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  • MIL-OSI: Allegro MicroSystems Unveils Innovative Power Products for a More Energy Efficient Future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANCHESTER, N.H., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (“Allegro”) (Nasdaq: ALGM), a global leader in power and sensing solutions, today announced a groundbreaking series of Power products poised to redefine performance and efficiency across automotive, industrial and data center applications. Allegro’s innovative products, debuting at Electronica 2024, empower customers to achieve unparalleled performance while simplifying design and reducing costs. The new product lineup not only addresses the escalating demands for higher voltage and power, but also delivers industry-leading efficiency and reliability, marking a significant advance in power electronics technology.  

    Allegro’s comprehensive suite of products encompasses cutting-edge true 48V motor drivers like the A89212, A89224 and A89333 designed to address the thermal management needs of hybrid electric vehicles and AI Servers. Complementing these drivers is the APM81815, a 48V buck regulator designed for superior EMI performance in dual-voltage hybrid electric vehicles. Rounding out the list of new products is the AHV85311, a high-power isolated gate driver designed to accelerate the development of Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based power electronics. From optimizing efficiency in automotive applications to simplifying industrial designs as well as enhancing reliability in data centers, Allegro’s new power IC innovations enable engineers to design smarter, more efficient systems. 

    “The new power IC solutions from Allegro represent a significant leap forward in power electronics design,” says Ram Sathappan, Sr. Director of Global Marketing & Applications at Allegro MicroSystems. “We’re not just meeting the evolving demands of higher voltage and power; we’re redefining what’s possible. Our customers demand solutions that simplify design, enhance efficiency and lower costs, all of which our new products deliver. We’re excited to partner with our customers to shape the future of power electronics and look forward to showcasing our innovative solutions at Electronica.” 

    Key Allegro solutions launching at Electronica include: 

    • A89212: Longer Battery Life and Lower System Costs 
      This 48V SoC delivers high efficiency and torque at low speeds for power tools, eBikes and other industrial systems. In addition to extending battery life, this sensorless solution improves motor control precision and reduces cost by eliminating external hall sensors. With up to 256K of flash memory and 90V support, it is the first of its kind. 
    • A89224: Optimized Efficiency for 48V Automotive Systems 
      This SoC empowers the next generation of 48V automotive systems, optimizing fan and pump performance. Advanced motor control libraries maximize efficiency and torque at zero speed for pumps while minimizing noise for fans. This translates to reduced power losses, lighter wire harnesses and increased vehicle mileage for OEMs and ODMs. With 256K of flash memory, it offers robust processing power for complex tasks. 
    • A89333: Increased AI Server Reliability with Code-Free 48V Fan Driver 
      This motor driver offers code-free integration, reduced power loss and improved thermal management for 48V fans in AI servers. The integrated buck converter is designed to maximize efficiency, extending component life and boosting server reliability.  
    • APM81815: Easy 48V Power Supply Design with Fewer Components 
      This synchronous buck regulator simplifies 48V power regulation, offering a cost-effective solution with minimal design effort and a tiny footprint. Integrated capacitors and 2.2MHz switching frequency achieve industry-leading power density and superior EMI performance, making it ideal for electric power steering, braking, EV powertrains, thermal management, EV charging and robotics. 
    • AHV85311: Smaller Simpler Design with Higher Efficiency  
      Supporting multiple SiC MOSFET vendors, this universal gate driver utilizing Power-Thru technology offers a compact, efficient solution that simplifies development and enhances overall system performance. By eliminating the need for an external transformer or isolated bias supply, it reduces size, noise and design complexity while boosting efficiency. Ideal for a range of applications, including onboard chargers (OBC), DC-DC converters, data center power supplies, solar inverters and industrial motors, it accelerates time to market with superior isolation characteristics and seamless integration for SiC power systems design. 

    Allegro’s new power and motor control solutions represent a significant step forward in addressing many of the challenges faced in today’s rapidly evolving automotive and industrial landscapes. Attendees at Electronica are invited to visit the Allegro MicroSystems booth # C5.479 to meet with members of the Allegro executive team, view live demos and discover how its 48V solutions continue to drive innovation that enables customers to optimize performance, efficiency and cost. 

    About Allegro MicroSystems    
    Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is leveraging more than three decades of expertise in magnetic sensing and power ICs, to propel automotive, clean energy and industrial automation forward with solutions that enhance efficiency, performance and sustainability. Allegro’s commitment to quality drives transformation across industries, reinforcing our status as a pioneer in “automotive grade” technology and a partner in our customers’ success. For additional information, please visit https://www.allegromicro.com/en/.

     Media Contact:     
    Tyler Weiland    
    Corporate Communications    
    (972) 571-7834    
    tweiland.cw@allegromicro.com     
        
    Allegro Contact:     
    Laura Kozikowski    
    Sr. Director of Global Marketing    
    lkozikowski@allegromicro.com    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: I research sexual perversions and paraphilias – here’s what we’ve learned about them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Griffiths, Director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University

    Hollywood actor Armie Hammer was accused of sending messages detailing cannibalistic fantasies in 2021. DFree/Shutterstock

    After allegedly sending messages detailing cannibalistic fetishes, Hollywood actor Armie Hammer hopes to relaunch his career with a new podcast and movie.

    Following the 2021 social media cannibal scandal, Hammer was also accused of rape and abuse by various women, but consistently denied any criminal behaviour and was not charged.

    Now, it seems, Hammer is laughing off the cannibalism allegations. Speaking to his first podcast guest, Tom Arnold, Hammer says, “I’m not gonna lie. I’m just like, Hey, I’m a cannibal!”

    But being sexually aroused by the fantasy – or reality – of cannibalism is real. I should know, as it’s one of the subjects I discuss in my latest book Sexual Perversions and Paraphilias: An A-Z

    Paraphilias are uncommon types of sexual expression often described as sexual deviations, sexual perversions or disorders of sexual preference.

    They are typically accompanied by intense sexual arousal to unconventional or non-sexual stimuli such as enemas (klismaphilia), statues (agalmatophilia), teeth (odontophilia) and vomit (emetophilia).

    To many people paraphilias may seem bizarre or socially unacceptable, representing the extreme end of the sexual continuum – and in some cases, such as zoophilia (having sex with animals) and necrophilia (having sex with dead people), may be illegal.

    Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed or leave some people disgusted, but there’s a pressing need for more research into uncommon sexual behaviour given how little we know.

    Sexual fantasies and behaviour are a fundamental part of the human experience. What is considered immoral or even illegal changes according to the social and temporal context. But whatever sexual desires are considered illicit or depraved in a particular time and place are also stigmatised.

    Researching paraphilias, even the most distasteful or criminal, is essential to help safeguard vulnerable groups. Research can also help minimise the discrimination faced by those with uncommon sexual interests, helping ensure their access to sexual health care and psychological support, which can be lacking.

    Vorarephilia

    Vorarephilia – or “vore” – refers to being sexually aroused by the idea of being eaten, eating another person or observing this process for sexual gratification.

    Most of the fantasies of vorarephiliacs involve being the ones eaten. Devouring someone could be viewed as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate act of submission by the prey.

    The most infamous vorarephiliac is arguably Armin Meiwes from Germany.

    Meiwes had allegedly been fantasising about cannibalism since his childhood and frequented cannibal fetish websites. He posted around 60 online adverts asking if anyone would like to be eaten by him.

    In March 2002, Bernd Jürgen Brandes responded to Meiwes. They met up only once. Meiwes bit off Brandes’ penis, which the two of them cooked and ate.

    Brandes was videotaped being stabbed to death by Meiwes in his bath. The body was then stored for Meiwes to eat.

    Meiwes was eventually convicted of murder and imprisoned for life. However, it’s worth nothing that although some paraphilias are illegal, most cause no psychological or behavioural problems when they are engaged by consenting adults.

    Dacryphilia

    Dacryphilia is getting sexual arousal from seeing someone cry.

    I have published a number of studies on dacryphilia. One involved interviews with eight dacryphiles: six women and two men, from the US, UK, Romania and Belgium.

    It showed there were sub-types of dacryphilia, even among such a small group. Based on the interviews, I identified three types of dacryphile.

    Compassionate dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the compassion of comforting a crier.

    Dominant or submissive dacryphiles are sexually aroused by either causing tears in a consenting submissive partner or by being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.

    “Curled lip” dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the curling of a protruded bottom lip during crying.

    Eproctophilia

    Eproctophilia involves being sexually aroused by flatulence.

    In 2013, I published the first case study of an eproctophile. The case concerned a 22-year-old single man, Brad*, an American from Illinois.

    Brad recalled that in middle school he had a crush on a girl who had farted in the class. Brad said:

    This blew my mind [I] knew by simple biology that girls farted, but hearing that the girl I had been fawning over was capable of such a thing sparked a strange interest in me.

    Brad first engaged in an eproctophilic act with a male friend in his mid-teens. Up to that point he had considered himself heterosexual. However, this changed when he heard his male friend fart.

    Brad said it was “appealing in sound” and that he began fixating on it. He set up a bet with the wager being the right to fart in the loser’s face for a week. He continued to lose such bets once every few weeks for about two years.

    Apotemnophilia

    Apotemnophilia refers to being sexually aroused by the fantasy or reality of being an amputee.

    Some apotemnophiles may pretend to be amputees but, for a minority, the behaviour involves obsessive scheming to convince a surgeon to perform a medically unnecessary amputation.

    To most people, this might seem like a type of masochism, but case studies suggest that there is no erotisation of pain – only of the healed amputated stump.

    Salirophilia

    Salirophilia is sexual arousal from soiling or dishevelling someone attractive, which can include tearing or damaging the desired person’s clothing, covering them in mud or filth or messing up their hair or make-up.

    My 2019 case study involved Jeff*, a 58-year-old Australian heterosexual. Jeff recounted that when he was young he wanted to masturbate in strange places such as lying under a cabinet in a dirty garage.

    Jeff said that he engaged in solitary salirophilic practices regularly but very infrequently with female partners because it was difficult to find like-minded women.

    He was also a fan of the television show Fear Factor in which contestants perform revolting tasks for prize money, such as eating rotting food or being submerged in foul fluids. These were a source of sexual arousal for Jeff. He told me: “I just find the defilement of an attractive woman’s body erotic.”

    *The names of case study participants in this article have been changed.

    Dr. Mark Griffiths has received research funding from a wide range of organizations including the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Academy and the Responsibility in Gambling Trust. He has also carried out consultancy for numerous gambling companies in the area of player protection, social responsibility and responsible gaming.. Views expressed here are his own and not those of these funding bodies.

    – ref. I research sexual perversions and paraphilias – here’s what we’ve learned about them – https://theconversation.com/i-research-sexual-perversions-and-paraphilias-heres-what-weve-learned-about-them-238446

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: This Week in NJ – November 1st, 2024

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Launch New Jersey’s Commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

    At Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman launched New Jersey’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, kicking off a multi-year schedule of events and projects that will take place through the nation’s semiquincentennial. As a leader in education, technology, AI, film, science, and more, New Jersey will celebrate its revolutionary legacy and its critical role in American history.

    “New Jersey is not just home to revolutionary history—we are, to this day, the birthplace for revolutionary possibilities,” said Governor Murphy. “From our eclectic culinary landscape, to our leadership in emerging industries like clean-energy and generative Artificial Intelligence, to our steadfast reputation as one of the most diverse states in the nation, New Jersey is where the future is being built. As we launch New Jersey’s official Commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration—and prepare to welcome in visitors from across the globe—we are going to unite together around our core, American values every step of the way.” 

    “Our nation’s rich and diverse history has unfolded over the last 250 years,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “In my role as Secretary of State, I oversee the New Jersey Historical Commission, and I am thrilled to celebrate our country’s layered history—much of which has roots here in New Jersey. This shared legacy reflects our resilience and strength as united Americans, standing together through generations.” 

    “The Battle of Monmouth was a vital turning point to winning our nation’s independence nearly 250 years ago. So much of the story of our nation’s founding took place right here in New Jersey,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “As a member of the Semiquincentennial Commission, I’m so excited to help New Jersey show the rest of the country why we’re known as the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution.’”

    The launch event included musical accompaniments by the Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums; a posting and retirement of the colors by reenactors of the Continental Army; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ava Porta, a fifth grade student from Taylor Mills Elementary School in Manalapan; the National Anthem performed by Melissa Walker, an acclaimed jazz vocalist and recording artist from Montclair; and an essay read by Malay Gupta, an eighth grade student and first-place winner in America’s Field Trip scholastic contest at John Adams Middle School in Edison.

    READ MORE

    Governor Murphy Joins NJ TRANSIT to Showcase Brand New Multilevel Rail Cars

    Governor Phil Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett previewed the next generation of multilevel rail cars, modernizing the fleet which will significantly improve reliability, capacity and customer comfort. The latest generation of multilevel rail cars was unveiled at an event at NJ TRANSIT’s Meadows Maintenance Complex (MMC) in Kearny.

    “Providing modern, reliable equipment is a critical component to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, particularly with regard to public transit,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “These multilevel rail cars are equipped with innovative features that meet the everyday needs of our commuters. Upon their completion, these upgraded rail cars will expand access to reliable and comfortable transportation for NJ TRANSIT riders.”

    “NJ TRANSIT is committed to improving every aspect of the customer journey, and the 174 new multilevel rail cars will help achieve that by significantly improving reliability, increasing capacity and enhancing the onboard experience,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “NJ TRANSIT is grateful to Governor Murphy, the New jersey legislators and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for delivering the necessary funding to ensure our system continues to meet the growing demands of our region, and the expectations of our customers.” 

