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Hard Rock and John Legend ‘Come Together for Good’ at Special Performance for Unity by Hard Rock™ Members

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Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Hard Rock International presents Legend with $100,000 donation for his The Show Me Campaign

Two lucky Unity members won a trip to Legend’s performance at Hard Rock Cafe London complete with a stay in the inaugural ‘Hard Rock House’ – a local home adorned with the iconic, music-inspired décor of Hard Rock Hotels

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Last night, Hard Rock International hosted a private “Unity by Hard Rock Come Together for Good” performance with EGOT-winning critically acclaimed, multi-platinum artist and producer John Legend at the original Hard Rock Cafe London in continued celebration of the Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program launch. To show their gratitude for Legend’s partnership and support for his philanthropic endeavors, Hard Rock presented a $100,000 check to his organization The Show Me Campaign, which is committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to pursue their dreams through access to inspiring education, not just by chance, but by transforming the systems that shape our children’s futures. Show Me Campaign is a fiscally sponsored program of the Social Impact Fund.

hard rock
Keith Sheldon presents The Show Me Campaign check to John Legend on behalf of Hard Rock Heals Foundation – Credit Will Bailey (PRNewsfoto/Hard Rock International)

Legend at the Hard Rock

Legend performed favorite songs “Ordinary People,” “Tonight” and “All of Me” for an intimate audience of Unity members and other guests. Two lucky Unity members from Yukon, Oklahoma were flown in and sat feet away from Legend after winning the Come Together Experiences sweepstakes. They received exclusive swag, signed merchandise, a $200 Rock Shop gift card and overnight stay in the inaugural ‘Hard Rock House’ – a local home adorned with the iconic, music-inspired décor of Hard Rock Hotels. 

Legend has a long-standing relationship with Hard Rock, having performed at various Hard Rock Live music venues and helped open the Hard Rock Hotel New York. Most recently, he was part of the star-studded Unity global loyalty program launch ‘Come Together’ campaign which also featured Lionel Messi, Shakira and Noah Kahan who did a cover of The Beatles’ iconic song.

Unity by Hard Rock merges the best of casino, hotel, restaurant, retail and entertainment loyalty programs under one umbrella around the world and online. It offers an array of services for members to earn Unity Points and redeem them for free hotel nights, dining experiences and merchandise, while gaining access to offers, promotions and rewards.

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to perform again at a Hard Rock venue, this time for Unity members and fans in the place where it all started, the ‘original cafe’ in London,” said Legend. The night was special and made even more so with Hard Rock’s generous donation to The Show Me Campaign. Growing up, music was my passion, but it was my teachers who truly unlocked my potential. They taught me to write with creativity, passion, and clarity, which paved my way to becoming a successful musician. I recognize that my journey was not just about talent, but also the fortune of having teachers who believed in me. Thank you to Hard Rock for supporting The Show Me Campaign’s work to pay it forward and ensure opportunity and access to quality education for the next generation.”

“We are proud to support The Show Me Campaign and are thankful to John for sharing his talents and powerful music with our Unity members and special guests at another incredible performance curated by Hard Rock,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment & Brand Management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “We’re thrilled with the continued growth of Unity by Hard Rock membership since its global launch and supporting the ‘Come Together’ campaign that began this spring. Members have been discovering how they can earn points for doing what they love across Hard Rock’s amazing venues including hotels, casinos, restaurants, shops and more.”

Photos from last night’s Unity performance can be downloaded here.

To learn more about Unity member and sign up, visit unity.hardrock.com.

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About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks.

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Hollywood vs. Reality: How LA’s Wilshire Subway Was Really Built

Wilshire Subway: Did LA blast subway tunnels under Wilshire Boulevard? Hollywood says yes — engineers say no. Here’s how Metro safely tunneled beneath Miracle Mile.

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When the 1997 disaster film Volcano depicted lava erupting along Wilshire Boulevard and referenced blasting during Red Line subway construction, it delivered gripping cinema — but not accurate engineering.

In reality, Los Angeles Metro did not rely on large-scale blasting to construct subway tunnels beneath Wilshire Boulevard and the Miracle Mile. Instead, engineers used tunnel boring machines (TBMs) specifically to avoid the very risks Hollywood dramatized.

Why Blasting Was Avoided

The Wilshire Corridor sits atop historic oil fields, making methane gas pockets a known and serious concern. A deadly methane explosion near Fairfax Avenue in 1985 led to heightened scrutiny of underground construction in the area. Blasting in such conditions could have caused unpredictable gas releases, ground instability, or damage to surface structures.

