Comedians with Disabilities Act Change Attitudes Through Laughter

OAKLAND, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The founders and contributors of the Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) are about to hit the road for its wildly popular show to span three states: Montana, Oregon and California. They're celebrating Disability Pride month in July, which also happens to coincide with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The various venues that will host the comedy troupe are thrilled to have them on the stage. One Montana venue in Butte even did a little renovation to accommodate the act by modifying its restroom to ensure accessibility - and laughter - for all.

"Thanks to the Elk Lodge for pulling through," Nina G,' says. "They saw the need to make this event and others they will have inclusive to everyone. CWDA is proud to be part of this change!"

The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) is a fabulous collection of comedians with disabilities, both seen and unseen, who share their humor and personal experiences. Overall, the tour is designed to bring authentic and traditionally unheard voices to the forefront.

It's the brainchild of comedian, Michael O'Connell, who started the group in 2010, and was later joined by Steve Danner and Nina G. In 2016, O'Connell passed away - but the show lives on and spotlights a variety of disabled and outrageously funny comedians. The upcoming lineup of shows includes disability representation from diverse perspectives and intersections. Every show will feature a different line up.

And, it's not the first time this group has taken the show on the road. In October 2022, for Disability Awareness month, 17 comedians performed four shows for hundreds of people throughout Northern California. Material covered everything from stuttering and dyslexia to dwarfism, addiction recovery, anxiety, blindness and more.

Michael Beers, who will headline the California and Montana shows, was born and raised in Montana and is a comedy veteran of 23 years. He's been a disability advocate for nearly 20 years and says that comedy is an important vehicle to changing attitudes about disability.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people," he says. "And, comedy is a beautiful way to educate people without disabilities. When we laugh together we can find our commonalities."

Beers won the Norman G. Brooks Comedy Competition at the Hollywood Improv in 2005. He was also the previous winner of Funny Fest (Calgary Comedy Festival) and has opened for comedians like Gilbert Gottfried. He is a sought-after keynote speaker on topics like humor, disability advocacy, education and community building.

Author and disability advocate Nina G, will headline the Portland, OR show. She's the author of multiple books and most recently had her first solo comedy album debut at number one on the iTunes and Amazon comedy charts. Her special will be out later this year.

"There's a lot of talk about representation for disabled actors, writers and artists, yet the images we see on TV and film are sparse. It's important that comedy producers spotlight disabled comedians," she says. "I hope they'll see that we're not only hilarious, but can sell out a show too."

Her memoir, "Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen," was released to critical acclaim in 2019 and in February 2022, she launched and another book, co-authored by OJ Patterson, "Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy: A Humorous History." She's performed all over the U.S. and appeared on many daytime TV talk shows, NPR broadcasts and podcasts.

Mean Dave, a favorite in the San Francisco Bay Area, will host several shows. Dave is in his eighth year of addiction recovery, which he ingeniously weaves into his humor. He's opened for many notable comedians like Josh Blue, Big Jay Oakerson, and Jay Mohr, and has performed at colleges across the U.S.

"Not a lot of people know that being a recovering addict is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act," he says.

Danner, who is a little person, says, "We're all comedians first. But, we also want to send a strong message that, even with a disability, we can reach our goals."

His comedy career began as an audience member at a comedy club. The comedian on stage started riffing with him. After Danner showcased his own riffing skills, the comic approached Danner after the show and suggested he give comedy a try. That soon launched a career as a comedian and producer. He's opened for many headliners such as "Last Comic Standing" winner, Felipe Esparza.

These four comedians will be joined by Jade Theriault, Dan Smith, Adam Keys, Willie Travis, Milt Abel, Loren Kraut and others. Each comedian shares their personal disability experiences and brand of humor to make audiences laugh in each of these three states.

The tour schedule is:

* Thursday, July 6: Murphy's Law Irish Pub, Sunnyvale, CA

* Saturday, July 8: Manny's, San Francisco, CA (noon)

* Saturday, July 8: EJ Phair, Pittsburg, CA

* Sunday, July 9: Fox Tale Fermentation Project, San Jose, CA

* Thursday, July 13 Barrel Proof Comedy, Santa Rosa, CA

* Wednesday, July 19: Curious Comedy Theater in Portland, OR

* Thursday, July 27: Elks Lodge in Butte, MT

* Friday, July 28: Last Best Comedy Club in Bozeman, MT (two shows)

* Saturday, July 29: Zootown Arts Community Center in Missoula, MT

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ticket and show information and times: https://comedianswithdisabilitiesact.com/

Nina G: https://www.ninagcomedian.com/

News from Comedians with Disabilities Act

The founders and contributors of the Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) are about to hit the road for its wildly popular show to span three states: Montana, Oregon and California. They're celebrating Disability Pride month in July, which also happens to coincide with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Related link: https://comedianswithdisabilitiesact.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner If Apple iPhone Locked to Previous Owner in 2023

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Have you encountered iPhone locked to previous owner but been unable to activate it because you don't know its iCloud login credentials? You may have no clue about how to remove activation lock without previous owner. Don't freak out since there's a perfect Activation Lock Removal solution from Tenorshare to remove activation lock without previous owner's login credentials.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_auObr_Nk98

What an Activation Lock Is and Why It's Important?

"An iCloud activation lock is a built-in security feature in iOS devices activated after users turn on the Find My Device feature. While activation lock prevents unauthorized access, protects the owner's data, and requires an Apple ID and password to reset the device, some users claim it for iPhone locked to precious owner," says a Tenorshare Spokesman. "Luckily, with Tenorshare 4MeKey, you can remove iPhone locked to previous owner and bypass activation lock".

How to Remove Activation Lock Without Previous Owner on iPhone/iPad via iCloud Activation Unlocker?

If you've purchased a used iPhone, a common way to bypass activation lock for free is by contacting its previous owner. Here's what you can do:

* Contact the previous owner.

* Request to remove the device from their iCloud account.

While this method sounds simple, it has its limitations. Firstly, you may not have the previous owner's contact info if you've bought the iPhone from a third-party seller, or the owner might be unresponsive. Thankfully, Tenorshare iCloud Activation Unlocker is a safe and efficient tool to unlock your iPhone without the previous owner's help.

It covers a variety of scenarios, such as:

* Remove the activation lock without iCloud login credentials.

* Remove the iCloud account on your iPhone if you forgot the password or bought a locked device.

* Allows you to sign in with a new Apple ID and password after bypassing the activation lock.

* Disable the Find My iOS device feature without a password.

To bypass activation lock with 4MeKey, just connect your iOS device to your computer, and select "Start Jailbreak." Finally, your iCloud activation lock will be removed successfully.

How to Avoid Stuck on the Activation Lock Screen?

When buying a used iOS device, you can avoid the "not knowing the previous owner's iCloud login info" scenario by:

* Verifying the device is not locked to a previous owner's iCloud account.

* Researching the seller and requesting proof of ownership.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.tenorshare.com/products/4mekey-activation-unlocker.html

https://www.tenorshare.com/guide/remove-icloud-activation-lock.html

About Tenorshare

How to remove iCould activation lock without previous owner's login info is a question many users who've bought a used iPhone ask. However, with Tenorshare 4MeKey, removing the iCloud activation lock without the previous owner's login info is a breeze. Given its efficiency and reliability, 4MeKey is a testament to Tenorshare's commitment to providing exceptional solutions for smartphone users.

More information: https://www.tenorshare.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenorshareOfficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tenorshare_Inc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TenorshareOfficial/videos

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tenorshare_tech_tips

News from Tenorshare Co. Ltd.

Have you encountered iPhone locked to previous owner but been unable to activate it because you don't know its iCloud login credentials? You may have no clue about how to remove activation lock without previous owner. Don't freak out since there's a perfect Activation Lock Removal solution from Tenorshare to remove activation lock without previous owner's login credentials.

Related link: https://www.tenorshare.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Sokal announced that it has been selected as a certified website provider for the Mazda Digital Certified Program

RALEIGH, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sokal, an automotive digital agency, announced today that it has been selected as a certified website provider for the Mazda Digital Certified Program (MDCP).

MDCP gives Mazda Retailers greater choices and more flexibility in finding certified providers. These providers can offer a strategy aligned with Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) and deploy coordinated campaigns to help increase visibility and digital performance. As a member of MDCP, Sokal will be able to provide websites and a variety of advertising options for Mazda dealers, such as paid search, programmatic display, social media marketing, email marketing and SEO.

"Sokal has already been a partner with MDCP as a digital advertising provider for a year now. Being selected to also provide websites is just a testament to the quality of products and services we can offer dealers nationwide," said Sokal COO, Michael Ransom. "Our websites and digital advertising products are powered by our Momentum platform, giving dealers a better user experience and delivering measurable results. We're excited that MDCP recognizes Sokal as a leader in the industry and look forward to our continued partnership."

Sokal is an award winning, digital advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing, dealership services, and websites. Since its inception in 2010, Sokal has been at the forefront of the automotive advertising landscape, providing clients with personalized advertising strategies designed specifically with the dealer's brand and vision in mind.

The Mazda Digital Certified Program is designed to partner Mazda dealers with digital experts, like Sokal. With Sokal's unique audience capabilities, unparalleled customer service, and expertise in the dealer space, Sokal will be able to give dealers a wide range of product choices and dealers will also have the assurance that their programs can be seamlessly integrated with Mazda's already existing marketing strategies.

To learn more about Sokal, their offerings through MDCP, or to enroll, please visit: https://www.mazdadigitalcertifiedprogram.com/Website/sokal

For more information about Sokal, please visit their website at: https://www.gosokal.com

News from SOKAL

Sokal, an automotive digital agency, announced today that it has been selected as a certified website provider for the Mazda Digital Certified Program (MDCP). MDCP gives Mazda Retailers greater choices and more flexibility in finding certified providers.

Related link: https://www.gosokal.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Free Tickets Announced for Concert Promoting Juneteenth, Pride Month – Can Music Heal Our Nation?

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- The nonprofit "Faith In Peace" Concert Saturday, June 17, 2023 7:30-10pm will be held in the Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington, DC by the Concert for the Human Family (CFHF), with recently announced free ticket offers, says Light4America. The concert benefits multiple nonprofits including Rotary District 7620 (Washington, DC and parts of Maryland). The concert will have a strong emphasis on promoting shared values like the Rotary "Four Way Test," Juneteenth and Pride Month.

An unlikely friendship of two secular artists drives this musical outreach program of the US Episcopal Church. Kory Caudill is a self-described "Appalachian hillbilly" raised in Kentucky who plays blindingly fast and beautiful piano.

Anthony "Wordsmith" Parker is a Baltimore Hip-Hop artist, State Department cultural Ambassador, and nonprofit leader. Years ago their musical careers combined when they decided to team up to lead the eclectic mix of music that is the CFHF. This non-religious concert series features hip-hop, pop, rock, piano and country with a greater mission - to unite people of all faiths, races and political beliefs.

"This is music to heal the divisions of America," says Kory Caudill.

Rotary was a natural partner for the CFHF. Rotary International has long made promoting peace one of its core focus areas and increasingly has helped Americans promote peace at home, not just abroad. The concert will help tell the story of partner nonprofits like Citizen Connect of the Bridge Alliance and Rotary clubs. Country First, a pro-Democracy and pro-civility movement founded by former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, will help boost the live stream performance.

The concert will celebrate Rotary District 7620's first openly gay outgoing District Governor and welcome the district's first female African American District Governor. The concert will share the story of Black Georgetown Foundation Inc, the DC nonprofit that supports the Mt. Zion and Female Union Band Cemetery, an African American cemetery saved from condo construction oblivion.

"This truly is a concert series I've been working towards since I was four years old," says Kory Caudill. "I used to watch Yanni - Live at the Acropolis every day and hope that I'd be able to create music like that someday. And now it's a reality. But on an even deeper level, I hope that this concert series allows me to build a platform to make the world my kids live in a better place. And I believe the message and the music these concerts deliver can do just that."

Get Tickets for June 17, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-dc-faith-in-peace-a-concert-for-the-human-family-event-tickets-622238230297

Use the Discount Code sharedvalues2023 for free tickets.