    Governor Murphy and Corbett previewed the first of 174 Multilevel III cars during an event at the agency’s MMC in Kearny. They highlighted many of the new car’s amenities, including USB charging ports and onboard information displays. The new cars, manufactured by Alstom Transportation in Plattsburgh, NY, will offer a range of benefits over the older, 40+ year-old single level cars they will replace, including dramatic improvement in mechanical reliability. The vehicle maximum speed will increase to 110 miles per hour. The cars, which will begin entering service mid-next year, will be compliant with the latest federal regulations, including Positive Train Control.

    READ MORE

    Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Discussion on Expanding Access to Public Contracting Opportunities for Historically Marginalized Businesses

    Governor Phil Murphy held a roundtable discussion where he met with legislators and stakeholders to gather input on potential legislative remedies and ongoing administrative initiatives to eliminate disparities in the public procurement process and create a more equitable business environment for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New Jersey.

    The discussion follows the release of a comprehensive statewide disparity study earlier this year – the first since 2005 – which reviewed statewide procurement data relating to goods and services, professional services, and construction between 2015 and 2020, and found statistically significant disparities in the awarding of public contracts to MWBEs. The study was necessary so that the State had a legal basis for addressing these gaps. This discussion also follows a series of meetings over the past months led by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Treasury with community partners, faith leaders, labor, and diverse business chambers across the state.

    “One of New Jersey’s best attributes has always been its vast diversity. Our state is home to people of so many different backgrounds, who all deserve the opportunity to succeed in their chosen field; however, lingering inequities continue to create barriers to entry for our minority and women-owned businesses that want to contract with our state government. This is unacceptable and, with the help of our lawmakers and business community, we will take action,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s meeting underscores our steadfast commitment to building a stronger, fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive New Jersey. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working with our partners in the Legislature and our state’s business community to create a system where all businesses can thrive.”

    READ MORE

    Governor Murphy Announces Creation of Economic Council

    Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order establishing a new Economic Council, which will be supported by a newly established Development Coordination Committee. Under the executive order, the Economic Council will provide a regular forum for the business community and state government to discuss, collaborate, and solve issues important to the public and private sectors, and stimulate economic growth and prosperity. The new Development Coordination Committee will support the Council’s work in advancing development projects that require multiple state, county and local government approvals. 

    “The Economic Council will ensure that we continue to have a healthy collaboration between the business community and the state government,” said Governor Murphy. “Deepening our Administration’s strong relationship with various sectors across our state will stimulate growth within our economy. I look forward to the forum for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving to advance our shared economic goals.” 

    Since the beginning of the Murphy Administration, state officials have worked with legislative partners and industry stakeholders on policies to improve the role and function of the government in facilitating economic development. Since 2018, New Jersey has seen small businesses increase by over 40,000 or 19%, despite the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Economic Council’s co-chairs will be Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth Eric Brophy and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Tim Sullivan. The co-chairs will designate representatives from industry to participate in working group discussions with the Council. Along with the co-chairs, the Council will also consist of the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel, Chief Policy Advisor, the State Treasurer; and the Executive Director of the Business Action Center, or their respective designees.

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    Governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, and Delaware Issue Joint Letter to Grid Operator PJM

    Governor Phil Murphy joined Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Delaware Governor John Carney in issuing a letter to PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for New Jersey and the aforementioned states. The governors have called on PJM to take urgent action to address the increasing cost of electricity bills after the record-high prices coming out of the region’s capacity auction.

    The letter addresses issues that impact the path to renewable energy goals, including market structure and the efficacy of the generator interconnection process. In the recent PJM capacity auction for the 2025/2026 Delivery Year, clearing prices surged to almost 10 times higher than the previous year, leaving residents and businesses with much higher bills. Serious flaws with the rules this auction contributed significantly to these unnecessarily high prices. 


    “PJM must take action now to address record high prices,” said Governor Murphy. “In New Jersey, we’re doing our part by bringing new resources to the market and making electricity more affordable for families and businesses as we look to a clean and resilient energy future. However, our grid operator must work in lockstep with the states and recognize that the market isn’t responding quickly enough due to current conditions of slow interconnection. I’m looking forward to working together to stop customers from facing unnecessarily high utility bills, along with facilitating the development of increased capacity and reliability, which will stimulate economic growth and limit the effects of climate change.”

    READ MORE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Insider Announces $500M Series E Led by General Atlantic to Accelerate AI Investments, Fuel U.S. Expansion, and Continue to Scale Global Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Insider, a leading AI-native omnichannel experience and customer engagement platform, today announced a $500 million Series E funding round led by General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor.

    Insider plans to further develop its next-generation marketing software offering and invest heavily in research and development, focusing on expanding and evolving its AI solutions. The company also intends to scale its talent base and geographic footprint, leveraging General Atlantic’s global platform. With an established market position in 28 countries across five continents, including North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America, Insider plans to increase its regional investments on the back of strong demand in the U.S. market, where it has achieved significant growth. Additionally, the company will use the funds to explore strategic M&A opportunities.

    As a leading enterprise marketing software provider, Insider enables marketers and customer experience teams to create highly personalized omnichannel experiences and manage customer engagement from a single platform. With an integrated CDP that vertically integrates data and marketing application layers to fuel marketing automation and personalized customer journey orchestration across 12+ natively-supported channels – including WhatsApp, SMS, Email, Web, App, Site Search, and more – Insider helps marketers to efficiently collect, analyze, and predictively use first-party data in real-time. As a result, brands can accelerate growth, realize higher marketing efficiency, and create more valuable customer relationships.

    Hande Cilingir, Co-Founder and CEO at Insider, said, “Our mission is to empower marketing and CX teams to deliver a holistic omnichannel experience and deepen customer engagement. Unlike traditional technology companies that focus on a single area or product, our approach has always been to build multiple best-in-breed and industry-leading products, bringing them together in one complete platform that outperforms single-point solutions. As a pioneer of predictive models in customer experience, this funding positions us to further build upon that foundation to disrupt the MarTech industry. We believe that our differentiators, especially AI-enabled tools, will set Insider apart as the preferred choice for marketing and customer experience teams, and we look forward to leveraging General Atlantic’s deep experience backing growth companies to drive the marketing technology shift.”

    “Many brands are eager to move away from traditional marketing clouds that limit their growth. We are on a mission to help as many users as possible transition from legacy marketing clouds to Insider. We have developed a white-glove migration blueprint designed to make the transition seamless. In the last year, 150 brands have successfully made the switch to Insider using our automatic migrator and pre-built integrations, and achieved up to 5X faster time to value compared to their previous vendor,” said Serhat Soyuerel, Co-Founder and CRO at Insider.

    Insider launched patent-pending Sirius AI™, a comprehensive solution for end-to-end omnichannel experience creation. The technology combines the transformative power of generative, conversational, and predictive AI.

    “This funding will help accelerate our ambitious product roadmap and grow our 350+ in-house engineering team. Over the next two years, we plan to focus on realizing our vision to build an end-to-end AI-native omnichannel experience and customer engagement platform that compounds promotional, transactional, and support capabilities into a seamless solution powered by an extensive set of channels. Harnessing Generative AI to make user interactions more conversational at every level, we plan to further invest in Sirius AI™ Co-Pilot, which guides teams at every stage of customer journey creation,” said Muharrem Derinkok, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Insider.

    Sascha Guenther, Managing Director and Head of DACH at General Atlantic, commented, “The MarTech industry is benefitting from a secular shift levered to ongoing tailwinds, including the proliferation of data traffic and channels, the growing importance of first-party data, and evolving customer expectations regarding personalized experiences across channels. Insider has successfully positioned itself as a leading and dynamic innovator in the B2B SaaS space and delivers tangible ROI to its customers. We believe the company is well placed to capture a greater share of the $15+ billion total addressable market, as businesses race to upgrade their marketing strategies around the world in need of higher marketing efficiency and effectiveness.”

    Alex Crisses, Managing Director, Enterprise Technology, and Global Head of New Investment Sourcing at General Atlantic, continued, “Insider has disrupted traditional marketing cloud operators in the enterprise space by offering a differentiated and well-integrated suite of next-gen products. Insider’s success lies in consistently delivering unmatched value to their customers. Few platforms are capable of achieving this, setting Insider apart. We believe Hande and her team are talented product visionaries and entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to help them scale further.”

    As part of the transaction, Sascha Guenther, Alex Crisses, and Christopher Apfel, Vice President at General Atlantic, will join the Insider Board of Directors.

    Insider is hiring across 28 regions. Explore open positions at useinsider.com/careers. For more information about Insider, visit https://useinsider.com/.

    About Insider

    Insider is a leading AI-native Omnichannel Experience and Customer Engagement Platform – enabling marketing and customer experience teams to deliver a unique experience per person, from a single platform. Insider’s integrated CDP vertically integrates data and marketing application layers to fuel marketing automation and personalized customer journey orchestration across 12+ natively-supported channels, like WhatsApp, SMS, Email, Web, App, Site Search, and more. Insider helps marketers to efficiently collect, analyze, and predictively use first-party data in real-time. As a result, brands accelerate growth, realize higher productivity, maximize marketing ROI, increase customer lifetime value, and create more valuable customer relationships.

    Insider powers omnichannel experiences and customer engagement for 1,500+ global customers across retail, automotive, travel, and telecommunications, including Nike, Samsung, L’Oreal, Unilever, Allianz, Walt Disney, ING Group, Toyota, Singapore Airlines, and GAP.

    Loved by customers and recognized by analysts, Insider is recognized as a leader in the areas marketing and CX teams care most about, including Cross-Channel Campaign Management, Personalization, and Customer Data Platforms, offering brands unrivaled product excellence within a single consolidated platform. Insider was named a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Personalization Engines 2021, the Forrester Wave for Cross-Channel Campaign Management 2021, and Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Omnichannel Marketing Platforms for B2C Enterprises 2023 Assessment. The company was recently recognized in The Top 1% of all software companies worldwide in G2’s 2024 Software Awards and named the #5 Best Software Product with the most #1 rankings alongside other software legends like Google, Zoom, and Monday.com. According to G2’s Fall’24 reports, Insider is also the #1 G2 Leader in 9+ categories, including Customer Data Platforms (CDP), Personalization Engines, Personalization Software, Mobile Marketing, Customer Journey Analytics, SMS Marketing, WhatsApp Marketing, eCommerce Search, and eCommerce Personalization, with a 4.8/5.0 ranking for 21+ consecutive quarters.

    Today, Insider has more than 1,100 team members representing 51 nationalities across 28 countries worldwide. The company is woman-founded, with 70% of top executive roles, including the CEO, CMO, CHRO, and CFO, being held by women. With initiatives such as 100 cities, 100 projects, Young Engineers Club, shecodes, and sheleads, Insider is committed to scaling its impact across its communities. For more information about Insider, please visit: https://useinsider.com.

    About General Atlantic

    General Atlantic is a leading global growth investor with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 520 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980, General Atlantic continues to be a dedicated partner to visionary founders and investors seeking to build dynamic businesses and create long-term value. Guided by the conviction that entrepreneurs can be incredible agents of transformational change, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with and scale innovative businesses around the world. The firm leverages its patient capital, operational expertise, and global platform to support a diversified investment platform spanning Growth Equity, Credit, Climate, and Sustainable Infrastructure strategies. General Atlantic manages approximately $97 billion in assets under management, inclusive of all strategies, as of October 1, 2024 (based on valuations as of June 30, 2024), with more than 900 professionals in 20 countries across five regions. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d23219b3-1e4a-4c8e-83dd-b8ad780dba13

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d23d86b-d14e-4ddb-bf67-0d0d4ab87b04

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26f93f38-9c6b-458a-8506-460a9a55e491

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Forum Draws Top Minds to Brainstorm Ways to Grow Connecticut’s Economy

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Scores of esteemed industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public officials came together at UConn Storrs recently to share ideas on combining their organizations’ energy and expertise to grow a robust, sustainable Connecticut economy.

    “UConn Forum: Economic Engine of a Thriving Connecticut” featured discussions on driving the state’s economy through several key growth areas including advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, fintech, biotech, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and other realms.

    Panelists and participants praised the Oct. 31 event as a unique opportunity to learn about innovations in various industry sectors and inspire ideas for collaboration, including by drawing on UConn expertise.

    With an annual impact of $8.5 billion on the state’s economy, UConn takes its responsibilities seriously to help drive Connecticut forward, President Radenka Maric told the crowd in welcoming remarks.

    That includes sharing its research expertise, helping foster startup businesses and technologies, ensuring its graduates are entrepreneurial and workforce ready, and doing all within its power to keep them in Connecticut to build their careers and lives.

    A common theme throughout the day’s discussions was Connecticut’s innovative spirit and enviable strengths, including a well-educated workforce, diverse population, strong schools, family-friendly quality of life, and innovation-oriented business ecosystem.

    Forum participants also agreed it’s a perfect time to accelerate the collaborations between industry and higher education – particularly as Connecticut is regaining population lost during the recession; has seen a noteworthy jump in business startups; and is developing new technologies in several fields.

    “What we’re seeing is that the trends have reversed in a pretty meaningful way. People are betting on Connecticut with both their wallets and their feet,” said keynote speaker Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

    He said the state had the 19th best-performing economy nationwide in the last two years. That’s a major turnaround from the 2000s-era recession in which Connecticut became one of only three states – including Wyoming and Mississippi – whose economies contracted and became smaller on an inflation-adjusted basis.

    As Connecticut’s manufacturing and national defense-related industries bounced back, so did the state – supplemented by growth in areas such as technology and software information, and other emerging industries such as those discussed at the UConn forum.

    “This is a state where innovation happens literally every day. You don’t hear about it as much as you do in places like Silicon Valley because the innovation is taking place not only in our startups, but also in our incredibly large companies,” O’Keefe said.

