Day: April 6, 2022

Posted on

Drop of a 1:1 NFT Together with the Last Aventador Coupé Ever Produced

Collaboration of Lamborghini with Steve Aoki, Krista Kim, and INVNT GROUP to be offered in an online auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s

Sant’Agata Bolognese, April 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Automobili Lamborghini moves to electrify its complete line-up in 2023 and 2024, the legendary super sports car Aventador is approaching its end of production. In an unprecedented project, the Italian marque is auctioning the last Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé ever produced and a one of one NFT, in collaboration with two of the most iconic creators of our time, contemporary artists Krista Kim, Steve Aoki, and global brand storytelling agency [INVNT GROUP]™. The Lamborghini ‘Ultimate’ drop is the world’s first supercar 1:1 NFT, marking the end of a successful era for Lamborghini and moving the raging bull forward into the digital era.

For the first time, Lamborghini is auctioning a super sports car linked to an exclusive NFT, before the top model of the Italian luxury brand becomes a V12-powered plug-in hybrid. The lucky collector will be part of the brand’s iconic legacy and will have access to VIP utilities, which include exclusive virtual previews of future limited edition Lamborghini models, a private tour of the Museo Lamborghini, and a virtual “Meet and Greet” with Steve Aoki and Krista Kim, plus other VIP benefits. There will only be one collector who will own the ultimate 1:1 NFT Lamborghini collectible that can be shared across generations to come.

The drop is the world’s first NFT ever to be auctioned with a physical super sports car. Lamborghini, Krista Kim, and Steve Aoki, all leaders in their own fields, will redefine the supercar and NFT space and bridge the gap between the physical and virtual world. The sale will be hosted in a dedicated online auction by RM Sotheby’s, the world’s foremost collector car auction house.

“Lamborghini and the NFT community fit together very well, as we share many values. We are both young-spirited innovators, looking out for unexpected projects and technological solutions”, explains Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman, and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This project is very special for us as it is a true first, a path nobody has ever taken; to collaborate with such outstanding creative minds makes it all the more special.”

Krista Kim is creating the visual artwork for the NFT. It will feature her infamous Mars House & her signature gradient work. Her gradients will also appear in the bespoke customization of the physical Lamborghini Aventador Coupé, made possible through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program: “This Aventador is a legend, it is the first physical-digital supercar! When higher states of consciousness meet leading-edge technology & design, we see elevated beauty on another level. In my Lamborghini NFT dream, I envision meditating in front of a sublime Mars sunset with Steve, as he transforms the engine sound into a meditative vibe. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life in the physical car & NFT.”

Steve Aoki will provide the custom developed track for the NFT, an exclusive soundtrack for the physical car inspired by the last Aventador and will consult on the design of the NFT and physical car customization: “I’m honoured to be partnering with Lamborghini & Krista Kim on this historic project! The drop signifies the ultimate intersection – where the physical world, digital art, and music come together as one. Every design element of this car is purposeful. It truly has its own story, and therefore I wanted my music track to reflect its soulful energy – the vibe, the spirit, and the power.”

These three iconic brands, in partnership with [INVNT GROUP] and its portfolio of disciplines, came together to creatively develop the NFT.

“This event will likely be one of the most prolific NFT drops this year and will certainly be one of the most historic automobile auctions ever. Our collaboration with Lamborghini, Steve Aoki, and Krista Kim, is a representation of our boundless innovation to bring brands and artists together. I am beyond proud of our entire global group, notably, our innovation team out of Singapore, INVNT.ATOM, HEVĒ our digital content studio, and our [INVNT GROUP] marcomms team,” said Scott Cullather, President and CEO [INVNT GROUP].

Lamborghini and INVNT GROUP have united three forms of art: design, music and cutting-edge technology to create a never-before-seen collaboration with the talents of artists Krista Kim & Steve Aoki.

The Last Aventador Coupé and 1:1 NFT is a celebration of the automaker’s achievements in technology, design and engineering as they take their iconic legacy into the future.

The NFT & exclusive Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on April 19th – 6:00PM CET / 12:00pm EST.

