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The Top 4 Credit Cards for Everyone’s Wallet

Benzinga

Finding the best credit cards for your lifestyle isn’t always easy. Fortunately, these four make a great place to start. Secured Credit Card A secured credit card is a type of credit card backed by a cash deposit. The deposit acts as collateral to protect the lender if you default and don’t make repayments. Secured credit cards are simple: After you deposit cash, the lender issues a credit line often equal to your security deposit. Then, you use the card and pay it off like any other card. When you close the account or graduate to an unsecured card, you receive your deposit back. Secured credit cards make great options for credit card beginners and anyone with a poor or no credit history. Because the issuer reports the card to credit bureaus, secured cards can boost your score quickly. As you try to improve your credit, the cash-backed credit limit helps to build responsible credit habits. Cashback Card Cashback credit cards offer cash rewards on everyday purchases. Most rewards take the form of dollars or points and operate on a percentage basis. (For instance, earning 2% cashback or 2x points on every dollar spent.) You can usually redeem your rewards for a check, bank transfer, or credit statement. Cashback cards come in three main flavors: Flat-rate cards offer the same cash back on every purchase (usually 1-2%), making them ideal if you want cashback without complicated reward programs. Bonus category or tiered cards offer “tiers” of rewards depending on where or what you buy. (For example, 2% on dining out, 3% on groceries, etc.) You may prefer a tiered card if you tend to shop at specific retailers. Rotating rewards cards change their bonus categories quarterly or yearly. You may like rotating rewards cards if you’re highly organized and want to earn more cashback on seasonal purchases. Cashback cards make it easy to earn money on the money you’d spend anyway – helping you “save” through shopping. Gas Card Gas stations may issue gas credit cards that offer discounts, rewards and perks for filling up. Many, like those offered by Shell or ExxonMobil, offer 5-10 cents off per gallon. Gas cards tend to operate more like store cards in that you can only use them at particular stations or brands. Gas station credit cards can help you earn cashback on gas while curbing your credit use. Due to their limited acceptance, you can also use them to establish or rebuild your credit without worrying that you’ll overspend. Travel Points Card Travel points cards make some of the best rewards cards for frequent travelers. As the name suggests, they help you earn travel-specific rewards and discounts. Depending on the card, you may receive points or miles on every dollar spent that can help you score free or discounted: Airline tickets Airport lounge stays Hotel stays Car rentals Meals Or upgrades For many people, travel rewards cards make it easy to save up for that much-needed vacation. Some travel points cards also offer redemption options for non-travel expenses, though your points may not go as far. How Do Credit Cards Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals? Your credit cards can work for or against your financial goals. It all depends on how you manage your spending. Build Your Credit Score You can use credit cards (especially secured cards) to build your credit score and responsible credit habits at the same time. In time, you may qualify for better interest rates or larger loans, such as a car or home loan. Boost Your Savings with Everyday Spending Rewards cards make it easy to earn cashback and travel points on everyday purchases. The key is finding cards that align with your spending habits and advance your financial goals. You can use the cash or points saved to cover your holiday shopping, save for your future, enjoy a free vacation, or reduce your grocery bill. And if you pay off your bill monthly, you’ll enjoy all these perks without paying interest or fees. Safeguard Against Fraud Most credit cards now offer built-in fraud protection, too. Aside from letting you off the hook for fraudulent purchases, they may also provide identity theft protection. Defending your financial status from scammers helps you stay on track with your financial goals. Track Spending More Easily Credit cards also make it easier to tally up your monthly budget. When you pay for purchases with cards, it’s difficult to keep track of all your receipts. But with a credit card, you can use the online or mobile app to break down your spending by category, simplifying the budgeting process. Compare the best credit cards for you Finding the best credit card can be a hassle – but not with Benzinga. We make it easy to shop and compare credit cards that fit your lifestyle. Frequently Asked Questions What type of credit card is most widely accepted? Visa and Mastercard tie for the most widely-accepted credit card by global merchant acceptance at 52.9 million apiece. Discover comes in second with 44 million merchants. What is the best option for credit cards? The best credit card is the one that meets your needs. For instance, while cashback cards can help your savings goals, secured credit cards make it easy to control spending and build credit. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 05, 2022 09:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

