10-year-old Chase Hansen who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah is raising money through GoFundMe to fund his passion project, Project Empathy. Project Empathy was born a little over four years ago when Chase felt compelled to help the homeless people in his local community and started handing out free smoothies to those in need. Now, through Project Empathy, Chase and his dad supply meals, funds for medical expenses and more to those in the Salt Lake City area.
According to the GoFundMe campaign, Chase who is a 5th grader at Draper Elementary is a recipient of the City Journals Citizen of the Year Award.
Chase hopes to continue to raise money through this GoFundMe to be able to continue to offer help to those in need by supplying one meal at a time.
To view the GoFundMe please visit:gf.me/v/c/syr/project-empathy
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In gratitude,
Jenny Perillo
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GoFundMe
We're changing the way the world gives!
Get inspired at: GoFundMe
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Layton High School wins Better Business Bureau video competition
CONTACTS: Britta Clark, Director of Communications, O: (801) 506-1057, C: (626) 404-8674, bclark@mw.bbb.org
WHAT: Two student teams (seven students) from Layton high school won $3,500 for their digital media program and an additional combined $750 for themselves after competing in BBB's Student Video Contest.
WHEN: CEO Jane Rupp will present awards to Mr. Eric Scholer and his students on behalf of Layton High's digital media program on Monday, January 27th at 11 a.m. MT. Room 281. Check-in at the main office to get directions to the room.
WHY: Feel-good story for Utah community that spotlights youth artistic talent; future business owners/workers/etc. exposed to real-world marketing experience opportunities in high school.
About BBB
BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Please visit bbb.org for more information.
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With technology transforming every industry on the planet, computing knowledge has become part of a well-rounded skill set. And each year, Code.org’s Hour of Code campaign inspires millions of students around the world to take the first step toward learning computer science. This one-hour introduction to computer science demystifies code and shows that anybody can learn the basics. Visit HourOfCode.com to try an hour yourself or to share computer science with a student in your life!
Only 45% of high schools in the U.S. teach computer science, but we can change that. Learn how your state can expand access to high-quality computer science education to unlock lifelong opportunities for students at ExcelinEd.org/ITCS.
Microsoft ending technical assistance on Windows 7 opens consumers to scammers
(1/24/2019) Salt Lake City, UT — Microsoft announced that they are no longer providing technical assistance, software updates, or bug fixes for Windows 7. It’s big news for users of the popular operating system. The announcement is giving scammers an opportunity to confuse Windows users into paying to update their “expiring Windows license” – whether they need to or not, according to recent BBB Scam Tracker reports. Since some organizations estimate Windows 7 users to encompass roughly 200 million PCs worldwide, it isn’t too much of a gamble that these scammers will eventually come across a Windows 7 user if they contact enough people.
How the Scam Works
You receive a call from someone who claims to be a concerned Microsoft employee. They explain that you need to upgrade your operating system if you want your computer to keep working. The caller may say that you need to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, or simply that your Windows license is expiring.
The caller may seem friendly and helpful, but they are far from it. They may convince you to pay yearly fees (that don’t exist). If you pay the fees, you could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars.
One Ogden resident received an email from scammers asking for $6,000 to renew her Windows license. When she called the number in the email to cancel, they told her it would be $15,000 to stop her service. She hung up and called the real Windows customer service directly.
“They informed me that they never send emails for billing, but let the contract run out. If it was on automatic renewal they would take it out of the account without communication. If I wanted to stop, all I had to do was say so,” she said to BBB Serving Northern Nevada and Utah. While those numbers were incredibly high, scammers asking for lower amounts might fool consumers into thinking the calls are legitimate. The scammers might ask for remote access to your computer under the guise of installing software.
But if you allow the scammer access to your computer, your secure personal information, such as banking details and login credentials, can be compromised. This puts you at risk for identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself from Tech Scams
Don’t trust unsolicited callers. Reputable companies don’t call consumers without their permission.
Double check unusual claims. If someone calls you claiming you have a problem you had no idea existed, don’t take their word for it. Hang up and do some research before you accept any help. In the BBB Scam Tracker reports, victims report that they were already using Windows 10 when they got a call claiming they needed to upgrade.
Never allow a stranger remote access to your computer. If you have a genuine tech problem, get help from a reputable company or individual.
Get tech information straight from the source. If your computer runs Windows, for example, find out about updates, new operating systems, and tech support directly from Microsoft. Double check you are on the official website or calling the real support line before you share personal information or pay any money.
For More Information
Microsoft confirmed that the company never reaches out to offer support by phone or pop-up on your computer screen. All support requests are initiated by customers. Microsoft won’t reimburse scam victims for money or gift cards given to scammers, but they are happy to check over your computer to make sure any viruses or malware have been removed. Report tech support scams to Microsoft here, and get information about upgrading from Windows 7 here.
