1, Mar 2024
National Lacrosse League: Ten Things to Know for Week 14
PHILADELPHIA, March 01 , 2024 – The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, begins “The March to May,” as teams vie for the eight spots in the NLL Playoffs. The new standings format, in which teams are ranked 1-15 based on record regardless of geography, has helped make the postseason races tighter and more interesting than ever.
Which brings us to Week 14, and an overstuffed slate of nine contests including a Friday NLL Game of the Week on TSN doubleheader beginning with Georgia at Halifax (7 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. AT, TSN4, ESPN+, Peachtree Sports) followed by Buffalo at Vancouver (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, TSN1/4, ESPN+, CW23 Buffalo). NLL on ESPN has the Toronto at Las Vegas (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, ESPNU, TSN+) as well that night, with four total games Friday, four on Saturday and a matinee on Sunday featuring Rochester at Panther City (4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT, ESPN+, TSN+, Bally Sports Southwest).
Here are 10 things to know about the NLL entering Week 14:
Keeping it Close: While Albany and Toronto are off to commanding 8-2 marks, with San Diego one click behind at 7-3, just two losses separate fourth-place Halifax (7-4) and 14th-place Rochester (3-6), making “The March to May” even more intriguing. All 15 NLL teams are within three games of the eighth and final playoff spot.
Metric Measurements: In this week’s “LaxMetrics Powered by the NLL,” NLL.com’s Cooper Perkins argues that Friday’s showdown between the Toronto Rock and San Diego Seals at Pechanga Arena (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, ESPNU, TSN+) is the best game of the season.
Groovie Goalie Goals: February 23 is semi-officially “Goalie Goal” day in the NLL. Albany’s Doug Jamieson (Ohsweken, Ont.) put one in net during the FireWolves’ win at Buffalo last week, one year to the date that Panther City’s Nick Damuee (Fonthill, Ont.) tallied a full-field marker at Colorado.
Teat Treats: New York’s Jeff Teat (Brampton, Ont.) heads up our look at the league’s offensive statistical leaders; with an NLL-best 35 goals through 11 games he’s on a pace to eclipse the 56 he tallied last year. Halifax’s Ryan Benesch (Elmira, Ont.) is next with 32 goals, followed by Georgia’s Lyle Thompson (Onondaga Nation, N.Y.) and San Diego’s Austin Staats (Six Nations, Ont.) with 29 each. Buffalo’s feed machine Dhane Smith (Kitchener, Ont.) is the runaway assist leader with 56, 10 more than second place Jesse King (Victoria, B.C.) of Calgary. Teat’s 73 points are five better than Buffalo’s Josh Byrne (New Westminster, B.C.) and six more than Smith.
Hang Loose: The scoring races are tight, but the widest disparity between a stats leader and his closest competitor is in the loose ball recoveries category, where Halifax’s Jake Withers (Peterborough, Ont.) has gobbled up 183, an astounding 16.6 per game, with Calgary’s Zach Currier (Peterborough, Ont.) second with 105 and Buffalo’s Ian MacKay (Port Elgin, Ont.) third with 101.
More than Wings: Mention Buffalo in the context of food and chicken wings are the usual response. Dhane Smith and his friends at Mr. Sizzle are out to change that with the introduction of “The Great Dhane,” a fried hot-honey chicken breast sandwich with pepper jack cheese and other goodies.
Rankings Stand Pat: NLL.com’s Adam Levi usually has a change or two or five in his Power Rankings, but teams mostly solidified their positions over the weekend. For the second straight week, the Toronto Rock, by virtue of a road win at Vancouver, keep the top spot, San Diego stays at No. 2 following a thrilling OT triumph over Georgia, and Halifax remains in third for the third straight week after rinsing the Rush in Saskatoon. Albany popped up one slot to No. 4, and the big mover was surging Calgary, which lifted three spots to No. 5 and is making noise after a win over Philadelphia for its third straight victory
Locally Shown: Eight of the nine scheduled games this weekend will have a local broadcast complementing the ESPN and TSN linear and digital options across the continent.
Community Minded: Some recent NLL team community projects include:
The Albany FireWolves have set up a series of clinics in local school districts with players like Justin Geddie (Victoria, B.C.), Tye Kurtz (Puslinch, Ont.), Will Johansen (Victoria, B.C.) and Sam Firth (Ottawa, Ont.) helping introduce the game in a program that includes stick donations and the establishment of local lacrosse clubs.
Members of the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team visited Windermere Boulevard Elementary School in Amherst, where they worked with children in groups and introduced them to the sport of lacrosse
The Vancouver Warriors have provided local lacrosse fan Jayden with the opportunity to join the team at a practice session as part of the Variety Show of Hearts program and Global BC.