This Is How Often You Should Change Your Insurance Plans

Benzinga

As you move through life, your wants, needs and long-term goals will change with your lifestyle. Often, that means your insurance requirements evolve, too. Knowing when to change insurance carriers or plans ensures your coverage stays in line with your busy life. Here are a few important considerations when you need to shop for insurance. How Often Should You Change Your Insurance Plans? As a general rule, it’s wise to review your insurance plans: Every 6-12 months or once per coverage period Anytime your insurer hikes premium costs or slashes benefits When you experience a major event that impacts your coverage needs, like: Moving to a new house or region Making a major purchase (vehicles, fine jewelry) A birth or death in the immediate family Any of these reasons is enough to change insurance plans or carriers. Updating your coverage to match your needs (and your budget) ensures you protect the people and possessions you value most. But while cash is king, getting a good deal isn’t everything – the content of your policy matters, too. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little more for your peace of mind. Benzinga explores a few potential reasons to change insurance carriers. You Can Find Cheaper Rates Elsewhere Regularly shopping for insurance helps you sniff out the carriers that offer better rates or discounts. Compare offers from at least three to five companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal on coverage. You’ve Recently Moved You may need to change insurance carriers when you move, especially if the move impacts your rates or coverage. Not all insurers operate in all regions – and even if yours does, your rates may rise based on location. For instance, you may pay higher auto insurance premiums in more populated areas. You Experience a Qualifying Event or Lifestyle Change Generally, you should reevaluate your coverage anytime you experience a “qualifying event” or major milestone like: Getting married or divorced Adding your teenager to your auto insurance Having or adopting a baby Retirement Whether you need more coverage, less coverage or a more affordable policy, consider such events an opportunity to evaluate and change insurance plans or carriers to fit your new lifestyle. Your Insurance Carrier Changes its Terms Maybe it’s not you who changes but your insurer. Carriers periodically update their geographic policies, prices, coverage offerings and accepted service providers. While the company may suggest alternatives, there’s no guarantee a replacement will suit your needs. You might as well take that opportunity to shop for insurance on your own. Your Provider Stops Accepting Insurance Health insurance is particularly finicky, with providers, insurers and in-network hospitals in flux. Maybe your doctor stops accepting Medicare insurance – or your Medicare plan stops paying for your doctor. Either way, you’ll have to switch insurance plans, doctors or both. Poor Customer Service or Claims Experiences When you’re paying your premiums, your insurance company is happy to take your money. But when you actually need to make a claim, you may find that it is reluctant to pay out. If you have to go through a major hassle to make a claim, receive your funds or just get a call back, it’s time to reconsider your carrier. Which Insurance Plans Should Change Regularly? You should review and compare insurance at least once a year, regardless of the type of policy. But some plans may need to change more – or less – frequently. Homeowners Shopping for homeowner’s insurance at least once a year ensures you don’t miss a better deal elsewhere. You may also change insurance carriers when your rates increase or you move to a new city. Making expensive renovations or purchases that require enhanced coverage also provides opportunities to change insurance plans. Auto Car insurance policies may not last a full year; some offer six-month plans. Either way, it’s wise to re-shop your auto insurance before every renewal, as car insurance rates famously fluctuate on a dime. Time, location, your driving history and even accidents that aren’t your fault can impact your individual premiums. Health Health insurance is a bit unique because many insurers limit plan switches or sign-ups to their annual open enrollment period. However, special exceptions exist for “qualifying life events” like marriage and divorce, having children, losing work coverage or moving to a new zip code. Life Life insurance pays out when the policyholder dies. Because it’s designed to pay for end-of-life expenses, lost income and housing costs, it’s crucial to buy enough coverage to secure your family’s future. On top of your annual evaluation, consider whether other life events impact your coverage needs, like: Your age and relationship status Having a baby Buying a home You might need to switch if your rates rise or you need higher coverage amounts. You may also want to switch to a different type of policy, such as moving from whole to permanent life insurance). Business Business insurance is a must for business owners to cover property damage, liability and business interruption costs. Because business needs are change, you may need to shop for insurance more than once a year. For instance, when you hire more employees, move to a new office or release new products, it’s probably time to increase your coverage or change insurance carriers. Compare Insurance Companies If you’re ready to shop for insurance plans, Benzinga has the insights you need to make an informed decision, from pet insurance to vision insurance. Frequently Asked Questions How frequently can you change car insurance? You can change car insurance as often as you need. You may have to pay a cancellation fee if you leave your current carrier in the middle of a policy. When should you switch insurance companies? You should consider switching insurance companies at least once a year to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage. You should actually make the switch when you can get better value elsewhere. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 04, 2022 02:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

