Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mars Roundtrip Success Enabled by Integrated Cooling through Inductively Coupled LED Emission (MaRS ICICLE)

    Source: NASA

    Aaswath Pattabhi RamanUniversity of California, Los Angeles
    Exploration of Mars has captivated the public in recent decades with high-profile robotic missions and the images they have acquired seeding our collective imagination. NASA is actively planning for human exploration of Mars and laid out some of the key capabilities that must be developed to execute successful, cost-effective programs that would put human beings on the surface of another planet and bring them home safely. Efficient, flexible and productive round-trip missions will be key to further human exploration of Mars. New round-trip mission concepts however need substantially improved long-duration storage of cryogenic propellants in various space environments; relevant propellants include liquid Hydrogen (LH2) for high specific impulse Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) which can be deployed in strategic locations in advance of a mission. If enabled, such LH2 storage tanks could be used to refill a crewed Mars Transfer Vehicle (MTV) to send and bring astronauts home quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. A well-designed cryogenic propellant storage tank can reflect the vast majority of photons incident on the spacecraft, but not all. In thermal environments like Low Earth Orbit (LEO), there is residual heating due to light directly from the Sun, sunlight reflected off Earth, and blackbody thermal radiation from Earth. Over time, this leads to some of the propellant molecules absorbing the requisite latent heat of vaporization, entering the gas phase, and ultimately being released into space to prevent an unsustainable build-up of pressure in the tank. This slow “boil-off” process leads to significant losses of the cryogenic liquid into space, potentially leaving it with insufficient mass and greatly limiting Mars missions. We propose a breakthrough mission concept: an ultra-efficient round-trip Mars mission with zero boil off of propellants. This will be enabled by low-cost, efficient cryogenic liquid storage capable of storing LH2 and LOx with ZBO even in the severe and fluctuating thermal environment of LEO. To enable this capability, the propellant tanks in our mission will employs thin, lightweight, all-solid-state panels attached to the tank’s deep-space-facing surfaces that utilize a long-understood but as-yet-unrealized cooling technology known as Electro-Luminescent Cooling (ELC) to reject heat from cold solid surfaces as non-equilibrium thermal radiation with significantly more power density than Planck’s Law permits for equilibrium thermal radiation. Such a propellant tank would drastically lower the cost and complexity of propulsion systems for crewed Mars missions and other deep space exploration by allowing spacecraft to refill propellant tanks after reaching orbit rather than launching on the much larger rocket required to lift the spacecraft in a single-use stage. To achieve ZBO, a storage spacecraft must keep the storage tank’s temperature below the boiling point of the cryogen (e.g., < 90 K for LOx and < 20 K for liquid H2). Achieving this in LEO-like thermal environments requires both excellent reflectivity toward sunlight and thermal radiation from the Earth, Mars and other nearby bodies as well as a power-efficient cooling mechanism to remove what little heat inevitably does leak in, a pair of conditions ideally suited to the ELC cooling systems that will makes our full return-trip mission to Mars a success. 2025 Selections

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following fatal Castlecliff crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Sergeant Mark Taylor

    Whanganui Police are investigating a fatal crash in Castlecliff on Sunday, and are appealing to the public for any information.

    About 4.10pm on Sunday 25 May, a motorcycle crashed into a parked car on Seafront Road. Sadly, the 25-year-old male rider died a short time later.

    Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or saw any motorcycles in the Castlecliff area from 2pm to 6pm on 25 May.

    Disappointingly, after the rider crashed and before emergency services arrived, a group of people on motorbikes took the crash victim’s bike. We need the public’s help and want to hear from anyone who can help us identify those individuals, or anyone who has descriptions, photos, or video of them.

    We are also asking people in the Castlecliffe area to check their road-facing CCTV, or dashcams, and contact us if they have any footage that may help us.

    If you know anything about the crash or where the motorcycle may have been taken, please get in touch.

    You can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105 and quoting file number 250525/2731.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Volunteer Awards Turn 50

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotians who generously give their time to their communities were honoured today, September 18, at the 50th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony in Truro.

    “The 50th anniversary of the Provincial Volunteer Awards is a testament to the enduring power of community and the boundless potential of individuals united in purpose,” said Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to volunteers for their time, skills and compassion. They have touched countless lives across Nova Scotia, driving positive change and inspiring others to join in creating a brighter future.”

    A new award to honour the 50th year of the award ceremony will recognize newcomers who come to Nova Scotia from another country and demonstrate extraordinary outreach and volunteerism in their new community. The first recipient of the Newcomer Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced at the 2025 ceremony.

    “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. This year’s celebration not only reflects on the past achievements but also inspires future generations to uphold the spirit of volunteerism,” said Dave Ritcey, MLA for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River, on behalf of Allan MacMaster, Minister responsible for the Voluntary Sector. “Their immense contributions are what make our province vibrant and resilient. Today, we celebrate not just the individual achievements of our honorees but also the collective spirit of giving that defines us as Nova Scotians.”

    This year, 72 volunteers received representative awards. Three specialty awards were presented at the ceremony: the Youth Volunteer Award, Family Volunteer Award and Nova Scotia Strong Award. Details about the award recipients are available at: https://novascotia.ca/nonprofitsector/provincialvolunteerawards/2024-Program.pdf

    The ceremony is available to watch at: https://vimeo.com/event/4565912/32e0d9e5a9


    Quotes:

    “Winning the Nova Scotia Strong Award is such an incredible honour for the Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party. Our exceptional online community was built by 285,000 people with a shared love of music, a lot of trust, and a common goal of spreading joy when we needed it most. Four and a half years later, it continues to have a positive impact on people all over the world both online and in person, while shining a bright light on the beautiful people of Nova Scotia. I am grateful to be a little part of something so very extraordinary and am proud to accept this award on behalf of all of our group members.”
    Heather Thomson, founder, Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party


    Quick Facts:

    • more than 410,000 Nova Scotians volunteer each year, contributing almost 79 million hours to their communities
    • the awards program is administered by the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
    • the representative (individual) volunteer awards are selected by each municipality and Mi’kmaw community

    Additional Resources:

    Provincial Volunteer Awards: https://novascotia.ca/nonprofitsector/provincialvolunteerawards/

    Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage: – website: https://cch.novascotia.ca – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVASCOTIACULTURE – X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NS_CCTH


    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casino 2025: WINNA Named Top Bitcoin Casino For Anonymity, Rakeback & Instant Payouts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The crypto casino space is transforming the online gambling world, delivering speed, privacy, and innovation at scale. Platforms like WINNA are rising fast, offering an alternative that’s faster, safer, and more rewarding than traditional gambling.

    >>CLAIM YOUR FREE SPINS + 60% RAKEBACK – CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!<<

    After comprehensive testing across dozens of crypto casinos, including reviews of their bonuses, game libraries, and overall performance, WINNA emerged as the best crypto casino for 2025. Its rapid payouts, expansive game catalog, and privacy-first model set a new standard for crypto gambling. Find out why WINNA is changing the game.

    Overview Of WINNA Crypto Casino

    WINNA

    • Launch Year: 2024
    • License: Tobique Gaming License
    • Game Selection: Over 2,000 games (slots, live casino, table games, esports betting) + a comprehensive sportsbook with 10,000+ live events every month
    • Software Providers: Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, NetEnt, Nolimit, BGaming, PlayNGo and more
    • Payment Methods: Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Dogecoin, BNB, Litecoin, TRX, USDC)
    • Withdrawal Speed: Instant or under 10 minutes

    WINNA’s no KYC model for crypto users makes it the best no KYC casino, while its instant crypto payouts position it as the best instant withdrawal Bitcoin casino. With competitive bonuses, around-the-clock support, and high-grade security, WINNA stands out as a top crypto casino globally.

    Why WINNA Is One of the Best Crypto Casinos?

    WINNA differentiates itself in a crowded space with a combination of innovation, player-focused features, and unmatched convenience. Here’s why it’s among the best crypto casinos:

    • Extremely Fast Withdrawals: WINNA processes crypto withdrawals in as little as 10 minutes, making it a top Bitcoin casino for players who demand fast access to funds. This speed sets it apart from most crypto gambling sites and justifies its ranking as the best BTC casino.
    • Massive Game Collection: With over 2,000 games from industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, WINNA offers endless entertainment. Whether it’s immersive slots or live dealer games, its variety ranks it high among the best crypto casinos.
    • Privacy-First Approach: WINNA offers full anonymity for crypto users by not requiring KYC. As a result, it stands out as the best no KYC casino for privacy-minded players. This commitment to privacy is a key reason it’s a favorite among top crypto casinos.

    >>PLAY ANONYMOUSLY WITH LIGHTNING-FAST PAYOUTS – CLICK HERE TO JOIN WINNA TODAY!<<

    • Lucrative Bonuses: New players receive extra free spins, a 60% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free esports bet. Weekly prize tournaments with $25,000 pools keep the experience fresh, placing WINNA among the best Bitcoin casinos for high-value rewards.
    • 24/7 Support: WINNA’s support team is accessible by live chat, email, and Telegram, ensuring players receive help whenever needed. This reliability supports its reputation as a trusted crypto gambling site.
    • Military-Grade Security: Built with SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and provably fair systems, WINNA provides a secure environment, making it one of the safest among the best crypto casinos.

    These features establish WINNA as a leader among crypto gambling sites, offering an experience designed for modern players.

    Bonuses And Promotions

    WINNA rewards its players consistently with a wide range of bonuses and promotions. Here’s what players can expect from this new crypto casino:

    • Welcome Bonus: Start off with extra free spins, a 60% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free esports bet on your first deposit.
    • Daily and Weekly Tournaments: Compete in prize events with up to $25,000 in rewards or take part in Winna’s slots tournaments with cash prizes and free spins.
    • Cashback Rewards: Earn regular cashback on net losses, increasing your chances to play longer—one of the signature benefits of the best crypto casinos.
    • Esports Bonuses: Benefit from bet insurance and free bets tailored for esports betting fans.
    • VIP Rakeback Club: Loyal players unlock faster withdrawals, custom bonuses, and VIP-only perks.
    • VIP FreeBet: Place three qualifying sports bets and receive a fourth free bet on the house.
    • Drops & Wins: Participate in slot and live casino games with prize pools totaling $2,000,000.
    • Social Media Rewards: Get exclusive offers and reload bonuses by following WINNA’s official social channels.

    These promotions elevate WINNA among the most rewarding new crypto casinos for players seeking more value per bet.

    >>CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR EXCLUSIVE BONUS<<

    Guide To Join WINNA

    Getting started with WINNA is quick and easy, allowing players to dive into the best crypto casino experience in just a few steps:

    1. Visit the WINNA Website:
      Click here to visit the official WINNA homepage. The site is designed for intuitive navigation, even for first-time users. Be sure you’re on the verified domain to protect your account.
    2. Sign Up:
      Click “Sign Up” and provide a valid email and secure password. No KYC is required for crypto players, reinforcing WINNA’s role as the best no KYC casino. Registration is instant.
    3. Verify Your Email:
      Open the verification email and click the confirmation link to activate your account. This step ensures full access to features and bonuses. Check your spam folder if the email doesn’t arrive promptly.
    4. Deposit Funds:
      Go to the deposit section, select your preferred cryptocurrency, and follow the instructions. Fiat options like Mastercard and Apple Pay are available to buy crypto directly. Deposits process instantly.
    5. Claim Your Bonus:
      Receive 150 free spins, a 35% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free esports bet as part of your first deposit. These bonuses are automatically credited. Check the promotions page for ongoing offers.
    6. Start Gaming:
      Explore WINNA’s library of over 2,000 games and enjoy the seamless, anonymous experience of a top Bitcoin casino. Whether you prefer live casino or instant win games, the platform has it all.

    This fast and easy process gets you into the action quickly at one of the best crypto casinos available today.

    Pros And Cons Of WINNA

    Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and considerations when choosing WINNA among the best crypto casinos:

    Pros Cons
    Ultra-fast crypto withdrawals (less than 10 minutes) No direct fiat depositing options
    Over 2,000 games from top providers  
    No KYC for crypto users  
    High-value welcome and ongoing bonuses  
    24/7 multilingual support  
    High-grade security and provably fair games  

    This table summarizes why WINNA ranks as a top Bitcoin casino while highlighting any potential limitations.

    Game Selection At WINNA

    WINNA delivers a robust game library featuring over 2,000 titles, providing endless choices for every type of player. With support from leading game providers, it earns its place among the best crypto casinos:

    • Slots: Choose from a wide variety of themes, jackpots, and mechanics including Megaways and bonus buy features. High RTP games are frequently updated to ensure ongoing variety and fair odds.
    • Live Casino: Experience high-quality streams of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows. Professional dealers and HD quality deliver the real casino feel right to your device.

    >>SIGN UP WITH WINNA TO ACCESS YOUR FAVORITE GAMES<<

    • Table Games: Classic titles like poker, roulette, and blackjack are offered in multiple versions, appealing to both beginners and experts. Many games are provably fair, increasing transparency.
    • Sports Betting: Bet on real-time sporting events, esports, and virtual matches with competitive odds and live betting features.
    • Instant Games: Engage in crash games, scratch cards, and other fast-paced options for players who prefer quick and simple gameplay. These features add to WINNA’s appeal as a top Bitcoin casino.

    This comprehensive selection reinforces WINNA’s reputation as one of the best crypto casinos for game variety and quality.

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos?

    Crypto casinos like WINNA offer several advantages over traditional online gambling platforms, making them the preferred option for an increasing number of players:

    • Anonymity: Crypto-only accounts do not require personal verification, making WINNA the best no KYC casino for private gaming.
    • Speed: Cryptocurrency transactions are processed much faster than fiat-based ones, with withdrawals at WINNA taking as little as 10 minutes.
    • Security: Built on blockchain technology, transactions are encrypted, trackable, and secure – hallmarks of a trusted crypto gambling site.
    • Global Reach: With no fiat limitations, players around the world can access WINNA without payment restrictions.
    • Low Fees: Crypto transactions typically come with lower fees, maximizing player value at the best crypto casinos.

    These advantages position WINNA as a leader among modern crypto gambling sites.

    Payment Methods

    WINNA operates as a crypto-first casino, offering a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals:

    Cryptocurrencies:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • Binance Coin (BNB)
    • Litecoin (LTC)
    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Tron (TRX)

    Fiat-to-Crypto Options (to be added soon):

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Google Pay
    • Apple Pay
    • Bank Transfer

    All wagering occurs in cryptocurrency, which solidifies WINNA’s role as a top Bitcoin casino offering rapid, secure transactions.

    How To Buy Crypto At WINNA?

    Buying crypto for use at this new crypto casino is fast and beginner-friendly:

    1. Log into your WINNA account.
    2. Navigate to the “Deposit” page and select “Buy Crypto.” Choose your preferred fiat method (e.g., Visa or Google Pay).
    3. Select the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase.
    4. Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.
    5. Funds are instantly credited to your wallet for use in gameplay.

    This user-friendly system makes WINNA one of the most accessible and best crypto casinos for new and experienced users alike.

    Mobile Compatibility

    WINNA is fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing seamless access through iOS and Android browsers. While no dedicated app is available, the mobile interface retains all desktop functionality, including live dealer games and sportsbook access. This makes WINNA a top crypto casino for mobile users.

    User Interface And Experience

    WINNA features a sleek, dark interface with intuitive navigation, fast-loading content, and multi-language support. Graphics are optimized across all platforms, ensuring smooth performance. Whether on desktop or mobile, WINNA delivers a polished and efficient user experience, making it one of the best Bitcoin casinos on the market.

    Responsible Gambling At WINNA – The Best Crypto Casino

    WINNA emphasizes player well-being with a suite of responsible gambling tools:

    • Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently suspend your account if needed. This allows players to take time away without pressure or judgment.
    • Deposit Limits: Set personal spending limits to maintain control over your gambling budget. Limits can be adjusted based on your individual preferences.
    • Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of session duration, helping to promote balanced gameplay and time awareness.
    • Cooling-Off Periods: Take short-term breaks while keeping your account active. This encourages healthier gaming habits over time.

    These tools, alongside access to external support organizations, highlight WINNA’s commitment to being a responsible and trusted crypto casino.

    Conclusion: WINNA – The Best Crypto Casino For 2025

    WINNA stands tall among the best crypto casinos of 2025, combining speed, privacy, and entertainment into a powerful gaming platform. Its large selection of games, instant crypto payouts, strong privacy policies, and rewarding promotions make it the best Bitcoin casino for players at all experience levels. With cutting-edge security and responsible gambling features, WINNA is a reliable and exciting destination for crypto gambling.
    While Jackbit has dominated headlines in the past, WINNA quietly outperforms it with faster withdrawals, stronger promotions, and a truly anonymous experience, something many players still haven’t caught onto.

    >>CLICK HERE TO UNLOCK YOUR BONUS PACK!<<

    FAQs

    1. Why is WINNA considered one of the best crypto casinos?
      WINNA offers instant withdrawals, no KYC, and a wide game selection, placing it among the best Bitcoin casinos available.
    2. How fast are withdrawals at WINNA?
      Crypto withdrawals are typically completed in under 10 minutes. Most are instantly processed.
    3. Can I use fiat currencies to wager at WINNA?
      No, all wagers are in crypto, but you can use fiat to purchase cryptocurrency.
    4. Are there fees for withdrawals at WINNA?
      Crypto withdrawals at WINNA are fee-free for most supported coins.
    5. Is WINNA accessible worldwide?
      Yes, but availability depends on your country. Check the site’s terms of service for region-specific access.
    6. What support options does WINNA provide?
      WINNA offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and Telegram.

    Disclaimer

    Gambling entails risks and should be approached with caution. Users must be of legal gambling age in their jurisdiction. This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

    Always gamble responsibly and within your means. The publisher, affiliates, and authors are not liable for losses arising from use of this content.

