Playtech : Opens the Eagerly Awaited Third State-of-the-Art Live Casino Facility in Pennsylvania

Playtech  :  Opens the Eagerly Awaited Third State-of-the-Art Live Casino Facility in Pennsylvania
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30 November 2023. Playtech is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its third and latest state-of-the-art Live Studio in the United States. The highly anticipated studio, which officially soft launched on November 28, will soon continue to run operations 24/7, marking a significant milestone for Playtech Live as it conquers its third US state, completing the tri-state iGaming project.

Located in Pennsylvania, the new Live Studio offers an exceptional Live Casino experience, allowing players to indulge in the thrill and excitement of VIP Blackjack and Roulette games. With an unwavering commitment to delivering unmatched gambling opportunities, Playtech Live has exciting plans to expand its game offerings to further cater to the diverse preferences and interests of esteemed players in the near future.

The launch of the long-awaited Pennsylvania Live Studio continues to showcase the Playtech Live team’s dedication to innovation and its belief in creating dynamic, immersive, and state-of-the-art online casino experiences. This studio is a testament to Playtech’s commitment to driving the evolution of the iGaming industry by bringing cutting-edge technology and highly engaging content to players worldwide.

As a leader in the Live Casino market, the Playtech Live team has taken great pride in expanding its footprint within the United States, solidifying its presence in three key states for iGaming. The continuously growing team in the United States is consistently delivering these key milestones and the newly opened Pennsylvania Live Studio is a testament to Playtech’s position as the go-to provider for Live Casino solutions further strengthening its partnerships with leading online operators across the U.S.

Edo Haitin, Playtech Live CEO says; “I am very proud of this significant achievement for Playtech Live as we open our Pennsylvania Live Studio. This achievement is a testament to the outstanding dedication and expertise of our team, as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional Live Casino experiences to players worldwide. We are thrilled to complete the tri-state iGaming expansion and conquer yet another key territory. The launch of our state-of-the-art studio represents an exciting new chapter in our growth, showcasing our commitment to driving innovation within the industry with our dedicated focus on crafting customised gameplay experiences for the American market. We remain committed to delivering players of Pennsylvania an extraordinary online gaming experience.”


-ENDS-

About Playtech


Founded in 1999 and premium listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, Playtech is a technology leader in the gambling industry with over 7,300 employees across 19 countries.


Playtech is the gambling industry’s leading technology company delivering business intelligence driven gambling software, services, content and platform technology across the industry’s most popular product verticals, including, casino, live casino, sports betting, virtual sports, bingo and poker. It is the pioneer of omni-channel gambling technology through its integrated platform technology, Playtech ONE. Playtech ONE delivers data driven marketing expertise, single wallet functionality, CRM and responsible gambling solutions across one single platform across product verticals and across retail and online.


Playtech partners with and invests in the leading brands in regulated and newly regulated markets to deliver its data driven gambling technology across the retail and online value chain. Playtech provides its technology on a B2B basis to the industry’s leading retail and online operators, land-based casino groups and government sponsored entities such as lotteries. Playtech directly owns and operates Snaitech, the leading sports betting and gaming company in online and retail in Italy.


For further information please contact:

Manpreet Dhillon, Head of Corporate Affairs

Headland Consultancy

Tom James, Felix Zadek-Ewing

+44 (0) 7789207685

Manpreet.dhillon@playtech.com

+44 (0)20 3805 4822

+44 (0) 7725 580 928

Vote for the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award

Vote for the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award

The season of looking back at the best-of events and moments of the year has arrived. Editorial boards and experts in specific fields usually compile these lists for us, leaving only the chance to debate their merits.

But ordinary people have the chance to vote in one of the most prestigious annual photography contests: the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. This honor, sponsored by the National History Museum in London, gives the general public a rare look at our planet through the lens of some of the best photographers in the world.

Twenty-five photos made the final cut for the Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award from nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries, according to the National History Museum in London.

“Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s People’s Choice Award always offers an astounding selection of images, and this year is no different,” Douglas Gurr, Director of the National History Museum, said in the contest’s press announcement. “We invite the public to join the jury and vote for their favorite; whether breathtaking beauty or a powerful story, it’s sure to be a difficult decision!”

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year initiative aims to provide the world an inside look at “a planet under pressure.” By using photography, people get rare views of how our planet and its natural inhabitants are impacted by our actions and scientifically documented ecosystem changes.

The People’s Choice Award is an extension of the museum’s larger Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which has already awarded its two major prizes:

First, Laurent Ballesta won the Grand Prize (his second win in three years) for his photograph “The Golden Horseshoe.” Contest judges announced Ballesta’s win and shared the incredible photograph on the Natural History Museum’s social media on Nov. 27.