    Several new collaborations also have immense promise, such as the QuantumCT public-private partnership led by UConn and Yale.

    UConn President Radenka Maric hands a proclamation from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to Lee Langston, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering at UConn, during the “UConn Forum: Economic Engine of a Thriving Connecticut” event in the Rowe Commons ballroom on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    That initiative aims to win federal funding to transform Connecticut into the nation’s leading accelerator of quantum technologies. The proposal recently advanced to the competition’s next stage, and marks the first time that UConn and Yale have partnered on an initiative of this scope.

    That kind of collaborative thinking underscored most of the forum’s panels, in which the speakers discussed the importance of addressing society’s emerging needs for sustainable clean energy, effective and affordable pharma products, innovative use of AI, or other topics.

    The forum’s guests also gained inspiration from the entrepreneurial history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as shared by its chairman, Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS).

    Having endured generations of forced assimilation and poverty, its members survived economically by selling timber, maple syrup, and other goods until the tribe gained federal recognition in 1983, he said.

    With the ability to diversify into more lucrative areas, the tribe opened a high-stakes bingo hall in 1986 and, in 1992, it opened Foxwoods Resort Casino – now the world’s largest such gaming and entertainment venue.

    Today, the tribe’s annual economic impact in the state is about $1 billion, and it has expanded into the hospitality business, golf courses, real estate holdings, hotel and golf course development, a pharmaceutical network, sports betting, internet gaming, and other ventures.

    It’s a far cry from the early days of selling handmade baskets, picking berries, and hunting snakes to survive economically. The Pequot tribe and UConn have also partnered on several projects, including the development of its hydroponic Meechooôk Farm; research into responsible gaming; and various academic and cultural endeavors.

    “The reason we do all of it, and the reason we’re in this room, is to create a thriving and sustainable community,” Butler told the forum’s attendees. “Ours is at Mashantucket. In this room, it’s about Connecticut and dare I say, all of southern New England.”

    Also as part of the forum, Maric presented a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont to UConn Professor Emeritus Lee Langston ’60 (ENG), one of UConn’s most accomplished engineering innovators.

    His career included helping to develop the fuel cells that powered Apollo 11 to the moon. He also was part of a team that helped install the first solar panels at the White House during the Carter Administration, and pioneered gas turbine technologies now used worldwide, including at UConn’s Cogeneration (CoGen) Central Utility Plant.

    Langston joined UConn in 1977 as a mechanical engineering professor after more than a decade at Pratt & Whitney. He also served a year as the interim dean of the School of Engineering (now a college), later retiring from UConn in 2003 but remaining active as a professor emeritus.

    “His contributions to science and society are immeasurable,” Maric said in presenting the proclamation, adding that she first learned of his expertise in sustainable energy when she was studying for her Ph.D. in Japan.

    Maric said the legacy of innovators such as Langston, along with the vision of people at the economic development forum and throughout the state, will be key to its future.

    “We make the impossible possible in Connecticut. We are leaders and will continue to lead, and anyone who says we can’t do it in Connecticut will be proven wrong,” she said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As the stars of hip-hop’s golden age approach their golden years, some confront questions about whether old blood can make new music

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By A.D. Carson, Associate Professor of Hip-Hop, University of Virginia

    52-year-old rapper Common performs on Sept. 11, 2024, in Atlanta. Paras Griffin/Getty Images

    It’s always awkward telling people what I do for a living. I’m a rapper. I also work as a professor of hip-hop.

    I work at the intersection of artmaking and academic research. I write music as part of a greater effort to challenge antiquated ideas about learning, teaching and expertise.

    But I assume the awkwardness in conversations about work is related to stereotypes of hip-hop culture. Among many, one of those assumptions is that hip-hop is only made for and by young people.

    It’s no surprise that ageism exists in and about hip-hop culture; in the U.S., ageism is everywhere. But I would argue that ageism in hip-hop is especially strong because the first generation of rappers is only now reaching their golden years.

    New rap categories

    In August 2024, music producer 9th Wonder proposed a new “Adult Contemporary” category for rap music. A month prior, 52-year-old Common and 54-year-old producer Pete Rock had released “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.”

    In response to 9th Wonder, legendary hip-hop artist Q-Tip warned on the social platform X that hip-hop fans might be turned off by a category with “adult” in the name. He suggested “Traditional Hip-Hop” instead, arguing that the music should all appear in “one pot,” lest it turn off younger listeners.

    Whether it’s called Adult Contemporary or Traditional Hip-Hop, several hip-hop legends have recently released new music that could fit into this category. In July 2024, the legendary lyricist Rakim, who’s 56 years old, released “G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH),” his first album in 15 years. Two months later, 54-year-old MC Lyte released “1 of 1,” her ninth studio album, and 56-year-old LL Cool J released “The Force,” his 14th studio album and his first in 11 years.

    Growing pains

    Since hip-hop emerged as a cultural force more than 50 years ago, people still seem to pigeonhole rap as music made by and for young people.

    And it’s true that in hip-hop’s early days, teenagers were at the forefront of the fledgling movement.

    A 1973 back-to-school party organized by a 15-year-old girl from the Bronx named Cindy Campbell is often credited with birthing hip-hop. Grand Wizzard Theodore was just 12 years old when he invented record scratching in 1977. The hip-hop careers of artists like Roxanne Shanté, Run-DMC and Ice Cube all began when they were teens.

    Being closely intertwined with the perception of youth culture isn’t necessarily a good thing. It can compel critics to treat the music and its practitioners less seriously.

    Rappers, no matter their age, can be dismissed or treated as childish or immature.

    Call it growing pains: Unlike, say, classical or country, 50 years is a blip in the history of music. And for much of that time, critics regarded hip-hop as a passing fad. Then it was seen as an emergent subculture.

    It’s only been a category at the Grammys since 1989, and only recently has it been recognized as a commercial and cultural force with a global reach.

    Nowadays, equating hip-hop with youth culture confines it to an arena it has long outgrown.

    Imposter syndrome grows

    Nonetheless, as rappers age, some can seem uncomfortable about participating in a form that can be so easily dismissed.

    In 2015, filmmaker Paul Iannacchino Jr. released a documentary, “Adult Rappers,” about working-class rap artists.

    All the people interviewed for the film rap professionally but aren’t famous. They are mostly men. Most of them admit that they sidestep questions about what they do for a living. One unshakable takeaway is the embarrassment about their age.

    Even famous rappers aren’t immune to this feeling. Before his move to instrumental flute music, André 3000, one of the greatest rappers of all time, lamented becoming the old rapper still making music beyond his prime.

    “I remember, at like 25, saying, ‘I don’t want to be a 40-year-old rapper,’” he told The New York Times in 2014. “I’m 39 now, and I’m still standing by that. I’m such a fan that I don’t want to infiltrate it with old blood.”

    André 3000 has been a gifted lyricist for decades, and remains so. If he feels this way, I can imagine that many other artists might feel that, at a certain age, they don’t belong to the culture anymore.

    Or the culture no longer belongs to them.

    Andre 3000, who’s 49 years old, has worried that his ‘old blood’ wouldn’t jibe with rap culture.
    Per Ole Hagen/Redferns via Getty Images

    Forever young?

    Despite the fact that audiences have aged alongside the artists, it can still feel like there’s pressure to stay tapped in to youth culture, lest they create music that, to quote André 3000 more recently, lacks “fresh ingredients.”

    This might encourage some aging artists to attempt to maintain a youthful sheen that will resonate with young audiences. Think of it as a pop culture version of Oscar Wilde’s novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

    In the novel, a man sells his soul for youth. Rather than physically aging, a painting of him ages instead, taking on the physical signs of his transgressions and pleasures.

    It’s still easy to think of hip-hop as confined to a frame that bears all the marks of youthful longings, rebellion and sins: juvenile vitality, sprightly beauty and vigorous hedonism.

    The expectations lead audiences to assume all artists have similar youthful aims and concerns. They can also lead artists to perform like they’re young and write about the concerns they had as youngsters, despite their respective ages. The hip-hop artists who can’t or choose not to pretend to be “forever young” are expected to “evolve” into moguls, actors, podcasters or reality TV personalities.

    Of course, those assumptions only end up limiting what artists of all ages can accomplish.

    Rappers at whatever level of celebrity you observe, famous and not famous, continue to create while embracing the inevitability of age. Nas, whose debut album, “Illmatic,” was released in 1994, has had an outstanding run of albums in the 2020s.

    Jay-Z’s “4:44” showcased the rapper’s changing sensibilities that have seemingly evolved as he has aged.

    North Carolina duo Little Brother’s entire catalog displays awareness of the absurdity of avoiding adulthood – outstandingly so, I might add, on their 2019 album, “May the Lord Watch.”

    Even emerging rappers like Conway the Machine and 7xvethegenius seem to be able to balance burgeoning careers without caving to youth-obsessed pretenses.

    Creating new, cleverly named musical categories to sidestep biases against aging probably won’t solve the issue. In hip-hop, as in so many American industries, ageism isn’t going away.

    For that reason, my embrace of being an adult rapper will probably continue to make for awkward introductions.

    But I’d rather have that conversation than pretend I’m something I’m not.

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

    – ref. As the stars of hip-hop’s golden age approach their golden years, some confront questions about whether old blood can make new music – https://theconversation.com/as-the-stars-of-hip-hops-golden-age-approach-their-golden-years-some-confront-questions-about-whether-old-blood-can-make-new-music-240077

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Family Hubs Terrific Tuesdays launch at the Potteries Centre

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 4th November 2024

    Remember, remember the fifth of November… the date free Family Hubs Terrific Tuesdays launch at the Potteries Centre.

    The groups, run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Family Hubs team, will start on Tuesday 5 November in the Community Room on the lower mall of the Potteries Centre, Hanley, ST1 1PP.

    Family Hubs offer bespoke advice and guidance to local communities, empowering families and offering opportunities for fun, education and support where needed.

    They are running as part of a project being delivered with over £3.5 million of Government funding. Family Hubs are also an important part of the city council’s Family Matters programme, which provides families in the city with all the tips, advice and opportunities they need to thrive.

    Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We want our Family Hubs programme to be easily accessible for families across the city. These new groups really support that aim as well as driving footfall into the city centre, supporting the local economy and businesses.

    “Family Hubs are a really important part of our Family Matters programme, which is already helping to reduce the number of children in care after just nine months. Extra groups running from the Potteries Centre mean that more people can tap into the advice, guidance and fun on offer and have access to a wider range of services and activities.”

    The new sessions build on the recent launch of Chell Heath Family Hub, which officially launched on Thursday 24 October, at the site of the former Stoke North Children’s Centre, Bishop Road, Chell Heath.

    All of the groups running from the Potteries Centre are free to join and there is no need for residents to book. Sessions include:

    • Sensory fun for Babies, 9.30am – 11am
      A gentle, fun session with lights, music and learning through sensory experiences for babies 0 to 12 months.
    • Playful Parenting, 1pm – 2.30pm
      Bring your toddler along for some fun play. Learn about how you can support your child through play, create the best home learning environment and provide a strong base for future learning. For toddlers 1 – 4 years.
    • Make and take, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
      Have some crafty fun and make something to take home and treasure. For children aged 4 – 11 years. 

    Family Hubs are currently open in Tunstall, Normacot, Bentilee, Chell Heath and Shelton with other sites currently being developed. For 24/7 access to services, or for families that prefer to access online, the city council’s Digital Family Hub is available at https://familyhub.stoke.gov.uk/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sheffield kids perform opera production with ensemble of city’s elite musicians Sheffield’s Music in the Round gathered the very best musical talent from across the city to take part in a production of Monster in the Maze, this weekend.  04 November 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield’s Music in the Round gathered the very best musical talent from across the city to take part in a production of Monster in the Maze, this weekend. 

    Music in the Round is the leading national producer of chamber music, with a year-round programme of hundreds of events for people of all ages. 

    Since 1984 they have been bringing people and music closer together through their friendly and informative style of ‘in the round’ performances. 

    This year, the Sheffield-based organisation turns 40, and to celebrate they brought together around 200 musicians from across the city to perform in a very special production of The Monster in the Maze. 

    Sheffield Music Hub – part of Sheffield City Council – were invited to be part of the production meaning children from all corners the city were given the opportunity to perform in the opera production alongside some of the city’s elite performers.

    Find out more about the show, Music in the Round, and those involved, on the Music in the Round website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t miss the Christmas Cracker on Sunday 17 November

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Thousands of people are expected at the St Albans Christmas Cracker – a free family-friendly event that kicks off the festive season.

    The annual street festival takes place in the City Centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday 17 November with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic to create a safe and vibrant atmosphere.

    Among the attractions will be live music, fairground rides, a Santa’s grotto, street entertainers and around 100 market stalls selling hot food, drinks and seasonal gifts.

    Much of the family-friendly entertainment will be free with something to suit people of all ages and abilities.

    Festive decorations and installations will be illuminated throughout the event and there will also guest appearances from some of this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella.

    The Christmas Cracker is organised by St Albans City and District Council, sponsored by St Albans City Centre BID and part-funded by the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Attractions include:

    The Main Stage: situated near the taxi rank, there will be live music and other entertainment throughout.

    Rising Stars Performance Space: located by the Anthropologie shop, there will be music from young performers from across the District.

    Santa’s Grotto: situated by the Alban Arena and run by the St Albans Rotary Club.

    Create and Play Zones: free interactive festive activities for all at locations across the site, including festive decoration making, a football shoot-out and traditional wooden games.

    Market Traders: around 100 stalls selling a vast range of novelty gifts, seasonal produce and mouth-watering street food.

