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Platypod: Turns Up the Heat With New Products and Expanded Focus on Education

Platypod: Turns Up the Heat With New Products and Expanded Focus on Education

Poised to advance its leadership position in photography, Platypod has expanded its product line and increased its focus on education to help more photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images and creativity.

Platypod: Turns Up the Heat With New Products and Expanded Focus on Education
Platypod’s Ecosystem

Platypod’s branded products.

Completing its fifth Kickstarter campaign and shipping all responding backers early, Platypod is now focused on expanding its educational platform, as well as plans for new products in the future.

The Platypod Handle: The Handle joined an extensive product group already established with the Platypod ecosystem. What makes this new accessory unique is its wide versatility in so many different applications, including videography. Originally only available to Kickstarter backers, after shipping over 1,500 initial orders, the Handle became available to the public through the company’s website and has become one of Platypod’s top-selling products.

Expanding Educational Support: Platypod’s YouTube channel now boasts multiple short and concise “how-to” videos working closely with a recognized team of industry professionals, Dave Williams, Kersten Luts and Larry Becker. From informative interviews to serious instructional films, their goal is to help more photographers improve their skill set. And with the growing popularity and product line, more and more pros are using Platypod gear, and a new website feature, “Platypod Pros,now links to 55 well-known artists in imaging.

Platypod’s media presence has expanded with the creation of the Platypod Users OFFICIAL group on Facebook. The participants are primarily photographers interested in maximizing their creativity with all of Platypod’s products. Plus, recently interviewed on the This Week in Photo podcast with Frederick Van Johnson, Larry Tiefenbrunn, CEO and inventor, shared the company story and philosophy on its future continued growth.

“Our efforts to expand educational support in the photographic industry mirrors the quality and versatility of our product line. Recent products like the Handle, eXtreme and Platyball have given photographers an expanded perspective on creativity. Now we want to help grow their skills and at the same time give them an exciting new community.”  – Larry Tiefenbrunn, CEO/Inventor, Platypod

From the new Platypod Handle to the eXtreme, Platyball and the extensive line of additional accessories, the website recently underwent a complete makeover. Combined with the free monthly newsletter, frequent blog posts and user-friendly interface, Platypod is poised to continue its exciting growth well into the future. http://www.platypod.com.

Contact Information:

Skip Cohen

Operations/Communications Support

[email protected]

941-918-2223



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Platypod: Turns Up the Heat With New Products and Expanded Focus on Education

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Techwave’s CEO, Mr. Raj Gummadapu, honored at Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Awards 2023

Techwave’s CEO, Mr. Raj Gummadapu, honored at Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Awards 2023

Techwave, a prominent global IT and engineering service firm, is delighted to announce that the esteemed Houston Business Journal has included Techwave co-founder and CEO Raj Gummadapu as an honoree for its Most Admired CEO Awards.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate CEOs for their outstanding contributions to company success, civic involvement, career achievements, and more. Among hundreds of nominated CEOs, a select group of 49 outstanding individuals has been chosen by the Houston Business Journal to receive this prestigious award. These honorees represent a diverse array of Houston’s prominent industries, including technology, healthcare systems, law firms, real estate firms, arts organizations, and many other fields. 

With over 20 years of experience in the IT & engineering solutions business, Raj’s dynamism and people-first approach have propelled Techwave to new heights. From its origins as a provider of SAP solutions, Techwave now offers end-to-end software and digital transformation services on a global scale. Raj’s strong client focus and innovative business solutions drive organizations toward a data-driven, digital future. His passion lies in making digitalization accessible to enterprises worldwide, empowering them with powerful, secure, and affordable tech solutions. 

Beyond his achievements, Mr. Raj Gummadapu, embodies unwavering integrity and corporate accountability, leaving a substantial impact on the Houston community. Techwave actively engages in various initiatives that promote the welfare and prosperity of the community. An outstanding illustration of our commitment is our partnership with the Houston Food Bank and America’s Grow-a-Row for a Seed to Table Program, an end-to-end hunger management relief initiative to serve families in need. The Food for Change program with Houston Food Bank is another example of an initiative to fight hunger. Passionate Techwavians enthusiastically volunteer to provide nutritious food to individuals in need, especially those grappling with chronic health conditions in the Greater Houston area. 

“Receiving this award is an immense honor, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Houston Business Journal for bestowing this recognition,” said Mr. Raj Gummadapu, Co-Founder & CEO of Techwave. “Being an integral part of Houston’s culture of business innovation fills us with pride. This accolade stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Techwave team, whose unwavering commitment to excellence has made this achievement possible.” 