How This Leader in Real Estate Tokenization Can Help Close the Home Ownership Gap with Blockchain

Benzinga

Check out RealT’s geographical listings here, and click here to get started. Purchasing a home has often been regarded as a hallmark of individual success. According to research firm YouGov, 74% of Americans say they place the highest priority on owning a home, ranking it above having a successful career, owning an automobile and — surprisingly — retiring. Providing a perfect roadmap to discontent are the harsh realities obstructing the millennial’s path toward this goal. According to a 2019 study, nearly 70% of millennials say they cannot afford a house because of rising prices. This dream-shattering reality is explained — or perhaps, compounded — by the findings that housing prices have increased by 120% since 1965 and the generational wealth gap has significantly expanded over the last couple of years. While one could understand millennials fuming over their real estate troubles, blockchain enthusiasts would be quick to counter this response. Specifically, for those engaged in the tokenization of real estate assets, like RealT, a convenient solution to their woes may be just around the corner. Like many other industries, blockchain has sparked ideas for innovating the real estate market through the concept of tokenization. Tokenization allows many investors to own small parcels of large investment properties through the purchase of digital tokens that are tied to these properties. According to a study by Hamburg Commercial Bank ( HCOB ), 13 American companies — including Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) and JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) — have already begun doing so. RealT is among those real estate tokenization pioneers providing hope for millennial homeownership — albeit in a way they might not have expected. Tokenized Real Estate With RealT According to metrics provided to Benzinga, RealT is a leader in real estate tokenization. As of June 31, RealT tells Benzinga it has reached $49 million in sales, more than 210 tokenized properties and over 920 units in areas like Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland. Compared to other operators in tokenized assets, RealT boasts a large cohort of investors who act incredibly quickly. In fact, RealT tells Benzinga that over 9,820 investors from 135 countries have used RealT to purchase tokenized real estate. Given RealT’s extreme accessibility and the power of crowdsourcing, the average time of sale for a $1 million property listed on RealT is reportedly just six minutes! These incredible numbers reflect the excitement surrounding tokenized real estate as the future of property ownership. Throughout this sector, and within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sphere, the RealT brand has achieved worldwide notoriety, energizing and attracting an online community of 57,000 members. In less than three years, RealT has achieved the following milestones: Q3 2019: The first worldwide standardized tokenization platform Q4 2019: World’s first integration of security tokens on a decentralized exchange Q4 2020: Multichain with the launch on Gnosis Chain (then xDai) Q1 2021: Launch of the "re-investment" property Q4 2021: Launch of payments with Request Network Q1 2022: Launch of RMM, the world’s first real estate token-lending platform, through a partnership with Commutatio Holdings Ltd, a British Virgin Islands holding company established to operate RMM. RealT’s achievements with tokenized assets have reportedly made it the second-largest protocol on the Gnosis Chain, and the 133rd most important protocol in DeFi, according to the Defi Lama. Since the launch of the RealToken platform in February of last year, token owners have risen from 59 holders to 5,180, an increase of roughly 8,680%. Ready to start investing in popular properties around the U.S.? Check out RealT’s geographical listings here, and click here to get started. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 04, 2022 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