    Street Performers: walkabout entertainment and street theatre including a stilt-walking Christmas trees and elves riding around on reindeer.éé

    British Sign Language Interpreters will be available at the activities throughout the day. 

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Events, said:

    I am thrilled at the prospect of another St Albans Christmas Cracker.

    This is a fantastic way to get the District’s festive season underway and always attracts thousands of people to the City Centre.

    I urge our residents not to miss out on the fun as there is great entertainment, much of it free, for people of all ages.

    The event also provides a boost to the local economy by bringing many extra visitors to the City Centre where they will use our shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as the market stalls.

    Vivien Cannon, Manager of St Albans City Centre BID, said:

    Everything has been laid on for the whole community to come along and help launch the start of this wonderful Christmas season. 

    Our City Centre businesses invest in the City through sponsorship of the event. Everyone wants to make sure visitors enjoy browsing around the stalls and enjoy the festive entertainments. Most of all, our businesses send Christmas Greetings and the message to continue to shop locally this Christmas.

    Charter Market

    Another highlight of the festive season will be the additional December dates for the twice-weekly Charter Market.

    The Market will take place every Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm, in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day as well as the usual Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    There will be an extra day’s trading, too, on Tuesday 24 December.

    Pantomime

    Cinderella starts at the Alban Arena on Thursday 12 December and runs until Sunday 12 January

    Its stars include EastEnder Samantha Womack, comics Bob Goulding and Ian Kirkby, and Union J singer George Shelley. Tickets are available to book here. 

    Pictures: top, scene from the 2023 event; bottom, Cinderella at the Alban Arena.

    Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada invests in the well-being of Veterans and their families

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Veterans have served our country with pride. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting them. As we approach Veterans’ Week, from November 5-11, communities across the country come together to recognize, remember and honour Canada’s Veterans, their families, and their service to our country.

    In Moncton today, Minister Petitpas Taylor was joined by Veterans, serving members and their families to announce an investment of up to $11.4 million to support the work of Veteran serving organizations across the country. Part of this funding, $500,000, will support a new project led by Sistema New Brunswick at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. Additional projects will be announced over the coming months.

    The one-of-a-kind project is designed to support the children of Veterans and military families by teaching them to play instruments used in traditional military bands. Children and youth will participate in a daily program that teaches them how to play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

    Between 2018 and 2023, the Government of Canada has invested $42.6M in 123 initiatives that support the work of Veterans organizations across Canada. 

    Quotes

    “When Canadians serve our country, their families serve with them. Sistema New Brunswick inspires thousands of children each year. Through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund, we’re expanding their reach with a new program that will benefit the children of military families and Veterans. Across the country, our Government is supporting projects like this one, which make a real difference for Veterans and their families.”

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence 

    “We are deeply grateful for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ generous support, which enables Sistema New Brunswick to expand and serve the children of Veterans and military families. Through high-quality music education and a welcoming community, this initiative will offer young musicians a space to build resilience, find belonging, and foster a love for music and learning—values that reflect New Brunswick’s military community. This vital support is the next step toward our goal of inspiring ‘10,000 children’ across the province to reach their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music.”

    Kenn Mainville, President and CEO, New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Sistema New Brunswick

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2024 provided an additional $6 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to Veterans Affairs Canada for the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund (VFWF). A portion of the funding will focus on projects for Indigenous, women, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.

    • The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund supports research projects and innovative initiatives tailored to improving the well-being of Veterans and their families.

    • Sistema New Brunswick will receive $500,000 to launch a new program at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. Sistema New Brunswick’s program, Sistema NB-5CDSB, will be one-of-a-kind in Canada, designed to support the children of military families teaching them to play instruments used in traditional military bands.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Veterans Affairs Canada
    613-992-7468
    media@veterans.gc.ca

    Isabelle Arseneau
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
    Isabelle.arseneau@veterans.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections: Swapo might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Henning Melber, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria

    The former liberation movement South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) has been in firm political control of Namibia since independence in 1990.

    Support for the party in the national assembly and presidential elections reached a high point in November 2014. The 2019 elections marked a turning point, however: Swapo lost its two-thirds-majority in parliament. President Hage Geingob was re-elected with the worst result yet – 56% – from 87% in 2014. This reflected disappointment over the unfulfilled promises he had made. Votes shifted to his Swapo comrade Panduleni Itula. After being expelled from the party in 2020, Itula founded the Independent Patriots for Change.

    Itula, contesting as an “independent candidate” without party nomination, managed to snatch 30% of the votes from Geingob. Swapo’s downward trend was confirmed by a dramatic decline in support in the 2020 regional and local elections.

    Despite these shifting grounds, democracy stood the test of time. The smooth transition following the death of Geingob in February 2024 was a sign of political stability. Previous vice-president Nangolo Mbumba became interim president.

    But Swapo faces a new quality of opposition.

    I have followed and analysed policy in Namibia since independence. In my view, the national assembly and presidential elections of 27 November 2024 signify a new political scenario. For the first time a clear victory for Swapo seems less certain.

    Swapo

    The Swapo election manifesto pays tribute to Geingob. But it doesn’t mention his Harambee Prosperity Plan. Nor does it feature his metaphor of the “Namibian house”, in which nobody is left behind.

    This signifies an abrupt closing of a chapter. Mbumba declared himself a caretaker, not interested in the position for a long term. He therefore does not feature prominently in the election manifesto.

    As decided by the party congress in December 2023 the Swapo presidential candidate is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also known as “NNN”. Born in 1952, she was a Swapo Youth League activist from her school days and joined Swapo in exile in the mid-1970s. As a liberation struggle veteran she became part of the party leadership and has been a cabinet member since independence.

    Nandi-Ndaitwah would be the first female Namibian head of state if elected. But she faces strong competition from Itula.

    Namibia’s president is directly elected by a 50% + 1 vote from the electorate. There are several presidential candidates nominated by parties with notable followings. This raises the possibility of no candidate achieving an absolute majority in the first round, for the first time. There would then be a second-round presidential election between the two candidates with most votes.

    While not yet in parliament, Itula’s party, Independent Patriots for Change, made inroads in the 2020 regional and local government elections. In 2019, the Popular Democratic Movement won 16 out of the 96 parliamentary seats, becoming the official opposition. The newcomer Landless People’s Movement won four seats, making it the third strongest party.

    Despite all these recent gradual shifts, hopes for visible transformation were largely unfulfilled. Namibian politics remained business as usual. As Rui Tyitende, a political scientist at the University of Namibia, recently wrote:

    Namibia’s opposition parties are marred by political promiscuity, factionalism, internal conflicts and a perennial struggle for power … Even though Swapo is dysfunctional, the opposition needs to earn the right to govern.

    The manifestos

    This year’s election campaigns started much earlier than usual, testifying to new dynamics. While often lacking substance beyond personalised insults, electioneering remained peaceful. Notably, since independence, Namibia has not recorded a single politically motivated killing.

    Despite early campaigning, party manifestos were released only from mid-September. These kept the media watching out for often dubious promises. Swapo wants to allocate about N$85.7 billion (U$4.9 billion) over five years for mass employment. It does not explain where the funds will come from. But it projects this will create 256,538 jobs.

    The other parties’ manifestos make similarly unrealistic promises. The Independent Patriots for Change and the Popular Democratic Movement promise drastic reduction of poverty, unemployment and informal settlements.

    The Landless People’s Movement claims to be Marxist, but includes a commitment to promoting a free market economy, and investment by multinationals. It also wants to send the first Namibian satellite into space.

    Arguably, election manifestos have no serious impact on voting behaviour. For example, among the older generation, political party loyalties remain influenced to some extent by the liberation struggle history, and regional and ethnic identities.

    In contrast, Namibians who were born after independence make up more than half of the country’s three million people, with an average age of 21 years. Many of the younger electorate live in urban areas, and have become an increasingly decisive factor. For them, the anti-colonial struggle and ethnicity provide little influence. This might be a factor in voting behaviour.

    It seems that Swapo continues to attract the biggest crowds at rallies. However, it remains a matter of speculation if this signals huge electoral support, or is due to the entertainment by popular artists. Entertainment has always played a role in Namibian elections.

    Free T-shirts, food and drinks are also incentives for people attending rallies, many of whom are not yet of voting age. While facing financial constraints, Swapo still has the most funds and donors. Another advantage is that it has a functioning operational structure throughout the country, with a regional and local presence of activists.

    Something new or more of the same?

    Swapo has comparative advantages but there is growing frustration among voters. Its dominance since independence has resulted in a form of democratic authoritarianism or authoritarian democracy. But voter support has still declined.

    Similarly authoritarian leadership in the opposition parties and factional in-fighting provide no hope of alternative policies or political culture. Their political coalitions ended in disarray. This might come to Swapo’s rescue.

    An unlikely but possible scenario would be an elected president coming from outside Swapo, while Swapo dominates the national assembly. The head of state has far-reaching executive powers. But he or she would then have to work with ministers and deputy ministers drawn from a parliament dominated by Swapo.

    Such a constellation would complicate governance. It risks making a non-Swapo president a lame duck. It would be the biggest test for Namibia’s constitutional democracy and rule of law since independence.

    As South Africa’s case shows, a former liberation movement can still have a future despite losing its outright majority.

    Swapo could get beyond the nostalgic liberation struggle mindset and reinvent itself as a modern political party. This could – as happened in South Africa – pave the way to enter coalition politics in the best interest of the people.

    – Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections: Swapo might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990
    – https://theconversation.com/namibias-game-changing-2024-elections-swapo-might-face-defeat-for-the-first-time-since-independence-in-1990-241723

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections: Swapo might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Henning Melber, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria

    The former liberation movement South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) has been in firm political control of Namibia since independence in 1990.

    Support for the party in the national assembly and presidential elections reached a high point in November 2014. The 2019 elections marked a turning point, however: Swapo lost its two-thirds-majority in parliament. President Hage Geingob was re-elected with the worst result yet – 56% – from 87% in 2014. This reflected disappointment over the unfulfilled promises he had made. Votes shifted to his Swapo comrade Panduleni Itula. After being expelled from the party in 2020, Itula founded the Independent Patriots for Change.

    Itula, contesting as an “independent candidate” without party nomination, managed to snatch 30% of the votes from Geingob. Swapo’s downward trend was confirmed by a dramatic decline in support in the 2020 regional and local elections.

    Despite these shifting grounds, democracy stood the test of time. The smooth transition following the death of Geingob in February 2024 was a sign of political stability. Previous vice-president Nangolo Mbumba became interim president.

    But Swapo faces a new quality of opposition.

    I have followed and analysed policy in Namibia since independence. In my view, the national assembly and presidential elections of 27 November 2024 signify a new political scenario. For the first time a clear victory for Swapo seems less certain.

    Swapo

    The Swapo election manifesto pays tribute to Geingob. But it doesn’t mention his Harambee Prosperity Plan. Nor does it feature his metaphor of the “Namibian house”, in which nobody is left behind.

    This signifies an abrupt closing of a chapter. Mbumba declared himself a caretaker, not interested in the position for a long term. He therefore does not feature prominently in the election manifesto.

    As decided by the party congress in December 2023 the Swapo presidential candidate is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also known as “NNN”. Born in 1952, she was a Swapo Youth League activist from her school days and joined Swapo in exile in the mid-1970s. As a liberation struggle veteran she became part of the party leadership and has been a cabinet member since independence.

    Nandi-Ndaitwah would be the first female Namibian head of state if elected. But she faces strong competition from Itula.

    Namibia’s president is directly elected by a 50% + 1 vote from the electorate. There are several presidential candidates nominated by parties with notable followings. This raises the possibility of no candidate achieving an absolute majority in the first round, for the first time. There would then be a second-round presidential election between the two candidates with most votes.

    While not yet in parliament, Itula’s party, Independent Patriots for Change, made inroads in the 2020 regional and local government elections. In 2019, the Popular Democratic Movement won 16 out of the 96 parliamentary seats, becoming the official opposition. The newcomer Landless People’s Movement won four seats, making it the third strongest party.

    Despite all these recent gradual shifts, hopes for visible transformation were largely unfulfilled. Namibian politics remained business as usual. As Rui Tyitende, a political scientist at the University of Namibia, recently wrote:

    Namibia’s opposition parties are marred by political promiscuity, factionalism, internal conflicts and a perennial struggle for power … Even though Swapo is dysfunctional, the opposition needs to earn the right to govern.

    The manifestos

    This year’s election campaigns started much earlier than usual, testifying to new dynamics. While often lacking substance beyond personalised insults, electioneering remained peaceful. Notably, since independence, Namibia has not recorded a single politically motivated killing.

    Despite early campaigning, party manifestos were released only from mid-September. These kept the media watching out for often dubious promises. Swapo wants to allocate about N$85.7 billion (U$4.9 billion) over five years for mass employment. It does not explain where the funds will come from. But it projects this will create 256,538 jobs.

    The other parties’ manifestos make similarly unrealistic promises. The Independent Patriots for Change and
    the Popular Democratic Movement promise drastic reduction of poverty, unemployment and informal settlements.

    The Landless People’s Movement claims to be Marxist, but includes a commitment to promoting a free market economy, and investment by multinationals. It also wants to send the first Namibian satellite into space.

    Arguably, election manifestos have no serious impact on voting behaviour. For example, among the older generation, political party loyalties remain influenced to some extent by the liberation struggle history, and regional and ethnic identities.

    In contrast, Namibians who were born after independence make up more than half of the country’s three million people, with an average age of 21 years. Many of the younger electorate live in urban areas, and have become an increasingly decisive factor. For them, the anti-colonial struggle and ethnicity provide little influence. This might be a factor in voting behaviour.