The San Diego Seals have partnered with the T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA, located in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, on its new outdoor practice facility and community athletic center. NLL.com’s Jon Rapoport detailed the commitment in this article on Tuesday and local television stations were present at the groundbreaking.
Promo World: A few of the events going on at NLL games weekend are:
- Halifax is hosting Country Night on Friday vs. Georgia (8 p.m. AT), filled wth country music, bull riding and more.
- Panther City will hold College Night in its first of two home game this weekend (Friday, 7 p.m. CT)
- Marvel Super Hero Days continue their way across the “NLLverse,” with Philadelphia (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET), Albany (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET), Colorado (Saturday, 7 p.m. MT), Panther City (Sunday, 3 p.m. CT).
- Las Vegas is hosting both its Every Child Matters and “Vegas got Talent” on Friday Night, with a free jersey to the first 1000 fans and a showcase of local talent and excitement for the whole family.
- The Vancouver Warriors will honor the rich history of the game with their First Nations Celebration Night vs. Buffalo (Friday, 7 p.m. PT).
- San Diego will also host its Every Child Matters Night (Saturday, 7 p.m. PT)
NLL Players reaching milestones last week included:
- Calgary forward Haiden Dickson (Delta, B.C.) now has 102 points after a goal and two assists vs. Philadelphia
- Colorado forward Eli McLaughlin (Surrey, B.C.) now has 301 assists after dishing out five vs. New York
- Halifax forward Clarke Petterson (Toronto) now has 100 goals after notching three vs. Saskatchewan
- Halifax forward Austin Shanks (Courtice, Ont.) now has 301 points after a two-goal, four-assist game vs. Saskatchewan
- Las Vegas forward Jack Hannah (Milford, Ohio) now has 104 points after two goals and three assists vs. Rochester
- Philadelphia forward Joe Resetarits (Hamburg, N.Y.) now has 704 points after scoring two goals and adding four assists vs. Calgary
- San Diego forward Austin Staats (Six Nations, Ont.) now has 301 points after a goal and five assists vs. Georgia
- Toronto goaltender Nick Rose (Orangeville Ont.) passed Mike Poulin for sixth all-time with 6257 after recording 45 stops vs. Vancouver
- Toronto forward Tom Schreiber (East Meadow, N.Y.) now has 502 points after a two-goal, four-assist effort vs. Vancouver
Player achievements within reach this week are:
- Buffalo forward Chris Cloutier (Kitchener, Ont.) needs two goals to reach 100
- Colorado defenseman Paul Dawson (Oakville, Ont.) needs five points to reach 100
- Colorado forward Tyson Gibson (Maple, Ont.) needs five assists to reach 100
- Colorado forward Connor Robinson (New Westminster, B.C.) needs four goals to reach 100; and one assist to reach 100; and five points to reach 200
- Georgia goaltender Brett Dobson (Oshawa, Ont.) needs one save to reach 1000
- Georgia forward Shayne Jackson (Bowmanville, Ont.) needs nine assists to reach 500
- Georgia forward Lyle Thompson (Onoondaga Nation, N.Y.) needs five points to reach 700
Halifax forward Ryan Benesch (Elmira, Ont.) needs one game played to pass Colin Doyle and Mark Steenhuis for eighth on the all-time list with 267; and nine goals to pass Dan Dawson for fourth on the all-time list with 552
- Las Vegas forward Zack Greer (Whitby, Ont.) needs seven assists to reach 300
- New York forward Connor Kearnan (Courtice, Ont.) needs four goals to reach 100
- New York forward Jeff Teat (Brampton, Ont.) needs 11 assists to reach 200
- Panther City forward Phil Caputo (Brampton, Ont.) needs five goals to reach 100
- Panther City forward Jonathan Donville (Oakville, Ont.) needs five assists to reach 100
- Philadelphia forward Ben McIntosh (Port Coquilam, B.C.) needs three goals to reach 300
- Philadelphia forward Joe Resetarits (Hamburg, N.Y.) needs seven goals to reach 300
- Rochester forward Curtis Knight (Oshawa, Ont.) needs two assists to reach 300
- Rochester forward Ryan Smith (Burlington, Ont.) needs four goals to reach 100; and five assists to reach 100; and nine points to reach 200
- San Diego forward Curtis Dickson (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) needs four goals (depending on teammate Dane Dobbie, see below) to pass Colin Doyle for sixth all-time with 528; and six points to become the 15th player to reach 1000