Register for Video Stream airing 8pm Monday Juneteenth 2023: https://bridgealliance.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/bridgealliance/event.jsp?event=2&

SOCIAL LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/light4america

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/light4america/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lightforamerica

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd2yfPhSFJ4gGNqHtmo4ZpA

News from Light4America

The nonprofit "Faith In Peace" Concert Saturday, June 17, 2023 7:30-10pm will be held in the Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington, DC by the Concert for the Human Family (CFHF), with recently announced free ticket offers, says Light4America. The concert benefits multiple nonprofits including Rotary District 7620 (Washington, DC and parts of Maryland).

Related link: https://light4america.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

AGTC Supply Water Co., a Water Education and Provision Group, announces Grand Opening of Blue Jug Abilene West, an Alkaline and Filtered Water Store

ABILENE, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- According to AGTC Supply Water Co., the water at Blue Jug Abilene West goes through a detailed cleaning process that starts from taking tap water at our location and first running it through a carbon filtration. Next, the water goes through a 5 micron filter which continues to filter the water and prepares it for the Reverse Osmosis unit. The Reverse Osmosis stage is the final stage of filtration.

The water then moves to a cartridge containing ceramic beads infused with calcium sulfite, quartz, tourmaline, zircon, calcite, zeolite and other minerals to reinfuse the water with electrolytes for a better taste. From there it goes to a storage tank, which then takes the water through the final steps of an additional carbon filtration and a UV treatment before it comes out of our fill station inside or at the self-service station located outside the store.

To ensure water quality as well as educate those interested in learning more about water quality, we have tested the water in store and sent our samples to an out-of-state, third-party water professional to ensure integrity of our process. We will be testing regularly for Hardness, Calcium, PH, Alkalinity, Iron, Nitrates, Chlorine, TDS (Totally Dissolved Solids), Manganese and Copper. Our Opening day water results are posted on a wall inside the store.

Blue Jug Abilene West owner, Waylan Jackson, shares, "We believe in a transparency to share the quality of the water we provide with the process, proof and testing to back it up."

Blue Jug Abilene West sells alkaline water along with a variety of BPA free water jugs and bottles in various sizes as well as an array of water handling products. Beyond the water, the products, the testing and the vetting, Blue Jug Abilene West is a water store with a goal to educate, empower and provide water for those that expect more from what they drink.

Blue Jug Abilene West, 4613 South 14th St., Abilene, Texas 79605-4734.

Blue Jug Abilene West will be open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit: https://bluejugabilenewest.com/ or email bluejugabilenewest@gmail.com

Follow on Social:

Twitter: @bluejugabilenew - https://twitter.com/bluejugabilenew

Instagram: @bluejugabilenewest - https://www.instagram.com/bluejugabilenewest/

YouTube: @BlueJugAbileneWest - https://www.youtube.com/@BlueJugAbileneWest

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/RPcGe0fDjRE

News from AGTC Supply Water Co.

According to AGTC Supply Water Co., the water at Blue Jug Abilene West goes through a detailed cleaning process that starts from taking tap water at our location and first running it through a carbon filtration. Next, the water goes through a 5 micron filter which continues to filter the water and prepares it for the Reverse Osmosis unit. The Reverse Osmosis stage is the final stage of filtration.

Related link: https://bluejugabilenewest.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report Released by Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG)

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG), an EPIC company, is pleased to announce the launch of its Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report. The report delivers innovative research on the latest trends in the traditional (non-specialty) drug benefit. Sponsored by Rx Savings Solutions, it outlines the complexities of designing and managing the drug benefit and the cost challenges faced by consumers and plan sponsors alike.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FINDINGS INCLUDE:

* Plan sponsors are grappling with the potential cost of weight loss drugs.

With respondents divided on weight loss as a lifestyle or chronic condition, 43% cover FDA-approved weight loss medications, and 28% may do so in the next 1-2 years.

"Employers are concerned about affordability, as well as the long-term side effects resulting from chronic use," commented Michael Medel, PharmD, Senior Vice President and Practice Lead Plan Sponsors. "While there is recognition of the positive health benefits of weight loss, the data is lacking today to support any significant cost-offset of those benefits."

* Most plans use more than one type of trend and utilization management program, such as prior authorization and refill too soon limits, but these programs can present challenges.

Growing percentages of respondents cited cost and cumbersomeness as barriers to utilization management programs. Two-thirds of respondents wanted more transparency and accountability in these programs, and over half expressed interest in new offerings for tracking and controlling utilization.

* Major advancements have been made in gene and cell therapies over the past 5 years, and as the pace of change increases, interest in financial protection products is growing.

Nearly all (91%) respondents have heard of gene therapy financial protection products. While just 7% currently use these products, nearly half are considering it.

"With a robust cell and gene therapy pipeline, plan sponsors are seeking ways to mitigate the financial risk these expensive therapies present while also ensuring access for their members. Although few are currently using cell and gene therapy financial protection products, many are considering it. This will be an interesting trend to watch in the coming years," noted Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, Senior Director, Research & Strategy, PSG.

* Plan sponsors recognize the need to reduce wasteful drug spend.

A little over half of plans (53%) take steps to identify and reduce wasteful spend in the formulary; that percent rising to 75% when isolating the data to health plans. Blocks, exclusions, and use of programs and reporting from their PBM are among the most common steps they take to address this problem.

* The monetary impact of cost-sharing strategies on consumers has spurred a focus on transparency.

The promotion of cost-sharing transparency tools to help members manage expenses continues to rise, from 28% in 2018 to 63% in 2023.

"We are honored to once again sponsor this insightful report, which highlights the importance for plan sponsors to evolve the pharmacy benefit," said Michael Rea, PharmD, Founder and CEO of Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS). "This year, there is a noticeable undercurrent of change in the market. Consumers and patients whose share of prescription drug costs continue to grow are searching for relief and turning to sources both within and outside of the traditional drug benefit. It's a goal all of us in the pharmacy benefit ecosystem to help advance the benefit in ways that produce greater access and affordability, all while controlling spend."

Since the inception of this report, the drug benefit has become more intricate to design and manage. With many new drugs coming to market, decisions around program structure, formulary design, cost sharing, and trend management become increasingly challenging and important. This report helps benefit leaders identify trends and future possibilities so they can adjust as appropriate around these factors and more.

Download the "Trends in Drug Benefit Design" Report: Trends in Rx Benefit Design | Rx Savings Solutions (rxss.com): https://rxss.com/benefit-design-report-2023/

About the 2023 Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report:

The Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report provides in-depth insights into traditional (non-specialty) drug benefit trends and strategies and focuses on drug benefit design for the 2023 benefit year among employers, union/Taft-Hartley, and health plan respondents. The survey sample informing this report included 180 benefits leaders. Issues specific to specialty drugs are included in a separate report - Trends in Specialty Drug Benefits. This report as well as prior annual reports conducted by PSG can be found at https://www.psgconsults.com/research.

About Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG):

Pharmaceutical Strategies Group, an EPIC company, relentlessly advocates for clients as they navigate complex and ever-changing drug cost management challenges. PSG functions as a strategic partner through industry-leading intelligence and technologies to realize billions of dollars in drug cost savings for clients every year. Learn more: https://www.psgconsults.com/

About Rx Savings Solutions - Report Sponsor:

Rx Savings Solutions ("RxSS"), part of McKesson Corporation, works on behalf of everyone who takes prescription drugs and the health plans and employers who cover them. Founded by a former retail pharmacist, RxSS helps members reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs and a health plan's pharmacy spend. The solution layers on top of an existing pharmacy benefit and analyzes individual claims to identify and present cost-saving alternatives to each member. Our member engagement platform notifies members proactively anytime they have prescription savings available. Visit https://rxss.com for more information.

News from Pharmaceutical Strategies Group

Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG), an EPIC company, is pleased to announce the launch of its Trends in Drug Benefit Design Report. The report delivers innovative research on the latest trends in the traditional (non-specialty) drug benefit. Sponsored by Rx Savings Solutions, it outlines the complexities of designing and managing the drug benefit and the cost challenges faced by consumers and plan sponsors alike.

Related link: https://www.psgconsults.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Nomis Solutions hires Amy Chase as Senior Vice President of Services

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nomis Solutions (Nomis), the leading provider of end-to-end pricing lifecycle management technology, announced that client success veteran Amy Chase has been tapped as Senior Vice President of Services. Chase will be responsible for leading implementations of Nomis Solutions and delivering ongoing services to existing clients.

"Amy is a recognized leader in software services who understands the needs of customers, employees, and investors. She is a passionate customer advocate, and we're excited to have her as a member of our leadership team," said Greg Demas, president of Nomis Solutions.

Chase has nearly 20 years of experience in professional services and client success. Previously, Chase was the vice president of customer success for global software company Blackbaud and software provider Frontline Education. She brings expertise in growing cloud-based software companies and transforming the client experience to ensure clients are achieving their business outcomes. As a proven leader in services, she has overseen the automation of critical processes, business process reengineering, product and service launches, sales and business development and renewal execution.

"In this stage of Nomis' growth, there is a tremendous opportunity to leverage our industry expertise to provide consultative guidance to our client base and bring new service offerings and capabilities to market. Client-first strategies are key to doing so effectively," said Chase. "Throughout my career, I've been an internal champion for the customer's voice, and I look forward to continuing that effort at Nomis to ensure our client's needs remain at the forefront of our strategy."

About Nomis Solutions:

Nomis Solutions delivers the most comprehensive and integrated solution for setting, managing and executing price in an iterative and customer-centric system. Nomis is the consumer banking industry's leading software platform capable of standing up to complex bank analytical objectives while also delivering intelligent, data-driven, omnichannel customer experiences.

While the company offers an integrated suite of solutions, its powerful collection of APIs allows individual modules to meet each financial institution where they are in their pricing journey to help differentiate and grow their brands by developing relationships with customers that are both individualized and profitable.

To learn more, visit: https://nomissolutions.com/.

News from Nomis Solutions

Nomis Solutions (Nomis), the leading provider of end-to-end pricing lifecycle management technology, announced that client success veteran Amy Chase has been tapped as Senior Vice President of Services. Chase will be responsible for leading implementations of Nomis Solutions and delivering ongoing services to existing clients.

Related link: https://www.nomissolutions.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Voices for Humanity Restores Taiwan’s Cultural Values to its Youth with Miao-Hsiang Lin

CHIAYI, Taiwan /ScoopCloud/ -- VOICES FOR HUMANITY - the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities - announces a new episode featuring educator and community activist Miao-Hsiang Lin, premiering June 14, 2023.

Taiwan is experiencing a dramatic decline in moral values and a concurrent rise in juvenile delinquency, drug use and criminal activity. For many, this is a clear sign that the country has lost touch with its rich cultural and traditional Chinese heritage. University teacher and Way to Happiness Ambassador Miao-Hsiang Lin is the driving force behind a nationwide movement to restore moral values and create a safe and peaceful Taiwan.

ABOUT MIAO-HSIANG LIN

Miao-Hsiang Lin is a native of Chiayi, a small city in Taiwan. As a child, she grew up around her parents' traditional Chinese medicine shop, where they instilled upon her the tradition of helping others. After graduating from university, she became a primary school teacher and was immediately alarmed at the number of parents and students seeking her advice on dealing with emotional distress and physical abuse. She then discovered The Way to Happiness and found the book's 21 precepts aligned perfectly with traditional Chinese values. She began addressing Taiwan's social ills by educating Taiwan's youth on moral values. To date, Miao-Hsiang has distributed over 52,000 The Way to Happiness booklets in schools and cultural organizations and reached millions more through Taiwanese media.

Miao-Hsiang Lin is the Way to Happiness Ambassador for Taiwan.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/miao-hsiang-lin.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/miao-hsiang-lin.html

News from Church of Scientology International

VOICES FOR HUMANITY - the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities - announces a new episode featuring educator and community activist Miao-Hsiang Lin, premiering June 14, 2023.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Matrix Advises Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures on the Successful Recapitalization and Acquisition of a Portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus Stores

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading independent investment bank, announces that it served as lead advisor on Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures' ("Apollo" or the "Company") recapitalization and acquisition of a multi-state portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus ("PSP") retail pet stores.