###

About Krista Kim

Dubbed as a pioneer in bridging the gap between the real and virtual world. Krista creates immersive digital art through technology as an artistic medium to produce next gen masterpieces for a new world. For more information visit www.kristakimstudio.com

About Steve Aoki

Hailed as NFT royalty in the crypto community and on the global stage, Steve Aoki is a 2x – Grammy nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, Guinness World Record holder, NFT visionary and one of the most successful cross-genre artists in the world, with a 77 million average monthly reach across all his platforms he is a leading creator that embodies innovation and exceptional masterpieces. For more information visit www.steveaoki.com

About [INVNT GROUP]

[INVNT GROUP] was established as an evolution of the founding global live brand storytelling agency INVNT. Led by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, [INVNT GROUP], THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECTTM represents a portfolio of disciplines designed to help forward-thinking organizations innovate and impact audiences everywhere. The GROUP consists of modern brand strategy firm, Folk Hero; creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio and creative agency, HEVĒ; events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; global digital innovation division, INVNT.ATOM; and the original live brand storytelling agency, INVNT. For more information visit www.invntgroup.com

About RM Sotheby’s:

RM Sotheby’s is the world’s leading collector car auction house. With over 40 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of Car Specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for the most valuable motor car ever sold at auction. For more information visit https://rmsothebys.com/

Media Information

Photos and videos: media.lamborghini.com
Information on Automobili Lamborghini: www.lamborghini.com


Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. press enquiries please contact:
Tim Bravo
Tim.bravo@lamborghini.com

Jory Wood Syed
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
jory.syed@lamborghini.us

"Lamborghini Ultimate" campaign & press enquiries:
Paola Cracknell
pcracknell@invnt.com

Shendi Katro
skatro@hevestudios.com

For [INVNT GROUP] press enquiries please contact:
Jhonathan Mendez de León
jmendezdeleon@invnt.com
Posted on

Matthews International’s Saueressig Energy Business Announces the Expected July 2022 Opening of State-of-the-Art Facility for the Refurbishment of Calender Rolls for Battery Production

PITTSBURGH, April 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ GSM: MATW) announced today the expected July 2022 opening of its state-of-the-art service facility in San Antonio, Texas, for the refurbishment of calender rolls for lithium-ion battery electrode production. This facility, part of Matthews’ Saueressig Engineering and Energy division, supports the growth of its North American energy business, serving the rapidly growing renewable energy market.

“We are very excited about the start-up of our San Antonio facility, designed to apply our published patents for use of dry electrodes in the production and reconditioning of lithium-ion batteries and multiple roll calenders (MRCs),” commented Joe Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This patented technology has the potential to reduce the cost of production and accelerate mass market adoption of fuels cells for a variety of end-use markets, including the electric vehicle market.”

Greg Babe, Chief Technology Officer, continued, “This new facility is the culmination of combining a set of unique capabilities that support both the development of MRCs and hydrogen fuel cells. With top-tier electric vehicle customers already using our technology, we believe the impact on the industry will be significant as the market continues to grow.”

With demand for green energy technologies accelerating, planning is also underway for a proposed expansion of the San Antonio facility to include a Technical Center for application testing and a demonstration site of its proprietary equipment for both battery electrodes and hydrogen fuel cell component production. The technical center supports the Company’s North American customers and augments existing R&D capabilities in the Saueressig operation in Vreden, Germany which drives the Company’s global R&D activities. The facility will be a complement to the Company’s Burlington, North Carolina, site which is ramping up its energy production capabilities as an extension of its cutting and embossing business.

The North American expansion solidifies the established global position Matthews holds in production lines for the clean energy market, where the Company is a leader in calendering lines for electrode production of lithium-ion batteries for the electric vehicle market, and on its growing expertise in hydrogen fuel cells following the acquisition of Terrella Energy Systems in May 2021 and its Joint Development Agreement with Illuming Power in February.

About Matthews International Corporation
Matthews International Corporation is a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is a leading provider of packaging solutions and brand experiences, helping companies simplify their marketing, amplify their brands and provide value. The Memorialization segment is a leading provider of memorialization products, including memorials, caskets and cremation and incineration equipment, primarily to cemetery and funeral home customers that help families move from grief to remembrance. The Industrial Technologies segment designs, manufactures, services and distributes high-tech custom energy storage, marking, coding and industrial automation technologies and solutions. The Company has approximately 11,000 employees in more than 26 countries on six continents that are committed to delivering the highest quality products and services.