    This content may contain affiliate links that generate commission at no additional cost to the user. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e863b44-b7bd-425f-a5ac-1a0f9e4549cc

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c86dce4-bc47-44bf-a9f3-6d0464c173ba

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7e67bea5-d9a3-44d2-97cc-60c308add279

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First American Bank Highlights U.S. Manufacturing Shift

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sarah M. Eikenberry, Vice President of Commercial Lending at First American Bank, explains why more U.S. manufacturers are rethinking global supply chains – and finding local solutions that offer better control, faster delivery, and new business opportunities.

    MIAMI, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reshoring – bringing production back to the U.S. – has shifted from a niche strategy to a mainstream consideration for many manufacturers. While the concept isn’t new, recent global disruptions have prompted small and mid-sized manufacturers to take action.

    Tariffs, shipping delays, geopolitical risk, and rising inventory costs have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Meanwhile, shifting customer expectations and government incentives are making U.S.-based production increasingly attractive.

    At First American Bank, we’re working directly with clients navigating this transition. Here’s why reshoring has lasting momentum.

    Control is the driving force

    For most companies, reshoring comes down to one word: control.

    When suppliers are overseas, responding to delays, managing quality, or adjusting production is limited. The pandemic made that clear. So have recent changes in tariffs, which have created confusion and delays at U.S. ports as authorities navigate new import classifications.

    More of my clients are asking: How can we reduce our risk? One answer is to bring more of the supply chain closer to home. Even though domestic production can be costlier, the increased stability and responsiveness often justifies the shift.

    You don’t need to build from scratch

    One common misconception is that reshoring requires major investment. That’s not necessarily the case.

    Contract manufacturing is opening doors for smaller companies. By partnering with U.S.-based manufacturers that already have infrastructure, companies can avoid the high costs of building their own facilities.

    We’ve seen this firsthand. A client in the medical products space recently expanded its capabilities to support both internal production and third-party contracts, creating new revenue opportunities in the process.

    Buyers care about local sourcing

    Cost will always factor into decision-making; however, it’s no longer the only consideration. Buyers increasingly value transparency, quality, and the ability to adapt quickly – all of which are benefits of U.S.-based production.

    Some clients have seen more interest at trade shows just by promoting their “Made in the USA” status. Many buyers are willing to pay more for the speed and reliability that comes with local sourcing.

    Technology is also narrowing the cost gap. Automation, AI, and leaner processes are helping reduce labor costs without compromising quality.

    Talent and training are key enablers

    As more companies bring production back home, the question naturally follows: Do we have the workforce to support it?

    Skilled labor remains a challenge in many regions, but we’re also seeing promising signs of collaboration between industry and education. Local universities around the country are connecting students with real-world manufacturing problems through capstone projects and internships. This early exposure is helping build a more prepared talent pipeline.

    At the same time, with automation reshaping roles, investing in training and local talent programs is more important than ever.

    South Florida is part of the equation

    While reshoring is often associated with the industrial Midwest, business-friendly regions like South Florida are increasingly becoming part of the conversation.

    The area has strong infrastructure for import-export activity, and organizations like the Miami-Dade Beacon Council are helping attract investment and support job growth. First American Bank has partnered with many of these local organizations with the goal of creating valuable connections for opportunity and incentives.

    A long-term shift with near-term opportunity

    Reshoring isn’t a quick fix. It’s a gradual process, and it won’t look the same for every business. But the momentum is real.

    The companies that benefit most are the ones that stay proactive: identifying parts of their operations that can be brought back, finding domestic partners, and rethinking their supply chain from both a cost and control perspective.

    At First American Bank, we help manufacturers finance equipment, expand operations, and structure credit solutions to support reshoring. If you’re considering a shift, we’re here to help you evaluate your options and build a plan that fits your goals.

    About First American Bank
    First American Bank is the largest privately held bank in Illinois, with over $7 billion in assets and 61 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida. Family-owned and operated since the 1960s, the bank offers a full range of financial services, including personal banking, business lending, and trust and wealth management. Known for combining community bank service with large-scale capabilities, First American Bank is committed to long-term relationships, financial stability, and delivering tailored solutions that help customers thrive.

    Disclaimers:
    This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own legal, tax, and investment advisors.

    First American Bank is a MemberFDIC.

    Media Contact:
    Teresa Lee
    305-631-6400
    tlee@firstambank.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Essay: The world’s highest-grossing animated film “Nezha 2” came to Russia and touched Russian viewers to the depths of their souls

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 27 /Xinhua/ – The Russian premiere of the Chinese animated film “Nezha Conquers the Dragon King” /”Nezha 2” dubbed into Russian was recently held at the Cinema Park Mosfilm movie theater. It became the highest-grossing animated film in the history of world cinema.

    An hour before the show began, the lobby on the first floor was packed with spectators, who came in groups and with their families to watch the trailers on the screen and take photos before the show began.

    During the two-and-a-half-hour screening in the IMAX theater, which seats more than 500 people, the audience laughed, cheered and applauded the characters.

    THE HIGHEST-GROSSING CARTOON HAS BECOME A CULTURAL MASTERPIECE

    “This film is a dark horse for us,” Vera Fetishcheva, deputy general director of the Russian film company Arna Media, told Xinhua, adding that the cartoon will hit the country’s big screens on May 29. “We will have more than 1,600 screens all over Russia,” V. Fetishcheva said.

    “This Chinese cartoon is a phenomenon; it is currently the highest-grossing animated project in the history of world cinema and is among the top five highest-grossing films,” V. Fetishcheva emphasized.

    According to official figures, Ne Zha 2 has already grossed over US$2 billion worldwide.

    “We are very proud and really wanted to make sure that Russian viewers also see this project on the big screen,” said V. Fetishcheva. “We hope that it will also make a good profit in Russia.”

    “Nezha 2” focuses on Chinese mythology and traditional values, combining this with high-quality entertainment. According to V. Fetischeva, this film will help Russian viewers better understand China and its culture.

    DUBBING: “PAIN AND JOY AT THE SAME TIME”

    In order for Russian viewers to better understand “Nezha 2,” high-quality dubbing was necessary.

    “There were a lot of difficulties in translation, the translation was very complicated, but very pleasant, because solving these issues brought real pleasure,” Maxim Kofov, the author of the adapted translation and the dubbing director for “Nezha 2,” shared with a Xinhua correspondent.

    According to him, the film is based on Chinese mythology, and many things implied in the film are quite understandable to the Chinese.

    “And in Russia there is a different culture, and we may not understand this. And accordingly, the question immediately arises: how to adapt this?” said M. Kofov, adding that in some moments a certain equivalent from Russian culture was required.

    “Appearances can be deceiving. I feel like Nezha is like a grown man in a little kid’s body,” said voice actress Eva Finkelstein, who voiced Nezha.

    In her opinion, Nezha’s kind and bright heart is hidden beneath his appearance, and this contrast makes the hero extremely charming.

    “For example, the poems that Nezha recites throughout the film. If you translate them literally, they simply won’t work. But if you translate them into something similar in our culture, then it begins to merge with the audience’s interest,” explained M. Kofov. According to him, it was important not just to translate literally, but to convey emotions. This was possible thanks to the excellent work of the dubbing actors and the support of their Chinese colleagues.

    “NEZHA 2” IS A GIFT FOR ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN

    “The animation is very good… All the characters are shown well… The dubbing is very clear… The story is about family and love, very beautiful…” Russian viewers shared their feelings with a Xinhua correspondent after watching it.

    “I really liked the film, and to be honest, I am very delighted,” said Nikita Stepanov, a member of the central board of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society.

    N. Stepanov knows quite a lot about China and Chinese culture, since he was born in China and graduated from school there. “In general, everything is very clear, all these moments that were reflected in the film,” N. Stepanov noted, expressing confidence that “Nezha 2” will help Russian viewers better understand Chinese culture.

    For many Russian viewers, Nezha 2 became not only an example of technological progress in Chinese animation, but also a point of contact between the cultures of Russia and China.

    “I really liked the film, it’s a family film, really. I saw the first part /”Nezh 1″/ when I was 13, so as soon as I found out that the second part of “Nezh” would be released, I immediately got ready and ran to see it at the first screening,” student Lera told Xinhua.

    “I had a lot of emotions. I laughed, I was happy, I cried a lot at many moments. The film is very good, moral,” shared Ksenia, Lera’s younger sister.

    According to Lera, the character of “Nezha 2” Shen Gongbao touched her “to the depths of her soul”. “Shen Gongbao’s relationship with his younger brother and his development evoke special emotions in me,” said Lera, looking at Ksenia and adding, “This is /my/ little sister, I am ready to do a lot for her, so this topic touched me very much.”

    “This film is a gift to all parents and children and a wish to find understanding between generations,” M. Kofov noted. He reported that as a father of two children aged 10 to 20, he found very interesting and relevant moments in this cartoon for himself.

    “You need to be able to let go, you need to be able to understand, you need to be able to find a common language with different generations,” said M. Kofov.

    According to him, the transformation of positive and negative characters is one of the most striking moments in “Nezha 2”. “That is, it is a life situation in which there is no clear division into black and white. This prepares the younger generation for a critical view of life,” the Russian director emphasized.

    “As in the case of Nezha, and in the case of Ao Bing in the film, it is not who you are by origin that matters, but who you are by your actions,” Lera noted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: CuraBall Review: Effective HandStrength Recovery with the CuraBall Device

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introduction- Effective HandStrength Recovery with the CuraBall Device
    In our everyday lives, if there is one movement that we are constantly doing, it would be using our hands. We tend to rely on the functioning of our hands far more than we realise and appreciate it. Right from writing, buttoning shirts, cooking to even opening small containers— each of the mentioned simple activities require a coordinated and strong grip function. And as we begin to age, we begin to face certain health, setbacks and hand. 

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    Strength is one of those setbacks that is noticed first. A decline in using your hand capabilities to its maximum Can quietly make a person’s confidence go low, and the rise for dependence begins. It could be an issue that must have started with arthritis, age, related, muscle loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive, strain, injuries, but millions of people today struggle every single day with reduced dexterity and weekend grip. Such limitations can result in once upon a time, easy to do task, like opening a container, turning the key of a door, or even just holding a hand, pen, frustrating, and sometimes even impossible. Weak, worse, hand, strength is right now associated with reduced quality of life, higher risk of disability, occurrence, and could also be related to early mortality in elderly.

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    Understanding the impact of Grip Decline

    Trip strength is not just about carrying groceries or athletic performances; it is directly linked to safety, functionality, and personal independence. Certain studies have shown how individuals who suffer with low grip strength, are more likely to face sudden falls, would require assistance for their daily living, or can also face cognitive decline. All of these issues are especially noticed among:

    • Professionals who are always sitting on desk and suffer from chronic hand fatigue
    • Older adults over the age of 55 who experience age related muscle loss
    • Stroke patients or post surgery patients navigating rehabilitation
    •  Individuals who suffer from arthritis or nerve health conditions like neuropathy

    If these problems are left unresolved, they can compound and lead to the cycle of dependency, decreased mobility, and isolation, which can be quite frustrating. What if we told you, there is an innovative device that can help you with your grip decline? Yes, the device exists that will help improve your hand strength so that you might not fall prey to the nightmare of dependency as you begin to age. Recognising the silent suffering from grip decline, CuraBall steps forward to be this innovative tool that helps you do more than just exercise, it delivers measurable, real improvement when it comes to your hand strength.

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    A short brief introduction to CuraBall

    CuraBall is an innovative and compact hand therapy tool designed to enhance one strength in the hands and flexibility around the wrist and forearms. It makes use of dynamic gyroscopic resistance to challenge muscles gently, thereby improving hand grip by easing stiffness, and supporting joint mobility. This handy device is an ideal solution for those individuals who face problems in hand functioning due to age, injury, arthritis, or certain other health conditions that affect Movement of hands. CuraBall offers a low impact and smooth workout to its users to regain confidence and ease in their respective daily routines. 
    CuraBall tends to activate the muscles through circular and control wrist motions. It not only strengthens the key areas of your hands, but also ensures good blood flow is happening, there is good coordination, and your overall hand strength is improved.

    The CuraBall is portable and lightweight, making it perfect for using any time be it for your morning, stretch, your therapy sessions, or even when you are watching a TV show. Most of the customers have felt that by using CuraBall regularly they are experiencing less of pain, better control, and Better is while doing that every day task such as gardening, Writing, or even buttoning shirts.

    Don’t Miss Out on Grip Strength Recovery – Order Your CuraBall Before It’s Gone!

    Understanding the working mechanism

    The gyroscope is considered to be the heart of CuraBall, it is a spinning, rotor generating resistance as we rotate the device. When you hold and move the ball, the rotor tends to push back, this prompts your muscle to work with more effort. As little as this gentle resistance will help build your hands strength without having to lift any weights or participating in high impact movements. CuraBall can be considered as an effective and safe alternative for any person looking for ways to improve their mobility, especially those individuals who are in the recovery phase or suffering from joint pain. 

    In order to use CuraBall, one needs to just activate its spinning mechanism by holding the device formally and rotating their wrist in slow and controlled circular patterns. The more regular you are in using it, the more likely you are to notice improvement. You will begin to notice more fluid motion, less tension, and firma, grip strength.
    Unlike traditional grip tools or resistance bands that offer fixed resistance, CuraBall introduces dynamic movement to activate deeper layers of muscle. As it spins, it engages:

    • Precise finger control
    • Forearm strength and coordination
    • Wrist stability and stamina
    •  Sensory-motor communication between the hand and brain

    What makes CuraBall unique is its ability to adapt to your effort. Gentle rotations offer a mild, low-stress workout, while faster spins ramp up the challenge, helping to build strength. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or training for better performance, CuraBall adjusts to your needs — making it a versatile tool for users at any level.

    Improve Your Grip, Flexibility, and Strength – Get CuraBall Today!

    Features of CuraBall

    Let’s take a look at some of the unique features of CuraBall:

    • Gyroscopic power resistance: The CuraBall makes use of smart gyroscopic movement to deliver resistance that is responsive as you make movement. It creates natural muscle engagement, boosting grip, strength, stability, and coordination with every rotation that you do.
    • Design is joint friendly: The CuraBall is made keeping in mind how sensitive joints are. The CuraBall ensures smooth and low impact resistance which is easy on the hands. Therefore, it makes for an effective and safe choice for individuals suffering from arthritis or age related joint problems.
    • Supports hand recovery: it is ideal for anybody, healing from wrist or hand, injuries, surgeries, or any type of chronic discomfort. CuraBall encourages movement in a gentle way, it boost flow of blood, and it also helps in restoring normal functioning of hands more quickly.
    • Portable and pocket sized: This sleek, small, and light device fits easily in the palm of your hand, in your bag, or even your pockets. You can use the device, no matter where you are, whether you’re working at your desk, sitting on the couch at home, or just walking outdoors.
    • No requirement of power: Forget charging cables, applications, electricity with this device. Because CuraBall device is completely mechanical in nature all you have to do is just wind it up and begin using it. It is efficient, simple, portable, pocket size, and always ready to use.
    • Built to last longer: The CuraBall is constructed with durable and premium materials, making it efficient for long-term usage. It is extremely easy to clean and maintain even if you are using it on an everyday basis.

    Where can you buy CuraBall? What’s the price?

    We would always recommend you to purchase this device from the manufacturers official website only as it ensures that 100% authentic product is delivered at your doorstep. Apart from this purchasing from the official website will also give you an opportunity to enjoy seasonal promotional offers and discounts that the manufacturer might be running on the site. The pricing is as follows:

    • One CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $69.95
    • Two CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $59.95 each
    • Three CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $54.95 each 
    • Four CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $49.95 each

    Purchasing from the official website will also give you access to customer support 24/7. The company also provides a 30 money back guarantee if you would want to return the product and claim refund. This makes your purchase protected with zero calamities. 

    FAQs about CuraBall

    1. What is the CuraBall and how does it work?
    The CuraBall is a hand therapy device designed to help improve grip strength, hand dexterity, and overall hand recovery. It uses gyroscopic resistance to provide a progressive, customizable workout for your hands and forearms. As you rotate the ball, the gyroscopic mechanism generates increasing resistance, helping to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
    2. How can I use the CuraBall?
    To use the CuraBall, grip it firmly with one hand, and start rotating it in a circular motion. Begin with slow rotations, gradually increasing the speed for more resistance as you become more comfortable. Aim for 10-15 minutes daily for optimal results. For full instructions on use, check the user manual included with the device or refer to our detailed guide.
    3. Where can I buy the CuraBall?
    The CuraBall is exclusively available for purchase on the official website. This ensures that you receive the latest version of the product and any associated support, including warranties and satisfaction guarantees. Be sure to purchase directly from the official site to avoid counterfeit products or unauthorized sellers.
    4. What do people say about the CuraBall on Reddit?
    On Reddit, users often share their experiences with the CuraBall in various health, fitness, and rehabilitation subreddits. Many users report significant improvements in grip strength and hand flexibility after using the device regularly. If you’re looking for honest, unfiltered opinions, visiting Reddit threads related to hand therapy or fitness recovery can provide useful insights and answers from real users.
    You can search for threads on Reddit like:

    • r/fitness
    • r/physicaltherapy
    • r/Arthritis
    • r/HandStrength

    5. Is there a money-back guarantee or return policy for the CuraBall?
    Yes, the CuraBall typically comes with a satisfaction guarantee or return policy when purchased directly from the official website. For more detailed information on their return policy or to initiate a return, refer to the return and refund guidelines provided at checkout.
    6. Can I use the CuraBall if I have arthritis or joint pain?
    Yes, the CuraBall is gentle enough for those with arthritis or joint pain. It can help alleviate stiffness in the fingers, hands, and wrists by gently strengthening the muscles around the joints without putting undue pressure on them. Many users with arthritis have reported noticeable improvements in flexibility and a reduction in discomfort after using the device regularly.
    7. How long will it take to see results from using the CuraBall?
    The amount of time it takes to see results varies depending on your individual recovery goals and consistency. Most users report improvements in grip strength and hand dexterity within a few weeks of regular use (10-15 minutes daily). If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, it may take longer, but consistent use will yield the best results.
    8. Can I use the CuraBall for rehabilitation after surgery?
    Yes, the CuraBall is perfect for rehabilitation after hand or wrist surgery. It allows you to start with low-intensity exercises and gradually build strength over time. Always consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning any rehabilitation exercise to ensure it aligns with your recovery plan.
    9. How do I clean and maintain my CuraBall?
    To clean your CuraBall, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use. You can use mild soap and water for deeper cleaning, but avoid soaking the device or using harsh chemicals. Keeping it dry and free from dirt will ensure its longevity and smooth operation.
    10. Are there any special offers or discounts available for the CuraBall?
    Special offers and discounts on the CuraBall may be available directly through the official website, especially during seasonal sales or promotional events. Be sure to check the website regularly for the latest deals and discounts.
    Say Goodbye to Hand Stiffness! Order Your CuraBall Now and Start Recovering
    How to use CuraBall? 

    This guide will help you get the most out of your CuraBall.

    Getting Started

    • Unbox & Inspect
      Make sure your CuraBall includes all components: the gyroscopic ball, starter cord (if applicable), and instructions. Inspect the device for any signs of damage before first use.

    Activate the Gyroscope

    • There are two easy ways to start your CuraBall:
    • Starter Cord Method: Insert the cord into the designated slot, wind it once or twice, and pull swiftly.
    •  Manual Start: Hold the ball firmly and give it a quick flick of the wrist to kickstart the internal rotor.

    Using the CuraBall

    Grip & Motion
    Once the gyro is spinning, hold the CuraBall securely. Begin moving your wrist in smooth, circular motions.

    • Slow rotations create light resistance — ideal for warm-ups or rehab.
    • Faster movements increase resistance, challenging your muscles more.

    Session Duration

    • Start with 1–2 minutes per hand.
    • Increase gradually based on your comfort and strength.
    •  Use it while sitting, standing, or during downtime — it’s that versatile.

    Targeted Benefits

    • Enhances grip strength
    • Improves wrist and forearm stability
    • Boosts finger dexterity and fine motor skills
    •  Supports proprioception and mind-muscle connection

    Safety Tips

    • Always warm up before intense sessions
    • Avoid overexertion, especially if recovering from injury
    • Stop use if you experience sharp pain or discomfort
    • Keep away from children under 12 without supervision

    Maintenance & Storage

    • Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth after use
    • Store in a cool, dry place
    • Avoid dropping the ball or exposing it to water

    Last Chance! Boost Your Grip Strength Before We Sell Out – Get CuraBall Now!

    CuraBall for Athletes: Enhancing Grip Strength for Sports Performance

    Grip strength is crucial for many sports, particularly those involving racket or ball handling, climbing, weightlifting, and even golf. CuraBall is a great tool for athletes looking to improve their performance in these areas.

    Whether you’re an avid rock climber, a tennis player, or a bodybuilder, having strong hands and forearms can significantly enhance your ability to perform. The CuraBall can be used as part of a sport-specific training regimen to increase endurance, strength, and coordination in your hands and forearms.

    Sports that Benefit from CuraBall Use:

    • Rock Climbing: Grip strength is the foundation of climbing. The CuraBall helps climbers improve their finger and hand strength, which is vital for holding onto holds during challenging ascents.
    • Tennis and Golf: Athletes in sports like tennis and golf rely on grip strength to control the racket and club. The CuraBall strengthens the hands and wrists, enhancing overall performance.
    • Weightlifting: Strong hands are essential for holding and lifting weights, particularly for lifts like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups. CuraBall helps weightlifters prevent grip fatigue and improve their performance.

    By incorporating CuraBall into a training routine, athletes can experience noticeable gains in strength and endurance, giving them a competitive edge in their respective sports.

    CuraBall for Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: A Gentle Approach to Recovery

    After surgery, particularly hand or wrist surgery, regaining strength and flexibility can be a slow and painful process. Traditional rehabilitation methods often involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions, which may not be suitable for someone still recovering. This is where CuraBall can shine.

    The device offers a gentle yet effective way to start strengthening the hands and wrists without risking further injury. The progressive gyroscopic resistance allows users to begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually build up as their recovery progresses.

    Stronger Hands Start Here: Click to Order the CuraBall and Recover Faster!

    How CuraBall Assists Post-Surgery:

    • Low-impact rehabilitation: The device allows for a gradual increase in intensity, ensuring the user doesn’t overstrain the recovering muscles and joints.
    • Improves circulation: The motion of using the CuraBall stimulates blood flow to the hands and wrists, helping to reduce swelling and promote healing.
    • Enhances mobility: As users build strength, they also improve joint flexibility and range of motion, which is crucial after surgery.

    CuraBall for Seniors: Regaining Strength and Flexibility

    As we age, maintaining hand strength and dexterity can become more challenging due to the natural wear and tear of the joints and muscles. Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome become more common, often leading to a decline in hand functionality.

    The CuraBall offers seniors a low-impact, safe, and effective way to maintain or regain strength in their hands and wrists. It is particularly beneficial for seniors looking to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks like opening jars, gripping a pen, or using utensils.

    How CuraBall Helps Seniors:

    • Arthritis management: The device helps reduce joint stiffness and alleviate some of the pain associated with arthritis, especially in the fingers, hands, and wrists.
    • Maintaining independence: By strengthening the hands, seniors can improve their ability to perform tasks independently, which enhances overall quality of life.
    • Flexibility and mobility: Regular use of the CuraBall can increase the range of motion in the fingers and wrists, making it easier for seniors to continue their activities.

    CuraBall in Physical Therapy: A Therapist’s Perspective

    Physical therapists are increasingly recommending devices like the CuraBall to patients undergoing rehabilitation. Due to its customizable resistance and ability to mimic natural hand movements, it fits well into a variety of rehabilitation programs.

    Therapists often use the CuraBall as a tool to target specific muscle groups in the hands, wrists, and forearms, helping patients recover from both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

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    Why Physical Therapists Recommend CuraBall:

    • Targeted rehabilitation: The device allows for specific exercises to strengthen muscles and restore function, making it ideal for rehabilitation.
    • Adjustable resistance: Therapists can tailor the level of resistance based on the patient’s progress, ensuring the exercises are challenging but safe.
    • Home therapy: The portability of CuraBall means that patients can continue their recovery at home, reinforcing the work done during physical therapy sessions.

    CuraBall vs. Traditional Grip Strengthening Devices

    Traditional grip strengtheners, such as hand grippers, stress balls, and therapy bands, have long been used in hand recovery programs. However, CuraBall offers a different approach with its unique gyroscopic resistance technology.

    In comparison to traditional devices, the CuraBall:

    • Offers variable resistance: Unlike fixed resistance levels in hand grippers, the CuraBall allows users to adjust intensity based on their needs.
    • Targets a broader range of muscles: The dynamic movement of the CuraBall engages both larger muscles in the forearms and smaller stabilizing muscles in the hands, providing a more comprehensive workout.
    • More engaging: Many users find the continuous rotation of the CuraBall more engaging than static exercises, which can help improve adherence to rehabilitation programs.

    Pros of using CuraBall

    • It improves grip strength in the most natural manner. It boosts the strength in our risk, hands, and forearms, without the requirement of participating in high impact workouts or lifting weights.
    • It gives its users a hassle-free operation as it requires no batteries and there is no headache of charging as well. All the user needs to do is pick it up and start using it.
    • It is designed in a manner such that it creates gentle movements which are safe for older adults for use.
    • It encourages good blood flow and helps in maintaining the flexibility of joints. 
    • Made using durable materials to ensure long term usage without any maintenance.
    • It helps restore confidence and control in performing everyday activities like carrying groceries and opening jars.

    Cons of using CuraBall

    • for first time users, it might take a bit of a practice to get a hang of how CuraBall works with wrist movement my activating gyroscope
    • It is not advised for those who suffer from severe hand or wrist injuries, and we would highly recommend that they consult a healthcare provider before beginning to use this product.
    •  Currently it is available in a limited set of designs and colors.

    Don’t Wait! Get Your Hands on CuraBall While Supplies Last!

    User Experience and Testimonials

    Margaret T. – Chicago, IL
    “My dad’s been using the CuraBall for 6 weeks now. The morning routine with it seems to really help him start the day more clearly.”

    James R. – San Diego, CA
    “I thought I had to give up gardening when gripping tools became too hard. But after six weeks with CuraBall, I’m back in the yard trimming my roses. Every day, I notice little wins with my hands.”

    Helen L. – Denver, CO
    “I was afraid I’d lose my independence and end up relying on my daughter for everything. Then my therapist introduced me to CuraBall—and wow. Now I can do up my own buttons, jot down my grocery list, and I even picked knitting back up. The boost in confidence is everything.”

    Evelyn B. – Leesburg, VA
    “Used it only a few times, but I can already feel less stiffness in my fingers. It’s easy to use and fits right in my bag. I’m excited to see how much more it can help.”

    The Final Conclusion

    The CuraBall device completely stands out in the market today as a powerful solution for enhancing hand, dexterity, strength, and wrist flexibility. This easy to use yet powerful device makes use of cutting edge, gyroscopic technology for resistance. It delivers targeted and low impact support ideal for those individuals who suffer from arthritis, those who are recovering from hand injuries, or experience age related Movement problems. The device is user-friendly in nature and lightweight, making it perfect to be used at home or at work or simply out. This portable device is quite budget friendly and the company also provides a 30 days money back guarantee which gives its customers. The belief that the product is definitely worth the investment. So whether you are someone who is Struggling, with simple hand movements, such as opening jars, Writing, buttoning, or wearing shirts, we would say that consistent use of CP can make your life smoother and extremely comfortable. For any individual who wants to prioritise handheld, the CuraBall device is a must try and a lot of positive reviews are available online and the risk free trial makes it an ideal option to try out. So say yes to stronger hands, pain-free wrist movements, regardless of your age with CuraBall.

    Company: CuraBall
    Address: 100 Church Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10007, the United States
    Email: help@spark-tek.co
    Order Phone Support: 14242504182

    Disclaimers
    General Disclosure – The content of this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a licensed medical professional, physical therapist, or certified rehabilitation specialist. No part of this content should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription for any health condition, physical therapy treatment, or preventative care.
    Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given or implied regarding the completeness, correctness, or timeliness of the information provided. Statements related to CuraBall, its functionality, benefits, or user experiences are based on publicly available data and user-submitted testimonials at the time of publication. These may be updated, revised, or corrected without notice. The publisher and its contributors do not accept responsibility for typographical errors, inadvertent omissions, or incorrect information.
    Results discussed in this content are not typical and may vary from person to person. The use of any product, including CuraBall, should be done at the discretion and risk of the reader. Individuals with existing injuries, chronic conditions, or limited mobility should consult a qualified medical provider before beginning any form of hand strength training or grip rehabilitation.
    The publisher, authors, editors, and syndication partners assume no liability or responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage incurred as a result of the use or misuse of any information, product, or service discussed within this article.
    Disclaimer: The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.
    Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through recommended links. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the creation of in-depth reviews and educational wellness content.
    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First Tranche offering of UAB „Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos“ notes under the EUR 100 million Green Bonds Programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. OTHER RESTRICTIONS ARE APPLICABLE. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICE IN THIS STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE BELOW.

    NEW EUR 2025/2027 NOTES

    Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” (the “Company”) is launching its public offering of EUR 2025/2027 Notes (ISIN LT0000134439, the “Notes”). The Notes are being issued under the EUR 100 million Green Bond Programme. The base prospectus of the programme (the “Prospectus”) was approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 27 May 2025.
    According to the final terms of the first tranche, dated 27 May 2025 (attached), the Company is planning to issue up to EUR 65 million of nominal value Notes with maturity of 30 months to investors in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
    Summary of the main issue terms:

    • First tranche size: up to 65 000 000 EUR
    • Specified denominations: EUR 100,000 and integral multiples of EUR 1,000
    • Interest rate: 8%, paid semi-annually
    • Subscription period: from 28 May 2025 to 11 June 2025 2:30 pm CEST/3:30 pm Vilnius time
    • Settlement and issue date: 13 June 2025
    • Maturity date: 13 December 2027

    Investors wishing to submit a subscription order must contact their brokerage company.

    INVESTOR PRESENTATIONS
    Manager of Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” Mantas Auruškevičius will present the offer via webcast/conference call:

    • English-language session: 4 June 2025 at 13:00 CEST / 14:00 Vilnius time. Please register in advance to attend:

    https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d32cZE8xSqyFs8tcMpwLqA#/registration

    • Lithuanian-language session: 5 June 2025 at 9:00 CEST / 10:00 Vilnius time. Please register in advance to attend:

    https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wxUoUAWzQ9244uO9HlNX-g#/registration

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Mantas Auruškevičius
    Manager of Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors
    UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos”
    mantas.auruskevicius@lordslb.lt

    Povilas Petručionis
    Securities trader at UAB FMĮ “Orion Securities”
    pp@orion.lt
    +37068758168

    IMPORTANT NOTICE:
    This notification is not for distribution to United States news agencies or for dissemination in the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia or elsewhere where such dissemination is not appropriate.
    Distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the securities may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.
    No offer or invitation to acquire securities of the Company is being made by or in connection with this notification. The Prospectus is the only legally binding document containing information on the Company, the Notes and their admission to trading on the regulated market. The Prospectus is published on the website of the Company (https://lordslb.lt/AEI_green_bonds_2025/) as well as on www.nasdaqbaltic.com and www.crib.lt.
    Approval of the Prospectus shall not be understood as an endorsement of the securities admitted to trading on a regulated market. The potential investors are recommended to read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the securities. Furthermore, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to US persons unless the securities are registered under the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. No public offering of the securities will be made in the United States.

    Further details and required documents are available at: https://lordslb.lt/AEI_green_bonds_2025/ 

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader visits Derby’s twin city

    Source: City of Derby

    Councillor Peatfield reflects on a successful trip to Derby’s twin city and the long-awaited reopening of Derby’s Market Hall…

    If you’ve driven in and out of the city and paid attention to the “Welcome to Derby” signs, you may know that we are twinned with Osnabrück, a city in north west Germany. You might have thought “so what?” or wondered what that even means, but our twinning with Osnabrück is really important for us a city and holds a lot of historic significance.

    Derby and Osnabrück have been twinned since 1976, as a way of building strong links and friendships with communities in other countries following the Second World War. Since then, delegations from each city have hosted each other, sharing ideas and cultures, with a special emphasis on involving young people.

    For a long time now, I have been really keen to strengthen our link with our twin city and do more to celebrate our partnership. Early last week, I had the opportunity to do just this, taking a whistle-stop tour – fully funded by myself – to learn more about Osnabrück and represent Derby at their ‘Derby Day’. I travelled with visual arts charity Artcore and it was great to share this experience with them.

    It really was a jam-packed few days meeting with Osnabrück’s Oberburgermeister, or Lord Mayor, and visiting the Skulptur Gallerie (sculpture gallery).

    It was a privilege to also attend Derby Day at the Maiwoche Festival – an annual celebration of our city’s twinning. I joined some some Derby artists from Artcore and members of the public to create a peace-themed mural on the Platz der Stadtefreundschaften (City Partnership Square).

    Then it was time for music, and I enjoyed watching Willow Bay, Scribble Victory and Dammit Jack flying the flag for Derbyshire with live performances. The Pipes and Drums of the Royal British Legion Osnabrück were a spectacular finale.

    I received a very warm welcome from the people of Osnabrück, including many who want to come to Derby next year, which is the 50th anniversary of our twinning. I’m now more passionate than ever about strengthening the ties between our two cities and ensuring that we educate future generations not only about the history behind our twinning, but the value that our close partnership holds.

    Incidentally, 2027 will mark 50 years since Derby was granted city status, meaning we’ll have a lot to celebrate over the next few years. More on that soon.

    During my visit of Osnabrück I toured some areas of the city centre that are earmarked for regeneration, and it was interesting to see that they face many of the same challenges as we do in Derby. Empty shops and buildings are issues there too.

    However, we had a regeneration success this past weekend which deserves to be celebrated. I can’t not mention the reopening of our historic Market Hall.  A huge thank you to every single person who has played a part in lovingly restoring and allowing us to reopen our beloved Market Hall. From planning and conservation teams to those working on the operations and marketing, as well as our wonderful Derby Live and Market Hall management teams, this weekend was a celebration of all that we have achieved working in partnership, and I am so proud of Team Derby!

    If you missed out on all the fun last weekend, we have a week-long programme of live entertainment, workshops, activities for families and much, much more this week. There’s lots more information about this on the Derby Market Hall website.

    We’re on a journey to transform Derby city centre into a vibrant and welcoming place to be and the re-opening is a very momentous part of this.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Special Session to Address Disaster Relief for Missourians, Tax Incentives for Economic Development, and Budget Appropriations

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 27, 2025

     — Today, during a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued an official call for a special session aimed at providing resources to families affected by recent severe storm systems, driving economic development through a tax incentive program, and making critical budget appropriations that will impact Missourians across the state.

    The General Assembly will convene for the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to begin considering Governor Kehoe’s priorities.

    “We are proud of all that the General Assembly accomplished during the regular legislative session, but there is still work left to be done,” said Governor Kehoe. “We call on legislators to use this special session as a rare opportunity to support our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need, drive economic development, and make transformative investments in our state. This work is too important to leave unfinished.”

    Several severe storm systems have impacted the State of Missouri over the recent months, resulting in loss of life as well as significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Governor Kehoe’s call for a special session includes legislation to assist Missouri families impacted by recent severe storm systems in areas included in a request for presidential disaster declaration filed by the Governor. The call includes:

    • Legislation establishing an income tax deduction for insurance policy deductibles incurred by homeowners and renters due to damages caused by severe weather.
      • Deductions shall not exceed $5000 per household per disaster in any calendar year.
    • Legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, by expanding eligibility and removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families with Disaster Housing Response Grants.
    • Appropriating $25 million to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for for general administration of affordable housing activities and to expand income eligibility for emergency aid.

