(NewsUSA) - DigiTrax Entertainment, a pioneer in the music technology industry, brings its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise to the popular hip-hop segment.<br /> <br /> With the introduction of KR38R Beats, a unique AI product specifically geared to the hip-hop artist, DigiTrax recognizes the importance of hip-hop music and how it is a great fit for AI technology. The company has paired with Spotlite, a popular and established singing performance app, to create "Rapping with the Robot," a contest for aspiring hip-hop artists.<br /> <br /> The contest is scheduled to begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on New Year's Eve.<br /> <br /> Prizes include an all-expenses-paid recording session, with professional production and distribution across all major platforms.<br /> <br /> "We focused our AI on the most relevant segment of music in today's streaming economy," says Joe Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment.<br /> <br /> "Hip-hop beats comprise one out of every three streams, and generate billions in revenue."<br /> <br /> The KR38R Beats product is based on the Music Builder program, DigiTrax's unique and innovative technology that helps artists harness the power of artificial intelligence. Artists can feed ideas into the program, which then serves as a composing partner and allows them to create more songs more quickly.<br /> <br /> Spotlite is a free, direct-to-fan singing app designed to allow amateur and professional vocalists to sing original music, covers, and karaoke across all musical genres.<br /> <br /> "As a fan, you used to go out and buy CDs to support your favorite artist," says Juan Munoz, general manager of Spotlite Media.<br /> <br /> "With the change in how fans ingest content, Spotlite has not only allowed fans a new way to directly support their favorite artists, but the fans become the tastemakers. Through our contests, fans tell us who should truly be recognized for their talent," he explains.<br /> <br /> Other benefits of using artificial intelligence in creating original hip-hop music include greater profitability and protection for the users under copyright law.<br /> <br /> "Because we own both the publishing and the sound recording that our AI has written," Vangieri explains, "this gives us free reign to fully exploit both sides of a song - the publishing and the sound recording."<br /> <br /> DigiTrax plans to introduce several more contests in 2019 to showcase the way its technology is transforming how music is created and enjoyed.<br /> <br /> For more information about the company and its future business goals, go to digitraxentertainment.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Bands - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Enhancing a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding proposal or ceremony, with the right song takes the experience to a whole new level. It adds a personal touch that makes for ongoing memories, as couples have the opportunity to play the song at anniversaries or other special events through the years.<br /> <br /> Just in time for anyone planning to propose on Valentine's Day (or any day), an original song called "The First Time," by Del Henry, makes its debut February 1, 2019, on multiple channels, including iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Music Store, Shazam, and many more.<br /> <br /> The release of the song coincides with a release of a video. The video version of "The First Time" being released is, in fact, the first time the song was performed live, at a wedding as a gift from the groom to the bride, and her reaction says it all.<br /> <br /> "How can I say, in a most simple way/My living started when you came that day/ How can I tell you when all's said and done/ My Heaven started with you as the one."<br /> <br /> Many couples can relate to these lyrics. The song stands out as an example of the power of music to capture a moment and move an audience, so it is both a personal and a shared experience.<br /> <br /> Many of the guests seen in the video of the song's debut are as emotional as the bride, because the lyrics evoke memories of their own shared lives and ongoing love stories.<br /> <br /> "It's truly a story about how and why couples come to the moment when they want to be together … 'eternally,' says David Shewmaker, the Minister conducting the ceremony.<br /> <br /> "As a Groomsman, I could see Brandon's live performance and saw the audience's response, which was electric and moving. I was hearing the song for the first time too," says Tim Delany, a 23-year-old college graduate.<br /> <br /> Lyrics such as "The first time I felt your eyes touch mine/The first time I felt your smile" can be part of the setting of a proposal on Valentine's Day or any day, but they are equally appropriate for an anniversary, whether a first or a fiftieth, or simply to thank someone for bringing joy to your life.<br /> <br /> Use the song to show your affection for someone who matters to you, share the heartwarming video, and appreciate the skill of 18-year-old musician Brandon D. Henry, who performed "The First Time" for its first time at the recent wedding shown in the video, accompanied by master guitarist Dave Murdy.<br /> <br /> Ref: Concerts - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Independent films are the heart and soul of the movie industry. These original works of art have the potential to push the boundaries of film; engage new, underserved audiences and, just maybe, develop into blockbuster hits seen by millions of viewers worldwide.