- San Diego forward Dane Dobbie (Elora, Ont.) needs one goal to pass Colin Doyle for sixth place on the all-time goals list with 528 (Ryan Benesch of Halifax now has 543)
- San Diego defenseman/transition player Jesse Gamble (Rockwood, Ont.) needs five points to reach 100
- San Diego forward Kyle Jackson (Sarnia, Ont.) needs seven points to reach 300
- San Diego forward Tre Leclaire (Surrey, B.C.) needs four points to reach 100
- Toronto forward Chris Boushy (Oakville, Ont.) needs two goals to reach 100
- Toronto forward Dan Craig (Shelburne, Ont) needs two points to reach 300
- Toronto forward Dan Lintner (Courtice, Ont.) needs two assists to reach 100
- Toronto forward Mark Matthews (Oshawa, Ont.) needs two points to become the 15th player all-time (depending on Curtis Dickson of San Diego) to reach 1000
- Toronto goaltender Nick Rose needs 17 minutes played to pass Dallas Eliuk for sixth all-time with 9,716
- Toronto forward Tom Schreiber (East Meadow, N.Y.) needs three goals to reach 200
- Vancouver forward Adam Charalambides (Georgetown, Ont.) needs four assists to reach 100
- Vancouver forward Kyle Killen (Caven, Ont.) needs nine points to reach 200
- Vancouver forward Ryan Martel (Aldergrove, B.C.) needs two points to reach 100
- Schedule – Week 14 (All Times Eastern)
Friday
- Georgia Swarm (6-6) at Halifax Thunderbirds (7-4), 7 p.m., NLL Game of the Week on TSN, TSN4, ESPN+, Peachtree Sports (Abbott, Gregoire, Docking)
- San Diego Seals (7-3) at Panther City Lacrosse Club (5-4), 8 p.m., ESPN+, TSN+, Bally Sports Southwest Extra (Thulin, Jernigan, Hale)
- Toronto Rock (8-2) at Las Vegas Desert Dogs (4-6), 10 p.m., NLL on ESPN, ESPNU, TSN+ (Kanell, Elliott, Werth)
- Buffalo Bandits (5-5) at Vancouver Warriors (2-8), 10 p.m., NLL Game of the Week on TSN, TSN1/4, ESPN+, My23 (T. Jenner, Challoner, Chand)
Saturday
- Calgary Roughnecks (5-5) at Philadelphia Wings (3-6), 1 p.m., ESPN+, TSN+, NBC Sports Philadelphia (Smith, Gabrielsen, McGuinness)
- New York Riptide (5-6) at Albany FireWolves (8-2), 7 p.m., ESPN+, TSN+, My4 (Bahl, McDaniels, Onorato)
- Saskatchewan Rush (3-5) at Colorado Mammoth (4-7), 9 p.m., ESPN+, TSN+, My4, Altitude Sports (Lindahl, Shewchuk, Gallant)
- Toronto Rock (8-2*) at San Diego Seals (7-3*), 10 p.m., NLL Saturday Showcase, ESPN+, TSN+, Fox5 (Perkins, Ossello, Michaels)
Sunday
- Rochester Knighthawks (3-6) at Panther City Lacrosse Club (5-4*), 4 p.m., ESPN+, TSN+, Bally Sports Southwest (Thulin, Jernigan, Hale)
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- By Rabindra
1, Mar 2024
Al Shabab crowned SAFF Women’s U-17 Tournament champions with final victory against Al Hilal
Al Shabab were crowned champions of the inaugural Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s U-17 Tournament on Wednesday night following a memorable final at the Noon Academy Stadium in Jeddah – sealing victory with a 1-0 win against Al Hilal.
The road to SAFF Women’s U-17 Tournament glory began in November for Al Shabab in the group stages, where 18 teams from the Women’s Premier League, First Division League, and SAFF Regional Training Centers began their campaigns across four league-format groups.
After finishing top of Group 1 unbeaten with nine wins from 10 and 28 points from a possible 30, Al Shabab progressed to the knockout stages, beating Jeddah and Eastern Flames en route to the final – where Deem Saud’s strike secured victory.
Throughout the competition, the remarkable talent and copious potential of the Kingdom’s young female footballers were on full display – illustrating the rapid recent development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia. Over the last three months, the players and teams that featured captivated audiences with their skill, team spirit, and passion for the sport – showcasing the present-day excellence in women’s football.
In attendance at the final were Adwa AlArifi, Assistant Minister for Sports Affairs at the Ministry of Sport, Lamia Bahian, Vice President of SAFF, and Aalia AlRasheed, Head of the Women’s Football Department at SAFF.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation commends every team that participated and extends its heartfelt congratulations to Al Shabab FC for their remarkable achievement in winning the SAFF Women’s U-17 Tournament.