Seventeen-year-old Carmel Bechler won the museum’s Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year Grand Prize with his “Owls’ Road House” image. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum’s official Facebook page showcased Bechler’s photo and Ballesta’s winning image.

This year’s 25 finalists for the people’s choice award feature everything from an up-close view of many different animals, including a polar bear napping on an iceberg, a group of socializing penguins, a red fox cub “negotiating” with a tiny shrew after a rough play moment and a pair of luminescent moon jellyfish aglow beneath the Aurora Borealis.

Look through all 25 finalists on the contest’s official website and vote for your favorite before Jan. 31, 2024. The winner and honorable mentions will be announced on Feb. 7, 2024.


Vote for the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award originally appeared on Simplemost.com, helping make the most out of life.

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Cosentino’s Ukiyo Surface Collection Introduces Fluted Texture in a New Light

Cosentino’s Ukiyo Surface Collection Introduces Fluted Texture in a New Light

Cosentino’s new Dekton® Ukiyo collection features textured, linear fluting that brings a fresh, tactile quality and a distinctive depth and dimension to any space, be it residential or commercial. The Spanish global leader in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces worked in collaboration with high-end interior and product designer, Claudia Afshar, to create the collection and bring it to life.

Dekton Ukiyo by Claudia Afshar in Umber

“Playing with texture is timeless, and it is so important in all materials, not just fabric,” Afshar shared. “I have always been inspired by the materials found in nature and making the spaces I design as comfortable, warm, and authentic as possible. Ukiyo is calming yet simplistic, and the colorways and fluting are romantic, but also contemporary and masculine to achieve balance.”

dark brown/grey bathroom with single sink and walk-in glass shower

Dekton Ukiyo by Claudia Afshar in Bromo

Dekton® Ukiyo is inspired by Japanese and contemporary design, celebrating the art of minimalism and embracing the present. Ukiyo means to “live in the moment,” and the collection is designed to awaken the senses while evoking a feeling of wellness by achieving a beautiful, calm state within the space. It embodies a palette of emotions and sensations, showcasing a geometric, smooth structure that creates harmonious designs both inside and outside.

white interior living space with mounted TV and two coffee tables

Dekton Ukiyo by Claudia Afshar in Rem

Offered in five colorways, Ukiyo is available in durable, ready-to-install fluted tiles – one of the first offerings of its kind in the industry. Bromo is a dark gray shade inspired by slate that features subtle, faded graphics and a crafted texture with a natural aesthetic. Even and controlled, Kreta pulls its look from cement, and can lighten or darken a space depending on the density of the pattern used. Umber is a terracotta hue with a natural reddish pigment that creates a warm, textured surface while adding character. Featuring subtle details, from fine micro-concrete to lime plastering, Nacre is a cream shade with lots of versatility. Lastly is Rem, an intricate design with brown and gray veining with hints of gold that reflect the traditional and linear structure of Calacatta Lincoln.

brown accented interior living space with white chairs, shelving, and a live tree

Dekton Ukiyo by Claudia Afshar in Kreta

Dekton® is the only cradle-to-grave carbon neutral solid surface on the market, sustainably manufactured using 99 percent recycled and reused water, 100 percent renewable electric energy, and recycled materials in its composition.

“Every day I strive to think outside the box in order to create something unique, yet special for each project. This collaboration offers just that, and I am so thankful to the entire Cosentino team for bringing this collection to the market,” said Afshar.

To learn more about Cosentino’s new Dekton® Ukiyo collection, visit cosentino.com. 

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

A winter wonderland of art: Three art markets coming to Fort Valley Rd. on Dec. 2

A winter wonderland of art: Three art markets coming to Fort Valley Rd. on Dec. 2
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Handcrafted dolls, authentic Native American jewelry, woven textiles and handmade soaps — from Dec. 2-3, art enthusiasts and holiday shoppers can find an array of local, handcrafted artworks along North Fort Valley Rd. as the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA) and Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA) host their annual winter markets.

This weekend marks the third year the three groups have coordinated their markets together to create a cultural corridor along Highway 180. Each market will have free admission starting at 10 a.m. and will feature pieces created by a variety of artists, from middle school students to professional Diné jewelers.

Work of FL Photography Guild to be featured

Work of FL Photography Guild to be featured
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CANANDAIGUA — From Dec. 3 through Jan. 12, Finger Lakes Photography Guild members’ work will be featured at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St.

The display is free and open to the public. Photographs are professionally framed, and most are available for purchase.

Heron Hill Winery will offer free wine samples during an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7.