Forward-looking Information
Any forward-looking statements contained in this release are included pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to be materially different from management’s expectations. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct. Factors that could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s products, changes in mortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates, or other factors such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages or labor cost increases, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, ability to achieve cost-reduction objectives, unknown risks in connection with the Company’s acquisitions, cybersecurity concerns, effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company’s control, impact of pandemics or similar outbreaks, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) or other disruptions to our industries, customers, or supply chains, and other factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Matthews International Corporation
Corporate Office
Two NorthShore Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5851
Phone: (412) 442-8200
April 5, 2022 Contact: Steven F. Nicola
Chief Financial Officer
412.442.8262
Posted on

Ensuring Safer Migration In COVID-19 Times

As COVID-19 continues to impact society, many countries in South East Asia are opening their borders and telling the world that they are now ‘open for business’.

Lao migrant workers remain at the heart of this drive to reopen as many who returned to Laos when lockdowns were introduced now prepare to return to bordering countries as they kickstart their economies.

The migration of thousands of workers from Laos to Thailand, working in domestic services, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and entertainment, especially those from the bordering provinces of Champassak and Savannakhet, has begun, and brings with it a unique set of both challenges and opportunities.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW) to increase awareness on safe migration during COVID-19 for Lao migrant workers under the United Nations Joint Programme on the ‘Protection and Services for Vulnerable Settlements, Migrants and Youth in Savannakhet and Champassak’, and has partnered with the United National Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism (MICT) to broadcast radio programmes to guide workers on migrating safety, and support for those who have recently returned to the Lao PDR.

UNDP, IOM, MICT, and the Lao National Radio held training events in Champassak and Savannakhet on Safe Migration and COVID-19 from March 22 – 25. The training aimed to guide the radio stations on how to broadcast essential information for migrant workers that travel during COVID-19.

The training also targeted the provincial and district radio programmers in producing creative radio spot advertisements to better engage local communities in the two southern provinces on safe migration, as it effects so many families in these areas.

From the training, radio broadcasters can effectively disseminate pre and post migration information through radio programming, especially regarding illegal migration, can help connect workers to job centers and migrant resource center locations, and most importantly, provide up to date public health information in following COVID-19 guidelines. Understanding viral symptoms, country restrictions and isolation rules continue to be essential for ensuring safe migration as people begin to move again for work. Mr. Sangkhane Choumkhamphanh, Deputy Director-General of the Lao National Radio, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism praised the community radios for this work:

“Radio media is at the heart of our efforts in conveying important messages to the Lao community, especially migrant workers. During COVID-19, migrant workers were and continue to be particularly vulnerable. This training content is, therefore the most important to the Lao migrants in Champassak and Savannakhet, where we see high rates of migration to neighboring countries.”

“Radio broadcasting has proved to be critical in ensuring people across the country access important information during COVID-19,” added Seán O’Connell, Head of Governance with UNDP. “Building on our long-standing partnership with MICT, we were able to develop and broadcast radio programming on key issues during the pandemic, including on education, health, gender-based violence and UXO awareness. Now we are able to guide radio broadcasters, who have been vital in ensuring vital information gets to the people who need it during COVID-19, develop new programming on safe migration for Lao workers.

“Information about safe migration, pandemic support and employment services is very important for Lao workers, as it supports them to make better decision about migration and work particularly during COVID-19,” added Sia Kondeh, Head of Labour Mobility and Human Development Unit with IOM.

“Through radio broadcasting we are able to expand information outreach from quarantine centres and border crossing points to reach wider communities, alongside the MoLSW and in partnership with UNDP. The training content supports radio broadcasters to enhance their knowledge about safe migration, so they can in turn provide vital information on safe migration, pandemic and employment support to Lao workers, their families, and communities in Champassak and Savannakhet,” said Sia Kondeh.

The collaboration between MICT, UNDP, and IOM comes at a crucial time as workers consider moving again, and exploring opportunities presented by the lifting of restrictions in neighboring countries.

The dissemination of information in communities in Champassak and Savannakhet equips migrant workers, particularly youth who are entering the labour force for the first time, with the knowledge and awareness of migrating safely, in way that balances economic opportunity with health and well-being as the country continues to build forward better from COVID-19.

Source: Lao News Agency

Posted on

Mittaphab Hospital presented Covid-19 medicine Molnupivir

Tuesday, Apr 5 witnessed Mittaphab Hospital, Vientiane presented 300 packs of Covid-19 medication Molnupivir from the Laos Alliance Pharmaceutical Group.