As a result, Metro engineers chose pressurized, closed-face tunnel boring machines, which allow for:

  • Controlled excavation in dense urban environments

  • Continuous ground support to prevent settlement

  • Integrated gas detection and ventilation systems

These machines grind slowly through soil and rock while installing precast concrete tunnel linings, creating a sealed, gas-resistant structure as they advance. envato labs image edit

The Real Engineering Feat

Although Volcano took creative liberties for dramatic effect, the true story of tunneling under Wilshire is no less impressive. Advances in TBM technology and methane mitigation ultimately allowed the Metro D Line (formerly the Red Line/Purple Line) to safely pass through one of Los Angeles’ most geologically complex corridors — without explosions, collapsing streets, or cinematic chaos.

Bottom Line

Volcano remains a memorable piece of 1990s disaster cinema, but its portrayal of subway construction is fiction. The real achievement lies in decades of careful planning, modern tunneling technology, and engineering solutions that quietly reshaped Los Angeles beneath its busiest boulevard.

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Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

Discover Beam’s new Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, transforming videos into playable mini-games and interactive stories—no coding required. Explore the future of interactive media for creators and storytellers.

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Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

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Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

In a year where generative AI and short-form content are rewriting the rules of digital storytelling, Beam is pushing the boundaries even further. Today, Beam—developed by Phaser Studio Inc.—announced the launch of its Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, a groundbreaking tool that empowers creators to turn ordinary videos into playable mini-games and interactive AI stories, all without writing a single line of code.

Video, Reimagined: From Passive Watching to Active Playing

For decades, video has been the dominant format online—but it’s always been a one-way street: watch, react, repeat. Beam is flipping that script. By introducing “playable video,” Beam merges the worlds of generative AI, interactive media, and game creation. The result? Stories and experiences that aren’t just watched, but actively played and explored.
“Video has become the dominant format on the internet, but it’s always been passive,” says Matt Dukes, CEO of Beam. “Beam turns video into something interactive. By combining Veo 3.1 with a no-code game-creation workflow, we’re giving creators a new medium where stories, games, and short-form content all converge and come to life.”

How It Works: No-Code Creation, Limitless Possibilities

Beam’s platform is powered by a multi-model AI engine, including the latest Veo 3.1 and other advanced video generation models. Here’s what makes it unique:
  • AI-Generated Media: Instantly create video, images, and music using cutting-edge AI tools.
  • Drag-and-Drop Grid Editor: Arrange scenes, add branching choices, and build interactive storylines—all visually, right in your browser.
  • Instant Publishing: Share your playable mini-games and interactive shorts to the web with a single click.
The platform is designed for everyone—from indie storytellers and educators to brands and viral content creators. Early adopters are already bringing to life dating sims, choose-your-own-adventure stories, action-packed mini-games, interactive ASMR experiences, and even wholesome, playable pet tales.

Free Early Access for Creators

Beam is rolling out with an early-access program that offers unlimited free generations. This means creators can experiment, iterate, and publish their first projects without barriers. Looking ahead, Beam plans to introduce monetization, discovery, and distribution tools to help creators grow their audiences and revenue.
One early creator summed it up perfectly: “I’ve used AI video tools before, but Beam is the first time I felt like I was actually building a game, not just generating clips. Being able to turn a video into something people can interact with completely changes how I think about storytelling.”

The Future of Interactive Media

Beam isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a new creative medium. As Dukes puts it, “AI unlocked image creation. Then it unlocked video. Playable video is the next step in the evolution of digital media, and Beam is built specifically for that future.”
Ready to start building? Explore Beam’s platform and see how you can turn your next story into a playable experience: https://beam.game/

About Beam: Beam, from Phaser Studio Inc., is an AI-powered platform that lets anyone turn video into playable mini-games and interactive stories. With Veo 3.1 at its core, Beam brings together AI video, sound, visuals, and easy-to-use branching logic for a true no-code creative workflow.
For more info, visit https://beam.game/

Who do you see benefiting most from this kind of platform—independent creators, educators, brands, or someone else? Let’s discuss how this tech could shape the next wave of interactive storytelling!
Source: Phaser Studio Inc.
https://beam.game/ (official site)
For more coverage on the latest AI tools and digital media innovations, check out our Artificial Intelligence section on STM Daily News.

STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/

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What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Learn what the coroner found, why his death was ruled a homicide, and how Dr. Conrad Murray was held responsible.

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What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?

On June 25, 2009, the world lost one of its most influential entertainers when Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. The Los Angeles County Coroner determined that Jackson’s death was caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. The powerful anesthetic propofol—administered in a home setting—combined with sedatives created a fatal mix that stopped his breathing.

Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for administering the drugs without proper monitoring or medical safeguards. The ruling underscored the dangers of using hospital-grade anesthesia outside a controlled environment.

Michael Jackson’s passing remains one of the most discussed celebrity deaths in modern history, marking a tragic end to the life of a groundbreaking artist whose music still shapes global culture.

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