Tag: PR-Wirein

The British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, announces seven new cultural heritage protection projects.

The grants announced today will help protect endangered global heritage, preserve local communities and protect sites at risk from conflict or climate change.

Just over £700,000 will be awarded to the various projects which will commence from July 2023, reaching completion by the end of January 2025.

To be eligible for support from the Cultural Protection Fund, projects must include activities that safeguard cultural heritage for future generations, protect heritage from risks relating to conflict, instability and/or climate change (and related disasters) and include meaningful involvement of the communities closest to the heritage.

New projects awarded funding are:

Revitalising the intangible Cultural Heritage of the Endorois people led by the Jamii Asilia Centre in partnership with Global Wisdom Collective

The Endorois were some of the first inhabitants in the Baringo and Laikipia Counties in Kenya and their intangible heritage is at risk due to the rising water levels of nearby Lake Bogoria. The project will deliver training in oral history skills and record conversations with Endorois Elders focussing on the knowledge systems, practices and rituals connected to their pastoralist culture.

Documentation and Conservation of Lebanon’s Coastal Castles led by Iconem

The coastal heritage of Lebanon is at risk of erosion due to climate change. This project will carry out conservation, documentation and 3D photogrammetric digitisation of four historically significant archaeological sites, as well as building capacities by providing local training in heritage preservation.

Batroun in Lebanon – Iconem  Fund

Khan Musallah led by Living Mesopotamia CIC

This impressive 19th Century monument in Iraq was built to accommodate pilgrims travelling between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala and was a key point for contact and exchange along the Silk and Ottoman trade routes. It suffered significant damage during conflict and faces further deterioration due to climate change. This project will improve the condition of the site, create a conservation plan and support local heritage professionals and the community to care for and protect this and other local heritage sites in the future.

Khan Musalla, Najaf, Iraq – Living Mesopotamia CIC

Securing the Archives of a Travelling Merchant led by Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research

The 19th century Dar Jacir house and its rare archival collection in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, are in danger of being lost due to ongoing conflict. This project will protect the building against further damage, provide access to new areas for collections display and will enable the creation of a professional standard archive room.

Emergency intervention and damage assessment in Manbij led by Heritage for Peace

This project will see the implementation of emergency and consolidation interventions to stabilise three at risk monuments in Northern Syria, dating from the late Byzantine to early 20th century.

Turath Benghazi led by World Monuments Fund

The historic city centre of Benghazi in Libya hosts many important religious and cultural sites and has suffered significant damage due to civil war. This project will provide local architects and officials with training in cultural heritage preservation and urban design, building capacity for conservation and restoration of this ancient city.

Silphium Plaza in Benghazi after the war in 2020.

Cultural Heritage Preservation Northern Karamoja led by Kara-Tunga Foundation

The Ik community in North East Uganda have a unique language and culture that is under threat due to marginalisation and displacement through conflict and climate change. This project aims to protect their cultural identity through documentation, community engagement and training.

Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund at The British Council said:

“The threat to global cultural heritage because of conflict and climate change is growing and it is more critical than ever that we make efforts to safeguard what we value. The projects we are announcing today will protect valuable archives, sites of historic importance and the cultural practices of marginalised communities. I am immensely proud that the Cultural Protection Fund supports this vital work and look forward to hearing more about the progress of each project.”

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

“We have a duty to protect not only our own rich heritage here in the UK but also our shared human heritage around the world.

“I am delighted that the funding for these projects will help us all to learn more about these fascinating sites, collections, and practices while preserving them for future generations.”

Find out more about these projects and the work of the Cultural Protection Fund

Notes to Editor

About the British Council – The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2020–21 we connected with 67 million people directly and with 745 million people overall. www.britishcouncil.org

About the Cultural Protection Fund – The Cultural Protection Fund is managed by the British Council – the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations – in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It aims to foster, safeguard and promote cultural heritage overseas. The Fund is a key part of the British Council’s work in Culture and Development overseas, which focuses on ambitious, artistic and creative initiatives that foster social cohesion, freedom of expression, inclusive institutions, dynamic communities, and improved social and economic well-being. For more information on the Cultural Protection Fund: https://www.britishcouncil.org/arts/culture-development/cultural-protection-fund

McLean, VA – May 12, 2022 – The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of nonprofit BBB National Programs has found Roblox in violation of CARU Advertising Guidelines for responsible advertising to children under age 13. Roblox ranks as one of the top online entertainment platforms for audiences under the age of 18, with the largest demographic consisting of users 9 to 12 years old.