A privately-owned company established in 1999 by Dr. Steven Whatley in Albany, GA, Apollo is a leading veterinary care provider in the Southeast. The Company is comprised of nine full-service veterinary hospital locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

Decades of experience in veterinary medicine and the commercial pet industry led Dr. Whatley to expand the business portfolio to include Pet Supplies Plus franchise retail stores thereby connecting knowledge, passion, and ability to serve customers, while growing profitably within the U.S. pet market. PSP's franchise platform, growth objectives, and support for owners aligned closely with Apollo's business model and operating philosophy.

"We are proud to add this most recent portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus stores to our existing portfolio and further diversify and expand our business," said Dr. Whatley, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo. "We are committed to operating best-in-class veterinary hospitals and Pet Supplies Plus stores, and we do that by forging personal relationships with our clients, patients, team members and the communities that we serve. As we continue to expand our presence, we were fortunate to work with Matrix to structure and intermediate this important transaction. Their experience, functional expertise, and objective approach were critical to securing capital on terms that were very attractive to the Company."

Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is focused on making it easier to get better products and services for their customers' pets. With over 640 locations in 41 states and counting, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods, and services. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Pet Supplies Plus is ranked No. 20 in Entrepreneur magazine's 43rd Annual Franchise 500(r) list as of 2022.

In its role as sole intermediary, Matrix provided capital advisory services to Apollo including financial modeling and sensitivity analysis, capital structure assessment, negotiation with counterparties, and placement of both debt and equity capital. The assignment was managed by John Whalen, Head of Matrix's Capital Advisory Investment Banking Group; Ryan Weir, Director and Garrett Novotny, CFA, CPA, Senior Analyst.

Mr. Weir added, "We very much appreciate the trust that Apollo placed in us to advise them on the capital raise and acquisition. Apollo is a great operator and the addition of this portfolio of stores represents a transformational acquisition for the Company as it further scales and diversifies. Matrix was privileged to work with the Apollo Team."

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

News from Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc.

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading independent investment bank, announces that it served as lead advisor on Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures' ("Apollo" or the "Company") recapitalization and acquisition of a multi-state portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus ("PSP") retail pet stores.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Meet a Scientologist Focuses on Exotic Locales With Filmmaker Matt Brown

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring filmmaker Matt Brown premiering June 13, 2023.

ABOUT MATT BROWN

Born in Yorkshire, England, Matt Brown fell in love with photography at the age of three, when he accidentally took his first photo with his father's camera. With an intense determination to pursue a career in the arts, Matt studied at the Edinburgh College of Art, delving deeper into photography and filmmaking. After college, he went into business for himself and took any and every job he could, including assignments others might turn down as "too dangerous" -such as filming an extreme ultramarathon in the Gobi Desert under treacherous conditions and chronicling the lives of soldiers in war-torn Afghanistan. In addition to his advertising work for major international brands, Matt has, to date, landed numerous major magazine covers throughout the world, been published in Vogue and The Guardian, and won a Scottish BAFTA Award.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://meetascientologist.tv

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/matt-brown.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/matt-brown.html

News from Church of Scientology International

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring filmmaker Matt Brown premiering June 13, 2023.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Tax Help MD Provides Five Steps to Help Small Corporations Calculate QBI

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Tax Help MD helps self-employed individuals and small businesses to resolve tax issues. From basic tax filings to more complex situations, Tax Help MD wants its clients to come out on top. That's why it empowers them with information, so they can get the best tax benefits available.

"For example, many businesses are not aware that the qualified business income deduction (QBI) is a tax deduction that allows eligible, self-employed and small-business owners to deduct up to 20 percent of their qualified business income on their taxes," Ekaterina Drouin, president, Tax Help MD says.

Here, Tax Help MD lists the five steps small corporations need to follow to accurately calculate QBI:

1 - Identify eligible business activities: Determine which activities conducted by the small corporation qualify for the QBI deduction. Generally, most trades or businesses other than specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs) are eligible. SSTBs include professions such as law, accounting, healthcare, consulting, financial services and others.

2 - Calculate the QBI for each eligible business activity: For each eligible business activity, calculate the QBI separately. The QBI is generally the net income or loss from the activity, excluding certain items such as capital gains or losses, dividends and interest income.

3 - Consider limitations and thresholds: QBI calculations may be subject to various limitations and thresholds. One such limitation is the taxable income threshold, which can affect the availability and amount of the QBI deduction. For tax years beginning in 2021, the threshold is $329,800 for married filing jointly or $164,925 for individual taxpayers.

4 - Apply W-2 wage and qualified property limitations (if applicable): For certain businesses, there are additional limitations based on W-2 wages and qualified property. If the small corporation is subject to these limitations, calculate the allowable QBI deduction based on a combination of the QBI, W-2 wages paid by the business and the unadjusted basis of qualified property used in the business.

5 - Determine the QBI deduction: Once the QBI is calculated for each eligible business activity and relevant limitations are applied, then the overall QBI deduction for the small corporation can be determined. The QBI deduction is generally a percentage (up to 20 percent) of the total QBI from all eligible activities.

Tax Help MD staff warns that it's important to note that tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and there may be additional considerations and complexities involved in calculating QBI for small corporations. Therefore, consulting with a qualified tax professional or accountant who is familiar with specific circumstances is highly recommended to ensure accurate and compliant calculations.

"We're a small business - just like many of our clients - so we're intimately familiar with their situations and how to help them achieve the best outcomes possible," Drouin says.

About Tax Help MD:

In business since 2012, Tax Help MD is a results-driven, full-service tax resolution organization which specializes in helping taxpayers get free of the stress and strain of tax debt. It has a CPA and tax attorney on staff and will help to set up IRs payment plans as needed too.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tax Help MD: https://www.taxhelpmd.com/

News from Tax Help MD Inc.

Tax Help MD helps self-employed individuals and small businesses to resolve tax issues. From basic tax filings to more complex situations, Tax Help MD wants its clients to come out on top. That's why it empowers them with information, so they can get the best tax benefits available.

Related link: https://www.taxhelpmd.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Entrepreneur Janak Alford’s New Book Reveals Revolutionary Approach to Tech and Personal Growth

OTTAWA, Ontario /ScoopCloud/ -- Amidst decreasing productivity and the increasing dangers posed by Big Tech AI products, tech executive and entrepreneur Janak Alford presents a solution in his new book, "Intelligent Digital Ecosystems: How Rethinking Technology Will Expand Your Mind and Change Your World" (ISBN: 978-0228873020; May 2023).

In this transformative work, Alford offers a pioneering blueprint for personal, sustainable digital ecosystems, challenging conventional views about technology. Drawing inspiration from the human relationship to the microbiome, Alford invites readers on a journey towards harmonious interaction with technology and illuminates how properly designed digital systems can enhance our intellectual capabilities.

Using vivid visuals and accessible language, Alford outlines a practical framework to reimagine digital lives, introducing intelligent ecosystems to harness technology's transformative power, growing personal agency, and unlocking unprecedented opportunities. Alford's ground-breaking insights dispute ingrained beliefs about intelligence, culture, and creativity, paving the way for a fresh understanding of technology's potential.

"Intelligent Digital Ecosystems" further addresses corporate control and privacy risks, equipping readers with guidance on maintaining integrity in the digital age. Alford encourages readers to resist adverse impacts, embrace a new paradigm, and construct a distinctive and enduring digital world.

As a Chief Technology Officer and successful entrepreneur, Alford brings extensive experience to this work, having aided hundreds of businesses and public sector organizations in embracing digital transformation. His diverse expertise in technology, architectural and environmental design amalgamates into a compelling narrative, inspiring readers to pursue a fulfilling, sustainable digital existence.

Ideal for anyone seeking to foster a healthier relationship with technology, expand human potential, and protect themselves from Big Tech, "Intelligent Digital Ecosystems" simplifies complex concepts for understanding the future of technology and offers a treasure trove of ideas for budding entrepreneurs.

"Intelligent Digital Ecosystems" is now available in both print and digital formats.

For more information about the book and to purchase a copy, please visit https://janakalford.com/.

SUMMARY:

Author: Janak Alford

Website: https://janakalford.com

Buy Link: https://tinyurl.com/intelligentdigitalecosystems

Genre: Science, Technology, Philosophy

Released: May 2023

PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 978-0228873020

News from Author Janak Alford

Amidst decreasing productivity and the increasing dangers posed by Big Tech AI products, tech executive and entrepreneur Janak Alford presents a solution in his new book, "Intelligent Digital Ecosystems: How Rethinking Technology Will Expand Your Mind and Change Your World" (ISBN: 978-0228873020; May 2023).

Related link: https://janakalford.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Sequoia Real Estate Launches Partnership Program to Support Agent Growth

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sequoia Real Estate just launched a new partnership program and KeyOpp Real Estate is its first affiliate partner. The program happened somewhat organically as it was in response to one of their agents looking to leverage her experience to grow a company.

"When Melanie Leung, one of our top associates, told me she was thinking of starting something of her own, I contemplated what we could do to offer her more - to create a holistic environment where everyone could grow and benefit," Kelvin Kam, Managing Broker, Sequoia Real Estate, says.

And so, the Sequoia Partnership Program was born. Kam explains that this platform supports brokers who want to create and grow their own company - without the time, cost or risk of operating their own brokerage.

Agents can leverage the Sequoia Real Estate infrastructure, support and community to jumpstart their company.

"We treat each brand like it's our own and will make sure we do whatever we can for their success," Kam says. "Our partners benefit from the ongoing accountability, strategic planning and catered approach toward their growth."

Melanie and Lawrence Leung, Co-Founders of KeyOpp Real Estate, are excited to be Sequoia's first partner. Originally launched as a property management firm, they've now added a real estate sales division.

"In the past five years, they've grown their property management company to over 400 doors, so offering real estate sales is the right step to further support their clients," Kam says.

Beyond Sequoia's management support, their extended network of agents provides the absolute best environment for someone to launch their own business. Why? While they're focused on building their brand, they also have access to an established community for inspiration and collaboration.

"Building a business can be lonely and a little scary, but knowing that you have a team not only behind you but there alongside you, can definitely help you grow more effectively," Kam says.

At Sequoia, growth is important, but focusing on the journey makes it much more meaningful. Sequoia's journey involves the people around them and even though there may be different brands and goals, growing together and supporting each other creates an environment that fuels a healthy and sustainable business.

About Sequoia Real Estate:

Sequoia Real Estate was founded by Kelvin Kam in 2010. Currently, it has more than 100 agents in four offices: San Francisco, Pinole, San Mateo, and Oakland. There's also a commercial division - Sequoia Commercial Group.

MORE INFORMATION:

Sequoia Real Estate: https://sequoia-realestate.com/

KeyOpp: https://keyopp.net/

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sequoia-real-estate/

IG:
https://www.instagram.com/sequoiarealestate

FB:
https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaRealEstate

News from Sequoia Real Estate

Sequoia Real Estate just launched a new partnership program and KeyOpp Real Estate is its first affiliate partner. The program happened somewhat organically as it was in response to one of their agents looking to leverage her experience to grow a company.

Related link: https://sequoia-realestate.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

InfoComm 2023 Preview Kiosk Association

​DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- From the Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) - big show in Orlando is InfoComm 2023. The Sixteen-Nine mixer is "very" sold out though they (AVIXA) are still taking sponsors. We are an official media partner (with free passes $300 value).

Members At The Show:

* 22Miles - 809 10×10

* LG Business - 1642 130×80

* Mimo Monitors - 1475 20×20

* Panasonic - 901, W202A & W202B

* Peerless-AV - 1329 50×50 -- Peerless-AV(R) Preview

* Samsung - 1143 110×80

"InfoComm is the premier trade show for the digital signage community," said Rochelle Richardson, CEM, Senior Vice President of Expositions and Events, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. "At the show, you'll learn from the top minds in the digital signage space, see solutions up close, and build professional connections to help you build a winning digital signage strategy."

