FlagShip Announces its 15th Anniversary as a Leading Discount Shipping Company

Since 2005, FlagShip has evolved into the innovative shipping solutions company it is today by doing things differently without compromising on its unparalleled customer care, seamless shipping experience and unwavering integrity. See how far the Canadian company has come and how they are making shipping easy for SMBs.

Pointe-Claire, Quebec, April 28, 2021 -- Today kicks off the celebration of 15 years in business for FlagShip™, a leading force in the shipping industry. Founded in 2005, FlagShip’s unique approach to helping small and medium-sized businesses with their shipping needs catapulted the company to the top of the shipping industry in Canada. FlagShip has evolved into the innovative shipping solutions company it is today by doing things differently without compromising on its unparalleled customer care, seamless shipping experience and unwavering integrity.

Since the inception of FlagShip, the core values have held true – that every Canadian business deserves an exceptional shipping experience with access to great rates, no matter how much they ship. Over the past 15 years, FlagShip has held true to this promise; from shipping system innovations that create an easy user experience every time, to the development of a suite of eCommerce shipping integrations, and access to a live customer care representative in less than 15 seconds!

Company President, Howard Kruger remarked: "FlagShip has achieved this milestone through the hard work and dedication of employees and the culture of customer service that exists throughout the entire organization. FlagShip has been dedicated to 15 years of innovation to provide customers with the best shipping experience for Canadian SMBs. Throughout 2021, the company will be looking at where it started, what it has achieved, and what the plans are for the future.”

Please watch the video – 15 Years of FlagShip – to see highlights of key company milestones.

About FlagShip Courier Solutions:
Since 2005, FlagShip has had a strong commitment to providing online shipping solutions for small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers that make their businesses better, easier and more efficient. Today, FlagShip brings that same commitment and a range of solutions to consumers. FlagShip continues to embrace technological innovation and entrepreneurial philosophies, to help SMBs and consumers alike save time and money and make shipping stress-free. FlagShip is an authorized reseller of Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar, Dicom and DHL.

For more information on FlagShip visit www.flagshipcompany.com

The Best Approach for HTML5 and Video Surveillance

With the world rapidly moving to putting everything on the cloud, companies and organizations need to adapt and pivot in order to survive.

Toronto, ON., April 27, 2021 -- With the world rapidly moving to putting everything on the cloud, companies and organizations need to adapt and pivot in order to survive. Reduced cloud costs over the past few years, along with increased operational efficiency, and remote access have further propelled this trend.

Given these factors, and with access from any web browser, it has become essential for video surveillance systems to support HTML5 video. This is how VXG Inc. fits in: by providing end-to-end software for all video monitoring and video streaming needs, such as mobile video and web video players. Embed video to any website, source, or device, and convert video output from any file format, such as mp4 to HTML5.

Pre-HTML5 protocols

Before HTML5 and HTML video, to have a video file play on a webpage, users would need to use a plug-in like Adobe Flash Player or VLC. With the introduction of HTML5 video streaming, users can now place videos directly into the page itself. This allows video playback on pages that are designed for mobile devices, as plug-ins like Adobe Flash Player don't work on Android or iOS.

There are several roadblocks to overcome for video surveillance and the security industry. The major obstacle is the main video streaming protocol in video security, which is Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). RTSP usually creates a TCP session for a handshake between a player and a camera and then transfers media data over TCP or UDP.

The problem is that all modern Web browsers don't allow raw TCP connections. For a long time the workaround was to use a VLC plug-in. When browsers stopped supporting plug-ins and Chrome became the dominant browser, VXG was the first to introduce a Chrome plug-in (based on NaCL technology). This became a popular solution for several years as it worked with multiple sources and modern browsers. Another alternative is to ask users to use an older version of Internet Explorer with a VLC plug-in. However, that is the least robust, and user-friendly option.

HTML5 compliance

Today, all modern browsers require strict compliance with HTML5 video players. Requiring all communication to be over HTTP or WebSocket protocols, with an exception of several special media delivery protocols like WebRTC. This gives two choices: 1) support one of the HTML5 [video embed] compliant protocols on a camera; 2) use a proxy or a cloud server to translate RTSP to HTML5 protocol.

