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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unveils proposals to transform Fort Regent into a 21st century leisure destination02 April 2025 The Government of Jersey, through its Regeneration Steering Group, has unveiled ambitious proposals to redevelop Fort Regent, restoring its status as the Island’s premier leisure and entertainment… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    02 April 2025

    The Government of Jersey, through its Regeneration Steering Group, has unveiled ambitious proposals to redevelop Fort Regent, restoring its status as the Island’s premier leisure and entertainment hub. 

    The transformation will create a vibrant, modern destination for socialising, entertainment and recreation, with a strong emphasis on facilities for children and young adults. 

    In collaboration with the Jersey Development Company, JDC, the Government’s property development arm, practical and sustainable plans have been developed that balance heritage with state-of-the art leisure and entertainment facilities. 

    Key Features of the proposed redevelopment: 

    Internal transformations 

    • Gloucester Hall redeveloped into a flexible 2,500 seat acoustic theatre, enhancing Jersey’s ability to attract larger live performances and events, and provide flexibility for DJ events, conferences, conventions and/or a show court for sporting events. 
    • Queens Hall (the Rotunda) converted into a multi-functional entertainment complex over two floors, incorporating: A 12-lane ten-pin bowling facility; Arcade and battle café style games space; A six-screen cinema (relocated from the Waterfront) 
    • The Piazza and adjacent perimeter Garrison Rooms redesigned as an arts and culture hub, providing spaces for performing arts, music and artist studios surrounding a large covered space for hosting exhibitions, events and live performances, and serving as the home of Jersey’s winter ice rink. 
    • The former Active Gym space repurposed as a multi-activity facility for all ages, featuring: A ‘Ninja Warrior’-style active play zone; Sky Trail; Climbing and bouldering activities.
    • Additionally, some of the remaining perimeter rooms and Don Theatre are proposed to become egaming zones, virtual golf, cafés and a bar. 

    New outdoor amenities 

    • A destination skatepark catering to all ages 
    • A pump track for BMXers and Mountain Bikers 
    • A play and heritage trail
    • A 500m running track 
    • A teenage zone with a 3×3 ball court and a dedicated social space for older children and teenagers. 

    External enhancements 

    • Improved accessibility and a new entrance building 
    • A cable car link to the Fort 
    • A hotel (on the site of the former swimming pool) 
    • A relocated children’s nursery 
    • A rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views over St Helier 
    • Landscaped gardens 
    • Uplighting of the Fort’s external walls Cost and funding strategy 

    This initiative is part of a broader Government strategy for longer-term, ongoing investment in Jersey’s infrastructure, housing, healthcare, public spaces and sport, leisure and recreational facilities. 

    The cost of the Fort Regent redevelopment is estimated at £110 million –  excluding the new hotel which will be privately funded. 

    Financing for the project will come from the following sources, details for which are under development: 

    • Revenues from Fort Regent: Income from rental agreements, events revenue and other commercial activities. 
    • Borrowing: To prevent further delays, enabling immediate investment while spreading repayment over time. 
    • Existing Capital Budget contributions: Allocations from annual capital budgets. 
    • Additional Government contributions: Public sector efficiency savings and budget surpluses, where available. 

    Funding proposals will be presented to the States Assembly once the design and costs have been finalised. 

    Government and JDC statements 

    Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham: “​​The long-overdue redevelopment of Fort Regent Leisure Centre represents a transformational investment in Jersey’s community. Working with the Jersey Development Company, we have developed an ambitious plan that delivers modern, high-quality leisure and recreational facilities with a particular focus on children and young adults. I look forward to hearing Islanders’ views during the consultation process and to seeing Fort Regent fully revitalised as a vibrant social hub at the heart of Island life.”

    Minister for Infrastructure, Connétable Andy Jehan: “I am very pleased to share these exciting plans for the future of Fort Regent. I hope that islanders will look closely at what is proposed and give us their feedback, including where they think the plans can be improved. We are listening and want to be sure that the regeneration meets the needs and ambitions of the public. 

    “Our aim is for Fort Regent to once again be the Island’s premier family leisure and entertainment venue with a wide range of activities, including sport. This consultation marks a turning point, where we can bring Fort Regent back into proper use and make it the vibrant community asset we all know it can be.”

    Lee Henry, CEO of JDC: “Jersey Development Company is honoured to have been entrusted by Government to regenerate Fort Regent. The Fort is a much-loved community asset and we look forward to engaging with the community on the exciting vision for its regeneration. We have carefully ensured that the proposals respect the heritage and focus on delivering much needed all-weather amenities for children, young adults and families. The consultation on the proposals has launched and we hope to hear from as many Islanders as possible in order to inform the plans and we look forward to receiving the community’s views.”

    The full proposals can be viewed at www.jerseydevelopment.je/fort-regent​

    Public Consultation and next steps: 

    JDC invites all islanders to contribute their views by participating in an independent public survey, which will be open from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 18 May 2025.https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FortRegentSurvey-4insight/ 

    A public presentation will be held on 22 April at the Pomme d’Or Hotel 5:30pm-7pm to ask questions and provide feedback. To register your attendance via Eventbrite here: https://bit.ly/4l6Yh9W. ​Additionally, JDC will conduct presentations for local secondary schools to establish the views of the under-18s. 

    The results of the consultation will be published in June. The first Planning Application for the roof refurbishment will be submitted in August 2025.

    ​Once the Fort is fully vacated, by December 2025, redevelopment will commence in early 2026, with completion scheduled for December 2028.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Inc. Names Aerospike to Its 2025 List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aerospike, Inc. today announced its inclusion in the annual Inc. Regionals: Pacific list. An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, this prestigious ranking features the fastest-growing private companies in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska.

    Aerospike makes it easy to launch in the cloud and choose the right data model for the job—whether document, graph, key-value, or vector search—all within a single, massively scalable real-time database. Developers can build high-performance applications on top of these models while using 80% less infrastructure than legacy or point solutions.

    “Our customers lead their industries with some of the most successful, cost-effective real-time application and AI deployments, turning to Aerospike to quickly deploy in the cloud and scale up and out to meet demand,” said Subbu Iyer, CEO, Aerospike.

    In 2024, Aerospike closed a $114M investment to support company growth and meet market demand. DB-Engines currently ranks Aerospike as the third most popular graph database and fifth most popular vector database in the industry.

    The companies on this list show a remarkable growth rate across all industries in the Pacific. Between 2021 and 2023, these companies had a median growth rate of 124 percent. They also added 7,947 jobs and $5.6 billion to the region’s economy.

    “The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond. This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

    About Aerospike

    Aerospike is the real-time database built for infinite scale, speed, and savings. Our customers are ready for what’s next with the lowest latency and the highest throughput data platform. Cloud and AI-forward, we empower leading organizations like Adobe, Airtel, Criteo, DBS Bank, Experian, PayPal, Snap, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, our offices are also located in London, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv.

    Aerospike is a registered trademark of Aerospike, Inc.

    Contact:
    John Moran
    Look Left Marketing
    aerospike@lookleftmarketing.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Aaron Humphrey, Lecturer, Media and Digital Humanities, University of Adelaide

    Leading man of 1990s Hollywood, Val Kilmer, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Battling cancer since 2014, he has not been a frequent presence on our film screens for most of this century. While he has recently done some interesting projects, he never recaptured his fame and box-office draw of the 1980s and ‘90s, when he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun (1986) and Batman Forever (1995).

    His standout performance as Tom Cruise’s swaggering, self-assured rival Iceman in Top Gun made him a star. But the film that really cemented his reputation as a leading man was Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), in which he played Jim Morrison to astonishing effect. He is the best thing about that film.

    Kilmer starred as Doc Holliday in the 1993 film Tombstone – a kind of cross between a superhero film and a western.
    IMDB

    In 1993, he starred as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, a stylish modern western, which he co-headlined with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp. It was perhaps the most ’90s of the ’90s westerns. Kilmer’s performance was crowd-pleasing and critically acclaimed. His 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, took its name from a line Kilmer spoke in the film.

    In some ways, it is a superhero film with cowboys – as you can see so clearly in the poster. It was this performance that put Kilmer on the radar of Warner Bros when they were looking to cast a new Batman after Michael Keaton abandoned the suit.

    Batman Forever

    We’ve got used to superhero films having cinematic universes and narrative continuity between films, but in the 1990s that had not quite been established.

    Warner Bros had struck cinematic gold with the first modern superhero blockbuster, Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve, but faced diminishing critical and financial returns with each subsequent film in the series. After Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) failed to connect with audiences, the studio turned to Batman to be its cinematic icon. In those days, one superhero film every couple of years was seen as sufficient. Fortunately, Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), two dark takes on the Batman story both starring Michael Keaton, were hits.

    However, Batman Returns was regarded by audiences and critics as too “dark”, and too Burton. Both Burton and the studio felt a change of pace was needed for a third film. Joel Schumacher was brought on as director and, perhaps due to the departure of Burton, Keaton also chose to leave the series.

    Fresh off Tombstone, Kilmer was cast as the superhero.

    Batman Forever took a goofier tone, inspired just as much by the campy 1960s TV series as the dark gothic noir style of Burton. It is still brooding, but the film is more bombastic, more colourful. Noted for performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey as the villains – and the costumes that famously featured nipples and codpieces – Kilmer’s performance got lost.

    Val Kilmer and Chris O’Donnell in Batman Forever (1995).
    IMDB

    Worse for Kilmer, rumours of being difficult to work with on the set of Batman may have set his career back in subsequent years. But, despite these difficulties, Kilmer makes a good Batman.

    He performed the role with a brooding physicality, as well as playfulness. He was underrated, and certainly better than George Clooney, who took over in Batman and Robin (1997) after Kilmer declined to return.

    The non-Keaton Batman films are sometimes overlooked by fans, or not seen as living up to the heights of the Burton movies. In recent years, Burton’s movies have become more or less canonised as the “real” Batman of the era. A series of comic books, Batman ’89, has been published since 2021 that continues the story from Batman Returns, bypassing the developments of Kilmer’s Batman Forever and Clooney’s Batman and Robin.

    Keaton has since reprised his role as the caped crusader on the silver screen as a major supporting character in The Flash (2023), which also featured cameos from Batman alumni Clooney and Ben Affleck as alternate universe versions of the Dark Knight. Kilmer and Christian Bale were the only retired big-screen Batmans not to appear in the film.