A New Country for Bitcoin Mining Officially Opens Its Doors

Benzinga

In 2018, the Armenian government entrusted ECOS to create and manage a Free Economic Zone to support the development of high technologies and the blockchain industry in the country. Learn more about FEZ here. Today, the company maintains more than 250,000 users that use cloud mining and hosting services worldwide, and now you can become a part of the ECOS mining ecosystem! An end-to-end infrastructure was built on the territory of the data center, including a service center, warehouses and regular supplies of spare parts, armed guards and a staff of servicemen located on the territory 24/7. ECOS data center receives an additional 60 MW of clean, affordable and stable electricity from high-voltage networks, which makes it possible to claim almost 100% up-time electricity. The new plot can accommodate more than 20,000 mining devices on an area of 2.2ha, with the potential to expand to an additional 200MW. Moreover, the optimal temperature of this region allows to eliminate problems with overheating without additional expenses - the average annual temperature in Hrazdan is 4.8°C. Also, we have to mention ECOS end-to-end service: The company takes full care and responsibility for the purchase of mining equipment from Bitmain, on behalf of our clients or simply helps to move from other data-centers to ECOS, the company's employees test, install and maintain equipment 24/7 and you can watch and control your assets directly from the mobile app. This is a really good opportunity to earn passive income with ECOS hosting and manage it with two clicks on your smartphone. Your earnings on mining are not so easy? Let’s check out all the benefits of here. “We have come a long way from legalizing mining in Armenia to launching our own energy infrastructure that is ready for scaling. We want to offer our partners simplicity in everything: from launching your mining business on our data-center to daily monitoring of the result in the application without leaving your home” — said Ilya Goldberg, managing partner of ECOS. — “Our bundled product is made to serve both institutional and retail clients from any part of the world.” Armenia patronizes the blockchain / mining sector and has allowed the creation of FEZ with unique conditions such as 0% income tax and 0% VAT, 0% import and export duties, 0% property and real estate taxes for the next 25 years, which allows our partners to receive maximum revenue on capital. At present days due to the lack of stable and affordable electricity in the world and the constantly changing legal requirements, ECOS services are extremely relevant, the company said. Crypto winter is coming to an end and now is the best time to start mining. Historically, it is most profitable to invest in cryptocurrencies during such periods. If you have not yet started earning on bitcoin mining, then start now with ECOS hosting! This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 03, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Mortgage Financiers & Crypto Securities Reclaim Their Spots As Most Actively Traded Securities On OTC Markets In June

Benzinga

Reflecting the expected conditions of a bear market, many of the world’s indices saw a decrease in price throughout June. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA: SPY), for example, declined 8.26% in June, a very similar decline to the one seen in April. The SPY’s maximum decline since its peak in January is 24%, falling within the standard definition of a bear market. The Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index ETF (NASDAQ: ONEQ) and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSEARCA: DIA) displayed similar weakness, showing declines of 8.7% and 6.78%, respectively, in June. Despite the decline in market indices and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), OTC Markets Group Inc. ’s (OTCQX: OTCM) regulated markets experienced a slight increase in total monthly dollar volume, recording $45.2 billion in June compared to $44.5 billion in May. Additionally, the operator saw former cryptocurrency and mortgage financiers return to the helm of the Most Actively Traded Securities list on two of its regulated markets. Both the OTCQX Best Market and the OTCQB Venture Market maintained a significant international presence, with over half of the top most-traded securities across both markets composed of international operators. Crypto Reclaims The Helm Of The OTCQX Best Market Most-Active Securities The OTCQX Best Market recorded $9 billion in trading volume in June, a decrease from May’s $11 billion. Despite the decrease in volume, former leaders have begun to reclaim their place among the Most Active Securities list. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (OTCQX: GBTC), for example, has reclaimed its spot as the most-traded security on the OTCQX Best Market, followed by May’s leader Roche Holding AG (OTCQX: RHHBY) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust (OTCQX: ETHE). Additionally, the OTCQX’s top 10 most-active securities experienced a slight reshuffle in June, welcoming Experian PLC (OTCQX: EXPGY) and Tesco PLC (OTCQX: TSCDY) in place of AXA SA (OTCQX: AXAHY) and Sprott Physical Uranium Trust Fund (OTCQX: SRUUF). International operators, once again, maintained a strong presence on OTCQX, comprising 23 of the top 30 securities, down from 24 in May. France’s BNP Paribas SA (OTCQX: BNPQY) and Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG (OTCQX: IFNNY) and adidas AG (OTCQX: ADDYY) were again on the OTCQX top 10 most-active securities, while Mexico’s Wal-Mart De Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (OTCQX: WMMVY) and Australia’s Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (OTCQX: FSUGY) made it among June’s top 30 most-active securities. Other notable movers: Danone (OTCQX: DANOY) claimed fourth place on the OTCQX’s list of most-traded securities, experiencing a 160% change in trading volume from last month. The OTCQB Venture Market Welcomes Back Mortgage Financiers The OTCQB Venture Market recorded $603 million in trading volume in June, a decline from May’s $896 million figure. June introduced two new entities to the OTCQB’s Top 10 Most-Traded Securities list. Biotech operator CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) and aerospace and defense company Applied Energetics Inc. (OTCQB: AERG) represent the new faces on the list. Similar to May, the OTCQB Venture Market witnessed a number of novelties in June. In addition to two new companies, all three of the top most-traded securities in the market changed. Mortgage financiers Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) and Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reclaimed their positions as the first- and third-most traded securities and Lake Resources (OTCQB: LLKKF) claimed its spot as the second most-traded security. All three former “Most Active Top 3s” – Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc. (OTCQB: NWBO), Sysorex Inc. (OTCQB: SYSX) and Netlist Inc. (OTCQB: NLST) – remain on the OTCQB’s Venture Market Top 10 Most Active Securities list, potentially hinting at sustained investor interest. Twelve international securities landed a spot among the top 30 most-traded securities. Of these 12 securities, eight are Canadian, two are Australian, one is English, and one is from Hong Kong. Other notable movers: Wiki Soft Corp. (OTCQB: WSFT) climbed to 12th place in the most-active group and recorded a $6.6 million rise in trading volume compared to last month. Sharing Economy International Inc. (OTCQB: SEII) experienced a $3.7 million increase in trading volume compared to May, climbing to 19th place on the OTCQB’s Top 30. The OTCQX And OTCQB Top 10 Below are the top 10 most actively traded securities on the OTCQX Best Market and OTCQB Venture Market in June. OTCQX Top 10: OTCQB Top 10: This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 03, 2022 02:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