HTML5 directly on a camera

There are several relatively simple ways of supporting HTML5 protocol on a camera. The easiest is to use what's called HTTP tunnelling for RTSP. This is when the whole RTSP exchange and media delivery is wrapped with HTTP packets.

Another approach, which is slightly more complex, is using a WebSocket for tunnelling. The WebSocket approach gives an option to initiate a connection from a camera. This can be very useful for connecting to a cloud and is part of a relatively new ONVIF Uplink Specification. The even more complex solution is using a P2P video protocol like WebRTC. All the above require significant changes on a camera, though HTTP tunnelling is the least complicated.

HTML5 proxy on the cloud

With a cloud approach, users have the flexibility of supporting all cameras including older cameras without built-in HTML5 support. The cloud acts as a proxy converting RTSP into one of the HTML5 compliant formats, such as HLS or WebRTC, or it can simply tunnel RTSP through a WebSocket. The latter approach requires a proprietary video player, while the first two protocols are supported by the majority of web browsers.

The cloud video hosting approach has many additional benefits. Once the video stream is on the cloud, users can do cloud recording, relay real-time video to a variety of video analytics services, and connect video to broadcasting servers or CDN (Content Delivery Network). The best part is this can all be done on-demand. If you need to analyze video elements from one of your cameras and only during rush hours then you'll only use resources for a short period of time and for one camera only.

Abundance of Hope Counseling Partners with MTV and More for National 'Mental Health Action Day'

Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement of brands, organizations and cultural leaders to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action. The first Mental Health Action Day will take place on May 20, 2021 with a mission to encourage and empower people to take their first steps towards mental health action -- whether for themselves, for their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes, because mental health is health.

Denton, Texas, United States., April 24, 2021 -- First National ‘Mental Health Action Day’ to Drive People to Take a First Mental Health Action for Themselves or Others

One year into COVID-19 and amidst a most dire mental health crisis, ABUNDANCE OF HOPE COUNSELING and nearly 200 organizations team up to plan inaugural ‘Mental Health Action Day’ on May 20.

DALLAS – FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- ABUNDANCE OF HOPE COUNSELING in partnership with 193 leading brands, nonprofits and cultural leaders today announced the first-ever Mental Health Action Day, to be held on Thursday, May 20 during Mental Health Awareness Month. Over the past two decades, suicide rates have risen, particularly among young adults. And the COVID pandemic has accelerated the already dire crisis, giving way to what many mental health professionals have called the “second pandemic.”

Though more people than ever are comfortable discussing mental health, finding effective resources and knowing how to get help remains a challenge. Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement of brands, organizations and cultural leaders to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action.

Partners will encourage people to take their first steps towards mental health action -- whether for themselves, for their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes. Resources and tools will be available for people to seek help in a myriad of ways from starting a meditation practice, learning how to support a friend, or advocating for change.

Learn more at www.MentalHealthActionDay.org

“From Covid-19 to economic struggles and the continuing fight for racial justice, the other half of the twin pandemic is the rise of our mental health challenges,” said Erika Soto Lamb, Vice President of Social Impact Strategy at MTV Entertainment Group. “This is a critical moment to shift our culture from mental health awareness to mental health action and MTV is proud to come together with diverse cross-sector leaders on this inaugural day to encourage and empower people to take action -- for themselves, for their loved ones or for the systemic changes needed to improve our social and emotional wellbeing.”

Chikeitha Owens, owner of Abundance of Hope Counseling has worked diligently educating, advocating and bringing awareness to mental health not only in individual settings but speaking at events as well.
 
Mental Health Action Day is being planned in partnership with TaskForce, a cultural organizing agency that builds capacity for those taking on the most pressing challenges facing the communities, the nation and the world.