The Federation also expresses its sincere appreciation to all players, coaches, and supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm and support which contributed to the success of the championship.
The SAFF Women’s U-17 Tournament was the latest example of the Federation’s commitment to promoting women’s football in the Kingdom and providing opportunities across the ecosystem. The aim now is to continue advancing women’s football, creating even more opportunities for female athletes to thrive and be empowered while building new foundations for future growth, development, and success.
1, Mar 2024
Sheen Magazine’s March/april Cover Reveal Celebration
ATLANTA, GA March 01, 2024—We’re thrilled to announce the March/April issue of SHEEN Magazine will feature the stunning Tamar Braxton on the cover, and you are invited to the “Cover Reveal.” With her unique blend of talent and style, our latest issue, “Bodied in Black,” showcases the multifaceted talent of this globally known artist. Join us for this celebration on Thursday, March 7th, at Truth (Midtown), 657 Antone Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30318, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm.
Talent and Media RSVP is mandatory (limited space available, so reserve your space now). RSVP via the SHEEN Magazine APP. RSVPs must be received by Monday, March 4, 2024, 6:00 pm (eastern)!! This will be a filmed event!
SHEEN MAGAZINE
SHEEN Magazine is “The Ultimate Beauty Guide” for the modern-day woman and a preeminent voice within the beauty industry. SHEEN strives to educate, motivate, and empower, reaffirming the importance of self-worth while encouraging its audience. Published bi-monthly, SHEEN Magazine has consistently proven to be a media influencer, providing up-to-date news on beauty, fashion, hair, and entertainment trends.
1, Mar 2024
MYCOMM, partner of the French Pavilion for Osaka Expo 2025
MYCOMM, a travel and events agency specializing in international sports and cultural events, announces its partnership with the France Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025, to be held from April 13th to October 13th, 2025 on the theme “Designing the society of the future, imagining tomorrow’s life”.
MYCOMM thus becomes a sponsor of the France Pavilion and a thematic partner for the Sports Fortnight, which will take place from October 1st to 13th, 2025. This fortnight will be an opportunity to promote physical activity and sport for all, in line with the values of the France Pavilion : love, audacity and dialogue.
The France Pavilion, located at the entrance of the exhibition site in the “Empowering lives” section, will offer visitors an immersive, sensorial experience that questions man’s place in his environment and his relationship with others. The France Pavilion will also embody a bold, conquering and innovative vision of French innovation, reconciling competitiveness and sustainable development.
MYCOMM, highly skilled in organizing themed and experiential trips to sports and cultural events, will support the France Pavilion and COFREX in the design and production of sports-related events and activities for visitors, business and media.
MYCOMM will also offer customized travel packages to enable both individual and corporate customers to discover Japan, its culture, heritage and natural resources, while enjoying or the World Expo and the France Pavilion.
MYCOMM will offer to its customers access to the France Pavilion, as well as experiential tours and seminars proposing a variety of themes and meetings with Japanese experts in different fields during the various themed fortnights. The agency will also be organizing exclusive cruises, which will combine the pleasure of sailing, the discovery of exceptional landscapes and various cultural visits.
According to Grégory Sevault, President of MYCOMM: “We are proud and honored to become a partner of the France Pavilion for the Sports Fortnight at the Osaka 2025 World Expo. This is a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise and our passion for sport, culture and travel. We are convinced that sport is a formidable vector for social cohesion, sustainable development and innovation. We look forward to sharing with our customers and partners this exceptional experience, which will be both enriching and inspiring”. 28th February, 2024,
For Jacques Maire, President of COFREX and General Commissioner of the France Pavilion: “MYCOMM and the France Pavilion are united by the same passion for sport, which is a universal language, a means of expression and a source of inspiration. This fortnight dedicated to sport will allow French passion to shine through on the France Pavilion”.
This partnership show their mutual goal of promoting France and its talents internationally, and to contribute to the success of the Osaka 2025 World Expo.
1, Mar 2024
Investigating Cell Killers: Advanced System for Size-Dependent Cytotoxicity Analysis of Silica
The excellent physicochemical properties exhibited by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have led to their wide acceptance in industrial and biomedical applications. Alongside the growing popularity of SiNPs is also the increasing concern regarding its negative effects on human health. To enable a better understanding of SiNPs’ toxicity towards biological material, researchers from Chiba University now propose a technique that can separate nanoparticles of different sizes, assess their uptake by cells, and evaluate the potential toxicity.
Metal nanomaterials have become an indispensable part of industrial and medical fields due to their unique and versatile properties. Their size, which imparts them with the desired physiochemical properties, is also the reason for environmental and health concerns. The nano-sized particles in nanomaterials have shown high reactivity towards biomolecules and often even toxicity towards biological cells.
