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No Barriers, a Thousand Lights Shining on Each Other: Diverse Cultures Meet Equally in the Light and Shadow of the Golden Panda Awards

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China News Service, Chengdu, September 14 (Reporter He Shaoqing) Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou took out a panda doll named “Huahua” from his pocket; an American director interpreted giant pandas from the perspective of Chinese philosophy; filmmakers from across the globe traveled over mountains and seas to listen to and see one another… From September 12 to 13, diverse cultures met on an equal footing in the light and shadow of the 2nd Golden Panda Awards.

In 1895, the Lumière brothers of France held the first public screening of short films such as Arrival of a Train in a basement in Paris. Since then, cinema—an art form that relies on light, shadow and time-space, and integrates audio-visual expressions with narratives—has come into existence. In 1925, the world’s first mechanical television set was invented. Film and television have not only reshaped human entertainment and daily life, but also played a profound role in the construction of modern civilization.

Compared with the thousands of film festivals and TV/film exhibitions worldwide, the Golden Panda Awards has broken the boundaries of genre and region since its inception, covering four major categories: films, TV dramas, animations and documentaries. For the 2nd Golden Panda Awards, overseas works accounted for 73.2% of all collected entries, and nearly half of the judges were from outside China.

On the evening of the 13th, 27 awards of the 2nd Golden Panda Awards were announced one after another in the “Land of Abundance” (a traditional name for Sichuan Province). Darlene Veenstra, a 77-year-old Brazilian actress, won the Best Actress Award in the Film Category for her courage to break societal norms; French editor Thomas Mali took home the Best Editing Award in the Documentary Category for Memories of WWⅡ, a work that urges mankind to remember history; the late Chinese director Pema Tseden was awarded the Best Director Award in the Film Category for his film Snow Leopard

Free from the pursuit of popularity and the urge to cater to the market, the 27 Golden Panda Awards embody the empathy of all humanity toward light and shadow, and vividly illustrate the concept that different cultures can coexist harmoniously while preserving their unique charms (“harmony without uniformity, and beauty in diversity”).

“The Golden Panda Awards can leverage the power of images to inspire creativity, convey beauty, promote inclusiveness, and enhance understanding and resonance among people of all countries,” stated Ahmed, Egyptian Minister of Culture, at the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum. He pointed out that exchanges and dialogues between civilizations are an inevitable choice for humanity in the face of global challenges.

The Golden Panda Awards eliminate barriers and break down prejudices. Through them, people not only perceive the diversity of civilizations and the vastness of the world, but also witness the authenticity of individuals and the vividness of subtle details. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noted that the world often views Africa through a one-sided lens, but now Africa is taking the initiative to tell its own stories. “I sincerely appreciate China’s efforts in amplifying Africa’s voice, enabling our stories to reach the world in a clearer and more profound manner.”

Over the 130 years since the birth of film and the 100 years since the invention of television, tremendous changes have taken place in how people watch videos, the technologies used in filming, and the audience groups. Artificial intelligence is now deeply involved in the film industry chain. However, during the Golden Panda Awards, filmmakers from around the world unanimously emphasized the need to “return”—to return to the essence of cinema: films are made for people and touch hearts with emotions.

In the view of Hussein Fahmy, a guest of the Golden Panda Awards and Chairman of the Cairo International Film Festival, although some current films feature breathtaking scenes (such as characters flying through the sky and traversing the earth) and various stunning special effects, if technology is only used as a gimmick to grab attention, such works will hardly resonate with audiences from both the East and the West. Films that can arouse empathy among Eastern and Western audiences must have characters that both groups can relate to, making viewers feel as if they have experienced the characters’ lives firsthand.

Vincent Perez, a renowned Swiss actor and director, quoted a Swiss proverb—”Where the heart is, the tongue will follow”—at the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum to encourage global filmmakers to be the actors, writers and directors of their own lives, and create touching works at the intersection of Eastern and Western civilizations. Citing Western Turandot and Chinese Ye Xian as examples, he pointed out that although many classic stories originate from different backgrounds, they transcend cultural boundaries and are passed down worldwide due to the shared pursuit of emotion, beauty and hope.

Perhaps, as Chen Kaige, Chairman of the Jury for the 2nd Golden Panda Awards and a Chinese director, put it, the Golden Panda Awards are precisely meant to build a bridge, making exchanges and mutual learning tangible. “We are all torchbearers, using the camera as our language. Every sincere work is a reflection and response to the destiny of humanity.” Chen Kaige added, “When thousands of rivers converge and ten thousand lights shine on one another, what we see will no longer be ‘you’ or ‘me’, but a shared spiritual home that belongs to all mankind.” (End)

Golden Panda Awards Gala Held in Chengdu on the Evening of the 13th; Nezha 2 Wins Best Animation Award    Photo by An Yuan, Reporter of China News Service

Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival and Guest of the Golden Panda Awards         Photo by An Yuan, Reporter of China News Service

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Tennessee Candidate Writes Book About the Dangers of the Reserve Currency

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Knoxville, Tennessee, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Elliott Schuchardt, a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly, has published a book which argues that the U.S. dollar could pose a threat to the citizens of Tennessee.

The book, entitled America’s Achilles Heel:  How to Protect Your Family When America Loses the Reserve Currency, argues that the United States needs to devalue the U.S. dollar against other major currencies.

Schuchardt argues that the dollar is artificially overvalued, because the United States has a near-monopoly on the sale of oil, for only U.S. dollars.  In other words, most countries on the planet will sell oil only for dollars.  Schuchardt argues that the value of the dollar could collapse, if the Middle East were to sell oil for a currency other than the dollar. He says that this is a foreseeable risk, given the efforts of China and Russia to establish new international payment methods.

According to Schuchardt, if the value of the dollar were to fall 50%, then the price of goods imported to the United States could double, in dollar terms.  If the dollar were to fall 80% against other major currencies, then the price of imported goods could increase by five times, or 500%.  In other words, the cost of an imported television could increase from $300 to $1,500, relatively quickly.

Schuchardt warns that this could be a problem if the price of gasoline were to double or triple overnight.  “The United States would have a difficult time dealing with gasoline priced at $8 or $10 a gallon,” says Schuchardt.  We need to deal with this possibility.

Schuchardt’s book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  It is also available in an audio version on Amazon’s Audible platform, read by the author.

Elliott J. Schuchardt is a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2026 election.  Schuchardt studied politics at Cornell University and Oxford University.  He is also a graduate of Columbia Law School.  Prior to entering politics, Schuchardt focused his legal practice on civil liberties issues in the courts.

CONTACT:

Elliott J. Schuchardt

2322 Jockey Run Trail

Knoxville, TN 37920

Call or Text: (865) 304-4374

Website:  www.elliott-author.com

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Dr. Jennifer Robinson Advocates for Accessible and Compassionate Mental Health Care

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Detroit, MI, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE– Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Robinson, founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, is calling for greater awareness and early intervention in mental health care. Drawing from insights in her recent interview “Redefining Success in Psychiatry and Life,” Dr. Robinson highlights the urgent need to make mental health treatment more accessible and human-centred—especially for individuals facing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

“Success in psychiatry isn’t just about medication or diagnosis,” said Dr. Robinson. “It’s about connection—helping people feel seen, understood, and supported. Healing starts long before the prescription pad comes out.”

The Growing Mental Health Challenge

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and nearly half never receive treatment. In Detroit and similar urban communities, access remains a significant barrier, with provider shortages and socioeconomic challenges amplifying the problem.

A 2023 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 61% of U.S. counties—most of them rural or low-income—lack adequate mental health professionals. For Dr. Robinson, these statistics are more than numbers—they represent real people left without care.

“I’ve seen patients wait months for appointments or travel hours for therapy,” she said. “No one should have to choose between their mental health and their job, their childcare, or their safety. That’s why accessible care matters.”

Through her online practice, Dr. Robinson has made it her mission to remove barriers by offering virtual consultations that meet patients where they are—literally. But her advocacy goes beyond technology. It’s about rethinking how communities view mental health and encouraging early, compassionate engagement.

The Power of Early Support

Dr. Robinson stresses that early intervention is key. The World Health Organization reports that half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, yet most go undetected and untreated. Early signs—changes in mood, sleep, focus, or behaviour—are often dismissed as stress or personality quirks until they become crises.

“Mental illness doesn’t appear overnight,” Dr. Robinson explained. “There are always warning signs. The earlier we respond, the better the outcomes—not just for individuals, but for families and communities.”

She emphasises that success in treatment requires partnership, not just between patient and doctor, but across the community. Teachers, parents, and employers all play a role in recognising and responding to mental health needs early on.

Breaking the Stigma Around Psychiatry

Dr. Robinson also wants to dismantle the lingering stigma that keeps many from seeking help—particularly within minority and faith-based communities.

“As a Black woman from Detroit, I understand the cultural hesitation that still exists around mental health,” she said. “People fear being judged or seen as weak. But seeking help is strength—it’s self-awareness, not failure.”

She integrates empathy and faith into her practice and community work, volunteering through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church, where she helps organise outreach programmes providing food, clothing, and emotional support to Detroit families.

“You can’t separate mental health from the human experience,” she added. “Faith, family, and community all shape our wellbeing. The more we talk about it openly, the more healing we’ll see.”

A Call to Action: What Individuals Can Do Now

Dr. Robinson believes everyone—not just clinicians—can help shift the mental health landscape. She encourages small, practical steps that build awareness, compassion, and resilience.

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

  1. Check in on someone. A simple “How are you, really?” can start a powerful conversation.

  2. Normalise therapy. Talk openly about mental health care as you would about physical health.

  3. Learn the signs. Persistent sadness, irritability, isolation, or changes in sleep and appetite are red flags worth attention.

  4. Support local resources. Donate, volunteer, or share information about community clinics and crisis lines.

  5. Model balance. Show others—especially children—that rest, boundaries, and vulnerability are healthy, not indulgent.

“We can’t solve the mental health crisis overnight,” Dr. Robinson said. “But we can each create pockets of care—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Change begins when compassion becomes habit.”

About Dr. Jennifer Robinson

Dr. Jennifer Robinson is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Detroit, Michigan, and the founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, an online mental health clinic providing accessible, patient-centred care. She specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. A graduate of Bowling Green State University and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Dr. Robinson has built a reputation for her empathetic, holistic approach that integrates clinical science with human connection.

Take the Next Step

Dr. Robinson invites individuals, families, and community leaders to take small steps toward awareness and understanding.

“Every act of empathy is a form of prevention,” she concluded. “When we lead with compassion—whether at home or in our communities—we create a world where healing is possible for everyone.”

To learn more or access mental health resources, visit www.integralpsychiatric.com or follow Dr. Robinson’s work on community outreach through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church.

To read the full article, click here.

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Press Release

New Partnership Brings Free ATM Placement to Dispensaries Nationwide

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Greenstar ATM expands turnkey payment solutions with a program designed to increase customer convenience, boost spending, and drive shared revenue.

San Francisco, CA, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRECannabis dispensaries across the U.S. continue to face significant challenges when it comes to providing secure, compliant, and convenient payment options. To address this, Greenstar ATM has announced a new strategic partnership that will deliver free, fully maintained ATM machines to dispensaries nationwide, with no upfront costs or long-term financial commitments.

Through this initiative, dispensary owners can gain instant access to a turnkey ATM placement service, enabling customers to withdraw cash on-site, increasing purchasing power and average transaction values. The program also provides retailers with optional revenue-sharing opportunities, allowing them to participate in ATM fee profits without the burden of installation or maintenance expenses.

“Our mission has always been to simplify financial services for cannabis retailers,” said the spokesperson for Greenstar ATM. “This partnership strengthens that mission by eliminating the barriers to ATM access. Dispensaries can now offer customers reliable cash access at no cost, while benefiting from increased sales and potential profit-sharing. It’s a true win-win for operators and consumers alike.”

As part of the program, Greenstar ATM manages the full lifecycle of each machine, including installation, vaulting, 24/7 service, and repairs, ensuring maximum uptime and security. By removing the logistical and financial burdens, dispensaries are free to focus on running their businesses, confident that their customers will always have access to cash when needed.

The benefits extend beyond convenience. Research consistently shows that customers with cash in hand are more likely to spend more per visit, particularly in retail environments like cannabis dispensaries where card options remain limited. By increasing both access and ease of payment, Greenstar ATM’s free placement program gives retailers a competitive edge in a growing marketplace.

This partnership reflects Greenstar ATM’s broader mission to be the go-to provider of financial and payment solutions for cannabis dispensaries. From cashless ATMs and point-of-banking (POB) systems to merchant services and compliant banking support, the company continues to lead with innovative, operator-friendly solutions designed specifically for the cannabis industry.

About Greenstar ATM

Greenstar ATM is a trusted partner for cannabis dispensaries nationwide, specializing in cashless ATMs, point-of-banking (POB) solutions, merchant services, and ATM placement. With a focus on compliance, security, and customer convenience, Greenstar ATM helps retailers overcome the challenges of limited banking access while driving growth through innovative, reliable payment solutions.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.greenstaratm.com/

Phone: (833) 420-2867

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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