Additional participants and more information about how each partner will activate on May 20 will be forthcoming. More on Mental Health Action Day and initial partners can be found at www.MentalHealthActionDay.org

About Mental Health Action Day:
Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement of brands, organizations and cultural leaders to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action. The first Mental Health Action Day will take place on May 20, 2021 with a mission to encourage and empower people to take their first steps towards mental health action -- whether for themselves, for their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes, because mental health is health. Learn more at www.MentalHealthActionDay.org

About Abundance of Hope Counseling:
Abundance of Hope Counseling provides virtual mental health counseling in Texas and New Jersey. Provides education and awareness speaking on many platforms breaking the negative stigma associated with mental health. Helping individuals find an abundance of hope in their search for a more abundant life. Abundance of Hope Counseling was founded in 2009 by Chikeitha Owens LPC. Abundance of Hope Counseling services individuals, couples and teens that are seeking change. Abundance of Hope mission statement is to help individuals find an abundance of hope in their search for a more abundant life.

Seersucker Stud Releases a Thirst Trap Tutorial on YouTube

Following the launch of his brand Seersucker Stud earlier this week, Houston attorney Ryan Lindsay has now unveiled his new YouTube series, Thirst Trap 101. The educational and humorous video tutorials provide the basics to those that want to have the sexiest pages on Instagram.

Houston, TX., April 23, 2021 -- Entrepreneur Ryan Lindsay of Houston, Texas has dropped his new YouTube Series, “Thirst Trap 101.” After coaching artists on business success for over a decade, Lindsay has transformed his mentoring tips to aid those in need of enhancing the sexiest pages on Instagram. With an enthusiastic southern twang and plenty of humor, Lindsay provides positive affirmation along with the basic tools to ensure that viewers' thirst trap pages achieve their maximum potential. On the date of the launch, he unveiled an introductory video and the first three episodes.

The Urban Dictionary defines a “thirst trap” as a sexy photograph or flirty message posted on social media for the intent of causing others to publicly profess their attraction. It’s quite clear that Lindsay is used to that daily validation as his own thirst trap page nears fifteen thousand followers after only being in operation for a little over one year. A close examination of Lindsay’s Instagram page, @Seersucker.Stud, reveals the that progressive Houston lawyer treats the release of his photos as if it were a fine art unveiling. He employs a rollout strategy, clever captions and tremendous zeal and authenticity in interacting with his very loyal fans.

Thirst Trap 101 has proven to be appealing to numerous demographics. Results from early focus groups in both Houston and Austin, Texas show that the new channel’s programming resonates with a broad spectrum of individuals. Test audiences found Thirst Trap 101 to be wildly entertaining and tremendously beneficial for general social media advice irrespective of their race, age, gender, orientation or country of origin. Viewers also applauded the length of time per episode – the nine-to-fourteen-minute length tutorials kept them engaged and hungry for the subsequent show.

When asked about the impetus for Thirst Trap 101, Lindsay says, “Y’all. You know I just said to myself too many times that ‘there ought to be a guidebook for this’ that I decided to write it myself via a YouTube series.” When asked about the production itself, Lindsay explains, “While the ideas and content creation are all mine, I must give huge accolades to my editing partner, Bogdan Mihai with Buburuza Productions. The editing makes the episodes truly pop.” Lindsay elaborates, “I feel so comfortable when I’m filming. Of course, I practice plenty. I stay up very late into the night taping. But it’s as if time doesn’t exist as I’m completely in the zone.” Lindsay is particularly proud of his programming because it honors his photographers and gives them proper credit for their collaborative efforts.

If there are questions about Thirst Trap 101 or Seersucker Stud, please contact the team of studs at SeersuckerStud@gmail.com. Moving forward after the launch date, a new episode of Thirst Trap 101 will be unveiled each Friday morning.

About Seersucker Stud, LLC:
Seersucker Stud, LLC is a content creation company based out of Houston, Texas, USA. Currently the main platforms to grow the brand are Instagram and YouTube and there exists a plan to expand in the near future. On Friday, April 23rd, the Seersucker Stud YouTube Channel will launch with an introductory video plus the first three episodes. The brand Seersucker Stud embodies the modern southern gentleman: smart, progressive, witty and sexy. The brand is the brainchild of Houston attorney Ryan Lindsay. He founded Seersucker Stud, LLC in April of 2021.

