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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI: Bigbank’s Unaudited Financial Results for Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bigbank’s total gross loan portfolio grew to a record 2.1 billion euros by the end of the quarter, increasing by 158 million euros (+8%) quarter on quarter and by 451 million euros (+28%) year on year. All three main product lines posted solid quarter-on-quarter growth. The corporate loan portfolio grew by 46 million euros (+7%) to 703 million euros, the housing loan portfolio by 78 million euros (+17%) to 534 million euros and the consumer loan portfolio by 36 million euros (+4%) to 837 million euros.

    On the deposit side, the term deposit portfolio showed solid growth, increasing by 86 million euros to 1.25 billion euros (+7%) in the third quarter. The savings deposit portfolio decreased by 82 million euros to 1.01 billion euros during the quarter. This was mainly because our deposit customers continued to switch their short-term savings products to 3- to 9-month term deposits to lock in an attractive interest rate for the chosen period. The Group’s total deposit portfolio grew by 11 million euros (+0.5%) over the quarter and by 484 million euros (+27%) over the year to 2.27 billion euros.

    Bigbank ended the first nine months of 2024 with a net profit of 27.6 million euros, compared with 29.4 million euros for the same period in 2023. In the third quarter, Bigbank earned a net profit of 11.8 million euros. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, net profit decreased by 0.6 million euros (-5%).

    Group’s net interest income increased compared to the third quarter of 2023: net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was 27.7 million euros (Q3 2023: 26.1 million euros), 1.6 million euros (+6%) higher than a year earlier. Net interest income for the first nine months of 2024 was 79.1 million euros, up 6.3 million euros (+9%) year on year.

    In the third quarter, the credit quality of the loan portfolio remained stable compared to the previous quarter. However, compared with the 2023 figures, there was some deterioration in the consumer and corporate loan portfolios, but this is due to a decline in quality in the first quarter of 2024. The quality of the housing loan portfolio remains excellent.

    Net loss allowances for loans and provision expenses totalled 4.2 million euros. This represents a significant decrease of 2.1 million euros compared to the previous quarter (6.3 million euros) and a decrease of 0.8 million euros compared to the third quarter of 2023 (5.0 million euros).

    The Group’s income tax expense increased by 0.6 million euros to 2.4 million euros compared to the third quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by the introduction of advance income tax in Latvia at the end of 2023, which was only reflected in the figures for the fourth quarter of 2023 but will affect all quarters in 2024.

    The Group’s investment property portfolio, which includes both agricultural land and commercial real estate, stood at 48.7 million euros at the end of the third quarter. During the quarter, the Group sold agricultural land of 0.3 million euros.

    Income statement, in thousands of euros Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
    Net interest income 27,717 26,090 79,090 72,790
    Net fee and commission income 2,316 2,097 6,725 6,116
    Net income (loss) on financial assets 1,023 3,965 4,101 4,976
    Net other operating income -974 -1,033 -2,800 -1,686
    Total net operating income 30,082 31,119 87,116 82,196
    Salaries and associated charges -6,813 -6,072 -19,576 -17,687
    Administrative expenses -2,827 -3,845 -8,781 -11,158
    Depreciation, amortisation and impairment -2,145 -2,001 -6,297 -4,361
    Total expenses -11,785 -11,918 -34,654 -33,206
    Provision income (expense) 1,223 79 -106 -882
    Profit before loss allowances 19,520 19,280 52,356 48,108
    Net loss allowances on loans and financial investments -5,410 -5,023 -19,293 -13,985
    Profit before income tax 14,110 14,257 33,063 34,123
    Income tax expense -2,371 -1,887 -5,503 -4,169
    Profit for the period from continuing operations 11,739 12,370 27,560 29,954
    Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0 61 29 -557
    Profit for the period 11,739 12,431 27,589 29,397
             
             
             
    Statement of financial position, in thousands of euros 30 Sept 2024 30 June 2024 31 Dec 2023 restated* 30 Sept 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 475,284 626,081 518,672 406,837
    Debt securities at FVOCI 14,992 9,907 15,400 14,942
    Loans to customers 2,059,625 1,902,001 1,662,002 1,608,720
    Other assets 87,126 89,255 91,324 88,709
    Total assets 2,637,027 2,627,244 2,287,398 2,119,208
    Customer deposits and loans received 2,274,269 2,264,137 1,946,314 1,791,581
    Subordinated notes 83,437 88,148 76,109 71,490
    Other liabilities 14,585 22,113 20,182 18,909
    Total liabilities 2,372,291 2,374,398 2,042,605 1,881,980
    Equity 264,736 252,846 244,793 237,228
    Total liabilities and equity 2,637,027 2,627,244 2,287,398 2,119,208

    Commentary by Martin Länts, chairman of the management board of Bigbank AS: “The third quarter of 2024 marked the continuation of stable and strategic growth for Bigbank, highlighted by a significant milestone as our gross loan portfolio surpassed 2 billion euros for the first time, reaching 2.1 billion euros. Our bank’s strategy focuses on stable growth in the home loan and business loan product lines, and this is reflected in the results. In the third quarter, our gross portfolio grew by 158 million euros (+8%), marking the largest quarterly growth in Bigbank’s history. I would particularly highlight the home loan portfolio’s quarterly growth of 78 million euros (+17%), bringing it to a total of 534 million. In a declining interest rate environment, we are also pleased with the 6% growth in net interest income compared to Q3 2023 and the 9% year-on-year increase for the first nine months.”

    Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 30 September 2024, the bank’s total assets amounted to 2.6 billion euros, with equity of 264,7 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 150,000 active customers and employs over 500 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term deposit rating of Ba1, as well as a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and adjusted BCA of Ba2.

    Argo Kiltsmann
    Member of the Management Board
    Tel: +372 53 930 833
    Email: Argo.Kiltsmann@bigbank.ee 
    www.bigbank.ee

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA announced as EQUITANA’s 2024 official community partner

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    The four-day event from 14 to 17 November 2024 at Melbourne Showgrounds includes a mix of competition, education, entertainment and exhibition.

    It is regarded as the largest equine showcase in the Southern Hemisphere.

    As EQUITANA’s official community Partner, CFA will focus on helping horse owners prepare and plan for the bushfire season.

    Every Victorian who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or the coast needs to prepare their property for bushfire. This includes considering what to do with animals.

    CFA members from Wingeel, Macclesfield and Arthurs Creek brigades, a fire truck and a mobile education unit will attend the event to engage with visitors about property maintenance, making the decision to relocate your horses, preparing your horse for survival and actions to take after a fire.

    This information is also relevant to those running agistment properties, trail ride centres and riding schools.

    CFA thanks the organisers of EQUITANA Melbourne 2024 for inviting us be part of this event.

    Horse lovers interested in attending the event can find more on the EQUITANA website.

    Submitted by Georgina Hill

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Digitalist Group Plc’s Business Review, 1 January – 30 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Digitalist Group Plc                    Stock Exchange Release 25.10.2024 at 9:00

    Digitalist Group Plc’s Business Review, 1 January – 30 September 2024

    SUMMARY

    July–September 2024 (comparable figures for 2023 in parentheses):

    • Turnover: EUR 3.6 million (EUR 3.6 million), decrease: -0.8%.
    • EBITDA: EUR -0.2 million (EUR 0.4 million*), -5.0% of turnover (12.1%).
    • EBIT: EUR -0.3 million (EUR 0.2 million*), -8.7% of turnover (6.6%).
    • Net income: EUR -1.5 million (EUR -0.5 million*), -40.8% of turnover (-13.2%).
    • Earnings per share: EUR -0.00 (EUR -0.00).
    • Earnings per share (diluted): EUR -0.00 (EUR -0.00).

    *) EBIT, EBITDA and net income of the comparison period were impacted by a booked gain of EUR 0.6 million from the FutureLab Share transaction.

    January–September 2024 (comparable figures for 2023 in parentheses):

    • Turnover: EUR 11.5 million (EUR 12.5 million), decrease: -8.4%.
    • EBITDA: EUR -1.3 million (EUR -0.5 million*), -11.5% of turnover (-3.9%).
    • EBIT: EUR -1.7 million (EUR -1.1 million*), -14.4% of turnover (-8.8%).
    • Net income: EUR -4.0 million (EUR -2.5 million*), -35.0% of turnover (-19.7%).
    • Earnings per share: EUR -0.01 (EUR -0.00).
    • Earnings per share (diluted): EUR -0.00 (EUR -0.00).
    • Number of employees at the end of the review period: 126 (138), decrease of -9%.

    *) EBIT, EBITDA and net income of the period were impacted by a booked gain of EUR 0.6 million from the FutureLab Share transaction.

    CEO’s review

    The third quarter of 2024 has been one step towards a profitable business for Digitalist Group. While no major events impacted this quarter, we are seeing slowly improving market conditions in Sweden. However, the weak Finnish economy continues to affect our business operations in the region.

    Our revenues for the quarter remained consistent with the same period last year, totaling EUR 3.6 million. EBITDA for the third quarter of 2024 was EUR -0.2 million, compared to EUR 0.4 million in the same period last year, which included a EUR 0.6 million gain from the FutureLab Share transaction. This underscores the need for ongoing efforts in operational efficiency and cost management.

    A significant highlight of the quarter was the launch of our first AI offering, Digitalist Private AI Hub, in September. This platform enables companies to leverage the strengths of generative AI without compromising on data security and GDPR compliance. We believe this innovative solution positions us well to meet the growing demand for secure AI applications in the enterprise as well as in the public sector. The new offering has already brought us clients like Sandå and Pinmeto. Other new clients acquired during the third quarter are DNA, City of Tampere and Pricer.

    Looking ahead, I remain cautiously optimistic. The improving market conditions in Sweden provide a foundation for growth, and we are committed to addressing the challenges in Finland through ongoing initiatives and continued focus on efficiency.

    I extend my sincere gratitude to all our employees for their dedication and hard work. Together, we are advancing towards a stronger future for Digitalist Group.

    /CEO Magnus Leijonborg

    FUTURE PROSPECTS

    In 2024, turnover and EBITDA are expected to decrease in comparison with 2023.

    EVENTS AFTER THE THIRD QUARTER

    Digitalist Group Plc decreases its earlier guidance regarding future prospects 17.10.2024

    Digitalist Group Plc (”Company”) decreases its earlier guidance regarding future prospects. The new guidance is:

    In 2024, turnover and EBITDA are expected to decrease in comparison with 2023.

    The previous guidance of the company was:

    In 2024, it is expected that turnover will maintain its current level and EBITDA will improve in comparison with 2023.

    Although the third quarter shows an improvement compared to the first quarters of the year, and we are cautiously optimistic regarding the fourth quarter, we do not expect to reach last year’s reported EBITDA, which included other operating income of EUR 1.0 million. Operationally, not including the impact of other operating income, we expect that the current financial year will still be stronger than the previous year.

    The stock exchange releases are on the company’s website at https://digitalist.global/investors/releases

    Despite the implemented efficiency measures and financial arrangements, the cash flow for the next 12 months is likely to be negative, according to the forecast. However, at the time of publishing the business review, the company estimates that its working capital is sufficient for the needs of the next 12 months, taking into account the financing support provided by the main owner if needed.

    DIGITALIST GROUP OYJ
    Board of Directors

    Additional information:
    Digitalist Group Plc
    CEO Magnus Leijonborg, tel. +46 76 315 8422, magnus.leijonborg@digitalistgroup.com
    Chairman of the Board Esa Matikainen, tel. +358 40 506 0080, esa.matikainen@digitalistgroup.com

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    https://digitalist.global

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anoto resolves on a SEK 15 million directed issue, a SEK 50 million rights issue and a set-off issue of SEK 21 million to strengthen the company’s financial position and for the implementation of the company’s business plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, BELARUS, HONG KONG, JAPAN, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

    Anoto Group AB (“Anoto” or the “Company“) hereby informs that the Board of Directors has resolved to carry out a directed share issue amounting to approximately SEK 15 million, a rights issue amounting to approximately SEK 50 million and a set-off issue amounting to approximately SEK 21 million. The issues are being carried out in order to strengthen the Company’s financial position and to implement the Company’s business plan. The rights issue is covered by subscription and guarantee undertakings amounting to in total 100 percent. The rights issue, the directed share issue and the set-off issue are subject to approval by an Extraordinary General Meeting.

    Background and Rationale

    Anoto is a global Swedish technology company in digital writing and drawing. The Company develops and manufactures smart pens and related software using its proprietary technology. Anoto bridges the analogue and digital worlds with its solution, pattern recognition, optics and image processing. Anoto’s business idea is to offer an intuitive digital pen that works easily, connecting the art and experience of writing on paper with instant usability on digital devices. The Company has two main business areas: B2C (Livescribe) and B2B (Enterprise Forms). Enterprise Solutions offers digital pens for professional and legal purposes, such as signatures, forms and documents while Livescribe is aimed at consumers who want to use digital pens for note-taking, meetings, messaging and creative applications. Anoto’s sales of hardware and software generate two different types of revenue streams; one-off revenue per digital pen sold from Livescribe and subscription fees from Enterprise Forms.

    Over the last year the Company has recruited a new management team with experience from building and scaling companies on an international scale as well as with a long track-record of successful product launches within the consumer sector. The new management team has, together with the Board of Directors, developed a new consumer centric strategy that is focused on growth and profitability and that includes new product launches including improved supporting software. As a first step, Anoto will launch its new product LivePen in November of 2024. The LivePen is an affordable digital pen that comes along with the accompanying LivePen app. The app allows users to instantly transfer their handwritten notes into digital form, creating a seamless integration between traditional writing and digital platforms. A key part of Anoto’s new strategy is to use a data-driven approach to understand user experiences and feedback. By analysing how users interact with the LivePen and the app, Anoto can continuously improve its products and services. This approach will inform future developments in both the pen and software segments, ensuring that products meet user needs and expectations.

    The demand for digital pens is expected to be strong and grow over the coming years, and Anoto sees a high potential for the LivePen as well as for the next-generation of digital pens and supporting software where, inter alia, Artificial intelligence (AI) powered handwriting and orientation recognition will be central. In order to capture these growth opportunities, the Company will need to build inventory and invest in marketing for LivePen with the accompanying LivePen app as well as invest in research and development for the next generation of digital pens. In order to facilitate growth, the Company also has a need to strengthen its financial position by reducing debt and improving its working capital.