About Techwave:  
Techwave is a leading global Information Technology and Engineering services and solutions company revolutionizing digital transformations. They believe in enabling clients to maximize their potential and achieve a greater market with a wide array of technology services, including, but not limited to, Enterprise Resource Planning, Application Development, Analytics, Digital, and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Founded in 2004, headquartered in Houston, TX, USA, Techwave has a team of experts, leveraging Digital Transformation, Enterprise Application, and Engineering Services expertise, in 11 countries. 

Visit us on https://techwave.net/ 

Contact Information:

Sravya P

Sr. Public Relations Executive

[email protected]

6302616391

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Techwave’s CEO, Mr. Raj Gummadapu, honored at Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Awards 2023

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The Haunted Attraction Network Celebrates 61 Days of Haunted Houses With New Season of Its Annual Hauntathon

The Haunted Attraction Network Celebrates 61 Days of Haunted Houses With New Season of Its Annual Hauntathon

The Haunted Attraction Network’s Annual Hauntathon series returns, showcasing Haunted Houses daily from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023.

The Haunted Attraction Network Celebrates 61 Days of Haunted Houses With New Season of Its Annual Hauntathon
Hauntathon 2023

The Haunted Attraction Network’s Annual Hauntathon series returns, showcasing Haunted Houses daily from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023.

Prepare for a spine-tingling Halloween season with the Haunted Attraction Network’s “Hauntathon,” a 61-day celebration of haunted attractions from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31. Tune in for the largest celebration of haunted houses anywhere, featuring videos, podcasts, and VIP in-person experiences.

The Haunted Attraction Network has gathered 13 ghoulish partners to bring viewers to 61+ haunted attractions worldwide. Hauntathon will explore some of the world’s best and most mysterious haunted attractions, from the classic to the cutting-edge.

What does it take to scare people? You’ll find out. Haunters, those people who create haunted attractions, work year-round to hone their craft. However, few guests get to see more than a handful. In this year’s Hauntathon, viewers will get an inside look at the creative process behind some of the world’s most famous haunted attractions.

“We’re excited to bring viewers to some of the most unique and creative haunted attractions in the world,” said Haunted Attraction Network founder Philip Hernandez. “We have a real balance of theme park, independent, and home haunts this year.”

This year’s title sponsor is Gantom Lighting & Controls, which manufactures the world’s smallest intelligent spotlights for theme parks. Additional support is from Hauntpay and Froggy’s Fog. 

Content Partners:
Attractions Magazine, Creepy Kingdom, Freaks of HHN, HaunTopic Radio, Kevin Heimbach, Muse TV, OMNI Adventures, Scare Track, Sharp Productions, That Halloween Podcast, The Horror of Being Emily, The Scare Factor, Nick Pagliochini. 

Details
Visit www.hauntedattractionnetwork.com

Featured Theme Parks

  • Dark Nights at Hersheypark
  • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
  • Halloween Horror Nights Japan
  • Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
  • Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • Howl-O-Scream Tampa
  • Howl-O-Scream Orlando
  • Howl-O-Scream San Diego
  • Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney’s California Adventure
  • Six Flags Fright Fest

Featured Haunted Houses include:

  • Bayville Scream Park (Long Island, NY)
  • DARK at Fort Edmonton Park (Edmonton, Canada)
  • Dark Hour Haunted House (Plano, TX)
  • Deadmonton (Edmonton, Canada)
  • Doncaster Fear Factory (Doncaster, UK)
  • Doom Haunted Attraction (Idaho Falls, ID)
  • Evil Intentions (Elgin, IL)
  • Fear Factory (Salt Lake City, UT)
  • Field of Screams (Mountville, PA)
  • Hanna Haunted Acres (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Haunted Overload (Lee, NH)
  • Hundred Acres Manor (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Hush Haunted Attraction (Westland, MI)
  • Lake Hickory Haunts (Hickory, NC)
  • Markoff’s Haunted Forest (Dickerson, MD)
  • Mortem Manor (Kissimmee, FL)
  • Nightmares on the Rogue (Medford, OR)
  • Reaper’s Revenge (Scranton, PA)
  • Sacramento Scream Park (Sacramento, CA)
  • Scarehouse (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Shaqtoberfest (Long Beach, CA)
  • Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail (Plant City, FL)
  • Stanley Haus (Aliso Viejo, CA)
  • Spooky World (Warrington, UK)
  • Terror in the Corn (Denver, CO)
  • Terror Isle (Lee, NH)
  • Terror Roulette (South Barrington, IL)
  • Terror Vault (San Francisco, CA)
  • The Vault of Souls (Tampa, FL)
  • Wicker Manor (Denver, CO)
  • Woods of Terror (Greensboro, NC)

Contact Information:

Philip Hernandez

Founder, Haunted Attraction Network

[email protected]

Related Files
Hauntathon 2023 Full Press Release.pdf

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The Haunted Attraction Network Celebrates 61 Days of Haunted Houses With New Season of Its Annual Hauntathon

