New York, US, 14th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Acclaimed landscape architect Dennis Pappas is the focus of a new in-depth online interview, offering a rare and thoughtful look into the mindset behind some of New York City’s most impactful green infrastructure projects. Known for his work on the Brooklyn Green Corridor and NYC’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden, Pappas uses the conversation to reflect not just on his accomplishments—but on the values, lessons, and personal experiences that have shaped his career.

In the wide-ranging Q&A, Pappas discusses everything from urban failure to emotion in public space design. “People connect to places emotionally,” he says. “If you remove that layer, you end up with cold, forgettable spaces. Emotion is the part that sticks.”

The interview goes beyond project highlights, touching on the often overlooked tools of the trade, such as time, public trust, and creativity within constraints. “I think of time as a design material,” Pappas explains. “How a space changes over years—that’s part of the design.”

Other topics include:

• The overlooked value of urban rooftops

• Adapting cities for climate extremes

• His approach to working with both government and private developers

• Why failure is essential to innovation in design

Pappas also shares his hopes for the next generation of urban planners and communities: “I hope they see cities not as places that take from nature, but as places that work with it.”

The full interview is available now at the website here, providing readers with both practical insight and personal reflection from one of the city’s most respected landscape architects.

About Dennis Pappas

Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect with over 20 years of experience creating sustainable, inclusive urban spaces. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Green Roof Professional whose work focuses on climate resilience, community engagement, and smart, adaptable design.

Sharjah, UAE, 13th May 2025, Reflecting Sharjah’s leadership as the capital of Arab media, Sharjah Media City (Shams) welcomed a new batch of participants from the future of Arab media. The program, organized by the Arab Youth Center, featured 55 young men and women representing 18 Arab countries.

This visit came as part of Shams’ commitment to empowering the new generation of media professionals and providing them with the skills and expertise they need to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the modern media industry, particularly in the field of digital audio content such as podcasts, which is one of the fastest-growing and most attractive media formats for today’s youth.

His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams), emphasized that youth are the true engine of any media renaissance, emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with modern media transformations. HE said, “We at Sharjah Media City (Shams) believe that youth are the true engine of any modern media renaissance.” From this perspective, we are keen to harness our capabilities and projects to support and empower them, providing them with the necessary tools to create meaningful, innovative, and future-proof Arabic content.”

Al-Obad added: “We are proud to host this elite group of ambitious young people, and we consider this visit an important step in building bridges of future cooperation and exchanging expertise between Shams and leading Arab media initiatives.

The participants expressed their great admiration for the advanced infrastructure and integrated services provided by Shams, noting the importance of this experience in broadening their horizons and developing their media skills in a practical and effective manner.

Kowloon, Hong Kong, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, ViWizard announces the official release of ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder, a powerful all-in-one audio capture tool designed for both Windows and macOS users. This innovative software allows users to record and convert streaming music, podcasts, and audiobooks from major platforms—all in one place—with exceptional sound quality.

ViWizard’s Streaming Audio Recorder supports 9 of the biggest streaming services, including:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• Tidal
• Deezer
• Pandora
• Qobuz
• SoundCloud
• Line Music

Supporting popular formats like MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more, ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder lets users keep their favorite tracks for offline playback on any device. The latest version introduces faster batch processing, full ID3 tag preservation, and a redesigned interface that streamlines the audio recording process across platforms.

“Whether you’re collecting songs, episodes, or rare content, ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder brings it all together with speed and clarity,” said a core member of ViWizard’ development team. “This is our response to the growing demand for flexible, personal access to streaming content.”

With ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder, users can effortlessly:

• Capture and convert streaming audio from their favorite platforms to build a personalized audio collection.
• Save tracks as MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, FLAC, or AIFF.
• Record and organize podcasts, audiobooks, and long-form content with no time limits.
• Access lightning-fast batch downloads with no quality loss.
• Customize output settings such as bitrate, sample rate, audio channels, and naming rules.
• Manage download and conversion history through an intuitive user interface.

Again, you also access all of these essential converters:

• Spotify Converter – Convert and save tracks, albums, playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts.
• Apple Music Converter – Download and convert Apple Music and iTunes audio.
• Amazon Music Converter – Save songs from Amazon Prime, Unlimited, and HD Music.
• Tidal Converter – Download high-quality music from Tidal’s free and Individual plans.
• Deezer Converter – Convert and save music from Deezer.
• Pandora Converter – Download songs and playlists from Pandora.
• Qobuz Converter – Convert and save high-resolution music from Qobuz.
• SoundCloud Converter – Download and convert music and podcasts from SoundCloud.
• Line Music Converter – Download and convert popular music from Line Music.

Price and Availability:

ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder is available for Windows 7 through Windows 11 (32-bit & 64-bit) and macOS 10.13 through macOS 13. A free trial is available for new users to test core features. The full version is priced at $29.95 for a 1-month license, with a yearly license available for $79.95 and a lifetime license for $159.95. The trial version allows users to convert tracks, but only the first 30 seconds of each.

ViWizard Studio
NO. 65, Block A, Building 8, Beihe Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077
Adam Gorden
Website: https://www.viwizard.com/

About ViWizard

ViWizard is a leading provider of media conversion and downloading software solutions, trusted by users in over 150 countries. Our innovative products—including the Spotify Music Converter and Netflix Video Downloader—are designed to work seamlessly on both Windows and Mac. Trusted by millions worldwide, we are committed to delivering powerful software that enables users to get the most out of their digital media.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@viwzard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viwizardsoft/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/viwizard_soft

Finance professional urges young professionals to engage in local volunteering as a path to personal growth and collective prosperity

Texas, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Spencer Short, a Digital VEA at Morgan Stanley and Texas A&M graduate, is calling on young professionals across the country to invest their time—not just in careers—but in their communities. Drawing on years of personal experience in volunteer service, Short is advocating for greater involvement in local charitable efforts to foster both personal development and long-term community well-being.

“Too often we think prosperity is only about money or climbing a career ladder,” said Short. “But I’ve found that volunteering gave me more perspective, stronger connections, and made me better at everything—including my job.”

A Call to Do More

Short, originally from San Antonio and now based in Atlanta, has volunteered with a range of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Special Olympics, and The Food Bank. His involvement began as a teenager and continued through college and into his professional life.

“I wasn’t always sure of myself in school or in work,” Short said. “Volunteering gave me real confidence because it taught me how to show up for others first. That changes how you show up for yourself.”

According to a study by UnitedHealth Group, 76% of people who volunteer say it makes them feel healthier, and 78% report that it lowers their stress. Another 95% say that volunteering adds purpose to their lives. Data from the Corporation for National and Community Service shows that communities with higher volunteer engagement have stronger civic health, better educational outcomes, and lower poverty rates.

“It’s not just feel-good stuff. There’s real evidence that when people give their time, whole communities do better—educationally, economically, even physically,” Short added.

Building the Skills Money Can’t Buy

Short believes community service is particularly valuable for young adults just starting their careers. “Volunteering builds soft skills—communication, teamwork, resilience—that you won’t find in a classroom or Zoom call,” he said. “It also puts you in situations that test your priorities and your values. That stays with you.”

In today’s rapidly changing work environment, where soft skills are increasingly valued, community involvement provides a unique and authentic setting to develop them. According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Global Talent Trends report, 92% of talent professionals say soft skills are just as important—or more important—than hard skills.

More Than a Resume Booster

While service can help build a resume, Short emphasizes that the deeper reward is personal.

“Volunteering has helped me reset when I’ve felt stuck or lost,” he shared. “You start to see your own problems differently when you’re helping someone else through theirs. It gives you perspective, which is hard to teach.”

A Simple First Step

For those unsure of how to begin, Short recommends starting local and keeping it consistent.

“You don’t need to fly overseas or make a big donation,” he said. “Start with one afternoon a month. Pick something you care about—housing, hunger, youth sports. Just show up and see what happens.”

There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, and most rely heavily on volunteers. Even an hour a week can make a measurable difference.

Spencer Short encourages others—especially college students and young professionals—to find one local organization and get involved. “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity,” he said. “Pick one and learn as you go. The reward is often greater than you expect.”

To find a local opportunity, visit:

• www.volunteermatch.org
  

• www.habitat.org/volunteer
  

• www.feedingamerica.org/take-action

“You don’t need to be in a position of power to have impact,” Short concluded. “You just need to show up, help out, and keep going.”

Entrepreneur emphasizes practical growth, mentorship, and lifelong learning to empower local professionals and job seekers

Michigan, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Semi-retired entrepreneur and engineer Dean Hachem is raising awareness across the Detroit area about the critical importance of practical career skill development and personal reinvention. Drawing from over three decades of experience in the restaurant and airport food service industries, Hachem is encouraging individuals—especially those navigating career transitions—to take action through self-education, mentorship, and skill building.

“Success doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from staying curious and willing to learn,” said Hachem. “I’ve changed industries more than once in my life, and the only constant was my ability to adapt.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers today hold an average of 12 jobs over the course of their careers. With automation and shifting market demands, skill gaps continue to widen, especially in industries like hospitality, logistics, and operations—fields where Hachem built his legacy.

“You don’t need to go back to school or spend thousands,” he said. “Start by writing down what you want to improve. Read about it. Find someone who’s done it. Ask questions. Do one small thing every day.”

Hachem emphasizes that Detroit has a unique opportunity to lead in workforce reinvention. With a rich legacy of hard work and a growing tech and service economy, the city is poised to benefit from grassroots efforts focused on upskilling and retooling.

“We need to stop thinking of success as a finish line,” said Hachem. “It’s not about chasing titles. It’s about building momentum—one skill, one habit at a time.”

In conversations with young professionals and career changers, Hachem often points to his own journey: an engineering graduate who opened a restaurant, then pivoted into airport food operations, managing complex logistics under pressure.

“I never planned out my career,” he said. “I just kept asking myself: Am I learning? Am I growing? If the answer was no, I did something about it.”

Hachem is not launching a formal organization or program. Instead, his message is simple: Start where you are. Learn something new. Ask for help. Share what you know.

Dean encourages Detroit-area residents to start their own skill development journeys today. Whether it’s through reading, free online courses, shadowing a local professional, or mentoring someone else, he believes the small steps make the biggest difference.

“Don’t wait for permission,” he said. “Detroit doesn’t need more titles. It needs more people willing to do the work to grow. One lesson, one conversation, one action at a time.”

Local Property Manager and Former Municipal Finance Director Advocates for Smarter Budget Use and Community-Led Solutions to Preserve Growth and Quality of Life

Florida, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Roberto Mejill Tellado, a longtime municipal finance consultant and president of RWM Real Property Inc, is urging local residents and leaders in Weeki Wachee and surrounding Hernando County communities to take a more active role in overseeing public spending and advocating for infrastructure upgrades amid rising population and service demands.

“As Weeki Wachee grows, so do the needs of our residents—clean water, road maintenance, waste systems, emergency services,” said Mejill Tellado. “We can’t afford to ignore the budgeting side of that equation. Dollars need to be tracked, and spending has to match actual needs—not just projections.”

According to U.S. Census data, Hernando County’s population has grown by over 12% in the last decade. At the same time, median home values have increased by nearly 55% since 2018, putting pressure on roads, utilities, and zoning regulations.

Roberto, who previously served as Director of Finance for the Municipality of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, and led the Puerto Rico Senate Commission for Municipal Affairs, brings over 30 years of experience in municipal budgeting and infrastructure planning. In Florida, he now manages residential properties and sees firsthand how delays in basic services—from garbage pickup to stormwater drainage—affect everyday residents.

“Every time a service is delayed, it’s because someone didn’t plan for it—or didn’t push back when money went elsewhere,” he said. “We need our citizens to become watchdogs. Go to meetings. Ask for budget reports. If it’s your money, you deserve to know how it’s being used.”

Roberto is especially concerned about the lack of forward-looking infrastructure investment. With Weeki Wachee situated near sensitive natural springs and wildlife zones, he warns that unchecked development could lead to environmental and public health risks.

“We’re sitting on one of Florida’s most delicate ecosystems,” he said. “Every new subdivision needs to be backed by proper water management, sewer systems, and long-term maintenance plans. If we skip that step, it’s the residents who pay later—with higher fees, damaged roads, or worse.”

In addition to local government oversight, Roberto also believes residents can take simple but powerful actions on their own:

• Attend public budget meetings. “Even showing up once or twice a year can make a difference.”

• Ask questions about where your tax dollars go. “Look for patterns. If roads are crumbling but administrative budgets keep going up, speak out.”

• Support infrastructure audits. “Push for third-party reviews of spending on roads, utilities, and housing developments.”

• Get to know your local property managers and service providers. “They often see problems before anyone else.”

He also recommends that small business owners, landlords, and HOA leaders start tracking municipal performance indicators—such as response times, permitting delays, and utility coverage gaps—and sharing that data with local commissions.

“We don’t need to wait for someone else to fix things,” Roberto added. “Every property owner, every resident has a role to play. When the community stays informed, local government improves.”

Roberto Mejill Tellado plans to continue speaking at town forums and offering his professional insights on how small towns can grow sustainably without sacrificing quality of life or fiscal responsibility.

Weeki Wachee residents are encouraged to attend the next Hernando County budget review session, review local infrastructure plans, and share feedback with elected officials. For resources on how to monitor municipal spending or organize neighborhood advocacy, visit the Hernando County official website or contact your local commission office.

Utah, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, CEO of Amari Motors Advocates for Community-Driven Support of Electric Vehicle Expansion Across the State

Hosam Al-Baderi, CEO of Amari Motors and Amari Customs and Designs, is urging Utah residents, businesses, and policymakers to come together in support of broader electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, accessibility, and public education across the state.

With EV adoption accelerating nationwide, Utah is currently lagging in infrastructure despite growing interest. According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, as of late 2024, there were just over 23,000 registered EVs in the state — a number expected to double by 2027. Yet many rural and suburban areas remain underserved by charging networks.

“Utah has the space, the innovation, and the community spirit to be a leader in clean transportation,” said Al-Baderi. “But we need to move faster, and we can’t rely on just government programs or corporate investment — it starts with everyday people choosing to support this shift.”

Al-Baderi’s call to action follows a recent company initiative at Amari Motors to begin integrating more custom EV options and retrofitted restorations that combine classic design with electric drivetrains. His goal is to show that EVs can appeal not just to tech-focused drivers but also to enthusiasts who value performance, craftsmanship, and style.

“I’ve worked with cars my whole life — gas, diesel, custom builds — but EVs aren’t just a trend,” he explained. “They’re a natural evolution. And with the right infrastructure and outreach, we can make sure everyone benefits from this shift, not just a few metro areas.”

Key Facts:

• Utah currently ranks 26th in the nation for EV charging station availability per capita.

• A 2023 U.S. Department of Energy report noted that Utah has fewer than 400 publicly accessible DC fast chargers statewide.

• The state’s Clean Air Partnership found that EV adoption could cut vehicular emissions in urban counties by over 30% within the next decade.

Al-Baderi stresses that increasing charging availability is only part of the solution. “We need education. A lot of people still have misconceptions about EV range, maintenance costs, and performance,” he said. “We need workshops, school programs, and local advocacy to fill those knowledge gaps.”

He also believes Utah’s unique geography offers a testing ground for EV performance in diverse conditions — from snowy canyons to desert highways. “If an EV can handle Utah, it can handle just about anything,” Al-Baderi joked. “That’s a message worth sharing.”

A Community-Driven Call to Action:

Al-Baderi encourages Utahns to take simple steps that help push the state forward:

• Support local businesses that are investing in EVs or installing chargers.

• Talk to local leaders about funding for infrastructure in underserved areas.

• Attend EV education events or request them in schools and community centers.

• Consider a hybrid or EV for your next vehicle — or test drive one to learn more.

“Change doesn’t come from one source,” Al-Baderi said. “It comes from all of us making better-informed decisions, supporting local progress, and thinking about the long-term health of our state and our families.”

Radiology and Sports Medicine Expert Urges Shift from “Grind Culture” to Long-Term Athlete Health and Performance Using Predictive Injury Tools

Georgia, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Dr. Anand P. Lalaji, a leading radiologist and founder of Inside Injuries and The Radiology Group, is calling for a national and international shift in how youth and amateur sports handle injury prevention. He advocates for the use of predictive health analytics to safeguard student athletes—long before they reach elite or professional levels.

“You shouldn’t have 15-year-olds breaking down like 30-year-old veterans,” said Dr. Lalaji. “But that’s what’s happening. We’re pushing young bodies to their limits without the tools or data to protect them.”

The Hidden Cost of Youth Sports Injuries

According to the CDC, over 2.6 million children ages 0–19 are treated in emergency departments each year for sports and recreation-related injuries. In the U.S. alone, around 30 million youth participate in organized sports—and overuse injuries now account for nearly 50% of all sports-related injuries in middle and high school students.

“We have the data and technology to predict injury risk and track recovery,” Lalaji said. “But at the youth level, no one is using it. That’s a missed opportunity.”

Lalaji emphasizes that the problem isn’t just about injury—it’s about lost potential. “When you force kids to play through pain, skip rest days, or specialize in a single sport too early, you’re shortening careers before they’ve even started,” he added.

The Role of Predictive Analytics in Preventing Burnout and Injury

Through his platform Inside Injuries, Dr. Lalaji has developed predictive models that assess injury severity and recovery timelines based on real-time data and diagnostic imaging. Originally designed for professional athletes and fantasy sports users, he now believes this technology should be adapted for school systems, amateur leagues, and parents.

“In elite sports, teams have full medical staffs, load management systems, and sports science departments. A high school coach might have none of that,” Lalaji explained. “But what if parents and coaches had access to basic injury risk tools? What if they could catch red flags before a child tears a ligament or fractures a growth plate?”

He advocates for public access tools that show early warning signs—things like fatigue indicators, prior injury history, growth stage, and training volume. “Simple metrics can make a difference,” he said. “We just need to put them in people’s hands.”

Culture Change Starts at the Grassroots

Dr. Lalaji is also calling for a broader cultural reset around youth sports. “We’ve created a system that rewards grinding over growing. We celebrate toughness but ignore long-term health,” he said.

A 2021 study from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that early sport specialization is strongly associated with higher injury rates and psychological burnout. Meanwhile, a majority of college athletic trainers report that incoming freshmen arrive with chronic issues caused by overuse in high school.

“If we don’t step in earlier, we’re creating a generation of broken athletes before they even get scholarships,” Lalaji warned.

Rather than wait for policy changes, Dr. Lalaji encourages communities to take action themselves:

• Parents: Track your child’s pain levels, rest days, and emotional stress. Don’t ignore minor injuries.

• Coaches: Rotate training loads, encourage multi-sport participation, and prioritize recovery.

• Schools: Partner with local health professionals and tech providers to access injury risk screening tools.

• Athletes: Learn your limits. Advocate for your health.

“You don’t need an MRI machine to protect a young athlete,” Lalaji said. “You need awareness, some structure, and the willingness to pause before it’s too late.”

He invites interested parents, schools, and amateur leagues to explore Inside Injuries and related health tracking tools, many of which are free or low-cost. “This isn’t about elite sports. It’s about letting kids play, grow, and stay healthy long enough to choose their own future,” he said.

About Dr. Anand Lalaji

Dr. Anand P. Lalaji is a board-certified radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal and sports imaging. He is the founder and CEO of The Radiology Group and Inside Injuries, a data-driven platform that predicts injury impact and recovery. He has been featured on FOX, SiriusXM, CBS Radio, and is an active advocate for smarter, safer sports health policies.

Veteran Wall Street executive calls for grassroots action to improve youth education in finance and economic fundamentals

New York, US, 13th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Senior Managing Director and longtime financial professional Scott Barbrack is calling for stronger community support of financial literacy programs in public schools, emphasizing the need for young people to better understand money, credit, and long-term planning in an increasingly complex economy.

“Too many kids graduate without knowing how a credit card works, what interest means, or how to budget their income,” Barbrack said. “We’re setting them up to make life-altering decisions without the tools to succeed. That has to change.”

Barbrack, who has spent over 35 years in the interest rate derivatives and fixed income markets, believes financial literacy is just as vital as math or science. He points to alarming national data:

• Only 24% of millennials demonstrate basic financial literacy, according to the National Financial Educators Council.

• The average U.S. household carries over $7,000 in credit card debt and pays more than $1,000 a year in interest alone, according to Experian.

• 23 states in the U.S. do not require high school students to take a personal finance course, per the Council for Economic Education’s 2024 report.

“These are avoidable problems,” said Barbrack. “We can’t fix the entire system overnight, but we can start by asking ourselves: What am I doing in my own town, my own school district, my own family, to help solve this?”

He’s advocating not for sweeping legislation, but for local, individual action—parents reaching out to school boards, volunteers offering to run workshops, alumni supporting their former schools, and professionals mentoring students on money basics.

Barbrack also emphasized the power of alumni donations targeted toward curriculum development and extracurricular financial clubs. “You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. Give time. Share your story. Help one student understand how to save. That’s impact.”

While he’s made philanthropic contributions to schools like Xavier High School and Rutgers University, Barbrack believes real progress will come when more people take ownership of the issue.

“This isn’t political. It’s practical. It’s common sense,” he said. “If we want future generations to thrive, they need to understand how money works—before they’re expected to manage it.”

Scott Barbrack encourages individuals to take the following steps:

• Contact your local school board and ask how financial education is handled.
  

• Offer to speak at a high school or community event about your personal finance journey.
  

• Donate to schools or nonprofits focused on youth financial literacy.
  

• Start a conversation with your kids, nieces, or nephews about how credit, saving, and budgeting really work.
  

“Start where you are,” Barbrack said. “If we all do a little, the results can be massive.”