Scientists have attributed this behavior of metal nanoparticles in interaction with biomolecules to phenomena like inflammation or oxidative stress. However, to ensure the safe usage of metal nanoparticles, there is a need to explore molecular mechanisms responsible for the toxicity and understand how the uptake of nanoparticles by cells varies based on their shape, size, morphology, and other aspects.
To shed light on this issue, Assistant Professor Yu-ki Tanaka and Prof. Yasumitsu Ogra, both from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chiba University, have now estimated the cellular intake of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) based on their sizes. In their recent breakthrough published in Archives of Toxicology on January 14, 2024, the researchers developed an AF4-ICP-MS (asymmetric flow field flow fractionation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) system, which separated SiNPs of five different sizes (10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 nm) and enabled quantitative assessment of cytotoxicity of SiNPs in HepG2 cells.
“SiNPs have gained momentum in various fields such as drug delivery, biomedical imaging, catalysts as well as environmental remediation for removing contaminants from water and soil. However, there is also a significant concern about its environmental toxicity and potential impact on living organisms,” says Dr. Tanaka when asked about the motivation behind this study. “So, to find a remedy to the trade-off between industrial availability and toxicity, we decided to develop a technique to understand the potential adverse effects of SiNPs by combining quantitative data on cellular uptake and toxicological responses.”
Size analysis techniques like electron microscopy and laser-based dynamic light scattering failed to observe nanoparticle specimens in deep layers and elucidate the chemical compositions of the nanoparticles. To counter these issues, the team adopted the new AF4-ICP-MS size analysis technique, which not only overcame those issues but also detected nanoparticles of size as low as 10 nm. This wouldn’t have been possible with conventional ICP-MS methods.
The team used the AF4-based method to evaluate the cellular uptake of SiNPs in lab-cultured human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The measurements showed that approximately 17% of the SiNPs exposed to the HepG2 cells were absorbed. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) carried out by the team observed the presence of SiNP aggregates within the cells, indicating the ability of small nanoparticles to settle down in the culture medium and enter the cells easily.
“We found that the smaller SiNPs exhibited higher toxicity towards the HepG2 cells than the larger ones, but the AF4-ICP-MS analysis found no significant size-dependent difference in the particle volume absorbed by the cells,” remarks Dr. Tanaka, highlighting the outcomes of the toxicity experiments. These results suggested that the elevated cytotoxic behavior of the small SiNPs was rooted in the large surface area relative to particle volume when compared to the larger ones.
The researchers also investigated the chemical mechanisms associated with cytotoxicity. The data indicated that cell necrosis was partly linked to oxidative stress caused by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, interactions of the silanol groups on the SiNP surface and phospholipids in the cell membrane were responsible for the associated cell damage.
Overall, the results present the new AF4-ICP-MS technique as a powerful tool for quantitatively determining cytotoxicity induced by metal nanoparticles of varying sizes. The insights from this study also provide a solid groundwork for future studies looking into the evaluation of nanoparticle exposure risks and their potential burden on human bodies. “Our study aim was to come up with a facile analysis technique that would aid in the mission of minimizing potential health damage from nanoparticles. We are hopeful that the toxicological information provided by our study will help establish criteria for the proper utilization and regulation of nanoparticles in industries, the medical field, and even in daily use items containing nanoparticles,” concludes Dr. Tanaka.
1, Mar 2024
TUMI Launches Best-In-Class Golf Collection
HONG KONG SAR – 01 March 2024 – TUMI, the leading international travel, lifestyle and accessories brand, is venturing further into the world of performance luxury with the launch of a premium collection of golf bags and accessories. An extension of TUMI Sport, the new Golf collection delivers strength and hyper-functionality, fueling peak performance for golf competitors and enthusiasts alike.
Encompassing a total golf-travel solution, the assortment enables players to enjoy the brand’s legacy of flawless functionality, unmatched quality and uncompromising attention to detail both on and off the course. Offered in black and off-white/tan, the collection includes the Golf Cart Bag, Golf Stand Bag, Golf Range Bag and Golf Hardside 2 Wheeled Travel Case as well as duffels, totes, club covers and more. Select items can be monogrammed for an additional element of personalization.
“At TUMI, we are committed to perfecting customers’ journeys as they pursue their passions. We know a lot of our customers are avid golfers, whether conducting business outside of the boardroom or enjoying the challenge of the game. We wanted to ensure all the details and qualities that draw people to TUMI are encompassed in a golf collection that is as durable and functional as any of our travel pieces, without sacrificing the luxury that is emblematic of the sport,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director of TUMI.