    To help retain major sports teams in Missouri, Governor Kehoe is calling on the General Assembly to enact legislation establishing economic development tools for athletic and entertainment facility projects of professional sports franchises through the Show Me Sports Investment Act. The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are Missouri’s teams that drive billions of dollars in economic activity through tourism, job creation, and small businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail. The impact of retaining these teams includes:

    • The Kansas City Chiefs contribute $575 million annually in economic value and over 4,500 jobs in Jackson County alone, bringing the State of Missouri nearly $30 million in annual tax revenue.
    • A new Royals ballpark district is expected to support 8,400 jobs and generate $1.2 billion in economic output annually.  

    Governor Kehoe’s call also includes:

    • Enacting legislation to extend the sunset date on tax credits for amateur sporting events.
    • Appropriating $25 million for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR).
    • Appropriating funding from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session.

    The special session proclamation will be uploaded to the Governor’s website once it is available.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s Centenary hits a high note with free Party in the Park

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 27th May 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations are set to reach a crescendo with a Party in the Park – a free afternoon music festival in Hanley Park on Saturday, 7 June. 

    The Party in the Park will start as hundreds of people taking part in the People’s Parade arrive following their celebratory walk around the city.  

    The festivities will kick off as the vibrant People’s Parade arrives in the park, bringing colour, energy and hundreds of people from across the city.  

    It will feature 100 dancing cupcakes, a towering Spirit of Stoke puppet, children in yellow duck hats, dancers, musicians and a spectacular array of costumes and models reflecting the city’s heritage and creativity. 

    The parade will leave College Road at 1pm and start entering Hanley Park at around 2.30pm where the afternoon party will have been in full swing since the start of the parade. 

    Festival goers will be treated to street food stalls, activities and music acts on the big stage throughout the afternoon until 6pm.  

    Party goers are welcome to bring picnics, chairs and blankets to add to the festival atmosphere. Alcohol won’t be allowed to be brought into the park, but a licensed bar and seating area will be set up.  

    The event is being organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in partnership with local event organisers PH Production Services Ltd supported by The Honey Box Live promising an unforgettable day in the heart of the city. 

    It will be a fantastic musical celebration of talented local artists, including singer songwriter Levi Knapper, electropop artist Dala Jade and a popular Taylor Swift Tribute act  – Bejeweled: The Taylor Swift Tribute.  

    Also on the line up are Steel Pan BandGreg Murray and the Seven Wonders and Boogie Knights

    Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Centenary Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I’m so proud of this city, and The People’s Parade is shaping up to be a truly amazing celebration of what makes Stoke-on-Trent so brilliant – our people, our history and our culture. Our streets will come alive with pride, and Hanley Park will welcome the crowds with hours of free music and entertainment to keep the celebrations going. 

    “Saturday 7 June – mark it in your calendar right now. You won’t want to miss it!” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Terranet invites you to a digital investor meeting on June 3, 2025 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    In connection with the subscription period for Terranet AB’s rights issue of units, which runs from May 27 to June 11, 2025, the company invites shareholders and other interested parties to a digital investor meeting. The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams on June 3, 2025, at 14:00 CEST.

    During the session, Terranet’s CEO Lars Lindell will present the company’s latest progress, including the development of BlincVision, plans for the launch of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and continued collaborations with leading industry partners. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time via the chat function.

    Registration
    Please register by emailing corporatefinance@mangold.se as soon as possible, no later than Monday, June 2, 2025. Questions can be submitted in advance and will be answered during the Q&A session if time allows. It will also be possible to ask questions live during the meeting.

    The purpose of the meeting is to provide shareholders and investors with an update on Terranet’s technological and commercial progress.

    More information about the rights issue is available on Terranet AB’s website.
    The presentation will be held in Swedish.

    Preliminary timetable for the Rights Issue

    May 27, 2025 – June 5, 2025 Trading with unit rights
    May 27, 2025 – June 11, 2025 Subscripition period
    May 27, 2025 – June 30, 2025 Trading in paid subscribed units (BTU)
    June 13, 2025 Preliminary date for publication of the outcome in the Rights Issue

    Advisers
    Mangold Fondkommission AB is the financial advisor to Terranet in connection with the Rights Issue. Eversheds Sutherland Advokatbyrå AB is the legal advisor to the Company in connection with the Rights Issue.

    For more information, please contact:
    Lars Lindell, CEO
    E-mail: lars.lindell@terranet.se

    About Terranet AB (publ) 

    Terranet’s goal is to save lives in urban traffic. The company develops innovative technical solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Terranet’s anti-collision system BlincVision laser scans and detects road objects up to ten times faster than any other ADAS technology available today.
    The company is headquartered in Lund, with offices in Gothenburg and Stuttgart. Since 2017, Terranet has been listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (Nasdaq: TERRNT-B).

    Follow our journey at: www.terranet.se

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why carrying spuds and playing sudoku could be good measures of your overall health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Catherine Norton, Associate Professor Sport & Exercise Nutrition, University of Limerick

    simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock

    While ageing is inevitable, ageing well is something we can influence. It’s not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake – it’s whether you’ve got the puff to blow them out, the balance to carry the cake and the memory to remember why you’re celebrating.

    As we age, our bodies change. Muscle mass shrinks, bones weaken, reaction times slow. But that doesn’t mean we’re all destined for a future of walking frames and daytime TV.

    Ageing well isn’t about staying wrinkle-free – it’s about staying independent, mobile, mentally sharp and socially connected. In gerontology, there’s a saying: we want to add life to years, not just years to life. That means focusing on quality – being able to do what you love, move freely, think clearly and enjoy time with others.

    There’s no one-size-fits-all definition, but some simple home tests can give you a good idea. No fancy lab required – just a toothbrush, a stopwatch and a sense of humour.


    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.


    Balance

    One fun (and surprisingly useful) way to test your balance is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. If you can do this for 30 seconds or more (eyes open), that’s a great sign of lower-body strength, coordination, and postural stability.

    A 2022 study found that people who couldn’t balance on one leg for ten seconds had an 84% higher risk of death over a median follow-up of seven years compared than those who could. As such, balance is like a superpower for healthy ageing — it reduces falls, supports mobility, and can be improved at any age.

    Grip

    Grip strength is more than just opening jars. It’s a powerful indicator of overall health, predicting heart health, cognitive function and even mortality risk.

    Research shows that for every 5kg decrease in grip strength, the risk of death from all causes rose by 16%.

    You can test grip strength using a hand-dynamometer (many gyms or clinics have them), or simply take note of everyday tasks – is opening bottles, carrying groceries, or using tools becoming harder?

    Floor-to-feet feat

    Can you sit on the floor and stand up without using your hands? This test is a true measure of your lower-body strength and flexibility, which are essential for daily activities and reducing the risk of falls. If you can do it, you’re in great shape.




    Read more:
    Why sitting down – and getting back up – might be the most important health test you do today


    If it’s too tough, try the sit-to-stand test. Using a chair (no arms),see how many sit-to-stand transitions you can do in 30 seconds. This task is a good measure of lower limb function, balance and muscle strength, it can also predict people at risk of falls and cardiovascular issues.

    Mental sharpness

    Cognitive function can be measured in all sorts of complex ways, but some basic home tests are surprisingly telling. Try naming as many animals as you can in 30 seconds. Fewer than 12 might indicate concern; more than 18 is a good sign.

    Try spelling “world” backwards or recalling a short list of three items after a few minutes. This skill is an important strategy to enhance memory in older adults. Challenge yourself with puzzles, Sudoku, or learning a new skill. These kinds of “verbal fluency” and memory recall tests are simple ways to spot early changes in brain health – but don’t panic if you blank occasionally. Everyone forgets where they left their keys sometimes.

    Lifestyle matters

    There’s no magic bullet to ageing well – but, if one existed, it would probably be a combination of exercise, diet, sleep and social connections.

    Some of the best-studied strategies include:

    Daily movement: walking, resistance training, swimming or tai chi keep your muscles and bones strong and support balance and heart health.

    Healthy eating: a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts – is linked to better brain and heart health.

    Sleep: seven to nine hours of quality sleep support memory, immunity and mood.

    Connection: some research suggests that loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Stay engaged, join a club, volunteer, or just pick up the phone to a friend.

    If you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, carry a bag of potatoes up the stairs, and name 20 animals under pressure, then you’re doing very well. If not (yet), that’s OK, these are skills you can build over time. Ageing well means taking a proactive approach to health: making small, consistent choices that lead to better mobility, clearer thinking and richer social connections down the line.

    So tonight, give the one-leg toothbrush challenge a go. Your future self might thank you, especially if they still have all their teeth.

    Catherine Norton has received funding from external organisations for related research.

    Grainne Hayes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Why carrying spuds and playing sudoku could be good measures of your overall health – https://theconversation.com/why-carrying-spuds-and-playing-sudoku-could-be-good-measures-of-your-overall-health-256380

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin met with entrepreneurs participating in the Made in Moscow project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The flagship site of the Green Market program is operating on Bolotnaya Square “Made in Moscow”. Sergei Sobyanin met there with representatives of small and medium-sized businesses – participants in the capital’s “Made in Moscow” program.

    According to the Mayor of Moscow, the departure of foreign brands from the Russian market has given the capital’s entrepreneurs additional opportunities to promote their brands and products. The city, in turn, provides businesses with a wide range of various support measures that allow companies to actively develop, improve their products and present them to a wide audience, including abroad.

    “It’s not just about Western brands, but about the fact that Moscow as a whole has a lot of competition. There are about a million small and medium-sized businesses registered in Moscow, imagine the volume – millions of workers, trillions of turnover. And this is, in fact, such a powerful competitive environment, from which the best ones grow, who not only trade in Moscow, not only in Russia, but also throughout the world. It is, of course, wonderful that we have survived all the difficulties, the difficulties with Covid, with sanctions. You have not only survived, but are developing, demonstrating a high level of your work. This is, of course, great. I thank you and wish you success,” said the Mayor of Moscow.

    The head of the press service of the capital’s cosmetics company, Tasha Rydvanova, in turn thanked Sergei Sobyanin for the opportunities provided. According to her, thanks to the support of the Moscow Export Center, they supply their products to more than 20 countries around the world. The company also takes part in the city program “Made in Moscow”.

    According to Irina Amosova, co-founder of one of the capital’s companies, over the past two years, capital entrepreneurs have created 33 thousand new brands. Currently, the top 10 cosmetics brands are Russian. This became possible, among other things, thanks to the city’s support, in particular grants to reimburse the costs of purchasing equipment. Now their company exports its products to 13 countries, including Vietnam and Türkiye.

    “The Made in Moscow program, which was launched in 2022 and has already become a flagship in the field of supporting Moscow manufacturers, helps promote our brands. The program unites companies producing goods in more than 35 categories. Their products and services are in demand both in the capital and far beyond its borders,” the Moscow Mayor wrote in

    on your telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    Currently, more than seven thousand companies are participants in the program — representatives of small, medium and large businesses. The main objectives of the program are to promote the growth of Moscow consumer product brands, increase customer loyalty and enter new markets.

    “Green Market” on Bolotnaya Square

    May 25, 2025 as part of the project “Summer in Moscow” The Green Market of the Made in Moscow program has opened. A total of 12 art pavilions with products from local brands will be presented at the tourist sites.

    The Green Market of the Made in Moscow project has opened on Bolotnaya Square

    The flagship site is located on Bolotnaya Square. In its main pavilion, the greenhouse, more than 500 brands demonstrate what they produce: clothing, accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s and sports goods, furniture, household goods, food, souvenirs. In total, over 30 thousand products are presented there.

     

    An important task of the market is to support participants of the special military operation (SVO) and residents of new regions. Part of the proceeds from the sale of goods will be sent to the charity fund “People’s Front. Everything for Victory!”

    The meeting with the Mayor of Moscow was attended by entrepreneurs representing such Moscow brands as:

    — Veter Sport (founded by Anton Ivanov) — produces custom-designed equipment for the local cycling sports community. With the city’s support, the company was able to purchase equipment and launch a new production line. The product catalog has three main areas: cycling, running, and triathlon equipment;

    — Silver Spoon (founder — Tamara Pularia) — produces stylish and high-quality clothing for children and teenagers. Thanks to a preferential loan provided by the city, they were able to scale their own retail network;

    — Maneken Brand (founded by Sergey Alimov) — produces designer clothing and accessories. In 2025, the company became one of the first participants in the preferential lending program secured by intellectual property rights and was able to scale up production;

    — Icon Skin (founder — Irina Amosova) — produces highly effective medical cosmetics that are used in beauty salons and clinics. Thanks to grants for the development of export activities and the acquisition of equipment, they increased the number of employees and expanded their own production;

    — Mere (founded by Maria Rafikova) — produces designer clothing, the concept of which is based on pure geometry, simple forms and the spirit of the metropolis. A preferential loan received with the support of the city allowed to increase the staff and production in 2024;

    — Como Casa (founder — Mikhail Grachev) — produces designer furniture at its own production facility in Moscow. The company opened after the departure of major foreign brands in 2022. Participation in city events, including Moscow Interior and Design Week, allowed it to increase its revenue several times;

    — Climtcosmetics (founder — Alexander Soshilov) — produces decorative cosmetics. In 2024, the company actively participated in the Made in Moscow programs. Thanks to the city’s support, the brand strengthened its position on the market and from a startup started by four participants, it turned into a company with 25 employees;

    — “Akademiya T” (CEO — Enver Tokayev) — an innovative research and production company, whose main activity is the release of new high-tech sports and therapeutic nutrition products, as well as research and development in the field of nutrition and biotechnology. The brand’s catalog includes vitamins, concentrates, and useful supplements. The company is the official supplier of products for the Russian national teams, and is implementing its project in the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”;

    — SportDots (founded by Kirill Orlov) — produces smart clothing for professional and amateur athletes. The items have integrated flat elastic elements — dots — that help increase endurance, thereby improving the effectiveness of training. The company participated in the Made in Moscow market at the 2025 Moscow Half Marathon in the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, which increased brand awareness;

    — Ecolatier (owner — Daria Ostromenskaya) — produces everyday care cosmetics based on natural and organic components. The company regularly participates in Beauty Week and other major specialized exhibitions. With the support of the Moscow Government, the brand has increased sales of its products;

    — Vitmins (CEO — Andrey Garmashov) — produces vitamins for sports and life. Thanks to the programs of the Moscow Venture Fund, the company attracted additional financing, which allowed it to increase its staff and establish production.

    Moscow brands are increasing production and creating new lines of clothing and accessories

    The main pavilion has a master class area where Moscow entrepreneurs conduct training sessions with children and adults. Market guests can use the fitting rooms and relax in the food court on the second floor.

    In addition, the flagship site has a stage for educational and leisure events, including lectures, performances by artists and musicians, prize draws from local brands and presentations of new products. There is a rollerdrome for young visitors. The decoration of the Green Market on Bolotnaya Square is a miracle tree, which attracts attention in the evenings with a bright light show.

    The work of the “Green Market” “Made in Moscow” will last until September 7, 2025. Details can be found on the website.

    Development of small and medium-sized businesses in Moscow

    Entrepreneurship is one of the key sectors of the Moscow economy. Small and medium-sized businesses today are more than 927 thousand enterprises, which is 14 percent of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Russia. In 2024, they provided 1.2 trillion rubles in tax revenues (27 percent) to the city budget and more than a third of the capital’s employment (almost 40 percent – 3.4 million people).

    The stable growth of SMEs is indicated by the indicators of transition to larger categories. Thus, last year about 11 thousand Moscow companies exceeded the threshold values of their category and moved from microenterprises to small, from small to medium, from medium to large enterprises. This is 40 percent more than the year before (7.9 thousand).

    The largest sectors in terms of the number of SMEs are trade, professional activities (science, research), real estate transactions and construction.

    To accommodate small and medium-sized innovative businesses, 47 technology parks have been created in Moscow, in which 2.2 thousand companies work – this is 74.2 thousand jobs. In terms of the level of development of innovative infrastructure, the Russian capital ranks first in Europe.

    The Moscow Innovation Cluster (MIC) provides cooperation with the main participants of the innovation ecosystem. The cluster’s digital platform i.moscow https://i.moscow/ has more than 50 electronic services for business development and scaling. Enterprises from 87 regions of Russia are registered on the platform, and the number of services they have received has exceeded 125 thousand. Thanks to i.moscow services, companies have received support from the city in the amount of more than 19.3 billion rubles and attracted over 46.6 billion rubles in investments. With the participation of MIC, every second transaction on the venture market of the capital is carried out and 37 percent of Moscow patents are registered. With its help, businesses have implemented 18.4 thousand innovative projects, including six thousand in cooperation with other participants and partners of the cluster.

    In 2024, on the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, a strategy for the development of entrepreneurship in the capital was developed. The key objectives are to increase the share of the technology sector in the city’s economy and support the growth and efficiency of the capital’s business. These priorities reflect the main goals of national projects in the economic sphere.

    As part of the implementation of the strategy, the Moscow Government provides comprehensive support to small and medium-sized businesses.

    According to the results of 2024, every 11th business was covered by various support measures – more than 80 thousand entrepreneurs received over 300 thousand services.

    Moscow is the first region of Russia to launch regional preferential lending programs in 2020, which are the most popular measure of financial support for SMEs. Over the past period, Moscow entrepreneurs have concluded over 37 thousand loan agreements, which allowed them to attract more than 380 billion rubles in additional funding for business development.

    Another effective measure of financial support is guaranteeing credit obligations, which solves the problem of a lack of own collateral.

    The guarantees of the Moscow Fund for Assistance to Lending cover up to 70 percent of the loan amount, in total – up to 100 million rubles. Moscow entrepreneurs have been provided with over 20 thousand guarantees, under which they attracted financing in the amount of more than 392 billion rubles.

    In total, more than 15 financial support measures are available to entrepreneurs.

    Non-financial support measures are also in high demand. They are aimed at increasing entrepreneurial literacy: free consultations, educational and business events, as well as electronic services.

    Every year, SME representatives receive more than 130 thousand consultations. More than 140 thousand entrepreneurs use educational programs. The number of requests for online products exceeds 160 thousand.

    The city helps capital producers enter foreign markets. The Moscow Export Center (MEC) plays a key role in this, providing a wide range of support measures.

    Among them are educational and acceleration programs that help companies improve their export competence and formulate a step-by-step plan for entering foreign markets. In addition, the MEC promotes Moscow brands abroad and assists in establishing sales on international platforms.

    In addition, it helps businesses obtain financial support from the city – in particular, to obtain preferential loans for the implementation of export contracts and to apply for an export grant.

    Thanks to the comprehensive support provided by the MEC, Moscow companies have concluded export contracts worth over 120 billion rubles with partners from more than 60 friendly countries.

    50 companies received support in the competition “Grant for registration of 100 first”The Made in Moscow project will present new art pavilions for businesses this summer

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12856050/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The future of the film industry was discussed at the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    At the State University of Management, as part of the All-Russian Student Film Festival “KinoSfera”, a round table was organized on the topic: “Problems of the modern Russian film industry: practice and prospects for the application of artificial intelligence”.

    The participants discussed current issues in the Russian film industry, the possibility of using AI in film production, as well as the problems and prospects of its application, and shared practical experience.

    The participants came to the conclusion that at the moment AI is far from always able to help optimize the use of resources. Although in a number of areas AI is actively used and minimizes costs (editing, restoration of AVP, etc.). The experts agreed that in the near future the situation will most likely change, and the scope of application of AI and technologies in the Russian film industry will significantly expand.

    The round table was attended by:

    Lecturers of the Department of Management in the Sphere of Culture, Cinema, TV and Entertainment Industry of the State University of Management: Anna Akopyan, Marina Kosinova, Artur Arakelyan, Viktor Krysov; Viktor Alisov – producer, actor and screenwriter; Ekaterina Kozhushanaya — screenwriter, director, artist and editor Irina Borovskaya — director, screenwriter, teacher (acting, pantomime, clowning) Tatyana Efimova — AI artist, prompt director Roman Isaev — producer, one of the members of the Council of the Association of Cinema Owners Vasily Solovyov — film producer, general producer of the Visual Story company Timur Sitnikov — founder and CEO of the posthouse Sitnikov.Pro, computer graphics director, post-production producer, VFX and onset supervisor Kornei Dravi — managing partner of the post-production studio Sitnikov.Pro, editing director, post-production producer, DIT and CG supervisor Artem Vitkin — screenwriter, director and producer Svetlana Buharaeva — film producer, teacher

    Let us recall that the All-Russian Student Film Festival “KinoSfera” is being held at the State University of Management for the sixth time. This year, students learned how to break into cinema from director Alexander Zhigalkin and talked to actress Vasilina Yuskovets.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cartoon Network changed animation forever – Warner Bros shouldn’t let it die

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jacqueline Ristola, Lecturer in Digital Animation, University of Bristol

    Many people – myself included – remember Cartoon Network as their favourite TV channel to watch after school. Launched in 1992, Cartoon Network became a global cable brand, available in over 180 countries.

    But while the channel had international recognition and commercial success with original hits such as The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005) and Adventure Time (2010-2018), lately its iconic status has been diminished in the backdrop of the streaming platform wars.

    In fact, Cartoon Network is an excellent case study for how the conditions of media conglomeration shape how media is made and curated. And in making a wide variety of animation available, Cartoon Network also helped make audiences think differently about animation.

    The network’s story began in 1991, when media mogul Ted Turner bought the animated television titan Hanna-Barbera Productions. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the studio created more than 100 animated television series that dominated Saturday morning programming.

    Turner bought Hanna-Barbera not for the studio itself, but for its impressive content library – which provided much of Cartoon Network’s initial programming. But while Cartoon Network began as a rerun channel, its programmers were ambitious for something more.


    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.


    In 1993, they went to Turner asking for money to produce original programming. Turner turned them away, telling them: “I bought you a library, now utilise it.”

    So, in the face of these corporate budget restrictions, Cartoon Network programmers innovated. By reusing the corporate library of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, they created their first fully original television series, Space Ghost: Coast to Coast (1994-2008).

    This series skewered the conventions of late-night talk shows through its characters’ surreal scenes and bizarre behaviour. It was made from the Hanna-Barbera content library itself, remixing the animations with new voices.

    In my research, I argue that the series enabled Cartoon Network programmers to reflect on their own precarious place within Turner’s giant corporation. The series made fun of television conventions, with characters sometimes discussing the process of making television while working for a major media conglomerate.

    The first episode of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast.

    Space Ghost: Coast to Coast is the first example of how Cartoon Network’s conglomerate ownership shaped its forms of production.

    Cartoon Network continued to make original programming, beginning with What a Cartoon! in 1995. Created by former MTV executive Fred Seibert, the series comprised animated shorts, with the most popular ones then being green-lit to series. The show launched several original series, starting with Dexter’s Laboratory in 1996. These were precursors for the groundbreaking, adult-oriented cartoon series and brand, Adult Swim, in 2001.

    Through this innovative approach, Cartoon Network helped revive television animation in the 1990s, giving emerging animators a platform to share their work.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.


    Animation for kids and adults

    While the channel was initially aimed at kids, many of its series challenged typical expectations of children’s television.

    Samurai Jack (2001-2004 and 2017) blended sophisticated storytelling with a unique aesthetic. Later series such as Steven Universe (2013-2019) and Infinity Train (2019-2021) blended heady science fiction and fantasy with deep, emotional stories.

    And many series were just really, really funny. Johnny Bravo (1997-2004), for example, subtly undermined patriarchal norms through slapstick comedy.

    Cartoon Network series also paved the way for queer representation in children’s media. Adventure Time and Steven Universe featured both implicit and explicit queer representation throughout. These series were immensely popular with children and adults alike, and paved the way for other series to represent queerness in animation.

    Since its debut, Cartoon Network has always attracted a broad audience of adults. This is what prompted the launch of Adult Swim in 2001 – an adult-oriented programme block with edgy and subversive series, many of which were animated. Adult Swim pushed the envelope, creating animation that was crass, crude – and sometimes profound.

    Much of the humour of early Adult Swim series was predicated on the contrast between the assumption that animation is “for kids” and the crass material depicted. At the same time, they helped push animation to be considered as a form for everyone, regardless of age.

    Lost in the shuffle of media conglomeration

    Built through the resources of Turner’s media conglomerate, Cartoon Network established itself in a competitive cable marketplace – and such corporate conglomeration has continued to shape the channel, its content and brand. But the sale of Warner Bros. to Discovery in 2022 and subsequent corporate strategy shifts has left the channel and its content lost in the shuffle.

    Characters like the Powerpuff Girls have been firm fan favourites for years.
    Jamaica Parambita/Dupe

    During AT&T’s ownership of Warner Bros. (2018-2022), Cartoon Network was positioned as the central brand to reach kids and family audiences worldwide.

    But in 2022, AT&T sold the company to Discovery, creating Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). This merger produced turmoil in the media industry, as the newly formed conglomerate quickly announced layoffs and cut content, including animated content.

    While WBD publicly committed to reaching family audiences, several animated works (kid-focused or otherwise) got the axe. These apparent discrepancies between the company’s content and business strategies have arguably produced brand confusion, with Cartoon Network caught in the middle.

    Since 2024, most of Cartoon Network’s content has been cut from streaming libraries. What was once a prominent brand in the Warner Bros. portfolio seems forgotten. But as industry analysts note, kids content, animated or otherwise, remains an important component in any media portfolio. WBD should recognise the value Cartoon Network offers with its great animation and unique history.

    Jacqueline Ristola receives funding from ASIFA-Hollywood’s Animation Educators Forum.

    ref. Cartoon Network changed animation forever – Warner Bros shouldn’t let it die – https://theconversation.com/cartoon-network-changed-animation-forever-warner-bros-shouldnt-let-it-die-257173

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Infrastructure development “fundamental” for SA’s growth

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared infrastructure as “fundamental” to South Africa’s development and a propellant of growth.

    The President was delivering the keynote address at the fourth annual Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) held at Century City in Cape Town on Tuesday.

    The two-day symposium kicked off on Monday and brings together government leaders, infrastructure funding representatives, construction sector representatives and technical experts to discuss and share strategies and best practices for infrastructure development in the country. 

    READ | SA’s infrstructure symposium kicks off 

    “In many ways, this is a moment that – I believe – is filled with great promise and endless opportunities for infrastructure development in our country. Earlier this year, one industry publication said the country was ready to unleash an infrastructure boom. As we gather at this symposium year after year, it is important for us to understand the important role that is played by infrastructure in the life of a nation, particularly our South African nation.

    “This is so because infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country. It serves as the backbone of economic growth and social progress and contributes to the improvement of the life of our people,” the President said.

    He described public infrastructure as the “flywheel that our economy needs to boost growth and to create jobs”.

    “Through public infrastructure we are able to build roads, ports, railways and airports to enable what we produce as a nation to move efficiently. Infrastructure development demonstrates stability and great potential to investors. Infrastructure that is well constructed and maintained encourages investors to see our country as a great investment destination.

    “Infrastructure projects create jobs not only in construction and maintenance but in a number of related industries as well. Public infrastructure in water supply, electricity, schools and health clinics improves living standards and provides dignity to our people and fosters national unity.

    “When we have good infrastructure, we are a nation that is connected by rail, road, telecommunications, electricity, education facilities, good health centres and outstanding entertainment facilities like stadiums,” he explained.

    WATCH | President Ramaphosa addresses the SIDSSA 

    From planning to execution
    During the past month, Infrastructure South Africa released the second edition of the Construction Book – which showcases some 250 fully funded infrastructure projects with a value estimated to exceed R238 billion.

    This, the President said, is a good show of intent by government to move from concept to implementation.

    “By showcasing the types of infrastructure projects being developed, the Construction Book helps the construction sector and supplier industries anticipate demand for local materials, components and services.

    “By focusing on projects that are procurement-ready and financially secured, it also reduces uncertainty for contractors, consultants, manufacturers and material suppliers. 

    “We are showing that we have moved from great ideas on paper to executable plans to implementation,” President Ramaphosa noted.

    Reflecting on the R1 trillion earmarked for infrastructure investment by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the President said government will look to partner with the private sector.

    “As the state substantially increases its capital investment, we recognise that government does not have the financial resources to undertake this work alone. That is why we are working to mobilise all available capital, both domestic and international, towards this infrastructure boom.

    “This requires that our projects have the credibility that is necessary for stakeholders to invest in our projects and so that we can mobilise the trillions of rands in long-term savings managed by the domestic financial sector,” he said.

    Reforms will be implemented to “make public-private partnerships easier, faster and more predictable”.

    “Some of the reforms we are focusing on will make it easier for public-private partnerships under the value of R2 billion to gain approval.

    “This will significantly reduce the procedural complexity of implementing public-private projects. We are implementing the reforms necessary to make it easier for more construction by reducing regulatory duplication and providing investors with long-term certainty,” he revealed.

    Developmental agenda

    On Monday, the SIDSSA hosted a Leaders Forum with a number of Ministers from across the continent, premiers, MECs and representatives of local government.

    The President described the gathering as “vital”.

    “The Leaders Forum is a vital platform for…creating space for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange and policy alignment. This level of collaboration is essential if we are to overcome shared challenges and realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    “As we seek to transform our country and continent and unlock its full potential, we must place infrastructure at the heart of our development agenda. Not only as a tool for economic growth and social development, but as a symbol of our great ambition and our hope for a better future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for rebranding of TVET colleges to unlock full potential

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has called for the rebranding of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, to help them realise their full potential.

    Gondwe made the call during an Education World Forum (EWF), held recently in London, United Kingdom (UK).

    The Deputy Minister led the South African delegation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) at the EWF, which was held under the theme: “From stability to growth; building stronger, better, bolder education together.”

    The Education World Forum is the world’s largest annual gathering of education and skills ministers. The event provides excellent networking and peer learning opportunities for ministers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues in the education space.

    This year’s Education World Forum explored a wide spectrum of critical issues surrounding the development of inclusive, responsive, and resilient education systems that drive equitable and sustainable socio-economic growth.

    It also facilitated reflection on innovative solutions to tackle today’s pressing global challenges, with a focus on leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration.

    The Deputy Minister participated in key discussions and engagements regarding themes, including girls’ education, fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation in education, and promoting vocational education and skills development, as pathways to youth employment and economic growth.

    During a parallel session on vocational education and skills development, which included insights from Mauritius and Macedonia countries, Gondwe stressed a need for rebranding of TVET and community colleges, in order to make vocational education the first choice for students.

    “In South Africa, TVETs and community colleges are often the second or third choice for students, and I think this is due to the fact that universities obtain a lion’s share of our budget. Many students still wish to enrol at universities instead of technical colleges and our community colleges.

    “Therefore, I think we need to ensure that TVETs provide future skills that will contribute to economic growth and job creation, such as robotics, AI [Artificial Intelligence], and coding,” the Deputy Minister said.

    Strengthening public-private partnerships

    In another key parallel session on public-private partnerships in education, which included contributions from Paraguay, Botswana, and Hungary education ministers, Gondwe advocated for the strengthening of public-private partnerships within the higher education sector to enhance the absorption of students in the economy.

    She said her office has been working towards trying to leverage public-private partnerships, to ensure that students from the higher education sector can be absorbed into the economy as employees or create their own opportunities.

    “I believe it is important to strengthen public-private partnerships in order to tackle the high rate of youth unemployment in our country, which aligns with the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which include job creation and reducing poverty levels,” the Deputy Minister said.

    Insights from UK vocational colleges

    While in the UK, Gondwe visited Richmond upon Thames College – a public academic and vocational training college in London, to gain first-hand insights into how vocational training colleges operate in the UK.

    The college, which has over 2000 students, offers a variety of courses, including Forensic Science, Carpentry, Aviation, Computing and Information Technology Installation, and Medical Sciences.

    The college also boasts more than 1 500 engagements and partnerships with employers and its various courses designed by employers.

    The visit to the college provided valuable lessons and insights on how close collaboration between vocational training colleges and industries, can ensure that young people are equipped with skills that are in demand and needed by the economy. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

    The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

    This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

    Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

    These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

    Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

    As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

    One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

    The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

    By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

    What stands in the way of progress

    Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

    Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.


    Read more: Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa


    There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

    But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

    These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

    What would be gained

    In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

    This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

    And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

    Where to begin

    We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

    But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:

    • Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.

    • Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.

    • A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.

    • Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.

    • Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.

    • Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.

    – Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
    – https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: AT&T’s Proposed Acquisition of Lumen’s Home Fiber Business Raises Concerns for Workers and Consumers

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    On May 21, AT&T announced plans to acquire Lumen’s residential fiber business across 11 states, which serves a million customers. CWA represents workers at both AT&T and Lumen.

    The structure of this transaction raises serious concerns for Lumen’s workers and customers. Rather than transferring the residential fiber assets to AT&T, they are being sold to a new subsidiary that AT&T is calling “NetworkCo,” which will then be partially sold to an as yet unnamed private equity partner.

    “We are taking a close look at AT&T’s plans for Lumen’s home fiber business to assess the impact on our members and communities,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Our union’s leadership will work with both companies to ensure that our members are respected and protected so that they can continue providing the high-quality service that customers deserve.”

    Two years ago, AT&T launched a similar subsidiary, called Gigapower, which has begun operating in several markets. A CWA review of Gigapower’s deployment found that instead of hiring trained, experienced workers, AT&T’s Gigapower relies heavily on multi-tiered subcontracting and temporary staffing agencies. This low-road business model has put public safety at risk. In two cities—Mesa, Ariz., and Bloomington, Minn.—Gigapower contractors have been responsible for nearly 450 incidents of damage to the public right-of-way, and dozens of preventable underground utility hits.

    “Our members care deeply about the customers and communities we serve,” said CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister. We have fought to ensure that fiber buildout is done right, with high-quality networks built by experienced union technicians. AT&T’s stated plans for Lumen’s home fiber business put that at risk. CWA members are going to make sure that regulators and elected officials understand and address our concerns as this process moves forward.”

    “AT&T should be putting its customers and workers first, not its shareholders,” said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt. “Lumen’s customers deserve a first-class fiber network, and that’s what CWA members deliver. Before this transaction is approved, AT&T and Lumen must commit to maintaining a well-trained, directly hired union workforce and make sure that customers who depend on Lumen’s copper network are not left behind.”

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: For Every Crypto Futures Trader: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and $50 Welcome Gift—No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin prices hovering above $100,000, analysts believe that the cryptocurrency market will remain in a state of high volatility for a long time. For investors, holding spot positions may no longer be enough to make a significant profit. In view of this, BexBack exchange has launched a groundbreaking offer to empower traders: 100% deposit bonus, $50 new user welcome bonus, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading – all without KYC.

    Why 100x Leverage Is a Game-Changer?

    With 100x leverage, you can multiply your trading positions with minimal capital, unlocking unparalleled profit potential. Here’s how it works:

    • Assume Bitcoin is priced at $100,000. By opening a long position with 1 BTC and applying 100x leverage, your trade controls a position worth 100 BTC.
    • If the price rises to $105,000, your profit would be (105,000−100,000)×100÷100,000=5BTC—a 500% return.

    Coupled with BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus, you can further amplify your trading power and increase your opportunities to profit.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?

    The deposit bonus is an exclusive feature designed to enhance your trading experience:

    1. Boost Your Margin: The bonus serves as additional margin, allowing you to take larger positions.
    2. Reduce Liquidation Risk: During volatile markets, the bonus acts as a safety buffer to help maintain your positions.
    3. Profits Are Yours: While the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn, the profits earned using it are fully withdrawable.

    BexBack’s Unique Advantages

    1. No KYC Required: Enjoy fast account setup and anonymous trading without lengthy verification.
    2. 100x Leverage: Amplify your trading power and seize market opportunities with one of the highest leverage offerings.
    3. 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading capital and increase your potential returns.
    4. $50 Welcome Bonus: New users can claim $50 in BTC after completing their first trade.
    5. Demo Account: A risk-free 10 BTC demo account allows users to practice strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform.
    6. Zero Spreads and No Slippage: All trades are executed at precise market prices, ensuring cost transparency.
    7. Global Support: Available in the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond, with 24/7 multilingual customer assistance.
    8. Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission with no caps or time limits through the platform’s affiliate program.

    About BexBack

    BexBack is a premier cryptocurrency derivatives platform headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The platform is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide and holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

    BexBack proudly accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering a seamless trading experience regardless of location. With innovative trading tools, robust security measures, and user-friendly interfaces, BexBack caters to both beginners and seasoned traders.

    The platform provides:

    • Comprehensive Futures Contracts: Trade BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP and 50+ other major altcoins with up to 100x leverage.
    • Flexible Accessibility: Available on web and mobile for trading anytime, anywhere.
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    By combining innovation, compliance, and user focus, BexBack ensures a superior trading experience tailored to meet the diverse needs of a global audience.

    Don’t Miss Out—Start Trading Today!

    Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newcomer, BexBack provides the tools and resources to maximize your crypto trading potential. Take advantage of the 100% deposit bonus, $50 welcome bonus, and 100x leverage to capitalize on Bitcoin’s historic price surge.

    Sign up now and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Calls Out MediPharm Chairman Chris Taves (Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets) for Failure to Properly Communicate to Shareholders Details of David Pidduck’s Past as CEO and VP of Marketing for OxyContin® Manufacturer Purdue Pharma

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Opioid-Pusher Pidduck, Chairman Chris Taves and the Current MediPharm Board Have Presided Over $1 Billion in Shareholder Value Destruction while funneling $5,587,059 of the Shareholders’ Money Directly into Pidduck’s Pocket

    Apollo Capital’s Six Director Nominees Are Committed to Restoring Transparency and Value to MediPharm’s Shareholders

    URGES SHAREHOLDERS TO DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD AND VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES

    TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today issued a statement regarding CEO David Pidduck’s background as former CEO & President of Purdue Pharma Canada (“Purdue Pharma”).

    Fellow shareholders deserve to know the truth regarding CEO David Pidduck. As stewards of a publicly traded company, MediPharm’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) have a responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. The current Board, which has overseen $1 billion of shareholder value destruction, and which has presided over an eye-watering 99% share price decline, is focused on downplaying Mr. Pidduck’s past, rather than its responsibilities to shareholders. Indeed, there was absolutely no reference to Pidduck’s role at Purdue Pharma, or of Purdue Pharma’s culpability in creating the opioid epidemic, in the Company’s press release announcing Mr. Pidduck’s appointment as CEO.

    Let’s look at the facts:

    From 2014 until December 2021, David Pidduck served as VP of Marketing, and then CEO & President of Purdue Pharma.

    As reported in the Globe and Mail, “More than 34,000 Canadians have died from opioids between January 2016, and September 2022, according to federal government data.”1

    In 2017, Purdue Canada agreed to pay $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving allegations about how its pain pills were over-marketed, with the suit claiming that Purdue Pharma had engaged in deceitful marketing practices. In an interview with the CBC, Dr. David Juurlink, a drug safety researcher at the University of Toronto posited that, “the fair question that might be asked is did Purdue engage in questionable or even illegal activities in the marketing of OxyContin® in Canada.”2

    In 2020, Purdue Pharma’s U.S. entity pleaded guilty to three criminal charges over the handling of its painkiller OxyContin®, including conspiring to defraud officials and paying illegal kickbacks to doctors in a bid to keep prescriptions flowing.3

    In 2022, it was announced that Purdue Pharma agreed to pay a $150 million settlement in a proposed class action launched in 2018 on behalf of all provincial, territorial and federal governments, alleging that opioid manufacturers and distributors engaged in deceptive marketing practices that amplified addiction, destroying countless lives and killing of thousands of people. This remains the largest settlement of a governmental health claim in Canadian history.4

    Apollo Capital asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves fulfilled his fiduciary duty, and even his moral duty to you, to make you aware of Opioid- Pusher Pidduck’s past with Purdue Pharma when he hired him as the CEO to steward your investments?

    Apollo Capital asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves properly represented Pidduck’s past to you when he asked you on multiple occasions to vote on Opioid-Pusher Pidduck’s outrageous and off-market compensation package?

    Apollo asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like the details of Pidduck’s very recent past were MATERIAL facts that Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves should have made crystal clear to you so that you could have made a more informed decision before voting for nearly SIX MILLION DOLLARS of YOUR money to end up in Opioid-Pusher Pidduck’s pocket?

    While Shareholders have suffered immense losses with no path to stop the bleeding, Mr. Pidduck has benefited from the Board’s largesse with an excessive and off-market compensation package that has funneled $5,587,059 of Shareholders’ money directly to Pidduck, despite MediPharm’s share price plummeting nearly to zero.

    Shareholders should demand accountability from the Board at the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 16, 2025. Apollo Capital has nominated six highly qualified individuals; namely, Regan McGee, Scott Walters, David Lontini, Demetrios Mallios, John Fowler and Alan D. Lewis (the “Apollo Nominees”) to replace the incumbents and hold the Board accountable for destroying one billion dollars of shareholder value, enriching themselves at your expense, and enabling a CEO whose actions have driven operational and strategic failure and arguably much, much worse.

    ___________

    The opioid crisis continues to be devastating for people across the country in terms of lives lost, families torn apart and the impact on our health care frontline staff.

    Victims who before February 28, 2017 were prescribed in Canada and ingested OxyContin® tablets and/or OxyNEO® tablets, can visit https://oxycontinclassactionsettlement.com/ for more information.

    __________

    MediPharm Labs Shareholders can visit www.CureMediPharm.com, to sign up for important campaign updates.

    To access Apollo Capital’s Circular and related proxy materials, including a proxy or voting instruction form, visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo Capital’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors, the election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of the ordinary resolution approving, among other things, the Company’s amended and restated equity incentive plan dated May 8, 2025 and the unallocated awards available thereunder.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo Capital and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo Capital disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    __________________________________________________
    1 Source: The Globe and Mail, “McKinsey pitched Purdue Pharma Canada on plan to boost opioid sales in 2014, memo reveals”, 6/19/2023, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-mckinsey-opioid-lawsuit-purdue-pharma/.
    2 Source: CBC, “OxyContin maker agrees to $20M settlement in Canadian class-action case”, 5/1/2017, https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/oxycontin-class-action-1.4093781
    3 Source: U.S. Department of Justice, “Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Kickback Conspiracies”, 11/24/2020, https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/opioid-manufacturer-purdue-pharma-pleads-guilty-fraud-and-kickback-conspiracies
    4 Source: Ontario Minitstry of the Attorney General, Opioid Damages Settlement Secured with Purdue Pharma (Canada), 6/29/2022, https://news.ontario.ca/en/bulletin/1002169/opioid-damages-settlement-secured-with-purdue-pharma-canada

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Standard Premium Finance Holdings Announces $250,000 Stock Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: SPFX), a leading specialty finance company, today announced that its board of directors approved a stock repurchase program where the Company may purchase up to $250,000 of common stock in privately negotiated transactions over a six-month period, expiring November 2, 2025. The program will depend on market conditions, stock price, regulatory requirements and limitations, corporate liquidity requirements, priorities and other factors.

    “The stock repurchase program reflects our confidence in the strategic direction, growth prospects and financial strength of the Company to support our strategic objectives,” says William Koppelmann, CEO, Standard Premium. “The program provides flexibility to return capital to shareholders and demonstrates the long-term value of our business model.”

    The program does not require the Company to purchase any particular number of shares and there is no guarantee as to the number of shares that will be purchased. The timing and price of repurchases, and the actual number of shares repurchased under the program will be at the discretion of management.

    “The repurchase program is an efficient use of capital and a reflection of our disciplined approach to growth and value creation,” added Koppelmann. “As we continue to execute our acquisition strategy and expand our national footprint, we remain focused on delivering long-term returns for our shareholders.”

    The repurchase program aligns with the Company’s record profitability in FY 2024 and Q1 2025, reflecting continued financial momentum and operational strength.

    About Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. 
    Standard Premium Finance Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: SPFX), is a specialty finance company which has financed premiums on over $2 Billion of property and casualty insurance policies since 1991. We currently operate in 38 states and are seeking M&A opportunities of synergistic businesses to leverage economies of scale. https://www.standardpremium.com/ 

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21e of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended with regard to our anticipated future growth and outlook, including the Company’s current plans concerning the stock repurchase plan. Our actual results may differ from expectations presented or implied herein and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or results.

    Additional information concerning risk factors relating to our business is contained in Item 1A Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2025 which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investor Relations section of our website, standardpremium.com.

    Media:
    Nicholas Turchiano
    CPR Marketing
    nturchiano@cpronline.com  
    201-641-1911×35

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Adriana D Kugler: Commencement remarks

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Thank you, Stefano, and before I say anything else, congratulations to the Class of 2025!1 My family is here today, so let me acknowledge my husband Ignacio, my daughter Miri, my son Danny, and my parents who are watching from elsewhere. I start with family because I know it takes a village! So, I want to acknowledge the enormous accomplishment by the graduates and also by their families and friends who supported them through this journey. Let’s give all of them a big round of applause! I also want to thank the leaders of Berkeley’s economics program for giving me the privilege of returning here, as a graduate of this program, to be a part of what is, in fact, my very first economics commencement ceremony here at Berkeley.

    On a similar spring afternoon in 1997, when my classmates were walking across this stage, I was across the country, hurrying to finish my dissertation at the Brookings Institution and preparing to start my first job as an economist. I would have loved to be here, as you are, and I praise you for taking the time to share with your classmates, friends, and family this moment of recognition for the huge achievement today represents. But somehow, at the time of my graduation, I felt the need to get on with earning a living and moving forward with my life, as I am sure many of you are eager to do also.

    So, you can understand that this is a very special-and also a little strange- moment for me because it feels, in a way, like I am celebrating my own graduation 28 years later! I think it is also an unusual situation for all of you to listen to this speaker who was once where you are today. It is unusual because standing at this podium now is not just the person I have become in the decades since leaving Berkeley. Standing beside me, very close by today, is also the young woman I was in 1997, who was too busy to attend her own graduation. You will be hearing at times from both of us today, and we may even exchange a few words with each other.

    This sounds a little like that Aubrey Plaza movie you may have seen last year, in which a young woman gets advice from her older self. Unfortunately, unlike Aubrey Plaza’s character, I cannot help my younger version through the many challenges that she will face, and let me tell you, there were many challenges indeed, and yet here I am! Nevertheless, because of my proximity, today, to that younger self, I hope I can see the world a little more through your eyes, when I try to offer some words of wisdom. I know, I know, commencement speakers are expected to provide wisdom and advice. But really, today, I would like to mainly tell you that the wisdom and also the conviction of my younger self are what allowed me to navigate the challenges along the way. So, trust yourselves!

    As I have indicated, the younger version of me was quite impatient to get her professional life started and try to make a mark in the world. The older me would say, “Take your time, figure out who you are, who you will become! Life is long, and among other things, life teaches you to have patience to work for big goals.” There is merit to this advice, of course, but today I am thinking about how I felt when I was in your shoes, and I am thinking that one of the underappreciated gifts of younger people is, in fact, impatience. I will say more about this, but if you take a look around at all the many urgent challenges we face here in the U.S. and the world, many of which depend on the powerful tool of economics and its potential to make people’s lives better, then I would certainly say that some impatience is, indeed, very much what we need.

    I speak of economics as a tool because that is all that it is. It is not a philosophy, a value system, or a religion, although I acknowledge that some in our profession might treat it that way. Economics can’t answer all the questions we face in our lives. Economics can’t tell us how to treat each other, or what kind of world we should strive to create, but it is a means to those ends.

    And even the answers that economics can provide are always evolving, as our understanding of economic behavior and phenomena evolves. What we understand in economics has evolved in the years since I left Berkeley, and it will continue to evolve. While this understanding does change over time, I think of it as changing like the California landscape changes. Some towns and cities grow, some decline, and there is the occasional earthquake to shake things up. But the landmarks that guide us in economics-the Golden Gate, the Sierra Nevada-they have been standing for a while now, and I believe they will continue to stand for a long time to come.

    Using these landmarks, these foundational and time-tested insights, economics can indeed be a powerful tool. But it is a tool, only to the extent, like any other tool, that it is useful. A brilliant insight, if not applied, or tested, or employed for some useful purpose, is like the gadget you pick up at the hardware store and never use. It is just taking up space in the toolbox. When economics reveals how to use resources efficiently, how to raise production and income and lower costs, these insights are only useful if they are applied-if they win in the marketplace of ideas.

    As you embark on your careers as economists, and the myriad ways in which you can employ the knowledge and skills you have acquired, one cause that I hope you all will embrace is actively participating in this marketplace of ideas. I hope you do, because, from the level of the individual household to the loftiest decisions of business leaders and government, employing the foundational insights of economics is the difference between prosperity and the utterly avoidable lack of prosperity.

    It is tempting to think that time-tested and broadly accepted ideas are permanent. In fact, the debate has never ended on many foundational ideas of economics, some of which can seem counterintuitive to people. These are ideas that must be fought for, because, as I said, to lose that fight is to go backward and accept less prosperity.

    Among the aspirations that each of you hold as you leave the Greek theater today, I hope that you will use what you have learned at Berkeley to be part of this fight. I would go further and argue that, along with the diplomas that you are receiving today, you will also carry with you a special responsibility to promote these principles and use them to promote greater prosperity for all. I am not shy in saying that economists have such a responsibility, nor in saying that the learning you have acquired qualifies you to be an active participant in these debates. I believe your expertise matters, because, in the cacophony of opinions, and trolling, and disinformation that seems to crowd ever more into the marketplace of ideas each year, I cling to the idea that expertise still matters. In his book The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, Jonathan Rauch argues that, just as important as America’s written Constitution is an unwritten one, based on a widespread agreement on what is true and what is not true. Knowledge, he writes, as it is added to and preserved over time, is a special glue, that Gorilla clear and precise super glue, that helps to hold society together and settle many conflicts. Expertise matters as the basis for that knowledge. When your expertise as economists is absent, when your voices are absent from the debate, knowledge suffers, and we are all poorer because of it.

    Let me pause for a moment because I am hearing from my younger self just now that these commencement remarks are maybe getting a little heavy. I can understand how she feels. Think about how things looked in 1997. The Cold War was over! The tech boom was just taking off, which meant that Oakland was still affordable. Honestly, in hindsight life back then sounds a lot less complicated than it seems today. My first job was at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, and my second was at a large public university, the University of Houston. I had some research ideas, mostly in the area of labor economics, and I found some great collaborators, and I was off to the races. Today, I realize that colleges and universities are facing challenges like never before, which means that the prospect of trying to make a career in academia is much less certain.

    Public service is another traditional destination for economists, and I have been very fortunate to be able to move forward in my career as an academic, while taking time out on three occasions to work in Washington-as chief economist at the Department of Labor, as the U.S. executive director at the World Bank, and now as a governor at the Federal Reserve Board. By contrast, it is, of course, to put it mildly, a very challenging time to be thinking about starting a career in public service, at least at the federal level.

    I can stand here today and lament the new challenges faced by you and by many others in the Class of 2025. I am a mom, and my kids are also facing new circumstances. But I also look back sometimes and wonder how I got here. And this is another case where I believe the 27-year-old me had more wisdom than I do. If she were crossing this stage today, with you, facing these undeniable challenges, I do not think she would be discouraged. She would stubbornly say: “I love economic research; I will find a way to become an academic.” If you told her about the challenges facing colleges and universities, she would say that it is simply unthinkable that America would not support the greatest post-secondary educational system in the world. And if you told her that a pendulum swing in opinion might limit opportunities in public service, she might say: “If the purpose of life is helping others, (and I think it is) then public service will be valued, and it is something I must do, and that I will do.”

    I think if you had told the 27-year-old me that she could not achieve these things, which she dreamed of, she would stubbornly refuse to accept it. And of course, this is the way that humankind eventually solves most big problems. More than anything else, it is stubborn determination, which I hope is in good supply among you already, and which I encourage you to cultivate. You have already, of course, one of the greatest assets that anyone can have to make a career in economics, which is an education from one of the greatest universities in the world-the University of California, Berkeley. When I attended here, I had the privilege of taking classes with four winners of the Nobel Prize, and many people tell me that, if anything, the faculty is even stronger today. In my recent work at the Fed, I have had occasion to cite research by six current faculty members in public speeches. You have learned from the best, and with your energy, expertise, impatience, and stubborn determination, I know that nothing will stop you! Whatever you choose to do, I hope you will make use of what you have learned at Berkeley to be an active part of that marketplace of ideas. Go forth from here and make the world a brighter and better place. Go seize the day as you head out Sather Gate! Congratulations, again, Class of 2025, and thank you.


    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

    The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

    This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

    Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

    These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

    Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

    As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

    One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

    The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

    By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

    What stands in the way of progress

    Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

    Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.




    Read more:
    Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa


    There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

    But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

    These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

    What would be gained

    In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

    This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

    And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

    Where to begin

    We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

    But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:

    • Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.

    • Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.

    • A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.

    • Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.

    • Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.

    • Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.

    Susan Goldstein receives funding from the SAMRC, the NIHR and UNICEF. She is a Board Member of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance: South Africa,

    Karen Hofman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes – https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities (Nasdaq: ASST) Announce $750M Private Investment to Fund First Wave of Bitcoin Accumulation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Transaction to raise up to $1.5 billion in total proceeds upon exercise of warrants, which would make Strive Asset Management one of the largest Bitcoin treasury companies.
    • The combined company will continue to have no outstanding debt for borrowed money after this financing.
    • Strive CEO Matt Cole to discuss the company’s proposed alpha-generating Bitcoin strategies during his 11:54 AM PT keynote on May 27, 2025 at the Bitcoin for Corporations Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    DALLAS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asset Entities (Nasdaq: ASST) and Strive Asset Management today announced the signing of a $750 million private investment in public equity (PIPE), with an additional $750 million in potential financing upon the exercise of warrants, which could increase total potential proceeds to $1.5 billion. Upon closing of the transactions, the proceeds are expected to support the company’s first wave of Bitcoin acquisitions, with the goal of establishing Strive Asset Management as the first Bitcoin treasury company focused on long-term Bitcoin outperformance through the implementation of alpha-generating strategies, in addition to the company’s plans to implement known beta strategies used by incumbent Bitcoin treasury corporations.

    A select group of leading institutional investors and Strive’s management team, including CEO Matt Cole, participated in the financing, which is expected to close concurrently with the transaction under the merger agreement between Strive Asset Management and Asset Entities.

    “Most Bitcoin treasury companies are valued based on multiples to their Bitcoin holdings, which makes sense because their strategies are tied to leveraged beta to Bitcoin,” said Matt Cole, CEO of Strive. “By contrast, our alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies are designed to drive sustained outperformance relative to Bitcoin itself, which requires a new valuation framework.”

    Strive Asset Management’s first wave of alpha-generating Bitcoin accumulation strategies include:

    • Unlocking discounted cash through acquisitions of biotech companies trading below their net cash position, which Strive views as a multi-billion dollar opportunity, and one where Strive believes it has a distinctive competitive advantage due to its founding and management team.
    • Acquiring distressed Bitcoin claims—such as Mt. Gox claims—at discounts to Bitcoin NAV, a market opportunity estimated to be over 75,000 BTC, through Strive’s recently announced strategic partnership with 117 Partners LLC.
    • Positioning itself to become a market leader in purchasing bottom tranches of structured Bitcoin credit vehicles, at discounted prices.

    The PIPE was priced at $1.35 per share of common stock, representing a 121% premium to the closing price of Asset Entities (NASDAQ:ASST) immediately before its merger announcement with Strive Asset Management. The exercise price for warrants in this PIPE transaction is $1.35 per share. Strive elected not to raise any debt financing in this transaction, to preserve maximal leverage capacity in the future to optimize returns for common equity.

    Strive will further discuss its alpha strategies during Matt Cole’s 11:54 AM PT presentation today at Bitcoin for Corporations in Las Vegas, Nevada. The presentation is expected to be streamed by the conference later in the day.

    The financing transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from the shareholders of both Strive and Asset Entities.

    Advisors

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to Strive. In addition, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive placement agent for the PIPE financing.

    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to Strive.

    DLA Piper LLP (US) acted as legal advisor to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

    Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as legal advisor to Asset Entities.

    To learn about Asset Entities, please go to www.assetentities.com. To learn about the Ternary payment platform, please go to www.ternarydev.com. To learn about Asset Entities 360 suite of discord services, go to https://www.ae360ddm.com/ and https://discord.gg/ae360ddm.

    About Asset Entities Inc.

    Asset Entities Inc. is a technology company providing social media marketing, management, and content delivery across Discord, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other social media platforms. Asset Entities is believed to be the first publicly traded Company based on the Discord platform, where it hosts some of Discord’s largest social community-based education and entertainment servers. The Company’s AE.360.DDM suite of services is believed to be the first of its kind for the Design, Development, and Management of Discord community servers. Asset Entities’ initial AE.360.DDM customers have included businesses and celebrities. The Company also has its Ternary payment platform that is a Stripe-verified partner and CRM for Discord communities. The Company’s Social Influencer Network (SiN) service offers white-label marketing, content creation, content management, TikTok promotions, and TikTok consulting to clients in all industries and markets. The Company’s SiN influencers can increase the social media reach of client Discord servers and drive traffic to their businesses. Learn more at assetentities.com, and follow the Company on X at $ASST and @assetentities.

    About Strive Asset Management

    Strive Asset Management is an asset management firm with a mission to maximize value for clients through unapologetic capitalism.

    Strive Asset Management recently announced plans to become the first publicly traded asset management Bitcoin treasury company. The company is focused on outperforming Bitcoin over the long run by combining traditional Bitcoin treasury company leveraged beta strategies with novel alpha-generating strategies.

    After launching its first ETF in August 2022, the company has grown to manage ~$2 billion in assets.

    Learn more at strive.com

    Company Contacts:
    Arshia Sarkhani, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Michael Gaubert, Executive Chairman
    Asset Entities Inc.
    Tel +1 (214) 459-3117 
    Email Contact

    Investor Contact:
    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Scott Powell, President
    1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
    New York, NY 10036
    Office: (646) 893-5835
    Email: info@skylineccg.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements herein and the documents incorporated herein by reference may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Strive and Asset Entities, Inc. (“ASST”), respectively, with respect to the proposed transaction, the strategic benefits and financial benefits of the proposed transaction, including the expected impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company’s future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share, the tangible book value earn-back period and other operating and return metrics), the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, and the ability to successfully integrate the combined businesses. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “potential,” “assume,” “forecast,” “target,” “budget,” “outlook,” “trend,” “guidance,” “objective,” “goal,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” and “intend,” as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of Strive, ASST or their respective management about future events. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following:

    • the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the Merger Agreement;
    • the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all;
    • the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Strive or ASST or the combined company;
    • the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Strive or ASST operate;
    • the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected;
    • the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events;
    • the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities;
    • potential adverse reactions of Strive’s or ASST’s customers or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction;
    • changes in ASST’s share price before closing; and
    • other factors that may affect future results of Strive, ASST or the combined company.

    These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause Strive’s, ASST’s or the combined company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, also could harm Strive’s, ASST’s or the combined company’s results.

    Although each of Strive and ASST believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of Strive or ASST will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in ASST’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by ASST with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The actual results anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on Strive, ASST or their respective businesses or operations. Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Strive and ASST undertake no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed transaction, ASST intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) to register the common stock to be issued by ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and that will include a proxy statement of ASST and a prospectus of ASST (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and each of Strive and ASST may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. A definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of ASST to seek their approval of the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF ASST ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT STRIVE, ASST AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

    A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Strive and ASST, may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You will also be able to obtain these documents, when they are filed, free of charge, from ASST by accessing ASST’s website at https://assetentities.gcs-web.com/. Copies of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to ASST’s Investor Relations department at 100 Crescent Court, 7th floor, Dallas, TX 75201 or by calling (214) 459-3117 or emailing web@assetentities.com. The information on Strive’s or ASST’s respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Strive, ASST and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of Strive and ASST and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of ASST in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus related to the proposed transaction, which will be filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of ASST, their ownership of ASST common stock, and ASST’s transactions with related persons is set forth in the section entitled “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers of the Company,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” included in ASST’s definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Channel Factory Launches Intelligence Suite and AI-Powered Products to Maximize Ad ROI and Contextual Precision

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Channel Factory, the global brand suitability and contextual advertising platform, is introducing Channel Factory Intelligence, along with two new AI-driven solutions to streamline media intelligence: the Media Intelligence Hub, a unified reporting dashboard, and the Chatbot Assistant, Channel Factory’s first personalized AI data analyst.

    Channel Factory Intelligence is powered by machine learning and is the result of the company’s multi-year investment in building proprietary AI models and algorithms. Additionally, the fully integrated AI product suite contains Channel Factory’s newest AI solutions, incorporating both unparalleled brand suitability and contextual precision across digital video platforms while ensuring advertisers maximize return on ad spend with advanced optimization.

    As advertisers continue to reckon with a lack of critical insights when executing campaigns across multiple platforms, many existing AI solutions seek to rectify this issue by demanding a trade-off of control and transparency. Channel Factory Intelligence eliminates that compromise and acts as a “second brain” to deliver precise, optimized campaign insights while maintaining complete visibility. Based on an independent verification study conducted by PwC, Channel Factory has significantly optimized ad performance for advertisers, reducing media waste by more than 20% and achieving 99% accuracy in content categorization—delivering maximum efficiency, precision, and ROI.

    The two new analytics, live insights, and reporting tools announced today are the first products available within the new intelligence suite and can be leveraged via Channel Factory’s AI-driven media activation and optimization proprietary platform for cross-platform campaigns, ActivateIQ.

    Media Intelligence Hub is a customizable dashboard that centralizes campaign data, cross-platform, and surfaces foundational insights, such as total media cost, delivery, and performance. Instead of juggling multiple reports, advertisers get a clear and singular view that reduces inefficiencies, breaks down data silos, and supports faster, smarter decision-making.

    The hub enables advertisers to move from reactive to proactive strategies, while built-in machine learning forecasts trends, automates reporting, and provides optimization recommendations in real-time. Advertisers can adjust their budgets on the go and significantly improve ROI by reducing media waste with live tracking of planned versus actual spending and delivery.

    Also launching today is the new Chatbot Assistant, Channel Factory’s first personalized AI data analyst, embedded within ActivateIQ. By combining real-time analytics with Channel Factory’s industry-leading contextual intelligence, the assistant helps advertisers make instant adjustments to campaigns, content, and ad spend, preventing waste on the wrong audiences or markets. The assistant delivers curated campaign performance summaries that offer much-needed transparency between ad agencies and their technology partners.

    “Channel Factory isn’t just a vendor but they’re a strategic extension of our team. Their understanding of contextual targeting, smart optimization, knowledge of the product and platforms they work on, and collaboration, has helped us unlock stronger outcomes for our clients. They consistently ensure our campaigns are performing, efficient, brand-safe, and impactful at scale,” said Mark Kwak, Director, Paid Social and Programmatic at Starcom.

    “Running ad campaigns requires you to dig through mountains of data. Some of it is valuable, but so much can be insignificant, forcing you to spend time digging through unnecessary metrics to find actionable insights. Our industry is only tapping the surface of what’s possible when you can apply AI to solve this problem,” said Anudit Vikram, Chief Product Officer at Channel Factory. “Our new Chatbot Assistant and Media Intelligence Hub surface the insights that truly drive performance, giving advertisers the clarity they need to make confident, strategic decisions.”

    About Channel Factory
    Channel Factory is a global technology and data platform that optimizes business performance and enhances brand reputation through ethical and effective contextual targeting. Utilizing proprietary AI and brand suitability technologies, Channel Factory ensures ads are placed on brand-safe, contextually relevant content across YouTube, CTV platforms, and social media, including Meta and TikTok. Through its conscious media planning, Channel Factory is committed to promoting sustainability, diversity, and positive content, helping brands achieve their goals while fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.

    Channel Factory has a presence in 31 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and ANZ, providing advertisers with IAB standard category lists and customized content options in 49+ languages. For more information about Channel Factory, please visit http://www.channelfactory.com

    Media Contact:
    Aimee Miller
    aimee@broadsheetcomms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OSS to Attend NVIDIA GTC Paris 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ESCONDIDO, Calif., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS or the Company) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leading provider of rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions for AI, machine learning (ML), and sensor processing at the edge, and an NVIDIA TIER 2 OEM and a NPN Elite Partner, today announced its participation in the upcoming NVIDIA GTC Paris Conference. The event takes place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, on June 11–12, 2025.

    “NVIDIA is a valued long-time partner,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles. “GTC Paris provides a premier platform to showcase our rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions designed for large-scale, data center-class AI, autonomy, and sensor fusion applications in edge environments.”

    Visitors to NVIDIA GTC Paris can experience OSS’s specialized AI computing solutions at Booth E07. Representatives from Bressner, OSS’s European subsidiary, will also be present and exhibiting at the conference.

    NVIDIA GTC Paris, organized in partnership with VivaTech 2025, brings together developers, researchers, business leaders, and technical experts to explore real-world applications of AI and accelerated computing. The event features live demos and sessions on generative AI, industrial digitalization, robotics, large language models, and more.

    For product inquiries or to schedule a meeting, contact OSS sales engineers at sales@onestopsystems.com or call +1 (877) 438-2724.

    About One Stop Systems
    One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

    OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

    OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

    As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

    OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    One Stop Systems cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “suggest,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or phrases, or the negative of those expressions or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by One Stop Systems or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results of current or future programs, the future adoption of technologies or applications, or the potential benefit of attending NVIDIA GTC Paris. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Media Contacts:
    Robert Kalebaugh
    One Stop Systems, Inc.
    Tel (858) 518-6154
    Email contact

    Investor Relations:
    Andrew Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    Tel (216) 464-6400
    Email contact

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cheap Psychic Readings [$0.99/Min] Best Cheap Phone Psychics for Affordable Readings in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you searching for insight into your future without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Many people want spiritual clarity but hesitate due to high prices. Fortunately, cheap psychic readings are now more accessible than ever. With a wide range of affordable psychics available online and over the phone, getting the answers you need is just a call or click away.

    ⇒ Talk to experienced and trusted cheap psychics offering free trial readings!

    You don’t need to spend a fortune to receive quality spiritual guidance. With so many reliable and cheap psychics available online and by phone, connecting with your higher path is more affordable than ever. Explore affordable psychic readings today and discover how much clarity and peace of mind are just a session away.

    The Psychic Experts, a reputable platform known for reviewing top psychic services, has released its 2025 report featuring the best affordable psychic readings online. The report reveals a rising trend: more people are turning to trusted, low-cost advisors for guidance on love, career, and emotional clarity. With growing demand for cheap phone psychics and live chat readings, this guide helps users find accurate, budget-friendly psychic services they can trust.

    ⇒ Connect with affordable psychics who deliver real answers!

    Why Choose Cheap Psychic Readings?

    Contrary to popular belief, a cheap psychic reading doesn’t mean low quality. Many trusted and gifted psychics offer discounted or promotional rates to make their services more accessible. These cheap psychics often deliver the same level of accuracy, empathy, and spiritual guidance as higher-priced readers, especially on reputable online platforms.

    Whether you’re looking for answers about love, career, family, or finances, affordable psychic readings can provide meaningful insights without straining your budget.

    ⇒ Talk to cheap psychics you can trust – free trial readings included!

    Top Benefits of Cheap Phone Psychics

    Cheap phone psychics offer incredible convenience. You can connect with a psychic instantly from the comfort of your home, eliminating travel time and added costs. Phone readings are especially ideal for those who value privacy or need guidance during stressful moments.

    Here are a few reasons people choose cheap phone psychics:

    • Immediate access to guidance during tough decisions
    • Flexible scheduling, day or night
    • Anonymity and emotional comfort
    • Affordable rates without compromising quality

    ⇒ Connect now for cheap psychic readings that are accurate and affordable!

    How to Find Affordable Psychics You Can Trust

    When looking for affordable psychics, it’s essential to choose a platform with verified readers and positive user reviews. Many well-known psychic websites offer introductory deals, such as:

    • First 3 minutes free
    • $1 per minute specials
    • Discounted first readings

    These promotions let you test a psychic’s style and accuracy before committing to a longer session.

    Get the best cheap psychic readings from trusted and accurate advisors. Affordable, real insights from cheap phone psychics ready to guide your path today.

    ⇒ Connect with affordable psychics offering free trial readings!

    What to Expect During a Cheap Psychic Reading

    A cheap psychic session can be just as enlightening as a premium one. The key is to approach the reading with an open mind and clear intentions. Whether your session is over chat, phone, or video, prepare your questions in advance and be honest with your psychic.

    Common reading types include:

    • Tarot card readings
    • Astrology reports
    • Love and relationship readings
    • Career guidance
    • Spiritual and life path coaching

    ⇒ Discover the best cheap psychics for love, career, or life decisions

    Tips to Maximize Your Affordable Psychic Readings

    To get the most out of your session:

    1. Write down your questions ahead of time.
    2. Choose a quiet, private space for your reading.
    3. Stay open and relaxed to receive clear guidance.
    4. Take notes during or after the reading.
    5. Follow up if needed — many platforms allow reviews or follow-up sessions.

    Explore accurate and affordable guidance with cheap psychic readings. Connect instantly with the best cheap phone psychics trusted by thousands.

    ⇒ Connect instantly and get free minutes with top-rated cheap psychics!

    As search interest grows for terms like “cheap psychic,” “cheap psychic readings,” and “affordable psychic readings,” it’s clear that accessibility is now just as important as accuracy. That’s why The-Psychic-Experts.com is committed to helping users find trusted, insightful services that don’t come with a high price tag.

    Unlike generic directories filled with marketing hype or vague listings, this guide was designed to provide real answers to real questions: Are psychics legitimate? Can you chat with a psychic online for free before paying? What are the best platforms for psychic phone readings on a budget?

    To answer these questions, The-Psychic-Experts.com reviewed platforms offering flexible options, such as chat or phone formats, transparent pricing, and specialties like love readings, energy healing, and mediumship. Special attention was given to services offering trial minutes, clear pricing, and affordable access to accurate guidance, helping users make informed choices without overspending.

    ⇒ Talk to cheap phone psychics for quick, accurate insights!

    The goal is to make it easy for users to find a cheap psychic without compromising on quality, accuracy, or privacy. Whether you’re looking for a quick live chat or a longer phone psychic reading, this guide connects you with options that suit both your budget and emotional needs.

    Trusted, accurate, and affordable — explore the best cheap psychic readings with top-rated cheap phone psychics who deliver real answers that matter.

    ⇒ Connect instantly with affordable and trusted cheap psychics!

    How The Psychic Experts Rank the Best Cheap Psychic Reading Services in 2025

    The psychic experts evaluate psychic reading platforms using a detailed and independent review system. The aim is to give users a clear understanding of what to expect from affordable psychic services before committing time or money. Every service reviewed is analyzed through several key criteria designed to ensure that the recommendations are trustworthy, accessible, and aligned with user expectations.

    Unlock your future with affordable and accurate cheap psychic readings. The best cheap phone psychics are available now for trusted, insightful advice.

