. 

If I had to pick what’s harder, I’d say voiceover, because there’s more opportunity to grow and learn on a film or TV set. There are also more ways to be pigeonholed! Both offer excitement on totally different scales, but to pick one, for me would be a voice actor. 

You have played in movies produced by the likes of DreamWorks, Netflix, Nelvana, Corus, Disney, Treehouse, and Nickelodeon. Tell us about the process of getting the job and hearing your voice come to life? 

It’s different for every role. Sometimes you’ll get to see a visual of the character at the audition. Then, other times you don’t get to see any visual until halfway through the episode recording process. Dubbing, it’s really great because you get to watch your character, the scene plays out right before your eyes and you can act and play in ways that you don’t get to do regularly. So there are a lot of A, B, and C takes in VO as you deliver lines in differing ways for the animators to use and match how they animate a scene. 

In one upcoming project, you play Sprout in the newly released game, My Little Pony: A Maritime Bay Adventure. Tell us more?

I was lucky to get the opportunity to play a character initially brought to life by Ken Jeong, which alone was very exciting. He did such an awesome job. That’s always tough to try to inhabit the energy of an already existing persona. Not to mention the My Little Pony (MLP) community! They are such amazing and dedicated fans, with a massive amount invested in the Universe. So I felt very blessed. 

The process was kind of top-secret: I had the lines and that was it. I relied heavily on the guidance of the voice director to lead the way as they had the entire story and sequence of the game mapped. Otherwise, I just tried my best to bring some Sprout energy to the game in his interactions with other characters.

The MLP franchise has such a huge following, but this is the first time a large-format game has been released? 

Yes. Besides handhelds or apps, I believe this is the first time an MLP game will be coming to AAA gaming systems (PS5, XBOX, and Nintendo Switch) and PC. I felt amazingly thankful to be a part of that journey. I think MLP fans from G1-G5 have wanted to have a game based on the Ponies. Hopefully, this can be the start as the MLP universe evolves and expands. 

Have you played it yet? 

No, but I will be giving it a go once it’s released on May 27. I have seen some gameplay online, and it gives me some old-school Spyro the Dragon-type vibes. Hopefully, the bronies and fans will enjoy it and it will lead to more for them in the future. I know all the actors put a lot of energy into it. We just want to make the fans and the MLP universe proud. 

Going back to becoming a voice actor, what kind of movies inspire you? Which stories transport you? Which actor led the path for you to become one? Were there any artists in your family? 

On starting my voiceover journey, I began to study animation and film as I have never done before. I began to watch television differently. I love period-piece type dramas, being transported to a different place and time. Some shows I enjoy: Peaky Blinders, The Last Kingdom, Carnival Row, and Gilded Age. In animation, Arcane, Castlevania, Owl House, Spirited Away, Song of the Sea. My ULTIMATE favorite animation studio is Ghibli – there’s honestly a lot. But I think that gives you a flavor of the shows that transport me. 

Again, not until starting out, have I really focused on actors in a meaningful way. But Joe Cole, Martin Lawrence, Matt Damon, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hardy, Edris Elba, Finn Cole, Cillian Murphy, and Steve Carrell – I have tried to pull from them depending upon what I do. 

I’m the only person in my family that has pursued the arts. But there have always been performers in the comedy sense when the family gets together. 

Which directors would you like to work with? 

I would love to be part of a Studio Ghibli or Cartoon Saloon production. Anything they do is magical. They go out, do it their own way and do it differently. Others try to copy or emulate something already successful. 

Who would be the dream actor or actress you would love to work with?

I don’t have one. It’s just a pleasure to work with people who are passionate and want to create good things in a positive way. All working together to create magic: that’s the dream. 

Do you have a favorite life lesson quote or story relevant to your life or work? Any turning points that changed your life forever? 

My favorite quote is “The purpose of life is to find one’s gift, the meaning of life is to give it away.* That has been a guiding principle for me growing up. I had a very tough childhood in almost every way. So for anyone out there that doesn’t have access, doesn’t have opportunities, doesn’t have help, you have to find purpose. That’s all we have. A gift, it doesn’t have to be anything glamorized or fancy. Someone’s gift could be being a parent, a teacher, a nurse, or a cook. A gift is yours, all are important. And what sprouts meaning is the ability to share it with those around us. 