For more information, see the BBB.org/TechSupportScam tips. BBB’s research on why some people are more susceptible to scams is available at BBB.org/ExposedToScams.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, whether you’ve lost money, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others stay alert and informed and avoid similar scams.
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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2018, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. Today, BBB serving Northern Nevada and Utah is supported by just over 4,300 Accredited Businesses that have voluntarily committed to adhere to BBB’s Standards of Trust.
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Secretary Perdue to Travel to Belgium, Netherlands and Italy
(Washington, D.C., January 23, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will travel to Belgium, Netherlands and Italy January 26th to January 30th to engage with his counterparts on important issues facing agriculture at home and abroad. The Secretary will also meet with industry representatives and tour agriculture operations.
Belgium
Sunday, January 26th
Monday, January 27th
Netherlands
Tuesday, January 28th
Versace documentary heads to Sundance
African American Women in Cinema is pleased to host the 4th Edition of the AAWIC Special film screening program during the Sundance Film Festival taking place Saturday January 25 at the Homestead Resort, Midway, Utah 6PM – 9:30PM. This historical event will feature the popular short film, "The Promise" by Senegal Africa, Director Fatou Tore' Ndiaye as part of the Senegal Africa Film Community partnership. In addition, the program will also include the Highly anticipated documentary of the Iconic Fashion Designer entitled, "What's In a Name: The Alfredo Versace Story." Produced by two women of color and Directed by award winner, Terence Gordon. A TnG Films and Black Ink Pictures Production.
"They could take away his name, but they could not take away his creative genius," said filmmaker Terence Gordon.
"What's in a Name: The Alfredo Versace Story" shows how Alfredo was raised from humble beginnings, built a fortune while helping to globalize the Versace brand only to be stripped of his name and have it all taken away. It will also depict how after Gianni Versace was murdered in Miami, Gianni's sister Donatella Versace took over the company and won a lawsuit against Alfredo barring him from using his last name commercially.
"I am super enthused to be a part of this powerful story as one of the film's producers and to have it screened on one of AAWIC Signature events is monumental, said Terra Renee, President of African American Women In Cinema. The African American Women In Cinema (AAWIC) organization has served as a continuous support for the vibrant work of women filmmakers for the past twenty two years. AAWIC has provided a platform to showcase aligning experienced and novice filmmakers, directors, producers, screenwriters and/or actors.
Black Ink Pictures LLC and TnG Films LLC production companies have been producing films, music videos, digital cinema series, documentaries and commercials for several years. TnG Films was started back in 2001 with Director Terence Gordon at the helm. Black Ink Pictures is the Holding company for the Youthful Ambition YA Digital Brand and Series that was created by Terence Gordon in 2014.
Love Boat 78, new book by Tom Madden, CEO of Transmedia Group will be brought to the attention of the film community at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah where author Tom Madden will sign copies of his book at the screening of a documentary "What's in a Name: The Alfredo Versace Story" directed by Terence Gordon about Madden's friend Alfredo Versace. The event is sponsored by African American Women In Cinema. The book highlights how then 78-year-old Madden dove headfirst back into the dating pool, except this time, it wasn't just a pool—it was a raging dating ocean called the Internet. From whirlwind romances to digital breakups, Madden experienced everything Internet dating has to offer.
Love Boat 78, published by Mascot Books, explores how Madden's huge heart, racing libido and irreverent humor helped him cope with loss and ultimately sail into the sunset once again in love after meeting his Brazilian wife, not on the Internet, but in a sports bar called Duffy's. Tom Madden is an author and owner of Transmedia Group, one of the country’s leading, multi-lingual public relations firms. From the TransMedia Building in downtown Boca Raton, the award-winning firm serves clients worldwide, from Israel to New York, Norway to South Africa, Miami to Mexico. The event is supported/sponsored by TransMedia. Other books by Madden include his autobiography "SPIN MAN," satiric novel "King of the Condo," and "Is There Enough Brady in Trump to Win the inSUPERable Bowl?”.
AAWIC Special Film Screening Program - www.aawic.org
In 2017, African American Women In Cinema celebrated Diversity in Hollywood at Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival. This unique program featured a special screening of the pre 25th Anniversary Celebration of Cinematic Icon, Leslie Harris, “Just Another Girl on the IRT.” The Official selection of the Sundance Film Festival and Festival Jury prize winner as well as “Conversation with Leslie Harris” hosted by the Utah Film Commission.
In 2018, the AAWIC special screening program, we featured the critically acclaimed movie, “Sinners Wanted” starring, Hollywood Renown Actors, Clifton Powell, Lamman Ricker, Traci Braxton and Gospel Sensation, Tasha Cobbs. AAWIC received a special award from the Utah Film Studios and Sundance Staff for Best Program. In 2019, AAWIC hosted a special screening on the critically acclaimed film, "What Death Leaves Behind" starring Christropher Mann (HBO'S The Wire, Creed 2, The Nomads).
Our mission is to expand, explore and create business opportunities for minority women filmmakers throughout the entertainment industry. It is the goal of AAWIC to give artistic women a path to fulfilling their dreams through showcasing their talents, exposure to peers’ interaction, and mentoring by established professionals. "The Promise" is about a young woman (Sophie) who married and converted into a devoted housewife. Sophie created a beautiful home and atmosphere. One day she receives the shock of her life from her husband.
AAWIC Media
AAWIC Special Film Screening Program during the Sundance Film Festival 2018
Opening Night Video 16th Annual Film Festival
Opening Night Video 17th Annual Film Festival
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgTwDaAuCDs
Opening Night Video 20th Annual Film Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6W6eraawOs
Anti Gun Violence Tour 2018 Brooklyn Edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGYLZn9Nh14
Black Enterprise Interview
http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/women-of-power/black-women-film-have-powerful-ally-terra-renee/
For tickets go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aawic-special-film-screening-program-tickets-90325834001?fbclid=IwAR3g8kt1wDlN720ZNkb6RNJOKC_JHMrUNX3CXHB9hW4hgmFRniuuccBShdc
Clifford Dean Craig announces the release of ‘Sojourns…’
SALT LAKE CITY – Poet Clifford Dean Craig makes his publishing debut as he releases his poetry collection that lets readers take an intimate look into their identity.
“Sojourns…” (published by Xlibris), as described by Craig, is a representation of a personal look inside the heart, mind and soul of a fellow mortal. The reader is expected to wander through the unpredictable mortality, seeking definition, self-identity, belonging, love and purpose. Each poem covers diverse emotions and human experiences drawn from the author’s day to day life.
The poems reflect on the joys and fears as well as trials and triumphs that exist in their life. It offers rhythm, rhymes and deep messages that connect the author to its reader. The collection also contains works from his daughter as they share the same sentiments but with more clarity.
Craig invites every poetry enthusiast to ask deeper questions of themselves to find the measure of their humanity and purpose of their existence. “If one heart is touched, one tear is shed, I am justified in my efforts,” he says.
Here is an extract from one of its poem entitled “Forsaken”
What prayer against the siege of time?
Can hope deny the coldest truth?
Is there a reason to the rambling rhyme?
Is there yet a balm for the passing youth?
“Sojourns…”
By Clifford Dean Craig
Hardcover | 6x9 in | 122 pages | ISBN 9781796051490
Softcover | 6x9 in | 122 pages | ISBN 9781796051483
E-Book | 122 pages | ISBN 9781796051476
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Clifford Dean Craig spent 31 years working for a government entity in foreign relations and diplomatic fields. He developed a marked disdain for anything political therefore identifying himself as apolitical. He has always believed in self-reliance, self-sufficiency and personal responsibility as well as a sense of integrity and moral responsibility to ones’ community, nation and the world as a whole.
Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide.
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The INDIE DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT is the place to meet some of the best and rising talent in Hollywood and beyond. (See whose coming below.) Join us for the invite-only event where guests can enjoy brunch, panels, short screenings, networking, afternoon lite bites, VIP gifting, cocktails, mocktails, Holland Valley hot coffee and CBD cold brew, press + media opportunities, and more. The Indie Director’s Spotlight is a true celebration of women + diversity + evolution in film!
Please respond to this email address to let us know if you’re coming along.
Panelists include: Producer / Writer Ericka Nicole Malone of ENM Entertainment, Powerful-U Creator/ Director James Purpura (Perception: Seeing is Not Believing), and Sundance alum Matty Rich (Straight Out of Brooklyn / The Inkwell), moderated by The Brute Squad’s Denver Robbins.
WHO:
- Sundance alum Matty Rich (Straight Out of Brooklyn / The Inkwell)
- Producer / Writer Ericka Nicole Malone of ENM Entertainment
- Powerful-U Creator/ Director James Purpura (Perception: Seeing is Not Believing)
- The Brute Squad’s Denver Robbins
- Vernon Davis (Washington Redskins)
- Oscar-nominated producer, David Purmut (Hacksaw Ridge)
- Jackie Cruz (Orange is the New Black)
- Tanya Wright (Orange is the New Black)
- David Lippor (Full House, Fuller House, Painted Beauty)
- Darren Darnborough (Two Broke Girls, True Blood)
- Luis Lombardi (24, Doughboys)
- Melissa L. Williams (Tyler Perry’s ’The Oval’)
- Producer Lee Broda (The Kindergarten Teacher)
- Talia Ryder (West Side Story)
- and many more...
WHAT: Sundance 2020 INDIE DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT, an Invite-only industry networking and screening event for indie filmmakers and media.
WHERE: Instant Karma Lounge @ The Cabin (downstairs) 427 Main Street in Park City, UT 84060
WHEN: Sunday, January, 26th, 2020, NOON to 6:00 PM