    In view of the above, the Board of Directors has resolved to carry out a directed share issue of approximately SEK 15 million (the “Directed Issue”), a right issue of approximately SEK 50 million, which is covered by subscription and guarantee undertakings amounting to in total 100 percent (the “Rights Issue”), and a set-of issue of approximately SEK 21 million (the “Set-off Issue”) (and together with the Directed Issue and the Rights Issue the “Issues”).

    The proceeds from the Issues amounts to approximately SEK 86 million before transaction related costs. Of the issue proceeds, approximately SEK 40.0 million relates to set-off of loans in the Issues. The Company intends to use the net proceeds expected to be received in connection with the New Share Issues for the following purposes and in the order of priority set out below.

    The Directed Issue

    • Manufacturing                                                    approximately 47 per cent
    • Selling, general and administrative expenses        approximately 35 per cent
    • Marketing                                                          approximately 7 per cent

    Rights issue

    • Manufacturing                                                    approximately 62 per cent
    • Selling, general and administrative expenses        approximately 27 per cent
    • Marketing                                                          approximately 7 per cent
    • General corporate purpose                                  approximately 4 per cent

    Directed Issue

    The Board of Directors of Anoto has, with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, resolved on the issue of no more than 125,043,750 new ordinary shares at a subscription price of SEK 0.12 per share. Payment for the subscribed shares shall be made through payment in cash or through set-off of claim. The Directed Issue provides the Company with proceeds of a total of approximately SEK 15 million before transaction related. The Directed Issue is subject to the approval by an Extraordinary General Meeting, which is scheduled to be held on 26 November 2024 (the “EGM”). The new shares have been subscribed for by institutional and other qualified investors. Payment for the subscribed shares shall be made no later than on 27 November 2024.

    The reason for the deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights is that the Company is in great need of capital and the Board of Directors believes that the expected issue proceeds in a timely and cost-effective manner will enable the Company to (i) ensure continued operations until a rights issue has been completed, and (ii) diversify and strengthen the Company’s shareholder base with institutional investors, which justifies the issue’s deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights. The Directed Issue will, unlike the Rights Issue, broaden the shareholder base and provide the Company with new reputable owners, which the Board of Directors believes will strengthen the liquidity of the share and be favorable for the Company. In light of the above, the Board of Directors has made the assessment that the Directed Issue with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights is favorable for the Company and in the best interest of the Company’s shareholders.

    The subscription price has been determined through arm’s length negotiations with the subscribers in the Directed Issue. The Board of Directors has also taken into account that the Rights Issue (as described below) is carried out with a subscription price of SEK 0.12 per ordinary share and has therefore deemed it reasonable that the Directed Issue is carried out on equivalent terms.

    The new shares in the Directed Issue corresponds to approximately 11.3 percent of the total number of shares in the Company after dilution, calculated on the number of shares in the Company after the completion of the Rights Issue and the Set-off Issue and assuming that the Rights Issue is fully subscribed.

    Rights Issue

    The Board of Directors of Anoto has resolved on the issue of no more than 414,823,830 new ordinary shares with preferential rights for the shareholders, raising proceeds of approximately SEK 50 million before transaction related costs. The Rights Issue is subject to the approval by the EGM, which is scheduled to be held on 26 November 2024.

    In the Rights Issue, Anoto’s current shareholders will have a preferential right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to the number of shares held on the record date on 28 November 2024. The last day of trading in Anoto’s share including the right to participate in the Rights Issue will be 26 November 2024. The subscription period is expected to run from 2 December 2024 to 16 December 2024.

    One (1) share held on the record date entitles to one (1) subscription right, according to the proposed terms and conditions. Four (4) subscription rights entitle the holder to subscribe for five (5) new shares. The subscription price has been set to SEK 0.12 per share.

    Shares which are subscribed for without preferential rights will be offered to current shareholders and other investors who have applied to subscribe for new shares without preferential rights. The new shares in the Rights Issue corresponds to approximately 37.6 percent of the total number of shares in the Company after dilution, calculated on the number of shares in the Company after the completion of the Directed Issue and the Set-off Issue and assuming that the Rights Issue is fully subscribed.

    Set-off Issue

    As previously communicated through a press release, on 27 June 2024, the Company entered into a convertible investment agreement with Mark Stolkin and DDM Debt AB, two major shareholders in Anoto, providing Anoto with a total of USD 1.5 million in the form of convertible loans (the “Investment Agreement“). The Investment Agreement has since been increased by a total of USD 0.5 million with the following investors having adhered the Investment Agreement: Gary Butcher, BLS Futures Limited, Rocco Homes Ltd, Machroes Holdings Ltd and Adrian Weller.

    Under the terms of the Investment Agreement, upon the request of a lender, the outstanding loan amount, in full or in part, plus accrued interest, shall be converted into newly issued ordinary shares of the Company at a conversion price of SEK 0.42, which corresponds to the current quota value of the shares, and at a fixed exchange rate of 10.51 SEK/USD. However, in the event of a Qualified Financing Round (see further details in the press release published by the Company on 27 June 2024) the outstanding loan amounts shall automatically be converted into newly issued ordinary shares in Anoto at a conversion price corresponding to 75 percent of the subscription price in the Qualified Financing Round.

    Due to the Rights Issue constituting a Qualified Financing Round, the Board of Directors has resolved on a directed issue of a total of 230,636,111 ordinary shares with payment by way of set-off to the lenders Mark Stolkin, DDM Debt AB, Gary Butcher, BLS Futures Limited, Rocco Homes Ltd., Machroes Holdings Ltd and Adrian Weller. The subscription price per ordinary share is SEK 0.09, which corresponds to 75 percent of the subscription price in the Rights Issue. The subscription price in the Set-off Issue has been determined in accordance with the Investment Agreement between Anoto and the lenders. Payment shall be made through set-off of claims in connection with subscription. The Set-off Issue is subject to the approval by the EGM, which is scheduled to be held on 26 November 2024.

    The new shares in the Set-Off Issue correspond to approximately 20.9 percent of the total number of shares in the Company after dilution, calculated on the number of shares in the Company after the completion of the Directed Issue and the Rights Issue and assuming that the Rights Issue is fully subscribed.

    Subscription undertakings and guarantee commitments

    Anoto has received subscription undertakings amounting to approximately 30.2 percent of the Rights Issue from existing shareholders.

    Furthermore, the Company has entered into underwriting agreements consisting of a so-called bottom guarantee of approximately SEK 21.2 million, corresponding to approximately 42.6 percent of the Rights Issue, and a so-called top guarantee of approximately SEK 13.6 million, corresponding to approximately 27.3 percent of the Rights Issue. The bottom guarantee ensures, provided that subscription takes place at least corresponding to the subscription undertakings, that approximately 72.7 percent of the Rights Issue is subscribed and paid. The top guarantee ensures that 100 percent of the Rights Issue is subscribed for and paid for, provided that subscriptions are at least equivalent to the subscription undertakings and the bottom guarantee.

    For the guarantee undertakings a fee of 14 percent of the guaranteed amount is paid in cash compensation or in the form of new shares. The guarantee undertakings is subject to customary conditions. The guarantee undertaking is not secured through a bank guarantee, blocked funds, or pledge of collateral or similar arrangement.  

    New Board Member

    Adrian Weller, one of the investors in the Directed Issue and the Set-off Issue, will be proposed as a new member of the Board of Directors at the EGM scheduled to be held on 26 November 2024.

    Extraordinary General Meeting

    The Rights Issue is subject to approval by the EGM scheduled to be held on 26 November 2024. Notice to the EGM will be published in a separate press release later today and will be available on www.anoto.com.

    Prospectus

    Complete terms and conditions for the Rights Issue, as well as other information regarding the Company, will be provided in the prospectus that is planned to be published on or about 29 November 2024. The Prospectus which will be published on the Company’s website (www.anoto.com).

    Advisers

    Setterwalls Advokatbyrå is acting as legal advisor and Bergs Securities AB (“Bergs Securities”) is acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner to the Company in connection with the Issues.

    This information constitutes inside information as Anoto Group AB (publ) is obliged to disclose under the EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014. The information was provided by the contact person below for publication 25 October 2024 at 08:15 CEST.

    For further information, please contact:

    Kevin Adeson, Chairman of the board of Anoto Group AB (publ)

    For more information about Anoto, please visit www.anoto.com or email ir@anoto.com

    Anoto Group AB (publ), Reg.No. 556532-3929, Flaggan 1165, SE-116 74 Stockholm

    About Anoto Group

    Anoto is a publicly held Swedish technology company known globally for innovation in the area of information-rich patterns and the optical recognition of those patterns. It is a lead-er in digital writing and drawing solutions, having historically used its proprietary technology to develop smartpens and related software. These smartpens enrich the daily lives of millions of people around the world. Anoto currently has three main business lines: Livescribe retail, Enterprise Forms and OEM. Anoto also holds a stake in Knowledge AI, a leading AI based education solution company. Anoto is traded on the Small Cap list of Nasdaq Stockholm under ANOT.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    The release, announcement or distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to restrictions. The recipients of this press release in jurisdictions where this press release has been published or distributed shall inform themselves of and follow such restrictions. The recipient of this press release is responsible for using this press release, and the information contained herein, in accordance with applicable rules in each jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in the Company in any jurisdiction where such offer would be considered illegal. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or an offer to buy or subscribe for shares issued by the Company in any jurisdiction where such offer or invitation would be illegal. In a member state within the European Economic Area (“EEA”), shares referred to in the press release may only be offered in accordance with applicable exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation.

    This press release does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There is no intention to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to make a public offering of the securities in the United States. The information in this press release may not be announced, published, copied, reproduced or distributed, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, within or into the United States, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, or in any other jurisdiction where such announcement, publication or distribution of the information would not comply with applicable laws and regulations or where such actions are subject to legal restrictions or would require additional registration or other measures than what is required under Swedish law. Actions taken in violation of this instruction may constitute a crime against applicable securities laws and regulations.

    In the United Kingdom, this document and any other materials in relation to the securities described herein is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, and any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to, and will be engaged in only with, “qualified investors” who are (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only to, and will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Persons who are not relevant persons should not take any action on the basis of this press release and should not act or rely on it.

    A prospectus will be prepared in connection with the offering and admission to trading of shares in Anoto. The prospectus will be scrutinized and approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval of the prospectus should not be understood as an endorsement of the securities being offered and admitted to trading. The prospectus will contain a description of the risks and rewards associated with an investment in Anoto and potential investors are recommended to read the prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision.

    The prospectus will be published by the Company on or around 29 November 2024 and available on the Company’s website, www.anoto.com. This release is however not a prospectus in accordance to the definition in the Prospectus Regulation. In accordance with article 2 k of the Prospectus Regulation this press release constitutes an advertisement. Complete information regarding the Rights Issue can only be obtained through the Prospectus. Anoto has not authorized any offer to the public of shares or rights in any other member state of the EEA. In any EEA Member State, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. This announcement does not identify or suggest, or purport to identify or suggest, the risks (direct or indirect) that may be associated with an investment in the new shares. Any investment decision in connection with the Rights Issue must be made on the basis of all publicly available information relating to the Company and the Company’s shares. Such information has not been independently verified by Bergs Securities. Bergs Securities is acting for the Company in connection with the transaction and no one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for giving advice in relation to the transaction or any other matter referred to herein.

    Information to distributors

    Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended (“MiFID II”); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the “MiFID II Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the shares in Anoto have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the “Target Market Assessment”). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, Distributors should note that: the price of the shares in Anoto may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the shares in Anoto offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the shares in Anoto is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Rights Issue.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the shares in Anoto.

    Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the shares in Anoto and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Hong Kong Dragon shines brightly at OzAsia Festival in Adelaide (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New Hong Kong Dragon shines brightly at OzAsia Festival in Adelaide (with photos)
    New Hong Kong Dragon shines brightly at OzAsia Festival in Adelaide (with photos)
    *********************************************************************************

         Illuminated across the River Torrens of Adelaide, Australia, the spectacular 40-metre-long new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern is taking centre stage at the Moon Lantern Trail of the OzAsia Festival from October 24 to 27, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as celebrating the artistic synergy between Hong Kong and Australia.     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is again supporting the OzAsia Festival with a view to promoting the unique arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong. This year, in collaboration with the organiser of the Festival, the Adelaide Festival Centre (AFC), Sydney ETO presented the new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern with a concept from a Hong Kong artist to foster arts and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Adelaide.     Addressing more than 200 guests at the OzAsia Festival Opening Night, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said that 2024 marks the 15th year of partnership between Sydney ETO and the AFC. He is delighted to witness this milestone and celebrate the debut of the new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern.     “Sydney ETO treasures the opportunity for cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. Over the years, we have supported numerous initiatives to help Hong Kong fulfil its role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which includes supporting arts groups and delegations travelling between Hong Kong and Australia to bring our art communities closer together,” Mr Chong said.     He also introduced the key measures announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” for bolstering the cultural and creative industries. “The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), one of the largest arts and cultural projects in the world, provides over 20 professional venues capable of hosting a wide range of events. With a view to branding the WKCD as a must-visit landmark for cultural and creative tourism, the Government will roll out more special-experience activities and step up worldwide promotions in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to bring in more tourists,” Mr Chong added.     Mr Chong also shared with the participants the latest initiatives in the Policy Address to attract top-notch talent to Hong Kong, including updating the Talent List, expanding the list of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and extending the validity period of the first visa of high-income talent under the scheme to three years.     Held annually over three weeks (October 24 to November 10) in spring in the southern hemisphere, the OzAsia Festival is Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival that engages with Asia. This year’s festival showcases various forms of arts and culture, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, cuisine and cultural events from across Asia. The vibrant line-up features over 300 artists from Australia and abroad including Hong Kong, with seven world premieres to be staged.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Dolly Parton Accepts State Department and Recording Academy’s 2024 Peace Through Music Award

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    We are proud to honor icon, philanthropist and 10-time @RecordingAcademy GRAMMY winner @DollyParton with the 2024 PEACE Through Music Award. Her timeless music and philanthropic efforts continue to bridge divides and promote peace worldwide, showcasing the positive power of music. #DollyParton #MusicDiplomacy

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaiSlknRvZM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wave of the future: How DASA-backed AI innovation is revolutionising maritime rescue

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Scotland-based SME Zelim has won a contract with the US Navy to deploy their innovative AI-enabled Person-in-Water detection and tracking technology, known as ZOE.