Voice Order Kiosks - AI Voice Order Kiosks & Drive-Thrus:

In other news: we have launched new portal for Voice Order, https://voiceorder.net/. Whether it is self-order, hospitality, wayfinding, drive-thru menu boards or smart city deployments, voice is trendier than chatgpt. We have a writeup on digital avatars by NVIDIA featured this month.

News 6/9/2023:

* Samsung Kiosk New Partner Applova

* InfoComm 2023: Peerless-AV(R) Preview

* Player Loyalty Kiosks by Olea - Video and Comments by Frank Olea

* ADA Compliance and Digital Kiosks

* Conversational Avatar Agents - an NVIDIA Perspective

* Lockdown Browser Kiosk Remote Management Update 2023 - KioWare

* LG EV Charging Stations Update

* DSE 2023 - Registration About To Open Up for Digital Signage Tradeshow

* Secure Kiosks and Digital Signage Software - Cloud Based

* Olea Kiosks 2023 - Why Olea Kiosks May Be Your Ideal Kiosk Partner

* Murtec Review and Insights by Panasonic 2023

* Full list of news

* AV posts on AVIXA

* Conversational Avatars for Kiosks (Tokkio)

* Funnies - Results of coming in a bit under budget...

* Seven Steps to Installing LED Video Walls

* Smart City - New Options

For more information contact info@kioskindustry.org or visit https://kioskindustry.org/.

Since 1996 for 27 years. For a list of all verticals visit The Industry Group - https://industrygroup.org/.

Thanks to the companies whose support makes this possible: https://kioskindustry.org/kiosk-manufacturer-companies/.

News from Kiosk Association

From the Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) - big show in Orlando is InfoComm 2023. The Sixteen-Nine mixer is "very" sold out though they (AVIXA) are still taking sponsors. We are an official media partner (with free passes).

Related link: https://kioskindustry.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

‘Forgive – Don’t Forget,’ a Journey to Return a Samurai Sword, Airs on Documentary Showcase

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE - the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues - presents the award-winning documentary "Forgive - Don't Forget" premiering on June 9, 2023.

Forgive - Don't Forget chronicles the journey by an American to return a Japanese samurai sword surrendered at the end of World War II to the family of its original owner in an attempt to better understand the past and build a bridge between cultures.

Codirected by Brad Bennett, Forgive - Don't Forget is, at its core, about the connection between two very different cultures and the importance of remembrance. The Japanese sword is a symbol deeply embedded in Japan's history and spiritual heritage. When an American who inherited a surrendered sword from World War II decides to try and track down the family of the original owner in hopes of returning it, he encounters many seemingly insurmountable barriers. His quest ultimately leads to a better understanding of both American and Japanese cultures and helps bridge the gap between the two.

ABOUT BRAD BENNETT

Brad is a Japanese American filmmaker and Emmy-nominated producer based in Virginia. His first feature documentary, Forgive - Don't Forget, won the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2017 Guam International Film Festival. Bennett has been featured in The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and by the International Documentary Association. His work has been supported by PBS, Southern Documentary Fund, Virginia Film Office and the UCLA Documentary Film Legal Clinic.

In an interview with Scientology Media Productions for Documentary Showcase, Brad reflected on his work:

"Stories of positivity are very important nowadays ... through our film I just want to be able to share hope and the message of forgiveness and how powerful that is for all of us."

ABOUT PAUL D. UFEMA

During Paul's senior year in college, he was activated into the U.S. Army and sent to Cuba. It was there he was introduced to video journalism. After returning to the U.S., he worked in television production. He founded All New Bricks, a successful YouTube channel that specializes in Lego builds, which aides St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Paul shared insight on the underlying cultural significance of the film:

"I was returning a sword to a family and that's all it was. But it was so much bigger than that ... we would be bridging the gap between two cultures and I think that's why people are drawn to it."

ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.

For more information, visit Scientology.tv/docs.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

CONTACT:

Media Relations info@scnmedia.net

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/forgive-dont-forget/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df-97lhZBi0

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEOS:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/forgive-dont-forget/videos/trailer.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/forgive-dont-forget/videos/an-inside-look.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/forgive-dont-forget/videos/inside-look-teaser-with-brad.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/forgive-dont-forget/videos/inside-look-teaser-with-paul.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x983bqHKcrw

News from Church of Scientology International

Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE - the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues - presents the award-winning documentary "Forgive - Don't Forget" premiering on June 9, 2023.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Finna Lit: Creativity. Entrepreneurship. Lifestyle. Money

AJAX, ONTARIO /ScoopCloud/ -- In Sean Lewis' current picture book, "Finna Lit: Creativity. Entrepreneurship. Lifestyle. Money" (ISBN: 978-0228883821; April, 2023), the main character, Dell, uses his wits and experiences to create his own path to financial independence. His connection with his family and his passion for being financially literate lead him to learn from others, but most importantly educate his friend. Despite some initial challenges, Dell learns that being FINNA LIT is more than just words. It's a process. It's a LIFESTYLE.

"Finna Lit" features a young boy, Dell, who is learning about how finances matter and their impact on decision-making. He wants to develop a video game business but needs the resources and skills to get to his ultimate goal. He uses his creativity and growing financial skills to start a small business of raking leaves so that he can acquire the resources needed to make his video game business viable. He shares his ideas with his friend Link who has a minimal understanding of financial matters. He realizes starting a business has its challenges and setbacks, but he learns that perseverance is his best ally.

Author Sean Lewis is an educator and curriculum writer. Sean values using the world as seen through the lens of students to guide instruction and inquiry. He enjoys conversing with his students and constructing lessons about financial matters, and entrepreneurship. FINNA LIT was created so that families, educators and students can participate in an ongoing learning process that is dynamic and which is unique to each lived experience that honours many ways of knowing. Sean is grateful for the financial hardships he faced growing up and the lessons he learned. Lessons he continues to learn to this day.

"Finna Lit: Creativity. Entrepreneurship. Lifestyle. Money" is Sean's first picture book and was released in 2023.

If you would like to find out more about Finna Lit visit Sean Lewis' website: https://seanlewisauthor.com/

"Finna Lit" is now out through Tellwell Publishing (RRP $15.99) and available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo and more.

BOOK SUMMARY:

Author: Sean Lewis

Genre: JUVENILE FICTION

Released: APRIL, 2023

PAPERBACK: ISBN-13: 978-0228883821

HARDCOVER: ISBN-13: 978-0228883838

Publisher: Tellwell Publishing ( https://tellwell.ca/ ).

News from Author Sean Lewis

n Sean Lewis' current picture book, "Finna Lit: Creativity. Entrepreneurship. Lifestyle. Money" (ISBN: 978-0228883821; April, 2023), the main character, Dell, uses his wits and experiences to create his own path to financial independence. His connection with his family and his passion for being financially literate lead him to learn from others, but most importantly educate his friend.

Related link: https://seanlewisauthor.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

[Fast] Downgrade or Remove iOS 17 to 16 with Downgrader Tool 2023

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- iOS systems occasionally bring new software and system updates, making users excited to install them on their iOS devices. Sometimes, these updates come with technical problems. UltFone wishes to prevent users from undergoing these problems with its iPhone downgrade tool to downgrade iOS 17 with a single click without iTunes.

Things to Know Before Using iOS Downgrade Tool:

Downgrading iOS means re-installing an old OS on your iPhone/iPad and will wipe your device to the factory settings. So it would be better if you backup before downgrading with iTunes or iCloud or data management tools like UltFone iOS Data Manager, keeping your important data from loss.

Remove iOS 17 to iOS 16 from iPhone with iTunes:

It is the official way to downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 with iTunes by putting device in recovery mode. Here is how to use it: Choose the correct IPSW file at ipsw.me> Connect the device and boot into Recovery Mode>Click "Restore."

However, using iTunes to remove iOS 17 to iOS 16 has risks. You will need to select and download the IPSW file for your phone, and put your device into recovery mode manually, which may brick your iPhone or get your iPhone stuck in recovery mode, or arise other iOS issues.

There are lots of posts on Reddit that users don't know how to set phones to recovery mode or complain about iPhones stuck on the Apple logo or iPhone bricked in the process.

That's the reason why UltFone iOS Downgrade Tool comes,an easy and safe iOS downgrade tool to uninstall iOS 17 to iOS 16 in one click.

Downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 without iTunes for Windows and Mac [Free Download]:

Compared with iTunes, UltFone iOS Downgrade Tool can be the easiest iOS downgrader to downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 safely and automatically. You don't need to put device to recovery mode manually or select IPSW file, so no worries about any iPhone system issues.

Moreover, it is 100% working for downgrading iOS fast and without losing data.

Video guide: https://youtu.be/v6TCjZ01RnE

Quickly follow the below guide for iOS downgrading:

* Run the program and click on "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" to start.

* Choose "Downgrade System" and click "Download."

* Once it's downloaded, click on "Initiating Downgrade" to start. It will roll back to a lower system within a few minutes.

Top Features of UltFone Downgrade Tool to Downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16:

The UltFone iOS Downgrade Tool offers a plethora of incredible features that provide users with an enjoyable experience:

* Easiest iOS 17 Downgrader: The iOS downgrader tool requires no technical knowledge and downgrades iOS systems with just few clicks.

* Downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 Automatically:This iOS downgrader automatically removes iOS 17 in seconds.

* Safe and No jailbreak : Uninstall iOS without fear of losing important data and jailbreak with maximum data security.

* Wide compatibility: As a good alternative of iPSW downgrade tool, it is compatible with all iPhone and iPad models, including the latest iPhone 14 series and iOS/ iPadOS 16.

* Support to remove iOS 17 :Revert back to iOS 16 OFFICIAL.

* Fix any iOS 17/16 downgrade issue: Say goodbye to any iOS 17/16 downgrade issues, such as iPhone stuck on recovery mode or iOS update, etc.

About UltFone:

UltFone, a leading expert of mobile utility technologies and applications in the software industry, offers fully integrated solutions for data backup, data recovery, system repair etc.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UltFoneOfficial/videos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ultfone/

News from UltFone

iOS systems occasionally bring new software and system updates, making users excited to install them on their iOS devices. Sometimes, these updates come with technical problems. UltFone wishes to prevent users from undergoing these problems with its iPhone downgrade tool to downgrade iOS 17 with a single click without iTunes.

Related link: https://www.ultfone.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Capital Nissan of Wilmington Partners with Make-A-Wish and an Anonymous Donor to Grant Wishes for Deserving Children in North Carolina

WILMINGTON, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Capital Nissan of Wilmington is delighted to announce its partnership with Make-A-Wish, a renowned non-profit organization, to fulfill the dreams of deserving children with critical illnesses and their families in North Carolina. In an extraordinary act of generosity, the dealership has not only committed to donating one wish but has also gone above and beyond to make it possible to grant two wishes with the help of an Anonymous donor.

The compassionate team at Capital Nissan's service department, led by Service Manager Cheryl Furcini, was determined to find a way to afford granting two wishes instead of one. Through their dedication, they created a plan to involve their valued customers and give them an opportunity to contribute towards this cause. Cashier Sandi Imel, made it her mission to speak to every customer upon checkout. For those who were able to donate, Sandi made sure to recognize that customer with a donation star in their service department. Over the past two months, the service department has been accepting generous donations from customers who were eager to make a difference in the lives of these local children and their families.

One particular customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, was deeply inspired by the efforts of Cheryl Furcini and her team. Upon learning that the dealership was only $2,502 away from reaching their goal of $7,500, this remarkable individual selflessly stepped forward to bridge the gap. Moved by the determination and passion of the dealership, the customer wrote a check for the exact amount needed, ensuring that Capital Nissan would fulfill its commitment to granting two wishes.

Cheryl Furcini expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received from both her dedicated staff and the dealership's cherished customers. "We are immensely grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by everyone who contributed to this cause. It is truly heartwarming to witness how our community comes together to make a positive impact in the lives of these children and their families," she said.

The deadline for reaching the goal is fast approaching at the end of June, and Capital Nissan is excited to announce that they are now fully equipped to make not one, but two dreams come true. The dealership, in partnership with Make-A-Wish, will ensure that these deserving children with critical illnesses and their families have an unforgettable experience that brings them joy, hope, and strength during challenging times.