Roblox came to CARU’s attention through its routine monitoring of child-directed content. CARU determined that Roblox is a child-directed platform and is subject to CARU Guidelines. CARU’s inquiry concerned whether certain advertising to children present on the platform or disseminated by Roblox’s influencers was adequately disclosed as advertising.
 
CARU made the following findings and recommendations:
 

• Roblox did not adequately disclose to children when advertising is present within “experiences” on Roblox. CARU recommended that Roblox ensure that advertisements are clearly and conspicuously identified as ads in language and/or audio that children can see, hear, and easily understand.
• Roblox did not adequately disclose to children when content integrated into a video is advertising. CARU recommended that Roblox clearly and conspicuously disclose to children in language and/or audio that they can see, hear, and easily understand that the integrated content in the video is advertising.
• Roblox did not take adequate measures to ensure that social media influencers with child audiences adequately disclose material connections. CARU recommended that Roblox monitor their endorsers and influencers to ensure they are clearly and conspicuously disclosing their material connection to Roblox in a way that children can easily understand.

 
One of CARU’s concerns in this inquiry was whether Roblox provides adequate tools and guidance to developers, brands, and content creators to clearly and conspicuously disclose to children under the age of 13 when advertising is present in their games and experiences or when branded experiences within the platform are advertising.

During the investigation, Roblox informed CARU it had established new Advertising Standards for its platform, which will no longer allow advertising to children under 13. This policy will “require developers to programmatically identify advertising content in experiences to users under the age of 13,” and, according to Roblox, developers will have tools to code whether children will see nothing in place of an ad or see non-advertising content in place of the ad. This new policy will go into effect on June 15, 2023.

This new Roblox policy is not a result of a CARU recommendation. CARU helps companies comply with laws and guidelines that protect children under age 13 from deceptive or inappropriate advertising.

Once the new Roblox Ad Standards policy goes into effect, the advertising practices outlined above, apart from the endorser and influencer practices, will no longer be at issue. CARU will continue to monitor the platform to ensure compliance with CARU Advertising Guidelines once the new policy is implemented.

CARU recommends that Roblox establish and implement a monitoring process to enforce its new advertising policy and community standards.

Endorsers & Influencers

Roblox informed CARU that the policy change does not apply to the Roblox Video Stars Program members’ social media content that takes place off the Roblox platform, such as on YouTube or Twitch.

CARU found that social media influencers in Roblox’s Influencer Program who had large child audiences did not clearly and conspicuously disclose their material connection to Roblox in their videos in a way children can understand, and that influencers in the Video Stars Program who promoted their unique Star Code did not clearly and conspicuously disclose, in a way children can understand, that they will receive a commission when Robux (Roblox currency) are purchased.

Additionally, CARU found that there was a lack of guidance and tools for Roblox “Video Stars” social media influencers as to how to disclose their material connection clearly and conspicuously to child audiences.

During the investigation, Roblox provided CARU with the Influencer Monitoring Program agreement. The Monitoring Program requires Roblox team members to periodically and randomly check the posts of influencer participants to ensure compliance with platform rules and policies and the FTC Endorsement Guides.

CARU found that Roblox’s guidance to its influencers regarding disclosure requirements did not specifically address how to make adequate disclosures to children. While CARU noted that several influencers are compliant with all guidelines, CARU also observed some influencer videos where the disclosures were either partially compliant or entirely non-compliant with CARU Guidelines on making disclosures understandable to children.
 
As a result, CARU recommended that:
 

• The Roblox Video Stars Program and Monitoring Program be modified to provide influencers with additional guidance and examples of clear and conspicuous disclosures for children to understand the material connection between Roblox and the influencer and that influencers get paid when using the Roblox Star Code.
• Roblox increase monitoring efforts to uphold and enforce its Roblox Video Stars Program Rules, CARU Ad Guidelines, industry best practices, and other applicable rules and regulations.

 
Children’s Privacy Issues

In CARU’s inquiry letter to Roblox, CARU raised privacy concerns in addition to the advertising concerns addressed in this decision. CARU is working directly with Roblox’s COPPA Safe Harbor to address these issues accordingly.