    • Zelim’s detection and tracking system uses AI to scan the water surface to find people in the water much more accurately and consistently than human eyes and current systems can
    • Low-cost and easy to integrate, the software solution can be implemented in any camera or CCTV setup
    • DASA funding has helped take the solution from concept to commercial project, which is now being used on commercial ships, offshore energy infrastructure and commercial ports
    • In 2024, Zelim was awarded a US Navy contract to deploy ZOE – their advanced AI-enabled person in water detection and tracking technology

    In 2024, Edinburgh-based SME Zelim achieved a remarkable milestone: securing a contract with the US Navy to deploy an advanced Person-in-Water detection system. This breakthrough, rooted in artificial intelligence, represents a significant leap forward in maritime rescue technology – and it all began with support from the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

    The US Navy contract, awarded through a Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, recognises Zelim’s cutting-edge AI-enabled detection and tracking technology. This system, known as ZOE, can scan vast stretches of ocean, identifying and tracking individuals or objects with unprecedented accuracy – even in challenging conditions that would confound human observers and current vision systems.

    How did a small Scottish company attract the attention of the US Navy? In 2022, Zelim presented the search and rescue concept to the DASA Open Call, which offered essential early-stage funding and expertise, allowing Zelim to turn their idea into reality. Zelim’s DASA project helped the SME tackle significant challenges, such as gathering person in water rescue data across a huge range of conditions and creating a comprehensive database for accurately identifying humans in water – a critical component in making the system reliable enough for real-world rescue operations.

    Andy Tipping, Co-Founder and Business Development Director explains:

    The DASA offering is unique, we had a DASA Subject Matter Expert who was always on hand to keep us on track and to make sure whatever we developed would meet defence customer needs, plus we had an Exploitation Manager working tirelessly to secure meetings with a range of MoD and Home Office end users. The result was, by the end of the project we started securing our first contracts in civilian markets, selling our AI enabled detection system to offshore energy operators and several months later our technology was selected for the US Navy SBIR programme. Being a DASA Alumni also gave credibility and it wasn’t long after the project completed that we secured our Series A investment round.

    From UK Innovation to US Navy Contract

    As soon as someone enters the water, rescuers are against the clock. This is greatly understood by Zelim founder, Sam Mayall, a seasoned mariner with a wide range of experience, from small dinghies to 40,000-ton ships. With a background in commercial shipping, Sam has experienced numerous emergencies at sea, including a tragic incident where rescuers discovered a body floating face down in the water.

    This experience ignited the desire to help improve maritime safety for sailors and equip rescuers with better tools, enhanced by AI and automation to ensure safer operations in the vast ocean and help overcome challenges such as:

    • Vastness of Oceans

      Individuals lost at sea can be difficult to spot with only their head often visible, which can be missed or confused with other ocean debris.

    • Poor Weather Conditions

      Fog, ocean spray, and darkness significantly reduce visibility, complicating the search efforts.

    • Imperfect Human Eyesight

      Human vision is fallible; fatigue and level of concentration can lead to false detections and missed rescue opportunities.

    • Reliance on Binoculars or CCTV

      During the critical period, rescuers using only binoculars or viewing camera streams may struggle to keep sight of the individual as they disappear behind waves, sea spray and other vessels

    • Parallax Effect

      The difference in movement speeds between foreground and background can confuse existing vision systems.

    Charting new waters with ZOE

    Zoe works by scanning the sea surface, sifting through the busy marine surroundings to pinpoint individuals or specific objects. These targets can then be recognised, identified, and tracked using their unique AI software.

    A key advantage of ZOE is its flexibility in accounting for the dynamic and chaotic nature of the sea, avoiding false positives from objects like buoys by analysing live daylight and thermal camera feeds for human-like patterns. Zelim spent several years compiling a comprehensive data library to ensure reliable identification, solving the last piece of the puzzle for effective ocean rescue.

    Additionally, ZOE is software-based and hardware agnostic, applicable to any camera or CCTV feed, making it ideal for commercial shipping, passenger vessels, naval ships, search and rescue aircraft and ports.

    How Zelim’s innovation can bolster search and rescue

    • Compatible with various camera systems
    • Alerts users to humans in water with 96% accuracy from 300 meters
    • Operates effectively in adverse weather and low light
    • Automatically tracks spotted individuals, preventing loss
    • Easy-to-install software managing multiple feeds, with local data processing
    • More efficient than traditional methods like binoculars and standard sensors

    Zelim’s ZOE detection solution in action

    Breaking into defence and civilian markets: What does the future hold for Zelim?

    DASA support proved invaluable for Zelim. By the end of the DASA project, Zelim had not only created a working prototype but had also begun securing their first contracts in civilian markets, including:

    • Jack-up drilling rigs in the North Sea
    • A floating wind farm off the coast of Portugal owned by Ocean Winds
    • A cruise ship

    The effectiveness of Zelim’s solution was evident during field trials, demonstrating its accuracy, measurability, and consistency. The system can achieve 96% accuracy from over 330 meters without applying optical zoom, and with optical zoom, it can spot humans in the water over a kilometre away.

    These capabilities caught the attention of defence organisations worldwide. In addition to the US Navy contract, Zelim’s technology was also deployed in a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue exercise in 2024, where it demonstrated its ability to find and track humans at sea with no false positives.

    The company’s growth reflects its success. Starting the DASA project with just 10 employees, Zelim has now expanded to a team of 28, with further growth anticipated as they work to fulfill the US Navy and offshore energy contracts.

    Looking ahead, Zelim plans to increase deployment of their technology on ships, major global ports, search and rescue assets, and air assets. This ambitious growth strategy underscores the far-reaching impact of DASA’s initial support – from fostering UK innovation to enhancing global maritime safety and creating economic opportunities.

    The US Navy contract stands as a testament to the power of targeted innovation support. By backing Zelim’s vision, DASA has not only contributed to advancing a innovative UK technology but has also opened doors for a British SME on the global stage, demonstrating how investment in innovation can yield significant returns for both national security and prosperity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Retail – Samsung Launches New Odyssey OLED Monitor Range Delivering Incredible Immersive Entertainment

    Source: Samsung

    Welcome the new era of gaming and elevate your entertainment and multitasking with incredible deep immersion

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Oct. 25, 2024 – Samsung Electronics today announces the unveiling of its highly acclaimed Odyssey OLED line-up, which features the introduction of four new models: the Odyssey OLED G93SD, G91SD, G85SD and G61SD.

    Samsung Electronics continues to lead the global gaming monitor market, holding the No.1 brand position  since 2021[1]. Earlier this year, Samsung captured a 20.6%[2] global market share in this category and leads the New Zealand gaming monitor market with a 43%[3] share in the first half of 2024, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).

    “The OLED monitor market is highly competitive, so reaching the top spot requires unparalleled innovation and product quality,” said Jimmy Peng, Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung New Zealand. “Being the market leader in gaming monitors, we have built up an understanding of New Zealand gamers and always look to ensure that we give them the very best. Our latest Odyssey OLED monitors will build on this and provide a larger-than-life viewing experience with resolution which enables Kiwi gamers to have an immersive and real-life gaming experience.”

    Setting the new standard, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 series, including the G93SD and G91SD models, delivers an immersive experience with dual QHD (5,120 x 1,440) resolution, a 32:9 ultra-wide screen ratio, 1,800R curved design, a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms grey-to-grey (GTG) response time[4].

    The 34” Odyssey OLED G85SD offers ultra-wide QHD (3,440 x 1,440) resolution, a 21:9 screen ratio, 1,800R curved design, Smart Hub, a 175Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms GTG response time. In addition to the successful of the larger screen sizes within the Odyssey OLED range, Samsung also offers a 27” OLED G6 series monitor, with the introduction of the G61SD, which further diversifies the comprehensive OLED portfolio and providing more options for Kiwi gamers.

    The new Odyssey OLED models incorporate Samsung’s proprietary OLED Safeguard to prevent burn-ins and OLED Glare Free technology to minimise light reflection, ensuring a superior viewing experience. As well as AMD FreeSync support which offers extremely smooth and fast action gameplay, reduces stuttering and input latency.

    Game, work and relax. For those who want a monitor that does it all, Samsung Electronics presents the Odyssey OLED series is the best for gaming and beyond.

    For more information on Samsung’s industry-leading monitor line-up, please visit www.samsung.com/nz/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angel investors commit US$350,000 to creative entrepreneurs at Afreximbank’s CANEX pitch session

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

    ALGIERS, Algeria, October 25, 2024/APO Group/ —

    African Export – Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) Angel investors participating in a pitch session at the just-concluded CANEX WKND 2024 in Algiers have committed a total of US$350,000 in investment into the three best pitches presented at the competition.

    The pitch session, dubbed “CANEX Presents the Angels”, featured 12 creative entrepreneurs from 10 African countries who were selected to present their businesses for review with a view to raising capital for growth and expansion.

    Moji Hunponu-Wusu, Founder of Woodhall Capital, made the leading commitment of US$250,000 in equity by issuing an investment term sheet to Cameroonian fashion designer Kibonen Nfi, the founder of the Kibonen brand.

    An additional commitment of US$100,000 was made by a consortium of three angel investors: Ibrahim Sagna, Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, Moji Hunponu-Wusu, and Efe Ukala, Founder of ImpactHER. They jointly agreed to invest in the top three pitches of the competition.

    With that arrangement, the equity commitment will go to Zimbabwean Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri of Vanhu Vamwe, whose pitch earned the top spot, Ms. Nfi, whose pitch was second, and another Zimbabwean, Thulani Ngazimbi of The Rad Black Kids, who had the third best pitch.

    Commenting on the pitch session, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank, said that the competition was aimed at catalysing financing to complement the capacity building and market access support that the CANEX platform provides African creatives.

    “Facilitating access to angel investment like this complements our existing efforts by providing the capital required for creative entrepreneurs to maximize the benefits of our capacity building and market access interventions,” said Mrs. Awani, adding, “The investments into the creative enterprises will enable them to expand their businesses, trade across borders, create new jobs and contribute to economic development.”

    The four-day CANEX WKND 2024 ran from 16 to 19 October and was held under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”. It was attended by almost 4,000 delegates representing a diversity of creative sectors from across Africa and featured live performances, speeches by industry leaders and experts, masterclass sessions, fashion shows, sporting events, high energy music concerts and gastronomical showcases alongside a vibrant market and exhibition.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Announces Quarterly Index Performance and Rebalancing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated financial markets for 12,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced the third quarter 2024 performance and quarterly rebalancing of the OTCQX® and OTCQB® indexes, including the OTCQX Canada Index and the OTCQX Dividend Index.

    The OTCQX Composite Index (.OTCQX), a benchmark for the overall OTCQX Best Market, was up 7.5% in Q3 2024. 32 new companies joined the Index while 47 companies were removed. Talen Energy Corp (TLN) went to NASDAQ on 7/10/2024. FirstSun Capital Bancorp (FSUN) went to NASDAQ on 7/12/2024. Collective Mining Ltd (CNL) went to NYSE MKT on 7/22/2024. Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) went to NYSE ARCA on 7/23/2024.

    The OTCQX Billion+ Index (.OTCQXBIL), which tracks the performance of $1 billion-plus market cap OTCQX companies was up 7.7% in Q3 2024. 2 new companies joined the Index and 3 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX Dividend Index (.OTCQXDIV), which tracks dividend-paying U.S. and international OTCQX companies, was up 7.6% in Q3 2024. 15 new companies joined the Index, while 13 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX Banks Index (.OTCQXBK), comprised of OTCQX community and regional banks, was up 11.3% in Q3 2024. 9 companies joined the Index while 15 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX International Index (.OTCQXINT), a benchmark for international OTCQX companies, was up 7.5% in Q3 2024. 13 new companies joined the Index while 29 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX Canada Index (.OTCQXCAN), which tracks Canadian OTCQX companies index was up 9.5% in Q3 2024. 6 new companies joined the Index while 18 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX U.S. Index (.OTCQXUS), a benchmark for U.S. OTCQX companies, was up 4.4% in Q3 2024. 19 new companies joined the Index while 19 companies were removed.

    The OTCQX Cannabis Index (.OTCQXMJ), a benchmark for cannabis companies, was up slightly 0.8% in Q3 2024. 1 new company joined the Index while 3 companies were removed.

    The OTCQB Venture Index (.OTCQB), which tracks the overall OTCQB Venture Market, was up 4.0% in Q3 2024. 74 companies were added to the index while 107 companies were removed. RDE Inc (RSTN) went to NASDAQ on 8/7/2024.

    For a list of all index additions and deletions, visit
    https://www.otcmarkets.com/files/Quarterly_Index_Constituent_Changes.pdf

    All indexes are market capitalization-weighted and adjusted on a quarterly basis for additions and share changes over 5% during the months of March, June, September and December. In the case of ADRs, the DR ratio is considered. Dividends are re-invested as of the close of business the day before the ex-dividend date.

    The OTCQX Composite Index, OTCQX Billion+ Index, OTCQX Dividend Index, OTCQX International Index, OTCQX U.S. Index, OTCQX Banks Index, OTCQX Cannabis Index, and OTCQB Venture Index have minimum liquidity screens to ensure tradability.

    All index data is priced in real-time and is available on the OTC Markets Group website, www.otcmarkets.com, and via major financial data distributors and websites, including Bloomberg, Reuters and FT.com.

    Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors cannot invest directly in any of these indexes.

    OTC Markets Group Inc. provides no advice, recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or securities. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Albion Crown VCT PLC: Annual Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Albion Crown VCT PLC
    LEI Number : 213800SYIQPA3L3T1Q68
    25 October 2024

    Albion Crown VCT PLC (the “Company”)

    Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

    Results announcement
    The Company’s Directors are pleased to attach the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.  The highlights include:

    • Increase in total shareholder value of 0.68 pence per share (2.05% on opening Net asset value) (2023: 1.06 pence per share)
    • Net asset value of 32.20 pence per share (2023: 33.13 pence per share)
    • £97.0 million fund size (2023: £94.0 million)
    • Dividends paid of 1.61 pence per share in the year (2023: 1.63 pence per share)
    • £2.6 million shares purchased during the year (2023: £2.4 million)
    • Annual General Meeting to be held virtually at noon on 26 November 2024
    • Sale of Egress after the year end, returning over 7 times cost.