For more information about Capital Nissan's partnership with Make-A-Wish or to contribute to this cause, please contact Heather Bertuccelli

About Capital Nissan of Wilmington:

Capital Nissan of Wilmington is a leading automotive dealership located in Wilmington, NC. Dedicated to providing exceptional service, quality vehicles, and community engagement. With a commitment to making a positive impact, the dealership actively participates in various charitable initiatives to support and uplift the local community. Learn more: https://www.capitalnissan.com/

About Make-A-Wish:

Make-A-Wish® seeks to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness.

With the help of generous donors and more than 32,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish has collectively granted more than 520,000 wishes worldwide, making it the world's largest wish-granting organization. For more information about Make-A-Wish, please visit https://wish.org/.

News from Capital Automotive Group

Capital Nissan of Wilmington is delighted to announce its partnership with Make-A-Wish, a renowned non-profit organization, to fulfill the dreams of deserving children with critical illnesses and their families in North Carolina. In an extraordinary act of generosity, the dealership has not only committed to donating one wish but has also gone above and beyond to make it possible to grant two wishes with the help of an Anonymous donor.

Related link: https://capitalautogroup.com/

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Dining Out Jersey’s 3rd Annual Foodie Expo will Feature North Jersey’s Best Food and Entertainment

PARAMUS, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dining Out Media LLC will be hosting the 3rd Annual Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo on Monday July 10, 2023, from 6 - 10 p.m. at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, N.J. The event will feature North Jersey's best restaurants, gourmet food shops, craft beer, wine, spirits, entertainment, as well as celebrity guests, including NBC's "Produce Pete" Napolitano and Celebrity Chef David Burke.

The event will be held in the main ballroom. Some food trucks are also scheduled to participate. Participating businesses are primarily from Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Morris counties. This year's charity partner will be the Spring Lake Toys Foundation for which a silent auction and tricky tray will be held in the salon.

"The Foodie Expo has been a great success and very popular with locals who love dining out. We plan on continuing this tradition while improving each year," said Paul Turpanjian, Publisher of Dining Out Jersey Magazine.

Guests will enjoy the festivities which will include food tastings across a wide variety of cuisines from the area's top restaurants. Paid admission gives guests access to all.

"We are looking forward to giving area foodies an opportunity to get out and be entertained while enjoying the savory and sweet flavors that our many fine North Jersey restaurants are famous for," said Turpanjian. "We continue to support the restaurant industry while keeping our readers and followers informed on the Jersey dining scene."

Dining Out Jersey Magazine is North Jersey's preeminent lifestyle magazine focusing on dining out and other food-centric content. This July the Dining Out Jersey Shore edition will be launched which will cover Monmouth and Ocean Counties. A similar Foodie Expo in the Jersey Shore area is in the plans for 2024.

For further info or tickets go to: https://diningoutjersey.com/

News from Dining Out Media LLC

Dining Out Media LLC will be hosting the 3rd Annual Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo on Monday July 10, 2023, from 6 - 10 p.m. at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, N.J. The event will feature North Jersey's best restaurants, gourmet food shops, craft beer, wine, spirits, entertainment, as well as celebrity guests, including NBC's "Produce Pete" Napolitano and Celebrity Chef David Burke.

Related link: https://www.diningoutjersey.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

ADA Compliance and Digital Kiosks: Ensuring Accessibility in Healthcare Settings

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Kiosk Innovations, a U.S. based digital kiosk manufacturing company, would like to inform the various stakeholders within the healthcare industry about the importance of digital kiosks in the medical field and emphasize the need for ADA compliance to ensure equal access and inclusion for all patients. Consulting with experts, such as Kiosk Innovations, can maximize inclusion and efficiency in implementing self-service solutions.

Digital kiosks serve an increasingly wide variety of tasks in today's society. It is no question these terminals can efficiently provide services in healthcare by completing tasks such as wayfinding directions as well as self service check into Epic's Welcome or other EHR systems. Being the patients first impression of a medical group, it is important that these devices are noticeable, welcoming, and easy to use for patients to ensure the patient's journey is fluid which ultimately increases adoption rates in this technology and helps instill confidence in patients.

It is important to understand the demographic of the typical healthcare patient. In many cases these individuals are older and/or may have a higher rate of disability (whether temporary or permanent) than the average US population. Healthcare providers have both an ethical and legal obligation to provide the same level of service to patients with common disabilities. ADA compliance is clearance and reach for those who are wheelchair bound, an audible form of navigation and either tactile or voice recognition for those who are visually impaired, or visual cues for those with auditory impairments.

To fulfil your legal obligations and be ADA compliant one must understand what information is being communicated, what tasks are to be completed, and provide equal access to this information as well as provide an equal amount of privacy. Not providing an equally accessible solution can result in legal ramifications, ethical shortcomings, reputational damage, and a lower adoption rate.

ADA compliance should not just be a legal requirement. Providing equal access and inclusion is the right thing for so many more reasons than just legal ramifications. Ensuring a digital self-service solution is ADA compliant ensures individuals remain autonomous. This allows a much larger range of patience that can complete tasks more efficiently, having a larger pool of patience that can help themselves helps drive organizational efficiencies.

The purpose of self service is to drive efficiency to patients as well as the organization, the greater accessibility the larger the pool of users, the larger the pool of users, the more efficiency gained. Self-service is a tool, the consultant at Kiosk Innovations can help guide you towards a solution that maximizes inclusion for your patients and efficiency for your organization.

To learn more visit: https://kioskinnovations.com/.

About Kiosk Innovations:

Based in Denver, Colorado, Kiosk Innovations is an employee-owned company that supports and nurtures the essence of what is required to give customers the quality solutions they need - INNOVATION. We are proud to produce unique and original designs that not only stand out from their surroundings, but incorporate ever-changing technological advancements as they are introduced to the industry.

With more than 30 years of experience, the Kiosk Innovations team has extensive knowledge of evolving kiosk applications, and we design and manufacture everything in-house to ensure tight quality control while keeping costs competitive. Combining first-rate knowledge and field experience with creative vision and passion, Kiosk Innovations strives to provide the very best customer service and experience.

News from Kiosk Innovations

Kiosk Innovations, a U.S. based digital kiosk manufacturing company, would like to inform the various stakeholders within the healthcare industry about the importance of digital kiosks in the medical field and emphasize the need for ADA compliance to ensure equal access and inclusion for all patients. Consulting with experts, such as Kiosk Innovations, can maximize inclusion and efficiency in implementing self-service solutions.

Related link: https://kioskinnovations.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Church of Scientology ‘We Are Giants’ Ad Boosts Honors Tally at Telly Awards

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Church of Scientology "We Are Giants" ad continues to increase its tally of awards by winning five more, including one Gold, at the 44th annual Telly Awards, one of television's most prestigious international competitions for creative excellence.

The Church's message to the world, "We Are Giants," premiered during the 2022 Super Bowl. The tenth successive Scientology ad to premiere at the game, it makes the declaration, "You are a giant tied down with string, and at any moment you can rise" and concludes with the statement, "The only question is how?" The ad won Gold in the category of Regional Television | General - Not-for-Profit.

Watch all the previous years' Super Bowl ads on YouTube.com/Scientology.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

CONTACT:

Media Relations

info@scnmedia.net

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InDTLp63G7c

News from Church of Scientology International

The Church of Scientology "We Are Giants" ad continues to increase its tally of awards by winning five more, including one Gold, at the 44th annual Telly Awards, one of television's most prestigious international competitions for creative excellence.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Empowered Aging Announces the ‘See Me. Hear Me.’ Campaign in Recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, Leading Bay Area nonprofit, Empowered Aging announces the launch of their Elder Abuse Awareness campaign, 'See Me. Hear Me.™' This movement is designed to shed light on the vulnerability of older adults and adults with disabilities living in long-term care facilities and in the community. For the month of June, the organization will be sharing stories of the people behind the cases that the Empowered Aging team takes on while preserving privacy.

"Our mission here at Empowered Aging is to ensure older adults and adults with disabilities are seen and heard every single day," said executive director Susannah Meyer. "This campaign is a testament to our person-centered advocacy and education that our programs offer in response to the critical issues of abuse and neglect our elders face."

According to research by the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately one in ten Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some sort of elder abuse. They also estimate that nearly five million elders are abused each year. In another report, they share that only one in twenty-four elder abuse cases are reported to authorities. A 2009 report to the California State Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes stated that 13% of all complaints to the CA Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman involved abuse, gross neglect, or exploitation - more than twice the national rate of 5%.

"With the dramatically rising numbers of the older adult population, and the growing demand for related resources and direct care support, we are concerned that more needs to be done to address the increased risk for elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect," Meyer continued. "As we work to expand our reach and the Empowered Aging team prepares to meet the rising needs further protecting the vulnerable population we serve, my team and I challenge everyone to join us by helping to raise awareness and bring the fight against abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities out of the shadows."

For more information about the See Me. Hear Me. campaign, please visit https://empoweredaging.org/seemehearme.

If you would like to request a paddle to have your quote and photo featured, please send an email to tiffanyheard@empoweredaging.org.

See Me. Hear Me. Campaign Launch Video: https://youtu.be/G9fvS-lX0s8.

About Empowered Aging:

For over 50 years, Empowered Aging has provided critical, high-quality advocacy on behalf of residents living in long-term care through its Ombudsman programs. During those years, the organization has also evolved to meet the needs of our time that impact a vulnerable and vastly diverse senior community.

Today, Empowered Aging is uniting individuals, organizations, and communities together around a common mission, a shared vision, and a path forward to a stronger, more equitable journey in aging. The nonprofit's services and scope of work now additionally provides a Masters in Social Work Internship Program, Elder Justice and Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance programs in Solano County, and the Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) program - launched in Contra Costa County and recognized by the Governor as a pilot program of the Master Plan for Aging. HCP is currently expanding state-wide through a grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information to address the State's direct care workforce crisis.

While our organization has transformed over the years to address the challenges and changes in the world, one thing remains the same: our focus on improving and strengthening the lives of our elders.

To learn more about Empowered Aging, visit https://empoweredaging.org.

REF:
https://ncea.acl.gov/What-We-Do/Research/Statistics-and-Data.aspx#prevalence

News from Empowered Aging

Today, Leading Bay Area nonprofit, Empowered Aging announces the launch of their Elder Abuse Awareness campaign, 'See Me. Hear Me.™' This movement is designed to shed light on the vulnerability of older adults and adults with disabilities living in long-term care facilities and in the community. For the month of June, the organization will be sharing stories of the people behind the cases that the Empowered Aging team takes on while preserving privacy.

Related link: https://empoweredaging.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: May 2023 Data

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for May 2023. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels. A broad-based view of the entire market provides a more accurate picture of mortgage originations versus indices that are influenced by mega lenders. The May MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices is broken out by transaction type: purchase, rate/term refinance, and cash out refinance.

May MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices shows that overall lock volume had a stronger downturn in May, compared to the lighter downturn in April. Purchase lock activity was down 15.20% compared to April. Rate/term refinance volume was down 21.88%, and cash-out refinance volume was down 21.77%. Lock activity in total was down 15.87% in total compared to April.

In general, May had a stronger downward trend compared to April, but we should see lock activity begin to climb as the Fed decides if they've reached their terminal Fed funds rate and we move into the Spring. As it stands, total lock activity is down 29.09% from last year. Purchase lock activity sits 23.23% lower than at the same point last year. Rate and term refinance volume is down 41.85% from one year ago, and cash-out refinance volume is down 71.83% over that same period.

It is important to note that MCT's rate lock activity indices are based on actual dollar volume of locked loans, not number of applications. Especially in a tight purchase market, MCT believes its methodology (using actual loans locked vs. applications) is a more reliable metric. There is a higher likelihood of having multiple applications per funded loan, and prequals do not convert at as high of a rate in the current market as has historically been the case - especially when applications are counted at the early stage of entering a property address.