    ⇒ Talk now to cheap phone psychics with a free trial offer!

    Price Transparency

    One of the most essential factors in the ranking process is pricing clarity. Services showing per-minute rates, trial offers, and refund terms are rated higher than those that obscure fees behind layered credit systems or hidden conditions. A primary concern among new users is being charged without fully understanding how pricing works. To address this, only platforms that provide upfront pricing and clearly explain the cost of cheap psychic readings were considered for the final list.

    The guide also places value on services that offer a low-cost entry point—such as a few free minutes to try the service or no requirement for upfront credit card information. These features help users test the quality of a phone psychic or live chat session before deciding whether to continue.

    ⇒ Connect with the most accurate cheap psychics today!

    Service Accessibility (Chat and Phone Options)

    Accessibility is also a priority. The rankings focus on services that support chat and phone psychic readings, allowing users to choose the most comfortable format. Some prefer speaking with a psychic by phone for a more direct and personal exchange, while others are more at ease using a chat-based interface, especially when exploring sensitive topics in private.

    In both formats, accessibility across devices (mobile and desktop), language support, and the option for instant sessions were all evaluated. Services that made it easy to chat with psychics online, free of complicated signups or long wait times, were rated more favorably.

    Spiritual Accuracy and Professionalism

    To assess the quality of the readings themselves, The-Psychic-Experts.com uses controlled testing. A selection of readers from each service is evaluated through trial sessions designed to measure consistency, relevance, and tone. Services that employed psychics with clear, situation-specific insights scored higher in this category.

    The site does not promote guarantees of supernatural outcomes or unrealistic claims. Instead, the focus is on practical guidance delivered respectfully, with a tone that supports emotional clarity. Psychics who consistently offered helpful, grounded insights in phone and chat formats were favored in the final ranking.

    ⇒ Discover affordable guidance with cheap psychic readings!

    User Experience and Real Reviews

    Finally, user feedback plays a central role in the ranking process. Hundreds of verified customer reviews, across multiple sources, were analyzed to identify patterns. Common themes included satisfaction with pricing, responsiveness, emotional impact, and whether the session met expectations.

    Services with frequent complaints about billing confusion, rushed readings, or lack of availability were excluded from the top ranks. Instead, preference was given to platforms with steady user satisfaction and repeat engagement.

    No specific company or brand is named in this report. The goal is to offer general consumer guidance based on consistent patterns and user needs. This approach protects the editorial neutrality of The-Psychic-Experts.com and keeps the focus on experience quality rather than marketing.

    The result is a trusted resource for anyone seeking a cheap psychic who can offer reliable advice without financial risk or long-term commitment.

    ⇒ Discover cheap psychic readings with honest and trusted advisors!

    What Makes Cheap Psychic Readings Online a Practical Option in 2025?

    There’s a common misunderstanding that lower-cost services mean lower quality. The-Psychic-Experts.com’s 2025 guide proves that this is not the case when it comes to psychic readings. Affordable services can deliver valuable, emotionally supportive insights, especially when evaluated carefully.

    Access Anytime, Across Time Zones

    One of the most substantial advantages of online psychic services is 24/7 access. No matter where the user is located, they can connect with a phone psychic or live chat advisor at any hour. This removes scheduling barriers and allows quick access during personal crises, major decisions, or periods of emotional uncertainty.

    The guide highlights how services offering both live chat and phone readings are helping users avoid the long wait times often associated with in-person appointments. Whether someone wants to speak with a psychic directly or have a text-based conversation, availability is much more flexible than before.

    ⇒ Talk live with affordable and accurate cheap psychics!

    Lower Cost Doesn’t Mean Low Value

    Price is a significant concern for many people looking for guidance, but not everyone can afford sessions that cost $5 or more per minute. The services reviewed in this report offer alternatives starting at under $1 per minute or include trial minutes to test the service at no cost.

    The ability to speak with cheap phone psychics under traditional rates means more people can access emotional support without pressure. It also encourages repeat engagement, helping users build longer-term insight without financial strain.

    Quality was not compromised. Many users reported that their experiences with cheap psychics were as detailed and impactful as sessions they’d previously paid more for. What matters most is how clear, focused, and helpful the reading is, not how much it costs.

    ⇒ Talk to cheap psychics now and enjoy a free trial session!

    Private, Flexible Sessions

    Not everyone is comfortable discussing personal issues face-to-face. Many users prefer psychic chat sessions because they can stay anonymous while receiving direct answers. The live chat format is handy for first-time users or those who want to explore specific questions discreetly.

    Phone readings remain a preferred option for those seeking a more interactive experience. The connection can feel more personal with voice tone, pauses, and real-time responses. Both methods have benefits, and having the option to choose adds to the appeal of cheap psychic readings online.

    Services that allow users to chat with psychics online for free, at least for a few minutes, give an added layer of confidence. They reduce risk, support trust, and allow users to experience the process before paying for a longer session.

    User Control and Session Customization

    Cheap psychic services often allow users to filter by category, skill, and reading style. This level of control helps people match with psychics who specialize in what they’re going through—whether that’s a relationship issue, work stress, or spiritual uncertainty.

    Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, users can choose how long they want their session to be, how much they’re willing to spend, and what topics they want to discuss.

    ⇒ Connect with top-rated cheap phone psychics today

    Types of Cheap Psychic Readings Available Online in 2025

    As demand for affordable psychic services increases, so do the options available. The psychic expert’s latest report outlines the most common formats users can choose from when seeking insight and support. These services are built around flexibility—letting people decide how to connect, how much time they want to spend, and what information they hope to receive.

    Psychic Phone Readings

    Phone psychic readings continue to be one of the most requested formats. This method lets users speak directly with a psychic, offering a natural and real-time conversation. Many people feel more connected when they hear voice tone, emotion, and pacing—all of which help build trust during a reading.

    Phone sessions are ideal for those who want detailed discussions or have multiple questions that need follow-up. They’re also preferred by people dealing with emotionally complex topics like relationship decisions or long-term career questions. Because of their interactive nature, phone readings often allow for deeper follow-through and clarification.

    Phone psychic readings are offered at various price points. The report features several services where cheap phone psychics offer quality sessions under $2 per minute, with many providing free minutes upfront for first-time users.

    ⇒ Talk to psychic experts offering affordable phone readings!

    Live Psychic Chat Readings

    Chat-based readings are especially popular with users who prefer privacy or wish to remain anonymous. This format involves real-time messaging with a psychic advisor, often through a platform’s built-in chat tool.

    Many users choose this option because it gives them more time to think about what they want to say. It also creates a written transcript of the conversation, which can be helpful for review later. Live psychic chat is a common starting point for new users exploring the service without committing to a phone call.

    For those wondering if chat readings are as effective as phone ones, The-Psychic-Experts.com notes that both formats can be equally accurate. The decision often comes down to personal comfort.

    Chat services are also a strong choice for people with hearing difficulties or those in shared living spaces where phone calls aren’t ideal. They often include features like instant connection, user ratings, and profile filters that help match the reader to the user’s concerns.

    ⇒ Connect with cheap psychics who offer real insight

    Psychic Medium Chat

    This chat form focuses specifically on communicating with loved ones who have passed away. Medium readings are usually more specialized and are handled by psychics trained in this type of spiritual connection.

    The format can vary between chat and phone, but many people find psychic medium chat to be less overwhelming than a phone session, especially when dealing with grief. Written communication allows them to take their time, reflect, and process what is being shared.

    Not all services offer this type of reading, and The-Psychic-Experts.com’s report highlights which platforms include mediumship among their specialties. Readers trained in this area are usually marked clearly on their profiles, and users are encouraged to seek reviews before beginning a session.

    Free Psychic Reading Online Chat (No Credit Card Needed)

    A growing number of users prefer to try a reading without any financial commitment. The guide also looks at platforms offering free psychic chat with no credit card required.

    These trial sessions are often short, typically 3 to 5 minutes, but give users a sense of the reader’s style and accuracy. More importantly, they reduce the risk of misunderstanding pricing models or being locked into service before feeling confident.

    Many people use these free minutes to test multiple readers before deciding who to work with long-term. For those unsure where to start, this is one of the most practical ways to explore psychic reading without pressure.

    ⇒ Talk now and get a free trial with cheap psychic readings!

    When to Choose Chat or Phone

    There’s no single format that fits everyone. Choosing between chat and phone depends on the user’s communication style, emotional needs, and environment.

    Phone is best for:

    • Real-time emotional support
    • Follow-up questions
    • Detailed explanations

    Chat is best for:

    • Privacy or public settings
    • Written reference after the session
    • First-time users testing the service

    ⇒ Connect for accurate, affordable cheap phone psychic sessions

    How to Choose the Right Cheap Psychic for Your Needs

    Finding the right psychic doesn’t always mean finding the most expensive one. Many users discover that a low-cost reader can offer just as much value when properly vetted. The-Psychic-Experts.com outlines several tips to help people choose wisely, avoid common mistakes, and match with a psychic who aligns with their goals.

    Look for Verified Reviews and Reading Samples

    A good starting point is reading user feedback. Platforms included in the guide often feature star ratings, written testimonials, and repeat client data. These reviews can help identify patterns, such as whether a psychic is known for accuracy, compassion, or quick connection.

    Some services allow potential clients to read public transcripts or summaries from previous sessions. This can give insight into how the psychic communicates and whether their tone matches the user’s preferences.

    ⇒ Talk to affordable, cheap psychics with top reviews!

    Focus on Specialty Match

    Not all psychics work the same way. Some focus on love and relationships, while others specialize in spiritual growth, career decisions, or past life readings. Choosing someone aligned with the topic at hand makes the session more productive.

    For example:

    • Love readings: Look for keywords like soulmate, twin flame, or relationship analysis.
    • Career or money questions: Search for financial clarity or professional guidance tags.
    • Past life insight: Choose readers trained in regression or spiritual recall techniques.

    Use Free Minutes or Trial Offers

    Cheap psychic readings don’t mean guessing. Many reviewed services offer free 3–5 minutes to new users. This time can be used to evaluate clarity, tone, and connection before deciding whether to continue.

    Users can end the session without penalty if the reader seems unclear, vague, or repetitive. Trial minutes are essential for testing multiple options until the right match is found.

    ⇒ Talk to affordable psychics now and enjoy free minutes!

    Red Flags to Watch Out For

    While most reviewed services are legitimate, staying cautious is still essential. The-Psychic-Experts.com advises users to be aware of certain warning signs:

    • Pushing for extended time: If a reader pressures a client to extend beyond their planned session, this is a concern.
    • Making absolute promises: No psychic can guarantee specific outcomes.
    • Scare tactics or upselling: Any mention of curses, spells, or urgent need for payment to avoid bad energy is a red flag.

    If a psychic introduces those themes, users can disconnect immediately and report the session if needed.

    Trust Your First Impression

    First impressions matter. If a psychic doesn’t feel present, respectful, or connected in the first few minutes, they may not be the right choice.

    Users are encouraged to prepare a few clear questions before the session and to keep the conversation focused. The best psychics will listen carefully, respond directly, and create a comfortable space for users to share details at their own pace.

    ⇒ Talk to the best cheap psychics for career and relationship insights!

    What Real Users Say About Cheap Psychic Readings Online

    The psychic experts gathered experiences from everyday users who’ve turned to cheap psychic readings online for clarity and emotional support. The following testimonials represent user profiles covering a range of demographics and situations. These stories help show how accessible psychic services, including psychic phone readings and free psychic chat options, are making a difference in people’s lives in 2025.

    ⇒ Discover peace of mind with cheap psychic readings!

    Samantha, 27, Graphic Designer — Oregon

    “I started using psychic chat services about a year ago when I was going through a confusing breakup. I didn’t want to discuss it with friends, and therapy wasn’t in my budget. I found a cheap psychic online who helped me put my feelings in perspective. We connected through a free psychic reading online chat with no credit card required. I was surprised by how calming it was just to talk through things.”

    Samantha now uses affordable psychics for guidance on career decisions. “It’s a tool I use when I need another point of view. Not everything is groundbreaking, but the good sessions really help me get unstuck.”

    ⇒ Connect to trusted cheap psychics offering free minutes!

    Richard, 64, Retired Police Officer — Florida

    “I used to think psychic readings were all just entertainment. But when I lost my wife, I found myself searching for anything that could offer comfort. I wasn’t ready for a full conversation at first, so I tried a live psychic chat. The reader made no wild claims; it just helped me think about what I was holding onto.”

    Now, Richard prefers phone psychic readings. “Sometimes you just want to talk, and the chat doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve found a few cheap phone psychics who actually take the time to listen.”

    He continues to use psychic phone readings every few months. “The cost is manageable, and it helps me focus.”

    Tania, 35, Single Mother of Two — Texas

    “I work full-time and raise two kids. There’s not a lot of time or money left over for me. A friend told me about free psychic chat online, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I asked about some decisions I’d been avoiding—whether to move, take a promotion, start dating again.”

    Tania found the convenience of live chat critical. “I could message someone late at night while the kids were sleeping. And the advice felt honest, not like someone trying to sell me a dream.”

    She’s used affordable psychic readings several times since. “You can get what you need in 15 minutes, and it doesn’t cost more than lunch. That’s what makes it sustainable.”

    ⇒ Discover love, money, and destiny with cheap phone psychics

    Closing Summary: A Practical Guide for Affordable Spiritual Support in 2025

    The Psychic Experts 2025 report is a practical resource for anyone looking to explore cheap psychic readings without confusion or high costs. By focusing on services that are accessible, affordable, and flexible, the guide helps users take control of their spiritual questions, whether they prefer quick online chats or full phone psychic readings.

    With interest in cheap psychic readings, low-cost phone sessions, and flexible reading formats rising across the country, users now have more ways to get support that fits their schedule and budget. This guide simplifies that process by providing precise, unbiased evaluations prioritizing user experience over promotional claims.

    The platform has helped thousands of people find their first psychic, explore new reading formats, and return to trusted advisors—all without long-term commitment or inflated pricing. Whether someone seeks relationship advice, closure from a past event, or direction in a career choice, the right psychic match is easier to find when guided by accurate, experience-based information.

    FAQs

    Are cheap psychic readings accurate?

    Yes, cheap psychic readings can be just as accurate as more expensive sessions. Many affordable psychics offer low rates to attract new clients or provide spiritual guidance to a wider audience. Accuracy depends more on the psychic’s ability than the price.

    What makes a psychic reading “cheap”?

    A cheap psychic reading usually refers to sessions offered at a lower-than-average rate, often as part of a promotion or introductory offer. Many trusted platforms feature cheap psychics with special deals like $1 per minute or free first minutes.

    Where can I find affordable psychic readings online?

    You can find affordable psychic readings on reputable websites that verify their psychics and offer user reviews. Look for platforms that highlight cheap phone psychics and chat options, with clearly stated pricing and customer support.

    Are cheap phone psychics reliable?

    Yes, many cheap phone psychics are experienced and trustworthy. Phone readings can offer the same depth and accuracy as in-person sessions, especially when provided by vetted and well-reviewed affordable psychics.

    Can I get a cheap psychic reading about love and relationships?

    Absolutely. Many cheap psychics specialize in love, relationships, and compatibility readings. Whether you’re dealing with heartbreak or seeking your soulmate, cheap psychic readings can offer deep insights at a low cost.

    How long does a cheap psychic reading last?

    The duration depends on the platform and your budget. Most cheap psychic readings are billed per minute, allowing you to control how much you spend. Short sessions can still provide powerful insights, especially with focused questions.

    What should I ask during an affordable psychic reading?

    Prepare clear, specific questions to get the most out of your affordable psychic reading. Topics can include love, career, family, finances, or spiritual growth. Many people ask cheap phone psychics about timing, decision-making, or past-life insights.

    Do affordable psychics offer free readings?

    Many affordable psychics offer the first few minutes free or discounted as a trial. While not completely free, these offers make it easy to test the psychic’s style and accuracy before committing to a full cheap psychic reading.

    Are cheap psychic readings safe and confidential?

    Yes, most reputable platforms that offer cheap psychic readings ensure privacy and confidentiality. Whether you’re connecting with cheap phone psychics or using online chat, your personal information and questions remain secure.

    What’s the difference between a cheap psychic and an expensive one?

    Often, the difference lies in popularity or years of experience. However, many cheap psychics are just as talented but choose to keep their rates accessible. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and choose a psychic based on connection and accuracy, not just price.

    Media Contact
    Company: The Psychic Experts
    Contact Person: Anthony C. Bedoya
    Email: support@the-psychic-experts.com
    Address: 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
    URL: https://the-psychic-experts.com/
    Phone: +1 414-203-2598

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.

    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.

    Affiliate Disclosure
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    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.

    All product reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion based on available public data, user feedback, and scientific references at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. However, readers are encouraged to independently verify product information and consult with healthcare professionals prior to purchase or use.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lewisporte — Lewisporte RCMP arrests two ATV operators for fleeing from police

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators were arrested after twice fleeing from Lewisporte RCMP on Saturday night.

    Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, police observed three ATVs driving on the Main Road, headed towards Campbellton. When an officer stopped to speak with the group, two of the operators fled the scene. The remaining operator remained stopped and spoke with police, as required. While police were processing the traffic stop, the two operators who had fled returned to the area, revved their engines and turned around in the roadway a number of times before fleeing again.

    At approximately 2:30 on Sunday morning, the same officer observed the two ATVs stopped on the eastbound side of the Trans-Canada Highway. When the officer approached, the operators of the ATVs fled once again, headed east on the TCH at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicles.

    What may have possibly resulted in a traffic ticket at the original traffic stop, had the operators stopped for police, has resulted in criminal charges. The operators, ages 23 and 18, were identified and arrested. The two are set to appear in court at a later date. Both individuals will face two counts each of criminal charges for flight from police.

    RCMP NL reminds all off-road vehicle operators to drive safety and obey the province’s Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act. More information about the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act can be found here:

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/o05-1.htm

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/h03.htm

    MIL Security OSI