In the opening to its advertiser’s statement, Roblox pointed out that the company “has made policy changes regarding child-directed advertising that render many aspects of the Decision moot.” Roblox later indicated that it disagrees with “some of the recommendations and statements made in the decision.” However, Roblox agreed to “comply with CARU’s recommendations regarding influencers and ask that our influencers with child-directed content use the word ‘paid’ in their disclosures,” adding: “We also appreciate the acknowledgment that Roblox has an influencer monitoring program that spots issues and has them corrected. Finally, we will continue to improve our platform to support the needs of users of all ages.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About Children’s Advertising Review Unit: The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), a division of BBB National Programs and the nation’s first Safe Harbor Program under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), helps companies comply with laws and guidelines that protect children from deceptive or inappropriate advertising and ensure that, in an online environment, children’s data is collected and handled responsibly. When advertising or data collection practices are misleading, inappropriate, or inconsistent with laws and guidelines, CARU seeks change through the voluntary cooperation of companies and where relevant, enforcement action.

• Four eateries – three in Tampa – earn one MICHELIN Star for first time
• 19 total restaurants in Miami, Orlando and Tampa earn MICHELIN Stars
• Honors also include 33 Bib Gourmand, four special awards
• 144 restaurants, 38 cuisine types make up Florida’s 2023 selection

 

MIAMI, May 11, 2023 — Four restaurants joined the exclusive group of MICHELIN-Starred eateries in Florida, as the 2023 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced Thursday night at LoanDepot Park.

In all, the anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors awarded Stars to 19 restaurants, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami remaining atop that list with two MICHELIN Stars. The 2023 selection comprises 144 restaurants and 38 types of cuisine, which customers will enjoy discovering.

“Florida has three distinct culinary hotspots that make the state a premier destination for gourmet-travelers, who can experience a wealth of flavors and creative cooking styles,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “We are especially happy to announce three one-MICHELIN-Star restaurants in Tampa – Koya, Lilac and Rocca – and a new one-Star restaurant in Miami Beach: Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt. Congratulations to these restaurant teams and to all who received Guide distinctions. Your guests are always in for a treat.”

Here are the new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

Koya (Tampa, Japanese cuisine)

Adriana and Eric Fralick keep a watchful eye over the experience at this intimate eight-seat counter, where a multicourse contemporary tasting menu shares a singular interpretation of Japanese cuisine. The dishes are often unexpected yet always thoughtful. Spectacular seafood is a given: staple luxuries like bluefin tuna and uni are flown in weekly from Kagoshima market, where the team has a personal buyer. Instead of the typical parade of nigiri, dishes offer unique combinations of Eastern and Western culinary sensibilities, as in the beet- and vodka-smoked salmon macaroon or a chutoro hand roll with wasabi guacamole. The meal ends memorably with desserts like yuzu ice cream topped with Hokkaido uni and a sprinkling of caviar with lime zest.

Lilac (Tampa, Contemporary cuisine)

Situated in the sleek and oh-so-stylish Edition hotel, this concept from John Fraser is a popular spot with in-demand reservations. The small space has a sexy vibe, albeit not a stitch of lilac in sight. Peruse the contemporary four-course prix-fixe with Mediterranean influences, Florida-focused ingredients and French techniques. A meal might include luxe bites like a Diver scallop infused with rosemary smoke and dramatically served under a cloche to well-execute and flavorful lobster feuillantine. Main dishes include Ora King salmon with a Florida stone crab salad or Colorado lamb chop with tender leeks and house-made lamb sausage. Cocktails and wine are on offer, but Lilac has upped the ante when it comes to tableside service with a champagne cocktail cart. (Yes, please!)

Rocca (Tampa, Italian cuisine)         

Chef Bryce Bonsack blends his New York know-how with Italian training to great effect in this of-the-moment eatery. Naturally, there’s an assortment of pastas, skillfully made in house and showcasing classic flavors and scrupulous technique, as in spaghetti al limone, tossed with knobs of blue crab and lemon, shaved garlic and zucchini. Guests gush over mozzarella hand-pulled to order in a tableside cart, but the flavor outshines the show. Perhaps most exciting of all are the displays of originality, as in a vibrant hiramasa carpaccio with green apple, capers and horseradish; and dessert is a delightful bookend to an impressive meal. Basil custard topped with an elegant brunoise of fresh apples and a layer of streusel is spot-on in every way.

Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt (Miami Beach, Contemporary cuisine)
Inside the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort on a rather calm stretch of Collins Avenue, find this ambitious dining bijou helmed by Chef Tristan Brandt and his trusted lieutenant Timo Steubing. The duo delivers a colorful, multicourse tasting grounded in French cuisine with notable Asian inspiration. The results are anything but timid: Expect rich, bold sauces and foams made with the likes of parmesan, lobster and saffron, and ginger turbocharging everything from tomatoes to scallops to wagyu. By contrast, the space itself is fairly spartan, sequestered off to the side of the main hotel bar and defined mostly by oversized oak tables, blue leather chairs and modern light fixtures. Swing for the second seating of the evening for a longer menu.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors found 33 restaurants worthy of the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes great food at a great value. These are restaurants where one can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for about $50. There were 18 in the Miami area, 11 in the Orlando area and four in the Tampa area.

Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars awards, the Guide announced four special awards:

 

The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One. Transportation provided by Lucid Motors.

Hotels

The full restaurant selection for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa will join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Florida and throughout the world.

Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Florida features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including sustainability pioneers like the Hotel Greystone, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Esmé and Mondrian hotels in Miami, nightlife hotspots like the Goodtime Hotel, cutting-edge luxury designs like the Tampa EDITION, and even hotels with MICHELIN Guide restaurants, like Faena Miami Beach.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

The MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa Selection

 

2023 Starred Establishments

 

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries—from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

 

For more information, contact:

Andrew Festa
Michelin North America
andrew.festa@michelin.com

Devon Gunn
Capital One
devon.gunn@capitalone.com
Phone: 571-308-4762

New York, NY – April 27, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has referred advertising claims made by ViiV Healthcare Company for its DOVATO^® single-tablet HIV treatment medication to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after the company informed NAD that it would not participate in the NAD self-regulatory process with respect to the challenged claims.

ViiV’s claims about its DOVATO medication, which appeared in multichannel advertising, were challenged by Gilead Sciences, Inc., manufacturer of Biktarvy^®, a competing HIV medication.

Gilead challenged express and implied health-related claims that DOVATO is superior to Biktarvy because it contains less medicine, does not contain tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), and is less likely to adversely impact patients’ renal, lipid, and weight profiles.

ViiV did not submit a substantive response, but instead informed NAD that it would not participate in NAD’s self-regulatory process because it believes FDA is best positioned to assess the appropriateness of these prescription drug claims.

NAD frequently reviews advertising claims for FDA-regulated products, including pharmaceuticals.

Considering ViiV’s decision to not participate in the NAD self-regulatory process, NAD has referred the matter to the FDA and FTC for review and possible enforcement action.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 27, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that certain “no hair wrap” claims made by SharkNinja Operating, LLC for its Shark Stratos Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum were supported. However, NAD recommended that Shark discontinue or modify other claims for the Stratos vacuum related to its superior hair pick-up ability, odor neutralizing technology, and superior suction.

These claims, which appear in Shark’s 30-minute infomercial for the Stratos vacuum, were challenged by Dyson, Inc., maker of competing vacuum cleaners.

“No Hair Wrap” Claims

NAD determined that the infomercial’s “no hair wrap” claims reasonably convey the message that the Stratos vacuum can pick up pet hair and long hair during typical cleaning activity on carpet or hard floors. NAD concluded that Shark’s testing provided a reasonable basis for the “no hair wrap” claims and the claim that “Shark Stratos self-cleaning brushroll technology removes hair from the brush while you clean, preventing hair wrap,” when accompanied by a disclosure of the runtime of the vacuums used in the turnover demonstrations (a modification the advertiser agreed voluntarily to make).

Best Hair Pick-up Claims

NAD concluded that Shark’s testing was not a good fit to support the broad, category-wide superiority message conveyed by its informercial claims to have the “best hair pick-up of any vacuum.” In so finding, NAD noted that Shark did not produce comparative testing against 85% of the relevant marketplace and that the methodology of its laboratory testing was too limited.

Therefore, NAD recommended Shark modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unsupported messages that the Stratos offers:

• “The best hair pick-up of any vacuum,”
• “The best hair pick-up of any upright vacuum in America,” and
• “The most hair pick-up from floor to dust cup of any vacuum in America.”