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Rock Legend Gene Simmons Hosts Unforgettable Birthday Bowling Bash in Support of MendingKids.org

Rock Legend Gene Simmons Hosts Unforgettable Birthday Bowling Bash in Support of MendingKids.org

A night of strikes, stars, and solidarity as Gene Simmons raises the bar for children’s surgical care alongside MendingKids.org at a remarkable birthday bowling event

Rock Legend Gene Simmons Hosts Unforgettable Birthday Bowling Bash in Support of MendingKids.org
MendingKids.org Gene Simmons Birthday Bash

Live auction item personally endorsed by Gene Simmons

The pins were set, the alleys were lit, and an electrifying atmosphere at Pinz Bowling Kitchen + Bar as iconic rock figure Gene Simmons hosted an unforgettable birthday bowling party on August 25, 2023. This star-studded event not only commemorated the birthday of the legendary KISS frontman but also aimed to shatter barriers for children in desperate need of surgical care, through the unwavering support of MendingKids.org.

Gene Simmons, renowned both for his musical prowess and his philanthropic endeavors, has been a steadfast advocate for MendingKids.org for years. The organization, which has been a beacon of hope for countless children, provides critical surgical care to those who lack the resources to afford such procedures. Gene, a passionate supporter, shared his heartfelt sentiment: “Every day is a gift. I’ve been a major supporter of MendingKids.org for years. They have provided free surgical care to literally thousands of children in need who would otherwise not be able to afford these very important operations. Our wonderful doctors have contributed their time and all costs are free.”

The atmosphere of the event was further charged with excitement as attendees enthusiastically participated in a live auction featuring exclusive items, VIP tickets to their last concerts and priceless Kiss memorabilia and instruments personally endorsed by Gene, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer who were all in attendance to celebrate. The items cumulatively sold for over $100,000.

MendingKids.org extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gene Simmons for his generous and longstanding support and for inviting his friends to discover why he cares so much about providing access to critical surgical care to underserved children worldwide, and in the process, gifting them the life-saving opportunity to celebrate more birthdays.

As MendingKids.org continues its mission to extend life-saving surgical care to children in need, the organization invites individuals to learn more about their remarkable journey and the positive impact they make on young lives. For additional information about MendingKids.org and their mission, please visit MendingKids.org.

Contact Information:

Arielle Leviste

Program & Outreach Specialist

[email protected]

3239949285

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Rock Legend Gene Simmons Hosts Unforgettable Birthday Bowling Bash in Support of MendingKids.org

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New Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Study Finds Alcohol Makes Others More Likely to Approach Attractive People but Doesn’t Make Them Seem Better Looking

New Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Study Finds Alcohol Makes Others More Likely to Approach Attractive People but Doesn’t Make Them Seem Better Looking

New Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Study Finds Alcohol Makes Others More Likely to Approach Attractive People but Doesn’t Make Them Seem Better Looking
Effects of alcohol intoxication

Effects of alcohol intoxication

It’s “liquid courage,” not necessarily “beer goggles”: New research indicates that consuming alcohol makes you more likely to approach people you already find attractive but does not make others appear more attractive, according to a report in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

The conventional wisdom of alcohol’s effects is that intoxication makes others seem better looking. But, according to the new study, this phenomenon has not been studied systematically. Earlier research typically had participants simply rate others’ attractiveness while sober and while intoxicated based on photos.

But this new study added a more realistic element: the possibility of meeting the people being rated.

To conduct the research, lead investigator Molly A. Bowdring, Ph.D., of the Stanford Prevention Research Center in Palo Alto, Calif. (affiliated with University of Pittsburgh at the time of this study), and her dissertation advisor, Michael Sayette, Ph.D., brought in 18 pairs of male friends in their 20s to the laboratory to rate the attractiveness of people they viewed in photos and videos.

Participants were told that they may be given the opportunity to interact with one of those people in a future experiment. After providing attractiveness ratings, they were asked to select those with whom they would most like to interact.

Pairs of men came into the lab on two occasions. On one occasion, both men received alcohol to drink (up to about a blood alcohol concentration of .08%, the legal limit for driving in the United States) and on the other occasion, they both received a nonalcoholic beverage. The researchers had friend pairs in the lab to mimic the social interactions that would typically take place in a real drinking situation.

The researchers did not find evidence of beer goggles: Whether or not participants were intoxicated had no effect on how good-looking they found others. “The well-known beer goggles effect of alcohol does sometimes appear in the literature but not as consistently as one might expect,” observes Sayette.

However, drinking did affect how likely the men were to want to interact with people they found attractive. When drinking, they were 1.71 times more likely to select one of their top-four attractive candidates to potentially meet in a future study compared with when they were sober.