* Index values to end May as a percentage benchmarked to the start of the month

Category: Month-Over-Month Index Value Change
Total: -15.87%
Purchase: -15.20%
Rate/Term Refinance: -21.88%
Cash Out Refinance: -21.77%

* Index value change year-over-year

Category: Month-Over-Month Index Value Change
Total: -29.09%
Purchase: -23.23%
Rate/Term Refinance: -41.85%
Cash Out Refinance: -71.83%

MCT will be publishing the MCTlive! Mortgage Lock Volume Indices monthly, intending the data to serve as an enduring informational tool for industry participants, analysts, and watchers.

About MCT:

Founded in 2001, Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT) ® has grown from a boutique mortgage pipeline hedging firm into the industry's leading provider of fully integrated capital markets services and technology. MCT's offerings include mortgage pipeline hedging, best execution loan sales, business intelligence and analytics, outsourced lock desk solutions, MSR valuation, hedging, and bulk sales, and the world's first, truly open marketplace for loan sales.

MCT supports independent mortgage bankers, depositories, credit unions, warehouse lenders, and correspondent investors of all sizes within its award-winning digital platform, MCTlive! ®. Headquartered in sunny San Diego, MCT also has offices in Healdsburg, CA, Philadelphia, PA and Texas.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/.

News from Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for May 2023. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Alliance Group CEO Lee Duncan Appointed to UGA’s Terry College Alumni Board

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lee Duncan, President and CEO of Alliance Group, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business Alumni Board, effective July 1, 2023.

The Terry Alumni Board, acting in an advisory capacity to the Dean and faculty of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, carries a noble cause of fostering a continual affiliation between former students and the institution. Duncan's commitment to community building, coupled with his remarkable achievements in the business world, make him a valuable addition to the Board.

In his new role, Duncan will support Terry programs and activities, participating in numerous initiatives such as the Alumni Awards and Gala, Student of the Year, Terry Third Thursday, and the Women's Conference. He will serve not only as a mentor to current students and young alumni but also as a promoter of the institution's philanthropic priorities.

"Lee's passion for the Terry College of Business and the University of Georgia is tremendous," said Jason Huggins, incoming Terry Alumni Board President. "We look forward to his contributions and service as we continue to grow our engagement with Terry Alums around the country."

Duncan's appointment reaffirms the Terry College of Business' commitment to engaging its alumni in active roles that enhance the quality of education, network opportunities, and overall student experience.

About Lee Duncan:

In his time at Alliance Group, the life insurance marketing organization has flourished, establishing themselves as a leading IMO for independent life insurance agents and agencies. Since joining the company in 2003, Lee has played an integral role in the growth and development of Alliance Group, from a $8m production total in 2003 to a record $56m in 2022. With more than 5,000 independent agents nationally, Alliance Group is currently protecting over 150,000 American families with more than $30 billion of Living Benefits coverage.

About Terry College of Business:

The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is the state's flagship business school. Terry offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, equipping students with a strong foundation in business principles and the opportunity to develop specific expertise in a specialized area.

About Alliance Group:

As "The Living Benefits IMO," Alliance Group provides independent agents and agencies with superior marketing and training solutions. Since 1998, Alliance Group has been helping life insurance agency partners spread awareness about Living Benefits life insurance, while also helping them solve clients' tax-free retirement, mortgage protection, small business planning, and estate planning needs. Alliance Group has an A+ rating on BBB. The company's main website is https://www.alliancegrouplife.com

News from Alliance Group

Lee Duncan, President and CEO of Alliance Group, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business Alumni Board, effective July 1, 2023. Duncan's commitment to community building, coupled with his remarkable achievements in the business world, make him a valuable addition to the Board.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Scientology Network Unveils New Slate of Prime Time Shows and Series

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Launched in 2018, Scientology Network continues to raise standards in the television industry, including being the first and only network to air all content in 17 languages. To date, more than 250 inspiring programs - all produced in-house - have been viewed 24/7 on satellite, live streaming or on demand in 242 nations and territories. Scientology Network continues to expand its reach, most recently adding AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV STREAM to meet growing audience curiosity and demand in the United States.

The prime-time lineup starts with new episodes, including:

* Destination: Scientology (Mondays, 9P ET/PT)-Each week the series travels to cities where Scientology Churches are located and explores the history, culture and interesting features that make each city so unique. This season's featured cities span the globe from Auckland, New Zealand, to Atlanta, Georgia, to Johannesburg, South Africa.

* Meet a Scientologist (Tuesdays, 8P ET/PT)-The series showcases Scientologists from around the world who are making significant contributions in their chosen fields. New episodes feature a husband-and-wife team of Italian artisan chocolatiers, a high-performance driving instructor, and the founder of the nonprofit foundation Carry the Future which provides thousands of refugee families with critical baby care products.

* Voices for Humanity (Wednesdays, 8P ET/PT)-The mini-documentary series that presents heroic change-makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations who work in partnership with Church of Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs to uplift their communities. New episodes cover current events, controversial issues and important topics: from battling human trafficking and psychiatric abuse to promoting moral values and uplifting communities.

* I am a Scientologist (Thursdays, 8:30P ET/PT)-From musicians and mechanics to artists and entrepreneurs around the world, everyday people from all walks of life discuss how they apply the powerful tools of Scientology to improve their daily lives.

* Documentary Showcase (Fridays, 8P ET/PT)-The best in independent documentaries with a focus on raising awareness of important social, cultural and environmental issues. This season's films address a broad range of topics, including fighting discrimination on the basketball court (Life Without Basketball), testing the limits of human endurance at sea (Losing Sight of Shore), and understanding how comic book culture inspires people to imagine - and create-a more just world (Geek, and You Shall Find).

Scientology Network's new season launched with a two-hour special that featured the premiere episodes of Destination: Scientology, Meet a Scientologist, Voices for Humanity and I am a Scientologist.

The new episodes will air alongside films, series and other programs now on Scientology Network, including:

* Inside Scientology

* L. Ron Hubbard: in His Own Voice

* Principles of Scientology

* L. Ron Hubbard Library Presents

* Signature Performances

* Dianetics: An Introduction

* Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought

* Scientology: Tools for Life

* The Problems of Work: Scientology Applied to the Workaday World

* The Way to Happiness

* The Way to Happiness: Common Sense for Life

* The Truth About Drugs

* They Said, They Lied

* The Story of Human Rights

* 30 Rights Brought to Life

* Citizens Commission on Human Rights documentaries

To watch any program on demand, visit Scientology.tv.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 242 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

CONTACT:

Media Relations

info@scnmedia.net

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x983bqHKcrw

News from Church of Scientology International

Launched in 2018, Scientology Network continues to raise standards in the television industry, including being the first and only network to air all content in 17 languages. To date, more than 250 inspiring programs - all produced in-house - have been viewed 24/7 on satellite, live streaming or on demand in 242 nations and territories.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Stack Sports Launches Stack Tourney, Revolutionizing Tournament Management with Seamless Integration and Enhanced User Experience

PLANO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Stack Sports, a leading provider of sports software solutions, successfully launched Stack Tourney, its new brand identity for the tournament platform. Since the launch, Stack Sports has been actively working to enhance the product and provide an integrated experience for its partners.

Stack Tourney integrates directly with Stack Team App and Stack Pay, into a seamless and secure platform that caters to the needs of sports organizations. With a focus on user experience, Stack Sports aims to revolutionize the sports software industry and streamline operations for its customers.

"This is the end of fragmented sports software as we know it," said Brandon Shangraw, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Stack Sports. "From here on out, organizations can expect products that seamlessly work together with a fully integrated user experience that helps everyone succeed."

The addition of Stack Tourney follows the launch of Stack Officials as Stack Sports continues to innovate in the Youth Sports market. Stack Sports has been dedicated to supporting sports and facilitating participation through user-friendly software and exceptional service. Currently, over 450,000 organizations worldwide utilize Stack Sports products.

"Stack Sports' league management, data, and communication products fuel productivity, and connect our membership in ways that were not possible before," said Daniel Smith, General Manager of Stack Team App. "We're excited to be a part of the evolution with Stack Tourney and explore the next chapter of building a more connected sports ecosystem."

Since its launch, Stack Tourney has delivered an array of valuable features to its users, including:

* Built-in scheduling flexibility, encompassing Round Robin, Pool Play, Brackets, and more.

* Time-saving functionalities such as automated scheduling and schedule import.

* Customized online registration forms for seamless participant management.

* Real-time posting of results and standings, which can be easily accessed through the Stack Team App.

* Real-time push notifications and alerts, seamlessly integrated with the Stack Team App.

Existing Stack Sports partners can continue to leverage the ecosystem tools provided by Stack Sports. These include Stack FanWear, Stack Raise, Stack Pay, Sports Connect, GameDay, CaptainU, TeamInn, GeoSnapshot, GameChanger, Stack Team App, and Stack.com.

The successful launch of Stack Tourney marks a significant milestone for Stack Sports and its commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the sports community. With a strong foundation and a continuous focus on improving the user experience, Stack Sports is poised to lead the way in the sports software industry.

About Stack Sports:

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations.

Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars - Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development.

To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

About Stack Tourney:

Stack Tourney is a cutting-edge tournament platform introduced by Stack Sports, a leading provider of sports software solutions. With seamless integration of Stack Team App and Stack Pay, Stack Tourney offers a unified and secure experience for sports organizations. Built with trusted Stack Sports security and powered by top-notch service, Stack Tourney brings together scheduling flexibility, time-saving features, customized registration forms, real-time results and standings, and real-time push notifications. With its commitment to revolutionizing the sports software industry, Stack Tourney is reshaping the way tournaments are managed, providing an integrated solution for organizations to thrive and succeed.

News from Stack Sports

Stack Sports, a leading provider of sports software solutions, successfully launched Stack Tourney, its new brand identity for the tournament platform. Since the launch, Stack Sports has been actively working to enhance the product and provide an integrated experience for its partners.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC’s Retail Motor Fuels, Convenience Retail, and Fleet Fueling Businesses

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, today announced the successful closing on the sale of the retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC ("WTG Fuels" or the "Company") to subsidiaries of GPM Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) ("GPM"). The assets sold to GPM included 24 Uncle's branded convenience stores, 68 Gascard branded cardlock sites, 43 private cardlock sites, the Company's Gascard fleet card assets, and 9 consignment and wholesale dealer accounts.

WTG Fuels, based in Midland, Texas, is a large, diversified fuels distributor and convenience retailer with operations across west Texas and southeast New Mexico. Prior to the close of the transaction, the Company's assets included a chain of high-volume convenience stores operating under its proprietary Uncle's brand, a large fleet fueling business operating under its proprietary Gascard brand, and a delivered fuels business, serving residential and commercial customers, that ranks among the largest propane distributors in the Southwest. WTG Fuels' delivered fuels business, which provides propane, refined products, and lubricants to nearly 19,000 residential and commercial customers through a network of over 70 bulk plants and warehouses, is not included in the sale to GPM and will continue to be operated by WTG Fuels post-closing.

WTG Fuels is a subsidiary of West Texas Gas ("WTG"), a leading provider of natural gas gathering, processing, transmission, and distribution services throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to WTG, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by Vance Saunders, CPA, Managing Director; Cedric Fortemps, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; David Corbett, CFA, Director; John Duni, CFA, CPA, Vice President; and Michael Tucker, CFA, Associate.

John Steen, CEO of West Texas Gas, commented, "Matrix proved to be an indispensable partner and advisor to WTG on the divestiture of these assets. We appreciate all the efforts of the Matrix team over the course of this transaction."

Mr. Saunders added, "Our relationship with WTG first began back in late 2021 as we helped the Company evaluate strategic alternatives for the WTG Fuels businesses. After reviewing several options, the decision was made to divest WTG Fuels' retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses through a carveout process to maximize the value of the Company's assets. We are grateful to WTG for entrusting us with this complex mandate."

Larry Parker, Trevor Wind, Mary Katherine McGetrick, David Allen, Nico Balbontin, and Alston Underwood of Williams Mullen served as legal counsel for WTG Fuels.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals and car washes.

Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 270 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $13 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

News from Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc.