Featuring ultra-protective FXT Ballistic Nylon and a multitude of interior and exterior organization pockets, TUMI’s Golf bags are designed with all the game-enhancing features golfers need and more. The Golf Cart Bag fits up to 14 clubs with room for additional golf essentials. The utility-driven design includes a variety of pockets for gear, drinks, valuables, a USB-C charging port, and protective rain cover.
For the golfer who walks or carts the course, the Golf Stand Bag comes equipped with removable padded backpack straps for comfortable one-shoulder or dual-shoulder carry. With room for 14 clubs, it provides ample organization and USB-C charging capabilities.
When traveling, the Golf Hardside 2-Wheeled Travel Case accommodates the Cart or Stand Bag with room to spare for additional apparel or accessories. The ultra-durable polycarbonate shell absorbs impact while the top and side grip handles make it easy to transport. Other highlights of the collection include the Golf Duffel, which also converts to a backpack, and the 3 Pack Golf Club Cover Set made to fit a Driver, Wood, and Hybrid club – perfect for gifting with their premium packaging and monogrammable capabilities.
In a testament to TUMI’s ongoing commitment to providing quality products for the world’s top athletes, along with the launch of the Golf collection the brand has been named the “Official Luggage” of the PGA TOUR and the LPGA. The multiyear partnerships with the world’s premier golf organizations follow TUMI’s affiliation with other leading sporting groups such as Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, McLaren Racing and the Professional Tennis Players Association.
Golf enthusiasts and TUMI fans alike can experience the full Golf collection from February 29 to March 3, 2024 at the LPGA Tour’s HSBC Women’s World Championship at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. TUMI will be hosting its first-ever on-site experience at the tournament featuring product previews, VIP and influencer appearances, and additional on-site programming.
“We are thrilled to partner with the PGA TOUR and the LPGA to support their organizations and athletes in pursuit of excellence. With TUMI being an international lifestyle brand, we value these two global partnerships and it gives us great pleasure to be involved with the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, as well as other global events around the world in the future. We are committed to empowering our customers and athletes alike with the best in performance luxury wherever their journeys take them,” said Jill Krizelman, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and eCommerce at TUMI.
1, Mar 2024
Perfect Brows Made Easy: Discover Blinc’s Innovative Eyebrow Mousse
Blinc Cosmetics, famous for inventing Tubing Mascara and Eyeliner Technology, is excited to introduce its latest innovation: Blinc Eyebrow Mousse. Staying true to blinc’s ‘Performance Beauty’ mantra, this product is designed to endure everything from muli-day wear through sleep to being caught in a harsh winter storm. Its VEGAN, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, and Cruelty-Free formula is both ultra-longwearing and waterproof. It’s an all-in-one solution for achieving perfect brows, delivering these 6 key benefits with just one stroke:
- Fills Sparse Areas: Effortlessly covers gaps for fuller-looking brows.
- Volumizes Brows: Delivers instant volume for thicker, more defined eyebrows, mimicking the appearance of tiny, natural hairs.
- Tints with Six Color Options: Available in Taupe, Light Brunette, Dark Brunette, Medium Blonde, Dark Blonde, and Auburn, it offers versatile tinting options to match your natural hair color.
- Tames and Shapes: Works like a gel to shape brows while holding them in place.
- Protects and Strengthens: Guards against free radicals and strengthens hair, reducing breakage and thinning.
- Clinically Proven Skin Benefits: Increases skin moisture by 53% in one week and reduces fine lines by 67% in six weeks, thanks to its anti-aging peptides and natural vitamins A and E.
How to Use Blinc Eyebrow Mousse
- Apply the eyebrow mousse to clean, and dry brows. Serums, face moisturizers, etc. can compromise the mousse’s hold.
- Wipe off the brush’s excess formula onto the mouth of the bottle.
- Gently sweep the brush across the brow in short strokes, like a brow mascara. On this first pass, focus on an even application to enhance the color of your brows.
- Once your brows are colored in, focus on your brow’s shape and volume. Fill in sparse areas. Sweep the hairs towards your desired brow shape.
- To remove, simply use any gentle makeup remover.
Say goodbye to microblading! Blinc’s Eyebrow Mousse is brow color, shaping, and treatment…all in one. Its gentle, soft, non-brittle formula ensures a natural look that cannot fade, run, or smudge in any condition – sweat, oily skin, or harsh weather. The tapered brush and ergonomic handle allow for precise, effortless, and mess-free application.
1, Mar 2024
Ascott Marks 40 Years in Hospitality Service With Launch of Full Year Campaign ‘Ascott Unlimited’
SINGAPORE – 01 March 2024 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), today announced the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited’, a year-long medley of initiatives to mark its ambitions to break new ground as it celebrates 40 years in hospitality service. Unveiled at the Southeast Asia debut of the Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) 2024 held in Singapore, this launch signifies a new era as the hospitality company navigates a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel. A leading development, investment, and operations forum, AHICE SEA 2024 was attended by many key prominent investors, owners, and operators in Southeast Asia, representing over US$500 billion in assets.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s Chief Commercial Officer, unveiled the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited’ at AHICE SEA 2024
In 1984, Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific’s first serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore. Over the years, it has been building its own brands, and making strategic acquisitions to fast-track market penetration. Today, Ascott is a vertically-integrated lodging operator of about 950 properties across more than 220 cities globally, represented by a portfolio of 14 distinctive brands. Through an asset-light strategy, Ascott targets to achieve more than S$500 million in fee earnings by 2028.
Having established its reputation as a market leader in corporate travel within the extended stay sector, Ascott has taken the definition of global living into the transient leisure market. As Ascott pivots its business operations through its flex-hybrid “hotel-in-residence” model to respond to the changing needs of the market, it is on a growth trajectory stronger than ever. In 2023, Ascott achieved a record year of fee earnings at S$331 million, as well as highest number of property openings with nearly 9,600 units turning operational.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging, said: “The journey in the evolution of Ascott’s business is a natural one. We have spent the last four decades building the relationship we have with our guests, owners, and partners. We have put in significant investment to develop systems and infrastructure to support our growing business. We have been nurturing a culture of hospitality amongst our associates. Laying the foundation through disciplined growth over the years now paves the way for us to ensure that Ascott will continue to be that preferred accommodation of choice for our guests. We remain committed to quality growth and partnership with our owners and investors for the decades to come.”
“In a world that is changing, we recognise the importance for Ascott to stay relevant and in tune with what travellers look for. There is no better time than now, to push boundaries and go beyond for our future. Our legacy of successes has seen us through growth trajectories where we doubled in units every five years since 2008. Several transformative deals have fuelled Ascott’s position in the hospitality industry amongst established players. 2024 will be our launchpad – one that will propel Ascott into an era of greater ambition, as we go unlimited. Unlimited with enhanced value for our owners, unlimited with myriad experiences for our guests, and unlimited with growth opportunities for our associates,” added Mr Goh.
Transcending traditional limits, Ascott is embarking on a transformative journey to go ‘unlimited’ for its guests, owners, partners, and associates. Ascott Unlimited is guided by four key pillars:
Unlimited Opportunities
With an expanding global footprint, Ascott delivers enhanced value to owners and investors, while providing career growth opportunities for associates
Unlimited Choices
With a diverse portfolio of brands, Ascott offers guests myriad stay experiences, for whatever the purpose of travel and wherever the destinations may be
Unlimited Freedom
With a flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, Ascott offers owners compelling flexibility to realise potentials, and travellers unparalleled possibilities to stay their way
Unlimited Good
With a commitment to a culture of care and hospitality, backed by a spirit of innovation, Ascott grows responsibly as a changemaker with an unlimited purpose to impact the future of travel
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: “Ascott has been at the frontier of providing serviced living for 40 years now. In recent years, we have been accelerating our journey in the hospitality space. Through listening to our guests and clients, as well as internal surveys conducted with our associates from around the world, we saw Ascott’s 40th anniversary milestone as an unprecedented opportunity to share the profound changes that the company has gone through. As we mark Ascott’s corporate coming of age, this is a timely occasion for us to celebrate our present, while shining a light to the future.”
“Building on our foundation in an increasingly blended world of travel, Ascott is breaking new ground so our guests can work, stay, and play even better. With Ascott Unlimited, we are offering our guests more experiences for their next stay, with more value to enjoy, underpinned by our purpose to make a meaningful difference to travel – tomorrow and beyond. As we go Unlimited, we are excited to be launching initiatives that have been curated to deliver one-of-a-kind stay experiences for our guests. This will be exemplified in everything we do – from free night stays and complimentary membership tier upgrades to signature experiences and programmes unique to each brand. All to ensure our guests unlock a gateway to unlimited possibilities, wherever they are in the world,” Ms Tan added.
Towards a Future of Unlimited Possibilities with Ascott Unlimited
‘Can we have everything, everywhere, all at once when we travel?’ A brand film that answers to this call kickstarts the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a year of unlimited possibilities.
Commemorating this major milestone, a campaign microsite features the latest updates on events, offers and happenings that guests may enjoy or participate in. An interactive game also allows guests to put their knowledge on Ascott to the test, with a chance to win stay vouchers and Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) points to unleash their wanderlust.