    The Board also declared a first dividend for the year ending 30 June 2025 of 0.81 pence per Ordinary share to be paid on 29 November 2024 to shareholders on the register on 8 November 2024.

    The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024, including the Notice of Annual General Meeting, are attached to this announcement. Alternatively, copies are available on the Company’s webpage on the Manager’s website at:

    www.albion.capital/CRWN30Jun2024

    For further details about the Company please either visit the Company’s website:

    Albion Crown VCT PLC
    www.albion.capital/vct-funds/CRWN

    or contact:

    Vikash Hansrani
    Operations Partner
    Albion Capital Group LLP
    Telephone: 020 7601 1850

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Chief Executive Officer Christo Liebenberg Presented at the University of Tennessee Nuclear Engineering Colloquium on October 23, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that Christo Liebenberg, Chief Executive Officer of LIS Technologies Inc. presented at the University of Tennessee’s Nuclear Engineering Colloquium, hosted by the Nuclear Engineering Department.

    “We were delighted to welcome our neighbor Mr. Liebenberg to the Nuclear Engineering Department and the University of Tennessee,” said Ashley Nelkin, Academic Specialist & Events of the University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering. “This Colloquium provides our students and faculty with a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in laser isotope separation and gain first-hand insights into this innovative technology.”

    Figure 1 – LIS Technologies Inc. Chief Executive Officer Christo Liebenberg will present at the University of Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Colloquium on October 23, 2024.

    The Colloquium included a 45-minute presentation by Mr. Liebenberg, focusing on a comparison of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation enrichment technologies, with a particular emphasis on the similarities and differences among various laser enrichment methods. The discussion also covered the fundamentals and requirements of laser enrichment, highlighting 16μm and 5μm MLIS systems. Additionally, key features and benefits of the CRISLA process will be showcased. A 15-minute Q&A session will follow the presentation.

    “The University of Tennessee’s Nuclear Engineering Department fosters some of the brightest talent in the country,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO of LIS Technologies Inc. “It was an honor to lead this seminar and help inspire the next generation of nuclear engineers to push the boundaries of innovation. This event also provides a valuable opportunity to teach about the capabilities of our laser isotope separation technology and better understand its potential. This was an engaging and rewarding seminar.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared wavelengths to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com

    For further information, please contact:

    Email: info@laseristech.com

    Telephone: 800-388-5492

    Follow us on Twitter

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    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest data shows twice as much flu among school children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The latest weekly flu surveillance data published by UKHSA today shows flu case numbers are twice as high among school children, aged 5 to 14 years.

    As of 22 October (week 42), influenza positivity – the rate of laboratory confirmed flu cases – among school children aged 5 to 14 years is higher than any other age group, at a weekly average positivity rate of 5.7% compared with a whole population weekly average of 2.5%.

    All school-aged children, up to and including year 11, are eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine. The spray, delivered through local NHS School Immunisation Teams, is quick and painless. The vaccine usually produces a better immune response in children and evidence from last year’s flu season shows strong effectiveness for children in England with a 54% reduction in hospitalisation for those between 2 and 17 years of age.

    Delivery of the flu vaccine in schools started in early September and the local Immunisation Teams will move from school to school across their region throughout October and November, with school vaccination sessions completed by mid-December. It’s important that parents do sign and return the consent forms on time. In some areas this will now be sent digitally to make consent easier.

    Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and then again at the end of January. So even getting a vaccination in November will protect children for the usual peak flu season in December and January, and also importantly help stop them spreading the virus to others who are more vulnerable, such as grandparents or baby brothers and sisters.

    If your child has missed out on getting their flu vaccine at school, there will be further opportunities to get vaccinated, potentially at NHS community clinics. The school immunisation team will be able to provide further details. For children in a clinical risk group who have missed out, it is possible to make an appointment for the vaccine at your GP surgery.

    Younger children, aged 2 years (before the flu vaccination seasons starts on 1 September) and all 3 year olds, are also able to receive a flu vaccine from their GP surgery.

    To help reduce the impact of winter viruses on those most at risk, as well as ease NHS winter pressures, UKHSA – with Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England – has launched a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign. The campaign is currently running on broadcast TV, on demand and community TV, as well as radio channels, outdoor poster sites across England and on social media channels.

    The campaign will urge those eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk.

    Flu can be very serious for some younger children and puts many thousands in hospital every year. Maryam Sheiakh, a mother from Manchester, recounts the fear and anxiety she went through 2 years ago, when her then 4 year-old daughter, Saffy, spent more than a week at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after being admitted with flu, suffering with a severe cough and high temperature. She was transferred to a High Dependency Unit as she was struggling to breathe and needed oxygen. Maryam said:

    I was seriously concerned we might lose Saffy. I honestly thought she might die from this. I was so distraught watching her struggling to breathe day after day, worried about her breathing difficulties and getting oxygen to the brain – would she be the same little girl before she got ill?

    Thanks to the NHS staff, Saffy made a full recovery and, now aged 6, is thriving. Maryam, a nursery teacher, is now urging all parents to vaccinate their children to ensure they have the best protection against flu:

    Just go and get it, don’t take the risk. No parent wants to watch their child suffer like we did with Saffy.

    Dr Suzanna McDonald, Flu Vaccination Programme Lead at the UKHSA, said:

    This week’s data shows that while flu remains at low levels, it is highest among school children. Children’s immune systems respond well to flu vaccines, which for most children is given as a quick and painless nasal spray in school, helping to give them good protection as winter approaches. Flu season can often peak around late December, so getting your children vaccinated now will help ensure flu doesn’t ruin their and your family’s Christmas – as the vaccine will also help stop them spreading the virus.

    Parents should ensure they sign and return their vaccination consent forms so your children don’t miss out. But if they have missed the opportunity at school, you should still be able get them vaccinated at a community clinic. Flu can be a very nasty illness for anyone and every year thousands of children do end up in hospital. Nobody wants this for their child, so please ensure they get their flu vaccine on time.

    Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening said: 

    Today’s data is a stark reminder of how easily viruses can spread in schools – especially during the colder months when students are more likely to gather indoors – but vaccination is one of the best ways to stop the spread and help prevent yourself and others from getting sick this winter.

    Despite delivering almost 10 million flu vaccines to all eligible groups since kicking off this year’s Autumn campaign, it’s still as important as ever to ensure your child is protected as winter approaches.

    NHS staff continue to ensure getting vaccinated is as quick and convenient as possible – by visiting schools across the country to deliver jabs or providing the painless flu nasal spray in ‘Bluey’ themed children’s vaccine clinics – all to help avoid the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased.

    Latest NHS data published this week shows there has been 9,641,272 flu vaccinations delivered so far this Autumn – with 1,337,530 given to school  aged children and 321,678 to children aged 2 and 3.

    UK Health Security Agency press office

    10 South Colonnade
    London
    E14 4PU

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: Dan Orlovsky Is All In

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The cafeteria at the ESPN campus in Bristol, Connecticut, is a monument to distraction. I’m confronted by three preposterous flat-screen TVs on the far wall. Look up. A parade of smaller screens offers a high-definition plea not to engage with your lunch companion.

    Into this boulevard of broken attention spans enters Dan Orlovsky ’17 (BGS), ESPN’s NFL analyst, 20 years removed from a storied career as the UConn quarterback who propelled the football program into national prominence. He absolutely looks the part, dressed in a slim-fit suit that straddles the line between blueberry and robin’s egg. There’s no tie but a sharp blue-gridded white dress shirt and stylish salt-and-pepper stubble. His hair is perfect.

    Aside from developing a reputation as a great football analyst, Orlovsky has become known for his pile of oddities, which he embraces. (“I told you I’m weird,” he reminds me during our conversation.) Food is a big one. Today, he arrives with what looks like a chicken avocado salad. But because there is no lettuce present, his lunch resembles an entrée from the apocalypse, a hillock of (seasoned?) browns and beiges specked with green. There was his memorable admission on Twitter that he uses a bath towel around 30 times before it’s removed from the rotation — presumably with tongs into a hazmat bag.

    At work, Orlovsky has a “maniacal desire to be the best,” says Laura Rutledge, the host of “NFL Live,” his main gig. “He preps like no one I’ve ever seen in my entire life for anything that he does.”

    Orlovsky, 41, does not do these things to perpetuate an image. Everything has a reason, even the bizarro food choices. Why introduce something new and possibly disruptive? Then he can’t spend time with his family or do his job. That’s not how to win the day. When you help resurrect a college football program and get drafted by a National Football League team, that credo isn’t ridiculous. It’s required. Lack the drive to excel while reducing the game’s din and violence to its necessities and you’ll be prowling LinkedIn by your 25th birthday. Orlovsky spent 12 years in the NFL; the average career lasts a hair over three.

    Why, he wonders, can’t the principles that made him a millionaire in the NFL work away from the football field?

    Every day Dan Orlovsky tries to answer that question.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Host Investor Conference Call on November 8, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a global alternative asset management solutions provider, announced today that it will release its results for the third quarter 2024 on Friday, November 8, 2024.

    Management will host a webcast and conference call on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results and provide a business update. The conference call will be available via public webcast through the Public Shareholders section of GCM Grosvenor’s website at www.gcmgrosvenor.com/public-shareholders and a replay will be available on the website soon after the call’s completion for at least seven (7) days.

    To register for the call, visit www.gcmgrosvenor.com/public-shareholders.

    About GCM Grosvenor

    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $79 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 540 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

    Source: GCM Grosvenor

    Public Shareholders Contact
    Stacie Selinger
    sselinger@gcmlp.com
    312-506-6583

    Media Contact
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck
    H/Advisors Abernathy
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global
    212-371-5999

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Horror movies are as much a mainstay of Halloween as trick or treat − but why are they so bloody?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By James Francis, Jr., Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

    Horror movies are plentiful in 2024, and plenty bloody. The year has seen the release of films awash in blood, such as “Immaculate,” “The First Omen” and “The Strangers.” With Halloween on the way, bloody offerings are streaming, in theaters and running in marathons on cable.

    Watch them, and you’ll likely notice that as the decades pass, the directors, writers and studio executives of these films seem to produce more and more on-screen blood, violence and gore. But why?

    As a professor of horror studies, I explore the depths of the genre with my students – and for us to understand the evolution of blood in horror cinema, we first consider how films reflect their times.

    Alfred Hitchcock and Michael Powell created proto-slashers with “Psycho” and “Peeping Tom,” respectively. Both films were released in 1960 about four months apart, both feature serial killers, and both operate on a “tell, don’t show” visual aesthetic. Rather than show the blood to the audience, the films provide narrative cues to only suggest the blood.

    Janet Leigh’s shower scene in ‘Psycho’ is one of the most memorable moments in movie history.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    Guts, gore and so much more

    In “Psycho,” Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, is stabbed to death in the famous shower scene. But the quick-cut editing gives only the illusion of her nude body being slashed as a small amount of blood washes down the drain in black-and-white tones. By not shooting “Psycho” in color, and avoiding the image of bright red blood in the bathtub – Hitchcock’s choice – the film doesn’t seem as violent.

    By the late 1960s, the restrictive Hays Code, which prohibited overt on-screen violence and the use of fake blood, was replaced by the less stringent Motion Picture Association of America film ratings system. Filmmakers could latch onto new freedoms to express fear, anxiety and dread in more visceral depictions. One way to do that – more blood.

    In “Night of the Living Dead,” George A. Romero’s 1968 seminal zombie flick, the walking dead consume the flesh of the living. Even though the movie is in black and white, the monochromatic presentation does not dull the display of the undead gobbling guts and licking up blood.

    The film’s release came six months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and a clear connection between Romero’s film and the Civil Rights Movement then taking place is apparent. The movie’s heightened gore correlates to the movement’s all-too-bloody violent struggle, as Ben, played by Duane Jones, the sole person of color among the living, hides from the ghouls in an abandoned farmhouse with a group of six white people.

    Ben works to keep the group safe but faces ongoing pushback from the white male characters. At the end of the film, a group of vigilantes, believing Ben is a zombie, guns him down before tossing his body into a fire.

    The symbolism as a reflection of the times is hard to miss. Romero and John Russo, who co-wrote the screenplay, didn’t initially intend to make a statement on civil rights; but later, during postproduction, Romero realized the assassination of King turned his movie into a “Black film.”

    Bloody metaphors

    Then came the 1970s, when blood was sprayed all over the screen. But Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974), William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” (1974) and Ridley Scott’s “Alien” (1979) have something else in common: They feature women protagonists who survive the unthinkable.

    Once again, blood is a common denominator. Sally’s body is covered in it after escaping Leatherface; Regan’s body, along with the blood, spews green vomit; and Ripley sees an alien burst out of a crew member’s chest. But the films weren’t just gory – they were metaphors for the uphill battle for women’s rights in the 1970s.

    The original “Halloween” (1978) also fits here, but with a twist. The character of Laurie Strode, perhaps an early prototype of women protagonists in horror films, connects back to a “tell, don’t show” sensibility while simultaneously embracing changing times. While the first kill shows Michael Myers stabbing his older sister, the audience views the death from the partially veiled perspective of Myers behind his Halloween mask. You see little until her body hits the floor to reveal the blood.

    ‘Halloween’ was a huge hit and has thus far spawned six direct sequels, one offshoot, a two-part remake and one reboot trilogy over 46 years.
    Universal History Archive via Getty Images

    Nightmares and reality

    In the 1980s, the slasher subgenre dominated horror – and the bloodier, the better: These movies focus on the number of kills and the creative ways the victims are dispatched.

    Each sequel in these horror franchises needed to up the kills, if for no other reason than to outdo its predecessors and competitors. Audiences began rooting for villains like Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, all of whom had their own theme music, and in Freddy’s case, trademark one-liners. Many of the villains had more character development than their victims, who seemed interchangeable and little more than fodder for the slasher machine.

    The 1990s had bigger-budgeted, more innovative films, such as Wes Craven’s “New Nightmare” (1994) and “Scream” (1996). Here the attacks are more personal; the stabbings are close-up. CGI, or computer-generated imagery, used in abundance in the “Nightmare” series, allowed for more creative and bloody kills.