Odor Neutralizing Claims

NAD determined that Shark’s infomercial reasonably conveys the message the Stratos vacuum is able to neutralize and eliminate malodor because the infomercial combines express claims that the odor technology interacts with odor-causing particles and transforms the bad odors into fresh-smelling air, with images of odor molecules being destroyed.

Further, NAD found that Shark’s “smell test” communicates the message that the Shark Stratos vacuum reduces odors and emits a pleasant smell that consumers prefer to that of the Dyson or Bissell vacuums when vacuuming up smelly objects in the home.

However, because Shark did not provide evidence to support an odor elimination message, NAD recommended that it discontinue advertising that conveys a message of odor elimination including animated depictions of the product eliminating green malodor particles and the claim, “Shark solves [the problem of vacuum odor] with a new and unique breakthrough odor neutralizer technology. This technology interacts with odor-causing particles and transforms the bad odors into fresh-smelling air.”

Regarding Shark’s claims of odor reduction, pleasant smell, and comparative odor reduction, NAD concluded that while Shark’s testing shows a perceptible reduction in malodor for the Shark Stratos vacuum, the evidence did not support the odor reduction messages conveyed in the infomercial.

Therefore, NAD recommended that these claims be discontinued or, in the alternative, that Shark modify the claims to reflect the supported message that the Shark Stratos’s odor neutralization technology reduces malodor.

Superior Suction Claims

NAD found that one message reasonably conveyed by the “ultimate suction challenge” in the infomercial is that Stratos has superior suction for cleaning floor surfaces, a message that was not supported.

Therefore, NAD recommended Shark discontinue the implied claim that the Stratos’s superior suction power translates into superior floor cleaning performance.

In its advertiser statement, Shark stated that it will appeal a portion of NAD’s decision because it “believes that NAD’s analysis of the odor claims was inconsistent with self-regulatory precedent and that NAD overreached by finding that the video communicated a preference claim and an odor elimination message.” Shark added that it is also appealing NAD’s recommendation to discontinue the claim that the Shark Stratos has “the best hair pickup of any upright vacuum in America.”

Appeals of NAD decisions are made to BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Wellbeing Farms Expands Delta 88 Kiosk to Pennsylvania and Receives First Purchase Order for Chicago Market.

 

CALIFORNIA, Newport Beach, April 26, 2023, Galexxy Holdings Inc., (“Galexxy”) (OTC: GXXY), a health and wellness company on a mission to bring unique and effective health and wellness products to market, and its subsidiary, Wellbeing Farms LLC, (“WBF”) are pleased to update shareholders on major company milestones over the last several months.

WBF expands Delta 88 Kiosk Distribution to Pennsylvania:

WBF is expanding the distribution of its Smart Vending Kiosks through its Commercial Supply and Leasing agreement with Delta 88 LLC (D88) into Pennsylvania. D88 launched its marketing campaign in Austin Texas in Q1-23 and has signed additional leases to expand its reach into 6 key locations to market its products in Pennsylvania.

WBF customized Smart Kiosks are very distinctive, featuring digital product displays to maximize product appeal are equipped with WBF’s App based ID-Age verification capability to comply with state regulations.

D88’s business plan calls for placement of hundreds of attractively branded Smart Vending Kiosks supplied by WBF under lease agreements. D88’s products are also supplied by WBF under an exclusive white label agreement.

Based on their initial estimates, D88 is planning to install over six hundred Smart Kiosks in the next 2 years which could potentially generate a minimum of $5,000,000 per year in wholesale product purchases from WBF.

WBF Chicago Update:

WBF also received its initial product order from its Chicago distributor, who signed a Definitive Distribution agreement in December 2022 for product supply and the lease of 40 Smart Vending Kiosks, which are currently being placed in selected consumer traffic locations.

Galexxy Audit Update and Plan for OTC QX Up-listing:

Galexxy’s CEO, Michael Biagi stated that “WBF has commenced its end of year Audit and in addition to its intention to up-list onto OTC QX, the Company has several very promising new programs in its business development pipeline and I look forward to keeping shareholders updated as these programs come to fruition.”