Guild member George Wallace took his first photos with a Kodak box camera when he was 9. Today, he embraces digital photography and focuses on landscapes. He loves walking along trails and capturing the emotion he feels in a scene but said he rarely knows if he’s been successful until he sees the images at home on his computer.

Former Guild president Diane Dersch says after she retired from music education 11 years ago, she “picked up a camera and never looked back. I’ve attended numerous photography workshops and classes out west and in England. I’ve also been the chief photographer for numerous mission trips to Africa.”

Longtime Guild member Keith Kappel enjoys delving into the past with his camera.

“I’m always looking for antiques, old vehicles, and historic barns,” he said. “They’re a gold mine for photographers, and I’m rarely disappointed with the images I capture at such places. I’m also sensitive to the lighting and composition of images, as you can see in ‘Hex Barn.’ Some scenes are just too pleasant to pass up.”

Photographer Paul Yarnall began shooting with a childhood Christmas gift: a Kodak Brownie.

“I started getting serious with the advent of digital photography,” he said. “We live in a golden age of freely accessible knowledge, and YouTube is a remarkable resource for continued learning. Photographers today are lifelong students of that art form.”

The Finger Lakes Photography Guild members meet monthly to share their work, improve their skills, and share tips and tricks to make them better photographers. Twenty-seven professional and amateur photographers from various walks of life are Guild members, and many are recognized routinely in contests, magazines, and juried shows.

To learn more about the Finger Lakes Photography Guild, search for the Guild on Facebook, visit www.fingerlakespbotographyguild.org, or contact Joy Underhill at 585-794-0001 or joywbj@gmail.com.

Unseen Polaroids shine a new light on ’90s icon Winona Ryder

Unseen Polaroids shine a new light on ’90s icon Winona Ryder


CNN
 — 

In the 1980s and ’90s, Winona Ryder was a dark-haired waif against a sea of preppy blondes. Pale, brooding and enigmatic, Ryder cut her teeth starring in alternative, macabre films like “Beetlejuice” (1988), “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992), “Edward Scissorhands” (1990) and “Girl, Interrupted” (1999).

Her grungy, gamine look made her a convincing on-screen outsider, but it was this singularity that captivated so many. Three decades on, the starlet’s off-beat allure has hardly waned. In fact, it might have grown.

Many of the photos were taken in Rich's office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs' Manhattan headquarters, a hangout spot for famous friends of the brand.

Now, a new photography book by Robert Rich, former Vice President of public relations for fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ eponymous label, reveals a softer, more intimate side to the ’90s icon. “I will always be her Shnookie and she will always be my Shnookums,” Rich write in the introduction to “Winona,” a nod to the pair’s 20-year-long friendship and the intimacy of the images.

There’s a recurring backdrop in the many of the polaroid snaps: the crowded collage wall of Rich’s basement office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ headquarters on Mercer Street in Manhattan. Ryder is there again and again — in a purple plunging evening gown, in messy braids and a dance school tank top or in a pair of overalls and a woven sun hat.

Cameos by stars ranging Grace Jones to Kate Moss are strikingly human. They are pictured kissing Ryder on the cheek, or with arms flung around one another in a tight embrace. The office was their off-duty clubhouse, says Rich, who documented his friendship with Ryder consistently.

The book also offers a glimpse of Rich's close friendship with Ryder.

“I’ve always been a fan,” he told CNN in a video interview. “And I had just seen “Girl, Interrupted” when she came (into the Marc Jacobs store). That’s how we became friends. I just went up to her and started talking about it.”

As the decades went on, Polaroids made way for front-facing camera phones. The images in the book span across years and mediums, from selfies taken by Ryder and Rich to paparazzi shots of the pair walking through SoHo.

“I didn’t want to be in the book,” said Rich. “But Francesca Sorrenti (esteemed fashion photographer and creative director of the project) looked at the pictures with a fresh eye and said ‘There are a lot of books on people — let’s show the relationship.’”

There are no captions or timestamps for any of the images featured in “Winona,” mainly because Rich, by his own admission, failed to make detailed notes.

“I wish I had dated them,” he lamented. “But I would just take the Polaroids, put them in my back pocket and let them develop that way. I wasn’t sitting down (categorizing them). I just put them in shoe boxes under my desk, or hung them on the wall if there was a good one. It was very spontaneous.”

“Winona” is published by IDEA Books.

Her mark on pop culture was indelible — literally. Johnny Depp dedicated an infamous tattoo reading “Winona, Forever” to her during their whirlwind four-year relationship, a phrase that was quickly co-opted by fans around the world.