    Scarier times mean bloodier movies

    Since 9/11, horror films have existed in a place where there’s no apparent motive other than violence and bloodshed. In “The Strangers” (2008), the villains tie up, torment and savagely maim their victims. In the 2009 remake of “The Last House on the Left,” it’s the villains who meet a bloody end. Contemporary horror understands how senseless killings on screen are effective, because the removal of emotion from the violence parallels real-world incidents.

    ‘Ghostface’ is the villain in the popular ‘Scream’ series.
    James Gourley/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

    By the late 2010s, horror films link to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, most notably in the “Halloween” reboot trilogy, as Laurie Strode once again confronts Michael Myers and the trauma he inflicted 40 years prior.

    The kills in the new “Halloween” trilogy are extremely bloody and violent. They also mirror the sexual and societal exploitation of women and their bodies. Ultimately, the series allows the protagonist, and the traumatized town of Haddonfield, to acknowledge the evil, confront it and try to finally put an end to it, once and for all.

    The evolution in the horror genre’s presentation of blood and gore doesn’t necessarily make for scarier movies, but they often point to the scarier times in which we live. Earlier horror films, comparatively tamer and with less blood, were often box-office successes. But today’s audiences probably appreciate them more for their artistic merits than the fear they induce.

    The preferences of horror audiences change over time, much like the ebb and flow of the blood depicted in these movies. The original “Halloween” has hardly a drop; the recent reboots are over the top – but still nowhere close to the mayhem depicted in the just-released “Terrifier 3.”

    What the future holds is anyone’s guess. But check out the world around you, and you’ll certainly get a bloody good hint of what’s to come.

    James Francis, Jr. 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. Horror movies are as much a mainstay of Halloween as trick or treat − but why are they so bloody? – https://theconversation.com/horror-movies-are-as-much-a-mainstay-of-halloween-as-trick-or-treat-but-why-are-they-so-bloody-241214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why returning the name Kuwohi to the Great Smoky Mountains matters

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Seth T. Kannarr, PhD Student in Geography, University of Tennessee

    View from the overlook on Kuwohi of the mountain peaks and ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Getty Images

    It’s not every day that the name of a mountain is restored to the one used by Indigenous peoples for centuries.

    But after nearly two years of trying, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians finally convinced the U.S. Board on Geographic Names on Sept. 18, 2024, to formally agree to rename the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee to Kuwohi (koo-whoa-hee).

    The mountain, known as “Clingmans Dome” since 1859, has been a sacred place for the Cherokee people, serving as a place of prayer, reflection and gathering of mulberries for medicine. In fact, the name Kuwohi translates to “the mulberry place” in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language.

    Though known as Kuwohi by the Cherokee people for hundreds of years, explorer Arnold Guyot effectively ignored that history after he surveyed the mountain range in 1859. Guyot named the peak “Clingmans Dome” after his friend Thomas Lanier Clingman, a North Carolina U.S. senator and a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War. Clingman never set foot on this mountain, but his name remained there for 165 years until now.

    What is place name repatriation?

    The government’s renaming of the mountain to Kuwohi is a significant example of place name repatriation, or the return of an original, Indigenous name to a particular place or landscape.

    Sometimes the primary motivation for place renaming is to remove an offensive or irrelevant place name from the landscape, such as the renaming of Squaw Peak in Arizona to Piostewa Peak in 2008.

    In other cases, such as the renaming of Mount McKinley in Alaska to Denali in 2016, the motivation was to create a more authentic and historically accurate name for a particular place.

    In the case of Kuwohi, the return to its original name was a mixture of both. The government’s decision recognized the original Indigenous name and removed the name of a white man who defended the enslavement of African people. It is also about restoring a larger sense of respect and recognition of Indigenous identity across the landscape.

    Just as important is the fact that it was individuals from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who put forward this proposal and remained the lead throughout the process.

    Place naming is only truly reparative if these processes truly reflect the agency and intent of these historically oppressed groups. Otherwise, it contributes to the long history of dismissing Indigenous claims to land and culture by not involving them.

    View of observation tower on Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
    Joshua Moore/Getty Images

    Why does place naming matter?

    A name is one of the most fundamental ways to identify and give meaning to places. In other words, the name of the place makes a big difference in how people perceive it.

    There is growing public recognition that place names can transmit harmful messages that misrepresent the history and identity of minority communities. Place names also can demonstrate how those in power have used them to disrespect and misrepresent ethnic and racial groups that have been historically discriminated against.

    For those groups, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names found in 2022 that derogatory place names are a source of recurring trauma.

    If place naming did not matter, disputes over name changes would not occur. Some critics find place renaming to be an example of unnecessary political correctness, while others see it as a meaningful solution that will leave a lasting positive impact.

    The elimination of names of Confederate generals from some U.S. military bases provides another example. Former President Donald Trump has pledged to restore the name “Fort Bragg” to the North Carolina Army base that’s known today as Fort Liberty if reelected. Originally named after Braxton Bragg, a slave-owning Confederate general, the fort was one of nine U.S. installations that the Defense Department ordered in 2023 to have their names changed to among 3,700 recommendations.

    Trump’s stance exemplifies the wave of backlash that has occurred against local and state school officials across the country that have removed the names of Confederate generals and others from public buildings.

    Lavita Hill (L) and Mary Crowe in 2022.
    Cherokee One Feather

    Despite such backlash, efforts by Indigenous people and civil rights advocates slowly move forward and are seen across the U.S. in places like streets, neighborhoods, college campuses and beyond.

    For Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe, the two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who took the lead on submitting the proposal, the renaming of Kuwohi was a moment of success. Their campaign was heavily inspired by the renaming of Mount Doane to First Peoples Mountain in Yellowstone National Park in 2022.

    Crowe told reporters that she saw friends and relatives shed tears when they learned of the name change. “It was humbling,” she said. “It was beautiful.”

    What comes next?

    The success of the effort to restore the name Kuwohi may help other communities in their ongoing place renaming efforts.

    One such proposal involves a 100-year-old fight to rename Mount Rainier in Washington state to “Tacoma,” the original name given to it by the Salish people of the Pacific Northwest.

    View of the Great Smoky Mountains at sunset from Kuwohi.
    Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images

    This movement began in 1924 among the Salish and other groups because its namesake, Peter Rainier, was a British naval officer who was known as being “anti-American.”

    Another example is a push by 20 different Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota Nation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, to rename Devils Tower in Wyoming to Bear Lodge. The current name of this butte resulted from a poor English translation of the original Indigenous name of “bear lodge” to “bad god’s tower.” Over time, the name was simplified to “Devils Tower.”

    As geographers who have studied the significance of place renaming, we have learned that it is important to engage the folks that these movements will benefit most in all conversations and decisions.

    What is at stake is not just removing insulting names, but also ensuring that the process of changing place names is collaborative of all Americans, especially historically oppressed communities, to truly be restorative and meaningful for society.

    Seth T. Kannarr is affiliated with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as an Education Branch VIP (Volunteer-In-Parks) part-time.

    Derek H. Alderman once served on the Federal Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names, U.S. Department of Interior.

    – ref. Why returning the name Kuwohi to the Great Smoky Mountains matters – https://theconversation.com/why-returning-the-name-kuwohi-to-the-great-smoky-mountains-matters-240644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly Member Mahfouz calls on TfL to end decades long wait for a bus

    Source: Mayor of London

    London Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz has joined worshipers and community leaders to call upon transport chiefs to end the decades long wait for a bus service for deserted corner of Southall.

    Bassam Mahfouz, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon held a community meeting in Johnson Street, Southall, with local MP Deirdre Costigan, former MP Virendra Sharma and worshipers of the Asamai Cultural Trust, Southall to press the case for a local bus service to serve their community.

    Earlier this week Assembly Member Mahfouz held initial talks with transport chiefs from Transport for London (TfL) to discuss potential options for re-routing one of Southall’s many buses to serve this currently bus-free zone.

    The transport provider aims for local people within the capital to live within 400 meters of a bus stop, however at twice the distance residents, worshipers and local businesses are forced to walk around 800m to the nearest bus stops on Western Road.

    Around 500 people attend the Asamai Cultural Trust each week, around 800 households plus dozens of local businesses would benefit from a bus re-route through Johnson Street in Southall. As well as a site for worship, the Asamai Cultural Centre provides numerous health and wellbeing activities, including music and language schools.

    Ashok Bhasin, General Secretary of the Asami Cultural Trust said: “Many of our worshipers attend regularly during the week to avoid social isolation, by connecting through our social groups, to eat together or attend one of our classes.  The lack of a local bus service means that for many of our older members simply cannot access these key services without getting a lift, or an expensive taxi journey.

    “As we approach Divali we hope and pray that even more elderly and disabled members of our community will be able to enjoy the important lifeline that our temple and community centre provides.”

    Bassam Mahfouz, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, said: 

    “For far too long this corner of Southall has been barren of a bus service.  I have long fought to make our borough a more accessible place and a simple re-routing of one of the many local buses would make a huge impact locally.

    “Around 800 households, 500 worshipers and dozens of businesses would benefit from the change we are calling for.  I am delighted that as a direct result of the meeting that I have organised, TfL have agreed to investigate the possibility of re-routing one of the local buses to end this decades long wait for a bus service.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Entrepreneurial skills training at the State University of Management brought together dozens of students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 24, the State University of Management held the first training in entrepreneurial competencies as part of a large-scale project of the University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

    The opening was given by the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev, who spoke about the importance of entrepreneurial skills in the modern world.

    “The State University of Management closely cooperates with the Ministry of Economic Development in the field of entrepreneurship development. In particular, it is the operator of the “My Good Business” competition, within the framework of which it works with all “My Business” centers in the country. Also this year we are holding entrepreneurial shifts in children’s recreation centers. One was already in “Okean”, there will be one in “Artek” and “Orlyonok”.

    The entrepreneurial competencies that you will receive today at the training will not only help in your studies and project activities, but will also increase your competitiveness in the labor market,” Vladimir Vitalievich noted.

    More than 80 students of the State University of Management came to the Information Technology Center for a business intensive. The training was conducted by an accredited trainer of the Russian Venture Company, Liliana Banis, and the CEO of VR Concept, Denis Zakharkin.

    The meeting participants learned how ideas for innovative products are formed, got acquainted with the principles of project management, discussed real market cases, learned how to form a business plan and determine the role of technology in a project. The theoretical block was devoted to studying the algorithm for creating a startup with practical tasks after each stage.

    In addition, in just a few hours, students learned to identify market trends and resources needed for business development, identify client segments, target audiences and their needs.

    The training ended with a final pitch, where future entrepreneurs learned to present their startups to potential investors in two minutes. The projects prepared under the guidance of the trainers turned out to be completely different – from software for optimizing traffic to a dating service based on musical preferences.

    All participants were given certificates of completion of the training, which will give them a starting point when applying for the Student Startup competition, and the most active students received memorable gifts and prizes from the organizers.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/25/2024

    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: Form 8.3 – [ECKOH PLC – 24 10 2024] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ECKOH PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 24 OCTOBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 10p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 20,467,511 7.0440    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 20,467,511 7.0440    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    10p ORDINARY SALE 5,815 40.62p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 25 OCTOBER 2024
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CFAS Hosts Women’s Leadership Symposium

    Source: United States Navy

    Senior personnel from various commands offered over 148 years of cumulative military experience and personal insight into topics including mental health, mentorship and leadership development.
    Cmdr. Mariah Rule, Chief Staff Officer at CFAS, was the lead coordinator and mistress of ceremonies for the event.

    “I firmly believe that even natural leaders have to do a lot of inner work to become a great leader,” said Rule. “A solid foundation of understanding how you want to lead will guide how you think, feel and how you make decisions. These decisions produce action that drives results.”

    The first day of the symposium began with a panel of senior female leaders offering their insight to address the development of leadership styles and skills, moderated by Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling Shawneequa Joyner.
    Members of the panel discussed how assertive and persuasive leadership styles are perceived in the workplace, and how to mitigate misconceptions of female leadership by keeping an open flow of communication between leadership and junior Sailors.

    “I show up as the person I truly am,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Latisha Sewell. “Be the type of leader that you want to be even if people try to place labels on you.”

    The event continued with topics such as sexual harassment in the workplace, maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a mother, women’s health, and harnessing your warrior wellness by utilizing mental and physical toughness techniques.
    The day concluded with three mental health exercises that were recommended to alleviate stress. The exercises included listening to meditation music while blind folded, aromatherapy, and unprompted drawing.

    The second day of the symposium focused on mentorship and how to be an effective “wingwoman”, which is defined as a woman who uplifts and guides other women personally and professionally.
    Cmdr. Angelina Violante, Executive Officer at USS Green Bay (LPD 20), was a guest speaker who offered her own approach to actively being a wingwoman for Sailors.

    “I really strive to maintain that supportive, open and empathetic attitude,” said Violante. “Wingwomen are there to guide, lead and set an example.”
    To lead by example is how many other women are able to embody what it means to be an exceptional female leader.

    Being a trailblazer as a female leader was nothing new for Rear Adm. Ryoko Azuma, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Director of Training, National Defense Academy of Japan, who spoke about “being first”. Throughout her career, Azuma paved the way for women as she became the first woman in 20 years to command a Japanese naval squadron.

    “I don’t think about being a woman,” said Azuma. “I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as a commander.”
    Azuma gave thorough insight into her backstory and provided Sailors the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to her experience as a woman of firsts.
    “I want to devote myself to becoming a person who will inspire others,” said Azuma.

    Mentorship was also highlighted as a focal point, emphasizing how impactful mentorship amongst men and women is.
    A panel, composed of male senior leadership, gave greater insight of their experiences with female mentorship.
    “I’ve been around female leaders, as a former Yeoman, my whole career,” said Command Master Chief Lance H. Burfict, assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11(CPR 11). I have been mentored by some of the top female leaders and have gotten to this point because they have poured in to me.”

    The symposium then segued into speed mentorship where senior leadership had the opportunity to spend about two to five minutes to connect and share advice with sailors seeking mentorship.
    Afterwards, Rule concluded the symposium with an appreciative acknowledgement of all who attended and participated in the women’s leadership symposium.
    “I’m so impressed with the diverse turnout that we had every single day,” said Rule. “It speaks volumes to the leadership here, and how committed we are to leadership development and mentorship to our Sailors.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The best horror movie you’ve never seen

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Scott Malia, Associate Professor of Theatre, College of the Holy Cross

    In ‘Trick ‛r Treat,’ Sam wreaks havoc on characters who betray Halloween traditions. Legendary

    It’s scary movie season, a time when many people watch films about zombies, serial killers, werewolves, magic and mysterious monsters who are impossible to kill.