<br /> <br /> This journey of growth, however, is no easy task. For an independent filmmaker, distribution can be the difference between a flop and a million-dollar success.<br /> <br /> How can filmmakers trump this trend? The Movie Studio (TMS) evolved with an answer to this ever-important industry problem.<br /> <br /> The TMS model is two-fold. The company both creates its own movies and simultaneously distributes other independent films. The combination provides TMS with a full library of diverse work that appeals to a broad network of buyers worldwide.<br /> <br /> Currently, TMS is focused on English-speaking films. Plans are in the works, however, to enter the foreign films language market in the near future.<br /> <br /> Gordon Scott Ventures, CEO, stated, "We are very excited to assist many independent producers, with their collective team in their quest for having their efforts rewarded by reaching audiences around the globe."<br /> <br /> TMS' growth comes through enrolling indie producers from the top film schools and film festivals. If recruited, producers have the opportunity to share their work with audiences in more than 60 countries. These moviemakers can also become a member of TMS' growing family of followers, shareholders and supporters, ultimately working together for a mutual profit.<br /> <br /> In addition, TMS continues to prove its value through its finesse and speed, period. The organization prides itself on giving viewers the power to decide for themselves if a film is successful.<br /> <br /> As a pledge to its commitment to the industry, the TMS team has solidified a powerful, well-coordinated media platform through NewsUSA and FilmFestival.com. This platform will boast a strong social media program intended to reach new independent producers and savvy film watchers alike.<br /> <br /> With the indie industry begging for more options to grow, TMS could be in the right position at the right time to swiftly become a leader in the entertainment industry at large.<br /> <br /> To learn more, please visit www.TheMovieStudio.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Entertainment - in Blogs

<center><button onmouseup="tospecinit();" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#allpostaudioModal" class="btn btn-default allpostaudio-button" style="width: 130px !important;margin-bottom:25px;font-weight:bold"><i class="fa fa-play" style="margin-right:7px;color:#777"></i>Play Audio</button><input class="allpostaudio-url" style="display:none!important" value="https://stallios.com/podcasts/stinger-podcast.ogg"> </center> <br /> <br /> <br /> Ref: Art - in Audio Podcasts

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(NewsUSA) - It's no surprise that parents today seek books that will delight, engage, and educate their children. However, some parents are seeing gaps in the available options of topics they want to share with their children. To combat this, there is a growing trend of parents who have taken matters into their own hands and turned to self-publishing to fill these holes themselves.<br /> <br /> Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) from Amazon is one self-publishing option that offers editorial freedom and ease of use for busy parents looking to create something that meets their kids' needs.<br /> <br /> KDP success stories include Handeep Dhoot (who writes as "Dr. Dhoot"), a mom with a Ph.D. in chemistry who wanted to introduce her young daughter to STEM topics.<br /> <br /> Dr. Dhoot has self-published the growing Tinker Toddler series of STEM books aimed at young children, including Machine Learning for Babies & Toddlers.<br /> <br /> "Becoming a parent helped me realize the urgency for introducing scientific topics, like STEM, to kids while their brains are still developing. KDP allowed me to self-publish books that portray these ideas in an accurate and digestible way for kids, including my own daughter."<br /> <br /> Gabi Garcia, a long-time school counselor and mom, turned to self-publishing when she saw a lack of books for Spanish-speaking and bilingual children about how to understand their emotions and feelings.<br /> <br /> "It's so important to engage with children early to discuss mindfulness. Self-publishing on KDP empowered me to take all that I'd learned and seen as a school counselor and make it accessible to more children, in both English and Spanish."<br /> <br /> She has published several books on these topics through KDP, including Listening to My Body, published in both English and Spanish. She now writes full-time on mindfulness and social awareness topics for children, parents, and educators.<br /> <br /> Brendan Kelso struggled with dyslexia as a child, but found learning and performing dramatic monologues helpful. He enjoyed Shakespeare, but, like many young readers, found the text hard to understand.<br /> <br /> After a career in engineering, he became a stay-at-home dad and came up with an idea to write versions of Shakespeare's plays that were more accessible to kids. His loveof theater and writing led him to self-publish several works through KDP, starting with Shakespeare's Hamlet for Kids.<br /> <br /> "I have the freedom to spend more time with my family, while pursuing my passion on my own terms with KDP."<br /> <br /> These parents have been able to create the books they couldn't find for kids and found financial success - and sometimes a whole new career - in the process.