    It seems that Swapo continues to attract the biggest crowds at rallies. However, it remains a matter of speculation if this signals huge electoral support, or is due to the entertainment by popular artists. Entertainment has always played a role in Namibian elections.

    Free T-shirts, food and drinks are also incentives for people attending rallies, many of whom are not yet of voting age. While facing financial constraints, Swapo still has the most funds and donors. Another advantage is that it has a functioning operational structure throughout the country, with a regional and local presence of activists.

    Something new or more of the same?

    Swapo has comparative advantages but there is growing frustration among voters. Its dominance since independence has resulted in a form of democratic authoritarianism or authoritarian democracy. But voter support has still declined.

    Similarly authoritarian leadership in the opposition parties and factional in-fighting provide no hope of alternative policies or political culture. Their political coalitions ended in disarray. This might come to Swapo’s rescue.

    An unlikely but possible scenario would be an elected president coming from outside Swapo, while Swapo dominates the national assembly. The head of state has far-reaching executive powers. But he or she would then have to work with ministers and deputy ministers drawn from a parliament dominated by Swapo.

    Such a constellation would complicate governance. It risks making a non-Swapo president a lame duck. It would be the biggest test for Namibia’s constitutional democracy and rule of law since independence.

    As South Africa’s case shows, a former liberation movement can still have a future despite losing its outright majority.

    Swapo could get beyond the nostalgic liberation struggle mindset and reinvent itself as a modern political party. This could – as happened in South Africa – pave the way to enter coalition politics in the best interest of the people.

    Henning Melber is a member of Swapo since 1974.

    – ref. Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections: Swapo might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990 – https://theconversation.com/namibias-game-changing-2024-elections-swapo-might-face-defeat-for-the-first-time-since-independence-in-1990-241723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Country sensation Claudia Buckley comes to the Alley Theatre

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Country sensation Claudia Buckley comes to the Alley Theatre

    4 November 2024

    The Alley Theatre is set to give country sensation, Claudia Buckley a very warm welcome on Thursday 7th November.  Joining Claudia will be special guests Hugo Duncan and Shunie Crampsey

    In two short years, Claudia Buckley has succeeded in establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most popular Country Music singers having had six Number One singles in the Country Charts in Ireland, and her recent self-penned single ‘Honey Bee’ made the top 10 in the Irish Pop Charts. Recently Claudia secured the title of ‘Female Vocalist of the Year for 2024’ at the Hot Country Music Awards, she is one of the youngest ever recipients of this special recognition.

    The Athenry native, who is the daughter of country superstar Jimmy Buckley, is thankful for the passion she has for her craft and feels totally blessed to have landed this opportunity to not only record, but also perform live to audiences.

    In 2019 a lifelong ambition was realised when she co-presented her own TV Show with her dad Jimmy Buckley on The Spotlight Satellite Channel.  In the last year Claudia has performed on some of Ireland’s top TV shows including The Late Late Show, The Six O’ Clock Show, Up for the Match and BBC’s Keepin Er’ Country. 

    Claudia is currently working on her second studio album and cannot wait to embark on her tour all over Ireland and the UK to showcase some of her hits such as ‘Drinking with Dolly’, ‘Diane’ and some old favourites that she hopes everyone will love. 

    A night of toe-tapping country is guaranteed at the Strabane venue. Tickets are £25 and available on the Alley website www.alley-theatre.com or call 028 71 384444.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: easyJet launch first flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh from City of Derry Airport

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    easyJet launch first flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh from City of Derry Airport

    4 November 2024

    easyJet, Northern Ireland’s largest airline, has this week launched the first flights on two new domestic routes from City of Derry Airport to Liverpool and Edinburgh.

    The new twice-weekly services – providing customers in Northern Ireland even more convenient connections across the UK – took off for the first time today with both routes operating every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

    To mark the occasion, the Airport surprised the inaugural departure and arrival passengers with an easyJet orange celebration where they were treated to complimentary drinks, refreshments and giveaways before setting off.

    Special guests, the Mayor Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Chief Executive at Visit Derry, Odhran Dunne, President of Derry Chamber of Commerce, Greg McCann, President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, James Kilgore, and Chief Executive of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Toni Forrester, joined the celebrations.

    The new routes provide stronger domestic connectivity and serve increasing demand for flights between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK.

    Both Edinburgh and Liverpool are known for their rich history and wide range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theatres, and music venues. Edinburgh is famous for its festivals, while Liverpool is known for its music scene, particularly The Beatles.

    Whether customers are looking for a city break, to visit friends and family, need a convenient business connection, or are connecting to onward destinations across Europe and beyond, easyJet offers great value fares and flights for business and leisure travellers alike.

    Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:

    “We are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of our year-round operations from City of Derry Airport to Liverpool and Edinburgh today, and to be providing even more choice for our business and leisure customers alike.

    “We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland offering great value fares and convenient connections for our customers here as, well as those across the UK looking to explore the fantastic experiences Northern Ireland has to offer.”

    Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport stated:

    “This is a special day for City of Derry Airport as easyJet takes off from the Northwest for the first time. This is a day that should be celebrated for the entire Northwest region. easyJet brings an undeniable level of brand credibility, customer confidence, not to mention great value fares for travellers across our catchment area.

    “We are very pleased for the return of connectivity to Edinburgh and Liverpool for our local region as year-round services to these destinations have been in demand from both corporate and leisure travellers for some time, and the flight schedule for Monday’s and Friday’s offers ideal timings for business travel during the week and weekend breaks for the leisure market.

    “The launch of easyJet services will be an additional economic driver for business investment in the Northwest and inbound travel and tourism, we are proud to be able to help grow and develop these sectors in our local area.”

    easyJet is the largest airline in Northern Ireland, offering over 45 routes across Europe and North Africa.

    Great value seats are available to book from £14.99* on easyJet.com and via the mobile app. To discover more about easyJet’s Northern Ireland network and to book, visit easyJet.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin Pens MSNBC Op-ed: “Trump calls himself a ‘political prisoner.’ That’s an insult to these real heroes.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    “Regardless of your political affiliation, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to rebrand himself insults the sacrifices of the many actual prisoners still suffering around the world,” wrote Chair Cardin.

    WASHINGTON – Today, MSNBC published an opinion piece by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, challenging former President Donald Trump’s self-characterization as a “political prisoner.” In his op-ed, Chair Cardin contrasts the former president’s false claim with the profound sacrifices of true political prisoners around the world – courageous individuals who have risked everything, facing torture, imprisonment, and even death, in their fight for freedom and justice.

    “Regardless of your political affiliation or partisan allegiance, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to brand himself a political prisoner in order to fuel his campaign war chest insults the sacrifices of the very real political prisoners who have suffered and continued to suffer around the world,” wrote Chair Cardin in his MSNBC op-ed. “As America votes on Election Day, let’s remember those who have actually given up their freedom and even their lives for democracy and the protection of human rights — because they think those fundamental principles are still worth fighting for.”

    CLICK HERE to read Chair Cardin’s MSNBC op-ed.

    The text of the Chair’s op-ed has been provided below:

    Over the summer, minutes after Donald Trump became the first former president in American history to be convicted of felony crimes, his campaign began fundraising. Emails flooded supporters’ inboxes with the words “I’M A POLITICAL PRISONER” and Trump’s picture. “Your support is the only thing standing between us and total tyranny,” the appeals declared.

    Throughout my career, and especially as chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’ve encountered numerous political prisoners and their families. I’ve embraced the spouses and partners of individuals imprisoned for speaking truth to power. I’ve stood beside the loved ones of journalists and opposition leaders, demanding their immediate release. I’ve mourned the deaths of these courageous individuals, whose lives were cut short by authoritarians who saw their dissent as a direct challenge to their rule. 

    Let me be clear: Donald Trump is no political prisoner. However, Narges Mohammadi is.

    Since 1998, Mohammadi — an Iranian human rights lawyer and activist — has faced relentless persecution at the hands of a misogynist Islamic Republic of Iran for her unwavering commitment to Iranians’ human rights. Her activism has led to repeated incarcerations, with her most recent sentences totaling almost 14 years in Tehran’s Evin prison, accompanied by more than 150 lashes. Last month, it was reported that she has once again been sentenced to additional prison time, the latest in a string of sentence extensions, and the Iranian regime continues to deny her critical medical care despite her deteriorating health.

    Despite countless arrests and threats to her family, Mohammadi remains resolute in her campaign against mandatory hijab laws and the broader repression of all human rights, but especially the rights of women and girls. Around the world, her defiance stands as a powerful testament to resistance.

    Last year, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her human rights work. Her teenage children accepted the award on her behalf and read aloud her speech, which had been smuggled out of her prison cell.

    “I write this message from behind the high, cold walls of a prison. The Iranian people, with perseverance, will overcome repression and authoritarianism,” she declared.

    Her plight underscores the growing attempts by authoritarian regimes to stifle dissent and crush fundamental freedoms. Political prisoners like her endure torture, inhumane living conditions, forced disappearances and unimaginable forms of abuse. Despite these harrowing challenges, their courage is profoundly inspiring. It is a level of bravery that Trump can scarcely imagine as he relaxes amid his Mara-a-Lago comforts.

    Make no mistake: Trump has never had to fight for his survival. But columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Vladimir Kara-Murza has.

    Kara-Murza is a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin who has condemned the dismantling of democratic institutions in Russia and the state-sponsored violence against political opposition and independent voices. Following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, he was one of the most prominent figures to denounce the annexation of Crimea and the Kremlin’s support for separatist forces.

    His columns, rich in intellectual rigor and emotional depth, painted an unflinching portrait of Russia’s descent into authoritarianism. His public defiance against Putin, rare in Russia, showcased his staunch commitment to political reform, press freedom and civil rights.

    Hours after an American television appearance where he was critical of Putin’s leadership, Kara-Murza was arrested for “spreading false information,” labeled a “foreign agent” and sentenced by Russia’s flawed judiciary to 25 years in Siberian penal colonies. His detention in these notorious prisons underscores the fear he instilled in Putin and his cronies.

    Until recently, when he was released in a historic prisoner exchange, Kara-Murza was one of an estimated 1 million political prisoners worldwide who have been unjustly imprisoned for defending human rights, advocating for religious freedom, fighting corruption and exposing the dangerous acts of tyrants. These actual political prisoners have endured profound personal and familial upheaval, resulting in irrevocable changes to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

    That is not what happened to Trump, who was convicted by a free, fair and legitimate judicial process on 34 felony charges. Real political prisoners, like Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez — unjustly incarcerated for more than 500 days and facing a 26-year sentence — often don’t get the luxury of fair trial and may be forced to live in exile, never to return to their homes.

    Álvarez is a fierce critic of Nicaragua’s government and has forcefully spoken out against President Daniel Ortega’s totalitarian regime and its ongoing persecution of the Catholic Church. On Aug. 4, 2022, authorities blocked Álvarez from leaving his residence to lead mass at the local cathedral. Álvarez had been a vocal critic of the government’s shutdown of Catholic radio stations and cruel human rights abuses as tensions deepened over the church’s support for anti-government protests that broke out in 2018 following social security changes. Consequently, he was placed under house arrest and investigated on allegations of “organizing violent groups” and inciting “acts of hate against the population.”

    While detained, Álvarez shared a powerful message of love with the world, asserting “we must respond to hate with love, to despair with hope, and to fear with the strength and courage granted to us by the glorious and resurrected Christ.” Earlier this year, the imprisoned bishop was finally released and expelled from the country along with 18 other clergy members. They now live in exile in Vatican City.

    These courageous people merit our sincere respect, collective attention and deepest empathy. Think of Buzurgmehr Yorov, a Tajik human rights lawyer renowned for defending the politically persecuted, who recently saw his 28-year prison term extended by 10 years on dubious fraud charges. Or Dr. Gulshan Abbas, a retired physician and ethnic Uyghur, sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese authorities on baseless charges. Reflect on Maykel Castillo Pérez, also known as “Osorbo,” a prominent Cuban musician and human rights advocate, who was arrested by security forces and remains behind bars after his song “Patria y Vida” become a national anthem for protest against the Cuban government.

    These are the true faces of resolve and injustice.

    Trump’s sentencing was delayed until after Election Day to avoid any impression of political influence or impropriety. As Justice Juan Merchan wrote in a letter to lawyers in the case, “the Court is a fair, impartial and apolitical institution.”

    Regardless of your political affiliation or partisan allegiance, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to brand himself a political prisoner in order to fuel his campaign war chest insults the sacrifices of the very real political prisoners who have suffered and continued to suffer around the world. As America votes on Election Day, let’s remember those who have actually given up their freedom and even their lives for democracy and the protection of human rights — because they think those fundamental principles are still worth fighting for.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Memes, photojournalism and television debates: 3 images that defined the 2024 US election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University

    Visual images often last in historical and popular memory. This is especially the case in presidential campaigns in the United States, which offer a vast mix of spectacle, surprise and drama.

    An historian of political visual culture can no more predict which images are likely to last the test of time than we can know who will win. But we can explain why some historical images from presidential campaigns resonate.

    This election season has produced the most media savvy and diverse campaign imagery of all time. Cable news, social media and artificial intelligence have created a whole new universe of image-based narratives.

    In this rich visual landscape, here are three images likely to last the test of time.

    1. Trump’s ‘fight!’ photo

    The uncontroversial front-runner for defining image has to be Evan Vucci’s photograph of Donald Trump being led off the stage in Pennsylvania after surviving an assassination attempt in July.

    Many people, including Trump, were quick to elevate the photograph to the iconic status of Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of troops raising the flag on Iwo Jima during the second world war.