Alcohol may not be altering perception but rather enhancing confidence in interactions, giving the men liquid courage to want to meet those they found the most attractive, something they may be much less likely to do otherwise.

These results could have implications for therapists and patients, the authors note.

“People who drink alcohol may benefit by recognizing that valued social motivations and intentions change when drinking in ways that may be appealing in the short term but possibly harmful in the long term,” says Bowdring.

https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.22-00355

Contact Information:

Lisa Kim

Senior Manager, Media Relations

[email protected]

650-723-6696

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New Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Study Finds Alcohol Makes Others More Likely to Approach Attractive People but Doesn’t Make Them Seem Better Looking

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John Legend, Dan + Shay, DJ PEE .WEE (AKA Anderson .Paak), Jennifer Hudson, and Ray Romano to Headline 2023 Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’s ‘The Event’

John Legend, Dan + Shay, DJ PEE .WEE (AKA Anderson .Paak), Jennifer Hudson, and Ray Romano to Headline 2023 Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’s ‘The Event’

WITH HOST JOEL MCHALE AND PRESENTED BY PEPSI STRONGER TOGETHER
Third Annual Fundraiser to Take Place October 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation today announced their third annual fundraising gala, The Event, presented by Pepsi Stronger Together on October 7, 2023 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This year’s gala will be hosted by Actor, Comedian, and Host Joel McHale, and will feature an all-star music and comedy line-up, including performances from EGOT-winning singer-songwriter John Legend; GRAMMY-winning country-pop duo Dan + Shay; 8x GRAMMY award winner DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak) spinning an all vinyl set; EGOT Award-winner Jennifer Hudson; and Emmy Award-winning comedian Ray Romano. Returning for his third year as Music Director is GRAMMY and Emmy Award winner Adam Blackstone.

The Event is the primary fundraiser for The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, established by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation aims to create pathways for underserved youth to help them achieve their full potential. In doing so, they have partnered with two organizations close to Shaquille’s heart – Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities In Schools.

Tickets to the public concert are available and on sale now via AXS.com. Prices range from $50 to $250. The evening will also include a private cocktail reception, dinner, and live auction followed by the public performance. Table sponsorships for the private event are available ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. Additional details about The Event and ticket or table options can be found at shaqfoundation.org.

“We raised the bar last year, and The Third Event promises to do the same,” O’Neal said. “I’m so grateful to our entertainers who are once again donating their time. I know they will create a night of incredible music and comedy in a true testament to the power of unity to make a difference in kids’ lives. I’m also excited to see familiar faces and new supporters alike, joining hands in the spirit of compassion to give back to the community. Let’s make this another night to remember!”

The Foundation focuses on serving children in Las Vegas and Atlanta. To date, The Event has raised more than $6M, providing key support for the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, the construction of youth athletic courts and fields, Shaquille’s annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday program, and more. This year’s proceeds will continue to support similar efforts, including the construction of a new joint facility which will house a Boys & Girls Club and a Communities In Schools Alumni Center in Las Vegas.

“We are proud to partner again with The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to support our communities in need,” said Kent Montgomery, SVP, Industry Relations and Multicultural Development, PepsiCo. “Our goal is to bring smiles and support to historically underserved communities, and this partnership supports our shared vision to drive equity and help truly make a difference.”

# # # 

About The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation

The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Established in 2019 by the NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children. While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities In Schools, the Foundation simultaneously supports Shaquille’s other charitable endeavors, such as his annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives alongside his corporate partners. For more information, visit shaqfoundation.org.

About MGM Grand Garden Arena

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the Latin GRAMMY Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

About Pepsi Stronger Together

Pepsi Stronger Together is a national initiative to empower and engage communities around the country by providing tailored programming and resources that bring people together. It was conceived with the idea that now, more than ever, we must foster a sense of connection and belonging, starting by investing locally. Launched in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries – Pepsi Stronger Together was expanded in October of 2020 by partnering with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster, among other things, community and police relations.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. Under this vision, Pepsi Stronger Together is continually evolving the program to respond to the cultural moment and meet the needs of communities across the United States. Stay up to date at pepsistrongertogether.com, where visitors can engage in conversation and learn about the latest community initiatives and how to give back. Follow the conversation on social media at @pepsistrongertogether.

Related Files
Courtesy Denise Truscillo (3).JPG

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John Legend, Dan + Shay, DJ PEE .WEE (AKA Anderson .Paak), Jennifer Hudson, and Ray Romano to Headline 2023 Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’s ‘The Event’

The post John Legend, Dan + Shay, DJ PEE .WEE (AKA Anderson .Paak), Jennifer Hudson, and Ray Romano to Headline 2023 Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’s ‘The Event’ first appeared on TREND MAG.

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