The Mountain Collective™ adds Marmot Basin, Alberta bringing total to 24 dream destinations for the 2022-23 season

Mountain Collective and Marmot Basin

After welcoming Sun Valley and Snowbasin back to The Mountain Collective Pass in March and Le Massif de Charlevoix in June, the Mountain Collective has continued to make strategic acquisitions adding Marmot Basin, Alberta for the 2022-23 season bringing the total number of Canadian resorts to seven and the total number of resort partners to 24 worldwide. Marmot Basin is nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site and is just a twenty-minute drive from the authentic Canadian mountain town of Jasper, Alberta. Beginners and experts alike will love the seven lifts and uncrowded slopes spread over five mountain faces. The 91 varied runs provide ample terrain for friends, families, and solo visitors of any ability. Marmot Basin is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, superb variety of terrain, all around affordability, first class service, and the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. “Joining the Mountain Collective allows us an incredible opportunity to once more showcase Jasper and Marmot Basin to the world,” said Jason Paterson, President and CEO. “We are thrilled to bring our paradise in the Canadian Rockies to such an esteemed product and grow in the company of such world class resorts.” “We are very excited to welcome Marmot Basin to the Mountain Collective family,” said Todd Burnette, Chief Executive Officer for the Mountain Collective. “Marmot is truly a gem in the Canadian Rockies and will nicely complement our other long standing Western Canadian partners. Now with seven terrific options in Canada along with our bucket list US resorts, the Mountain Collective Pass continues to be a great option for discerning skiers and riders around the world.” The 2022-23 edition of the Mountain Collective is currently on sale and is available exclusively online at www.mountaincollective.com. The current price is $559 USD for adults, $459 USD for Young Adults (ages 13-18 at time of purchase) and $169 USD for kids (12 and under at time of purchase.) The Pass includes two days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates at each of the 24 partners (48 total days), a 50% discount on all additional days and lodging discount offers and for a limited time, new pass purchasers can receive a third bonus day at Marmot Basin – just enter the promo code MARMOT at checkout. For more information, please visit www.MountainCollective.com, call 877.328.2257, or follow the Mountain Collective on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. About Marmot Basin Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Marmot Basin (Jasper, AB) offers 3,000 vertical feet (914m) of skiing and snowboarding on 1,720 acres (696 hectares) of varied terrain. With 7 lifts including 4 quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair and a Magic Carpet, Marmot Basin provides an awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain adventure for all abilities. Consisting of groomed runs, trees, moguls, alpine bowls, chutes, and terrain parks, 91 runs cover 30% novice, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced and 20% expert terrain. Known for short lift lines, uncrowded terrain, and a relaxed mountain atmosphere, Marmot Basin is a pristine wilderness awaiting discovery. Enjoy abundant snow in the northernmost Rocky Mountain ski area, from mid-November to early May. About Mountain Collective The Mountain Collective™ is an international alliance of premier ski destinations providing the Mountain Collective™ Pass, which includes two days of riding at all partner resorts and 50% off all additional days at each destination, with no blackout dates. For the 2022-23 season, The Mountain Collective™ Pass includes Alta, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Banff Sunshine, Big Sky, Chamonix (France) Coronet Peak/The Remarkables (New Zealand), Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole, Lake Louise, Le Massif de Charlevoix, Marmot Basin, Mt Buller (Australia), Niseko United (Japan), Panorama, Revelstoke, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Sugarloaf, Sun Peaks, Sun Valley, Taos, Thredbo (Australia) and Valle Nevado (Chile.) Contact Details Mountain Collective Todd Burnette +1 435-640-6233 Todd@TDBMarketing.org Marmot Basin Brian Rode +1 780-852-3816 Brrode@skimarmot.com