In 2016 Ryder returned to the acting world as Joyce Byers in the Netflix Sci-Fi drama “Stranger Things” and reprised her role as queen of 1980s gothicism. Now, she’s due to appear in a sequel of the career-making movie “Beetlejuice.” How does Rich feel about witnessing a Ryder revival? “I don’t think she ever disappeared. Not really.”

“Winona” is published by IDEA Books and available to purchase from November 30, 2023.

Unseen photographs shine a new light on ’90s icon Winona Ryder

Unseen photographs shine a new light on ’90s icon Winona Ryder

November 30, 2023 at 7:32 AM

In the 1980s and ’90s, Winona Ryder was a dark-haired waif against a sea of preppy blondes. Pale, brooding and enigmatic, Ryder cut her teeth starring in alternative, macabre films like “Beetlejuice” (1988), “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992), “Edward Scissorhands” (1990) and “Girl, Interrupted” (1999).

Her grungy, gamine look made her a convincing on-screen outsider, but it was this singularity that captivated so many. Three decades on, the starlet’s off-beat allure has hardly waned. In fact, it might have grown.

Many of the photos were taken in Rich's office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs' Manhattan headquarters, a hangout spot for famous friends of the brand. - Robert RichMany of the photos were taken in Rich's office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs' Manhattan headquarters, a hangout spot for famous friends of the brand. - Robert Rich
Many of the photos were taken in Rich’s office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ Manhattan headquarters, a hangout spot for famous friends of the brand. – Robert Rich

Now, a new photography book by Robert Rich, former Vice President of public relations for fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ eponymous label, reveals a softer, more intimate side to the ’90s icon. “I will always be her Shnookie and she will always be my Shnookums,” Rich write in the introduction to “Winona,” a nod to the pair’s 20-year-long friendship and the intimacy of the images.

There’s a recurring backdrop in the many of the polaroid snaps: the crowded collage wall of Rich’s basement office at fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ headquarters on Mercer Street in Manhattan. Ryder is there again and again — in a purple plunging evening gown, in messy braids and a dance school tank top or in a pair of overalls and a woven sun hat.

Cameos by stars ranging Grace Jones to Kate Moss are strikingly human. They are pictured kissing Ryder on the cheek, or with arms flung around one another in a tight embrace. The office was their off-duty clubhouse, says Rich, who documented his friendship with Ryder consistently.

The book also offers a glimpse of Rich's close friendship with Ryder. - Robert RichThe book also offers a glimpse of Rich's close friendship with Ryder. - Robert Rich
The book also offers a glimpse of Rich’s close friendship with Ryder. – Robert Rich

“I’ve always been a fan,” he told CNN in a video interview. “And I had just seen “Girl, Interrupted” when she came (into the Marc Jacobs store). That’s how we became friends. I just went up to her and started talking about it.”

As the decades went on, Polaroids made way for front-facing camera phones. The images in the book span across years and mediums, from selfies taken by Ryder and Rich to paparazzi shots of the pair walking through SoHo.

“I didn’t want to be in the book,” said Rich. “But Francesca Sorrenti (esteemed fashion photographer and creative director of the project) looked at the pictures with a fresh eye and said ‘There are a lot of books on people — let’s show the relationship.’”

There are no captions or timestamps for any of the images featured in “Winona,” mainly because Rich, by his own admission, failed to make detailed notes.

“I wish I had dated them,” he lamented. “But I would just take the Polaroids, put them in my back pocket and let them develop that way. I wasn’t sitting down (categorizing them). I just put them in shoe boxes under my desk, or hung them on the wall if there was a good one. It was very spontaneous.”

“Winona” is published by IDEA Books. - Robert Rich“Winona” is published by IDEA Books. - Robert Rich
“Winona” is published by IDEA Books. – Robert Rich

Her mark on pop culture was indelible — literally. Johnny Depp dedicated an infamous tattoo reading “Winona, Forever” to her during their whirlwind four-year relationship, a phrase that was quickly co-opted by fans around the world.

In 2016 Ryder returned to the acting world as Joyce Byers in the Netflix Sci-Fi drama “Stranger Things” and reprised her role as queen of 1980s gothicism. Now, she’s due to appear in a sequel of the career-making movie “Beetlejuice.” How does Rich feel about witnessing a Ryder revival? “I don’t think she ever disappeared. Not really.”

“Winona” is published by IDEA Books and available to purchase from November 30, 2023.

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New sculpture that adults and kids can ‘play on’ pops up in Bankside

New sculpture that adults and kids can ‘play on’ pops up in Bankside
A new ‘pink and blue furry’ sculpture, that invites people to ‘play’ on it, has arrived in Bankside. The interactive pop-up is part of the Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside’s plan to encourage people to spend time in the area. They have collaborated with property developer JTRE London to erect the…