    But Batman Forever stands the test of time. It is an entertaining film that walks the line between the dark and brooding Batman from Burton, and the parody of the 1960s television series starring Adam West.

    Soulful melancholy

    Batman Forever was the pinnacle for Kilmer in terms of critical and commercial success. He followed it with great performances in films such as The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), but he was often the supporting character rather than the lead. These films, too, weren’t box-office smashes like his films up to and including Batman had been.

    One of his best performances of the 2000s was in the David Mamet film Spartan (2004). Kilmer plays a retired marine corps sergeant in a good leading turn. He gave a muscular performance that still had a soulful melancholy at its heart, which can be seen in a lot of his roles. He plays action figures who are tough and macho on the outside, but have a melancholy just below the surface.

    Although he never reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, a fitting coda for Kilmer’s career was the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), in which he gives a cameo as an ailing version of Iceman.

    Kilmer will be missed for his iconic roles as the quintessential performer of the late 1980s and ’90s. In 2021, a documentary about Kilmer, Val, was released, based on decades of archive footage. I would recommend it to audiences who want to know more about the man, his life, his career and his health battles over the past decades.

    Aaron Humphrey 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. Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface – https://theconversation.com/val-kilmers-macho-action-figures-held-a-melancholy-just-below-the-surface-253631

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Change in the holding of Oma Savings Bank Plc’s own shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 2.4.2025 AT 11:30 A.M. EET, CHANGES IN COMPANY’S OWN SHARES

    Change in the holding of Oma Savings Bank Plc’s own shares

    On 10, March 2025 a total of 372 shares in Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or Company) have been returned free of consideration to OmaSp according to the terms and conditions of the share-based incentive scheme 2022-2023.

    Including the returned shares, OmaSp now holds a total of 137 019 own shares in treasury.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Sarianna Liiri, CFO, tel. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION: 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron Humphrey, Lecturer, Media and Digital Humanities, University of Adelaide

    Leading man of 1990s Hollywood, Val Kilmer, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Battling cancer since 2014, he has not been a frequent presence on our film screens for most of this century. While he has recently done some interesting projects, he never recaptured his fame and box-office draw of the 1980s and ‘90s, when he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun (1986) and Batman Forever (1995).

    His standout performance as Tom Cruise’s swaggering, self-assured rival Iceman in Top Gun made him a star. But the film that really cemented his reputation as a leading man was Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), in which he played Jim Morrison to astonishing effect. He is the best thing about that film.

    Kilmer starred as Doc Holliday in the 1993 film Tombstone – a kind of cross between a superhero film and a western.
    IMDB

    In 1993, he starred as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, a stylish modern western, which he co-headlined with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp. It was perhaps the most ’90s of the ’90s westerns. Kilmer’s performance was crowd-pleasing and critically acclaimed. His 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, took its name from a line Kilmer spoke in the film.

    In some ways, it is a superhero film with cowboys – as you can see so clearly in the poster. It was this performance that put Kilmer on the radar of Warner Bros when they were looking to cast a new Batman after Michael Keaton abandoned the suit.

    Batman Forever

    We’ve got used to superhero films having cinematic universes and narrative continuity between films, but in the 1990s that had not quite been established.

    Warner Bros had struck cinematic gold with the first modern superhero blockbuster, Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve, but faced diminishing critical and financial returns with each subsequent film in the series. After Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) failed to connect with audiences, the studio turned to Batman to be its cinematic icon. In those days, one superhero film every couple of years was seen as sufficient. Fortunately, Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), two dark takes on the Batman story both starring Michael Keaton, were hits.

    However, Batman Returns was regarded by audiences and critics as too “dark”, and too Burton. Both Burton and the studio felt a change of pace was needed for a third film. Joel Schumacher was brought on as director and, perhaps due to the departure of Burton, Keaton also chose to leave the series.

    Fresh off Tombstone, Kilmer was cast as the superhero.

    Batman Forever took a goofier tone, inspired just as much by the campy 1960s TV series as the dark gothic noir style of Burton. It is still brooding, but the film is more bombastic, more colourful. Noted for performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey as the villains – and the costumes that famously featured nipples and codpieces – Kilmer’s performance got lost.

    Val Kilmer and Chris O’Donnell in Batman Forever (1995).
    IMDB

    Worse for Kilmer, rumours of being difficult to work with on the set of Batman may have set his career back in subsequent years. But, despite these difficulties, Kilmer makes a good Batman.

    He performed the role with a brooding physicality, as well as playfulness. He was underrated, and certainly better than George Clooney, who took over in Batman and Robin (1997) after Kilmer declined to return.

    The non-Keaton Batman films are sometimes overlooked by fans, or not seen as living up to the heights of the Burton movies. In recent years, Burton’s movies have become more or less canonised as the “real” Batman of the era. A series of comic books, Batman ’89, has been published since 2021 that continues the story from Batman Returns, bypassing the developments of Kilmer’s Batman Forever and Clooney’s Batman and Robin.

    Keaton has since reprised his role as the caped crusader on the silver screen as a major supporting character in The Flash (2023), which also featured cameos from Batman alumni Clooney and Ben Affleck as alternate universe versions of the Dark Knight. Kilmer and Christian Bale were the only retired big-screen Batmans not to appear in the film.

    But Batman Forever stands the test of time. It is an entertaining film that walks the line between the dark and brooding Batman from Burton, and the parody of the 1960s television series starring Adam West.

    Soulful melancholy

    Batman Forever was the pinnacle for Kilmer in terms of critical and commercial success. He followed it with great performances in films such as The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), but he was often the supporting character rather than the lead. These films, too, weren’t box-office smashes like his films up to and including Batman had been.

    One of his best performances of the 2000s was in the David Mamet film Spartan (2004). Kilmer plays a retired marine corps sergeant in a good leading turn. He gave a muscular performance that still had a soulful melancholy at its heart, which can be seen in a lot of his roles. He plays action figures who are tough and macho on the outside, but have a melancholy just below the surface.

    Although he never reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, a fitting coda for Kilmer’s career was the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), in which he gives a cameo as an ailing version of Iceman.

    Kilmer will be missed for his iconic roles as the quintessential performer of the late 1980s and ’90s. In 2021, a documentary about Kilmer, Val, was released, based on decades of archive footage. I would recommend it to audiences who want to know more about the man, his life, his career and his health battles over the past decades.

    Aaron Humphrey 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. Val Kilmer’s macho action figures held a melancholy just below the surface – https://theconversation.com/val-kilmers-macho-action-figures-held-a-melancholy-just-below-the-surface-253631

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 3 of “Dirty Dems” campaign exposes the Rubio sisters

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    WEST COVINA, CA — (April 1, 2025) As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their failure to support critical climate, economic justice, and progressive priorities.

    This week, the spotlight is on Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, who represent Southern California districts, including West Covina, Ontario, Pomona, Baldwin Park, and Glendora. Both have failed to take meaningful action to protect their communities from the harmful impacts of the oil and gas industry after receiving substantial campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests.

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio are textbook examples of ‘Dirty Dems’ who have chosen corporate donors over the people they are supposed to represent. Their failure to take decisive action on critical climate, health, and economic justice issues is a betrayal of their constituents and the values we need in our leaders.”

    Senator Susan Rubio

    Senator Susan Rubio, representing the 22nd Senate District in Southern California, has been serving in the California State Legislature since 2018. During her time in office, Rubio has accepted over $116,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, with $74,500 coming in the most recent legislative session alone. She was initially elected with the help of an independent campaign fueled by more than $2.8 million in oil money, illustrating the extent of her ties to the fossil fuel industry.

    Senator Rubio has a troubling pattern of abstaining from votes on key environmental justice and progressive priority bills. Her failure to take a stand on critical climate and public health issues, such as SB 1137 (a bill to reduce pollution from oil drilling in neighborhoods) and AB 1167 (a bill to ensure oil companies pay to clean up idle wells), shows her disregard for the health and safety of her constituents.

    Despite fluctuating scores across some progressive scorecards, Rubio has earned failing grades from groups like Courage California, Sierra Club, and California Environmental Justice Alliance during her time in office. In fact, she consistently scored among the very lowest of Democrats in the State Legislature on California Environmental Voters scorecard every year since first being elected.

    Assembly Member Blanca Rubio “Big Oil Blanca”

    Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, representing the 48th District of Los Angeles’ eastern San Gabriel Valley, has taken over $240,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, including $45,000 in the most recent session. In addition, she has accepted gifts, including sponsored travel from the California Independent Petroleum Association, an industry trade group. These financial ties have earned her the nickname “Big Oil Blanca” from critics.

    Assembly Member Rubio has earned failing grades from environmental and progressive organizations year after year. Since 2019, she has consistently received F grades from Courage California, California Environmental Voters, and the Sierra Club. She has also never scored higher than a D on the California Environmental Justice Alliance scorecard.

    Blanca Rubio has purposefully skipped votes on critical bills aimed at reducing harmful pollutants, such as AB 674, which would address air quality issues related to asthma and cancer-causing chemicals, and SB 1137, which would regulate the harmful impacts of oil drilling in residential areas. Her absences extend to key economic justice measures as well, including bills like AB 2584, which would limit big corporate control of housing, and AB 2666, which would protect Californians from inflated utility rates.

    Holding the Rubio Sisters Accountable

    Both Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio are the third and fourth Dirty Dems to be named, joining Stephanie Nguyen and Mike Gipson on the growing list. These Dirty Dems have repeatedly chosen to prioritize corporate donations over the well-being of their constituents, but this campaign  will continue to expose these harmful practices and demand that these legislators be held accountable for their repeated failure to act to protect the communities they represent.

    Contact: Gigi Singh, Communications Manager at Greenpeace USA
    (+1)  631-404-9977, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: IceMOS Technology Closes $22 Million Series E Investment to Fund Launch of New Power Semiconductor Device Technology mSJMOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Semiconductor manufacturer, IceMOS Technology Corporation today announced it has completed Series E funding from a London-based investor, 57 Stars LLC , and earlier stage USA investors.