Also: “Blessed are those who plant trees, knowing they shall never sit in the shade of their foliage.” I think they go together. I can’t say I live these out perfectly. But they inform my life, and, ultimately, this is my Zen state. Develop my gifts, share them, and give freely no matter if I get to see the fruits of my gifts. 

Any shoutouts? Who deserves credit in Joshua’s story? 

Elley-Ray Hennessy and my now agent – the first who auditioned me and led me to that animation class. All past YouTube followers who reached out and showed love, hate, and all things. Without that journey, I wouldn’t be in this business. They allowed me to perform, create characters, and grow. 

Personally, ultimate love for my grandfather. He was the only man in my life that showed me in real-time who I’d like to be. He was an amazing soul. And, of course, my mom. Love ya mah! 

Interview by Léa Carlsen for SpLAshPR Agency 

Public Relations: 

SpLAshPR Agency 
1450 2Nd Street, Santa Monica CA 90401 | Off 310.526.0805 “Coloring the world, one story at a time” 
www.splashpragency.com

Source: TG Daily – Joshua W. Graham & Voice Over Actor INTERVIEW by Lea Carlsen

BitMart, a premier global digital asset trading platform, will celebrate Lovely Inu for listing the one-year anniversary. Thank you for participating in our one-year anniversary activity!

What is Lovely Inu Finance?

Lovely Inu Finance meme cum utility token. Lovely Inu has a robust ecosystem. LOVELY offers Launchpad, Lovely Gaming Platform, Audit, and Listing services. LOVELY also successfully launched Lovely V3 Swap. It is the first V3 swap on Binance Smart Chain and the first V3 swap that supports rebase system tokens. 

Lovely Inu Finance vision

The goal is to provide the best ever service to product users and share income revenue with lovely holders instead of using 85% product income with buyback from the market and burn the LOVELY which bought from buyback events. LOVELY V3 Swap is a Multi Chain Supported Automated Market Maker, Implemented first on the Binance Smart Chain. In comparison to V1/V2 Swap of the protocol, LOVELY V3 Swap provides increased capital efficiency and fine-tuned control to liquidity providers, improves the accuracy and convenience of the price oracle, and has a more flexible fee structure. (LOVELY V3 Swap is One of the products of Lovely Inu Finance).

About BitMart

BitMart Exchange is a premier global digital assets trading platform with over 9 million users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinMarketCap. BitMart currently offers 1800+ trading pairs with one of the lowest trading fees in the market. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their Twitter, or join their Telegram for more updated news and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

About Lovely Inu

The Lovely Inu project reserves the right to require all platform participants to submit verifiable identity and residence documentation at any time in order for the Lovely Inu project to comply with Know Your Customer and Anti Money laundering responsibilities. This includes validation of identity & residence documentation with an authorized third-party supplier, as well as ongoing monitoring. To learn more about Lovely Inu, please visit their Website, follow their Twitter and join their Telegram

BitMart Social Media

English Telegram | Asia Telegram | BitMart Exchange Twitter I
BitMart Research Twitter | BitMart Homepage | BitMart App I
Sign up on BitMart, and start trading today!

Written by Awais Ahmed

Source: TG Daily – Lovely Inu, Listing The One Year Anniversary, to Celebrate on BitMart Exchange

Any successful event requires careful planning and organization. That’s where an event management platform comes in. Such a platform provides a centralized system for managing all aspects of the event, from invitations and RSVPs to catering and transportation.

By using an event management platform, you can ensure that your event goes off without a hitch!

What is an Event Management Platform and What Does It Do?

An event management platform is a software application that helps event planners to organize and manage all aspects of their events. This includes creating event budgets, managing registrations, designing event websites, and sending email invitations.

Event management platforms typically offer a wide range of features and integrations, allowing event planners to tailor the software to their specific needs.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using event management platforms to handle all aspects of event planning, from start to finish. This provides a more streamlined experience for planners and attendees and can help reduce the overall cost of running an event.