    Both are photographed from below and feature the national flag above Americans working against adversity to reach a common goal. Both fit squarely into the tradition of wartime photojournalism.

    Both photographs enjoyed instantaneous popularity: Trump’s image went viral and the Iwo Jima image was featured on a US postage stamp before the war’s end.

    But their greatest similarity resides in the cultural symbolism of the images.

    Both accurately represent an historical moment; a specific point in time. But the point in time has been actively selected to fit a narrative. The narratives projected are deeply held mythologised symbols of aspirational patriotism.



    Read more:
    Elevation, colour – and the American flag. Here’s what makes Evan Vucci’s Trump photograph so powerful

    Visual literacy prompts us to think about which images were discounted in the selection of these historically powerful two. Historical legacies and the national mythologies that fuel these lean toward images of success over pictures of wartime death and suffering.

    This image of Trump fits all the criteria we would typically and probably unconsciously apply when assessing if an image is likely to have long-term significance.

    The baseline characteristic of iconic images is a general bipartisan understanding of what an image “says”. Regardless of whether you agree with the message being conveyed, you understand its social context, why the image is provocative, dramatic or funny (or not), as well as its historical references.

    However, contemporary images are not always so straightforward to read – and in a post-truth AI world, it is harder than ever to decipher the visual culture of politics.

    2. Brat summer and coconut memes

    Kamala Harris’s youth and vision for the future headlined her campaign’s creation of “Kamala HQ”. The strategy adopted the bright green branding and font of Charli XCX’s smash album Brat after the pop star posted on X: “kamala IS brat”.

    Social media has been a critical tool in introducing Harris to voters, especially those of voting age for the first time in 2024. The campaign’s use of social media represented young people as engaged and respected decision makers.



    Read more:
    ‘Kamala IS brat’: how the power of pop music has influenced 60 years of US elections

    Voters have had more than a century to become accustomed to photojournalism. In contrast, a lot of social media representation has arisen from community activism over the past few years. Reporting from women’s marches this past weekend showed links to the visual culture of the protests that followed Trump’s 2016 election.

    Arguably, the most historically significant of this “youth vote” image category are the internet memes of coconuts and coconut trees.

    In a 2023 speech, Harris quoted her mother:

    You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

    This moment went viral during the 2024 election, and it was not long before people started signalling their support for Harris by adding a coconut emoji to their profile or comments.

    The popularity of the coconut meme by Harris supporters indicates a rejection of the derogatory use of the term “coconut” against people of colour “acting white”.

    The production and reception of memes by younger voters demonstrates a media literacy and sophistication that also requires continuous fact-checking.

    This point was made in Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, which urged her followers to do their own “reliability” checking of information in their feeds after Trump and other conservative figures shared AI-generated images of Swift and her fans allegedly supporting Trump.

    3. The televised debate handshake

    A key image from the debate between Harris and Trump came in the first few minutes, when Harris crossed the stage to offer her hand. It was the first debate handshake in eight years.

    This was a bold action given Trump’s prowling movement on the 2016 debate stage against Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, and his well documented predilection for firm handshakes.

    The handshake is representative of the campaign, which has been called “a referendum on gender”. It evoked the image of strong and confident leadership – a central theme as Harris spoke passionately about reproductive rights and abortion.

    Televised presidential debates are one of the most keenly watched and analysed moments of the presidential election season. Image is everything.

    Their importance is perhaps best indicated by Justin Sullivan’s photograph of President Joe Biden, mouth agape and looking frail beneath the word “presidential” during the June debate this year.

    While they rarely lead to an outcome as extreme as a candidate exiting the race, as ended up happening with Biden, the images and soundbites they generate can resonate for decades.

    During the first ever nationally televised presidential debate in 1960, Republican candidate Richard Nixon was said to be unwell and refused to wear makeup. Compared to his opponent, Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy, he sweated profusely on stage, creating an image that was disastrous to his eventually unsuccessful campaign.

    Between the staged and “gotcha” moments of every presidential campaign, debates provide a unique – and, in 2024, a singular – window into how the candidates relate to each other as humans across an ever-widening ideological divide.

    Kylie Message has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Memes, photojournalism and television debates: 3 images that defined the 2024 US election – https://theconversation.com/memes-photojournalism-and-television-debates-3-images-that-defined-the-2024-us-election-242689

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Assistance Available for Self-Employed Floridians

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Assistance Available for Self-Employed Floridians

    FEMA Assistance Available for Self-Employed Floridians

    FEMA assistance can help people who are self-employed, including artists, musicians and mechanics. Independent contractors are considered self-employed.To be considered for FEMA assistance, you must be a resident of or work in a county designated for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby. You must also have had damage or losses as a result of the Florida hurricanes.Eligible Occupational ToolsFEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Eligible tools may include: Computers Equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders Uniforms You may be reimbursed for these items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working piece of equipment or item, and the loss was not covered by insurance. An inspection is required to review the damage to essential tools/materials. If you have damage to personal property or essential tools, include this information on your FEMA application and notify the inspector of damage at the time of inspection.Required DocumentsTo be eligible for self-employment assistance, apply for FEMA assistance. When you apply, include: Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment How to Apply for FEMA AssistanceHomeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.If you applied to FEMA after Hurricanes Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage.For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
    wesley.lagenour
    Mon, 11/04/2024 – 18:48

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Hearing of Commissioner-designate Glenn Micallef

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Culture and Education questioned Glenn Micallef, Maltese candidate for the Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport portfolio, on Monday.

    The chair and political group coordinators will meet at 18.30 to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.

    In his introductory speech, Mr Micallef presented his plans to ensure intergenerational fairness, respond to the needs of future generations, and protect young people, particularly their mental health. He also stressed the need to support the creative industry and cultural sector, particularly by better addressing the challenge of Artificial Intelligence. Mr Micallef laid out his plans for encouraging sports participation, as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle among Europeans.

    Culture: improve working conditions for artists and ensure copyright protection

    MEPs quizzed the commissioner-designate about the follow up to Parliament’s work on the social and professional situation of artists and other workers in the cultural and creative sectors. Tackling poor working conditions that affect the sector competitiveness is a priority, said Mr Micallef, announcing his intention to assess the remaining legislative gaps in this area in his first month and to organise annual thematic workshops with EU member states.

    They also asked about the copyright protection for music creators. The commissioner-designate promised to lead a so-called “Culture Compass” – a strategic framework to harness the different dimensions of culture -, one strand of which would aim to address this specific issue that significantly impacts the sector.

    The challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and how to ensure the culture sector receives strong support from the EU’s multiannual budget were other issues raised in the discussion. MEPs also questioned about the Commission’s plans to guarantee artistic freedom of expression across the EU.

    Sport: a tool for inclusion and healthy lifestyles

    MEPs also put forward several questions focused on sports as a strategic promotor of inclusion and diversity in the EU, as well as a means to promote healthy lifestyles. They asked Mr Micallef about the professional dimension of sport, including his views on the proposal to set up a European football Superleague and on football transfer rules.

    Other issues raised by MEPs included the EU’s response to cyber-bullying and addressing youth mental health, the rights of children, and youth unemployment.

    Watch the video recording of the full hearing.

    Press point

    At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Culture Committee, Ms Nela Riehl, held a press point outside the meeting room.

    Next steps

    Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.

    The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel releases 200 Palestinian prisoners

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Israeli authorities on Saturday released 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

    Abdullah Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, said the prisoners were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

    Some prisoners were released into the West Bank from Ofer Prison while others bound for Gaza or deportation abroad were released from Negev Prison in southern Israel.

    Palestinian officials in the Ramallah Governorate also coordinated the release.

    According to eyewitnesses, the prisoners were transferred from the ICRC to a medical center in Ramallah, where the Palestinian security forces were stationed in preparation for the release.

    Among those released, 16 headed to Gaza. Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that the prisoners entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing southeast of the strip.

    According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Authority, the 200 prisoners included 121 who had been serving life sentences and 79 others with long sentences.

    Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV channel reported later in the day that some 70 Palestinian prisoners the Israeli authorities had released arrived in Egypt via the Rafah crossing. Türkiye, Tunisia, and Algeria have agreed to take in some prisoners while others will stay in Egypt.

    Following the release of the prisoners, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou said in a press statement that the Palestinians in Gaza are waiting for the Israeli army to “withdraw according to the terms of the agreement and for the displaced residents to begin returning to their lands and homes.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sequels of popular franchises gear up for Spring Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    As the Year of the Snake approaches, the festival film market is heating up with fierce competition, as six big-budget movies are set to premiere on Wednesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year.

    Widely regarded as a sign of the maturation of the domestic film industry, five of these titles are sequels to popular franchises, with Hong Kong director Tsui Hark’s martial arts tentpole Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants standing as the sole exception.

    The film, starring pop idol Xiao Zhan as Guo Jing, a skilled martial artist, saw its presale box-office revenue surpass 10 million yuan ($1.37 million) in just 40 minutes after online booking began at 9 am on Jan 19, propelling it to the top of the Spring Festival’s advance ticket revenue charts. It is also the first martial arts film to compete during the festival, the country’s most lucrative box-office season in recent years.

    Many industry insiders attribute its commercial success to the star power of Xiao, who is followed by millions of fans on the popular social platform Sina Weibo, as well as to the influence of the movie’s archetype.

    Adapted from seven chapters of one of the most renowned novels, The Legend of the Condor Heroes, by the late wuxia writer Jin Yong, pen name of Louis Cha Leung-yung (1924-2018), the tale recounts the adventures of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, the protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime lover, in the martial arts world as they team up to fight and defend the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

    In addition to Legends of the Condor Heroes leading by a significant margin in presales, three other films have closely followed in presale revenue: the animated film Nezha 2, the suspense comedy Detective Chinatown 1900, and the mythological epic Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, occupying the second, third and fourth positions, respectively.

    Marking itself as a spinoff prequel to filmmaker Chen Sicheng’s Detective Chinatown franchise, the new film features actors Liu Haoran and Wang Baoqiang as an unlikely duo, following their mystery-solving adventures in San Francisco in 1900.

    As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Nezha, Nezha 2 depicts the resurgence of the titular hero and his friend, Aobing, the prince from a dragon clan. The tale follows their journey as they overcome a series of difficulties while confronting an unprecedented crisis: The leader of the dragon clan releases thousands of sea monsters to threaten the existence of humankind.

    Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force picks up where the first movie left off, following Ji Fa, the brave son of a lord, as he returns to his hometown to lead a rebel army in fighting against the tyranny of Yin Shou, whose archetype is King Zhou, the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC).

    Interweaving mythology and history, the highlight of the film centers on battles among people, celestial beings and monsters. Director Wuershan revealed that a main challenge was representing the 12-meter-tall four sibling giants of the Mo family, powerful figures in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods), which serves as a major inspiration for the movie.

    The other two are the military-themed Operation Hadal, a follow-up to Operation Red Sea (2018), and the animated film Boonie Bears: Future Reborn, the 11th installment of the Boonie Bears franchise.

    Chen Jin, an analyst of Beacon, Alibaba Pictures’ real-time information tracker, says the movies competing for this year’s Spring Festival showcase a diverse range of themes and genres, and all are adorned with special-effects scenes. He analyzes that the holiday will serve as a barometer for the entire year’s film market, leading the Chinese film industry toward a better recovery this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Legible Announces Appointment of Successor Auditor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legible Inc. (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) announces the appointment of DMCL LLP (the “Successor Auditor”) as the Company’s new independent auditor effective immediately.

    The Successor Auditor’s appointment has been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and will be presented for ratification in the next shareholders’ meeting. For a copy of the Company’s reporting package, including the Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from KPMG LLP (the “Former Auditor” or “KPMG”) and Successor Auditor, each prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations, please visit the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    KPMG resigned on their own initiative, which resignation was reviewed and accepted by Legible’s audit committee. KPMG has confirmed that there are no reportable events, disagreements, unresolved issues, or modifications of opinion (as those terms are defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations in connection with a change of auditor) of the two most recently completed fiscal years that ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, for which an auditor’s report was issued. Legible’s Board of Directors thanks KPMG for their invaluable work.

    About Legible Inc.

    Legible is a groundbreaking, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBooks and audiobook entertainment. Its extensive partnerships encompass four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributor, and a wide range of outstanding and innovative publishers of all sizes, enabling Legible to seamlessly deliver millions of multilingual eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment.

    Legible is revolutionizing mobile-centric eBook and audiobook experiences with interactive AI-driven content. Its latest release, FrankensteinAI, third in the AI Classics series, reimagines Mary Shelley’s masterpiece with animated AI art developed by digital artist Remo Camerota and immersive character-driven AI chat, offering readers a uniquely engaging journey through the classic horror tale. Legible is also developing My Model Kitchen, a series of video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, and celebrity chef, Cristina Ferrare, with an AI Sous Chef for each recipe, which have been featured twice on the Drew Barrymore Show and in many other major US media outlets.

    As first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible has the only Android Automotive app with the capacity to deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles around the globe, positioning Legible at the forefront of the new world of in-car infotainment experiences.

    A recent EdTech Breakthrough Award winner for eLearning Innovation of the Year, Legible is reshaping the digital publishing landscape, committed to gaining a significant market share by providing innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriching global reading experiences. Please visit Legible.com and discover the place where eBooks come to life.