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, today announced the successful closing on the sale of the retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC ("WTG Fuels" or the "Company") to subsidiaries of GPM Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) ("GPM").

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

iOS 16.5 iCloud Bypass is Now Available on iToolab UnlockGo iOS

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- iToolab Co Ltd today released the new version of its iToolab UnlockGo iOS V5.6.0, allowing Apple users to bypass iCloud activation lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch running iOS 16.5. This awesome software is specially developed to help Apple users who forgot their iCloud account password or purchased a second-hand iDevice with iCloud activation lock.

"Lots of Apple users choose to buy a second-hand iPhone/iPad, but the previous owners always forgot to sign out their iCloud accounts," said iToolab CEO Mia Garcia. "Searching for a way to unlock an iCloud locked iPhone/iPad is troublesome and time-consuming. But we are here to help. iToolab UnlockGo iOS is a time-saving program to remove iPhone/iPad/iPod touch locks."

WHAT'S NEW IN ITOOLAB UNLOCKGO IOS V5.6.0

* Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iOS 16.5 without password or the previous owner

This feature allows you to unlock an iCloud locked iPhone/iPad/iPod touch without password. Whether your device is running iOS 12.0 or 16.5, you'll regain full access to your device within several simple steps. It supports iPhone 5s to iPhone X, iPod touch 6-7. It can also remove iCloud Activation Lock on some iPad models.

Other Solutions Provided by iToolab UnlockGo iOS:

* Unlock all types of iPhone/iPad locks

* Delete Apple ID without password

* Bypass MDM lock screen without the username and password in a few minutes

* Remove Screen Time passcode without any data loss

* Turn off FMI without Apple ID

How to Bypass iCloud on iOS 16.5 on MacOS:

Step 1. Free download iToolab UnlockGo iOS from its official website and install it on your Mac.

Step 2. Launch the program. Choose "Unlock iCloud Activation Lock" from the home screen.

Step 3. Connect your iPhone to Mac with a USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to put it in DFU mode.

Step 4. The program will begin bypassing iCloud lock. The process will complete within 5 minutes.

Video guide: https://youtu.be/U65QTvDnIHM

Availability and Price:

* The new feature is available on iToolab UnlockGo iOS V5.6.0. For unregistered users, you can visit the official website of iToolab UnlockGo iOS and download the latest version to try. For registered users, you can enjoy a free lifetime update.

* iOS 16.5 iCloud bypass is currently available on MacOS, and will be supported on Windows OS soon.

* The program is sold with different license plans, including 1 Month Plan, 1 Year Plan, Lifetime Plan and Business Plan. The prices are $39.95, $49.95, $59.95, respectively. You can get a big discount from the official website right now.

More info: https://itoolab.com/buy/unlockgo-for-mac/

About iToolab:

iToolab is a Hong Kong-based leading iOS and Android solution provider with a vision to help smartphone users solve various technical issues. Over the years, the company has helped millions of users fix iOS issues and regain access to their iPhones and iPads. Currently, iToolab provides its services in more than 130 countries and has an extensive user base. The creative approach of the developers is the main reason for the high success rate of all iToolab products.

LEARN MORE: https://itoolab.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itoolab

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IToolab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iToolab

News from IToolab Co Ltd

iToolab Co Ltd today released the new version of its iToolab UnlockGo iOS V5.6.0, allowing Apple users to bypass iCloud activation lock on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch running iOS 16.5. This awesome software is specially developed to help Apple users who forgot their iCloud account password or purchased a second-hand iDevice with iCloud activation lock.

Related link: https://itoolab.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

HitPaw Video Object Remover V1.2.0 Released with Enhanced Features for Seamless Object Removal and Enhanced User Experience

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- HitPaw, a leading software technology company, has announced the release of its latest version of the Video Object Remover - the HitPaw Video Object Remover V1.2.0. This upgraded version comes with enhanced features that make the application more efficient and reliable.

In this update, HitPaw optimizes selection module for the AI object removal model. The selection process has been fine tuned to offer users more accurate and reliable results, ensuring that even intricate objects can be seamlessly eliminated from videos with minimal effort.

LET'S CHECK OUT THE NEW FEATURES:

1 - Optimize the selection module of the AI object removal model

Opening the limit on the number of selections created is no longer limited to one, now multiple selections can be created and multiple objects removed. This new feature offers more control and precision in removing objects and recognition in the background, allowing users to create stunning results. Gone are the days of tedious manual selection - effortlessly handling multiple objects you want to remove at the same time and saving valuable time and effort.

2 - Optimize the preview playback function

To meet the needs of users, HitPaw Video Object Remover optimizes the preview to support full video preview and also single frame removal effect preview. Users can have clear perceived benefits and better-personalized choices for them.

3 - Optimize the export function

The export function has also undergone optimization in HitPaw Video Object Remover V1.2.0. Users can now export their edited videos seamlessly, maintaining the original video quality while ensuring efficient file compression for easy sharing and storage. supporting MP4\MKV\AVI\MOV format, and you can easily change the video format when removing objects from the video. This streamlined export process enhances user convenience and saves valuable time.

4 - Optimize the export video of AI background removal models

HitPaw has also improved the AI background removal models of Video Object Remover V1.2.0. The export function of the background removal model has been optimized for transparent video export, now you can see the effort of background removal by exporting transparent video directly, no need to change the player to verify.

Compatibility and Price:

HitPaw Video Object Remover is now compatible with Windows including Win11/10/7 64-bit and guaranteed to run Win8, Vista 64-bit system. Its pricing starts from $39.99 per month, $59.99 per year, and $99.99 for the lifetime.

For more information checking, you can visit: https://www.hitpaw.com/purchase/buy-hitpaw-object-remover.html

About HitPaw:

HitPaw is an emerging software company specializing in video editing, screen recording, watermark removing, image editing, photo enhancing meme-making, etc. We help users turn their inspiration into reality so that we can generate more ideas to make the world full of more creativity.

To know more, you may visit https://www.hitpaw.com/about.html and https://www.hitpaw.com/

Our Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LhUvA0Q0SM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitpawofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HitPawofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite/

News from HitPaw

HitPaw, a leading software technology company, has announced the release of its latest version of the Video Object Remover - the HitPaw Video Object Remover V1.2.0. This upgraded version comes with enhanced features that make the application more efficient and reliable.

Related link: https://www.hitpaw.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Marikel International Brings Caribbean Carnival Spirit to Leimert Park Village with a Post Juneteenth Starlight Parade

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On the heels of Juneteenth, Los Angeles' Leimert Park Village will become ablaze with passion in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month when Marikel International presents the inaugural Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade, a multicultural, fun filled family festival. Slated to take place Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the parade will ignite Crenshaw Blvd. with a dramatic celebration of heritage and pride.

The evening festivities, produced by Marikel International and LA Carnival founder Marie Kellier, will serve as a prelude to the full scale LA Carnival coming to Leimert Park next year. The Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade is free and open to the public. Leimert Park Village is located at 4395 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

The vibrant gathering of people, businesses, artisans, musicians, and food vendors will launch with dancing on Crenshaw Boulevard to the pulsating cadence of 100 diverse drummers who will infuse the city with resonance and rhythm. The spectacular assembly will gather at Martin Luther King and Crenshaw Boulevards with dancers and revelers led by the LA Carnival Youth on Parade contingent. As daylight simmers to night, 100 beautiful flags, designed by the community and decorated with positive messages, will illuminate Crenshaw Blvd. with lights and a brilliant vision for peace. The procession culminates in the Leimert Park Art Walk with a grand drum circle and spirited call and response performances in People Street Plaza.

With the full event coming in 2024, Los Angeles Carnival is being positioned as a major destination event. Corporations, municipalities, and organizations will be able to utilize the occasion as a regional vehicle that celebrates their stories, representing the Los Angeles region as a leader in arts, culture, and technology to the international community.

According to LA Carnival founder, Marie Kellier, "Los Angeles Carnival is a part of an important movement. Over the last decade, Leimert Park Village has experienced a virtual rebirth with the emergence of dynamic young business owners staving off gentrification by staking their claim to this historic 'epicenter' of Black culture in Los Angeles. Our vision is to establish the Carnival as a world class arts and multicultural affair in this area for decades to come."

In preparation for the Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade, Kellier is conducting carnival arts residencies and workshops to train and teach young artists costume design and production skills.

Partially funded by a California Arts Council Youth Development grant, the workshops are training a new cohort of leaders who are helping to produce the June 25 launch and will continue as associate producers of LA Carnival in 2024.

The first set of paid youth residencies and free community workshops began on May 23 in Leimert Park and will continue every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Leimert Park People Street Plaza.

Over the next year, Marikel International alongside a network of youth producers, nonprofit, corporate and community partners, will provide job opportunities and resources by training producers, creatives, and youth artists across the 88 cities of Los Angeles County.

"This inclusion of diverse Angelenos from across Greater Los Angeles will allow the creativity and traditions of various cultures to fill the streets with music, culture, dance, and masquerade representing the voice and rhythm of our region," cites Kellier.

Traditional Caribbean carnivals are extremely popular around the world and held over several days. Carnivals are largely comprised of amazing gatherings of dazzling costumed masqueraders, who wear the same style or color as part of the same 'band.' Each 'carnival band' is organized by a 'band leader.' The leader chooses the theme and designs the attire or works with a designer and costume maker to manufacture them. The band leader then recruits revelers who purchase their designs and come out to 'play' in their band.

Marie Kellier's LA Carnival On Tour is the traveling component of LA Carnival. It brings carnival culture to schools and communities throughout the region that would not normally experience this art form. It presents an authentic street performance vibe with a full standard-based educational program. Started in 1998, Los Angeles Carnival is the longest running Caribbean carnival organization in Southern California, and is part of the international circuit of Caribbean carnivals imported into communities worldwide by Caribbean immigrants since the 1930's.

Having built LA Carnival from the ground up, Kellier is no stranger to pioneering community work. It was Kellier's persistence and 'can do' spirit, along with the support of grant funders and community volunteers, who created the infrastructure and built the foundation for other Caribbean carnival events now happening in the region.

All Angelenos across the city and county of Los Angeles and beyond, are invited to be part of Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade, regardless of cultural origin, status, physical ability, belief, or orientation. Businesses along the route and across the region are encouraged to participate as sponsors or exhibitors and to bring their teams out to the parade.

The Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade highlights Caribbean American Heritage Month with a joyous post Juneteenth observance that continues the commemoration of cultural diversity. Mark your calendars now and get a taste of the Caribbean without having to board a plane!

For more details and information, go to https://www.losangelescarnival.com/ or email the Los Angeles Carnival's production office at lacarnivalarts@gmail.com.

News from Marikel International

On the heels of Juneteenth, Los Angeles' Leimert Park Village will become ablaze with passion in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month when Marikel International presents the inaugural Los Angeles Carnival Starlight Parade, a multicultural, fun filled family festival.

Related link: https://masmediagroups.wordpress.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

The Pap Corps Makes Historic $8.4 Million Donation for Cancer Research – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to Benefit from Nonprofit’s Largest Gift

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research (thepapcorps.org) recently presented a historic donation to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of $8.4 million. This gift came in two parts, $3.4 million through the volunteers' fundraising efforts and $5 million from an anonymous donor. This is the largest single gift in the nonprofit's 70-year history. The Pap Corps supports research for all types of cancer at Sylvester and has over 20,000 volunteer members in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

"We are thrilled to make this unprecedented gift to Sylvester," said Sally Berenzweig, CEO of The Pap Corps. "Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our members and the incredible generosity of our anonymous donor, this gift will be used to support groundbreaking research that results in lifesaving treatments for cancer patients."

During the check presentation event, which took place at Boca West Country Club, Dr. Antonio Iavarone, the deputy director of Sylvester and a renowned expert in glioblastoma and other aggressive brain tumors, spoke to the over 400 members in attendance about the outstanding advances that are occurring thanks to cancer research. During his presentation, he acknowledged the incomparable support of The Pap Corps members and thanked them for their untiring dedication.

"Today was one of the most exciting days in the history of The Pap Corps," said Susan Dinter, Chair. "We are so grateful for the remarkable support of our members, who work tirelessly year after year to fund these multimillion-dollar donations, and to our benevolent donor whose commitment to our mission inspires us all! For 70 years, we have supported cancer research and will continue to do so until a cure can be found."

June is National Cancer Survivor Month and thanks to incredible advances during the past decades, death rates have declined, but The Pap Corps' job is far from over. The members of this organization know that revolutionary new treatments are on the horizon, but funding is critical to reach the next level of success. Achieving greater survival rates, year after year, is what keeps the organizations' over 20,000 members motivated!

To join The Pap Corps, learn more at: https://www.thepapcorps.org/.

About The Pap Corps:

Since its founding in 1952, The Pap Corps, a 501(c)(3), has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including a historic $50 million pledge in 2016. The Pap Corps derives its name from Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, who introduced the world to the revolutionary 'Pap' test. A small group of women began the organization to support his efforts, and over the decades it has grown into an organization of over 20,000 men and women, in over 50 chapters, raising funds to support research for all types of cancers.

About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center:

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth - University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated and nationally ranked cancer center in South Florida. NCI designation recognizes that Sylvester has met the most rigorous standards for cancer research, beginning in our laboratories, extending to patient care, and meeting specific needs in our community. Sylvester is known as South Florida's leader in patient-focused cancer research and care, offering the only Phase 1 Clinical Trials program - the first step in evaluating how patients respond to the latest investigational treatments.

NCI designation further expands Sylvester's ability to provide access to novel therapies through more clinical trials and collaboration with other designated centers. Equipped with a highly qualified team of more than 2,400 cancer-focused physicians, researchers and support staff working together, Sylvester discovers, develops, and delivers more precision cancer care. To serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities throughout South Florida.

News from The Pap Corps

The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research (thepapcorps.org) recently presented a historic donation to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of $8.4 million. This gift came in two parts, $3.4 million through the volunteers' fundraising efforts and $5 million from an anonymous donor. This is the largest single gift in the nonprofit's 70-year history.

Related link: https://www.thepapcorps.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Searching for Common Ground in Lobster War: The Fight Over the World’s Richest Fishing Grounds on Documentary Showcase

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE - the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues - presents the documentary "Lobster War: The Fight Over the World's Richest Fishing Grounds."

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Lobster War: The Fight Over the World's Richest Fishing Grounds follows the tense standoff between lobstermen in the U.S. and Canada and the attempts to begin a constructive dialogue over the rights to one of the world's richest fishing grounds. As sea temperatures rise, lobster populations have begun to migrate north, blurring the lines of maritime boundaries and impacting the livelihoods of fishermen and entire communities on both sides.

Directed by David Abel and Andy Laub, Lobster War: The Fight Over the World's Richest Fishing Grounds is a stunningly photographed and award-winning feature documentary about a climate-fueled conflict between the U.S. and Canada over the fishing rights in waters that both countries have claimed since the end of the Revolutionary War. The disputed area in the Gulf of Maine, known as the Gray Zone, has warmed faster than nearly any other body of water on the planet. As a result, the previously modest lobster population has surged, as have the profits in bringing them to market, setting the stage for a dangerous showdown.

Lobster War: The Fight Over the World's Richest Fishing Grounds is the recipient of numerous film festival awards, including winner at the International Maritime Film Festival and the Mystic Film Festival.

ABOUT DAVID ABEL

David Abel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at The Boston Globe who has covered wars, terrorism and the environment. Abel's work also won an Edward R. Murrow Award, the Ernie Pyle Award from the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Feature Reporting. He is a director/producer whose films have been broadcast to national and international audiences on BBC World News, Discovery Life, PBS and Pivot.

In an interview with Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, David spoke about the central theme of his film and the urgency required to mitigate the effects of climate change:

"Over the past decade I've written a lot and now made several films trying to capture how our warming oceans are affecting people's lives. And this film, Lobster War, is very much about how the warming waters are affecting people's livelihoods."

ABOUT ANDY LAUB

Andy Laub is a writer/director/producer/composer who works on nature films and cultural documentaries. His work has appeared on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, BBC World News and Ora.TV. His film As It Happens: Pacific Crest Trail has been viewed online by more than 500,000 people around the world.

ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.

For more information, visit scientology.tv/docs.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

CONTACT:

Media Relations info@scnmedia.net

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/lobster-war/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEOS:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/lobster-war/videos/trailer.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/lobster-war/videos/an-inside-look.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/lobster-war/videos/inside-look-teaser-with-david.html

News from Church of Scientology International

Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE - the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues - presents the documentary "Lobster War: The Fight Over the World's Richest Fishing Grounds."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

LenderLogix Announces Quarterly Homebuyer Intelligence Report

BUFFALO, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage automation software and application programming interfaces (APIs), today introduced the Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a quarterly summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The inaugural report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process during the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.

Pre-Approvals

In Q1 2023, borrowers generated 53,281 pre-approval letters through LenderLogix's QuickQual pre-approval platform. On average, borrowers logged into QuickQual roughly 12 times during the quarter to generate pre-approval letters, run payment scenarios or view closing cost summaries. Loan officers pre-approved an average of 24 borrowers during this same period. The average pre-approval letter generated in Q1 was for a loan amount of $292,491, and the average sales price was $334,022, resulting in an average down payment of roughly 12.4%. Conventional loans were the most popular loan type for which borrowers were pre-approved at 72%, followed by FHA (21%), VA (5%) and USDA (1%).

"Given the lack of housing inventory, borrowers and their real estate agents must have a complete picture of the borrower's financing options to ensure they can make a highly competitive offer as quickly as possible," said LenderLogix Co-Founder and CEO Patrick O'Brien. "Lenders need to truly understand the pressures and constraints their borrowers are working under and provide options that empower borrowers to match the speed of today's housing market."

Borrower Conversion

Of the borrowers using QuickQual in Q1 2023, the average number of days between pre-approval and loan submission was 71 days, with the longest being 622 days. 56% of borrowers using QuickQual converted from pre-approved status to loan applicant and generated an average of 9 pre-approval letters before converting.

"What these stats tell us is that the home search process is quite difficult for borrowers, even as competition has cooled slightly from the pandemic-driven frenzy," O'Brien noted. "For loan officers, this should serve as notice to be diligent in your outreach to support your prospects and their agents in what remains a challenging homebuying market and maximize your conversion rate."

Data from the Homebuyer Intelligence Report is available to the industry free of charge. To learn more about LenderLogix, visit https://www.lenderlogix.com/.

About LenderLogix

LenderLogix leverages the four decades of firsthand mortgage origination and real estate experience of its executive team to design customized software and APIs to meet the needs of today's mortgage lenders. The company's suite of products addresses the speed at which today's real estate market moves by delivering technology solutions that create agile and informed borrowers, build strong referral partners and ultimately save lenders time and money. For more information, visit https://www.lenderlogix.com/.

News from LenderLogix

LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage automation software and application programming interfaces (APIs), today introduced the Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a quarterly summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The inaugural report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process during the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.

Related link: https://www.lenderlogix.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

FineShare FineCam: the First AI-Powered Virtual Camera Unveiling Powerful AI Text-To-Image Generation Feature

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- FineShare FineCam has recently unveiled its latest version, V2.0, introducing new AI features and bringing a complete revamp of UI and user experience. With its user-friendly interface, intelligent video enhancement, and convenient solution for transforming smartphones into webcams, FineShare FineCam makes it faster and easier than ever to obtain high-definition videos and create a seamless, professional video experience during video recording and video conferences.

FineShare FineCam is the first AI-powered virtual camera software that leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence deep learning models such as text-to-image generation, semantic segmentation, and super-resolution, making it a game changer. It allows users to quickly create high-definition videos and deliver engaging video conferences wherever they are.

One of the highlights is AI background generation. We finetune the text-to-image generation model, so users can input corresponding prompts based on the given instructions to generate unique backgrounds within seconds, helping them quickly and efficiently show their personality and elevate their professionalism in video conferences and pre-recorded videos.

The updated features of FineShare FineCam V2.0 include:

1 - Big UI update: We have changed the user interface to provide a better user experience.

2 - Content sharing: It works on any platform with virtual camera support and allows users to share slides, application windows, iPhone/iPad screens, webpages, videos, images, and more.

3 - Theme templates: Users can apply free themes to get the layout, background, lens style, and more with one-click and quickly start video calls, online courses, product demos, and tutorial recordings.

4 - Segment recording: Users can record videos in small segments, freeing themselves from the constraints of lengthy and uninterrupted video recordings.

"Our goal is to enable anyone to quickly create high-definition videos and deliver engaging virtual presentations," said Jared Dun, the founder of FineShare. "The launch of FineCam V2.0 marks a new era for AI-powered virtual camera. We hold the belief that the power of the most advanced AI tools will revolutionize the way people deliver video presentations, bringing unprecedented efficiency and convenience."

Compatibility:

FineShare FineCam V2.0 is compatible with Windows. If you want to learn more about FineShare FineCam, please visit: https://www.fineshare.com/finecam/ or follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About FineShare Co., Ltd.:

FineShare is an intelligent software company committed to providing individuals and businesses with innovative solutions to simplify digital life. Our mission is to help people create and share inspiring content such as videos, music, photos, and more on any platform and device. Ignite creativity, build better connections, and embark on a shared journey of delightful digital experiences with FineShare!

Related Links:

https://www.fineshare.com/

https://www.fineshare.com/finecam/

https://www.fineshare.com/education/

https://www.fineshare.com/finecam/remove-webcam-background.html

https://www.fineshare.com/resource/use-iphone-as-webcam.html

https://www.fineshare.com/finecam/use-phone-as-webcam.html

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineShareSoft

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FineShare_Soft

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineshareofficial_/

Video:

https://youtu.be/fLsuYLdGMic

News from FineShare Co. Ltd.

FineShare FineCam has recently unveiled its latest version, V2.0, introducing new AI features and bringing a complete revamp of UI and user experience. With its user-friendly interface, intelligent video enhancement, and convenient solution for transforming smartphones into webcams, FineShare FineCam makes it faster and easier than ever to obtain high-definition videos and create a seamless, professional video experience during video recording and video conferences.

Related link: https://www.fineshare.com/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Voices for Humanity Fights Psychiatric Abuse in Hungary With János Dobos and Klára Hídvégi

BUDAPEST, Hungary /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY - the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations working to uplift their communities - announces a new episode featuring the work of activists fighting psychiatric abuse János Dobos and Klára Hídvégi, premiering June 7, 2023.

Every year, ten to fifteen thousand Hungarians, including children, are involuntarily committed into psychiatric institutions where many experience horrific forms of torture - from being locked into caged beds to being forced to undergo electroshock therapy. János Dobos and Klára Hídvégi are successfully fighting the corruption of the psychiatric industry in Hungary, and their work is bringing hope and justice to the nation.

About János Dobos:

As a child growing up in his native Budapest, Hungary, János Dobos witnessed bullying and injustice, leading him to forge a lifelong commitment to standing up and fighting for the rights of others. As an adult, János became aware of the massive numbers of psychiatric abuse victims in his country. He decided to join forces with Citizens Commission on Human Rights to raise awareness of the problem, offer legal assistance to psychiatry's victims and fight the industry in the courts and legislature. His work has directly resulted in criminal convictions of psychiatrists and the closure of the country's oldest psychiatric institution.

János Dobos is the president of Citizens Commission on Human Rights for Hungary.

About Klára Hídvégi:

Klára Hídvégi saw the traumatic effects of the psychiatric industry's practices firsthand when she witnessed her mother repeatedly try to commit suicide after being prescribed psychiatric drugs. This fueled Klára's mission to combat psychiatric abuse and led her to join Citizens Commission on Human Rights. Together, Klára and János have built a powerful movement in Hungary to expose and eradicate the horrific abuses of the psychiatric industry preying upon defenseless victims.

Klára Hídvégi currently serves as the production director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights for Hungary.

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News from Church of Scientology International

Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY - the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations working to uplift their communities - announces a new episode featuring the work of activists fighting psychiatric abuse János Dobos and Klára Hídvégi, premiering June 7, 2023.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

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