About Galexxy Holdings:

Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Galexxy’s shares are quoted on the OTC Markets (OTC: GXXY). Galexxy entered the rapidly developing markets for premium natural plant-based consumer health supplement products in April 2021 and completed its acquisition of Wellbeing Farms LLC., on August 4, 2022, and purchased 69% of ABC Wholesale Products LLC., on August 12, 2022.

Galexxy Holdings Inc.

Michael Biagi

E: Michael@galexxyholdings.com

M: (949) 335 8269

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “statements”). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release.

https://wellbeingfarmsmushrooms.com/

www.galexxyholdings.com

https://twitter.com/GXXYHoldings

www.delta88.vip

www.uvending.vip

The British Council launches landmark research on the Future of English

The result of a series of roundtables connecting education experts from 49 countries across the globe

 

English will retain its position as the world’s most widely spoken language over the next decade and teachers will continue to be at the heart of English learning, even in the face of increased automation, AI and machine learning.

These are two of the findings in a landmark research publication, the Future of English: Global Perspectives, published by the British Council in April. It is the result of a series of roundtables connecting education experts from 49 countries across the globe.

This is the first publication in a major programme of research and global engagement started by the British Council in 2020. The Future of English research programme will shine a light on the trends driving the use of English as a global language and provide data to inform policy makers, educators, researchers, and others interested in this important topic.

Key findings:

• English is the most widely spoken language in the world. and English is likely to retain this position for the next decade and beyond.
• English will play an important role in giving more young people access to higher education opportunities.
• There is a strong connection between the desire to learn English and the need for teachers, even when new technologies are considered.
• Private sector has the potential to address the deficiencies in language education provision offered by the public sector and expand the prospects available to young people. Nevertheless, the quality of certain private offerings is inconsistent, and the report proposes increased cooperation between public and private providers.
• Policy makers should continuously review the approach to assessing English proficiency to make sure assessment practices stay relevant for today’s study, work and social interactions.
• Technology has the potential to help greater numbers of students access language learning. But the publication found that it also risks widening the divide between people who have access to technology and those who do not.
• There has been a gradual, industry led, shift away towards valuing language proficiency that is more practical and situational, rather than solely focusing on being fluent in one’s native language

The British Council will be driving data collection globally to inform future research releases globally. As part of our long-term commitment, we have initiated a major new Future of English research grant scheme, awarding the first four grants to UK-led international projects in 2022.

Alongside the new publication, the British Council is set to unveil a new Future of English touring exhibition. The multimedia exhibition will explore several of the report’s core themes – English in education, English in the workplace, and English in the community – and feature interactive elements which will ask visitors for their views on the future of the English language. Initially opening at the British Council’s headquarters in Stratford, London from 26 April, the exhibition will subsequently travel to the New Directions LATAM 2023 conference in São Paulo, Brazil from 25-27 May, the New Directions East Asia 2023 conference in Hanoi, Viet Nam on 27 and 28 October 2023. Other locations and dates will be announced for 2023, before the exhibition returns to London in early 2024.

Mark Walker, Director of English & Exams at the British Council, said:

“At the British Council, English language teaching, learning and assessment are at the heart of what we do. We champion the power of English to break down barriers and help millions of learners grow their skills, build international connections, and access life-changing opportunities.

“Now we’re collaborating with partners, thought leaders, teachers and learners around the world to open up new conversations and share global perspectives about the future of English.”

The British Council supports 100 million English learners worldwide with online resources and connects with more than four million teachers and educators online each year – the world’s largest global network of teachers. The British Council also works directly with education leaders, teacher educators and teachers of English to raise standards of English in education systems.

To read the full report :https://www.britishcouncil.org/future-of-english

Notes to Editor

For more information, or to request interviews, please contact Lamia El Idrissi, Communications Manager: lamia.elidrissi@britishcouncil.org

Methodology

A series of roundtables took place from June to December 2021 with 92 policy-makers and experts from 49 countries around the world from a range of disciplines, including applied linguistics, assessment, and sector experts as well as practitioners across British Council networks with extensive field experience.

The outcomes from these roundtable discussions were consolidated with additional data collected from desk research and surveys.

The Future of English report is authored by Mina Patel, Mike Solly and Steve Copeland and edited by Professor Barry O’Sullivan (all of the British Council) and Professor Yan Jin (School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and member of the British Council’s Assessments Advisory Board).

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people.