The Importance of Event Management Platforms for Successful Events

While an event management platform is not essential for every event, it can be a valuable tool for ensuring the success of more complex events. For example, if you are planning a large conference or trade show, an event management platform can help you keep track of all the elements that need coordination. This includes:

Managing Registrations

One of the most critical functions of an event management platform is managing registrations. This includes tasks such as:

• Sending Out Email Invitations: When sending out email invitations, event management platforms can automate the process and help you keep track of who has been invited and who has RSVPed. This is a valuable feature if you are inviting a large number of people to your event.
• Collecting RSVPs: Event management platforms make it easy to manage RSVPs from your guests. You can send out email invitations with a link to your event website, where guests can confirm their attendance. Event management platforms typically offer various features for managing RSVPs, including the ability to send automatic reminders and track responses.
• Tracking Payments: If you are charging for tickets to your event, an event management platform can help you track payments. This includes features such as the ability to send invoices and track ticket sales.

Professional event management platform like Swapcard or Swapcard alternative ensures that all attendees are registered in one central location. This makes tracking who is coming to the event quickly and helps avoid any last-minute surprises.

Setting Up Exhibition Booths

If you are exhibiting at a trade show, an event management platform can help you set up your booth quickly and efficiently. This includes tasks such as:

• Ordering Displays and Furniture: An event management platform can help you order all the displays and furniture you need for your exhibition booth. This includes items such as tables, chairs, and signage.
• Booking Electricity and Internet Connections: Many trade shows require exhibitors to book their electricity and internet connections. An event management platform can help you do this quickly and easily.
• Organizing Shipping and Logistics: An event management platform can help you organize your exhibition booth’s shipping and logistics. This includes booking transportation, arranging storage, and coordinating with the venue.

Using an event management platform, you can focus on promoting your product or service rather than worrying about the technical details.

Arranging Catering and Transportation

A good event management platform will allow you to arrange catering and transportation for your attendees. This includes tasks such as:

• Booking Hotel Rooms: An event management platform can help you book hotel rooms if you organize an event requiring attendees to travel. This includes features such as the ability to search for hotels in the area, compare prices, and make reservations.
• Ordering Food and Drink: An event management platform can help you order food and drink for your event. This includes creating menus, placing orders with vendors, and tracking payments.
• Arranging Transportation: An event management platform can also help you arrange transportation for your attendees. This includes tasks such as booking flights, trains, and buses. It also has features such as tracking travel itineraries and making changes on the fly.

Using an event management platform, you can take care of all the logistics associated with your event, leaving you free to focus on other aspects.

In addition to helping with organizing your event, an event management platform can also help you promote your event and sell tickets. Many platforms offer features such as social media integration and email marketing tools. This allows you to reach a wider audience and sell more tickets.

The Benefits of Using an Event Management Platform

There are many benefits to using an event management platform, both for event planners and attendees.

• Offer a Central System: Event management systems provide a central location for tracking and managing all aspects of the event. Sending invites, monitoring RSVPs, and arranging transportation are just a few tasks that may be completed using an event management system. Event planners may save time and avoid errors using an event management platform.
• Reduce Costs: Event management systems can also assist in lowering event expenses. This is because they allow you to automate several activities, including generating reminders and monitoring payments. Using an event management system may reduce your dependency on paper tickets and other physical resources.
• Increase Attendance: You may also use an event management platform to boost your event’s attendance. This is because they allow you to reach a bigger audience and sell more tickets by providing a method for doing so.

Tips for Efficiently Using Event Management Platforms

If you are new to using event management platforms, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start With the Basics: When first using an event management platform, it is vital to start with the basics. This means understanding how to create and manage events, invite attendees, and track payments. Once you understand these core features, you can begin exploring the platform’s other features.
• Focus On Your Goals: It is also essential to focus on your goals when using an event management platform. This means you should only use the features you need to achieve your desired outcome. For example, if you only need to sell tickets, you should only use the ticketing feature.
• Monitor Your Progress: Finally, monitoring your progress using an event management platform is essential. This means keeping track of your event’s attendees, sales, and expenses. Doing so can make changes as needed to improve your event’s success.

By following these tips, you can get the most out of using an event management platform for your next event!

In conclusion, an event management platform can be a valuable tool for ensuring the success of your event. Using an event management platform, you can focus on promoting your product or service rather than worrying about the technical details. This will allow you to reach a wider audience and sell more tickets.

Written by Johnny Steele

Source: TG Daily – The Importance of Event Management Platforms for Successful Events