    However, as far as I know, there’s only one film that features all of those elements – and you’ve probably never seen it.

    Made in 2007, “Trick ‛r Treat” consists of four interconnected horror stories, each about 15 to 20 minutes long, that all take place on a single Halloween night.

    While characters from one story sometimes appear in other segments, the unifying force in the film is Sam, a mysterious creature wearing a burlap mask. He takes umbrage whenever a character disrespects a Halloween tradition, whether it’s by scaring away trick-or-treaters or blowing out a jack-o’-lantern before Halloween is over. Each meets a gruesome end.

    Horror buffs eventually discovered the film. Today, it’s hailed as a modern classic.

    ‘Trick ‛r Treat’ ended up forgoing a theatrical run.

    What went wrong?

    “Trick ‛r Treat” was produced by a major studio, Warner Bros. It featured A-list stars, such as Brian Cox and Oscar-winner Anna Paquin. It was produced by Bryan Singer, who was known for churning out hits such as “X-Men” and “The Usual Suspects.” And though its director, Mike Dougherty, was making his directorial debut, he had worked as a screenwriter on films such as “X2: X-Men United” and “Superman Returns.”

    Despite all of these credentials, the film’s theatrical release was delayed from fall 2007 to 2008. Then a theater run was canceled altogether, with Warner Bros. finally releasing it on video in 2009.

    The studio never gave an official reason for pulling the theatrical release; however, some critics have speculated that the box office success of the “Saw” franchise and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” remake were factors.

    Other reports suggest that the film’s anthology format, its mixture of horror and comedy, and a plot featuring murdered children made it too hard a sell.

    Given the cost of marketing and promoting “Trick ‛r Treat” to a nationwide audience, perhaps the risk wasn’t worth it for a film with a relatively small US$5 million budget. Dougherty himself said these hang-ups constituted a “perfect storm”, suggesting that no one development sealed the film’s fate.

    Michael Dougherty’s film included a number of elements that became mainstays of the genre – he was just a bit early to the game.
    Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

    Bypassing the box office

    As recently as a decade ago, films released directly to DVD were viewed as flops or cash grabs. In fact, there’s an entire subgenre called “mockbusters” – low-budget rip-offs of studio films, such as “Transmorphers,” which tried to piggyback the success of the “Transformers” franchise, and “Atlantic Rim,” which attempted to do the same for the 2013 blockbuster “Pacific Rim.”

    Then there are direct-to-video sequels meant to capitalize off hits. Disney made a lot of money in the late 1990s and early 2000s producing widely panned, direct-to-video animated features such as “The Return of Jafar” and “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World.”

    But second lives for films that were initially snubbed or ignored are nothing new.

    “The Boondock Saints” was briefly screened in a handful of theaters for a single week in 1999 before being dumped into the video market. Only then did viewers find it, and it became a cult favorite that eventually begat a sequel.

    The stigma of direct-to-video release has diminished over the past decade thanks to the rise of streaming, in which content made directly for home viewing can receive critical acclaim and attract subscribers.

    Actor Nicolas Cage has made a cottage industry of this format. While some have attributed his massive output in the past decade to his financial difficulties, Cage’s films “Joe” (2013), “Mandy” (2018) and “Pig” (2021) have all received critical acclaim, despite sometimes only running in a handful of theaters for a week before their release into streaming markets and video on demand.

    It’s this sort of tradition that led to the rediscovery of “Trick ‛r Treat.”

    Nicolas Cage attends the special screening of ‘Mandy’ in 2018.
    Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic via Getty Images.

    Hipster horror

    The appeal of “Trick ‛r Treat” is rooted in its subversion of horror tropes.

    For example, women and children, who’ve historically served as victims in the genre, have a lot more agency in Dougherty’s Halloween tale. In fact, the mysterious Sam was played by Quinn Lord, who was only 8 years old when the film was shot. In the film, the character’s origin, age and gender remain undefined since Sam is masked or covered in prosthetics for the entire film, blurring the line between human and monster.

    In addition, the film’s complex structure, which some speculated might have hurt its chances for commercial success, helped fuel the film’s critical praise. Dougherty called it “‘Pulp Fiction’ meets ‘Halloween,’” a nod to the interlocking structure of Quentin Tarantino’s breakout film and the setting of John Carpenter’s horror staple, which also unfolds over one Halloween night.

    It has become somewhat of a cliché to say that esteemed art, initially overlooked, was “ahead of its time.”

    Still, it would be fair to say that “Trick ‘r Treat” arrived on the cusp of what has been called a “horror renaissance” in the past 15 years. Directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Mike Flanagan have found critical and commercial success by branding themselves as horror auteurs.

    In addition, Peele and directors like Nia Dacosta, who helmed 2021’s “Candyman,” have opened up a brand of horror that deals with social issues and identity. Dougherty’s film also anticipated a trend of horror films with a darkly humorous streak, including Peele’s “Get Out” and David Gordon Green’s reimagined “Halloween” sequels.

    Despite the film’s rocky beginnings, “Trick ‛r Treat” received a belated theatrical release in 2022, which has spurred talk of a potential sequel.

    Dougherty even acknowledges that the film may owe its current popularity to its botched release. While some mainstream films disappear quickly, “Trick ‛r Treat” – currently streaming on Max – reappears every Halloween. Just like Sam.

    Scott Malia 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. The best horror movie you’ve never seen – https://theconversation.com/the-best-horror-movie-youve-never-seen-241528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations blend Indigenous customs and European thinking in surprising ways

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ezekiel Stear, Assistant Professor of Spanish World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Auburn University

    In Mexico City, parades on Day of the Dead feature people in colorful costumes. FG Trade Latin/Collection E+ via Getty Images

    Every year, five hours west of Mexico City on Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, residents flock to the island of Janitzio to visit the graves of their departed relatives.

    On the evening of Nov. 1, the Noche de animas, or Night of the Souls in Purgatory, families will bring a meal to share with their ancestors. They will also use the time to clean the graves and decorate them with elaborate displays of candles and marigolds. Some will spend the night sleeping among the tombstones.

    In Mexico City, parades will feature people in colorful customs with large skull masks while skull-shaped floats move through the streets to the rhythm of Aztec drums. Marigolds, skull-painted faces and swishing skirts will fill the downtown from the main square of the Zócalo to Bellas Artes, the Palace of Fine Arts.

    This vibrant scene reflects the blending of Indigenous, European and specifically Mexican customs that define Day of the Dead celebrations today.

    As a scholar of colonial Mexico, I study how Indigenous people have maintained their traditions despite the Spanish invasion. Whereas scholars once thought that these cultures simply blended – a phenomenon called syncretism – researchers today understand more about how Indigenous people intentionally deliberated about which of their own traditions to continue, and how.

    Celebrations for the dead had an important place in Indigenous cultures before the Spanish came. But, as historian James Lockhart explained, the Spanish, in their attempts to impose their religion and customs, often did not recognize what was most important to local cultures. As long as Indigenous celebrations for the dead did not contradict Spanish preaching, they could go unnoticed.

    Indigenous choices

    The immediate effects of the Spanish invasion brought hard choices for Indigenous people. Most of the Indigenous deaths of the conquest came not by the sword, but by epidemic diseases such as smallpox and salmonella, for which the native population had no natural immunity. In the 16th century, whole towns depopulated, and people needed to decide where they would go to find the best opportunities.

    After the Spanish came, around Lake Pátzcuaro, displaced families suffering the effects of European illnesses and the deaths of family members moved to cities and towns. On the shores of the lake and on the island of Janitzio, they continued their customs of sharing harvest produce with the dead.

    Setting aside time to care for the tombs of the dead became a yearly observance during the colonial period. After independence from Spain in 1821, a series of state decrees in Michoacán even encouraged residents to honor the war heroes buried on Janitzio.

    Since the island had already been sacred for hundreds of years, it was a logical site for the veneration of the new heroes of Mexican independence. So, patriotism strengthened the Indigenous tradition of honoring the dead, which was already underway.

    How Indigenous practices survived

    In Mexico City, colonial policies also ironically allowed Indigenous practices to survive. Before the Spanish came, the Aztecs displayed thousands of skulls of sacrificial victims on a skull rack, called the tzompantli.

    In their view, the vital energy released from sacrificed bodies fed the Sun and ensured that the universe continued.

    Aztec ritual human sacrifice.
    Via Wikimedia Commons

    The Aztecs honored many of their sacrificial victims before these rituals with days of feasting, fine clothes, luxury lodging and other pleasures. Each year, during the festival of Miccailhuitontli, the “little feast of the dead” in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, children were ritually killed. In the tenth month, it was the adults who were sacrificed during the festival of Huey Miccailhuitl, “great feast of the dead.”

    Although Spanish military invaders suppressed these celebrations, they also unintentionally gave the newly colonized Aztecs ways to combine their beliefs with Christian celebrations.

    Franciscans and other religious orders who followed brought the medieval rituals of religious theater and processions as part of their efforts to convert the local people. Both of these highly public medieval practices gathered large numbers of spectators, as Aztec rituals had done before the invasion.

    The Indigenous actors in these plays, themselves recent converts, portrayed pageants during Christmas, Holy Week and other observances.

    While the friars did not plan to draw on Indigenous beliefs, these religious plays had parallels with the preconquest Aztec practice of deity impersonation. For example, before the Spanish came, in the festival of Toxcatl the Aztecs would dress up a specially chosen prisoner as their deity of divination Tezcatlipoca. The impersonator danced and paraded through the city on his way to be sacrificed atop the main temple.

    When Catholic religious theater came to the city, local actors continued to take on the persona they represented to such a degree that one local actor even hanged himself after portraying Judas in a Passion play.

    During the long colonial period, from the 16th to the 18th century, religious processions became a mainstay in the city. Historian Susan Schroeder recounts the chronicles of the Indigenous writer Domingo Chimalpahin about multiple processions as a source of Indigenous communities’ civic pride.

    Over time, taking cues from the “mascaradas” – the large, papier-mâché heads of Spanish processions and festivals – Day of the Dead began featuring enormous, colorful skulls parading through the streets, just feet away from where the Aztecs once displayed human skulls.

    Beyond graves

    Besides the usually cited All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, more covert European elements have influenced Day of the Dead practices. One of these is the belief in the soul and an afterlife. Historian Jill McKeever Furst explains that in the Aztec view, only death in battle or during childbirth earned immortality.

    Most people went to Mictlan, the Land of the Dead, releasing their vital energy into the universe and ceasing to exist as individuals. Today, depictions of the living interacting with the dead, singing to or talking with them, such as in the movie “Coco,” likely reflect adapted ideas about the afterlife from Christianity, as cultural critic Anise Strong has noted.

    European influences have also shaped home altars with their seven or nine levels, representing layers of underworld, Earth and paradise. Research has revealed that many Indigenous communities in what is now Mexico viewed the universe as flat and placed Mictlan far away from the living, rather than below the Earth.

    Historians Jesper Nielsen and Toke Reunert have noted that it is likely that Indigenous images of the universe as made of three realms, with a reward in the sky, Earth in the middle, and the world of the dead below, come from Dante’s “Divine Comedy”. Dante’s literature depicts the universe in a vertical fashion – from the heights of heaven, through purgatory, Earth and with abysmal hell at the bottom.

    As local people converted, they left horizontal views of the universe and moved toward a positive up and a negative down. The vertical cosmos contrasts with ancestral Indigenous views of the universe as a plane where humans and supernatural beings interacted.

    People gather on the island of Janitzio, Mexico, to clean the graves of their deceased loved ones, decorate them with marigolds and bring baskets with offerings for the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
    Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Celebrations continue

    The island of Janitzio on Lake Pátzcuaro and Mexico City show how Indigenous choices helped their traditions survive despite Spanish influence. In the city of Pátzcuaro, sharing food with the dead during harvests continued alongside All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Meanwhile, in Mexico City, the history of public ritual sacrifice gave way to the religious pageantry of Spain’s Renaissance.

    Today, individuals and groups continue to decide how to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Whether it’s about communicating with the dead, letting go, or believing they remain among the living, the holiday’s strength lies in its ability to hold many meanings.

    As long as Indigenous, Spanish and modern Mexican customs continue in home rituals and public celebrations of past lives, current lives and cultural heritage, the Day of the Dead will be alive and well.

    Ezekiel Stear 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. Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations blend Indigenous customs and European thinking in surprising ways – https://theconversation.com/mexicos-day-of-the-dead-celebrations-blend-indigenous-customs-and-european-thinking-in-surprising-ways-240619

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: preserving meaningful moments

    Source: European Union 2

    The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed on 27 October to raise awareness about the significance and preservation risks of audiovisual materials.

    Audiovisual archives serve as powerful storytellers, capturing the lives, cultures and histories of people from all over the world. They represent a priceless heritage which is an affirmation of our collective memory and a valuable source of knowledge, reflecting the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of our communities. These archives not only deepen our understanding of the past but also help us appreciate the world we share today. 

    Conserving this rich heritage and ensuring it remains accessible to the public and future generations is thus vital. Historically, information was preserved through photographs, sheet music and books. Modern technology has revolutionised this process, allowing us to now record and share important moments through sound and video using different apps. Platforms like music streaming services, video-sharing sites and social media act as modern-day archives, storing a wide variety of audiovisuals. 

    The EU utilises different platforms and depositories for storing and sharing audiovisual content. Among them, the Audiovisual Library of the European Commission functions as central deposit for audiovisual materials intended for external communication, produced or purchased by Commission services. The library is responsible for the management, preservation, and accessibility of the collective audiovisual memory of the European integration process, available in both English and French. Since 1948, the library has catalogued over 250 000 videos, 500 000 photos and 8 500 audio recordings, covering all major steps of EU history. The collection continues to grow and is accessible to the public via the Audiovisual Portal. 

    In addition, Europeana is a web portal that aggregates audiovisual materials from over 2000 different institutions across Europe. This includes libraries, museums, archives, galleries and others, offering its users a unique opportunity to access a diverse range of content online. 

    The EU is committed to safeguarding and enhancing Europe’s cultural heritage through numerous policies and programmes. By preserving audiovisual heritage such as films, recordings, and photographs, we ensure that future generations can experience the richness of our shared past. Protecting audiovisual heritage is not just about safeguarding memories, but about keeping cultural diversity alive and accessible for all.