<br /> <br /> For those parents who are toying with self-publishing, but still have questions, consider this:<br /> <br /> * KDP lets authors set their own prices and retain all rights to their work.<br /> <br /> * As an author, you can publish your book in minutes, and these books are available to a worldwide audience through Kindle online stores in 24-48 hours.<br /> <br /> * You can publish Kindle eBooks and paperbacks in multiple languages.<br /> <br /> Visit kdp.amazon.com for more information about Kindle Direct Publishing.<br /> <br /> Ref: Encouraging - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Every holiday season has its hot tech item -; from smartwatches to game consoles and now to folding drones.<br /> <br /> Drones can give you the bird's-eye view that makes any video look engaging and exciting, mostly because that perspective hasn't been possible until drones came about. One of the biggest problems people have had with drones is that they are typically so difficult to carry around and take on adventures.<br /> <br /> Cue the folding drone, first launched by GDU in 2015 and recently copied by DJI and GoPro. This design lets anyone take a drone along in a backpack or small bag -- portability solved!<br /> <br /> But does a folding drone answer all the problems with drones today? Not quite. If you only plan to use a drone for a quick video or two, the DJI Mavic might be a decent choice for the holidays. But if you plan on using the drone for different photography and videography projects, or if you simply enjoy flying a drone, you'll want to look for something that has a lot more power and the ability to change out gimbals and cameras.<br /> <br /> Enter the GDU Premium Byrd -- the first and only drone that has a folding design, a high-end 4K camera, the ability to swap out cameras and even carry DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for a true "future proofing" ability. They call this the Universal Flying Platform. And with GoPro recalling their Karma, the Byrd is the only folding drone that also works with a GoPro.<br /> <br /> "All consumer-level drones are developed for only one camera, but not the Byrd. GDU will continue to create new gimbal packages to keep the Byrd "future proofed." They simply don't want people to have to buy a new drone to use a new camera you might buy: that's the philosophy behind the 'flying platform' approach," states Nicolia Wiles, GDU Director of Digital. "You shouldn't have to keep buying $1K drones you don't need just to use a different camera. When you buy a GDU Byrd, you only invest in a drone once, and can save your money for buying cameras you want to try. No other consumer drone manufacturer offers this."<br /> <br /> The Premium Byrd provides for 29 minutes of flight time, with a guaranteed 1000-meter video downlink system included in the shipped model (no additional downlink technology needed) and also offers a more advanced OFDM system, compared to WiFi transmission in the Standard model. The Price of the Premium Byrd model is $999.00. Dealer information can be found here: <a target='_blank' href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Crazy - in Blogs

When it comes to writing a grocery list, I can say that some have been lengthy, and I am not speaking metaphorically. This is what the world of a serial overthinker is all about, where a simple decision can become a mental challenge, and a single line email is sent three drafts later. If you have ever seen yourself staring at your email contemplating a response of “Thanks!” without sounding emotionally detached or weird, I congratulate you, you are likely an overthinker too.<br />Overthinking goes beyond being a habit or lifestyle, it's your second full-time job but without the benefits. It's lying in bed awake, staring at your ceiling, and thinking of how things went a week ago. It involves preparing for a circumstance, dreading the circumstance, encountering the circumstance, and then revisiting it after the fact. Was there anything I forgot? Should I have said something different?<br /><br /><br />Disclaimers come with each good day. A good example of this is when I receive a compliment. In my mind, I am triple checking the meaning behind it. Was it meant? Was sarcasm involved? Were they referring to me or someone else? Once the praise has been accepted, the topic has already changed three times and my opportunity to give thanks has lapsed.<br /><br /><br />The thing is, though, overthinking is more than self-doubt or anxiety. It also involves caring too much. For me, I care about being considerate, clear, and respectful. I also care about avoiding hurt feelings and making good decisions. Afterall, there is a ton of heart beneath it all, regardless of how little sleep I have had.<br /><br />

(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.<br /> <br /> Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."<br /> <br /> Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.<br /> <br /> "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."<br /> <br /> The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.<br /> <br /> For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.<br /> <br /> The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.<br /> <br /> "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.<br /> <br /> The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.<br /> <br /> The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs