16, Jul 2024
Tigertail Asian Film Festival Debuts in Tampa, Celebrates Asian and International Cinema
Tampa, FL, July 16, 2024 — The Tigertail Asian Film Festival made its highly anticipated debut on July 13, 2024, at LOOK Dine-In Cinema in Tampa’s University Mall. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone as Tampa Bay’s first Asian-inspired film festival, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Asian cinema. The festival screened 28 local and international short films and 1 international feature film.
Welcome to the Tigertail Asian Film Festival
Founded by Tian Liu of Tigertail Pictures, the festival aims to be a premier platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse stories of Asian filmmakers. Open to all creators and audiences, the Tigertail Asian Film Festival is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and artistic collaboration through the powerful medium of film.
Their Mission
The Tigertail Asian Film Festival is committed to celebrating the artistry and cultural richness of Asian cinema. By providing a dynamic platform for filmmakers to present their work, the festival fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures. This inclusive event embraces a wide range of perspectives and talents, making it a true celebration of diversity in filmmaking.
Event Highlights
The festival featured an impressive lineup of performances and speakers, enriching the cinematic experience for attendees:
– Everett Anthony – Renowned comedian, who entertained the audience with his stand-up comedy routine.
– Annie Dong – Acclaimed artist and muralist, who captivated attendees with a live painting session.
– Jesse Gebryel – Writer, director, and executive producer, who shared valuable insights on building a successful career in film.
– James Sang Lee – ISKA World Champion, martial artist, fight choreographer, who inspired the audience with his extensive experience in film and video production.
– Tian Liu – Founder/CEO of Tigertail Asian Film Festival and Tigertail Pictures,movie producer,cinematographer, renowned for collaborations with industry icons such as Oscar winner Tim Burton and three-time Oscar nominee for best cinematography Dean Cundey, also graced the event.
A Heartfelt Thank You
They extend their deepest gratitude to all the filmmakers who supported and submitted their works to the Tigertail Asian Film Festival. Your incredible talent and dedication to the craft of cinema have truly inspired us. They are thrilled to have connected globally through your remarkable films. For those who couldn’t attend, please join them next year.
Winning Filmmakers:
– Best Film Investor: Brothers – Darkhan Tulegenov
– Exhibition Categories: The Ether Tales – Richard Gil & Bruce Willis
– Best Music/Sound:
– Igwe Jones – Tarik Nkosi, Joe Lazala, Hasani Sadiki, Igew Jones
– Fantasy Island – Xenzu Wang
– Fire – Victor Zheng & Matijn De Haan
– Best Actress:
– Alexa – Rrita Toka
– Patsy – Yola Jean Lu
– Best Actor:
– Steppe – Duaren Sergazin
– Agony – Dominic Witham
– A good fight – Rick Ramos
– Best Editor: Just Like Water – Manos Triantafillakis
– Best Screenwriter: Alexa – Jesse Gebryel & Christos Pietris
– Best First Time Female Filmmaker: For Roy – Vivian Cheung
– Best First Time Filmmaker:
– Status – Madhan Karthick
– Stay – Junghyun Hwang
– Hope of Team China – Runze Zhang, Bicong Li
– Best Cinematographer: Bird Drone – Radheya Jang Jegatheva
– Best Female Producer: Bird Drone – Hannah Ngo
– Best Producer: Steppe – Maxim Akbarov
– Best Female Director: PO Act I Part 1 – Yiling Lu
– Best Director:
– Will You Come Up? – Ho-seung Son
– No Propitious Time to Say Goodbye – Jiu-Lin Li
– Best Action Film:
– Strings of Sorrow – Jay Kwon
– Elizabeth – Courtney Chen
– Best Picture: The Start – Ernar Nurgaliev
Acknowledging Their Supporters
The success of the Tigertail Asian Film Festival would not have been possible without the dedication and support of theirr amazing volunteers, performers, and speakers, photo:Matthew Hill. Their hard work and commitment enriched the festival experience for all attendees. They would also like to extend their gratitude to TBCN and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay for their invaluable support in making this event a reality.
Attendees also enjoyed this delightful treat while immersing themselves in the world of Asian cinema with their Coconut Ice Cream vendor.
A Successful Inaugural Event
With over a hundred attendees, the first Tigertail Asian Film Festival was a tremendous success. The festival not only showcased outstanding films but also facilitated meaningful discussions and networking opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. This is the place to connect with movie lovers.
Call for Submissions for 2025
They are excited to announce that submissions are now open for the 2025 Tigertail Asian Film Festival. Filmmakers are invited to submit their works and be part of this prestigious event.
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- By Rabindra
16, Jul 2024
New Taipei City bets big on clean energy and sustainable development
Mumbai/ Delhi, July 15th, 2024: New Taipei City is one of the largest cities in Taiwan and is also transforming itself into a model smart city where they are cohesively being able to support industrial growth and a healthy, sustainable, and quality standard of life. While speaking at the Taiwan Expo India, Dr. Tih-Ju Chu Deputy Mayor, New Taipei City Government emphasized on how New Taipei City has managed to attract many international businesses due to its infrastructural development and efficient connectivity, which is paramount for industrial growth. In addition, the New Taipei City government works closely with the central government and other key authorities to ensure seamless entry and setup of businesses for potential and legitimate players. They also have a very favourable policy framework through which they can fast-track the approvals for three key critical requirements – land allocation, water supply and electricity. New Taipei City has multiple industrial clusters, both for small and large businesses, which houses over 3 lakh companies. They are building world-class infrastructure and providing added benefits for companies, in order to promote and encourage more global players to consider New Taipei City as a desired destination for business.
Alongside the industrial development, New Taipei City is also looking at enhancing the quality of life of its patrons. The objective of overall development and city governance is to enhance the lifestyle of the people. Security is a very important aspect of city governance and infrastructure development also is focused on bettering the everyday life of the people. The Deputy Mayor has been instrumental in encouraging green initiatives and sustainable practices as part of the city growth plan. They are encouraging environmentally friendly initiatives and have an efficient disaster management cell to provide a secure and safe ambiance in the city. New Taipei City is also encouraging companies towards sustainable practices by providing incentives and discounts for clean energy players. They are helping companies reduce emissions, promote zero carbon and try to implement zero emissions in transportation. They are looking at recycling in a big way as a sustainable practice and also promoting solar power and improving public transport in order to reduce the use of personal vehicles.
Speaking about New Taipei City Pavilion, Dr. Tih-Ju Chu Deputy Mayor, New Taipei City Government said, “This is our first time at Taiwan Expo in India and we are excited to meet potential businesses here. We have 20 companies from various sectors such as ICT, electronics, mechanical manufacturing, and healthcare showcasing their products and services in the Pavilion. We hope to strengthen our ties with the Indian companies so that we can mutually benefit through industrial cooperation. We are looking at Indians in a big way to drive our next phase of industrial growth.”
He further added, “We have a very renowned technical university and would like to invite students and technical workers from India to come and upskill themselves with the latest technical knowledge and know how so that they are better equipped and industry ready to deliver in this fast-paced changing technology era”
New Taipei City is a model city for building smart cities of the future and the key to holistic development is when industries, residential, educational, healthcare, and civic amenities all develop and cohesively grow.
16, Jul 2024
Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche Selected as a VIP by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide
Hendersonville, TN, July 16, 2024 — Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche of Hendersonville,Tennessee, has been selected as a VIP by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide for her outstanding achievements and high level of success in the field of engineering.
About Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche
Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche retired after serving as an electronic engineer for 40 years. She spent most of her career with the Chicago Board of Education teaching electricity, electronics, appliance, and computer repair. She also engineered cameras for government planes and was a model in the 1950’s. In addition, she helped work on the early fax machine before transitioning into education, where she taught electronics engineering to college students and inmates in the jail system. Koenig-Pfannkuche also worked for Pierce Wire Recorder, Chicago Aerial Industries, Hammond Organ, Union Thermal Electric, Victor Adding Machines, C.P. Clare and E.P.L.
A well-recognized member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide, Koenig-Pfannkuche has been featured on the famous Reuters Billboard in Times Square in New York City and recognized as a Top Ten Women of the Year and as a Top Executive in 2019.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Koenig-Pfannkuche was the first female permitted to take electric workshop and shop courses in high school. She received an A.S. in electronics from DeVry University in 1957 and was honored as the first woman to attend that school. She obtained a B.S. in Industrial Education Electronics from Chicago State University in 1975.
In her retirement, Barbara enjoys travel, farming, gardening, and snow skiing.
16, Jul 2024
Merito Solutions Acquires Bienabee Technologies
Boulder, CO, July 16, 2024 — Merito Solutions today announced the acquisition of Bienabee Technologies, a leading provider of professional services in Software Quality Assurance, Automated Testing, Digital Transformations, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). As a trusted partner across the value-added reseller ecosystem and an extensive history of delivering exceptional services, Bienabee works closely with clients to deploy, support, and manage comprehensive Software Development Lifecycle and RPA solutions. The company has a proven track record of successful engagements with major clients across industries, helping lower risk, while delivering high-quality software on time and on budget.
“The acquisition of Bienabee Technologies supports our strategic focus of expanding our services and software portfolio to drive growth for both commercial and government solutions,” stated John Goodson, CEO of Merito. “The addition of Bienabee will complement our market-leading Application and Security capabilities by providing the necessary services to deliver increasingly complex and customized IT solutions needed by our clients.”
Chris Carpenter, CEO of Bienabee Technologies, expressed his support for the acquisition, saying, “The acquisition by Merito is a testament to the exceptional work and commitment of the Bienabee team over the years. Merito’s market-leading expertise, combined with our proven track record, will create a powerful synergy that will deliver incredible value to our customers.”
Founded in 2013, Bienabee Technologies offers multi-vendor technology expertise, services, and support complemented by internally developed frameworks to meet each project’s specific goals. This acquisition will be integrated into Merito’s operations, enhancing the combined entity’s ability to offer unique DevSecOps solutions and expand its reach in high-growth markets such as government, healthcare, energy, financial, and retail.
16, Jul 2024
Atlantic Health Strategies Welcomes Melissa Scopa as Director of Quality Assurance
West Palm Beach, FL, July 16, 2024 –Atlantic Health Strategies is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Scopa as the new Director of Quality Assurance. Melissa joins the team with over a decade of notable experience in quality assurance and compliance within the behavioral health sector, specializing in substance use disorder and mental health.
In her previous roles, Melissa has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing service delivery through meticulous compliance and quality assurance initiatives. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of regulatory and payer requirements, enriching and strengthening the Atlantic Health Strategies team.
At Atlantic Health Strategies, Melissa will lead efforts to ensure that their clients not only meet but exceed regulatory standards and payer expectations. Her work will be crucial in guiding our growing client base through the complexities of compliance program design, navigating payer audits, adhering to rigorous guidelines, and developing effective corrective action plans.
“Melissa’s extensive experience and proven track record in leading quality assurance teams will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients,” said Leah Kendall, Chief Compliance Officer at Atlantic Health Strategies. “We are thrilled to have her on board and are confident that her contributions will enhance our capabilities in serving our clients.”
Melissa is equally enthusiastic about her new role, stating, “I am excited to join Atlantic Health Strategies and to contribute to their admirable reputation in the industry. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen our compliance frameworks and quality assurance processes.”
Melissa’s appointment is effective July 15, 2024 and she will be based at the Atlantic Health Strategies headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida.
16, Jul 2024
Max Goelling’s New Book, Sorry, Lady, but It’s the Framis
King, NC, July 16, 2024 — Fulton Books author Max Goelling has completed his most recent book, “Sorry, Lady, but It’s the Framis: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Winning the Auto Repair Game”: an educational guide designed to help women navigate car repairs so that they are never taken advantage of by repair shops simply because of their gender.
A tireless consumer advocate, Max Goelling focuses on bringing fairness and equity to the consumer, more specifically those who have been treated unfairly due to their gender, religion, or age. As a teacher, husband, father, and grandfather, he has spent his life helping women as they navigate life’s challenges. He has applied the research tools, writing skills, and insight gained through his acquisition of several advanced degrees to helping others understand complex subjects. He currently lives in King, North Carolina, with his wife, Debra.
“Have you ever paid a car repair bill that was much more than it should have been?” writes Goelling. “Do you think it was because you are a woman?
“This book can help guarantee you that never happens again! A clear, simple, non-patronizing guide written specifically for women, this book gives you a brief overview of how your car works so you can learn the language, a foolproof investigative method that will allow you to quickly and accurately identify the problem, and a simple list of questions to ask that can save you hundreds of dollars!
“In today’s world of economic uncertainty, women are keeping their cars longer and buying more used cars than ever. This means that, eventually, something will go wrong, and when it does, you can become a target for unscrupulous mechanics. Don’t let this happen to you!”