Academic Business Solution Company TELANTO Wins EdTech Cool Tool Awards 2021

The prominent cloud-based academic business solution, TELANTO, was announced as the winner of the highly coveted EdTech Cool Tool: hiring or internships solutions award on March 31st, 2021. EdTech Awards is the largest recognition program in all of education technology established to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology.

Barcelona, Spain., April 20, 2021 -- The prominent cloud-based academic business solution, TELANTO, was announced as the winner of the highly coveted EdTech Cool Tool: hiring or internships solutions award on March 31st, 2021.

Celebrating its 11th year, the prestigious EdTech Awards is the largest recognition program in all of education technology established to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology. Interested parties can read more about the finalists and winners at https://www.edtechdigest.com/2021-finalists-winners/.

TELANTO launched in 2015 and has since made it their goal to bridge the gap between universities and industry to promote healthy collaboration -- improving education with experiential learning and industry with innovative solutions. Providing quality education to students by allowing educators to build sought-after competencies with entrusted students through action learning methodology produces a sheer multitude of benefits that TELANTO prides themselves with.

The EdTech Awards were established in 2010 to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology. This year’s finalists and winners were narrowed from the larger field and judged based on various criteria, including: pedagogical workability, efficacy and results, support, clarity, value and potential.

Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest Victor Rivero said:

“After a year like no other—to all those innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in K-12, higher ed, and workforce learning staying connected, productive, persistent, and getting us closer despite all challenges: we salute you.”

Full details about the EdTech 2021 awards can be found at https://www.edtechdigest.com/2021-finalists-winners/

About TELANTO:
TELANTO operates in the EdTech arena by providing a digital platform for higher education students to solve pivotal corporate challenges provided by businesses around the world. Companies provide real challenges for creative ideas and the ability to hire stand-out talent all on our platform. Our rapidly growing community of supervised students solve these challenges for real-world experience, credits, and job opportunities. Professors from a growing number of universities around the globe participate in supervising challenges from hundreds of companies and respective challenge sponsors in 25 countries from Fortune 500 corporations, to Small-and-Medium Enterprises, and Start-Ups as well. TELANTO is transforming the university-industry collaboration space by allowing students to solve real-world issues that deliver true value to organizations all while giving students an experiential learning opportunity.

Cory Keefe Keeps It Country with Debut Album

Cory Keefe may be a new face in country music, but traditional sounds run deep in his soul. He's one of the new traditionalists keeping a lost art alive, and Cory is definitely keeping it country. His vocals are as deep and rich as the likes of Haggard, Whitley and Singletary. Cory Keefe is a true star in the making and I'm proud to be a part of his debut album. - Lorrie Morgan

Nashville, TENN., April 14, 2021 -- A new generation of balladeers continues to spark the neotraditional movement in country music. Artists including Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, and Jon Pardi uphold the roots of country and keep tradition alive. The movement continues to steam forward with the appearance of Cory Keefe, bursting onto the scene with I'll Keep It Country.

The album was produced by Nashville hitmaker Buddy Hyatt, a former member of the rock group TOTO (Rosanna, Hold the Line, Africa). Hyatt has worked with Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis, Mickey Gilley, Lynn Anderson, Jessica Andrews, JoDee Messina, Tracey Lawrence, to name a few; making him a perfect fit for Cory's traditional style. Together with Hyatt, Cory chose 13 tracks written by some of country music's most successful songwriters and gathered a stellar list of players and singers to join Keefe in the studio.

A preview track was released earlier this year. "Where There's A Beer There's A Way," written by Tom Botkin, Kevin Denney, and John Edwards, gave fans a taste of the straight up country music Keefe is ready to serve up. A lyric video accompanied the track.

Concurrent with the album release, the title track will hit radio. "I'll Keep It Country" was written by Michael Rogers, Tom Botkin, and Craig Morgan. The release will feature a music video with a guest appearance by Grand Ole Opry star, Lorrie Morgan, who also lends her voice to the album on the song, "I Just Want You."