    Press Contacts:

    Legible Inc.
    Ms. Deborah Harford
    EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships
    invest@legible.com
    Website: https://invest.legible.com
    Phone: (778) 776-5769

    Krupp Kommunications, Inc.
    Ms. Kathy Giaconia
    VP Media Relations
    kgiaconia@kruppagency.com
    Phone: 1-213-324-5665
    Website: http://www.KruppAgency.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins RFDTV to Discuss Improving 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Market Day Report on RFDTV to discuss the 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit and how we can ensure American Agriculture is being put first.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the link above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On The Current 45Z Tax Credit: 
    “I think that when they write the rules for this, there’s some big glitches. What I know is I don’t like China benefiting from it, which is what they’re doing right now. They’re manipulating the system. Look, I think that tax credits should be only for American farmers, and other countries shouldn’t enjoy any type of tax credit.”
    “What China is doing right now is they’re bringing in cooking oil. Used cooking oil, but blending it with palm oil, which is not the right way to do this. So, they’re cheating and getting the tax credit. That’s why we need a president that understands agriculture. I just sat down with President Trump, spent half a morning with him, took two Kansas farmers with me, and discussed this very issue. That if 45Z is going to help other countries, we don’t even want it.”
    “The way the Biden-Harris administration is doing this is wrong, as usual. Just remind your listeners, President Trump was the first person back in 2016 who embraced E15 and then gave us year-round E15 when he was president.”
    On the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act: 
    “The farmers and ranchers need certainty, and that’s exactly what we’re speaking with President Trump about, is we need long term certainty and to be much better at these big, big investments.”
    “Right now, we have a project in Kansas where we’re going to take corn stock and turn it into jet fuel, working with Southwest Airlines. So, I think that’s the future, but without this 45Z I think that project goes away… we need consistent rules, that working with the Treasury Department and getting USDA to give some voice there at the Treasury Department, exactly how this works out, but we need to put American farmers and ranchers first, not second. This tax credit is not meant to help other foreign entities and, frankly, farmers from other countries.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Anticipated ‘Gods’ sequel to grace potential blockbuster holiday season

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    “After much anticipation, ‘Creation of the Gods II’ is finally scheduled!” wrote one thrilled Weibo user, echoing the collective excitement of eager fans.

    Celebrating the epic’s return to China’s box office after an initial summer release plan was dropped due to reported post-production delays, a poster on Weibo declared, “The saga continues, the myth endures — fans’ calls have been answered.”

    Unsurprisingly, news of “Creation of the Gods II” — the second installment in director Wuershan’s highly-anticipated trilogy — securing a Spring Festival release on Lunar New Year’s Day, Jan. 29, 2025, shot to the top of Weibo’s trending topics, setting the stage for what could be a blockbuster holiday season.

    The first installment, “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms,” made waves at the 2023 box office, grossing 2.63 billion yuan (around 369 million U.S. dollars) and winning three Golden Rooster awards, including Best Feature Film.

    This second chapter raises the stakes with the city of Xiqi under siege and a climactic showdown over the “Fengshen Bang,” a mythical roster that bestows godhood upon worthy figures and serves as an artifact of immense power central to the film’s mythos.

    Wuershan’s commitment to the “Creation of the Gods” series spans over a decade, with script development beginning in June 2014. The director and his team have woven the Chinese myths into every detail, drawing from ancient texts, paintings, and artifacts to craft a unique cinematic aesthetic, according to a statement from the film’s producers.

    “I’ve dedicated a decade of my life to this project,” he said in a video interview. “With age, I may not have the physical capacity to take on such an intense production again, so I gave it my all.”

    The “Creation of the Gods II” production team touts the film’s extensive visual effects, calling it a project “born for the big screen.” Featuring epic visuals, the first film resonated with audiences globally, with French media hailing it as the “Chinese Lord of the Rings.”

    “Creation of the Gods” is frequently discussed alongside Guo Fan’s “The Wandering Earth” series, with critics noting both as showcasing the highest standards of industrial production in Chinese cinema.

    “Filming for the trilogy spanned 18 months, with nearly 10,000 crew members working together across numerous technical departments,” Wuershan explained. “It features large-scale battle scenes and high-level CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), requiring an extraordinary level of coordination.”

    Also joining the Spring Festival lineup is “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn,” marking the 11th year of this family-favorite franchise’s release during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday.

    Consistently drawing a stable fan base and amassing 7.7 billion yuan in total earnings to date, “Boonie Bears” is seen by cinema managers as a steady performer for the Spring Festival season and a reliable animated franchise.

    The last release, “Boonie Bears: Time Twist,” saw its revenue hit a 2-billion-yuan milestone in 106 days. “‘Boonie Bears’ is the most successful IP in China,” noted Dong Wenxin, a cinema manager in east China’s Shandong Province.

    The latest installment, “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn,” will deliver a fresh twist, taking characters Vick (Bald Qiang), Briar and Bramble 100 years into the future, where they join a young companion from this new world on a sci-fi adventure. This movie marks the finale of the franchise’s five-part sci-fi arc.

    Meanwhile, “Operation Leviathan,” widely referred to as the sequel to the 2018 hit “Operation Red Sea,” is generating anticipation as a potential addition to the lineup.

    The new action movie, currently in post-production according to Bona Film Group chairman Yu Dong, could be a game-changer for the lucrative holiday moviegoing period. Its predecessor, “Operation Red Sea,” topped box office charts for not only the Spring Festival holiday but also the entire year of 2018.

    Fans are also watching closely to see if Chen Sicheng’s new “Detective Chinatown” film, Tsui Hark’s big-screen adaptation of Louis Cha’s “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” novel, or Enlight Pictures’ long-awaited sequel to the 2019 animated hit “Ne Zha” will join the lineup in the coming weeks. Even if only some of these high-profile titles make it to the 2025 Spring Festival slate, the season could easily become a “clash of the titans.”

    This year’s Spring Festival holiday set a record with an 8 billion yuan haul. However, both the summer and National Day periods saw weaker-than-expected results, with analysts attributing it partly to a shortage of major releases. Understandably, this has heightened hopes for a vibrant Spring Festival to kick off 2025 on a high note. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese opera group spices celebration of China-Zambia diplomatic ties of 60 years

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    One of China’s most well-known art troupes spiced up celebrations of the 60th anniversary of China-Zambia diplomatic relations with a thrilling performance.

    On Thursday night, the Zambia Chinese Association in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Zambia presented a cultural event as part of celebrations for the bilateral ties by showcasing Chinese dramas and musical compositions.

    Presented by east China’s Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center, the Wu Opera dazzled the audience, comprised of Chinese nationals and Zambian locals, who kept ululating and clapping for an encore.

    They couldn’t help but take videos and photos of the intriguing performance.

    The event saw the group providing various performances which included “9-Pieced Segment Dragon,” Suona Solo “Picking Dates,” Wu Opera “the goddess of heaven scatters flowers.”

    Leonard Milomo, a resident of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, was left mesmerized by the performance. Milomo said he was overwhelmed by the performance because it was something he had never seen.

    “I am overwhelmed by the performance of our visitors from China. I have never seen such, it’s a very overwhelming feeling to be part of this partnership between Zambia and China, and it’s something that we also learn from culture and tradition,” he said in an interview.

    Milomo said he would not hesitate to watch the performances anytime and that he was planning to visit during one of the holidays in order to have a feel of what China offers.

    Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said the frequent cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have brought the people of the two countries closer. And the cultural exchanges between the two countries have been happening frequently with art groups paying exchange visits.

    Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, has a history of more than 500 years and is the second major regional operatic genre in Zhejiang Province. It first grew in popularity in Jinhua and its surrounding areas and was named after Wuzhou, the name of Jinhua in ancient China. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Through October, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) celebrated another year of successful collaborations with the Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) in Hawai’i, the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) in New Mexico and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) in California to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and these locations in the United States.           In Honolulu, Hawai’i, SFETO and its long-time collaborator HIFF once again curated the Spotlight on Hong Kong programme, which featured six Hong Kong productions that included new releases and a restored classic: “Love Lies”, “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman”, “All Shall Be Well”, “Fly Me to The Moon” and “Shanghai Blues”. The festival was held from October 3 to 13 (Honolulu time).           Speaking at the VIP reception hosted by HKETO San Francisco on October 11 (Honolulu time), the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Jacko Tsang, said the return of “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema”, presented by the Hong Kong International Film Society, made the Hong Kong programme at the 44th edition of the festival even more remarkable this year. She pointed out that the First Feature Film Initiative supported by the Hong Kong Film Development Council had funded 24 films with over $120 million since 2013, and that SFETO was excited to showcase these excellent works by new talent in the Hong Kong film industry.                At the Awards Gala of the HIFF on October 12 (Honolulu time), iconic Hong Kong actress and filmmaker Sandra Ng was honoured with the HIFF Spotlight On Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile. She attended the festival with renowned filmmaker Peter Chan and received the award from celebrity comedian Ronny Chieng. Alongside Ng, Hong Kong actresses Patra Au and Michelle Wai, as well as directors Sasha Chuk, Anselm Chan, Albert Leung and Hebert Leung also participated in the festival. They attended live post-screening Q&A sessions at the primary screening of their respective films. The audience greatly appreciated their presence with enthusiastic interactions.           In Santa Fe, New Mexico, HKETO San Francisco collaborated with SFiFF for the second consecutive year. “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” and “All Shall Be Well”, two talk-of-the-town feature films from Hong Kong, were showcased at the festival held from October 16 to 20 (Santa Fe time).           Hosting the filmmakers’ brunch on October 19 (Santa Fe time), Ms Tsang introduced some of the latest measures implemented by the Hong Kong Government to inject new power into Hong Kong cinema, including the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, which aims to subsidise film projects coproduced by filmmakers from European and Asian countries to produce films featuring Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures. She encouraged filmmakers to explore opportunities in Hong Kong and be a part of the revival journey of Hong Kong cinema.           In Los Angeles, California, the third annual “LAAPFF Presents: Hong Kong Generations of Cinema” took place on October 26 and 27 (Los Angeles time) featuring six Hong Kong titles from different decades around the theme of Cantopop: “Rouge”, “Days of Being Wild”, “Happy Together”, “July Rhapsody”, “Anita” and “The Lyricist Wannabe”. Each film highlights the connection between music and storytelling in Hong Kong’s film history.           Delivering her remarks after a special reception on October 26 (Los Angeles time), Ms Tsang said that the office was honoured to work with Visual Communications, the organisation behind the LAAPFF, to bring the programme to Los Angeles three years in a row. She expressed delight that the programme had expanded from a one-day showcase to a two-day celebration of Hong Kong cinema following the success of the first two years.           The above Hong Kong film programmes were made possible with the support from the Film Development Fund, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

     
    Ends/Saturday, November 2, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Muse Fest HK 2024 celebrates 10th anniversary with over 70 exciting programs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch the Muse Fest HK 2024 in November, rolling out over 70 fabulous programmes in LCSD museums and art spaces. With the same theme “Hong Kong H.A.S. (History. Art. Science.) Museums”, the 10th edition of the Museum Festival enables members of the public to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s rich and distinctive cultural heritage and artistic diversity, offering an alternative museum experience. Most activities are free, and members of the public are welcome to join on the spot.
          
         The inaugural event of the Muse Fest 2024, “Fun@Museum Carnival”, is being held today and tomorrow (November 2 and 3) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSpM) and Salisbury Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui. The carnival features a variety of programmes. There are performances of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) items such as “Vital Lion Dance” opening performance and “Puppetry Encounters” performance today. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Muse Fest HK 2024 and eye-dotting for lion dances this morning. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Liu said this year marks the 10th Edition of Muse Fest. The opening carnival this year focuses in “Chinese Cutlure”, promoting the development and inheritance of Chinese culture and history through diversified performances and interactive workshops. With the theme of “Hong Kong H.A.S. (History. Art. Science.) Museums” this year, Muse Fest will continue to broaden citizens’ scope of knowledge in these areas.
          
         The booths of flower button, lion dance and lion head crafts by the ICH Office are well received, with visitors busy taking photos with the lion head. Some also made lion head crafts to experience this ICH item which combines martial arts and performing arts. In the afternoon, the carnival invited a seasoned puppet group to perform classic plays such as “Daming Prefecture”, “Zhong Kui Getting Drunk” and “Sun Wukong Thrice Beat the Bony Demon”, winning great applause from audiences.
          
         In addition to the popular ICH-related programmes, the booths of the Conservation Office have also attracted many passers-by. They have been engaged in learning the use of wax materials in artefacts protection, or making their own light clay cake model magnets with a wooden cake mould. The Gear Up – Nano World Outreach Programme booth, presented by the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum, has been surrounded by children viewing the comic-style panels and interactive exhibits introducing nano science. Apart from the booth activities, the carnival has invited Community Cultural Ambassadors 2024 the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble and Chinese and Western music ensembles of the Music Office to deliver live performances at the HKCC Piazza to boost the atmosphere. The Hong Kong Public Libraries promotes theme-based reading through the Library-on-Wheels outreach truck and storytelling sessions by Story Ambassadors, while the Interactive Storytelling Device – Joyful Reading of Three Kingdoms – allows participants to acquire knowledge through playing games. Meanwhile, the HKSpM has organised a treasure hunt named Cosmic Voyage, inviting visitors to follow the hints on the treasure map and find out the answers at the Exhibition Hall to learn about the universe and space science in various aspects.
          
         The carnival will continue tomorrow with more extraordinary events. The Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association and Pokfulam Kaifong Welfare Association will bring the fire dragon dance performance to Tsim Sha Tsui tomorrow from 4pm to 6pm. Locals residents and tourists can join the parade and learn about the traditions and historical significance of the fire dragon dance. Visitors can touch and take a closer look at the unicorn head and create postcards at the unicorn booth. In addition to the above mentioned lion head crafts booth, a waxing in conservation activity, “Gear Up – Nano World” outreach programme -Nanoboy Ornament Workshop, Library-on-Wheels with Storytelling Sessions and the Interactive Storytelling Device. Those interested in movies should not miss the animated film screening of “Chang An” to be held at the Lecture Hall of the HKMoA, which is organised by the Film Programmes Office.
          
         Various museums will host fun days during weekends in November. The Sheung Yiu Folk Museum Fun Day will be held on November 9, featuring a photo-taking corner, video screenings and workshops to enhance visitors’ understanding of Hakka culture and customs. The “Spark Joy @Oi!” Fun Day 2024 at Oil Street Art Space on November 10 will feature handpan music performances, workshops and guided tours by artists. The Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will offer a variety of activities on November 16 for the public. The Hong Kong Railway Museum Fun Day and the ICH Office’s ICH Fun Day at the Sam Tung Uk Museum will be staged on November 17 and November 23 respectively. Demonstrations and education activities will be held at the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery Fun Day on November 30 to enhance the public’s knowledge of the Fireboat Alexander Grantham and the history of Hong Kong’s sea rescue. Moreover, the Conservation Office will arrange the Guardians of Museum Artefacts at the Shenzhen Museum: The Behind the Scenes of Conservators talk on November 16 at the HKMoA where the specialist from the Shenzhen Museum will introduce preventive conservation work.
          
             In addition to the day-time events, museums also offer exciting night-time activities. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, will host An Evening with Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware for two nights. On November 23, where visitors can enjoy the outdoor immersive light show titled “Gentle Smoke of Tea” at the museum’s façade and “The Sound of Art” concert at the lawn. On November 24, in addition to the light show, visitors can explore the indoor “Gardens of Four Seasons” interactive display and visit the museum exhibitions.
          
         This year’s Muse Fest will continue to launch a mega publication and souvenir sale, offering up to 50 per cent discounts for selected museum publications and souvenirs.
          
         LCSD Museum Pass holders may also enjoy exclusive admission to experience a variety of special programmes during the festival period. For the event “Meet the Curator – Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence”, assistant curators of the MWRCD will introduce the curation and stories behind the exhibitions, and how the curatorial team delivers the history of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence to audiences. They will also take you on a special tour to permanent and thematic exhibitions of the museum. For another exclusive programme, “The Fireboat Then and Now Guided Tour – A Fireman Leads the Way”, a retired firemen who served on the fireboat will share the bits and pieces of the adventurous experience in the historic vessel as docent.
          
         Apart from the museums under the management of the LCSD, a total of 27 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao collaborative partners (including those in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance) participate in this year’s Museum Festival, bringing much excitement to the activities. The Shenzhen Museum will launch Hong Kong Museum Festival 2024 Shenzhen Branch – “The Beauty of Ingenuity” series of research activities to enable members of the public, especially young people to explore the profound depth of Chinese traditional culture through carefully-designed courses, including wood carving and gilding, a woodworking activity with mortise and tenon joinery, seal engraving and printmaking.
          
         For more details of the Muse Fest 2024, please visit the website at:
         https://www.museums.gov.hk/mf2024.
                                           

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Scientific Library of the State University of Management will become the organizer of the Interuniversity Festival of Book Clubs “Living Hat” for the second time

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On November 28, 2024, the II Interuniversity Festival of Book Clubs “Living Hat” will be held in the Scientific Library of the State University of Management.

    The festival is aimed at attracting the attention of young people to reading, supporting the creativity of talented young authors, and also forming patriotism and culture among young people. One of the key objectives of the festival is to unite reading youth.

    “We strive to create a space where young readers can exchange opinions, discuss what they have read, share their impressions and find like-minded people. Such interaction contributes to the formation of an active community that supports the values of culture,” commented on this event the adviser to the rector’s office of the State University of Management, member of the Union of Writers of Russia Sergey Chuev.

    The festival will become a platform for discussing the importance of literature as a means of transmitting cultural values and patriotic ideals.

    “We are confident that this project will contribute to the development of literary interest among young people and provide an opportunity for the implementation of ideas of aspiring writers,” noted the head of the Museum and Library Complex of the State University of Management, Mikhail Polyakov.

    This year’s meetings will be dedicated to the theme of happiness. Everything around us, from books to music, from nature to human relationships, can give this important feeling. Books can bring happiness not only through the pleasure of reading, but also through the opportunity for self-knowledge, satisfying curiosity.

    Traditionally, our University will be represented at the festival by two clubs: the GUU Book Club “Let’s Discuss?” and the Literary and Theatre Club “GUUMANIST” and the Director of the GUU Scientific Library Olga Kharlamova.

    “Feeling part of something bigger, helping others and making them happy are important components of our own happiness. When we interact with people, sharing our time and care, we not only create a positive atmosphere around us that can change the mood of others, but we change our own perception of the world. The pursuit of happiness unites us and gives our lives deep meaning,” Olga Kharlamova noted.

    We are waiting for everyone on November 28 at 10:00 in the Scientific Library of the State University of Management.

    Registration is required to participate.

    Detailed information about the meeting can be found on the project website, or by calling 8 (495) 377-77-88, ext. 36-85 (Valentina Pavlovna), ext. 36-86 (Evgenia and Artem) or by email at oa_harlamova@guu.ru.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 11/28/2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: I research sexual perversions and paraphilas – here’s what we’ve learned about them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Griffiths, Director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University

    Hollywood actor Armie Hammer was accused of sending messages detailing cannibalistic fantasies in 2021. DFree/Shutterstock

    After allegedly sending messages detailing cannibalistic fetishes, Hollywood actor Armie Hammer hopes to relaunch his career with a new podcast and movie.

    Following the 2021 social media cannibal scandal, Hammer was also accused of rape and abuse by various women, but consistently denied any criminal behaviour and was not charged.

    Now, it seems, Hammer is laughing off the cannibalism allegations. Speaking to his first podcast guest, Tom Arnold, Hammer says, “I’m not gonna lie. I’m just like, Hey, I’m a cannibal!”

    But being sexually aroused by the fantasy – or reality – of cannibalism is real. I should know, as it’s one of the subjects I discuss in my latest book Sexual Perversions and Paraphilias: An A-Z

    Paraphilias are uncommon types of sexual expression often described as sexual deviations, sexual perversions or disorders of sexual preference.

    They are typically accompanied by intense sexual arousal to unconventional or non-sexual stimuli such as enemas (klismaphilia), statues (agalmatophilia), teeth (odontophilia) and vomit (emetophilia).

    To many people paraphilias may seem bizarre or socially unacceptable, representing the extreme end of the sexual continuum – and in some cases, such as zoophilia (having sex with animals) and necrophilia (having sex with dead people), may be illegal.

    Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed or leave some people disgusted, but there’s a pressing need for more research into uncommon sexual behaviour given how little we know.

    Sexual fantasies and behaviour are a fundamental part of the human experience. What is considered immoral or even illegal changes according to the social and temporal context. But whatever sexual desires are considered illicit or depraved in a particular time and place are also stigmatised.

    Researching paraphilias, even the most distasteful or criminal, is essential to help safeguard vulnerable groups. Research can also help minimise the discrimination faced by those with uncommon sexual interests, helping ensure their access to sexual health care and psychological support, which can be lacking.

    Vorarephilia

    Vorarephilia – or “vore” – refers to being sexually aroused by the idea of being eaten, eating another person or observing this process for sexual gratification.

    Most of the fantasies of vorarephiliacs involve being the ones eaten. Devouring someone could be viewed as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate act of submission by the prey.

    The most infamous vorarephiliac is arguably Armin Meiwes from Germany.

    Meiwes had allegedly been fantasising about cannibalism since his childhood and frequented cannibal fetish websites. He posted around 60 online adverts asking if anyone would like to be eaten by him.

    In March 2002, Bernd Jürgen Brandes responded to Meiwes. They met up only once. Meiwes bit off Brandes’ penis, which the two of them cooked and ate.

    Brandes was videotaped being stabbed to death by Meiwes in his bath. The body was then stored for Meiwes to eat.

    Meiwes was eventually convicted of murder and imprisoned for life. However, it’s worth nothing that although some paraphilias are illegal, most cause no psychological or behavioural problems when they are engaged by consenting adults.

    Dacryphilia

    Dacryphilia is getting sexual arousal from seeing someone cry.

    I have published a number of studies on dacryphilia. One involved interviews with eight dacryphiles: six women and two men, from the US, UK, Romania and Belgium.

    It showed there were sub-types of dacryphilia, even among such a small group. Based on the interviews, I identified three types of dacryphile.

    Compassionate dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the compassion of comforting a crier.

    Dominant or submissive dacryphiles are sexually aroused by either causing tears in a consenting submissive partner or by being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.

    “Curled lip” dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the curling of a protruded bottom lip during crying.

    Eproctophilia

    Eproctophilia involves being sexually aroused by flatulence.

    In 2013, I published the first case study of an eproctophile. The case concerned a 22-year-old single man, Brad*, an American from Illinois.

    Brad recalled that in middle school he had a crush on a girl who had farted in the class. Brad said:

    This blew my mind [I] knew by simple biology that girls farted, but hearing that the girl I had been fawning over was capable of such a thing sparked a strange interest in me.

    Brad first engaged in an eproctophilic act with a male friend in his mid-teens. Up to that point he had considered himself heterosexual. However, this changed when he heard his male friend fart.

    Brad said it was “appealing in sound” and that he began fixating on it. He set up a bet with the wager being the right to fart in the loser’s face for a week. He continued to lose such bets once every few weeks for about two years.

    Apotemnophilia

    Apotemnophilia refers to being sexually aroused by the fantasy or reality of being an amputee.

    Some apotemnophiles may pretend to be amputees but, for a minority, the behaviour involves obsessive scheming to convince a surgeon to perform a medically unnecessary amputation.

    To most people, this might seem like a type of masochism, but case studies suggest that there is no erotisation of pain – only of the healed amputated stump.

    Salirophilia

    Salirophilia is sexual arousal from soiling or dishevelling someone attractive, which can include tearing or damaging the desired person’s clothing, covering them in mud or filth or messing up their hair or make-up.

    My 2019 case study involved Jeff*, a 58-year-old Australian heterosexual. Jeff recounted that when he was young he wanted to masturbate in strange places such as lying under a cabinet in a dirty garage.

    Jeff said that he engaged in solitary salirophilic practices regularly but very infrequently with female partners because it was difficult to find like-minded women.

    He was also a fan of the television show Fear Factor in which contestants perform revolting tasks for prize money, such as eating rotting food or being submerged in foul fluids. These were a source of sexual arousal for Jeff. He told me: “I just find the defilement of an attractive woman’s body erotic.”

    *The names of case study participants in this article have been changed.

    Dr. Mark Griffiths has received research funding from a wide range of organizations including the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Academy and the Responsibility in Gambling Trust. He has also carried out consultancy for numerous gambling companies in the area of player protection, social responsibility and responsible gaming.. Views expressed here are his own and not those of these funding bodies.

    – ref. I research sexual perversions and paraphilas – here’s what we’ve learned about them – https://theconversation.com/i-research-sexual-perversions-and-paraphilas-heres-what-weve-learned-about-them-238446

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Morse Park Swimming Pool temporarily closed

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Morse Park Swimming Pool temporarily closed
    Morse Park Swimming Pool temporarily closed
    *******************************************

    Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 2) that Morse Park Swimming Pool in Wong Tai Sin District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.     It will be reopened at 7.30pm today.     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     
    Ends/Saturday, November 2, 2024Issued at HKT 17:24

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: National Basketball Association (NBA) Nigeria Hosts Third Edition of “NBA Meets Art” at Art X Lagos

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LAGOS, Nigeria, November 2, 2024/APO Group/ —

    NBA (www.NBA.com) Nigeria is hosting the third edition of “NBA Meets Art,” a curated installation celebrating basketball through the lens of Nigerian art and culture as part of West Africa’s premier art fair Art X Lagos, which is underway at The Federal Palace in Lagos, Nigeria until Sunday, Nov. 3.

    This year’s “NBA Meets Art” will showcase the work of Nigerian pop artist and illustrator Williams Chechet through an installation titled “Breaking Barriers,” which explores the role of basketball in shaping new identities, inspiring hope and encouraging the next generation to dream beyond their present limitations. The installation intertwines the game’s energy with cultural symbols and the spirit of activism to represent limitless possibility. The main element of the artwork features the hands of different people reaching out to grab a ball together, reinforcing the idea of collaboration.

    “Breaking Barriers” uses the physical and metaphorical dynamics of basketball, such as teamwork, movement, strategy and goal setting, as a powerful analogy for the continuous struggle for change.  The artwork is integrated with augmented reality technology, where visitors can scan a QR code after which the artwork comes to life in animated form on their mobile phones, which they can record and share on their social media channels.  Visitors can also help create an art collage by cutting and trimming colorful images from magazines and newspapers at the installation.

    “NBA Meets Art continues to be a great platform that represents the unique intersection of basketball and African culture. For the third edition, we are excited to deepen our engagement at Art X Lagos through the work of Williams Chechet, an artist from Northern Nigeria who draws his basketball inspiration from playing basketball in Zaria,” said Vice President and Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu.  “As we continue to explore our heritage and Nigeria’s impact on basketball, art, and culture, we celebrate the role of the game in building connections, redefining limits, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of African youth to dream big.  We look forward to seeing basketball and art lovers at Art X this weekend.” 

    Last year’s “NBA Meets Art” featured the work of Dennis Osadebe at an installation at Art X Lagos titled, “Passing / Building / Victory,” which explored the key role of teamwork on the court and how similar collaboration can help develop communities, aligning with the NBA’s mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  The initiative launched in Nov. 2022 with an evening reception that brought together industry leaders from fashion, music, art, business, and sports and showcased Nigerian art through music, fashion, and a photo display.

    MIL OSI Africa –