    For more information

    European Commission’s Audiovisual Service

    Audiovisual Portal

    The Audiovisual Library: Europe’s living audiovisual memory (video)

    Europeana

    World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UPDATE TO COVID-19 VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS AND ROLLOUT OF UPDATED JN.1 VACCINES

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    The Ministry of Health (MOH) will roll out the updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and JN.1 Moderna/Spikevax vaccines from 28 October 2024. This is based on the 2024/2025 recommendation of the Expert Committee for Immunisation (ECI). The vaccination is especially applicable to individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19, such as seniors and those who are medically vulnerable. 
    2.      With close to 500 Healthier SG General Practitioner (GP) clinics and 10 polyclinics offering COVID-19 vaccination in the community, the five remaining Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs) will cease operations from 1 December 2024. 
    ECI’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations 
    3.       We are living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease. The severity of COVID-19 infection is low in the healthy general population, given that most of our local population has either taken the vaccine and/or been infected with COVID-19 and recovered safely. 
    4.       Hence the ECI has recommended that individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19 should receive both the initial (if unvaccinated) and additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as they will benefit most from increased protection with vaccination. The persons recommended for COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 are: 
    a.       Individuals aged 60 years and above; 
    b. Medically vulnerable individuals aged 6 months and above; and  
    c. Residents of aged care facilities.  
    5.       Healthcare workers and persons living or working with medically vulnerable individuals are encouraged to consider receiving the vaccine. Other individuals aged 6 months and above who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can continue to do so.

    6.        Unvaccinated individuals who are receiving COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive: 

    a. Ages 6 months to 4 years: Two vaccine doses, eight weeks apart; and 
    b. Ages 5 years and older: One vaccine dose. 
    7.       The number of initial doses recommended for unvaccinated individuals aged 5 years and above has been reduced from two doses (as previously recommended) to one dose, as most in this population would have some level of protection from past COVID-19 infection. One initial dose is now assessed to be sufficient to ensure an adequate level of protection in unvaccinated persons aged 5 years and above.
    8.       Vaccinated individuals aged 6 months and above who are receiving an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive it at an interval of around one year (and at least five months) from the last vaccine dose. 
    Rollout of Updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax Vaccines 
    9.       The Health Sciences Authority has approved the use of the updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and JN.1 Moderna/Spikevax vaccines in Singapore. 
    10.       From 28 October 2024, all vaccination locations offering the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and/or Moderna/Spikevax vaccines will begin administering the updated JN.1 vaccines. 
    11.       The updated COVID-19 vaccines provide a stronger immune response against current and emerging strains compared to previous versions of the vaccines, and therefore confer better protection against COVID-19. The safety profiles of the updated vaccines are comparable to that of previous versions.
    Closure of JTVCs from 1 December 2024
    12.       The JTVCs have served us well in offering mass testing and vaccination services during the pandemic. To bring COVID-19 vaccination closer to the community, close to 500 Healthier SG GP clinics and 10 polyclinics located island-wide are now providing COVID-19 vaccination services. In addition, more Healthier SG GP clinics will be onboarded to offer the COVID-19 vaccines.
    13.       With this, the five remaining JTVCs at Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Kaki Bukit, Sengkang and Woodlands will cease operations from 1 December 2024. Individuals who wish to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations at these locations may walk in by 30 November 2024, or visit https://vaccine.gov.sg/covid to book an appointment.
    14.       Mobile vaccination teams offering the COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be deployed across the island. Members of the public can visit https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the latest schedule. 
    15.       COVID-19 vaccination continues to be free for all eligible individuals under the National Vaccination Programme. Members of the public can visit https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the nearest vaccination sites and the vaccine types offered. Individuals may book an appointment at a Healthier SG GP clinic through https://vaccine.gov.sg/covid, or at a polyclinic through the HealthHub booking system. 
    16.       COVID-19 waves will continue to occur from time to time and can cause severe disease among those who are older or medically vulnerable. To increase their protection against severe disease, we encourage everyone to remain updated with their vaccination based on the prevailing recommendations, much like vaccination against influenza.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Expeditionary corps opened at the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 25, 2024, the State University of Management held a ceremonial opening of the student expeditionary corps.

    The official ceremony took place in the lobby of the Information Technology Center. All those present were able to see unique footage of the expeditions conducted by the students of the State University of Management at a photo exhibition, and also watched a video about the first trip.

    The opening ceremony was attended by the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev, the acting vice-rector of the State University of Management Nikolay Mikhailov, the vice-rector of the Russian Technical University MIREA Igor Tarasov and the deputy general director of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives Evgeny Murakhveri. The event was moderated by the head of the expeditionary corps of our university Vladimir Linnik.

    Vladimir Stroyev admitted that the path to opening the corps was long and difficult. The first step in this direction was the project “Beacons of Friendship. Towers of the Caucasus”, which is still being successfully implemented, but has a relatively narrow localization. The expeditionary corps will significantly expand the geography of trips and diversify the areas of activity with environmental, patriotic and charity trips. As an example, the rector cited search expeditions to Sebezh.

    “These works not only contribute to personal development, but also help preserve historical knowledge, are useful for society, especially in today’s situation. On behalf of the university management, I promise the corps comprehensive support and from this moment I propose to consider it open,” said Vladimir Vitalievich.

    Vice-Rector of MIREA Igor Tarasov said that the volunteer expedition movement at his university has been around for 10 years, but previously trips were organized only for its students. And six months ago, the “Arctic Team” was created – a unique in its scale and subject inter-university project based on RTU MIREA. In a relatively short period of its work, 77 expeditions have already been conducted for 1,000 people from 45 universities in Russia. Their participants have visited many regions of Russia, the North Pole and Antarctica, as well as Armenia, Hungary and Kazakhstan. Right now, the ship “Mikhail Somov” is carrying another student expedition along the Northern Sea Route. At the end of his speech, Igor Aleksandrovich thanked several students of the State University of Management by name for their active participation in the activities of the “Arctic Team”.

    Acting Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Nikolay Mikhailov, as a candidate of geographical sciences, has spent more than 10 years of his life on expeditions. At the opening ceremony, he admitted that he loves the mountains most of all and noted that students make a great contribution to the work of scientists, and their participation in the search for the remains of soldiers of the Great Patriotic War is extremely important for the whole society. Nikolay Nikolaevich wished those who have already started going on expeditions to preserve their love for them for the rest of their lives. He admitted that soon the current students will become qualified specialists, managers, will start families and will have less and less time for travel, but at least occasionally it is always nice to go on trips.

    At the level of vice-rectors, Igor Tarasov and Nikolai Mikhailov signed an agreement on cooperation between the student expeditionary corps of GUU and RTU MIREA.

    Deputy Director General of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives Evgeny Murakhveri noted that any expedition is a combination of business with pleasure, it is teamwork, which also reveals forgotten history and lost elements of culture to society, which is fully consistent with modern state policy, the tasks set by Vladimir Putin, and the direction of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The guest said that in his youth he loved hiking, studied to be a geophysicist and spent an interesting scientific youth on expeditions. On hikes he made friends for life, became interested in rock music, acquired survival skills and worked with various tools, so he highly recommends enrolling in the student corps of the State University of Management – it will be interesting.

    The head of the expedition corps Vladimir Linnik reported that before the opening, our students had managed to participate in 10 expeditions. The plans for 2025 include an archaeological expedition to the village of Khotylyovo in the Bryansk region to the sites of primitive people of the Paleolithic era, as well as to the Valdai Reserve to clean up the eco-trail. If the topic of future expeditions corresponds to the student’s field of study, then participation can be counted as practice. Nikolay Mikhailov, taking advantage of the occasion, presented Vladimir Linnik with a membership card of the Russian Geographical Society, of which he himself has been a member for 52 years.

    Awarded with the Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation for her search activities, third-year student of the Institute of Search and Rescue Sciences Daria Monul briefly spoke about her four years of experience in expeditions and wished everyone to receive high awards for their favorite work.

    At the end of the ceremony, the expedition participants showed a second video about the expeditions of the GUU students, after which, together with their friends from MIREA, they personally shared their emotions from the trips, talked about their travels and thanked the leadership of the two universities for the opportunities provided.

    Anyone can join the GUU expeditionary corps.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/25/2024

    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: From Confederate general to Cherokee heritage: Why returning the name Kuwohi to the Great Smoky Mountains matters

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Seth T. Kannarr, PhD Student in Geography, University of Tennessee

    View from the overlook on Kuwohi of the mountain peaks and ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Getty Images

    It’s not every day that the name of a mountain is restored to the one used by Indigenous peoples for centuries.

    But after nearly two years of trying, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians finally convinced the U.S. Board on Geographic Names on Sept. 18, 2024, to formally agree to rename the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee to Kuwohi (koo-whoa-hee).

    The mountain, known as “Clingmans Dome” since 1859, has been a sacred place for the Cherokee people, serving as a place of prayer, reflection and gathering of mulberries for medicine. In fact, the name Kuwohi translates to “the mulberry place” in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language.

    Though known as Kuwohi by the Cherokee people for hundreds of years, explorer Arnold Guyot effectively ignored that history after he surveyed the mountain range in 1859. Guyot named the peak “Clingmans Dome” after his friend Thomas Lanier Clingman, a North Carolina U.S. senator and a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War. Clingman never set foot on this mountain, but his name remained there for 165 years until now.

    What is place name repatriation?

    The government’s renaming of the mountain to Kuwohi is a significant example of place name repatriation, or the return of an original, Indigenous name to a particular place or landscape.

    Sometimes the primary motivation for place renaming is to remove an offensive or irrelevant place name from the landscape, such as the renaming of Squaw Peak in Arizona to Piostewa Peak in 2008.

    In other cases, such as the renaming of Mount McKinley in Alaska to Denali in 2016, the motivation was to create a more authentic and historically accurate name for a particular place.

    In the case of Kuwohi, the return to its original name was a mixture of both. The government’s decision recognized the original Indigenous name and removed the name of a white man who defended the enslavement of African people. It is also about restoring a larger sense of respect and recognition of Indigenous identity across the landscape.

    Just as important is the fact that it was individuals from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who put forward this proposal and remained the lead throughout the process.

    Place naming is only truly reparative if these processes truly reflect the agency and intent of these historically oppressed groups. Otherwise, it contributes to the long history of dismissing Indigenous claims to land and culture by not involving them.

    View of observation tower on Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
    Joshua Moore/Getty Images

    Why does place naming matter?

    A name is one of the most fundamental ways to identify and give meaning to places. In other words, the name of the place makes a big difference in how people perceive it.

    There is growing public recognition that place names can transmit harmful messages that misrepresent the history and identity of minority communities. Place names also can demonstrate how those in power have used them to disrespect and misrepresent ethnic and racial groups that have been historically discriminated against.

    For those groups, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names found in 2022 that derogatory place names are a source of recurring trauma.

    If place naming did not matter, disputes over name changes would not occur. Some critics find place renaming to be an example of unnecessary political correctness, while others see it as a meaningful solution that will leave a lasting positive impact.

    The elimination of names of Confederate generals from some U.S. military bases provides another example. Former President Donald Trump has pledged to restore the name “Fort Bragg” to the North Carolina Army base that’s known today as Fort Liberty if reelected. Originally named after Braxton Bragg, a slave-owning Confederate general, the fort was one of nine U.S. installations that the Defense Department ordered in 2023 to have their names changed to among 3,700 recommendations.

    Trump’s stance exemplifies the wave of backlash that has occurred against local and state school officials across the country that have removed the names of Confederate generals and others from public buildings.

    Lavita Hill (L) and Mary Crowe in 2022.
    Cherokee One Feather

    Despite such backlash, efforts by Indigenous people and civil rights advocates slowly move forward and are seen across the U.S. in places like streets, neighborhoods, college campuses and beyond.

    For Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe, the two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who took the lead on submitting the proposal, the renaming of Kuwohi was a moment of success. Their campaign was heavily inspired by the renaming of Mount Doane to First Peoples Mountain in Yellowstone National Park in 2022.

    Crowe told reporters that she saw friends and relatives shed tears when they learned of the name change. “It was humbling,” she said. “It was beautiful.”

    What comes next?

    The success of the effort to restore the name Kuwohi may help other communities in their ongoing place renaming efforts.

    One such proposal involves a 100-year-old fight to rename Mount Rainier in Washington state to “Tacoma,” the original name given to it by the Salish people of the Pacific Northwest.

    View of the Great Smoky Mountains at sunset from Kuwohi.
    Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images

    This movement began in 1924 among the Salish and other groups because its namesake, Peter Rainier, was a British naval officer who was known as being “anti-American.”

    Another example is a push by 20 different Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota Nation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, to rename Devils Tower in Wyoming to Bear Lodge. The current name of this butte resulted from a poor English translation of the original Indigenous name of “bear lodge” to “bad god’s tower.” Over time, the name was simplified to “Devils Tower.”

    As geographers who have studied the significance of place renaming, we have learned that it is important to engage the folks that these movements will benefit most in all conversations and decisions.

    What is at stake is not just removing insulting names, but also ensuring that the process of changing place names is collaborative of all Americans, especially historically oppressed communities, to truly be restorative and meaningful for society.

    Seth T. Kannarr is affiliated with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as an Education Branch VIP (Volunteer-In-Parks) part-time.

    Derek H. Alderman once served on the Federal Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names, U.S. Department of Interior.

    – ref. From Confederate general to Cherokee heritage: Why returning the name Kuwohi to the Great Smoky Mountains matters – https://theconversation.com/from-confederate-general-to-cherokee-heritage-why-returning-the-name-kuwohi-to-the-great-smoky-mountains-matters-240644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: RSF tackles Taiwan’s media freedom ‘Achilles heel’, boosts Asia Pacific monitoring action

    SPECIAL REPORT: By David Robie in Taipei

    It was a heady week for the Paris-based global media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — celebration of seven years of its Taipei office, presenting a raft of proposals to the Taiwan government, and hosting its Asia-Pacific network of correspondents.

    Director general Thibaut Bruttin and the Taipei bureau chief Cedric Alviani primed the Taipei media scene before last week’s RSF initiatives with an op-ed in the Taiwan Times by acknowledging the country’s media freedom advances in the face of Chinese propaganda.