    The company headquartered in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan. IceMOS Technology is an industry-leading developer of next generation silicon power devices. These products, called mSJMOSTM, are developed using a novel semiconductor technology based on IceMOS Intellectual Property of which the company holds over 70 patents. The silicon-based mSJMOSTM, exhibits a new phenomenon resulting from the integration of Silicon MEMS manufacturing techniques with mature node CMOS Super-junction Power MOSFET structures resulting in power MOSFETs that deliver dramatic semiconductor energy efficiency.

    The investment, which values IceMOS at a market capitalization of $110 million USD (£85million) post money, will enable IceMOS to increase strategic manufacturing in Northern Ireland, device design capability, applications engineering, marketing and sales worldwide as it starts preparation to launch mSJMOSTM platforms.

    “Our sensing and power technologies are paving the way for more energy-efficient and CO2-saving solutions that support decarbonization,” said Dr. Samuel J. Anderson, MBE, IceMOS Technology Founder and Chairman. “Products based on this advanced technology represents a new class of semiconductors, essential to serve the efficiency demands of the massively complex market segments like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data, renewables wind and solar, electric vehicles and aerospace applications. The merging of mSJMOSTM structures and MEMS manufacturing techniques presents a revolutionary silicon-based technology that can compete with wideband gap devices at 650 Volts, 750Volts, 900Volts, and 1200Volts.”

    IceMOS will be expanding its global workforce to more than 100 employees on post funding. IceMOS is pleased to announce that Niall Lyne has accepted the position of IceMOS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Sales. Niall an Industry veteran held numerous positions with Analog Device, Inc., Intersil and more recently Renesas Electronics. In this position, he will be responsible for optimizing company objectives, operations, and revenue growth.

    The new Investors in the IceMOS Series E attended the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 which was a collaboration by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Ireland Office, and Invest Northern Ireland, which hosted around 200 investors from across the world to visit Belfast with the aim of turbocharging inward investment into all corners of Northern Ireland.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “Northern Ireland’s track record of delivering innovation, its supportive business environment, competitive operating costs and the creative ingenuity of its people make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes to start up and scale up. Northern Ireland has huge potential for significant economic growth, so it’s great to see IceMOS secure this funding as a result of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, leading to investment and job creation.”

    Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, added: “IceMOS Technology’s multi-million funding success showcases the North’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering. This investment highlights the confidence global investors have in the North and aligns with my vision to drive innovation, productivity, and technological advancement. The 2023 Investment Summit played a key role in showcasing the opportunities here and it’s encouraging to see significant outcomes like this. I look forward to seeing IceMOS continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, creating high-value jobs in West Belfast and pioneering solutions in sectors from AI to renewable energy.”

    Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars LLC: “IceMOS’ new architecture for silicon semiconductors represents break-through technology for power management systems in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers,” said Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars. “The hiring of industry veteran Niall Lyne both validates the strength and potential of its innovative products and enhances the management team to start scaling the business.” 57 Stars is the largest investor in this round of financing, having committed $7.5 million dollars. McGuire further commented: “Given the company sits squarely in our sustainability and technology focus sectors, 57 Stars invested in IceMOS out of multiple private equity funds we manage and are thrilled to be partnering with and supporting the Company at this pivotal moment for its growth and development.” 57 Stars was supported by EY on financial and tax due diligence, Tughans LLP and Purrington Moody Weil LLP on legal advisory, and SLR Consulting on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) due diligence assessment.

    Hugh Griffin, Chief Sales Officer (Eng Sub & Sensor Products) & Chief Strategy Officer, IceMOS Technology: “Building on our 2024 ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award, this investment will further strengthen our manufacturing excellence in Belfast, expand our global workforce, and deepen our export footprint—already serving hundreds of customers worldwide. As a leader in advanced semiconductor exports, we are poised to diversify markets, enhance R&D, and deliver cutting-edge solutions that solidify the UK’s position as a hub for high-tech innovation. Together with our investors and partners, we’re not just scaling operations; we’re powering a sustainable future.”

    About IceMOS Technology
    IceMOS is an equity-financed private Delaware semiconductor corporation and manufacturer of a new class of Silicon MEMS based Power MOSFETs and Sensing Device technology that serves wide-ranging applications anywhere that power efficiency and sensing matters. The company has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan.

    Company and Media Contact:
    Brenda Monaghan
    Investor Relations
    IceMOS Technology
    Email: brendamonaghan@icemostech.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c918f39-bf4f-4b25-989a-7aade69e17eb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Micro dramas, video games, online literature: Chinese digital content goes global

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Through the global expansion of micro dramas, video games and online literature, Chinese digital works have become part of their daily entertainment for many international audiences.

    Chinese micro-drama platforms have achieved considerable reach, with over 300 apps accumulating more than 470 million downloads worldwide across more than 200 countries and regions, according to the National Radio and Television Administration.

    One prominent example is ReelShort, a micro-drama platform under Crazy Maple Studio. Its minute-long episodes, featuring intense plot twists and rapid story development, have quickly gained a large following — and are mostly watched on smart devices.

    “Last year we explored new formats by localizing Chinese micro dramas for global distribution and co-producing content with Hollywood crews. Now, we have hundreds of staff locally,” said Nan Yapeng, vice president of Crazy Maple Studio.

    The gaming sector has seen similar breakthroughs. “Black Myth: Wukong,” a 3A video game with cutting-edge graphics, has captivated global players, while established gaming hits like “Genshin Impact” and “Honkai: Star Rail” continue to rank among the top downloaded items in over 100 countries and regions.

    Data from the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association (CADPA) show that China’s gaming industry reported overseas revenue of 18.56 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 — up 13.39 percent compared with the previous year.

    Games like “Genshin Impact” and “Black Myth: Wukong” demonstrate China’s cultural innovation by skillfully blending traditional heritage with global fantasy elements, said Xue Ke, deputy dean of USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

    This creative fusion of ancient stories and interactive experiences not only resonates worldwide but also maintains authentic Chinese roots, Xue added.

    Recognition also extends to online literature. In November 2024, the British Library expanded its Chinese collection by adding 10 online novels by Chinese authors, including “Lord of the Mysteries,” “Soul Land” and “The Joy of Life.” This library first added Chinese online literature to its collection in 2022.

    In 2023, total revenue of China’s online literature industry in the overseas market amounted to 4.35 billion yuan (about 606 million U.S. dollars), a 7.06 percent year-on-year increase, according to a report from the CADPA.

    Notably, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) also brings new opportunities for the global expansion of China’s digital content.

    WebNovel, an online reading platform, added over 2,000 AI-translated works in 2024 alone, while gaming giant miHoYo has filed hundreds of patents in AI, cloud gaming and other technologies, achieving procedural content production for 3D rendering.

    “AI technology will help boost the global expansion of Chinese culture, transforming content exports from premium offerings to large-scale distribution,” said Li Ming, CEO of NewTV, an internet television media platform. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025 – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    2 April 2025

    Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 24 April 2025

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). The Initial Offer Period was subsequently extended to 20 March 2025, and on 19 March 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).

    Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 2 April 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplements as published on 18 February and 19 March 2025.

    With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 24 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).

    The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer. If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.

    The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 2 May 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further).

    This will result in an adjustment of the offer price in accordance with section 6.2 of the Offer Document, such that the offer price is increased by DKK 0.50 per share to DKK 210.50.

    The increase of the offer price affects all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already given their accept of the Offer and all Spar Nord Bank shareholders who accept the Offer following publication of the Supplement. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have already accepted the Offer thus do not have to take further action.

    At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank.

    In the supplement dated 19 March 2025 to the Offer Document, Nykredit announced that a preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit had information about showed that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank had been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit had information about, totalled more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.

    The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.

    Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn
    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K
    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update in investigation into deaths in Roseneath

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm that the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath are being treated as a murder-suicide.

    Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event. The family have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

    We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, to contact Police.

    Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Bharti Airtel and Nokia expand core network collaboration to speed-up new 5G service delivery

    2 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Bharti Airtel are expanding their partnership with the deployment of Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based and Fixed Wireless Access solutions for providing a better network experience for Airtel’s growing 4G/5G customer base. The solution will help seamlessly integrate 5G and 4G technologies into a single set of servers. Nokia’s FWA will provide additional capacities for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services. Airtel will use Nokia’s automation framework to realise zero-touch service launch and efficient lifecycle management for core network functions to enhance its ability to deliver new services faster while reducing network operational costs.

    Using Nokia’s converged Packet Core solution for 5G standalone (SA) readiness, Airtel will continue its evolution toward advanced 5G and simplify its network architecture to meet the ever growing need of data while reducing network operational costs. This will help Airtel optimise its hardware footprint and reduce its cost per bit by utilising appliance-based Packet Core gateways, while maintaining the rest of the network elements in a cloud-native architecture.

    The rollout covers network automation in a multi-year deal that spans the majority of Airtel service regions across the country. The collaboration entails advancing autonomous networks by utilising GenAI for service orchestration and assurance.

    “Nokia’s innovative Packet Core deployment architecture enables critical changes to our network quality and reliability for meeting the fast-rising growth in customer data requirements. This rollout further demonstrates our longstanding success in jointly collaborating to strengthen the overall Airtel customer experience,” said Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Airtel.

    “Nokia and Airtel have a long-standing partnership and we are pleased to bolster its 5G SA readiness. Airtel’s use of Nokia’s Packet Core to build greater network agility and reliability demonstrates how we are both helping customers solve problems and furthering Nokia’s leadership position in the Core space, in India and around the world,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    Nokia’s solution provides a pre-integrated and modular server-based configuration for increased flexibility to support a wider range of business and operational deployment models. This allows Airtel to better target new customers and create new revenue streams.

    Nokia’s Packet Core solution for Fixed Wireless Access enables additional capacity for home broadband and enterprise-critical application services for the delivery of extreme bandwidth and capacity to customers.

    Nokia has an expansive core footprint in Bharti Airtel’s network and already provides several other core technologies including VoLTE (Voice over LTE), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), HLR (Home Location Register), UDM (Unified Data Management) and VoNR (Voice over New Radio), along with MANO (automated Management & Orchestration).

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. 