The medical package, worth 120 million kip (approx US$10,000), was presented to the Director of the hospital Sonexay Ladsavong by Laos Alliance Pharmaceutical Group Marketing Manager Pathoummalangsy Xaysounthone in the presence of relevant officials of both sides.

Expressing thanks to the donor, the hospital director assured the donor that the medicine will be used for treating Covid-19 patients in the hospital to minimize the severity of illness and casualties caused by the corona virus.

Some 2,115 new Covid-19 cases including two new fatalities have been reported over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 188,985 including 4,900 active cases and 684 deaths.

Deputy Director General of the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health Dr Buaphanh Khamphaphongphan told a press conference on Wednesday that the highest number of domestic transmissions was documented in Vientiane with 1,167 cases, followed by Vientiane (province) 107, Savannakhet 86, Luang Prabang 77 and Borikhamxay 72.

Source: Lao News Agency

Posted on

Ed Sheeran Wins Copyright Case Over 2017 Hit ‘Shape of You’

Grammy Award-winning songwriter Ed Sheeran won a U.K. copyright battle over his 2017 hit “Shape of You” on Wednesday, then slammed what he described as a “culture” of baseless lawsuits intended to squeeze money out of artists eager to avoid the expense of a trial.

The British pop star and his co-writers, Snow Patrol’s John McDaid and producer Steven McCutcheon, had denied allegations that the song copied part of 2015’s “Oh Why” by Sami Chokri, who performs under the name Sami Switch.

“Whilst we’re obviously happy with the result, I feel like claims like this are way too common now and have become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there is no basis for the claim,” Sheerhan said in a video posted on Twitter. “It’s really damaging to the songwriting industry.”

Andrew Sutcliffe, the lawyer for the co-writers of “Oh Why,” argued that there was an “indisputable similarity between the works.” He claimed that Sheeran had “Oh Why” in his head “consciously or unconsciously” when “Shape of You” was written in 2016.

The plaintiffs alleged that the refrain “Oh I, Oh I, Oh I” in the chorus of “Shape Of You” was “strikingly similar” to the line “Oh why, Oh why, Oh why” in their track.

During the 11-day trial, Sheeran denied allegations that he “borrows” ideas from unknown songwriters without acknowledgement and said he has always been fair in crediting people who contribute to his albums.

In Wednesday’s ruling, High Court Judge Antony Zacaroli concluded that Sheeran “neither deliberately nor subconsciously” copied a phrase from “Oh Why” when writing his smash hit.

Sheeran, McDaid and Mac said in a statement that the cost of the case was more than financial. The stress of going to trial also hurts creativity, means less time to make music and takes an emotional toll, they said.

“It is so painful to hear someone publicly and aggressively challenge your integrity,” the trio said. “It is so painful to have to defend yourself against accusations that you have done something that you haven’t done, and would never do.”

“Shape of You” was the biggest-selling song in the U.K. in 2017.

Source: Voice of America

Posted on

WHO: After March Surge, Global COVID-19 Cases Continue to Drop

The World Health Organization ((WHO)) says, following a surge of new cases in early March, the number of new worldwide COVID-19 cases and deaths has fallen for a second consecutive week.

In its weekly update released late Tuesday, the WHO reports the number of new cases overall fell by 16 percent during the week ending April 3, compared to the previous week.

As of 3 April 2022, just over 489 million cases and over 6 million deaths had been reported globally.

The agency said global deaths from COVID-19 fell sharply – by 43 percent – in the past week. The WHO attributed a sharp rise in death numbers the previous week to a change in the way deaths were counted and the addition of death numbers not previously reported in the Americas.

At the country level, the highest number of new weekly cases was reported in

South Korea, with more than 2,058,000 new cases, Germany, with more than 1, 371,000 and France, with nearly one million new cases.

South Korea’s cases declined 16% and Germany’s declined 13 percent. In France, case numbers were up 13 percent.

Across the six WHO regions, over nine million new cases and over 26,000 new deaths were reported. All the regions show decreasing trends both in the number of new weekly cases and new weekly deaths.

The WHO continues to caution, however, several countries are progressively changing their COVID-19 testing strategies, resulting in lower overall numbers of tests performed and consequently lower numbers of cases being detected.

Source: Voice of America