A gifted guitar player and singer, Cory Keefe is unabashedly country in his style and delivery. The self-taught musician was influenced by parents who are also talented singers. Along with his twin brother, (who makes a guest appearance on the new CD), Cory often participated in talent shows and other live music events, with a rising passion for music that continues to drive Cory's ambition. Admittedly, Cory became a stickler for rehearsals after he and his twin showed up for a competition self-assured and unprepared; a youthful lesson well-learned.

With inspiration from the music of artists like Daryle Singletary, Kevin Denney, and the late Keith Whitley, Cory's style is rooted in tradition, with a modern twist. His eclectic taste runs from Merle Haggard to rock music and even pop artists like Ed Sheeran might be heard blasting from the radio of his pickup truck. As a singer, however, the affable Keefe has a heart for pure country. Diehard fans of the legends will feel an instant kinship with Keefe, perhaps even feeling an immediate urge to sing along; certain they've heard him before. The sound is that familiar and comfortably country.

Cory was among the artists who performed at Nashville's CMA Theatre at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for the 2019 Keith Whitley Memorial Show, hosted by Lorrie Morgan and Jesse Keith Whitley. Sharing the stage with a lineup that included Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, Joe Nichols, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Wills and more, the country newcomer not only held his own, but brought the audience to its feet. The performance prompted emcee and legendary broadcaster, Bill Cody, to keep the young singer onstage to chat and give the enthusiastic crowd a chance to know him better.

When he's not wowing audiences with his vocal chops, Cory works as an electrician and enjoys softball, bowling, racing, and basically anything that feeds his competitive spirit. He's grounded, rock solid and country through and through.

I'll Keep It Country is available April 16, 2021 on KDM Records.

TRACK LIST

Deeper Well (Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard)
She Calls Me Cowboy (Monty Russ Criswell, Bubba Strait)
I'll Keep It Country (Michael Rogers, Tom Botkin, Craig Morgan)
Till Now (Phillip White, Blue Miller)
Where There's A Beer There's A Way (Tom Botkin, Kevin Denney, John Edwards)
That's Where I Want To Take Our Love (Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran)
I Just Want You Feat. Lorrie Morgan (Max D Barnes, Sylvia Barnes, Troy Seals)
Young Man Old (Justin Chambers)
Damn Strait (Tom Botkin, Caleb Daugherty)
Brotherly Love Feat. Dustin Keefe (Tim Nichols, Jimmy Alan Stewart)
Anything (Tom Botkin, Jon Michael Henderson, Lester P Richardson)
When I Breathe (Linda Buell, Craig Martin)
Going Home (John R Schneider, Troy Seals)

Ramadan will be Different this Year Says TGM Research Global Survey

TGM Research has conducted a global survey of 9,612 participants (20-28 March), across 17 countries.

Dubai, UAE, April 12, 2021 -- TGM Research has conducted a global survey of 9,612 participants (20-28 March), across 17 countries. We found that over 68% of Muslims will have their Ramadan celebrations impacted by COVID.

Key findings from the survey include:
- 68% of Muslims had their Ramadan celebrations impacted due to COVID-19
- 94% claim that they will fast this year
- 2 out of 3 Muslims will increase their worship during Ramadan, focusing on self-reflection
- Almost 62% will use specific Muslim-oriented apps or websites during Ramadan to help them navigate this period
- Only 20% will definitely travel to their hometown to spend Ramadan with their family. If they do travel, 45% of these will likely postpone preparations until the last minute due to uncertainty
- 34% will spend more on Ramadan gifts this year
- 1 out of 4 will proactively seek Ramadan-oriented promotions and discounts

How Has Ramadan Changed During COVID-19?
We know we are not the only ones curious about this.To get to the root of this question, TGM has conducted the world's most extensive Ramadan study, surveying over 9,612 Muslim believers across multiple regions, to understand the impact of changes.