    Taiwan rose eight places to 27th in the RSF World Press Freedom Index this year — second only to Timor-Leste in the Asia-Pacific region.

    But the co-authors also warned over the credibility damage caused by media “too often neglect[ing] journalistic ethics for political or commercial reasons”.

    As a result, only three in 10 Taiwanese said they trusted the news media, according to a Reuters Institute survey conducted in 2022, one of the lowest percentages among democracies.

    “This climate of distrust gives disproportionate influence to platforms, in particular Facebook and Line, despite them being a major vector of false or biased information,” Bruttin and Alviani wrote.

    “This credibility deficit for traditional media, a real Achilles heel of Taiwanese democracy, puts it at risk of being exploited for malicious purposes, with potentially dramatic consequences.”

    Press freedom programme
    At a meeting with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and senior foreign affairs officials, Bruttin and his colleagues presented RSF’s innovative programme for improving press freedom, including the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), the first ISO-certified media quality standard; the Paris Charter on Artificial Intelligence and Journalism; and the Propaganda Monitor, a project aimed at combating propaganda and disinformation worldwide.

    RSF director-general Thibaut Bruttin speaking at the reception celebrating seven years of Taipei’s Asia Pacific office. Image: Pacific Media Watch

    The week also highlighted concerns over the export of the China’s “New World Media Order”, which is making inroads in some parts of the Asia-Pacific region, including the Pacific.

    At the opening session of the Asia-Pacific correspondents’ seminar, delegates referenced the Chinese disinformation and assaults on media freedom strategies that have been characterised as the “great leap backwards for journalism” in China.

    “Disinformation — the deliberate spreading of false or biased news to manipulate minds — is gaining ground around the world,” Bruttin and Alviani warned in their article.

    “As China and Russia sink into authoritarianism and export their methods of censorship and media control, democracies find themselves overwhelmed by an incessant flow of propaganda that threatens the integrity of their institutions.”

    Both Bruttin and Alviani spoke of these issues too at the celebration of the seventh anniversary of the Asia-Pacific office in Taipei.

    Why Taipei? Hongkong had been an “likely choice, but not safe legally”, admitted Bruttin when they were choosing their location, so the RSF team are happy with the choice of Taiwan.

    Hub for human rights activists
    “I think we were among the first NGOs to have established a presence here. We kind of made a bet that Taipei would be a hub for human rights activists, and we were right.”

    About 200 journalists, media workers and press freedom and human rights advocates attended the birthday bash in the iconic Grand Hotel’s Yuanshan Club. So it wasn’t surprising that there was a lot of media coverage raising the issues.

    RSF director-general Thibaut Bruttin (centre) with correspondents Dr David Robie and Dr Joseph Fernandez in Taipei. Image: Pacific Media Watch

    In an interview with Voice of America’s Joyce Huang, Bruttin was more specific about the “insane” political propaganda threats from China faced by Taiwan.

    However, Taiwan “has demonstrated resilience and has rich experience in resisting cyber information attacks, which can be used as a reference for the world”.

    Referencing China as the world’s “biggest jailer of journalists”, Bruttin said: “We’re very worried, obviously.” He added about some specific cases: “We’ve had very troublesome reports about the situation of Zhang Zhan, for example, who was the laureate of the RSF’s [2021 press freedom] awards [in the courage category] and had been just released from jail, now is sent back to jail.

    “We know the lack of treatment if you have a medical condition in the Chinese prisons.

    “Another example is Jimmy Lai, the Hongkong press freedom mogul, he’s very likely to die in jail if nothing happens. He’s over 70.

    “And there is very little reason to believe that, despite his dual citizenship, the British government will be able to get him a safe passage to Europe.”

    Problem for Chinese public
    Bruttin also expressed concern about the problem for the general public, especially in China where he said a lot of people had been deprived of the right to information “worthy of that name”.

    “And we’re talking about hundreds of millions of people. And it’s totally scandalous to see how bad information is treated in the People’s Republic of China.”

    Seventeen countries in the Asia-Pacific region were represented in the network seminar.

    Representatives of Australia, Cambodia, Hongkog, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Tibet, Thailand and Vietnam were present. However, three correspondents (Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste) were unable to be personally present.

    Discussion and workshop topics included the RSF Global Strategy; the Asia-Pacific network and the challenges being faced; best practice as correspondents; “innovative solutions” against disinformation; public advocacy (for authoritarian regimes; emerging democracies, and “leading” democracies); “psychological support” – one of the best sessions; and the RSF Crisis Response.

    RSF Oceania colleagues Dr David Robie (left) and Dr Joseph Fernandez . . . mounting challenges. Image: Pacific Media Watch

    What about Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) and its issues? Fortunately, the countries being represented have correspondents who can speak our publicly, unlike some in the region facing authoritarian responses.

    Australia
    Australian correspondent Dr Joseph M Fernandez, visiting associate professor at Curtin University and author of the book Journalists and Confidential Sources: Colliding Public Interests in the Age of the Leak, notes that Australia sits at 39th in the RSF World Press Freedom Index — a drop of 12 places from the previous year.

    “While this puts Australia in the top one quarter globally, it does not reflect well on a country that supposedly espouses democratic values. It ranks behind New Zealand, Taiwan, Timor-Leste and Bhutan,” he says.

    “Australia’s press freedom challenges are manifold and include deep-seated factors, including the influence of oligarchs whose own interests often collide with that of citizens.

    “While in opposition the current Australian federal government promised reforms that would have improved the conditions for press freedom, but it has failed to deliver while in government.

    “Much needs to be done in clawing back the over-reach of national security laws, and in freeing up information flow, for example, through improved whistleblower law, FOI law, source protection law, and defamation law.”

    Dr Fernandez criticises the government’s continuing culture of secrecy and says there has been little progress towards improving transparency and accountability.

    “The media’s attacks upon itself are not helping either given the constant moves by some media and their backers to undermine the efforts of some journalists and some media organisations, directly or indirectly.”

    A proposal for a “journalist register” has also stirred controversy.

    Dr Fernandez also says the war on Gaza has “highlighted the near paralysis” of many governments of the so-called established democracies in “bringing the full weight of their influence to end the loss of lives and human suffering”.

    “They have also failed to demonstrate strong support for journalists’ ability to tell important stories.”


    An English-language version of this tribute to the late RSF director-general Christophe Deloire, who died from cancer on 8 June 2024, was screened at the RSF Taipei reception. He was 53. Video: RSF

    Aotearoa New Zealand
    In New Zealand (19th in the RSF Index), although journalists work in an environment free from violence and intimidation, they have increasingly faced online harassment. Working conditions became tougher in early 2022 when, during protests against covid-19 vaccinations and restrictions and a month-long “siege” of Parliament, journalists were subjected to violence, insults and death threats, which are otherwise extremely rare in the country.

    Research published in December 2023 revealed that high rates of abuse and threats directed at journalists put the country at risk of “mob censorship” – citizen vigilantism seeking to “discipline” journalism. Women journalists bore the brunt of the online abuse with one respondent describing her inbox as a “festering heap of toxicity”.

    While New Zealand society is wholeheartedly multicultural, with mutual recognition between the Māori and European populations enshrined in the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, this balance is under threat from a draft Treaty Principles Bill.

    The nation’s bicultural dimension is not entirely reflected in the media, still dominated by the English-language press. A rebalancing is taking place, as seen in the success of the Māori Television network and many Māori-language programmes in mass media, such as Te Karere, The Hui and Te Ao Māori News.

    Media plurality and democracy is under growing threat with massive media industry cuts this year.

    New Zealand media also play an important role as a regional communications centre for other South Pacific nations, via Tagata Pasifika, Pacific Media Network and others.

    Papua New Guinea’s Belinda Kora (left) with RSF colleagues . . . “collaborating in our Pacific efforts in seeking the truth”. Image: Belinda Kora

    Papua New Guinea
    The Papua New Guinea correspondent, Belinda Kora, who is secretary of the revised PNG Media Council and an ABC correspondent in Port Moresby, succeeded former South Pacific Post Ltd chief executive Bob Howarth, the indefatigable media freedom defender of both PNG and Timor-Leste.

    Currently PNG (91st in the RSF Index) is locked in a debate over a controversial draft government media policy – now in its fifth version – that critics regard as a potential tool to crack down on media freedom. But Kora is optimistic about RSF’s role.

    “I am excited about what RSF is able and willing to bring to a young Pacific region — full of challenges against the press,” she says.

    “But more importantly, I guess, is that the biggest threat in PNG would be itself, if it continues to go down the path of not being able to adhere to simple media ethics and guidelines.

    “It must hold itself accountable before it is able to hold others in the same way.

    “We have a small number of media houses in PNG but if we are able to stand together as one and speak with one voice against the threats of ownership and influence, we can achieve better things in future for this industry.

    “We need to protect our reporters if they are to speak for themselves and their experiences as well. We need to better provide for their everyday needs before we can write the stories that need to be told.

    “And this lies with each media house.

    The biggest threat for the Pacific as a whole? “I guess the most obvious one would be being able to remain self-regulated BUT not being accountable for breaching our individual code of ethics.

    “Building public trust remains vital if we are to move forward. The lack of media awareness also contributes to the lack of ensuring media is given the attention it deserves in performing its role — no matter how big or small our islands are,” Kora says.

    “The press should remain free from government influence, which is a huge challenge for many island industries, despite state ownership.

    Kora believes that although Pacific countries are “scattered in the region”, they are able to help each other more, to better enhance capacity building and learning from their mistakes with collaboration.

    “By collaborating in our efforts in seeking the truth behind many of our big stories that is affecting our people. This I believe will enable us to improve our performance and accountability.”

    Example to the region
    Meanwhile, back in Taiwan on the day that RSF’s Thibaut Bruttin flew out, he gave a final breakfast interview to China News Agency (CNA) reporter Teng Pei-ju who wrote about the country building up its free press model as an example to the region.

    “Taiwan really is one of the test cases for the robustness of journalism in the world,” added Bruttin, reflecting on the country’s transformation from an authoritarian regime that censored information into a vibrant democracy that fights disinformation.

    Dr David Robie, convenor of the Asia Pacific Media Network’s Pacific Media Watch project and author of several media and politics books, including Don’t Spoil My Beautiful Face: Media, Mayhem and Human Rights in the Pacific, has been an RSF correspondent since 1996.

    RSF Asia Pacific correspondents and staff pictured at the Grand Hotel’s Yuanshan Club. Image: RSF

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong movies and talent take centre stage in Montreal (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Six Hong Kong movies were showcased in the “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” touring film programme in Montreal, Canada, from October 24 to 26 (Montreal time). The film festival was supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO).

         With the presence of Hong Kong actors Gordon Lam and Tai Bo as well as actresses Kuku So and Yoyo Tse, the Toronto ETO hosted a reception on the opening night before the screening of “Rob N Roll” to kick off the programme on October 24 (Montreal time). The event was attended by about 100 guests from the local film, cultural and business sectors.

         Welcoming the audience, the Acting Deputy Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Janet Lam, said that Hong Kong serves as a unique East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges and boasts one of the largest and most dynamic film and entertainment industries in the world. She noted said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region expressed in the Policy Address 2024 its commitment to deepening institutional reform of its cultural system, improving cultural and economic policies, and further enhancing cultural confidence. 

         “Hong Kong cinema has gained international acclaim, renowned both locally and abroad. From kung-fu films and crime dramas to social realism, these movies capture the essence of contemporary Hong Kong, narrating the stories of different generations,” she said.

         “The creativity and ‘can-do’ spirit displayed by our talented filmmakers continue to shine, enabling them to innovate and explore new genres to share their cinematic dreams.”

         “Making Waves” is a touring film programme presented by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. The three-day programme in Montreal is organised in collaboration with Asian Pop-Up Cinema to present six Hong Kog productions, namely, “Rob N Roll”, “Love Lies”, “Time Still Turns The Pages”, “All Shall Be Well”, “Fly Me To The Moon” and “For Alice”.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Project Rise Partners Issues Open Letter to Paramount Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Dear Paramount Shareholders,

    We are Project Rise Partners, a special-purpose vehicle comprised of Malka Investment Trust and Rise Beyond LLC. We are a group of investors with backgrounds in entertainment, media, finance, technology, real estate, and hospitality who are committed to Paramount Global’s future success and have formally offered Paramount $13.5 billion cash, which includes up to $5 billion debt restructuring, which we believe is far better for Paramount and its shareholders than their current agreement with Skydance Media.

    We’ve included a summary in the below table which demonstrates why our offer is significantly more favorable and fair to the shareholders when compared to the current Skydance agreement. This superior offer we have already presented is both well-financed and more beneficial to the shareholders because we recognize they are the ones who have built and sustained Paramount. Our offer rewards all stakeholders and ensures that your many different types of investments in the company are not just acknowledged but rewarded.

    Our view is straightforward: shareholders deserve a deal that reflects Paramount’s true value, as well as fairness and transparency in the process. Our offer is backed by a robust set of investors with a specific emphasis on investing into Paramount’s growth, while also providing shareholders a premium over recent market prices. We are confident that our offer not only surpasses other proposals, including the one from Skydance, but it also aligns with the long-term interests of Paramount, its employees, and you, its shareholders.

    Most importantly, we want to reiterate that we are dedicated to treating all shareholders fairly. Our proposal ensures that every investor receives favorable terms in a straightforward way. We believe that this approach honors the trust you have placed in Paramount and provides a path forward that delivers significant value to every shareholder.

    We look forward to engaging with you further and sharing the detailed financial terms of our offer. Thank you for your consideration, and we are confident that, together, we can shape a prosperous future for Paramount Global.

    Sincerely,
    Project Rise Partners
    C/O Malka Investment Trust

    Item Skydance Offer PRP Offer Delta
    Total Cash Consideration $7.2B $13.5B +17%
    Class A offer price $23 $24 +4.3%
    Class B offer price $15 $16 +6.7%
    Balance sheet infusion $1.5B $2B (incl. in total cash) +33%
    Warrants dilution 200M warrants None  
    Debt Restructuring package None Up to $5B (incl. in total cash)  
    Skydance share dilution +317M shares None  
    Overall dilution +615M New shares None  
    Dilution impact to existing Class B 50+% dilution None  
     

    Media Contact:
    media@malkatrust.com

    The MIL Network –