    About Bharti Airtel Limited
    Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka though its associate entities. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. Within our diversified portfolio, we offer passive infrastructure services through our subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd. For more details visit www.airtel.com

    Media inquiries 
    Nokia Press Office 
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com  

    Follow us on social media 
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE SA: The European Central Bank authorizes Credit Agricole S.A. to increase Banco BPM stake to 19.9%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Montrouge, April 2nd , 2025

    The European Central Bank authorizes Credit Agricole S.A.
    to increase Banco BPM stake to 19.9%

    Further to the press release of December 6, 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. informs that:

    • On April 1st, the European Central Bank authorized Crédit Agricole S.A. – under the qualifying holding regime – to cross the 10% threshold in the share capital of Banco BPM S.p.A. (“Banco BPM”) and, therefore, to hold a stake up to 19.9%.
    • During Q4-24 and Q1-25, Crédit Agricole S.A entered into additional instruments relating to Banco BPM shares and has now a position through derivatives reaching 9.9% of Banco BPM’s share capital.
    • Crédit Agricole S.A intends to exercise its right to physical delivery of all Banco BPM shares underlying the position of derivatives1; as a result, Crédit Agricole S.A will hold 19.8% of Banco BPM’s share capital.

    As stated in the press release of December 6, 2024, the increase of its stake is consistent with Crédit Agricole’s strategy as a long-term investor and partner of Banco BPM.

    Crédit Agricole S.A. does not intend to launch a public offer for the capital of Banco BPM.

    Consequently,

    • In Q1 2025, the increased position in derivatives relating to Banco BPM’s share capital has a limited impact on Crédit Agricole S.A CET1 ratio.
    • In Q2 2025, the CET1 ratio of Crédit Agricole S.A will be impacted by c.-20 bps, resulting both from the increased stake in Banco BPM and from the impact linked to the crossing of the exemption threshold applicable to the deduction of significant equity investments in the financial sector.

    CRÉDIT AGRICOLE INVESTOR RELATIONS 

    Cécile Mouton  + 33 1 57 72 86 79  cecile.mouton@credit-agricole-sa.fr
    Institutional Shareholders  + 33 1 43 23 04 31  investor.relations@credit-agricole-sa.fr 
    Individual Shareholders  + 33 8 00 00 07 77  relation@actionnaires.credit-agricole.com 
         

    CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACTS 

    1 Once it receives the last needed authorization from Bank of Italy.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Mosbilet service offers a personal selection of events based on your interests

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A personalized selection of events based on your interests is displayed on the service’s main page “Mosbilet” in the “Especially for you” block. These can be performances, concerts, exhibitions, lectures, excursions, film screenings, sports or free events for children.

    “Every week, hundreds of interesting events for visitors of different ages and with different interests take place in the capital’s museums, theaters, concert halls, libraries and other cultural institutions. Often, it is difficult for city residents and visitors to navigate them, and the service

    “Mosbilet” on the mos.ru portal will help not only to buy tickets, but also to get a personal selection of events,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Culture Alexey Fursin.

    To do this, you just need to tell the service about your interests. After that, the system will show several of the most relevant offers.

    “The Mosbilet service allows everyone to find activities to their liking. Residents and visitors of the city can independently customize the list of recommendations, for example, indicate that they are interested in exhibitions, concerts, sports competitions or events for children, and from the genres they prefer comedies and musicals. After that, the algorithms will select several events that are most suitable for this request. The personal selection is available to all residents and visitors of the capital without restrictions,” the press service noted.

    Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

    You can get a personal selection in the “Especially for you” block on the main page of the “Mosbilet” service. To do this, click on the “Configure a selection of recommendations” button and mark the types of events you are interested in in the list provided.

    For some event categories, you can also specify the direction, for example, the “Exhibition” type: the user specifies the topic here – for example, painting, contemporary art or photography. And in the “Sport” category, he notes what sports competitions he is interested in. When choosing leisure for children, you can specify the age – up to six years, from six to 12 or over 12.

    The service will analyze your preferences and create a selection based on the specified parameters.

    About the Mosbilet service on the mos.ru portal

    “Mosbilet” is the official ticket sales service on the mos.ru portal, with the help of which you can buy tickets to theaters, museums, concert halls and other institutions under the jurisdiction of the capital Department of Culture, without commission and markups. The service page contains announcements of the most anticipated events, season premieres, events within the framework of city festivals, exhibitions, performances and concerts that will take place in the coming weekend.

    You can buy a ticket directly in the service. This can be done conveniently using authorization via Mos ID — an account on the mos.ru portal. If the user has a standard or full account, then you will not need to enter the last name, first name, patronymic, and visitor information — just leave the default value “Mos ID” in the document selection field. If the account is simplified, then the required fields will need to be filled in manually.

    In addition, authorized users will be able to use QR codes for tickets inmobile applications “My Moscow”, “My ID” and “Gosuslugi Moskvy”. This will allow you not to present a document when entering events that are held from March 15 under the new rules for visiting theaters, concert halls and other city institutions with seats. Guests will only need to show the ticket inspector the QR code; they will not need to take the document with them.

    mos.ru answered the main questions about visiting cultural eventsIt will be possible to purchase a ticket through commercial ticket systems using Mos IDSergei Sobyanin: Moscow is developing digital services in the cultural sphere

    On new rules for visiting theaters and concert venues

    Since March 15, new rules for visiting theaters and concert venues under the jurisdiction of the capital’s Department of Culture have been in effect in Moscow. According to them, tickets for performances and concerts with seating can only be purchased with one of the documents from the approved list. In addition, the document must be shown at the entrance to the event. Detailed information about the pilot project has been published Here.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    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/nevs/ite/152052073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moskino Cinema Park to Host Student Filming Days

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the weekend of April 5 and 6, the Moskino cinema park will become a creative territory for young filmmakers and anyone who wants to get to know the world of cinema better.

    Make your own film and meet experienced filmmakers

    Camera operators, directors and producers will be able to film their course and diploma theses for free on location at the Moscow Cathedral Square cinema park, Prince Andrey’s Chambers, the area near the Tu-154 aircraft and the natural chromakey, as well as in the Moscow of the 1940s set. For filming you need register.

    On April 5, from 15:00 to 16:00, the educational center will host a lecture by Irina Glebova, Dean of the Production Department of the Institute of Cinema and Television (GITR). The winner of numerous awards will talk to the audience about detective films and the principles of creating such films. On April 6, from 15:00 to 16:00, producer Pavel Kirillov will talk to the audience about the creative aspects of producing films and television, and will also answer questions.

    From 17:00 to 18:00, the Gonzaga Theatre will host a creative evening with theatre and film actor and stage fencing teacher Sergei Chudakov, who will talk about the acting profession, participation in projects, and show fencing tricks.

    On the second floor of the educational center on April 5 and 6 at 13:00 and 15:30, two master classes are planned: on makeup (it will be conducted by Svetlana Shevtsova) and on creating hairstyles (Irina Konovalova will teach). During the classes, you can learn how makeup is applied to professional actresses and how original images of heroines are created through styling. Participation is included in the cost of an entrance ticket to the cinema park. You can buy it by link.

    Remember your childhood or feel like a student

    This weekend, the baroque Gonzaga Theatre will host the play When I’m Little Again, performed by the Little Family Theatre. On April 5, viewers will be able to see the production at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, and on April 6, at 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Visitors will be treated to a story about childhood memories, filled with joy, carefree pranks, and bright dreams.

    Fans of tasks on logic, speed and attention will be able to take part in the quest “Time for a retake”. They will have to remember the school curriculum and answer a number of questions, imagining themselves as a student at an exam. This quest will appeal not only to schoolchildren and students, but also to those who have long since graduated. In addition, children and teenagers will be interested in the games “Record Book”, “Retake” and others. In the relay race “Record Book” participants will need to balance on one leg and juggle balls, and in the game “Retake” you will need to unite into a team to confuse the teacher and prevent him from taking the cheat sheet. Guests of the cinema park will also find many other similar games.

    On both days at 12:00 and 15:35, master classes on creating postcards from colored soap will be held in the central square, at 13:10 and 16:45 — paintings on cardboard using texture paste, and at 14:20 and 17:55, participants will mold magical characters from airy plasticine. Attendance at the events is included in the price of the entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    Join the production and see the long-awaited premieres

    On the locations of “Berlin Streets” and “Moscow in the 1940s”, staged filming based on the Soviet films “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson” and “Operation Y and Shurik’s Other Adventures” will once again take place, and everyone is invited to join in. You can play in one of the scenes from the film in a movie costume and with props, as well as receive photos and a video as a souvenir, throughout the weekend. Participation is included in the price of the entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    On April 5 and 6, the Moskino Kinopark cinema invites you to screen the most anticipated Russian films of this spring. The program includes the comedy Batya 2. Ded, a continuation of the beloved story about family, growing up and nostalgia for childhood. In the film Palma-2, viewers will experience exciting adventures. This is a story about a boy, his faithful shepherd and a bear cub who have to go through the dangers of the forest. Young dreamers will be delighted with The Frog Princess, a kind and funny fairy tale about how miracles happen if you believe in them. Fans of historical films will enjoy the drama The Prophet. The History of Alexander Pushkin, a new look at the life of the great poet. Tickets are already on sale on the website.

    You can get to the Moskino cinema park not only by your own car, but also by free transport. Buses run every 25 minutes on routes M1 and M2 from the Salaryevo and Teply Stan metro stations. You can find out more about the route and see the schedule on the cinema park’s website in the section “How to get there”.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of Culture. The first stage has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been equipped, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “Partisan Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and others.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    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/nevs/ite/152080073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Theatre Boulevard Festival was among the winners of the national award Event of the Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The first open street festival “Teatralny Boulevard” took first place in the nomination “Best City Festival” and second place in the nomination “Cultural Event of the Year”, and also received the industry Grand Prix in the “Socio-Cultural Event of the Year” block of the annual national award “Event of the Year”.

    “Teatralny Boulevard became the favorite festival of last summer among city residents and guests of the capital. The “Event of the Year” award is a victory not only for the Department of Culture, but also for the festival artists and every spectator who became part of it. This year, “Teatralny Boulevard” will return in an updated format and will cover even more venues,” said Alexey Fursin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department of Culture.

    In 2025, the annual national award “Event of the Year” is held for the 13th time. It has already found its audience and fame among industry professionals. The goal of the award is to increase the importance of the event industry as an industry that contributes to the development of the creative economy of Russia. This year’s award ceremony took place on April 1 at the Vladimir Mayakovsky Moscow Academic Theater.