16, Jul 2024
Young Black Entrepreneurs Revolutionize Florida Home Services with InsideOut Organizing, Handyman, and Moving Solutions
Sunrise, FL, July 16, 2024 –– In an industry ripe for innovation, InsideOut Organizing, Handyman, and Moving Solutions is leading the charge with unparalleled excellence in home services. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Jean and Cherimi Pierre-Toussant, this groundbreaking company is poised to redefine the standard for home organizing, maintenance, and improvement across Florida.
InsideOut Organizing is not just a service provider; it’s a revolutionary force dedicated to turning every house into a sanctuary. With an unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and exceptional customer satisfaction, InsideOut Organizing is fast becoming the go-to partner for discerning homeowners seeking top-tier services.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio:
Premium Handyman Services: Jean Pierre-Toussant brings years of hands-on experience in mechanical, carpentry, and electrical trades, delivering high-quality repairs and improvements that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of homes.
Stress-Free Moving Solutions: Offering seamless and efficient moving services, InsideOut ensures that every transition is handled with the utmost care, making relocations smooth and hassle-free. They’ve recently added commercial moving to their repertoire.
The Visionary Founders: Cherimi Pierre-Toussant, with a BA in Business Organizational Management from Palm Beach State College, combines academic excellence with practical experience in organizing and managing. Her strategic vision and organizational acumen are the bedrock of the company’s high standards.
Jean Pierre-Toussant’s extensive background in mechanical, carpentry, and electrical work complements this perfectly. His technical proficiency and commitment to craftsmanship ensure that every job, from minor repairs to major projects, is completed to the highest standard.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans: InsideOut Organizing is on a path of strategic growth, with plans to expand its team by hiring dedicated office personnel and trained laborers. This expansion will enhance the company’s ability to deliver superior service while maintaining the personalized touch that sets it apart from the competition.
Distinctive Market Position: In a competitive landscape dominated by established firms, InsideOut Organizing differentiates itself through a unique combination of personalized service, comprehensive in-house training, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. Unlike competitors who view clients as mere numbers, InsideOut treats every customer like family, offering customized services that cater to individual needs.
Situated in the diverse and vibrant community of South Florida, InsideOut Organizing leverages local insights to offer tailored, a la carte services that meet the specific demands of each household. This customer-centric approach ensures that InsideOut not only meets but exceeds expectations.
16, Jul 2024
Lit Weed Delivery Announces Partnership with Golden Grams Cannabis Boutique
Toronto, Canada, July 16, 2024 — Golden Grams Cannabis is not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle dedicated to crafting exceptional cannabis experiences for its community. They blend boldness with quality in every aspect of their work.
“We are thrilled to partner with Lit Weed Delivery to extend our reach beyond the downtown core. This collaboration allows us to provide our high-quality products to customers seeking fast, same-day weed delivery across the Greater Toronto Area and Canada-wide shipping via Canada Post,” stated the Golden Grams team.
Located at 179 Baldwin St, Kensington Market, Golden Grams Cannabis Boutique offers in-store shopping daily from 10:00 am until midnight, providing a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for cannabis enthusiasts.
Lit Weed Delivery offers fast, same-day delivery across the Greater Toronto Area from 10:00 am to 3:00 am Monday to Thursday, and from 10:30 am to 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Although same-day delivery is unavailable on Sundays, customers are encouraged to visit the Golden Grams Cannabis Boutique in-store.
This partnership merges Golden Grams’ expertise in premium cannabis products with Lit Weed Delivery’s reliable and efficient delivery service, ensuring more customers can enjoy top-quality cannabis experiences conveniently and promptly.
16, Jul 2024
Grandma Lucy’s Celebrates 25 Years with Introducing Freeze-Dried Meatball Dog Treats
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, July 16, 2024 — Grandma Lucy’s, a company specializing in wholesome, freeze-dried, ultra-premium pet food and treats, has announced the launch of its meatball treats in three recipes: Cheeseburger, Chicken Parmesan, and Pork Roast. This launch coincides with the company’s 25th anniversary as a family-owned and operated business. The treats are made with human-grade ingredients.
Breann Shook, Owner and Founder of Grandma Lucy’s, stated that the company believes pets are family and deserve quality food. Their use of high-quality ingredients and freeze-drying techniques aims to produce nutritious and flavorful products. The reintroduction of meatball treats marks a return to the product that initially established the company’s reputation.
The new meatball collection features three varieties:
Cheeseburger Meatballs: Inspired by American summer barbecues.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: Featuring Italian flavors.