Significant impact on social celebrations
The pandemic reshaped how the Muslim community prepares for, lives, and celebrates the holy month. In the face of the COVID pandemic, multiple traditional Ramadan activities will be affected this year. The majority of Muslims mostly miss Tarawih prayer (63%) and Iftar time (65%) with friends and relatives.

Private and faith celebrations unaffected
More than 90% of Muslims will be fasting this upcoming Ramadan. 63% claim they will increase their private worship.

General increase of Ramadan budget
Consumers are seeking additional opportunities, ready to spend more after one year of turbulence. The category impacted the most will be transportation. With all the restrictions in place, 28% will spend less on transportation-related expenses this Ramadan.

Less spending on travelling, more on food
Traditional gifts for Eid and food-related expenses will increase compared with the previous year. The TGM Ramadan International Survey reveals that nearly 40% of Muslims will spend more on food and drinks for Ramadan 2021.

When eating at home, more convenience this year.
Fewer meals are being prepared at homeas consumers increasingly seek convenience. 32% will be ordering food during Ramadan, with the mobile becoming the device of choice for food orders.

Optimism kicks in
The pandemic still dominates the global economic outlook heading into 2021. 2021 will be the year of transition. For many, it represents an opportunity to reset. According to the TGM Ramadan International Survey, 6 out of 10 people believe that 2021 will be muchbetter than 2020.

More detailed information about the survey results: https://tgmresearch.com/tgm-ramadan-global-survey-2021-infographic.html

METHODOLOGY / PROFILE
Online survey with 9,611 participants, in 17 countries, broken down into gender being Male 53%, and Female 47%. Muslim believers. Age groupings by 18-24 (25%), 25-29 (18%) 30-39 (32%), 40-50 (25%). Results were weighted to take country population structure aged between 18-50 into account. We surveyed only the part of the Muslim population that will be celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

About TGM:
TGM Research is an international technology-driven market research agency, which uses innovative digital ways to conduct surveys. We deliver large-scale global projects across all business and consumer audiences. Our global team of consultants blend people expertise and technology experience to build insight solutions that help drive our clients’ incremental growth.

Agreed New £18m Banking Facility with Investec

Xpediator, a leading provider of freight management services across the UK and Central and Eastern Europe.

United Kingdom, April 9, 2021 -- Xpediator (AIM: XPD), a leading provider of freight management services across the UK and Central and Eastern Europe, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a new £18 million financing facility with Investec Bank Plc.

The transaction consolidates Xpediator’s UK banking facilities, which had become fragmented as a result of recent acquisitions. The company also benefits from an improvement in the overall financing terms.

Altimapa Capital, the London based corporate finance firm that specialises in arranging finance for European mid-market companies, advised Xpediator throughout the process.

Xpediator and Altimapa are continuing to collaborate to close a pan-European facility for the group’s Central and Eastern European operations.

Pedro Tavares, Founder and CEO of Altimapa, said, “We are delighted to be working with Xpediator and Investec in arranging this transaction. The new facility will result in significant efficiencies and leave the company well placed to continue, and accelerate, its growth”.

Mike Williamson, Chief Financial Officer at Xpediator, commented, “The consolidation of our UK and Europe banking facilities is another step forward to improve and simplify Group functions and further support our existing operating businesses and strategic growth. We look forward to working with our new banking partners and thank Altimapa Capital for their professional service and support”.

Patrick Wilkins, Investec Capital Solutions, commented, “Investec is delighted to be chosen as the banking partner for Xpediator, and we look forward to providing continued backing and support to this exciting and fast-growing business. We are grateful to Altimapa Capital for their assistance on this transaction which I am sure will prove to be successful for all involved”.

About Xpediator:
Xpediator is a well-established international provider of freight management services. Established in 1988, the Group's international network of offices provides road, sea and air freight services, together with logistics and warehousing in the UK and Romania. The business offers integrated freight management within the supply chain logistics and fulfilment sector, through its three main areas: freight forwarding, logistics & warehousing and transport services. With headquarters in Braintree, Essex and country offices in nine CEE countries across 38 sites, the Group currently employs over 1,000 people and was successfully listed on London's AIM market in 2017.