    The Theatre Boulevard Festival was held as part of the Summer in Moscow project from July 15 to August 31, 2024. Its goal was to attract a new audience to theatres and concert halls and to tell about the repertoire. More than 600 thousand people took part in the festival, and 76 leading Moscow and independent theatre companies took to the streets of the city. Every passerby was able to immerse themselves in the world of art and get acquainted with the whole variety of theatre genres.

    The venues were dedicated to different types of art. Thus, on Tverskoy Boulevard, one could listen to operetta, Strastnoy Boulevard was dedicated to immersive and visual theatre, and Tsvetnoy Boulevard hosted circus performances. The stage on Sretensky Boulevard was dedicated to stage design and costumes, and the site on Chistoprudny Boulevard — to experimental theatre. The main stage was located in the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard. On weekdays, open rehearsals, master classes and creative laboratories were held there, and on weekends — performances, concerts and musical-poetic programs.

    On improvised stages, one could see performances by the Moscow Sovremennik Theatre, Lenkom Mark Zakharov, Moscow Theatre Oleg Tabakov, Moscow Drama Theatre named after N.V. Gogol and others. The program brought together over 1.6 thousand beginning and famous artists. The festival presented more than 480 theatrical and musical productions.

    In addition, residents of the capital and tourists were invited to open rehearsals, master classes and creative laboratories. Concerts and meetings with leading directors of the country were also held for guests. More than a thousand units of props for performances were created during creative classes.

    The “Theater Boulevard” festival has become one of the favorites among Muscovites and guests of the capital. According to the results of the voting in the “Active Citizen” project, the favorites of the audience were the circus performances on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, the performances of the musical theater artists on Pushkinskaya Square and the operetta on Tverskoy Boulevard. Their opinion was expressed from above 190 thousand MuscovitesMore than 90 percent of voters supported the idea of holding a street theatre festival annually.

    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/nevs/ite/152084073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsidiary of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS acquired a registered immovable for construction of the Nõmme Südamekodu elderly care home

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 31.03.2025, EfTEN Hiiu OÜ finalized the transaction by which the subsidiary of the fund acquired the property located at Hiiu 42, Tallinn from the Südamekodu AS.
    Previously (20.02.2025), the fund has notified the stock exchange of the conclusion of a contract of sale under the law of obligations. All the agreed preconditions for the transfer of ownership and the conclusion of a real right contract have as of now been met.
    The North Estonia Medical Centre will continue to use the part of the property under a valid lease agreement. For the remaining part, a long-term (10 + 10 years) lease agreement was signed with Hiiu Südamekodu OÜ, a subsidiary of Südamekodud AS. In cooperation with the lessee and Südamekodud AS, the building will be partially rebuilt into an elderly care home “Nõmme Südamekodu”, which will accommodate up to 170 Südamekodu clients in the future.

    Viljar Arakas
    Member of the Management Board
    Tel. 655 9515
    Email: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China museum to screen international science movies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China Science and Technology Museum said on Tuesday that it would launch a month-long display of 50 movies with special visual effects, to offer audiences an opportunity to engage with the world’s science-themed cinematic works.

    Running from April 8 to May 5, the screening is a part of the sci-tech section of the upcoming 15th Beijing International Film Festival.

    The films originate from 14 countries, including China, Russia, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. They cover a diverse range of topics, from nature and aerospace to frontier technology and fantasy animation.

    They will be shown on dome screens, giant screens and 4D.

    Four of the featured films will have their Asian premieres, and 21 will be shown for the first time in China during the screening, which will also include 21 classic and domestic science movies for free viewing, according to the museum.

    Other activities, such as academic salons, science education initiatives and film concerts will be held along with the film exhibition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: A painful wake-up call about unregulated internet use for teens

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martina Calçada Kohatsu, PhD Candidate in Educational Psychology, McGill University

    In ‘Adolescence,’ a communication abyss that separates Gen X from Gen Z gives way to calamity. (Netflix)

    This story contains spoilers about the Netflix series ‘Adolescence.’

    In the Netflix series Adolescence, we have no idea why Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested at the beginning of the first episode. The tension from seeing a helpless 13-year-old boy escorted to a police station and interrogated holds us to the screen. Every minute of the one-hour episode, shot in a single continuous take, makes us feel like we are in the police station with the Miller family, viewing things through his parents’ disorientation.

    As the plot unfolds, we are given clues to explain the inexplicable, but we can’t fully appreciate the show’s magnitude until the very last scene, a dramatic moment where we see the boy’s father (Stephen Graham) cry over his son’s teddy bear while asking it for forgiveness.

    From an educational psychology angle, the show is ripe for analysis. One could comment on the premature sexualization of young girls and boys or the obsolete sense, for parents, that they can assume kids are safe when they’re at home in their rooms.

    However, as a doctoral student in educational psychology, I am mostly concerned with human learning — both the cognitive development that must accompany successful learners, and how children and youth understand the world through relationships.

    The state of Jamie’s cognitive development and of teenagers in general may help us understand his frame of mind — or the “why” that detective Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) pursues.

    For parents, this show raises serious questions about the crisis in parent-child communication and how the internet is shaping children’s behaviour and minds. I suggest turning to the practice of dialogue as a way for parents to strengthen their communication with their children and learn about each other and the world.

    Trailer for ‘Adolescence.’

    Children’s minds

    According to the government of Canada, “any human being below the age of 18” is defined as a child. Children can’t be recruited to join the Armed Forces, sign legal contracts, drive, vote, marry, drink alcohol and so on. As adults, we understand that these prohibitions not only protect them but also us.

    Setting aside ethical reasons why children shouldn’t do any of these things, the major reason is due to the developmental state of their minds.

    To better understand this, we must consider executive function, also called cognitive control. Executive function refers to the unconscious cognitive processes of abstract thinking, inhibition, impulse control and planning that allow us to consciously control and direct our thoughts to goals, actions and emotions.

    Think of executive control as interconnected paths in the brain. In an adolescent’s brain, these paths resemble more of a labyrinth, with difficult and sometimes non-working passages.

    Children and adolescents’ cognitive development are in “sensitive periods” in which their brains are more plastic and susceptible to environmental influences. Besides not having full control of their thought processes, research has also shown that abstract and more “neutral” cognitive skills develop earlier than those that involve motivated or emotionally charged actions.

    Ability to weigh options still developing

    Adolescents might be mature enough to solve complex math problems, but still feel helpless when needing to be polite to someone they believe offended them (not an easy task for adults either). In such a case, one would need to “step back” from the situation, and weigh options to respond.

    An adult might think “maybe I misinterpreted what this person said” or “if I offend them back, I risk losing my job/friendship/reputation.” By dwelling on different course of actions, they don’t act impulsively.

    This is precisely the ability that adolescents are still developing.

    Adolescent brains have not fully matured in ways that enable them to calculate risk.
    (Netflix)

    Virtual selves and threats

    When adolescents engage with social media, they can be exposed to a threatening environment where they must assert their virtual selves and deal with bullying and inappropriate content, while lacking full control of their thought processes.

    Yet, as American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has chronicled, our society has allowed adolescents to take part in this at grave risk. With maturing cognitive capabilities, teens are at risk in an online environment that thrives on extreme views and hijacks emotions.

    As a victim of cyberbullying, Jamie was probably not equipped with the cognitive abilities to step back from the situation and seek help. Instead, he responds to cruelty he experienced with cruelty he knew.

    With unregulated internet use, in terms of both content and unrestricted time spent online, communication with parents atrophies. At its core, Adolescence is a painful wake-up call to the effects of unregulated internet usage in teens, and how the communication abyss that separates Gen X from Gen Z gives way to calamity.

    Clueless adults, aware teens

    Nowhere in the show is this distance more evident than when police detectives move cluelessly through Jamie’s school trying to understand his motives, while the students seem cynically aware of what really happened.

    The detective’s son clues him into interpreting signs of incel subculture.
    (Netflix)

    In a typical moment reflecting contemporary intergenerational dynamics in which the Gen Zs explain stuff to their analog parents, Bascombe’s son is the one to enlighten him about incel subculture and what certain emojis represent.

    It becomes clear that pop-cultural references mean different things to a younger generation. For example, “red pill” was appropriated from The Matrix and is now used for those who “see the truth” and reject feminism.

    Generations are comfortable communicating in different ways. Teens, for example, are clever texters. They use images, edit reels and create memes to convey subtle and often complex feelings.

    In contrast, teens’ discomfort with face-to-face conversations is explicit in the last episode of Adolescence, when the Miller family drives to a hardware store. The parents play a song from their prom and reminisce. The oldest daughter is with them, but not present, focused on her phone and only sporadically joining the conversation.

    Why dialogue matters

    Parents and their children may find direction through dialogue. This ancient practice is based on the view of the world as becoming, with infinite internal and external contradictions that must be overcome so that new understandings of reality may emerge.

    Dialogue was famously advanced as an educational practice by philosopher of education, Paulo Freire.

    Freire believed people must come together to share their meanings of the world, and through this push and pull of ideas, reasons and opinions, conceptualize new forms of understanding. For parents, this means that without trying to understand what teens are saying and, importantly, how they are saying it, we can’t possibly create a better future for all of us.

    Open channel needed

    Engaging in dialogue involves two things: asking and answering questions. It is not a matter of merely extracting information (although knowing what children are doing is important), but rather of mutually sharing interests and letting it guide discovery.

    When parents and children find a channel, communication opens and for as long as the mutual interest is there, they can steadily build meaningful connections that transform how they see the world and their relationships.

    With renewed urgency, dialogue that validates the interests and knowledge of both parents and children can offer a way out of the polarization created between them by long hours spent online.

    Martina Calçada Kohatsu 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. ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: A painful wake-up call about unregulated internet use for teens – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-on-netflix-a-painful-wake-up-call-about-unregulated-internet-use-for-teens-253068

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meet Awesome Intelligence: A New Gateway to Fun and Accessible Mobile AI

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is taking another step in democratizing AI with Awesome Intelligence — now available on the latest Galaxy A series1 lineup. This platform introduces a range of AI-powered features designed to make mobile experiences more accessible, creative and productive for everyone.
     