Pork Roast Meatballs: Designed to evoke the comfort of home cooking.
Grandma Lucy’s was founded in 1999 by Eric and Breann Shook. The company’s origin stems from their efforts to create palatable food for their English Cocker Spaniel, Lucy. The original meatball treats, inspired by family recipes, were the first products that gained recognition for the brand. These treats are made with human-grade ingredients and processed using freeze-drying methods.
16, Jul 2024
American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) Elects New National President
Washington, DC, July 16, 2024 — The 87th annual National Convention of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. took place June 21-23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Delegates from across the country representing individual chapters and state departments voted on amendments to their Constitution and Bylaws and elected new leadership.
Members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) are mothers whose children became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service. These mothers find strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers and strive to keep the memory of their sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military and their families, and our communities. Originally formed June 4, 1928, by Grace Darling Seibold in Washington, DC, AGSM stands on the premise that grief self-contained is self-destructive. After she lost her son, George Vaughn Seibold, Grace organized a group of grieving mothers with the purpose of comforting each other and giving loving care to hospitalized veterans confined in government hospitals far from home. Twenty-five mothers established the national organization and the 98th Congress of the United States granted the charter on that day. AGSM is preparing for the centennial celebration of the organization in 2028.
Patti Elliott, from Youngsville, NC, will serve as the 2024-2025 National President. Patti is the mother of Brad Elliott, of Wake Forest, NC, and SPC Daniel “Lucas” Elliott, who was killed on July 15, 2011, in Basra, Iraq. Lucas was an MP in the Army Reserve, attached to the 805th MP CO, located in Cary, NC. Lucas’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. President Elliott, a native of Boone, NC, graduated from Appalachian State University in 1985 and has lived in the Raleigh area since. She received her master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2023 from Waldorf University, is an active member of Wakefield United Methodist Church and works as a freelance court reporter.
Following Lucas’s death, Patti became a member of AGSM and has served in various positions at the local, state, and national levels. She served on the Fort Bragg Renaming Commission and is credited with suggesting the name Fort Liberty, as it is known today. Patti worked with Army Reserve Family Programs for six years and served two terms on the Army’s Survivor Advisory Working Group, a panel of Surviving Family Members who advise top Army leadership on quality-of-life issues that affect the Survivor community. She also participates in many other Veterans organizations and events in her community.
Elliott shared her theme for the coming 2024-2025 year:
“My theme this year is Standing in the Gap. The secular definition for Standing in the Gap is ‘to expose oneself for the protection of something, to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter.’ What better way to describe the mission of American Gold Star Mothers? We are taking the place of our fallen defenders – standing in that gap of the service they would have carried through if they were still here: providing for their brothers and sisters in arms, advocating for our Veterans to ensure they receive the care and assistance they need, and supporting the surviving family members who are left behind to pick up the pieces.
There will be a focus on finding opportunities for our members to provide volunteer services in nontraditional ways. There will be opportunities to serve Veterans virtually or in ways that make sense for all members. Every mother has a heartbreaking story, and no two stories are the same but each day we must continue with our mission to maximize our potential. Our children’s lives were not the day they were born, nor the day they died, but the DASH in between. This applies to all the AGSM members to continue to be kind and gracious to all survivors with compassion living your DASH to the fullest. Stand in the Gap and live the mission of AGSM serving our Veterans and Military.”
Newly elected officers of AGSM
In addition to Elliott, other officers serving AGSM in 2024-2025 include:
1st Vice President, Annette Kirk, Dept of Florida/Puerto Rico (Army Veteran)
2nd Vice President, Joyce Paulsen, Dept of New Mexico
Secretary, Theresa Karlson, Dept of Maine/Delaware
Treasurer, Rose Duval, Dept of Virginia (Air Force Veteran)
National Service Officer (NSO), Teresa Bullock, Dept of Southern California/Hawaii (Army Veteran)
Veteran Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Chair, Pam Stemple, Dept of Colorado (Navy Veteran)
Deputy VAVS Chair, Carla Wicks, Dept of Texas (Air Force Veteran)
It Chair, Nicole Chilton, Dept of North Carolina
Chaplain, Sherrie Battle McGhee, Dept of Tennessee
Flag Guard, Denise Torbert, Dept of Pennsylvania
Banner Guard, Joan Snyder, Dept of Pennsylvania (Army Veteran)