With a suite of 14 brands offering a multitude of stay experiences, guests will enjoy a complimentary fourth night with a minimum of three nights booked using the promotional code “ASCOTT40” from now till 31 December 2024. Unlimit Your Stay with One Free Night.
Loyalty members can look forward to enhanced benefits and elevated experiences as ASR celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Offering guests even more value, all new or Classic tier ASR members will be gifted with an instant status upgrade to the Silver tier upon their first login to the Discover ASR mobile app, with additional reward points to be earned.
1, Mar 2024
Does Fed’s favourite inflation gauge suggest rate cuts in latter part of year?
March 01, 2024
The Federal Reserve is likely to delay cutting interest rates until the latter part of the year, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.
The prediction from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index in January saw an increase of 0.4% from December.
He says:
“The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge shows prices rose faster last month.
“With the monthly change in the core personal consumption expenditures price index, which excludes the volatile costs of food and energy, much higher in January than in previous months, the US central bank will likely be prompted to push back again on cutting interest rates.
“We expect the easing of monetary policy to be ruled out in March by the Fed.
“Indeed, with the trajectory to get back to the 2% inflation target looking increasingly slow, and with officials exercising caution, we could have to wait to until the latter part of the year for the highly anticipated Fed pivot.”
In an environment where interest rates are expected to remain elevated for an extended period, historically, certain sectors have demonstrated resilience and even thrived in such conditions.
One sector that tends to benefit from higher interest rates is the financial sector. “Banks and financial institutions often experience improved profit margins as they can charge higher interest rates on loans while managing their cost of funds effectively,” says Nigel Green.
Another sector to consider is energy. “The demand for energy is continuing to rise, driving the profitability of energy companies. Additionally, certain commodities, like precious metals, can serve as a hedge against inflation, making the materials sector an attractive option.”
He continues: “Tech companies with strong fundamentals are also likely to weather higher for longer interest rate hikes well. While higher rates can increase borrowing costs, tech firms with solid cash positions and innovative solutions can be expected to still thrive.
“Most importantly, as ever, maintaining a diversified portfolio remains crucial.”
He concludes: “With the Fed likely to maintain their steady position on rates for longer, investors might need to consider rebalancing their portfolios.”
1, Mar 2024
Dreamscape Media Acquires Audiobook Rights For Five Nobel Prize-Winning Titles By Renowned Author Jon Fosse
Holland, OH, March 01, 2024 — Dreamscape Media, recognized as an award-winning independent publisher and multimedia studio, is thrilled to share the news of securing audiobook rights for five titles written by Nobel Prize-winning author Jon Fosse. Known as the new Ibsen in the German press and celebrated throughout Western Europe, Jon Fosse is a luminary in contemporary Norwegian literature, recently winning the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023.
The New York Times notes, “Reading Fosse is a singular and transporting experience…he is our age’s great writer of light and darkness.”
Jon Fosse’s literary prowess is exemplified in the five titles that Dreamscape Media is proud to bring to audiobook audiences in English for the first time, including Morning and Evening (March 2024), Boathouse (April 2024), Trilogy (April 2024), Aliss at the Fire (May 2024), An Angel Walks Through the Stage and Other Essays (May 2024). These titles are available in print from publisher Deep Vellum, who recently reissued Morning and Evening and Trilogy and will be reissuing Boathouse in Summer 2024.
Artistic Director for The Norwegian Ibsen Company and actor Kåre Conradi, well known for his role in the Netflix TV show Norsemen, will lend his narration to all five of the audiobooks releasing from Dreamscape in 2024.
“It is an honor to have been chosen to narrate parts of Jon Fosse’s literature in English,” said Kåre Conradi about his narration. “I see this as a great opportunity to become even more acquainted with his universe and to convey it to an even wider audience through audiobooks.”
Jon Fosse’s distinct voice and storytelling prowess have captivated readers and critics alike. With the acquisition of these audiobook rights, Dreamscape Media aims to make Fosse’s masterpieces accessible to a broader audience through the immersive experience of audiobooks.
“We are honored to bring the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Jon Fosse to audiobook listeners worldwide,” said Sean McManus, president and publisher at Dreamscape Media. “Fosse’s literary achievements are truly exceptional, and we believe that the audiobook format will provide a new and enriching way for audiences to experience his profound storytelling.”
The audiobooks of Jon Fosse’s titles will be available on leading audiobook platforms such as Audible, Apple, Spotify, Libro.fm, Audiobooks.com, and everywhere audiobooks are sold. All audiobooks from Dreamscape are also available on digital library platforms, including hoopla digital and Overdrive.