     
    Multitasking Made Simple
    Awesome Intelligence delivers a range of powerful capabilities.
     
    Besides eliminating the need to toggle between apps to search for information, one of the fan-favorite AI-powered features — Circle to Search with Google — now goes beyond images to recognize and identify music as well.
     
    AI Select provides contextual suggestions based on on-screen content — including text, images and videos — allowing users to perform actions like scanning QR codes or creating GIFs with a single tap.
     

    ▲ AI Select
     
     
    Additionally, the new Read Aloud function enhances multitasking by converting online text into audio.
     
    
    ▲ Read Aloud
     

    Maximizing Creativity With Easy-To-Use, Intelligent Tools
    Awesome Intelligence includes a suite of AI-powered editing tools to supercharge creativity.
     
    Object Eraser allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos, while Edit Suggestion recommends enhancements such as Erase reflections and Background blur to deliver cleaner, more refined images.
     

    ▲ Object Eraser
     

    ▲ Edit Suggestion
     
    On the Galaxy A56 5G, exclusive tools offer even more creative control. Best Face lets users select the best facial expressions of up to five people from motion photos and merge them into a single group shot — ensuring everyone looks their best. Auto Trim, meanwhile, analyzes multiple videos to extract the best moments and compiles them into ready-to-share highlight videos.
     

    ▲ Best Face
     

     

    ▲ Auto Trim
     
    What’s more, the Filters feature allows custom filter creation by extracting colors and styles from existing images — adding a unique personal touch to portrait photos or selfies.
     

    ▲ Filters
     
    With integrated Awesome Intelligence, the latest Galaxy A series sets a new standard for accessibility, enhanced productivity and limitless creativity for everyone.
     
     
    1 Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Warner Bros Discovery

    The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows.

    Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously sing and dance) to the television form, such as the recent cult series Schmigadoon! (2021–23) and the less successful medieval-set Galavant (2015–16).

    Others have foregrounded music by being backstage musicals, or “backstagers”, about the creation of musicals. Glee (2009–15), about the American high school show choir scene, was the most successful of these. It led to imitators like Smash (2013–14), about a Marilyn Monroe musical; 2018’s Rise, a major flop about a high school producing Spring Awakening; and, my favourite, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–23), a meta-fictional take on the Disney musical canon.

    Backstagers have usually been more successful and also easier to produce than true through-and-through musicals for television, as they place their stories in settings that allow for the more or less “natural” presence of song and dance as part of the shows being staged. This acts as a bridge for audience members who might baulk at the singing and dancing fantasies inherent to the musical genre.

    With their new show Happiness, Kip Chapman and Luke Di Somma have created a welcome New Zealand answer to this style of musical TV show.

    Creating a musical

    Charlie (Harry McNaughton) has returned from New York to his hometown of Tauranga, having been dismissed from helming a Broadway revival of Cats.

    In a desperate attempt to demonstrate competency for a renewal of his visa – and to please his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) – he decides to help out the local amateur musical theatre society Pizzaz (“the finest large-scale yet boutique classical musical theatre company in Tauranga”) with their latest production, an original musical called The Trojan Horse, based on the Iliad.

    The first number in the first episode is an airport flash mob set to Backstreet’s Back, which Charlie’s mum has arranged to welcome her son home. While the nod to the Backstreet Boys is fun, it would have been more effective to start the show with an original musical number. As many writers of musicals have argued, one has to set up the “rules” of a musical in the first ten minutes, otherwise there is a risk of confusing the audience.

    This number hints that Happiness might be a jukebox musical, but thankfully that is not the case. On the contrary, it has a whole set of new songs.

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    The score that Luke Di Somma has written for the show-within-the-show is a convincing pastiche of standard musical theatre styles. There is lots of Les Misérables high drama, Chicago showbiz razzle-dazzle, and Dear Evan Hansen pop balladry.

    The songs carefully tread the line between portraying the well-meaning amateurishness of The Trojan Horse and being clever and competent enough in themselves to retain the audience’s interest.

    This collection of stylistic nods, at least among the songs heard in the first two episodes I was able to preview, is typical of musical theatre writing as it is currently done. Di Somma has nicely balanced his own personal style (on display in earlier works like That Bloody Woman and The Unruly Tourists) with the needs of Happiness’s pastiche to create a score that wouldn’t be out of place on any musical stage.

    An affectionate take

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre, with details like the mismatched teacups and homemade lamingtons available during rehearsal breaks, the amusingly stuffed prop and costume store, and the mix of ages and experiences in the cast.

    Backstagers are good fodder for TV as they can involve a wide variety of eccentric characters among the show’s cast and crew. The first episode does a good job of introducing them all. The usual backstage tropes are all there, like the young ingenue overshadowed by the haughty star and the put-upon music director (Marshayla Christie) trying to get her voice heard by the out-of-touch stage director (Peter Hambleton).

    Happiness brings a specific New Zealand spin to the backstage musical.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    This all makes Happiness fairly predictable, but it is also well observed and always engaging. A specific New Zealand spin comes with details such as the look of the the barn-like space that houses Pizazz, the Number Eight Wire attitude shown by the crew (they have $167 to make the Trojan Horse prop), and poking a bit of fun at the Kiwi accent. In one scene, Charlie suggests that local star Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) as Helen of Troy might try it without the “Classical” English accent – which only ends up strengthening her Kiwi vowels.

    I hope that Warner Discovery, which produces the show, will distribute it abroad. Happiness paints New Zealand musical theatre talent in a positive light and shows what the locals can do, while also being very entertaining in its own right. It is a welcome addition to the “let’s put on a show” backstager genre.

    Happiness is available on Three and ThreeNow from tomorrow.

    Gregory Camp 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. New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain – https://theconversation.com/new-nz-tv-series-happiness-gives-us-an-engaging-musical-peak-behind-the-amateur-theatre-curtain-253025

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Vienna Synchron Stage partners in production of Chinese animated hit

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Just a few minutes’ walk from Vienna’s bustling Mariahilfer Street, moviegoers over the weekend were transported into a world of Chinese mythology as the animated epic “Ne Zha 2” lit up the screen at the Apollo Cinema, bringing dazzling visuals and a rich cultural legacy.

    The Chinese animated blockbuster has been thrilling global audiences with its bold fusion of traditional legend and cutting-edge animation. In Vienna, it came with an added local connection – some of the film’s orchestral soundtracks were recorded at the Vienna Synchron Stage, a landmark building near Rosenhuegel Street known for its state-of-the-art facilities and superb acoustics.

    “Let me express my deepest compliments to the makers of ‘Ne Zha 2’,” said Alexander Sacken, chief operating officer for the Vienna Synchron Stage. “It’s an amazing hit and really a very positive sign that there can be great movies shot outside the typical centers of movies like the United States… We are very happy and lucky to be part of that whopping success.”

    Sacken highlighted the studio’s unique features, noting that Stage A, the main hall, was purpose-built as a recording stage some 80 years ago and has no 90-degree angles, which prevent sound reflections and enhances audio clarity. The equipment here is also state-of-the-art, compared to other recording stages, he added.

    The venue’s quiet air conditioning system and superior acoustics create optimal conditions for music recording, while the Vienna Synchron Orchestra, made up of musicians from the city’s prestigious orchestras, provides high quality performance.

    With “Ne Zha 2” continuing to earn international acclaim, Sacken sees growing momentum for collaboration with the Chinese film industry. “I’m planning to come over to China in summer to see some potential cooperation partners, and we would be very happy to have more projects here and deepen the cooperation between Synchron Stage and Chinese movies and TV shows.”

    In recent years, Vienna Synchron Stage has worked on several Chinese productions, including “Looking Up” and “Lost in Russia.” Sacken believes there is more to come. “The Chinese movie industry is growing. It’s a very distinct way to tell stories that works with our orchestra, so I do see a lot of potential in future cooperations,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Midtown street party unveils hidden art gems

    Source: Auckland Council

    April’s midtown street party on Thursday 17 April is packed full of art, music, food, live painting and stories. It will also celebrate street culture now, and from decades past.

    Midtown’s monthly street parties are enabled by Auckland Council to build vibrancy and support local businesses in the newly-emerging neighbourhood around Te Waihorotiu Station, with funds from the city centre targeted rate.

    But there’s a unique, exciting and mysterious layer added to April’s party line-up.

    On the way to or from the street party on 17 April, Aucklanders are encouraged to stroll to Durham Lane West and Airedale Street to witness street art they might never have noticed before.

    Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes Jenny Larking is thrilled to be throwing light on a hidden collection of art history in these little-known locations.

    “Standing in one single spot it’s possible to take in the city’s oldest existing piece of graffiti culture, a mid-1990s view of place, and a contemporary portrayal of what our feet stand on beneath the central city.

    “Some of these artworks are a celebration of Te Waihorotiu stream, which flows underground, a treasured stream that’s also honoured in the name of the new station taking shape in the area,” she says.  

    Etched into the walls of our city, street culture never grows old. Here’s more about this unique urban experience:

    Durham Lane West

    Lane Change by John Radford 1995 – in Durham Lane West.

    Artist John Radford’s Lane Change, on the wall of an underpass off Durham Lane West, remembers a slice of Auckland’s history. The artwork cements a replica façade of an 1880s building, which was in Shortland Street, into the wall.

    Directly opposite Lane Change is a John Radford mural ‘…that was then, and that was then…’ completed in 1994 in this backstreet shrine to street culture.

    This artwork also explores themes of buildings past. Both artworks were funded from a donation by a property development company responsible for a large development in the area at the time, part of Auckland City Council’s incentive scheme for the creation of public art and public spaces by private companies.

    In ‘…that was then, and that was then…’ words and phrases overlap and intersect to represent the passage of time. The words draw from Auckland’s history and include the names of Māori pā sites, natural features, and local businesses that have been built over and around in the landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau.

    In 2010 an unknown contractor inadvertently painted over the mural. The artist, John Radford, restored the work leaving some of the grey paint to add to the evolution and meaning of the artwork.

    “I think it adds to the look of the work. There are now more traces of layers on the wall,” the artist told The Aucklander at the time.

    Queen Street City Beat 1986 by Opto & Dick Clique (Otis and Dick Frizzell).