August 02, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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MYBUNDLE.TV ENTERS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NRTC TO BRING STREAMING VIDEO SOLUTIONS TO RURAL PROVIDERS

MyBundle.TV

“Natural Fit” Brings 1,500+ Member Rural Utilities Together with Industry-Leading Provider of Streaming TV Tools for Broadband Providers NRTC to Empower Members with Cost-Effective Streaming Aggregator Solutions to Drive Streaming and Broadband Penetration in Rural Markets MyBundle.TV, the premier online platform connecting consumers, streaming services, and broadband providers with tools to simplify streaming television, struck a partnership agreement with the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC). The MyBundle.TV agreement with NRTC will empower its more than 1,500 members with a wide range of streaming video solutions to offer their subscribers a simple way to transition to, and make the most of, the vast streaming TV marketplace. Serving more than 3 million access lines nationwide, NRTC members will leverage MyBundle.TV’s streaming discovery tools to drive broadband growth and enhance the subscriber experience. MyBundle.TV helps propel broadband growth by making it easy and convenient for consumers to find the streaming services right for them. “This partnership is a natural fit for NRTC and MyBundle.TV. By giving their members convenience, control and choice through our powerful, yet simple tools, NRTC’s members can increase broadband penetration and offer their subscribers a helping hand without spending the time, capital and effort themselves,” said Jason Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of MyBundle.TV. “While we pride ourselves on a simple, streamlined partner onboarding process - it will now be even easier for any NRTC member to sign up for our services to start helping their subscribers right away.” MyBundle.TV has agreements in place with more than 105 broadband providers representing more than 9 million customers nationwide. “NRTC and MyBundle.TV are aligned by mission and opportunity,” said Tim Bryan, NRTC’s Chief Executive Officer "MyBundle.TV will help our members serve their communities and provide an alternative to traditional television service. MyBundle.TV’s solutions will help our members and their communities navigate the increasingly complex and confusing world of streaming video.” Cohen continued, “Closing the digital divide by bringing broadband to those both unserved and underserved is a pillar of the recently passed infrastructure bill, which allocated more than $42 billion to the effort. MyBundle.TV’s agreement with NRTC will provide those efforts a boost with a co-branded toolset that will increase the value of broadband and by highlighting the value optimized streaming can bring to consumers. Whether it’s the same live TV channels most are used to, subscription on-demand and/or ad-supported free on-demand content, there is a lot of content to choose from in the fast-changing programming marketplace. Broadband providers no longer must offer a one-size-fits-all TV solution and MyBundle.TV is the perfect source of optimization for streaming aggregation in the marketplace today.” About MyBundle.TV MyBundle.TV offers the industry-leading consumer and enterprise platform simplifying streaming TV. MyBundle.TV’s free and easy-to-use tools help consumers cut the cord, manage their subscriptions, discover new streaming services and find content to watch across their services. Incorporating more than 150 streaming services and partnering with approximately 105 broadband providers serving 9.1 million customers and growing, The MyBundle.TV platform helps consumers navigate the streaming video world and enables new growth opportunities for programmers and high-speed data distributors alike. About NRTC NRTC is a member-driven cooperative that provides technology solutions to help more than 1,500 electric and telecom members bring all the advantages of today's evolving technology to rural America. NRTC helps rural internet service providers grow by delivering end-customer technical support, network services, cybersecurity solutions and revenue-generating services leveraged by a powerful service delivery platform. NRTC's products and services are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural providers and their customers, and include smart grid and utility solutions, broadband engineering, infrastructure and managed network services, mobile service solutions, and programming solutions for video providers. NRTC helps ensure member success by bringing national scope and scale to local, rural projects and helping integrate technology solutions with existing infrastructure. Visit www.nrtc.coop Contact Details ICR for MyBundle.TV Eric Becker +1 303-638-3469 press@mybundle.tv NRTC Dan Timmer +1 319-298-4706 dtimmer@nrtc.coop Company Website https://mybundle.tv/

August 02, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

A Million Dollars Will ‘Level Up’ Thousands of Houston Area Residents Out of Digital Divide

Comcast Houston

If you’ve ever played a popular 80’s video game, then you know about the disadvantages your character has right out of the gate. You can’t jump as high or as far, and it’s easier to lose the level and have to start all over again. But in the first few seconds, there’s usually always a chance to ‘level up’ your character. Instantly, you can jump higher and farther, run faster and if you encounter an enemy, you still have another chance at winning the level. There are thousands of Houston area residents who — from a digital perspective — aren’t ‘leveled up” and therefore struggle to participate in the digital economy. Some Houstonians still don’t know how to surf the web, write emails or create a resume. Others don’t even have a reliable and fast internet connection in their homes. The digital divide is still big. According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey, one in ten households, or 687,086 households, in the greater Houston area do not have an internet subscription or do not have a computer. They want to ‘level up’, and they are about to get it. Comcast, the Houston area’s largest internet service provider, is giving more than one million dollars this year to local organizations that help students, adults and people with disabilities ‘level up’ their computer, career development and tech education skills. The million-dollar investment will also support ongoing efforts to build awareness about low-cost or no-cost connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). “These investments are a part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to make a real difference in southeast Texas by giving families an opportunity to thrive in this digital age,” Ralph Martinez, Comcast Houston’s Regional Senior Vice President, said. “The Internet is where life happens. It allows students to expand their educational aspirations and it empowers parents to explore better job openings so they can ultimately deliver a better quality of life for their families.” So far, Comcast has given grants to eight Houston area organizations. More announcements will be made later this year. United Way | Funding will be used to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. BakerRipley | Funding will support computer skills, software, email and internet safety training for low-income adults in the Houston area. Comp-U-Dopt | Funding will support students participating in Early Adopters, STEAM Team and Learn2Earn, which brings technology education to area youth. Comp-U-Dopt will also use the funding to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. Easter Seals of Greater Houston | Funding will support the development of a curriculum for people with disabilities to help them successfully learn to use digital technology to gain and maintain employment. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston | Funding will help high school students gain technical and leadership skills through the Workforce Readiness Program. AAMA | Funding will be used to purchase technology and equipment to support students through the training program at the Work and Learn Center, with an emphasis on digital literacy and design. Dress for Success | Funding will be used to provide Houston-area women with the resources needed to obtain long-term employment through access to job readiness training, digital skills workshops, computers and mobile labs. AVANCE-Houston | Funding will support adult literacy program and continue to build pathways to economic mobility for families in the community. “We are passionate about doing our part to help close the digital divide and committed to helping establish a more equitable foundation for learning, working and succeeding,” Martinez said. Comcast remains steadfast in its efforts to connect people to moments that matter, to connect families to opportunities in Southeast Texas. For more than a decade, the company has offered Internet Essentials to help low-income Americans access reliable, high-speed internet. Comcast is now a proud champion of the federal government’s new Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP gives qualifying households up to $30 towards their monthly internet bill. With ACP, Comcast’s Internet Essentials internet service is free. As more Houston area residents get the ‘level up’ they need, just like in their gameplay, they will have more chances to keep advancing—better jobs, better education, innovation, opportunities and yes, more fun and better gaming. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Houston Steve Campion +1 832-920-2001 Steve_Campion@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 02, 2022 08:40 AM Central Daylight Time

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Hong Kong Baptist University at the forefront of human-AI symbiotic art creation with innovative performance

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 2 August 2022 - A pioneering and bold attempt to apply artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the performing arts was carried out by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) in a public concert held on 14 July in Hong Kong. The HKBU Symphony Orchestra and an AI virtual choir perform a newly arranged choral-orchestral version of the song Pearl of the Orient, with an accompanying cross-media visual narrative based on the lyrics and music created by an AI media artist. The innovative performance was the first human-AI collaboration of its kind in the world, and it showcased how AI can be a creative force that can perform music, create cross-media art, and dance. The performance was powered by the AI technologies developed by HKBU scientists under the “ Building Platform Technologies for Symbiotic Creativity in Hong Kong ” research project. The concert, dubbed “A Lovers’ Reunion”, was the Annual Gala Concert of the HKBU Symphony Orchestra, and it was conducted by its music director, Professor Johnny M Poon. The research project is led by Professor Guo Yike, Vice-President (Research and Development) of HKBU, and supported by HK$52.84 million (US$6.77 million) in funding from the Theme-based Research Scheme under the Research Grants Council. Its deputy project coordinator, Professor Johnny M Poon, is the Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) and the Founding Dean of HKBU’s School of Creative Arts. The project team also comprises computer scientists from HKBU’s Augmented Creativity Lab. The unique mix of scientists and artists in the project team enables them to merge their cross-disciplinary knowledge and come up with sparkling ideas on how to unleash the endless possibilities of art creation with the infusion of cutting-edge technologies. At the Concert, the project team presented a performance that marked the first time in the world that an AI choir had combined with an AI-generated visual storyteller to perform interactively with a conductor and an orchestra. The HKBU Symphony Orchestra shared the stage with an AI virtual choir to perform a newly arranged version of the song Pearl of the Orient with the voices of 320 virtual performers. The AI virtual choir was “trained” by HKBU researchers using the generative models of singing that they built by extracting and disentangling key contributing features of vocal singing from a collection of songs recorded by professional singers. An AI media artist learnt from the lyrics of the Pearl of the Orient, and it created a stunning cross-media visual narrative of the song according to its interpretation of the underlying meaning of the lyrics. Unlike the conventional AI machines that import images as a reference for the algorithms to mimic, it used textual lyrics as the sole input so that it can associate the underlying meaning of the lyrics with an appreciation of the beauty of Hong Kong. Another highlight of the Concert was a ballet performance featuring AI virtual dancers in Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, accompanied live by the HKBU Symphony Orchestra. With the help of professional dancers from the Hong Kong Dance Company, the AI virtual dancers interpreted the underlying emotional and aesthetic connections between the music and the dance. The dance movements, inspired by a newly discovered species of box jellyfish in Hong Kong, were then choreographed. Please click here to view highlights of the performance, and click here for more production details of the performance. The AI-driven performance is one of the many milestone deliverables of the “Building Platform Technologies for Symbiotic Creativity in Hong Kong” research project, and others include an art data repository, a generative AI algorithms system, a research theatre, a digital art and policy network, and some unique and creative application projects, to name but a few. Another important initiative HKBU is organising is the “Human, Machine, Art, Creativity: International Symposium” in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9 August. “AI is revolutionising numerous fields of knowledge, and it is playing a more and more significant role in many creative processes like music, visual arts and architecture. The Symposium will gather world-renowned researchers from academia and industry, crossing different expertise areas, to jointly discuss emerging topics in human-AI symbiotic art creativity,” said Professor Guo. The Symposium will cover topics including the enabling technologies of symbiotic art creation and manifestation, the aesthetics and cognitive values of symbiotic art creativity, the new trend of the art economy with Web 3.0, new issues raised by the new forms of art in society, and the impact on art community stakeholders, among others. Interested parties can visit the Symposium’s website for more details. Contact Details The Communication and Public Relations Office, HKBU Wong Suk-ling +852 3411 2119 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

August 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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