    Walk further into the underpass and discover the Queen Street City Beat mural created in 1986 by Opto & Dick Clique (Otis and Dick Frizzell).   

    In 1986, 15-year-old Otis Frizzell recruited his well-known artist father as free labour to help him with this historic graffiti mural painted in the alleyway. Otis recalls the council of the time wanted to brighten up the inner city and he was commissioned to create the mural.   

    The only real graffiti art reference available at the time was the movie Beat Street, so the artist wrote QUEEN STREET CITY BEAT. The mural depicts a characterisation of Queen Street at the time featuring recognisable buildings – the Classic Cinema, Auckland Town Hall, Keans Jeans, the neon cowboy and McDonalds. 

    Otis Frizzell says: “I’m stoked to get a chance to breathe some new life into this old mural. Of course when I painted this with my Dad back in ’86 I had no idea it would last so long, and eventually become one of the oldest existing Street Art pieces in Aotearoa.”

    Opposite the Frizzell work is Holly Mafaufau’s Tāmaki Makaurau completed in 2024.

    Holly enjoys the conceptual, problem-solving aspect of design and takes a similar approach to the walls she paints. She says that words are weapons, and public walls are an opportunity to speak to people.

    “This artwork acknowledges the historic bodies of water of the area and their importance in the provision of kai (food). It was created with the intention to soften a hard urban space while contributing to the collection of existing artworks in this space,” Holly says.   

    Airedale Street  

    Artist Poi Ngawati.

    Exciting new artworks curated by Ross Liew for Auckland Council have transformed the Airedale Street steps, a popular pathway between Auckland University of Technology and Queen Street.

    A mural has been created by artist Poi Ngawati (Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Patupo, Ngāti Whawhaki, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine). 

    Titled Te Huinga Tai – The gathering of tides, this vibrant piece of street art talks about the meeting of tides from all around the world. Depicted via a modern Māori stylised pūhoro design, the work reflects five key values; people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity and serve our world. 

    The north facing walls are painted in shades of violet purple and the south facing walls shades of teal. This colour combination speaks of day and night, light and dark, and how the waters of Te Waihorotiu continue to flow beneath the streets.

    Accompanying the mural is a new collaborative light work suspended in the tree above, created by Poi Ngawati and Angus Muir to complete the transformation of this space. The design speaks to the connection between the stars, ocean, and iwi guiding our journeys and shaping our stories.

    The flowing forms represent rain, linking Ranginui and Papatūānuku. By day, it moves with the environment; by night, it connects to the stars above. 

    Read about the full midtown street party programme at OurAuckland.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Roseneath deaths referred to Coroner

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

    Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath, Wellington.

    About 10.25pm on Monday, a concerned family member asked Police to carry out a welfare check on the occupants of the Palliser Road home. The officers who responded saw a need to force entry to the address, where they found two people deceased.

    Based on the results of a scene examination and other enquiries, we will be referring the case to the Coroner. 

    Post-mortems were completed today, and Police will continue to have a presence in the area as we work to understand the reasoning behind this tragic incident. 

    We would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, is asked to contact us.

    Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

    Police are continuing to provide support to next of kin.

    ENDS 

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:38 pm.

    More than 100 people attended a retail crime and safety forum in Hobart this morning to discuss strategies for making stores and shopping precincts safer.
    Inspector John Toohey said the event, organised by Tasmania Police and City of Hobart, brought together community leaders, police and retailers.
    “Today’s forum highlights the importance of working together to reduce crime,” he said.
    “By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone.”
    “There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.”
    “Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.”
    “If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.”
    “We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.”
    “It’s crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces.”
    City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council is dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant retail environment in Hobart.
    “Today’s discussions have reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration between the council, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges we face,” she said.
    Retailer Warren Lucas said retail crime not only affects businesses’ bottom line, but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.
    “Forums like this are essential for sharing knowledge and developing practical solutions to these issues.”
    The forum provided a space for meaningful conversations and idea-sharing, paving the way for stronger partnerships and better strategies to fight retail crime.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Beloved Play Outside Day returns with massive program of free fun and festivities

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 02/04/2025

    The Canberra community is invited to join in Haig Park’s biggest day of the year as Play Outside Day returns with a fun-filled day of free activities, workshops and entertainment this Sunday, 6 April 2025.

    Hosted by the City Renewal Authority, the event will feature something for families and visitors of all ages under the beautiful towering trees of Haig Park. It’s a day to enjoy the outdoors, bring the community together, celebrate the park’s rich history, and enjoy its exciting present.

    “We’ve got a fantastic program of live music, activities and fun lined up”, Teresa Comacchio, acting Executive Branch Manager at the City Renewal Authority said.

    “Attendees can join a cheeseboard making workshop with the SALT Ladies Tradies or tackle the inflatable obstacle course. There will be roving performances, slacklining, garden games, and a giant bubble machine, all happening alongside the popular Haig Park Village Markets.

    “The transformation of Haig Park showcases the importance of activating our city’s public spaces. Through hundreds of events like Play Outside Day, community-led activities, upgrades, and installations, the park has evolved into a beautiful, family-friendly destination.”

    A designated quiet play area will be available to offer a calm and welcoming space for attendees with sensory needs.

    Event information

    • What: Free all-ages activities, workshops, market stalls, and entertainment.
    • When: 10am-2pm, Sunday 6 April 2025.
    • Where: Haig Park, top of Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

    Haig Park, established in 1921 with seven thousand trees, was historically underutilised and seen as unsafe. Since 2019, the City Renewal Authority has revitalised it in partnership with the community through the Haig Park Place Plan and Haig Park Experiments, adding infrastructure upgrades, the Salthouse Community Centre, and events like Play Outside Day.

    More information about Play Outside Day: City Renewal Authority Facebook page.

    Statement ends.

    About the City Renewal Authority

    The City Renewal Authority is charged with shaping the growth of the central parts of Canberra to make it a great place to live, explore and enjoy.

    In partnership with the community, City Renewal aims to create a thriving city heart through the delivery of design-led and people-focused urban renewal with a focus on social and environmental sustainability.

    The agency works within the City Renewal Precinct, which spans Dickson, Braddon, Civic, Northbourne Avenue, Haig Park and Acton Waterfront.

    – Statement ends –

    | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ADVISORY: Governor Newsom to announce major skills-based hiring and education effort

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Apr 1, 2025

    STANISLAUS COUNTY — In the Central Valley, Governor Gavin Newsom will make an announcement regarding career advancement opportunities for Californians seeking good-paying jobs and fulfilling careers, with and without four-year college degrees.

    WHEN: Wednesday, April 2 at approximately 11 a.m.

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    **NOTE: This in-person press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP by clicking here no later than 9 a.m., April 2. Location information will be provided upon confirmation.

    Recent news

    Mar 31, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 31, 2025, as César Chávez Day.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThroughout his life of work and service, César Chávez empowered…

    Mar 31, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the official launch of efforts to celebrate California’s 175th year of statehood. Today’s announcement initiates an effort to commemorate the rich and full history of the…

    Mar 30, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 30, 2025, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONIt has been over a half century since the last…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Could you watch 8 plays in 12 hours? How The Player Kings creates binge-worthy Shakespeare

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirk Dodd, Lecturer in English and Writing, University of Sydney

    Brett Boardman/Sport For Jove

    Some say Shakespeare invented the “history play” – but he had a lot of help.

    Shakespeare was mainly writing comedies in the early 1590s when he is believed to have coauthored the play we now call Henry VI Part 2 with Christopher Marlowe and others.

    Following the commercial success of this play and its coauthored sequel, Henry VI Part 3, a rival theatre company wrote a prequel play we now call Henry VI Part 1. Studies suggest Shakespeare was never a primary author of this play, but he did contribute to it later.

    As previous coauthors died, all three Henry VI plays fell into Shakespeare’s lap by 1595, and he was tasked with editing all three plays together as a trilogy (or a tetralogy, with his Richard III).

    After the success of this first tetralogy, Shakespeare reached further back in time to write Richard II, followed by the two Henry IV plays, then Henry V.

    By 1599, Shakespeare had two tetralogies to his name (or two “Henriads”, as Shakespeare scholars dub them), dramatising the hundred-odd years, and various reigns, between Richard II and Richard III (1377–1485).

    These eight plays have now been stitched together by director Damien Ryan as The Player Kings, which can be watched over two nights or as one performance lasting from 11:30am to 11:00pm.

    This is binge-worthy Shakespeare, stupendously absorbing and exquisitely realised.

    A modern history

    Ryan begins in the 1950s, before evolving to catch up with contemporary times when we see a sniper drone launched against Richard III. Lily Moody and Ruby Jenkins’ stylish costumes lend a sense of chronology to the historical plights.

    Richard II is elegantly 1950s, but the wayward Prince Hal channels 1960s Mick Jagger. Jack Cade’s rebellion in Henry VI is working-class 80s (one character wears a Back to the Future t-shirt). The devilish Richard III is cool black leathered nonchalance.

    Video design from Aron Murray: a red light lab for developing the queen’s portrait.
    Brett Boardman/Sport For Jove

    Ryan is a master of delighting his audiences by delivering Shakespeare’s lines faithfully with unexpected visual scenarios. In Richard II, the king and queen partake in a royal photo shoot. This segues into a scenario where technicians develop the black and white photos under red lights, all the while speaking Shakespeare’s lines.

    In a sequence from Henry VI, the blue and white tiles of the court transform into a shimmering pool for a languid pool party. Ryan praises Shakespeare in the program for letting “his form match his content, which is the very point of poetry”. Ryan also achieves this with his exciting direction.

    Kate Beere’s dynamic and malleable set combines a grassy knoll with other green spaces and a tiled court centre stage, joined to a rutted cement staircase and backed by a windowed entrance. This doubles as a screen for historical footage of 20th century social upheavals, with video design from Aron Murray. News cameras are brought onstage to project live footage of a monarch’s “comms” with the populace, a place where egos and diplomacy clash.

    Perched atop all this is the musical nest of composer Jack Mitsch, who plays guitars and drums underpinning the drama.

    Brilliantly performed

    The acting is second to none. Sean O’Shea gives a mesmerising performance as Richard II, a flippant self-centred king genuinely attached to his favourites.

    Katrina Retallick’s Queen Isabel is vibrant and assured. Longstanding doyens of Australian theatre, Peter Carroll and John Gaden, are paired up as the two gardeners.

    Gareth Davies as the banished, but soon-to-be usurping Henry Bolingbroke plays a psychological game as he slowly wrests the crown from Richard, prompted more by political survival than ordained succession. Christopher Stollery is controlled, astute and forceful as Northumberland.

    The Boar’s Head Tavern becomes a 60s ‘lock-in’ of counterculture mayhem.
    Brett Boardman/Sport For Jove

    Ryan’s casting of his two young sons in Henry IV is inspired. Oliver Ryan performing Prince Hal and Max Ryan as Harry Hotspur adds poignancy to these rivals who must duel each other to the death.

    The Boar’s Head Tavern becomes a 60s “lock-in” of counterculture mayhem, with Emma Palmer delivering a superbly stoned Doll Tearsheet. Steve Rodgers’ Falstaff is raw and straight from the pub, licentious to the max, and prone to mooning the crowd. Lulu Howes’ wild Lady Hotspur yearns for her distracted husband’s attention. Andrew Cutcliff gives a thundering and manly impression of King Henry V.

    The rarely performed Henry VI plays are fused together in an embroiling dynastic power-play. Outstanding performances include Davies as a delicate King Henry VI, unschooled in the vicious brutalities of monarchical contest, and Henaway as a commanding Joan of Arc.

    The acting is second to none: Max Ryan (Hotspur) and Lulu Howes (Lady Hotspur).
    Brett Boardman/Sport For Jove

    As civil strife erupts between the “white-rosed” Lancastrians and the “red-rosed” Yorkists, we see the early rise of “that valiant crook-back prodigy”, Richard of Gloucester (Gamble), who murders his way to becoming King Richard III. In that final play, Palmer gives a vociferous Margaret of Anjou.

    Glued to the action

    Eight plays delivered in two 4.5 hour sessions, and yet Sport for Jove is mindful of audience comforts. Each session has two intermissions and most blocks run less than 90 minutes. The acting and dynamism on stage works so well that the crowd I attended with was glued to the action from first word to last, 12 hours later.

    While Shakespeare made history with these plays, The Player Kings becomes history in the making: a landmark Australian production.

    The Player Kings from Sport for Jove is at the Seymour Centre, Sydney, until April 5.

    Kirk Dodd 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. Could you watch 8 plays in 12 hours? How The Player Kings creates binge-worthy Shakespeare – https://theconversation.com/could-you-watch-8-plays-in-12-hours-how-the-player-kings-creates-binge-worthy-shakespeare-252042

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Cruz Secure 60 Cosponsors for Bipartisan Legislation to Protect AM Radio

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (April 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today celebrated their AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act securing a filibuster-proof 60 cosponsors in the Senate. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct federal regulators to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.

    “With the addition of a 60th cosponsor, our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act hit a key milestone, demonstrating the broad, bipartisan support for this commonsense bill. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is a lifeline for tens of millions of Americans. We are proud to fight for this legislation and ensure that AM radio can continue to play an important role in our constituents’ lives.”

    Senate cosponsors of the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.),  Jim Justice (R-W.V.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Penn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    In May 2023, Senators Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and reintroduced the legislation in January 2025. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in February 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathan Abrams, Professor of Film Studies, Bangor University

    Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, struggled at the box office when it was released. It remains one of the director’s most under-appreciated films. Unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Shining, which have been endlessly dissected in books and essays, Barry Lyndon has received relatively little scholarly attention – just a single book.

    Perhaps its cool reception can be traced to its slow, contemplative pacing, its meticulously crafted but emotionally restrained storytelling, or its three-hour runtime. It also arrived at an inopportune moment, in the same year as Jaws, a film that would reshape Hollywood forever.

    Yet, Barry Lyndon deserves a second look, not only as one of Kubrick’s most visually striking films but also as an intensely personal project that offers rare insight into the director himself.

    The film follows the rise and fall of Redmond Barry, an ambitious Irishman who reinvents himself as Barry Lyndon in his pursuit of wealth and status. After fleeing his homeland following a duel, Barry navigates the treacherous world of 18th-century Europe.

    He serves as a soldier, a gambler and ultimately marries into aristocracy. However, his social ascent is marred by personal missteps, betrayals and the cold realities of high society.

    The project was born out of failure. Kubrick had spent years preparing for a grand epic about Napoleon, amassing an enormous archive of research and developing meticulous pre-production plans.

    But no studio was willing to finance the project. Unwilling to abandon his obsession with the late 18th century, he turned instead to The Luck of Barry Lyndon, a lesser-known 1844 novel by William Makepeace Thackeray.

    The Barry Lyndon trailer.

    The choice of Thackeray was in keeping with his taste for English writers like Arthur C. Clarke (2001) and Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange). But this was a leap.

    Those previous writers were contemporaries and, Paths of Glory and Spartacus apart, nearly all of Kubrick’s previous films took place in the recent past, near present, or the future. Now he would try his hand at what would essentially be a costume drama. He would be recreating the past rather than creating the future.

    Some saw Barry Lyndon as a mere consolation prize. The film critic Alexander Walker called it a project “born on the rebound,” while production designer Ken Adam described it as a “dress rehearsal” for Napoleon. But Kubrick’s fascination with the Napoleonic era was evident in the film’s DNA.

    Thackeray himself had been fascinated by the French emperor, incorporating him into his novel, Vanity Fair, and writing The Second Funeral of Napoleon in 1841. Barry Lyndon draws heavily from the same historical themes, exploring the illusions and brutal realities of social ambition.

    What captivated Kubrick about Thackeray was his ability to expose the cruelty beneath the polished facade of aristocratic life. The rigid etiquette of the 18th century – a period described variously as an age of gentility, sensibility and enlightenment – demanded an emotional detachment that fascinated the director.

    Thackeray was, in many ways, a 19th-century sociologist, dissecting the class system, conspicuous consumption and the mercenary nature of marriage. These themes resonated deeply with Kubrick, whose films often explored power structures, status and manipulation.

    An outsider’s perspective

    Some critics have noticed a similarity between Kubrick and his lead character. As an American Jew living in north London, married to a German woman, Kubrick felt one step removed from the society around him, perhaps even somewhat of a social pariah. Ryan O’Neal’s casting as Barry was largely a commercial necessity – Kubrick needed a bankable star – but it also added a personal layer.

    Like Kubrick, O’Neal’s Barry is an outsider, the lone American in a European cast, a social climber forever out of place. The novel’s narrator observes that “those who’ve never been out of their country…” lack a certain perspective. It was something that Kubrick, a Bronx-born autodidact who had taught himself everything from chess to classical music, could surely relate to.

    The battle scene from Barry Lyndon.

    This theme of the outsider striving for greatness runs through much of Kubrick’s work. In 1960, he spoke admiringly of “the outsider who is passionately committed to action against the social order,” whether criminals, maniacs, revolutionaries, or dreamers.

    From Johnny Clay in The Killing, to Colonel Dax in Paths of Glory, and from Spartacus to Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange, Kubrick’s protagonists are often men on the fringes of society. Barry Lyndon fits this mould perfectly, though his ambitions ultimately lead to his downfall.



    Read more:
    Stanley Kubrick redefined: recent research challenges myths to reveal the man behind the legend

    But Barry Lyndon is also, unexpectedly, one of Kubrick’s most emotional films. For all its detachment, it contains what might be his most heartbreaking scene, namely Barry’s devastation at the death of his son. In this moment, the film’s rigid, painterly compositions soften, revealing a rare vulnerability in Kubrick’s work.

    Ultimately, Barry Lyndon was more than a historical exercise. It was a deeply personal film, pursued at great financial and artistic risk. Kubrick created a film that is as much about social mobility and exile as it is about 18th-century Europe. If 2001 is a space odyssey, Barry Lyndon is a spatial odyssey, a film that turns the past into something mesmerising yet achingly real.

    Nathan Abrams receives and has previously received external funding, including government funding, foundation, charity and research council grants for this and similar work.

    – ref. Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing – https://theconversation.com/barry-lyndon-at-50-why-kubricks-most-overlooked-masterpiece-deserves-another-viewing-248484

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Receives 10 Nominations for the 29th Annual Webby Awards

    Source: NASA

    Since it began in 1958, NASA has been charged by law with spreading the word about its work to the widest extent practicable. From typewritten press releases to analog photos and film, the agency has effectively moved into social media and other online communications. NASA’s broad reach across digital platforms has been recognized by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), with 10 nominations across multiple categories for the academy’s 29th annual Webby Awards.

    Michelle R. Jones
    Acting Associate Administrator for Communications

    Public Voting Opportunities
    Voting for the Webby People’s Voice Awards—chosen by the public—is open now through Thursday, April 17. Voting links for each category are listed below.

    29th Annual Webby Award Nominees
    AI, Immersive & Games
    NASA’s Snap It! An Eclipse Photo AdventureNASAKids and Family
    Social
    NASA InstagramNASAEducation and Science
    Matt Dominick’s X Account: A Visual Journey from SpaceNASA, LeidosBest Photography & Design
    NASA’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse CampaignNASAEvents and Live streams
    NASA’s Webb Telescope: Unfolding a Universe of WondersNASA GoddardEducation and Science
    Video & Film
    2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASANASA, LeidosEvents and Live
    NASA Streams Historic Cat Video From Deep SpaceNASA’s Jet Propulsion LaboratoryEvents and Live streams
    Websites & Mobile Sites
    NASA WebsiteNASAGovernment & Associations
    NASA+ Streaming ServiceNASATelevision, Film & Streaming
    NASA NewsletterNASABusiness, News and Technology

    About the Webby Awards
    Established in 1996 during the web’s infancy, The Webbys is presented by the IADAS—a 3000+ member judging body. The Academy is comprised of Executive Members—leading Internet experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries, and creative celebrities—and associate members who are former Webby winners, nominees and other internet professionals.
    The Webby Awards presents two honors in every category—the Webby Award and the Webby People’s Voice Award. Members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) select the nominees for both awards in each category, as well as the winners of the Webby Awards. In the spirit of the open web, the Webby People’s Voice is chosen by the voting public, and garners millions of votes from all over the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –