NewzIntel.com

Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Roberts — Stolen vehicle crashes in pond in Clarke’s Beach, Bay Roberts RCMP investigates

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bay Roberts RCMP is investigating the theft of a truck that occurred last night in Clarke’s Beach. The stolen vehicle was recovered from a nearby body of water.

    Shortly before 8:00 p.m., Bay Roberts RCMP received a report of theft of a truck in Clarke’s Beach. The vehicle, a black 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, was stolen from the parking lot of the post office while the operator was inside the business.

    Approximately ten minutes later, Bay Roberts RCMP received a report that a truck had departed the road and entered a body of water in Clarke’s Beach. An occupant of the truck swam to shore and was picked up by an unknown male operating an all-terrain vehicle. Both individuals departed prior to police arrival.

    An extensive search of the area and the water was conducted with no other occupants located. The truck was recovered from the pond and was confirmed as being the stolen truck.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Bay Roberts RCMP is looking to identify the individual involved in the theft of the truck, as well as the ATV operator, and asks the public to check for any available surveillance footage that may assist with this investigation.

    Anyone having information about either of these incidents is asked to contact Bay Roberts RCMP at 709-786-2118. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    Bay Roberts RCMP thanks those involved in the search of the water last evening, including Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue and Bay De Grave Fire Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Erdoğan’s Address to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

    Source: Republic of Turkey

    ADDRESS TO THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
    by
    THE PRESIDENT of the REPUBLIC of TÜRKİYE,
    H.E. RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN
    (24 SEPTEMBER 2024, NEW YORK)

    Mr. President, 
    Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
    Mr. Secretary General,
    Esteemed Delegates,
    I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings and respect on behalf of myself, my country and my nation.
    I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly once again today.
    I wish the 79th General Assembly to be beneficial to our countries and to all humanity.
    I would like to congratulate Mr. Dennis FRANCIS, who has completed his Presidency of the General Assembly, and I wish success to Mr. Philemon YANG, who assumed this duty.
    I would like to express our pleasure in seeing the Representative of the friendly and brotherly Palestine in the place he deserves among the member states, after lengthy struggles.
    I wish this historic step to be the last stage on the way to Palestine’s membership in the United Nations.
    I also invite other states, that have not yet done so, to recognize the State of Palestine as soon as possible and take their place on the right side of history at this very critical period.
    Distinguished Delegates…
    We are living through and trying to manage the crises minute by minute that most of my friends here watch on TV screens.
    Therefore, I am addressing you today as the leader of a country that is not far from the tensions, but right in their epicentre.
    Even if some feel uncomfortable, even if some will once again criticize us, I wish to speak out certain truths openly today, in the name of humanity, from the common rostrum of humanity.
    Let’s consider… the United Nations, under whose roof we are now, was established to maintain international peace and security after the Second World War, during which millions of people lost their lives.
    With the establishment of the United Nations, expectations for global stability, peace and justice blossomed again, and hopes for peace revived.
    However, we observe with regret that in recent years, the United Nations is struggling to fulfill its founding mission and is gradually turning into a dysfunctional, unwieldy and inert structure.
    We need the values represented by the maxim “THE WORLD IS BIGGER THAN FIVE”, more and more nowadays.
    We witness that international peace and security are too important to be left to the arbitrariness of the “privileged five”.
    The most dramatic example of this is the massacre that has been going on in Gaza for 353 days.
    More than 41 thousand Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing Israeli attacks since October 7.
    41 thousand people, 41 thousand lives brutally taken away, most of whom are children and women.
    Similarly, the whereabouts of more than 10 thousand Gazans, most of whom are children, is unknown.
    In the same way, about 100 thousand people have been injured and become disabled.
    172 journalists have been killed while trying to do their job under difficult conditions.
    More than 500 paramedics working to save lives have been killed.
    Humanitarian aid workers and more than 210 United Nations personnel, who rushed to the rescue of the people of Gaza struggling with hunger and thirst, have been killed.
    They hit 820 mosques and 3 churches that should be protected even at war.
    They hit tens of hospitals, hundreds of schools, and more than 130 ambulances carrying patients.
    By tearing down the Charter of the United Nations at the United Nations rostrum, they shamelessly challenged the whole world, all the conscientious people right from here, from this rostrum.
    Friends…
    The leaked images from the prisons that Israel has turned into “concentration camps” indicate very clearly what kind of persecution we are facing.
    As a result of the Israeli attacks, Gaza has become the largest cemetery for children and women in the world.
    More than 17 thousand children have been the targets of Israeli bullets and bombs.
    HİND RAJAB was only 6 years old.
    Their vehicle was hit by Israeli forces while she was searching for a safe place with her relatives.
    Her uncle, aunt-in-law, and cousins all died, only she survived.
    For 12 days she waited desperately to be rescued.
    She waited for a helping hand to reach out to her for 12 days, saying, “WILL YOU COME TO PICK ME UP? I AM SCARED!”
    Despite the level of development which our world has reached, despite the technology at our disposal; despite our organisations with huge budgets employing thousands of personnel under their roofs, unfortunately, as humanity of 8 billion, we have not been able to save a 6-year-old girl, an injured sparrow fluttering in front of our eyes.
    Hundreds of Gazan children have died so far because they were not able to find a bite of dry bread, a sip of water or a bowl of soup, and they are still dying.
    Not only children are dying in Gaza; the United Nations system is also dying, the truth is dying, the values that the west claims to defend are dying, the hopes of humanity to live in a fairer world are dying one by one.
    I am asking you frankly from here…
    HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATIONS!
    Are the ones in Gaza, the ones in the West Bank not human beings? 
    The children in Palestine, do they not have the right to study, live, and play in the streets?
    INTERNATIONAL PRESS ORGANISATIONS!
    The journalists that Israel massacred on live TV, whose offices were raided, are they not your colleagues?
    THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL!
    What are you waiting for to prevent the genocide in Gaza and to say “stop” to this cruelty, this barbarism?
    What more are you waiting for to stop the massacre network that endangers also the lives of its own citizens along with the Palestinian people and drags the entire region into war for the sake of its political prospects?
    AND THOSE WHO UNCONDITIONALLY SUPPORT ISRAEL!
    For how long will you continue to bear the shame of looking on this massacre, of being accomplices in this atrocity?
    Distinguished Friends…
    While children are dying in Gaza, Ramallah, Lebanon, and babies are dying in incubators, unfortunately, the international community has also given a very bad account of itself.
    What is happening in Palestine is an indicator of a huge moral breakdown.
    I believe that all the peoples of the world, leaders, international organisations should reflect on this painful picture.
    I also want to hereby express a truth loud and clear.
    Ignoring basic human rights, the Israeli government, is practicing ethnic cleansing, an overt genocide against a nation, a people, and occupying their territory step by step.
    Palestinians, whose freedom, independence and the most basic rights have been usurped, are very rightly exercising their “LEGITIMATE RIGHT OF RESISTANCE” against this occupation and these ethnic cleansing activities.
    The rightful resistance of the Palestinian people against those who occupy their land is too noble, honourable, heroic to be portrayed as illegitimate.
    From here, I wholeheartedly salute once again my Palestinian brothers who defend their country at the cost of their lives.
    The only reason for Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people is the unconditional support of a handful of countries to Israel.
    The countries that have an influence over Israel are openly becoming accomplices of this massacre with the policy of “run with the hare, hunt with the hounds”.
    Those who are supposedly working for a ceasefire in the limelight continue to send weapons and ammunition to Israel behind the stage, so that it can continue its massacres.
    This is inconsistency and insincerity.
    Please consider … there’s a document that has been going back and forth since May.
    HAMAS has repeatedly declared its acceptance of the ceasefire proposal.
    However, the Israeli government has very clearly indicated that it is the party that does not want peace by continuously hampering the process, constantly finding excuses, perfidiously killing the interlocutor it negotiated with at a time when the ceasefire was closest.
    There should be no more credit given to Israel’s distraction and deception moves.
    In an environment where United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 is not being implemented, coercive measures against Israel should be put on the agenda.
    Israel’s attitude has once again shown that it is essential for the international community to develop a protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians.
    Just as HITLER was stopped by the alliance of humanity 70 years ago, Netanyahu and his murder network must be stopped by the “alliance of humanity”.
    We believe that the power of the General Assembly to make recommendations on the use of force, as it exists in the “Uniting for Peace Resolution dated 1950”, should definitely be considered in this process.
    An immediate and permanent ceasefire should be achieved, a hostage-prisoner exchange should be carried out, and humanitarian aid should be delivered to Gaza in an unhindered and uninterrupted way.
    We have to extend a helping hand to the people of Gaza trying to survive, especially before winter when conditions will deteriorate.
    Please consider, 70 percent of the water resources and 75 percent of the ovens in Gaza have been destroyed until now.
    95 percent of health centres have been partially or completely damaged.
    150 thousand houses were completely destroyed, 200 thousand houses were partially destroyed, 80 thousand houses became uninhabitable.
    Infectious diseases, especially polio and hepatitis, are gradually increasing.
    The people of Gaza can only reach a quarter of the amount of aid they need.
    As Türkiye, we have maintained and are continuing to maintain our humanitarian aid activities for our Palestinian brothers since the first day.
    With the amount of aid exceeding 60 thousand tons, Türkiye is the country that sends the highest amount of aid to Gaza. 
    In the same way, by stopping commercial transactions with Israel, we have demonstrated our sensitivity on this issue.
    We also stand with the people and government of Lebanon, where Israel has stepped up its attacks in recent days.
    Now we can all see this truth:
    Our conscience cannot be at peace until those who massacred 41 thousand people are held accountable for the crimes they committed, from the person who gives the order to the ones who pull the trigger, and drop the bomb.
    The bill for the billions of dollars of damage at the destroyed, wiped out, demolished cities must and will definitely be compensated by the perpetrators.
    We support the lawsuit filed by the Republic of South Africa at the International Court of Justice to ensure that the crimes committed by Israel do not go unpunished.
    We will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served in this case in which we have applied for intervention.
    We will make every legal struggle to find justice for our daughter Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who was shot in the head by Israeli soldiers during a peaceful protest in Nablus.
    Although there is an urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the main issue is the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel.
    Creation of an independent, sovereign and geographically contiguous Palestinian State on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital can no longer be delayed.
    I would like it to be known that we are also closely following the increasing attacks against our first Qibla, Al-Masjid al-Aqsa and Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
    While saying all this as Tayyip Erdoğan, I never speak with empty words from this rostrum.  
    Here, I am speaking with the courage that I get from my history and the conscientious and fair stance of my ancestors. 
    Because we are a nation that has always been on the side of the oppressed and stood against oppressor and tyranny throughout history.
    We had welcomed the Jews who escaped from the inquisition 500 years ago and the Jews who escaped from Hitler’s concentration camps.
    I tell it frankly; as a country and as a nation, we have no hostility towards the people of Israel.
    We are against ANTI-SEMITISM in the same way that we are against the targeting of Muslims just because of their beliefs.
    Our problem is with the policies of massacre of the Israeli government.
    Our problem is again with the oppressor and tyranny, just as it was 5 centuries ago.
    Everyone should know that we do not refrain from crying out the truth.
    Even if some feel uncomfortable, we are not afraid to tell the truth.
    Insha’Allah, we will continue to stand by the righteous until the end and speak of what we know as truth, even if it is harsh. 
    Hereby, I would also like to thank all the brave people who show solidarity with the Palestinian people without distinction of faith, country, language or religion, and raise their voice against the massacre in Gaza by filling the streets almost every week.
    Distinguished Delegates…
    Unfortunately, in the 14th year of the conflict, Syria is also still far from stability.
    The economic and humanitarian situation in the country, which is in the grip of terrorist and separatist organizations remains dire.
    We hope that the political process will be advanced and national reconciliation will be achieved on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.
    We are determined to maintain our position in favour of a realistic dialogue with sincerity.
    While our neighbour Iraq continues its struggle against terrorism, it is taking decisive steps towards development, reconstruction and reintegration with the region.
    The international community should support these efforts of Iraq.
    It is important in this context to implement initiatives that will benefit the entire region, such as the Development Road Project.
    The success of all these efforts depends on the elimination of the terrorist threat in Iraq, especially from the PKK.
    We believe that taking steps towards reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with our other neighbour Iran will contribute to the establishment of the environment of trust and stability in the region. 
    As the third year of the war in Ukraine comes to an end, we are still far from reaching a just and lasting peace.
    As the armament race accelerates, the field of diplomacy is gradually narrowing.
    We will further increase our support to the efforts to end the war through diplomacy and dialogue, on the basis of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
    In this process, we will continue to meticulously implement the Montreux Convention.
    We support the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we hope that the work will be completed with good news as soon as possible.
    We are also taking mutually positive steps on the Türkiye-Armenia track.
    The developments that can be achieved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process will also have a positive impact on the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process.
    Esteemed Friends…
    We play a constructive role for the prosperity and peace of the Balkans, of which we are an integral part, and act in close cooperation with all actors in the region. 
    As a member of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, we emphasize the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity on every platform, and we continue to contribute to the EUFOR-ALTHEA Operation.
    We successfully continue the KFOR command that we assumed last year and support the Belgrade-Prishtina Dialogue process.
    We want to see the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean as a region of stability and prosperity where the legitimate interests of all parties concerned are respected.
    The limitation of maritime jurisdiction areas in accordance with international law, freedom and safety of navigation, and the development of cooperation, especially on maritime trade issues, are to the common interest of the entire region.
    Türkiye is ready for constructive cooperation on all issues, especially energy and environment.
    We expect the same approach from our neighbours.
    As the country with the longest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye’s key role is undeniable.
    Türkiye has rights to the north and west of the Island of Cyprus in the declared continental shelf and Turkish Cypriots have rights all around the Island.
    It has been 50 years since the Cyprus Peace Operation and 61 years since the Cyprus issue emerged as a result of the usurpation of the partnership state by Greek Cypriots.
    From that day to this, peace and tranquillity have prevailed on the Island.
    It has always been the Turkish Cypriots and Türkiye that have shown a sincere will to bring about a just, permanent and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue.
    The federation model has now completely lost its validity.
    There are two separate states and two separate peoples on the island.
    The sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots, which are their inherent rights, should be reaffirmed, and the isolation should now come to an end.
    Today, I once again call on the international community to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and establish with it diplomatic, political and economic relations.
    We provide active support to the establishment of stability in Libya and the preservation of the unity and integrity of the country.
    We call on all states to take a sincere stand by Libya during this sensitive period and to contribute to the establishment of trust between the parties.
    We need to exert more efforts to end the conflicts in Sudan.
    We all have a responsibility to deliver humanitarian aid to millions of Sudanese displaced due to conflicts.
    Africa has a very huge potential with its young and dynamic population, rich natural resources and fertile extensive lands.
    On the basis of the principles of equal partnership and mutual respect, we support the Continent’s peace, stability and development efforts with the African peoples.
    We will continue to be in full solidarity with our African brothers and sisters.
    We are deepening our engagement with regional organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the Pacific Islands Forum and particularly ASEAN.
    We maintain our will to develop our relations with BRICS, which brings together emerging economies.
    We share a deep-rooted history with the Central Asian countries; we further strengthen our cooperation on bilateral and multilateral grounds.
    Our Organisation of Turkic States is increasingly turning into a centre of attraction.
    The Organisation is becoming an exemplary model of cooperation, also with the contributions of observer members Hungary and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
    As the Turkic world, we will further strengthen our unity and solidarity.
    Within the framework of respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we are in close dialogue with China to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Uighur Turks, with whom we have strong historical, cultural and human ties.
    We are trying to advance the friendly ties we have established with all the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to a further stage.
    Distinguished Delegates…
    We are obliged to work together to eliminate global injustice.
    The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ notion of “leave no one behind” is a guide for these efforts.
    As one of the countries that provide the highest aid in proportion to its national income, Türkiye’s activities contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
    We support the activities that will ensure fair, inclusive growth and development on all international platforms, especially within the G20.
    We believe that all nations should benefit equally from the transformative power of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
    The United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries that we host is a concrete manifestation of our efforts in this direction.
    The “cyber terrorist attacks” perpetrated against Lebanon last week demonstrated how these technologies can at the same time turn into a fatal weapon.
    We address climate change with a similar approach.
    No country can cope with the emission reduction and adaptation process to climate change alone.
    The most important issues for developing countries are financing, technology transfer and capacity building.
    I believe that the COP29 Climate Summit to be held in Baku will contribute to the solution of these issues.
    With the vision of a more sustainable and cleaner world, we have carried the Zero Waste Movement, which we launched under the auspices of my Spouse, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, to a global level with the resolution co-sponsored by 105 countries and adopted unanimously at the United Nations General Assembly.
    Hereby, I invite all countries, international organisations and non-governmental organisations to become partners in our movement.
    We see that Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism are enveloping the world like a poison ivy.
    Hardly a day goes by that we do not witness attacks on mosques and our holy book, the Holy Quran.
    In the middle of Europe, people’s houses are being set on fire; their lives are being targeted; their most fundamental rights are being usurped because of their ethnic and religious identities.
    No one can ignore this growing danger any longer.
    As stipulated in the resolution adopted on 15 March 2024, we expect the appointment of a “Special Envoy for Combating Islamophobia” at the United Nations as soon as possible.
    Distinguished Friends…
    Today I would like to draw your attention once again to a danger that I raised at this rostrum last year.
    The attacks against the family institution, which is the basic pillar of society, are intensifying.
    The disgrace staged at the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games has revealed the dimensions of the threat we face as humanity.
    A sports event followed by innocent children and hundreds of millions of people of all ages and faiths has been used, in a very ugly manner, for degenderization propaganda.
    Those wicked scenes have deeply wounded not only the Catholic world, the Christian world, but also Muslims and everyone who respects the sacred.
    The issue of desexualisation is now turning into a global imposition rather than a “preference”, literally a war against the sacred and the creation.
    Anyone who raises a voice against this destruction project and shows the slightest reaction is silenced and becomes the target of lynching campaigns.
    Türkiye is determined to break this siege and resist this climate of fear at all cost.
    For this purpose, we became a member of the United Nations Group of Friends of the Family.
    Insha’Allah, we will not hold back from defending the family, the human being and the creation in solidarity with other member states.
    I invite the countries that share the same concerns with us to support this struggle.
    With these thoughts, I wish that the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly will be beneficial for all humanity.
    I salute you all once again with affection and respect.
    May you all remain in good health…

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Spotlighting CHIPS Workforce Training Program

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul attended a roundtable discussion between the U.S. Department of Commerce, American Federation of Teachers, and Micron Technology to celebrate and highlight the partnership created in Syracuse.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Thank you. Thank you, Secretary Raimondo. I want to thank you for having your door wide open to us here in the State of New York. I was a brand new Governor. We had our first conversation about how do we land Micron? How do we make sure they come to New York? And we were able to work with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the local team here, led by the Mayor, Ben Walsh. I want to thank him for his engagement intensely. Our County Executive McMahon was very involved, as John Mannion, our Senator was very involved, but I had the best economic development team in the country led by Hope Knight. I want to give her a round of applause.

    I’ll be brief. I want to hear the question. We are so proud of this. I brag about it everywhere I go. Everybody now knows that this is going to be the home of Micron. And more important than having a company come to a physical place here in upstate New York, it telegraphs a confidence in our economy that is contagious.

    I can’t tell you the supply chain companies that are now coming even 50, 100 miles down the road as a result of this. So we’ve created a whole ecosystem with the decision to put forth a $10 billion from the State of New York for our own Green CHIPS and Science Act as well. So, this is how government working with local communities can make a difference, but it’s all about the workforce.

    And when I had my first meeting with the Micron leaders, supposed to be a quick meeting during a snowstorm in Syracuse a couple of winters ago, it ended up, April, right? It went on for hours, because I wouldn’t let him leave until Sanjay said yes.

    But he made me promise I would get him the workforce he needed. And of course he said, “No problem, we’re going to do it, this is New York.”

    And today is about that. This is about planting the seed in young people, and getting them excited about these careers that will lift their families out of their circumstances.

    And I thank Micron for going to the heart of the City of Syracuse where people do not have that chance. They do not have a family member who’s going to be able to show them the path forward. We will do that. And Micron’s local investments are making that difference. So every child has a shot at the American Dream when they get the education we’re going to be talking about here today and also replicating that all over the State of New York.

    So, this is why I’m most excited about this project of anything and the Biden-Harris administration made it happen. I’m forever grateful to them as well. Thank you, Madam Secretary.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company Bring Free AI Bootcamp to South Florida Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing Sept. 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with FPL, is bringing the only AI camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in South Florida. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for economically disadvantaged high school students. Students are provided with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during the bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with FPL, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp, taking place at FPL’s James L. Robo campus in Palm Beach Gardens on Nov. 2, 9 and 16, will be hosted and staffed by FPL.

    FPL is one of more than 30 companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

    “We’re honored to host these workshops,” said Grace Kurian, VP, IT technology solutions and operations at NextEra Energy, Inc., who led the launch of the AI Bootcamp in Palm Beach County. “South Florida continues to grow into a vast tech hub. I’m grateful for the investment by the Mark Cuban Foundation and FPL, which is strengthening our communities and opportunities for our future tech leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Sept. 30 deadline is approaching quickly. Do not miss your chance – submit your application now, as spaces are limited.

    Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About FPL
    As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. FPL operates one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2022 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for the seventh time in the last nine years. The company was also recognized by Escalent in 2022 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities for the ninth consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: http://www.NextEraEnergy.com, http://www.FPL.com, http://www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine recap: Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling becomes more ominous

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    In recent months, Vladimir Putin and his proxies have been foreshadowing a change in Russia’s nuclear doctrine. This is the set of rules that spells out when and how his country might resort to the use of its nuclear arsenal, which is currently the largest in the world. Most recently his deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said the revisions to the rulebook were “connected with the escalation course of our western adversaries”. In other words: it’s not us, it’s you.

    You don’t have to read too much between the lines to discern a connection between the growing clamour by some in the west to allow Ukraine to use western long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia and Russia’s decision to reconsider under what circumstances it would use its nuclear arsenal.

    Over the past couple of years – since shortly after he initiated Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – Putin and his inner circle have regularly invoked Russia’s nuclear deterrent, writes Christoph Bluth, an expert in nuclear proliferation and international security at the University of Bradford. All it seems to take is for the west to agree another large package of funding, or change the terms of its aid to Kyiv for the Kremlin to dust off the doomsday scenario.

    So it comes as little surprise that, shortly after Volodymr Zelensky gave his impassioned speech to the United Nations general assembly yesterday restating his country’s urgent need for more support and more latitude in how to use it, Putin announced his country’s new “draft” nuclear doctrine. Henceforth, he said, Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if it was attacked by any state with conventional weapons. The trigger for the launch of nuclear missiles against Ukraine or any of its allies, he said, would be “reliable information about a massive launch of aerospace attack means and their crossing of our state border”.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin ups the ante on his nuclear blackmail – the big question is how the west will respond

    Bluth recounts how, earlier this month, one of Putin’s proxies, Alexander Mikhailov, the director of the Bureau of Military Political Analysis, recently called for Russia to “bomb plywood mock-ups of London and Washington to simulate a nuclear attack, so that it would ‘burn so beautifully that it will horrify the world’.” Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia’s lower house, said that any attacks against Russia would prompt it to respond with nuclear weapons. He is reported to have added – with what appears to have been ghastly relish – that the European parliament in Strasbourg was “only a three-minute flight for a Russian nuclear missile”.

    It’s tempting to dismiss Russia’s threats as just so much sabre-rattling. And there have been plenty of voices in the west urging leaders to defy Putin’s threats. After Ukraine launched its lightning raid into Russia’s Kursk province in August, Zelensky said it was clear that Russia’s red lines were a bluff. He said: “The naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines regarding Russia, which dominated the assessment of the war by some partners, has crumbled apart these days.”

    Colin Alexander, a specialist in political commnunications at Nottingham Trent University, believes that since the end of the cold war the focus of what he calls “fear propaganda” has changed. It has moved away from the prospect of nuclear annihilation to “other threats, such as extremism, pandemics and migration”.

    But anyone who grew up during the cold war will remember the omnipresent fear of the “three-minute warning” regularly reinforced by government messaging, TV documentaries and dramas. These all served to remind everyone that a nuclear holocaust was only a series of wrongheaded decisions away. It’s that atmosphere of peril, writes Alexander, which makes a leader’s threats believable.

    And the “madman theory” which holds that only an unstable leader would contemplate pushing the button, has helped lull people into the idea that a nuclear conflict is indeed unthinkable, because surely no leader would be mad enough. But Alexander concludes by citing the one leader who actually did drop a nuclear bomb in an enemy:

    US president Harry S. Truman pushed the button in 1945. He was then given detailed reports of the death and destruction that his decision caused to Hiroshima. Then he pushed the button again to annihilate Nagasaki.



    Read more:
    The world isn’t taking Putin’s nuclear threats seriously – the history of propaganda suggests it should

    Zelensky’s plea

    Zelensky’s speech to the UN general assembly was compelling and moving in equal measure. He warned of intelligence reports that Russia was preparing to target Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of its campaign to wreck the country’s energy infrastructure before winter. He mourned for the children of Ukraine, who “are learning to distinguish the sounds of different types of artillery and drones because of Russia’s war”. And he restated his ten-point plan for peace, which involves Russia withdrawing from all the lands it has occupied since 2014.

    But, Stefan Wolff notes, a growing number of countries are lining up behind a peace plan proposed earlier in the year by China and Brazil, which would freeze the conflict along the existing frontlines before proceeding to negotiations.

    The state of the conflict in Ukraine as at September 25.
    Institute for the Study of War

    Wolff, an expert in international security at the University of Birmingham, believes this plan is deeply flawed. For one thing it would inevitably involve Kyiv being forced to give up territory illegally annexed by Russia. It would also give Russia time to regroup, rearm and train extra troops and would almost certainly not guarantee a lasting peace, but would simply stave off another Russian assault on Ukraine.

    But Zelensky faces two key problems which make his diplomatic mission that much harder. His voice is in danger of being drowned out by the conflict in the Middle East, which appears almost inevitably bound for a ground war in Lebanon in days to come. And the prospect of Donald Trump winning a second term in about six weeks’ time, means that the days of Washington as Kyiv’s staunchest partner could well be coming to an end.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: Zelensky’s pleas for help are getting drowned out in the clamour from the Middle East

    As the conflict drags on – 31 months and counting – there is evidence that some Ukrainians would give up territory in return for peace and an end to the killing. Our team of political scientists, Kristin M. Bakke of UCL, Gerard Toal of Virginia Tech and John O’Loughlin of University of Colorado Boulder, have been polling Ukrainians since the invasion and have detected a definite shift in attitudes towards the conflict.

    While most Ukrainians still hate the idea of having to give up territory to Russia, support for the proposition that Ukraine should “continue opposing Russian aggression until all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is liberated” had fallen from 71% in 2022 to 51% now. And, while in 2022 just 11% of respondents agreed with “trying to reach an immediate ceasefire by both sides with conditions and starting intensive negotiations”, that number had almost tripled in the most recent polling.

    Interestingly, the researchers note, while most people they spoke with professed unchanged support for their country’s war effort, a growing number said they were worried that their fellow Ukrainians were beginning to suffer from war-weariness.



    Read more:
    Growing number of war-weary Ukrainians would reluctantly give up territory to save lives, suggests recent survey

    Land grabs

    Russia is already calling for more territory in eastern Ukraine in the form of a “buffer zone” around Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv in the north-east of the country. This, the Kremlin claims, is to protect Russian towns from shelling and missile attacks from Ukrainian territory.

    Interestingly, writes Iain Farquharson, a security expert and military historian at Brunel University London, Israel has also proposed setting up a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, to protect Israelis living near the the country’s northern border from Hezbollah missile barrages.

    Farquharson considers the history of buffer zones in the Middle East and beyond. Firstly, buffer zones rarely live up to their supposed function – as Afghanistan’s misfortune to be between British India and southern Russia in the 19th century and Lebanon’s bad luck to be between Syria and Israel in the 1960s and 1970s amply demonstrate.

    But what Russia and Israel are proposing are not so much buffer zones as land grabs, pure and simple. There’s no sense that either country is willing to contribute any of its own territory to these so-called demilitarised areas (or that they’ll actually be demilitarised). They should, he writes, “instead primarily be seen as a way of formalising control over contested territory to protect their home bases, which would give them a military advantage”.



    Read more:
    When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab

    – ref. Ukraine recap: Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling becomes more ominous – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-recap-putins-nuclear-sabre-rattling-becomes-more-ominous-239974

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company Bring Free AI Bootcamp to South Florida Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing Sept. 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with FPL, is bringing the only AI camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in South Florida. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for economically disadvantaged high school students. Students are provided with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during the bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with FPL, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp, taking place at FPL’s James L. Robo campus in Palm Beach Gardens on Nov. 2, 9 and 16, will be hosted and staffed by FPL.

    FPL is one of more than 30 companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

    “We’re honored to host these workshops,” said Grace Kurian, VP, IT technology solutions and operations at NextEra Energy, Inc., who led the launch of the AI Bootcamp in Palm Beach County. “South Florida continues to grow into a vast tech hub. I’m grateful for the investment by the Mark Cuban Foundation and FPL, which is strengthening our communities and opportunities for our future tech leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Sept. 30 deadline is approaching quickly. Do not miss your chance – submit your application now, as spaces are limited.

    Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About FPL
    As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.9 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. FPL operates one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2022 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for the seventh time in the last nine years. The company was also recognized by Escalent in 2022 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities for the ninth consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: http://www.NextEraEnergy.com, http://www.FPL.com, http://www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marystown — Burin Peninsula RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at residential property in Grand Bank, ATV stolen

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Burin Peninsula RCMP is investigating a recent break, enter and theft at a residential property in Grand Bank. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was stolen.

    The crime occurred sometime between 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, while the home owner was away. Suspect(s) gained entry into a detached garage on the Marine Drive property and stole a 2019 Honda Rubicon TRX 500 quad. Images of the ATV are attached.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, the person(s) responsible, or the current location of the ATV is asked to contact Burin Peninsula RCMP at 709-279-3001. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Further arrests made as family of Daejaun Campbell pay tribute to him

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell in Woolwich have made two further arrests.

    An 18-year-old man was arrested last night (Wednesday, 25 September), on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

    A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and was released on bail.

    Police were called approximately 18:35hrs on Sunday, 22 September to reports of a disturbance on Eglinton Road, SE18.

    Officers attended and found Daejaun with a stab injury. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics at the scene, he sadly died a short time later.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn who is leading the investigation said: “We are diligently progressing withthis investigation thanks to officers and detectives who have been working tirelessly throughout the week.

    “Daejaun was only 15 when he lost his life. His family are understandably devastated. Although officers have made a number of arrests and have charged a suspect we need to gather as much information as possible to fully understand what happened on Sunday evening.

    “If you know anything, no matter how insignificant you think this information is – please tell us. Even the slightest bit of information can help us build a picture of what happened to young Daejaun. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously if you are afraid of speaking to us.

    “You can also submit footage or information anonymously via our website portal – Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

    “If you want to speak to an officer you can contact the investigation team on 0208 721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze.”

    Daejaun’s family have provided a statement:

    “Firstly, we the family would like to thank you all for the support. The support has been shown by friends, neighbours, communities and Project LifeLine who were working closely with Daejaun, to help him to develop a better future for himself. Daejaun was a great kid who had a bright future ahead of him, he was loved by his family and friends, as well as strangers who had interacted with him, and he has left a great impression with them. His calming nature and enthusiastic attitude would manifest a happy atmosphere amongst his family and friends wherever he went.

    “Daejaun was known for walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart, he would always do his up most best to help anyone. Daejaun had a joyful spirit, full of wit and charm with the incredible ability to light up a room with his presence and impactful smile.

    “He is deeply loved by his family and though we should have many more years of memories with him, we will cherish the amazing memories he’s left behind.

    “His friends would say there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do if he put his mind to it, he kept himself to himself and lived life to the fullest.

    “Our Daejaun was naturally gifted, intelligent, creative and a mathematician with his quick thinking as well as musically talented.

    “The brutal manner which Daejaun was taken away from us is sad, and he not the first young person nor will he be the last, this senseless killing needs to stop, how many mothers, fathers, grandparents and love ones must go through this excruciating pain of releasing these heart breaking statements, sharing our grief because we have lost our children and grandchildren.

    “Why are parents burying their children, when a child’s place is by their mother’s side? We must come together to bring change, solutions need to be put in place, we must do all we can together to ensure our young have the brightest of futures. #sayhisnameDaejaun

    “We as a family, again would like to thank you all for the support and kind messages.”

    A post mortem revealed that the cause of death was due to a sharp force trauma to the left thigh.

    Jacob Losiewicz 18 (26.07.06) of Church Manor Way, Abbey Wood appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court charged with murder this morning and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey Court on Monday, 30 September.

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0208 721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze. You can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We curated a podcast playlist for you: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Vinita Srivastava, Senior Editor, Culture + Society / Host + Exec. Producer, Don’t Call Me Resilient

    On Sept. 30, Canada will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, the now federal statutory day honours generations of Indigenous survivors, families and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system and remembers the children who never returned home. It’s also a good time to honour the “Truth” in Truth and Reconciliation and check in on Canada’s progress on the 94 Calls to Action that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

    Here at Don’t Call Me Resilient, we’ve curated a playlist of episodes for you that explore the historical and current issues of Indigenous communities. Through the voices of experts, the playlist features discussions related to Indigenous history, justice, rights and resistance. In each episode, Indigenous scholars and experts present their research and ideas to help explain the issues. They dive deep into conversations about the importance of preserving and protecting Indigenous land, life and identity.

    As a collection, these episodes invite listeners to engage in a process of learning and unlearning; to acknowledge the tragic legacies of residential schools in Canada and to move beyond a single day of remembrance. Individually, the conversations are thoughtful and informative explorations of Indigenous scholarship, living history and the future of reconciliation in Canada.

    Indigenous Land Defenders

    In this episode, two Indigenous land defenders from different nations as well as generations: Ellen Gabriel, a human rights activist and artist well known for her role during the 1990 Oka crisis, and Anne Spice, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, discuss the importance and urgency of defending land. They explain why they work to protect the land against invasive development and why their work is necessary for everyone’s survival. Also, check out Gabriel’s forthcoming book with Sean Carleton: When the Pine Needles Fall.
    (first aired: March, 2021)

    How stories about alternate worlds can help us imagine a better future

    Stories are a powerful tool to resist oppressive situations. They give writers from marginalized communities a way to imagine alternate realities, and to critique the one we live in. In this episode, Vinita speaks to two storytellers who offer up wonderous “otherworlds” for Indigenous and Black people. Selwyn Seyfu Hinds is an L.A-based screenwriter and the producer of Esi Edugyan’s Washington Black. Daniel Heath Justice is professor in Indigenous literature at the University of British Columbia and author of Why Indigenous Literatures Matter.

    Stolen Identities: What does it mean to be Indigenous?

    Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of high-profile figures accused of falsely claiming Indigenous identity, of being “Pretendians.” These cases have become big news stories, but they have big real-life consequences, too. Misidentifying as Indigenous can have financial and social consequences, with the misdirection of funds, jobs or grants meant for Indigenous peoples. Vinita delves into it all with two researchers who look at identity and belonging in Indigenous communities: Veldon Coburn and Celeste Pedri-Spade from McGill University.
    (first aired: October, 2021)

    Why pollution is as much about colonialism as chemicals

    The state of our environment keeps getting scarier and scarier: and we have yet to find a way forward. Two Indigenous scholars who run labs to address the climate crisis say bringing an Indigenous understanding to environmental justice could help us get unstuck. A big part of that is seeing pollution through a new lens — one that acknowledges it is as much about racism and colonialism as it is toxic chemicals. Vinita talks to Michelle Murphy at the University of Toronto, and Max Liboiron, author of Pollution is Colonialism, and associate professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
    (first aired: November, 2021)

    Making our food fairer

    Over 17 per cent of households in Canada are food insecure. For racialized Canadians, that number is higher — two to three times the national average. In this episode, Vinita asks what is happening with our food systems, and what we can do to make them fairer with two women who have been tackling this issue for years. Melana Roberts is Chair of Food Secure Canada and one of the leaders behind Canada’s first Black food sovereignty plan. Also joining the conversation is Tabitha Robin Martens, assistant professor at UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Martens researches Indigenous food sovereignty and works with Cree communities to bolster traditional land uses.
    (first aired: November, 2021)

    Unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops a year ago: What’s happened since?

    In this episode, we take a look at what has happened since the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops, B.C. in May 2021. Vinita speaks to Veldon Coburn, associate professor and faculty chair of the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill University about what happened, the widespread grief and outcry and the immediate political response, but also, how none of that lasted despite communities continuing to find bodies. Joining Vinita on the episode is Haley Lewis, then-Don’t Call Me Resilient producer and culture and society editor for The Conversation Canada. Lewis is mixed Kanyen’keha:ká from Tyendinaga and led our coverage of the findings.
    (first aired: May, 2022)

    Diamond mines are not a girl’s best friend

    Since diamond mining started in Canada in 1998, Canada has become the third-largest producer of diamonds in the world. In 2019, the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls linked resource extraction to spikes in violence against women. In this episode, we hear from two women who talk about how diamond mines in the Northwest Territories have negatively impacted and perpetuated gender violence, particularly among Indigenous women. Vinita chats with Rebecca Hall, assistant professor of global development studies at Queen’s University and the author of Refracted Economies: Diamond Mining and Social Reproduction in the North, and Della Green, former victim services co-ordinator, at the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories.
    (first aired: June, 2022)

    Has the meaning behind the Canadian flag changed?

    After weeks of the so-called Freedom Convoy in 2022, many of us took a hard look at the symbolism of the Canadian flag and the attempt to associate it with white supremacy. Some felt a new fear or anger at what they feel the flag represents. But other communities say they have always felt this way about the Canadian flag. Both our guests on this episode have studied multiculturalism, citizenship and belonging. Daniel McNeil looks at history and culture and the complexities of global Black communities. He is a professor and Queen’s National Scholar Chair in Black Studies at Queen’s University. Lucy El-Sherif is an assistant professor of global peace and social justice at McMaster University. They help us unpack the meaning and symbolism of the Canadian flag.
    (first aired: June, 2022)

    How to decolonize journalism

    For decades, Canadian media have covered Indigenous communities with a heavy reliance on stereotypes — casting Indigenous Peoples as victims or warriors. This deep-seated bias in the news can have unsettling consequences for both how a community perceives itself as well as how others perceive them. Award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and former CBC reporter Duncan McCue is trying to change that both in the classroom and in the newsroom. He joins Vinita to talk about what Canadian media could be doing better.
    (first aired: November, 2022)

    About the Queen, the Crown’s crimes and how to talk about the unmourned

    When the Queen died, there was a tremendous outpouring of love and grief for her and the monarchy she represented. But not everyone wanted to take a moment of silence — and there are a lot of reasons why. For example, the head of the Assembly of First Nations, RoseAnne Archibald told CTV News that the Royal Family should apologize for the failures of the Crown… “particularly for the destructiveness of colonization on First Nations people.” To explore these ideas further, we reached out to two scholars, Veldon Coburn, associate professor and faculty chair of the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill University and Cheryl Thompson, an associate professor of media and culture at Toronto Metropolitan University. Both say that the Queen’s death could be a uniting moment of dissent for people from current and former colonies.
    (first aired: September, 2022)

    The Vatican just renounced a 500-year-old doctrine that justified colonial land theft… Now what?

    In 2023, the Vatican repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery, a 500-year-old decree used to justify settler colonialism. In this episode, political and Indigenous studies scholar Veldon Coburn explains why the Vatican’s repudiation of the Doctrine is a huge symbolic victory. We also examine what this repudiation may mean for members of Indigenous Nations, what prompted this renouncement, and what still needs to happen.
    (first aired: April, 2023)

    Digging into the colonial roots of gardening

    In this episode, we explore how the practice of gardening is deeply tied to colonialism that affects what we plant and also, who gets to garden. But there is also a growing understanding that centuries-old Indigenous land-based knowledge and practices can foster a more resilient landscape. We speak to community activist Carolynne Crawley — a woman with Mi’kmaw, Black and Irish ancestry who leads workshops and walks that integrate Indigenous teachings into practice — and Jacqueline L. Scott — a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education whose research focuses on the wilderness and making it a welcoming space for Black people. We discuss a new way forward, discussing practical gardening tips with an eye to Indigenous knowledge.
    (first aired: May, 2023)

    Botanical classification; 227 figures of plant anatomical segments with descriptive text.
    CC BY

    Why preserving Indigenous languages is so critical to culture

    This episode tackles why the revitalization of Indigenous languages is so critical. Guest host Veldon Coburn speaks with Frank Deer, professor of education at the University of Manitoba, to tackle the issue of disappearing Indigenous languages. They delve into how language reflects philosophies that guide political, cultural and ecological relationships — and discuss what more needs to be done to revitalize them.
    (first aired: June, 2023)

    Inside the search for the unmarked graves of children lost to Indian Residential Schools

    In this episode, we take you inside the ongoing quest to document the children who died in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools system. Vinita speaks to Terri Cardinal, associate vice president of Indigenous initiatives and engagement at MacEwan University, about the search she led to uncover the unmarked graves of those who perished at the Blue Quills Residential School in Alberta. It’s deeply personal and emotional work for Cardinal, whose own father is a survivor of the school. Cardinal talks about what she found, how she felt, and what she hopes will come of it. She says the number of unmarked graves across the country is much higher than many of us could have imagined. And she says it’s important to keep shining a light on the rising numbers, especially with so many Canadians in denial about what really happened at these schools.
    (first aired: September, 2023)

    Students at Blue Quills Residential School.
    Provincial Archives of Alberta, CC BY

    How journalists tell Buffy Sainte-Marie’s story matters – explained by a ‘60s Scoop survivor

    Musician Buffy Sainte-Marie in 1970.
    CMA/wikicommons, CC BY

    Lori Campbell, a ‘60s Scoop survivor and associate vice president of Indigenous engagement at the University of Regina, challenges the CBC’s motives in releasing an investigation that questioned the Indigenous roots of legendary singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie in this episode. Campbell asks: was the story in service of truth and reconciliation or a sensationalist headline? She also highlights the turmoil the story is causing, especially among Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, home to the Piapot Nation that embraced Sainte-Marie.
    (first aired: November, 2023)

    Colonialists used starvation as a tool of oppression

    Plains Cree Chief Mistahimaskwa resisted signing a treaty with the ‘Crown,’ until starvation of his people propelled him to sign Treaty 6.
    (Library and Archives Canada), CC BY

    Vinita speaks to two famine scholars about the use of starvation as a tool in the colonizer’s playbook through two historic examples — the attempted decimation of Indigenous populations in the Plains, North America and the 1943 famine in Bengal, India. Our guests James Daschuk from the University of Regina and Janam Mukherjee at Toronto Metropolitan University discuss how colonial forces inflicted famine upon Indigenous populations to control them, their land, and their resources.
    (first aired: March, 2024)

    From stereotypes to sovereignty: How Indigenous media makers assert narrative control

    Reservation Dogs: Sarah Podemski and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
    Shane Brown/FX

    Indigenous media in North America have rapidly expanded over the last 30 years, with Indigenous media makers gaining greater control of their own narratives, including the ability to subvert colonial representations. Karrmen Crey, who is Stó:lō from Cheam First Nation, is an associate professor in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, and the author of “Producing Sovereignty: The Rise of Indigenous Media in Canada.” In this special episode, recorded on-site with an audience in Vancouver at Iron Dog books, Crey speaks with Vinita about the ways Indigenous creators are using humour along with a sharp critique of pop culture to show just how different the world looks when decision-making power over how stories get told shifts and Indigenous media makers take control.
    (first aired: April, 2024)

    – ref. We curated a podcast playlist for you: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – https://theconversation.com/we-curated-a-podcast-playlist-for-you-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-239669

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and Northeastern University Bring Free AI Bootcamp to Miami Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Northeastern University in Miami. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30.

    The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with Northeastern University is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in Miami. With a custom and highly relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation for their future, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for underserved high school students with a transparent focus on recruiting girls, students of color, first generation college students, and those from low to moderate income households. The AI Bootcamp Program provides students with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with Northeastern University, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp will take place at the Miami campus on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Northeastern University is one of 30+ host companies selected to host camps across the US.

    “We are excited to partner with the Mark Cuban Foundation and host its AI Bootcamp on our campus later this Fall,” said Maria Alonso, Regional Dean and CEO of Northeastern University Miami Campus. “Ensuring our community’s youth can learn more about artificial intelligence and its applications will establish a strong foundation to ensure they are ready and competitive as they continue their education and, eventually, enter the global workforce of the future.”

    The September 30 deadline is quickly approaching. Do not miss your chance—submit your application now, as spaces are limited. Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    Media Contact:
    Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About Northeastern University
    Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university with an R1 Carnegie classification, and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Northeastern’s global university system includes 13 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. Students study, conduct research, and work on co-op in 149 countries and on all continents. The university has 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 industry partners worldwide.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Healthcare costs at a post-pandemic high, US employers prioritize affordability and wellbeing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cost of healthcare in the U.S. rises to a record high since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of employers expect healthcare costs will exceed budget projections this year. In response, employers are embracing different approaches to safeguard program affordability for their companies as well as for their employees. While focusing on more competitive, cost-effective plan designs to control costs, they are seeking to maintain employee wellbeing, according to a new survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.

    WTW’s 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey found that U.S. employers project their healthcare costs will increase by 7.7% in 2025, compared with 6.9% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2023. As a result of this uptick in costs, employers are reaching beyond traditional cost-shifting strategies to improve healthcare affordability and employee health. More than half of employers (52%) plan to implement programs that will reduce total costs, and just as many (51%) intend to adopt plan design and network strategies that steer to lower-cost, higher-quality providers and sites of care. Only 34% expect to shift costs to employees through premium contributions, and just 20% will promote account-based health plans or high-deductible health plans.

    “The cost of healthcare has been rising steadily for years. With cost increases reaching a post-pandemic high, companies are concerned about the burden it’s putting on their workforces, especially since it affects decisions about insurance coverage and care,” said Tim Stawicki, chief actuary, Health & Benefits, WTW. “To tackle high prices and other causes driving increased spending, companies are pursuing initiatives that are beyond cost-shifting.”

    These initiatives are focused within the prescription drug space as well, with strong interest in alternative drug channels and pricing. According to the survey, 21% of employers are planning for or considering promoting drug discount cards or direct-to-consumer prescription delivery to lower out-of-pocket costs in the next two years; 18% expect to allow members to purchase drugs through a retail or “cost plus” outlet, and 17% expect to have an acquisition cost pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contract structure.

    Other proactive efforts to control costs over the next two years include taking vendor/health plans out to bid (43%), evaluating employee assistance programs/mental health programs (38%), and exploring narrow networks (30%) and centers of excellence (25%). Additionally, employers continue to explore new technology-enabled solutions for managing costs, with 54% exploring navigation or technology that shares provider price and quality information with members.

    To support affordability and employee wellbeing, employers’ top focus areas are obesity and weight management (40%), cancer and oncology (34%), cardiovascular health (28%) and women’s health (27%).

    Employers are still contending with the continued demand for high-cost weight loss medications. While most employers are maintaining coverage for obesity medications with some restrictions, those not offering coverage today state cost and safety as the biggest barriers. Employers are eager to consider safe and effective lower-cost alternatives; 48% of employers expressed interest in compounded GLP-1 medications available through certain vendors at much lower costs.

    “To navigate the current healthcare environment, companies need to proactively address cost challenges and implement effective risk management strategies,” said Courtney Stubblefield, managing director, Health & Benefits, WTW. “By doing so, they can mitigate financial risks, support the wellbeing of their workforce and achieve long-term sustainability.”

    Other survey findings:

    • Employers report the greatest opportunities for artificial intelligence in supporting health and benefits are navigation solutions (64%) and communication (58%).
    • More than two-thirds (67%) of employers provide coverage for fertility services beyond diagnosis of infertility, including in vitro fertilization and medications.
    • To lower costs, 73% of employers plan to carve out pharmacy benefits over the next few years, and 27% would consider a smaller PBM that offers alternate pricing models.

    About the survey

    A total of 417 employers participated in the 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey, which was conducted in June and July 2024. Respondents employ 6 million employees.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Media contacts:

    Ileana Feoli
    ileana.feoli@wtwco.com

    Stacy Bronstein
    stacy.bronstein@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates ahead of landfall of Hurricane Helene. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 100 mph with higher gusts, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast tonight. Sixty-eight shelters are open throughout the state in preparation for severe impacts from Hurricane Helene, including 2 state-operated shelters in Tallahassee and DeFuniak Springs. These shelters have are housing over 2,500 residents from areas that may be severely affected by Hurricane Helene.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

    Following Governor DeSantis’ request, FEMA approved the state’s pre-landfall disaster declaration request. This provides important federal resources and assistance, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, and makes available funding sources for emergency protective measures. The pre-landfall declaration request is for the 41 Florida counties included in Executive Order 24-208.

    Voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in multiple counties statewide. Residents need to evacuate if they are under a mandatory evacuation order. Counties under evacuation orders can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/EvacuationOrders.

    Residents in the big bed area needing assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region for Hurricane Helene can call (800) 729-3413. FDEM team members are conducting callbacks from messages received last night and accepting new calls today to facilitate shelter coordination. For additional resources and assistance, residents can call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at (800) 342-3557. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

    Watches and warnings in effect include:
    Hurricane Warning: Western Alachua, coastal Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, coastal Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, western Marion, coastal Pasco, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties
    Hurricane Watch: Inland Citrus, inland Hernando, coastal Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, inland Pasco, Pinellas, coastal Sarasota
    Tropical Storm Warning: Central and eastern Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, inland Citrus, Clay, Collier,  DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, inland Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (including Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas), Manatee, central and eastern Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, inland Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Union, Volusia, Walton, Washington
    Storm Surge Warning: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties

    To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.  For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24, and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 1,150 missions to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • There are 35,000 shelf-stable meals staged near the anticipated area of storm impact, ready to deploy for response.
    • Seven Urban search and rescue task forces are ready to deploy.
    • The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has mobilized nearly 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen in preparation for Hurricane Helene and can surge to 5,500 if needed.
    • The FLNG is postured to provide logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue, commodity distribution, flood mitigation, aviation and other support as needed by the state.
    • The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:
      • 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
      • 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
      • 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
      • 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
      • 12 UTV’s
      • 15 Cut and toss crews
      • 7 search and rescue teams
      • 2 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has positioned all assets, including aircraft, and is ready to respond for reconnaissance and damage assessments, including all backup satellite and communications systems. Portable towers have been staged for emergency communications.
    • FDLE is prestaging Telecommunication Emergency Response Taskforces for response to ensure continuity of service of the 911 system.
    • FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services received permission from the FBI to allow law enforcement agencies to perform criminal history queries on behalf of emergency shelters to determine the suitability of shelter staff who may care for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, the disabled).
    • Nearly 2,000 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members work directly on storm response.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road and bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
    • FDOT issued an Emergency Order on September 23, lifting weight restrictions and allowing emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response, to bypass weigh stations.
    • FDOT Statewide Preparedness Efforts Include:
    • Road Ranger Service has expanded service to 24 hours in the storm impact areas.
      • 890 team members conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 613 team members working in the field conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 245 pieces of heavy equipment are being used for pre-storm preparations.
      • 307 team members staged for cut and toss operations
      • 120 bridge inspectors staged for deployment
      • 43 team members staged for UAV (drone) deployment
      • 40 large pumps staged
      • 688 generators staged to assist with traffic signal power
      • 4 ITS trailers are staged.
    • Seaports:
      • Port Key West, Panama City, Port St. Joe, Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port St. Pete, Port of Fernandina, JAXPORT, and Port Canaveral are closed waterside.
    • Airports: Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates. The following airports have suspended service:
      • Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
      • Tampa International Airport (TPA)
      • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
    • Railroads:
      • Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (New York to Miami) will terminate in Jacksonville
      • Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (Miami to New York) will originate in Jacksonville
      • SunRail service has been suspended.
    • Freight Rail:
      CSX will limit operations in the Tampa area.
    • Florida Gulf & Atlantic will shut down operations except the Pensacola area.
    • Apalachicola Northern and BayLine have suspended operations
      • First Coast Railroad will shut down operations on 9/27 .
    • The following transit providers have made the following schedule modifications.
      • Service Suspended: Lakeland Area Mass Transit (Citrus Connection), Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota County Area (Breeze) Transit, Lee County (LeeTran), Charlotte County, Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) Skyway and St. Johns River Ferry, St. Johns County (Sunshine Line), Bay County (Bayway), StarMetro, Big Bend Transit, Wakulla County Transit, Jackson County (JTrans), Calhoun County Transit, Liberty County Transit, Gulf County ARC suspending, LYNX, Marion County Transit, Key West Lower Key Shuttle, Hillsborough County (HART), Pasco County, Hernando County (The Bus)
    • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida. 1-877-741-3400. Visit https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08 for more information.
    • Department of Management Services (DMS) is working to identify potential evacuation shelter sites for special needs and pet-friendly evacuees as far east as Lake City and west as Panama City.


    Health and Human Services

    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is tracking APD-licensed group homes in impacted areas to ensure client safety from Hurricane Helene. APD will provide necessary guidance for re-entry when it is appropriate to do so.
    • The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) is deploying over 135 emergency response vehicles. Staging is currently in Leon, Liberty, Osceola, and Pinellas counties.
    • DOH has prepared for Special Needs Shelter operations to begin in areas of Helene’s path. A press release has been sent statewide for additional information on special needs shelters. To find a shelter near you, please visit the county emergency management page here.
    • DOH and the Agency for Health Care Administration have initiated Patient Movement Mission to support medical transport and evacuations of health care facilities.
    • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-002, which:
      • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
      • Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
      • Permits Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Medical Directors, as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
      • Authorizes a reporting extension for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
      • Authorizes an extension of the upcoming licensure renewal deadlines for Nursing Home Administrators, Radiological Personnel, and Athletic Trainers until October 31, 2024.
    • DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and has requested that all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status, and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
    • AHCA made 537 provider calls for Hurricane Helene preparation ahead of landfall.
    • As of this morning, 80 health care facilities are reporting that they are evacuating.
      • 38 assisted living facilities
      • 26 nursing homes
      • 8 hospitals
      • 4 residential treatment facilities
      • 2 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
      • 1 adult family care home, and 1 intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled
    • 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
    • The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services until further notice.

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is assisting the Florida Department of Corrections with the evacuation of correctional facilities as needed.
    • FHP is assisting with evacuations in Taylor County and in Cedar Key in Levy County.
    • FHP is removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles left along roadways ahead of storm arrival.
    • FHP cut teams, along with FDOT road clearing teams, are staged and ready for post-storm deployment to provide aid to areas impacted by the storm.
    • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209 which: waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to contact foster families and group home providers to ensure preparedness. Two group homes are evacuating to safer locations.
    • DCF has contacted all licensed providers in potentially impacted areas to ensure disaster preparation plans are in place and unmet needs have been addressed.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) contacted all Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
    • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has been in contact with all school districts and state colleges and is ready to provide assistance immediately following Hurricane Helene. Currently, 68 school districts have announced closures in addition to 25 State Colleges and 11 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
    • In preparation for Hurricane Helene. Currently, 65 school districts have announced closures in addition to 22 State Colleges and 9 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
    • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order 24-209, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm-generated solid waste and debris.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 71,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.
    • Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and emergency accommodations resources have also been provided.
    • DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 137,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.
    • The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.
    • DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
    • FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
    • VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
    • Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has crafted special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations during an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
    • Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* for residents in the 61 counties where Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. For more information see https://www.rosenhotels.com/rosen-hotels-resorts-reduces-pricing-ahead-of-helene/
    • Visit website for CareerSource openings: careersourceflorida.com
    • Comcast has opened more than 52,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida. The free and public hotspots are open for all, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information click here.
    • Walmart is working with state partners to provide needed supplies after the storm has passed.
    • Publix has provided 10 pallets of water for shelters in Leon County.
    • CVS Health is working with state partners to prepare pop-up pharmacies in impacted areas.
    • UBER is providing Floridians free rides up to $35 each way to and from a state-approved shelter in counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Helene. To get a ride users should use promo code HELENERELIEF.
    • The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, has contacted the United States Postal Service (USPS) about election information and vote-by-mail ballots. The Division of Elections recommended that Supervisors of Elections t contact their local district USPS to discuss a mitigation plan for ballot mailing, delivery, and return.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) worked with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
    • The Florida Forest Service staged equipment, like high-water vehicles.
    • The Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has approved an Emergency Order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for animal transportation. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
    • The Department of Revenue (FDOR) has issued Emergency Order 24-001: Taxing Authority Millage and Budget Hearings to assist local taxing authorities with altering their plans for annual budget hearings because of Helene. Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 20-07 provides further instructions for local taxing authorities during declared emergencies.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has high-water vehicles staged to deploy.
    • 72 FWC officers and staff are ready to deploy with specialized equipment, such as:
      • 6 Airboats
      • 8 Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • 71 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
      • 3 aerial surveillance drones
      • 12 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
      • 4 SOG support trailers
      • 4 BERG self-sustainment container units
      • 4 Hygiene trailers
      • 2 Mobile command units
      • 6 Generators
      • 2 Water trailers
      • 1 Fuel trailer
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has evacuated 22 satellite facilities and two major facilities and relocated 4,630 inmates into hardened housing units. Inmate visitation has been suspended statewide until Monday, September 30.  The FDC will be posting updates publicly and in real-time at FDC.myflorida.com/weather-updates
    • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have finalized storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.

    For previous updates see below:
    9/24/2024
    9/25/2024

    Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Helene.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The seven greatest cover songs of all time – according to music experts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

    We recently asked subscribers to our arts and culture newsletter, Something Good, to name their favourite cover song. We received a range of replies, from Beyoncé’s reimagining of the Dolly Parton classic, Jolene, to Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged recording of The Man Who Sold the World by David Bowie. Here’s how seven of our academic experts responded when we asked them the same question.

    1. Heaven, by DJ Sammy (2001)

    The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a glut of Euro-dance songs troubling the higher reaches of the UK charts, as artists like Alice Deejay, Fragma and Sash (all aliases for male DJs fronted by female guest vocalists) married heavy trance beats with catchy melodies. But above all others stood 2001’s Heaven, by DJ Sammy. A shining example of the energetic but straightforward approach to music that characterised the era, it had a generation of club-goers running for the dancefloor.

    Heaven saw Spanish producer Sammy turn a mawkish 1983 Bryan Adams track into the ultimate dance track for all seasons, complete with a relentless beat, hypnotic synth riff, and earworm-of-all-earworm choruses delivered by Dutch singer Dominique Rijpma van Hulst (stage name Do). It’s fun, unapologetically simple, yet somehow seems to encompass every emotion going. An era-defining track that needs to be played loud and proud.

    Glenn Fosbraey

    2. Me and the Devil Blues, by Gil Scott-Heron (2014)

    A great cover is more than a different version of a song – it re-articulates the track and injects it with new meaning. Some do this by radically changing the genre, others by making the song so intensely personal that it is difficult to imagine anyone else singing it. But Gil Scott-Heron’s cover of Robert Johnson’s Me and the Devil Blues (1938), on Scott-Heron’s final album, accomplishes an even rarer feat.

    It layers the pain and anguish of a modern black life lived in the heavy bootprint of the fight for civil rights, de-industrialisation and the “war on drugs”, over the legend of original singer Robert Johnson’s daring and tragic story in the Jim Crow south.

    Scott-Heron’s cover is an opaque homage that ruminates on living in the echoes of an American music legend’s ruins. It’s a reminder of the continuing horrors of racism, and the enduring artistry of resistance and resilience.

    Justin Patch

    3. Helter Skelter, by Siouxsie and the Banshees (1978)

    As a young artist from Liverpool who was newly signed to Deltasonic Records in the early 2000s, I was keen to find inspiration from artists other than our beloved Beatles. Little did I expect that much of this inspiration would circle back to Paul, John, George and Ringo when I discovered Siouxsie and the Banshees’ album The Scream (1978).

    Their cover of Helter Skelter from The Beatles’ White Album (1968) blew me away. Personally, I think this is the best cover of a Beatles song ever, performed by a woman who wasn’t afraid to take control of it.

    Eva Petersen

    4. Wild is the Wind, by David Bowie

    David Bowie frequently supplemented his original material with thematically connected cover songs. There are covers on Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). These moments are often the weakest spots on Bowie’s records – with one major exception.

    Bowie’s 1976 album Station To Station closes with his take on Wild Is The Wind, reworking Johnny Mathis’s two-minute original from 1957 into a soaring and theatrical six-minute showstopper. Bowie’s band dutifully rises to the occasion, decorating the track with elegant lead guitar work and one of the most exquisite drum performances ever committed to tape.

    Never one to underplay, Bowie gives the vocal performance of a lifetime, culminating in a soaring climax guaranteed to leave goosebumps on any listener with a pulse.

    Daniel Ash

    5. Against All Odds, by The Postal Service (2004)

    A good cover version needs to find ways to reinvent the texture and structure of the original. Beyond The Postal Service’s iconic 2003 album Give Up, the indie-tronica outfit have a tiny repertoire. For my money, their cover of Phil Collins’s Against All Odds (1984) was the only bright spot in the horrendous Josh Hartnett movie, Wicker Park (2004).

    The familiar texture and soundscape of Give Up is heard in the distant and crackly vocal, reverse delays and keyboard of the opening verse and chorus. This gives way to a middle section which is cleaner and more purposeful than the first, with a brighter tempo. A final outro section repeats the lyrical hook – “take a look at me now” – with gentle guitar bringing the song to a close.

    With this cover, The Postal Service manage to remake an emotional love ballad into a more angsty and complex work with their own musical stamp.

    Conor Caldwell

    6. Shipbuilding, by Suede

    I always tell students to look at their hero’s heroes and find the covers they chose to do. It is often the case that we discover a classic song from a cover.

    The 1995 charity album HELP featured 20 songs (many of them cover versions) by 20 artists in support of children displaced by the Bosnian War.

    Suede’s cover of Shipbuilding (written by Elvis Costello and Clive Langer in 1982) was the first version of the song I heard. Such is the power of the piece, I suspect it was not difficult to convey the message. Written during the Falklands war, it concerned the resurgence of the shipyards caused by the necessity to replace ships lost in the conflict.

    This led me to discover the definitive 1982 version sung by Robert Wyatt and featuring Costello, which has superb brushed drums and double bass. A masterpiece.

    Howard Monk

    7. Such Great Heights, by Iron and Wine

    In this cover, Sam Beam of Iron and Wine strips what could be potentially considered the calling card of The Postal Service’s small but perfectly formed oeuvre to its bare bones. Featuring nothing more than a hushed voice, gently plucked acoustic guitar and subtle flourish of mandolin, the yearning romanticism of the lyrics is endearingly exposed.

    Curiously, The Postal Service chose to include this wonderfully considered cover version as a b-side to their own single release of the song in 2003. This may have prompted its use in the divisive indie movie Garden State (2004), elevating Iron and Wine to deservedly greater heights in the process.

    Steve Ryan


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

    Eva Petersen has previously received Arts Council funding for her research in 2019. She currently works for Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

    Conor Caldwell, Daniel Ash, Glenn Fosbraey, Howard Monk, Justin Patch, and Stephen Ryan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The seven greatest cover songs of all time – according to music experts – https://theconversation.com/the-seven-greatest-cover-songs-of-all-time-according-to-music-experts-235145

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: First Bank Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, N.J., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Bank (Nasdaq Global Market: FRBA) invites participation in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance during its third quarter ending on September 30, 2024.

    Event: Earnings Conference Call – Third Quarter 2024
         
    When: Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
         
    Access: Conference Call Dial-In: (800) 715-9871 (toll free) 
         
      Conference Call Access Code: 1578641
         

    Patrick L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew L. Hibshman, Chief Financial Officer, Peter J. Cahill, Chief Lending Officer, and Darleen Gillespie, Chief Retail Banking Officer will provide an overview of third quarter 2024 results. The management presentation typically lasts approximately fifteen to thirty minutes, followed by investor questions and discussion. The Company’s third quarter results will be released after the market closes on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 and will also be available in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website. Conference replay information is also available on the Company’s website, http://www.firstbanknj.com.

    About First Bank
    First Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with 26 full-service branches in Cinnaminson, Delanco, Denville, Ewing, Fairfield, Flemington (2), Hamilton, Lawrence, Monroe, Pennington, Randolph, Somerset, Williamstown, and Morristown, New Jersey, Doylestown, Trevose, Warminster, West Chester, Paoli, Malvern, Coventry, Devon, Lionville, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Palm Beach, Florida. With $3.62 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, First Bank offers a traditional range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses mainly throughout the New York City to Philadelphia corridor. First Bank’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market exchange under the symbol “FRBA”.

    Contact
    Andrew L. Hibshman, Executive Vice President and CFO
    (609) 643-0058, andrew.hibshman@firstbanknj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Black Lake — Black Lake RCMP investigating ATV-related fatality

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 23, 2024 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Black Lake RCMP received a report of an ATV-related injury on Highway #905 between Black Lake and Stony Rapids, SK.

    Officers responded along with local EMS and located an injured adult male, who had been a passenger on the ATV. He was transported to hospital and later declared deceased. He has been identified as a 31-year-old from Black Lake, SK. His family has been notified.

    No other injuries were reported to police. As a result of further investigation, the driver of the ATV was arrested.

    30-year-old Jacy Yooya from Black Lake, SK is charged with:

    • one count, dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • one count, criminal negligence causing death without firearm, Section 220(b), Criminal Code;
    • one count, resist/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, failure to stop after accident resulting in death, Section 320.16(3), Criminal Code.

    Jacy Yooya is scheduled to appear in court on September 26, 2024.

    Black Lake RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section assisted in this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 26, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “Global energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”.

    The discussion was also attended by the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Mohamed Hamel, the Executive Vice President, Minister of Oil of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, the Minister of Energy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Aliabadi, the State Secretary for the Development of Bilateral Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of the Republic of Hungary Illes Boglarka, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Karankevich, the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.

    During the session, participants discussed issues of the functioning of the global energy market in the context of growing demand for global energy over the next 20 years, the role of traditional and renewable energy sources, as well as the impact of unlawful restrictions on hydrocarbon-producing countries.

    According to Alexander Novak, over the past 10 years, demand for global energy has grown by 13-14%. In the next 20 years, primary energy consumption will grow by 25%. Both its consumption and the range of industries that generate demand for it will change structurally. In particular, the Deputy Prime Minister recalled that today digital technologies already consume 8-10% of energy, and in the next three years this volume will double, primarily due to the active implementation of artificial intelligence, as well as increased consumption by electric transport. Despite the growth in the share of renewable energy sources, hydrocarbons will continue to play a key role in the global energy balance.

    “Traditional energy sources, hydrocarbons, and primarily oil and gas, will continue to provide supply on global energy markets. If today we see an annual growth in oil consumption of 1-2%, then by 2050, instead of today’s 102 mbps (million barrels per day), we will see about 120 mbps. As for gas, the rate of consumption growth will be even higher: approximately plus 35% to today’s volumes by 2050. That is, we can state that, despite a slight decrease in the share of hydrocarbons, they will still dominate in ensuring global energy consumption,” noted Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that Russia is a key player in the global oil market. The strategy for the development of the fuel and energy complex until 2050 envisages maintaining global leadership based on the introduction of modern technologies, achieving technological sovereignty, modernizing the oil, gas, and electric power industries, developing new logistics routes, transport and port infrastructure.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52809/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Are you a Destiel stan? There’s so much more to ‘shipping’ than wanting characters to kiss

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Effie Sapuridis, PhD Candidate in Media Studies, Western University

    Castiel, played by Misha Collins, and Dean Winchester, played by Jensen Ackles, in an episode of ‘Supernatural.’ Destiel is the slash ship between the two characters. (Apple TV)

    In 1993, X-Files fans began using the term “relationshippers” to describe fans who were invested in a romantic relationship between the two leads, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

    Although the practice of pairing two characters together had existed in fandom for a while, this is recognized as the first use of the term. By the late 1990s, “relationshipper” had been shortened to “shipper” and was being used in other major media fandoms as well.

    A ship refers to a romantic pairing between two or more characters, and is often a pairing that doesn’t actively exist in the original story. To “ship” a pairing is to support and enjoy the idea of that specific relationship.

    Top 11 Smulder moments from the X-Files YouTube channel.

    In the early 2000s, ships were often assigned nautical names, but now they are commonly portmanteaus of the two characters being paired — like Drarry, for Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, or Spuffy for Buffy Summers and Spike.

    Many people can relate to seeing two characters interact and thinking, “they’d make a great couple!” But why do we become so invested in these relationships? And what makes some characters more shippable than others?

    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    Why we become invested

    Shipping has become a massive part of fan culture. Even when writers and media producers don’t explicitly pair up characters, fans will fill the gaps, creating their own versions and interpretations.

    Fans often become deeply invested in fictional couples because they empathize with and feel connected to the characters.

    Well-developed characters evoke emotional responses in audiences, similar to the connections we forge with others in real life, especially when we’ve spent a lot of time engaging with the media. The characters become like friends on the screen or page — we become invested in their relationships and growth.

    This connection grows even more when characters are placed in relatable situations, such as navigating a breakup or unrequited love. When we can put ourselves in the shoes of the character, we become more invested in their story. Fans connect with characters, and then yearn for their happiness because it feels connected to their own happiness.

    It becomes more than just a story; instead, shipping the characters becomes a way for fans to explore their own emotions.

    The slow burn effect

    In recent decades, media producers and writers have leaned heavily into “will they or won’t they” relationships. These situations, much like a cliffhanger, keep audiences emotionally invested and engaged with the relationship.

    The anticipation keeps viewers coming back for more, waiting for the romantic payoff, even in cases when they know it will never happen. The tension built between characters and the feeling of an unresolved romantic narrative — whether intentional or not — heightens fan interest and engagement in shipping.

    Shipping also allows fans to project their own desires and fantasies onto a character. We all have our ideal meet-cutes and daydreams about meeting “our person” and what that connection would be like.

    Aziraphale, played by Michael Sheen, and Crowley, played by David Tennant, in an episode of ‘Good Omens.’ Ineffable Husbands is the ship name of these two characters.
    (Amazon Prime)

    So, when we encounter a character who feels relatable, or who feels like “our person,” shipping allows us to explore those daydreams without any of the actual risks of complications involved in real life relationships. In many ways, the act of shipping is an exercise in emotional fulfillment for the fan.

    In 2019, the podcast Fansplaining found that fans had strong feelings about the emotional intensity they felt when shipping. Fan studies scholars have also turned to this question often; Brit Kelley’s recent monograph Loving Fanfiction comes to mind as a prime example of a deep dive into affect and emotion in fanfiction and, of course, shipping.

    What makes characters shippable?

    Some characters naturally have a spark that draw fans to them — whether it’s through witty banter, emotional vulnerability, opposites-attract tension or the fact that there’s only one bed. When characters have great chemistry, fans can’t help but see the potential for something deeper.

    This is especially true when a character’s arc involves personal or emotional growth, as we are eager to imagine a happy ending for characters who are evolving. Combine this growth with the tension of a “will they or won’t they” relationship — a classic of the 90s and 2000s sitcom, think Rachel and Ross from Friends, or Ted and Robin from How I Met Your Mother — and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a beloved ship.

    In fact, a common shipping trope is the slow burn where the romance builds excruciatingly slowly. These types of relationships keep fans hooked because the development is gradual, and subtle. On-screen couples like Jess and Nick from New Girl and Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago from Brooklyn Nine-Nine are prime examples of this.

    Jake Proposes to Amy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

    Fans experience the full gamut of the emotional journey with these characters and, should then tension break and romance bloom, the pay-off is incredibly satisfying.

    If the relationships don’t come to pass, fans often turn to fanfiction — stories written by and for fans — to explore the potential of that ship more fully, with platforms like Archive of Our Own providing a space for these creative explorations.

    Pushing for diversity in media

    Fans are often drawn to relationships and characters that challenge the dominant ideologies and norms seen in media. Some of the most popular ships involve queer pairings — a trend that dates back, at least, to early days of media fandom with Spirk (Spock/Kirk) fanfiction.

    Some of today’s most popular queer ships include Aziraphale/Crowley from Good Omens, Dean Winchester/Castiel from Supernatural, Villanelle/Eve from Killing Eve and Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham from Hannibal.

    Such relationships can provide a sense of representation that’s often lacking in mainstream media, allowing fans to see themselves in the stories they love. In this way, shipping can serve as a form of advocacy, pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity in media.

    Shipping is about more than wanting characters to kiss — it’s an emotionally charged experience that culminates from empathy, narrative tension, personal fantasies and desires. For fans, these fictional relationships can feel as real as any in our own lives, and that’s why we keep coming back for more.

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

    – ref. Are you a Destiel stan? There’s so much more to ‘shipping’ than wanting characters to kiss – https://theconversation.com/are-you-a-destiel-stan-theres-so-much-more-to-shipping-than-wanting-characters-to-kiss-238394

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: ThoughtSpot Appoints Ketan Karkhanis as new Chief Executive Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThoughtSpot, the AI-Powered Analytics Company, today announced that the Company has appointed Ketan Karkhanis as Chief Executive Officer.

    Ketan is joining ThoughtSpot from Salesforce, where he has spent over a decade of his career. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Salesforce Sales Cloud business, leading one of the company’s largest cloud businesses that generated more than $7 billion last fiscal year. He returned to Salesforce in March 2022 after his time as the COO of Turvo, a supply-chain collaboration platform that was acquired by Lineage Logistics in 2022. Before that, Ketan was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Einstein Analytics, incubating the business from launch to over $300 million and a 30,000 strong user community.

    “During this time of accelerated transformation driven by the advent of generative AI, there is no better person to lead ThoughtSpot than Ketan,” said Ajeet Singh, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ThoughtSpot. “He is a customer-obsessed, employee-focused business leader with a deep experience in analytics and has built and led world-class SaaS businesses of significant scale. The ThoughtSpot Board believes that Ketan is the right leader to help ThoughtSpot capitalize on its foundational innovation and capture the massive market opportunity that lies ahead in AI-powered analytics.”

    Singh added, “Over the last six months, ThoughtSpot has made significant progress in accelerating its product roadmap, delivering genAI-driven value to customers that are migrating away from legacy visualization platforms, and centering its focus on durable growth at scale, all setting the table for our next CEO.”

    “Ketan has the passion and experience to lead ThoughtSpot in its next chapter,” said Ravi Mhatre, Founder and Managing Director of Lightspeed Venture Partners and the founding investor on ThoughtSpot’s Board of Directors. “This appointment comes at a perfect time for the market as analytics is redefined by genAI, and ensures that ThoughtSpot is best positioned to scale rapidly.”

    “ThoughtSpot has built a fundamentally different approach to analytics since its inception, squarely focused on democratizing data and empowering everyone to make data-driven decisions with its AI and search-driven analytics platform,” said Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “ThoughtSpot has a significant head start in innovation that is required for truly delivering on the expectations that genAI has created, with a proven solution that is delivering value to some of the largest and most complex enterprises in the world. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to lead the company that finds itself intersecting with the genAI tailwinds at a perfect time, and is in a strong position to capitalize on this market opportunity by bringing unparalleled value to over a thousand customers across the globe.”

    Ketan has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from PICT (Pune Institute of Computer Technology, India) and an MBA from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business.

    About ThoughtSpot
    ThoughtSpot is the AI-Powered Analytics company. Our mission is to create a more fact-driven world with the easiest to use analytics platform. With ThoughtSpot, anyone can leverage natural language search to ask and answer data questions with confidence. ThoughtSpot enables everyone within an organization to limitlessly engage with live data in any major cloud data platform, making it easy to create and interact with granular, hyper-personalized, and actionable insights. Customers can take advantage of both ThoughtSpot’s web and mobile applications to improve decision-making for every employee, wherever and whenever decisions are made. With ThoughtSpot’s low-code developer-friendly platform, ThoughtSpot Embedded, customers can also embed AI-Powered Analytics to their products and services, monetizing their data and engaging users to keep them coming back for more. Organizations like Capital One, Daimler, Comcast, Cigna, Royal Bank of Canada, Nasdaq, and Unilever rely on ThoughtSpot to transform how their employees and customers take advantage of data. Try ThoughtSpot today and see for yourself.

    PR Contact:

    Lindsay Noonan
    Director of Communications, ThoughtSpot
    press@thoughtspot.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88088950-4082-42c9-b99f-a944c31c28c8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Recognized as a Visionary in Endpoint Security in 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions, today announced that it has been recognized as a Visionary in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms. Check Point Harmony Endpoint is shaping the future of workspace security with flexible deployment options and a unified security approach, offering robust endpoint protection tailored to organizations of any scale.

    Businesses today are grappling with more advanced cyber threats aimed particularly at endpoints, highlighted by Check Point Research’s report of a 30% increase in global cyber-attacks in the second quarter of 2024. Simultaneously, they must navigate the complexities of managing numerous security solutions. Check Point Harmony Endpoint mitigates these challenges by providing robust protection, with a 99.8% block rate against new malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks. It ensures seamless security across diverse devices and networks, simplifying management and reducing operational costs.

    Gary Li, Vice President of Research Institute at Gotion High-Tech emphasized our features, stating that, “Check Point Harmony Endpoint satisfied all of our criteria and efficiently addressed our current cybersecurity risks. Its autonomous detection and response capability also enable our team to easily intercept attacks and prevent them from affecting users and endpoints.”

    “We’re thrilled that Gartner has acknowledged us for the second year in a row, as we consistently secure customer traction and provide our clients with comprehensive security solutions to safeguard them against the latest cyber-attacks,” said Ofir Israel, VP of Threat Prevention at Check Point Software Technologies. “We see endpoints being among the most vulnerable for compromise and persistently push the boundaries of innovation to ensure strong protection for businesses of all sizes.”

    Harmony Endpoint offers a robust and all-encompassing security solution for endpoints, featuring advanced EPP, EDR, and XDR functionalities, that safeguard remote workforces against the intricate threats of today’s digital environment. Harmony Endpoint is part of the Check Point Infinity Platform, a comprehensive platform that provides top-tier security across data centers, networks, cloud services, branch offices, and remote users, all managed through a unified interface.

    To download a complimentary copy of the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms visit our website and check out the blog.

    Discover how Harmony Endpoint can safeguard your workforce. Visit us for more information: https://www.checkpoint.com/solutions/endpoint-security/

    Follow Check Point via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    Gartner Disclaimer
    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. 
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (http://www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Platform Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

         
     

    PRESS RELEASE

    First-half financial information at June 30, 2024
    IFRS – Regulated information – Audited

    Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    • Revenue grew 6.0% as reported and 4.6% LFL to €319.0 million
    • EBITDA rose 6.9% to €52.2 million
    • Recurring operating income(1) (REBIT) fell 3.4% to €10.3 million

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, September 26, 2024, after the market close

    Cegedim generated consolidated H1 2024 revenues of €319.0 million, a 6.0% year-on-year increase as reported, and EBITDA of €52.2 million, a €3.4 million or 6.9% increase. Recurring operating income fell €0.4 million, or 3.4%, to €10.3 million.

      H1 2024 H1 2023 Change
      in €m (in %) (in €m) (in %) (in €m) in %
    Revenues 319.0 100.0% 301.0 100.00% 18.0 6.0%
    EBITDA(1) 52.2 16.4% 48.8 +16.2% 3.4 6.9%
    Depreciation & amortization -41.9   -38.1   -3.8 -9.8%
    Recurring operating income(1) 10.3 3.2% 10.7 3.6% -0.4 -3.4%
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2.6   -1.4   -1.2 -88.8%
    Operating income 7.7 2.4% 9.3 3.1% -1.6 -17.1%
    Financial result -5.0   -5.6   0.6 10.8%
    Total tax -2.9   -12.4   9.5 76.8%
    Share of net profit (loss) of equity method companies 0.1   -0.5   0.6 110.3%
    Consolidated net profit -0.1 0.0% -9.2 -3.1% 9.1 99.0%
    Non-controlling interests -0.7   -0.4   -0.3 -69.3%
    Group share 0.6 0.2% -8.8 -2.9% 9.4 107.2%
    Recurring earnings per share(2) (in euros) 0.0 – -0.6 –    
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 – -0.6 –    

    Consolidated revenues rose €18.0 million, or 6.0%, to €319.0 million in H1 2024 compared with €301.0 million in 2023. The positive scope effect of €3.7 million, or 1.2%, was attributable to the first-time consolidation in Cegedim’s accounts of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024. The positive currency impact was €0.5 million, or 0.2%, chiefly owing to appreciation of the pound sterling against the euro. In like-for-like terms(2), revenues rose 4.6% in the first half, in line with the Group’s announced outlook. The performance was attributable to seasonality and the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments in 2024.

    EBITDA(1) rose €3.4 million between the first half of 2023 and 2024, or 6.9%. The improvement is the result of good management of personnel costs and external costs, in moderate growth as a percentage of revenues even though the amount of R&D capitalization fell and the Group had an additional quarter of start-up costs for its biggest BPO contract.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Depreciation and amortization expenses rose €3.7 million, chiefly due to a €3.1 million increase in R&D amortization (€22.7 million at June 30, 2024 compared with €19.7 million a year earlier) driven by development efforts in recent years.

    Recurring operating income(1) fell €0.4 million to €10.3 million in H1 2024 compared with €10.7 million in 2023.  It amounted to 3.2% of 2024 revenue compared with 3.6% in 2023. The fine EBITDA performance did not drop through to recurring operating income solely because of higher depreciation and amortization. Excluding the impact of Ségur subsidies and at comparable levels of amortization of capitalized R&D, Recurring operating income would have more than doubled.

    Other non-current operating costs(1) amounted to €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €1.4 million in the same period in 2023.  The principal items in 2024 were restructuring costs related to the Group’s decision to refocus software for doctors in the UK on Scotland and fees related to the Visiodent acquisition.

    Taking these elements into account, operating income came to €7.7 million at June 30, 2024, compared with €9.3 million a year earlier.

    Financial result was a loss of €5.0 million compared with a €5.6 million loss in H1 2023. Dividend income over the period more than offset the increase in the cost of financial debt.

    Tax was back to normal levels at €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €12.4 million in H1 2023. As a reminder, in 2023 the Group made a non-cash adjustment that caused it to record a deferred tax charge corresponding to the downward revision of its estimated remaining deferred tax assets.

    Analysis of business trends by division

    in millions of euros Total Software & Services Flow Data & Marketing BPO Cloud & Support
    Revenue            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    		 301.0

    301.0

    		 161.5

    150.6

    		 48.2

    46.8

    		 54.9

    54.9

    		 32.8

    32.8

    		 3.5

    15.8
    2024 319.0 152.1 49.5 59.3 39.9 18.1
    Change 6.0% 1.0% 5.8% 8.0% 21.6% 14.5%
                 
    Recurring operating income            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    		 10.7

    10.7

    		 -2.0

    -2.5

    		 5.6

    5.2

    		 6.6

    6.6

    		 1.4

    1.4

    		 -0.9

    0.0
    2024 10.3 -1.4 5.9 5.3 1.9 -1.3
    Change -3.4% 42.4% 12.8% -19.8% 36.0% na
                 
    Recurring operating margin (as a % of revenues)

    2023 reported

    		  

    3.6%

    		  

    -1.2%

    		  

    11.7%

    		  

    11.9%

    		  

    4.3%

    		  

    -24.7%
    2023 reclassified (*) 3.6% -1.7% 11.1% 11.9% 4.3% 0.3%
    2024 3.2% -1.0% +11.8% 8.9% 4.8% -7.0%
                 

    (*) As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.

    • Software & Services: H1 2024 revenues posted a €1.5 million increase, and recurring operating income (REBIT)(1) improved by €1.1 million to a loss of €1.4 million, compared with a €2.5 million loss a year earlier.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Software & Services First half Change

    2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023
    Revenues 152.1 150.6 1.5 1.0%
    Cegedim Santé 38.9 39.8 -1.0 -2.4%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 86.7 84.5 2.3 2.7%
    International businesses 26.5 26.3 0.2 0.6%
    Recurring operating income(1) -1.4 -2.5 1.1 42.4%
    Cegedim Santé -1.6 -1.4 -0.2 -11.8%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 3.4 3.3 0.1 3.5%
    International businesses -3.3 -4.4 1.1 25.6%

    As expected, Cegedim Santé felt the impact of increased R&D amortization (nearly €1 million) and a demanding comparison owing to the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments (€4.4 million in H1 2023 revenues). The consolidation of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024, only partly offset those two items. Recurring operating income was nearly stable over the first half, but EBITDA increased as expected.

    The other businesses in the division posted REBIT(1) of €1.2 million. A solid performance by HR solutions, which managed to keep costs under control during a phase of strong growth, compensated for slower pharmacy equipment sales post-Ségur. The international businesses got a boost from dynamic sales for doctors in Spain and for insurers in the UK. As we shift our operations, narrowing the focus of our UK doctor’s software business to Scotland continued to generate costs in the first half.

    • Flow: Revenues rose 5.8%, driven by Cegedim e-business (process digitalization and electronic data flows), both of whose businesses made positive contributions; by Invoicing & Procurement, which rebounded in France and is benefiting from the upcoming reform in Germany; and by Healthcare Flow Management, which has dynamic new offerings for hospitals to make their drug purchasing secure. Over the same period, Third-party payer systems posted 3.6% growth. As a result, REBIT(1) rose 12.8%, with Third-party payer systems making the biggest contribution, as Cegedim e-business recorded a large R&D amortization charge.
    • Data & Marketing: Trends differed at this division—Marketing is still going strong, with 20% growth, whereas Data revenues fell 2.8%, particularly abroad. REBIT(1) of €6.6 million was down €1.3 million over the first half owing to high fixed costs in Data and increased depreciation and amortization costs at C-Media (+€1 million) due to heavy investments in updating its digital signage equipment.
    • BPO: Revenue jumped more than 21% over the first half, buoyed notably by a full six months of the contract with Allianz, which started on April 1, 2023, and is expected to generate losses in the early years. But the division reined in those losses so well that REBIT(1) rose €0.5 million in the first half of 2024 to reach €1.9 million, also getting a boost from the HR BPO and digitalization businesses.
    • Cloud & Support: H1 2024 REBIT(1) was a loss of €1.3 million, compared with breakeven a year earlier. The drop was due to surcharges related to the launch of a new cloud offering and recruitment of new offshore teams.

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Highlights

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during H1 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • Acquisition of Visiodent

    On February 15, 2024, Cegedim Santé acquired Visiodent, a leading French publisher of management software for dental practices and health clinics. Visiodent launched the market’s first 100% SaaS solution, Veasy, at a time when it was significantly expanding its organization. Its users now include the country’s largest nation-wide networks of health clinics, both cooperative and privately owned, as well as several thousand dental surgeons in private practice. Visiodent generated revenue of c.€10 million in 2023 and began contributing to Cegedim Group’s consolidation scope on March 1, 2024.

    Cegedim S.A. has been subject to two tax audits since 2018, which have resulted in reassessments relating to the use of tax-loss carryforwards contested by the tax authorities. Cegedim, in consultation with its lawyers, believes that the reassessments are unfounded in light of the applicable tax law and jurisprudence. The Company has therefore taken, and continues to take, all possible avenues of contestation.

    As these appeals are not suspensive, Cegedim has paid the amounts reassessed over time (a total of 23 million euros already paid, including 10.9 million euros disbursed in February 2024). The remaining risk of future disbursements in respect of this dispute thus amounts to only 5 million euros at June 30, 2024.

    However, these disbursements have never given rise to the recognition of a tax charge in the P&L, since the Company considers that these sums will be recoverable at the end of the proceedings (they are recognized as advances paid on the assets side of the balance sheet). Should the outcome be unfavorable, a charge of 28 million euros (of which 23 million has already been paid) would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement.

    In addition, the consolidated balance sheet must show the future tax savings still realizable in respect of tax loss carryforwards. This “deferred tax asset” amounted to 6.9 million euros at June 30, 2024.
    Should the outcome be unfavorable, the probability of realizing these future savings would become nil, and an adjustment of 6.9 million euros would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement (with no cash impact, since these gains have never yet been realized).

    Consequently, the risk associated with this dispute is not (or very little) in terms of cash, but rather in terms of a possible adjustment to the consolidated income. The maximum P&L adjustment risk is known: it amounts to 34.9 million euros and will remain unchanged. Only its breakdown varies at each closing: the amount of disputed tax savings (28 million to date) will continue to increase, and that of remaining future savings (6.9 million to date) will decrease accordingly until exhausted.

    In the last quarter of 2023, the Company referred this dispute to the administrative court, which is likely to continue for several years.

    Significant transactions and events post June 30, 2024

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after June 30, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • New financing arrangement

    On July 31, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had secured a new financing arrangement consisting of a €230 million syndicated loan. The arrangement is split into €180 million of lines drawn upon closing to refinance the Group’s existing debt (RCF and Euro PP, which were to mature in October 2024 and October 2025 respectively) and an additional, undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of €50 million. This new financing arrangement will bolster the Group’s liquidity and extend the maturity of its debt to, respectively, 5 years (€30 million, payments every six months); 6 years (€60 million, repayable upon maturity); and 7 years (€90 million, repayable upon maturity).

    Outlook

    Based on the currently available information, the Group expects 2024 like-for-like(2) revenue growth to be in the range of 5-8% relative to 2023. Recurring operating income should continue to improve, following a similar trajectory as in 2023.  

    Recurring operating income(1) is expected to grow, notably thanks to the initial returns on investments made in Cegedim Santé and refocusing international activities.

    These targets may need to be revised in the event of unexpected developments (pandemic, etc.) and/or a significant worsening of geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The Group reiterates that it has no activities or exposed assets in Russia or Ukraine.

    —————

    The Audit Committee met on September 25, 2024. The Board of Directors, chaired by Jean-Claude Labrune, met on September 26, 2024, and approved the consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024, of which the statutory auditors have conducted a limited review. The Interim Financial Report will be available in a few days’ time, in French and in English, on our website.

    2024 financial calendar

    2024 October 24 after the close Q3 2024 revenues

    Financial calendar: https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/agenda/Pages/default.aspx

    Disclaimer
    This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. This press release may contain inside information. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on September 26, 2024, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time.
    The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors and insurance”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filled with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs more than 6,500 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of €616 million in 2023.

    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: http://www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations
    and Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    		 Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of Financial Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    		 Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:        +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

    		  

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2) At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Annexes

    Consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024

    • Assets au 30 juin 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Goodwill 234,955 199,787
    Development costs 29,706 1,562
    Other intangible fixed assets 177,834 192,616
    Intangible non-current assets 207,541 194,178
    Land 594 544
    Buildings 1,556 1,660
    Other property, plant, and equipment 53,006 45,829
    Advances and non-current assets in progress 901 831
    Rights of use 86,092 89,718
    Tangible fixed assets 142,149 138,582
    Equity investments 0 0
    Loans 16,332 15,332
    Other long-term investments 7,120 5,230
    Long-term investments – excluding equity shares in equity method companies 23,452 20,563
    Equity shares in equity method companies 19,086 22,065
    Deferred tax assets 18,209 19,747
    Prepaid expenses: long-term portion 0 0
    Non-current assets 645,390 594,922
    Goods 6,072 5,498
    Advances and deposits received on orders 1,396 3,703
    Accounts receivables: short-term portion 182,907 175,199
    Other receivables: short-term portion 59,070 59,563
    Current tax credits 27,262 16,495
    Cash equivalents 0 0
    Cash 35,414 46,606
    Prepaid expenses: short-term portion 26,138 22,082
    Current assets 338,260 329,146
    Total assets 983,651 924,068
    • Liabilities et shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Share capital 13,432 13,337
    Consolidated retained earnings 276,449 282,521
    Group exchange gains/losses -11,848 -12,275
    Group earnings 630 -7,407
    Shareholders’ equity, Group share 278,663 276,175
    Minority interest 17,550 18,381
    Shareholders’ equity 296,213 294,556
    Non-current financial liabilities 187,714 188,546
    Non-current lease liabilities 76,267 78,761
    Deferred tax liabilities 5,949 5,600
    Post-employment benefit obligations 30,632 31,007
    Non-current provisions 2,147 2,521
    Non-current liabilities 302,710 306,435
    Current financial liabilities 61,570 3,006
    Current lease liabilities 14,661 14,789
    Trade payables and related accounts 57,225 61,734
    Current tax liabilities 192 235
    Tax and social security liabilities 113,884 121,371
    Non-current provisions 1,660 1,730
    Other current liabilities 135,538 120,212
    Current liabilities 384,728 323,077
    Total liabilities 983,651 924,068
    • Income statement at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Revenues 318,995 301,011
    Purchases used -14,045 -14,739
    External expenses -72,687 -66,371
    Taxes -3,961 -4,291
    Payroll costs -173,240 -163,623
    Impairment of trade receivables and other receivables and on contract assets -872 -2,041
    Allowances to and reversals of provisions -2,440 -1,830
    Other operating expenses -690 108
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates on the income statement 1,146 603
    EBITDA (1) 52,207 48,827
    Depreciation expenses other than right-of-use assets -33,140 -29,030
    Depreciation expenses of right-of-use assets -8,733 -9,097
    Recurring operating income(1) 10,334 10,700
    Non-recurring operating income and expenses -2,616 -1,385
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2,616 -1,385
    Operating income 7,718 9,315
    Income from cash and cash equivalents 326 180
    Cost of gross financial debt -7,121 -5,633
    Other financial income and expenses 1,813 -136
    Net financial income (expense) -4,983 -5,589
    Income taxes -1,226 -1,841
    Deferred income taxes -1,652 -10,588
    Tax -2,878 -12,429
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates 53 -515
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Group share 630 -8,793
    Income from equity-accounted affiliates -721 -426
    Average number of shares excluding treasury stock 13,695,317 13,658,348
    Recurring earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    • Cash flow statement as of June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates -1,199 -88
    Depreciation and amortization expenses and provisions 40,531 37,972
    Capital gains or losses on disposals of operating assets -52 -798
    Cash flow after cost of net financial debt and taxes 39,190 27,867
    Cost of net financial debt 4,983 5,589
    Tax expenses 2,878 12,429
    Cash flow from operating activities before tax and interest 47,051 45,885
    Tax paid -11,634 -378
    Impact of change in working capital requirements -13,206 -18,032
    Cash flow generated from operating activities after tax paid and change in

    working capital requirements

    		 22,211 27,476
    Acquisitions of intangible fixed assets -29,879 -29,550
    Acquisitions of tangible fixed assets -15,935 -11,759
    Acquisitions of long-term investments 0 -36
    Disposals of property, plant, and equipment and of intangible assets 553 2,575
    Disposals of long-term investments 934 805
    Change in deposits received or paid -860 -156
    Impact of changes in consolidation scope -35,454 -2,172
    Dividends received from outside the Group 4,073 30
    Net cash from (used in) investing activities -76,568 -40,264
    Capital increase 985 –
    Dividends paid to minority shareholders of consolidated cos. 0 –
    Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company -1 –
    Debt issuance 55,000 –
    Debt repayments -219 -193
    Employee profit sharing 145 129
    Repayment of lease liabilities -8,152 -11,353
    Interest paid on loans -972 -117
    Other financial income received 718 596
    Other financial expenses paid -3,612 -3,492
    Net cash flow used in financing activities 43,892 -14,430
    Change in net cash excluding currency impact -10,465 -27,218
    Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates -728 -456
    Change in net cash -11,194 -27,674
    Opening cash 46,606 55,553
    Closing cash 35,412 27,879
    • Financial covenants

    The Group complied with all its covenants as of June 30, 2024.

    (1) Alternative performance indicator

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The floor is yours, Andrey Zaitsev. “May the power of the Polytechnic be with you!”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Exactly one year ago, the Polytechnic launched the Lepota ecosystem project — the discussion club “You have the floor!” During this time, students and university staff have had six distinguished guests as interlocutors: the coach of the Zenit football club Sergey Semak, academician of the Russian Academy of Education Tatyana Chernigovskaya, legendary hockey player Vyacheslav Fetisov, neuropsychologist and psychotherapist Alena Vanchenko, chief architect of the investment and construction holding “A101” Elizaveta Grechukhina, professional developer of educational games and author of additional education programs Andrey Latyshev.

    And now a new season has begun in the discussion club. It was opened by the St. Petersburg actor, TV and radio host and blogger Andrey Zaitsev.

    Andrey is best known to the general public as a dubbing actor. He voices characters in at least 199 foreign films. Including the main characters: programmer Daniel Domscheit-Berg, played by Daniel Brühl in The Fifth Estate, Sam Hall played by Jake Gyllenhaal in The Day After Tomorrow, Richard Madden’s prince in Cinderella, etc. Fans of the Star Wars saga certainly know that Andrey Zaytsev has been speaking for Anakin Skywalker since 2002. Fans of The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy know Andrey as Star Lord. And if you rewatch Terminator, note that in the third part, Andrey voices John Connor. And, of course, Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean.

    So, one can say that in Andrey the polytechnicians saw (or rather heard) all their favorite movie characters at once, which is why the atmosphere at the meeting was so light and relaxed. In addition, Andrey has a great sense of humor, and he easily won over the audience. Although he admitted that he was very nervous, because speaking in front of an audience is always difficult. By the way, among the numerous questions to the guest was one about how to overcome constraint in public speaking.

    “The most important thing is that I can be useful to you,” Andrey said at the very beginning of the meeting, inviting us to a dialogue. “Today, many people, in parallel with their main activities, try themselves in voice-over work, try to show themselves, primarily on social networks, and this is normal. I will tell you everything that interests you in the industry of dubbing, cinema, sound, artificial intelligence, to which I have also already contributed my voice.”

    The guys were interested in whether AI could replace voice actors in the future. In response, Andrey let them listen to his own voice, made by a neural network.

    “This is already happening,” he admitted. “For example, Teo Voice signed a contract with me, we made two voices. One is my regular one, and the other is an old man’s. It’s for streamers, for computer games. Artificial intelligence will help us develop further. Today, if we have professional burnout, we go to ChatGPT and solve the problem with its help. But creative brains cannot be replaced by anything.”

    Naturally, the audience wanted to know why Andrey took up dubbing films.

    I always dreamed of working with a microphone. I graduated from school in 1996. The first place I wanted to get into was the radio. I thought you had to speak endlessly fast there, like DJs in the 90s, and I still speak very fast and often now — such is my professional deformation. I started with Radio Shanson, then worked for 16 years at Avtoradio. I understood that radio people in the 90s were mostly educated as actors.

    The meeting did not pass without discoveries. Thus, the students learned that whispering is harmful to the vocal cords, it is a lot of strain. And the best way to restore a torn voice is… regular sleep. And silence.

    It also turned out that in dubbing, in addition to the translator, there is also the profession of “stacker”.

    “The actors must get not only the intonation right, but also the closure,” Andrey Zaitsev explained. “It’s not enough to translate a film; there’s a concept called ‘lip syncing’ (full synchronization of sound and visuals in films – Ed.). Sometimes it’s not the dubbing that’s bad, it’s just the translation that’s ‘off track.’ And the perfect dubbing is in the film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’”

    Andrey advised those students who were interested in how to get into voice acting to act on their own.

    Come to try at a studio – there is no such practice now. Now there is the Internet. I always recommend starting on your own. But if you try to voice, then choose characters of your age. And sometimes your build. When dubbing, specific actors are selected for specific characters.

    The conversation ended with a question about plans and dreams for the future.

    I don’t make plans in the dubbing industry, I’ve already done everything there. I’ve made my acting business cards and want to do something where I can be useful 300 percent, and not plug a hole in another run-of-the-mill series. It’s a little comforting to me that Louis de Funes became popular at 54, I still have some time to spare.

    According to tradition, two Lepota branded T-shirts appeared on stage at the end of the meeting. One, with the seventh number, was given to the guest. And on the second one, he left an autograph for the Polytechnicians. Andrey wrote a wish: “Live only for what you love.” And, of course, he could not help but add the great words from the star saga, but did it with reference to the meeting place: “May the power of the Polytechnic be with you!”

    Photo archive

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/student_life/to you-Andrey-zaitsev-may-the-force-of-polytechnic-be-with-you-/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The world isn’t taking Putin’s nuclear threats seriously – the history of propaganda suggests it should

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Colin Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Political Communications, Nottingham Trent University

    Vladimir Putin has spoken several times about using nuclear weapons since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the initial attention and concern that global news media gave to Putin when he first spoke on the issue in September 2022 seemed to have largely dissipated over the past two years of conflict, perhaps because of the frequency with which he has threatened to resort to use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

    Now Putin has issued his strongest threat yet, saying that Russia would use nuclear weapons against any country attacking it, even with conventional weapons. This statement appears to be intended to influence the debate happening at the United Nations, where Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to persuade his country’s western allies to allow Ukraine to use the weapons they have provided against targets deep within Russia itself.

    This has been a “red line” hitherto that Ukraine’s allies have been unwilling to cross. That may be about to change though and Russia’s reaction has been to reiterate a nuclear response.

    For those interested in the study of propaganda, Putin’s threats appear to have moved from what American media scholar Dan Hallin called the “sphere of legitimate controversy”, where the validity of an utterance is urgently debated by journalists, politicians and academics, into the “sphere of consensus”, where there is broad agreement about the meaning of the message. This generally results in it receiving less attention.

    To believe that Putin is not serious about using nuclear weapons is a dangerous assumption to make. But it provides a good opportunity to examine the political and public relationship with nuclear weapons in more detail.

    The psychology of nuclear threat

    Most adults know of the existence of nuclear weapons and understand the consequences of their use. Very few are simply ignorant of them or their immense power. But global annihilation is too overwhelming to think about other than fleetingly. As a result we tend to focus on less drastic futures.

    These regular denials and self-deceptions affect political outlooks though. Every so often the leader of a nuclear-armed country is asked by a journalist or another politician about their readiness to press the nuclear button. They always say “yes”. When this question is asked in front of an audience there is usually enthusiastic applause.

    This response – applauding an individual politician’s willingness to bring about the end of the world – is perhaps the most compelling evidence of the duality that the threat of nuclear war exists within. Rather than perceiving such a response as the worrying sign that a maniac has somehow manoeuvred their way into high office and should be immediately removed, the voter perceives the utterance as a signifier of leadership strength.

    Psychologically, it can be argued that the applause actually represents an outpouring of relief that this mass self-deception can continue.

    ‘Fear propaganda’ and confirmation bias

    During the cold war, official propaganda placed great emphasis upon threat and preparedness for nuclear attack. The BBC film Threads first aired 40 years ago in September 1984 and depicted the aftermath of a nuclear strike. It was responsible for great alarm among the British public at a time when news media, movies and even official literature were also focused upon the threat of nuclear war.

    Between 1974 and 1980, the UK government issued a booklet entitled Protect and Survive, accompanied by short films. The BBC, in its public service role, also ran documentary programming including a 1980 edition of Panorama called If The Bomb Drops. While US secretary of state Henry Kissinger’s 1957 study Nuclear War and Foreign Policy caused alarm for arguing that small-scale nuclear war using “battlefield” weapons might be possible.

    Cold war communications like these served to focus the public mind towards the threat of nuclear attack above all other fears. And perhaps, at that time, they were right to do so. But more than 30 years have now passed since the end of the cold war and the emphasis within what is known as “fear propaganda” now focuses on other threats, such as extremism, pandemics and migration.

    As such, Putin’s nuclear threats provide propaganda analysts like myself with a case study about the important role played by fear propaganda in determining what people are scared of. If taken within the wider history of the fear of nuclear holocaust, it is clear that political leaders cannot rely on their words alone to be taken seriously. They require a wider supportive propaganda environment – like the atmosphere created at the height of the cold war.

    Putin the ‘madman’

    Questions around how to understand Putin’s nuclear attack threats ought to be positioned as the latest in a long(ish) line of world leaders who have tried to convince global publics of their readiness to commit nuclear genocide.

    Richard Nixon, for example, used what was referred to as “madman” tactics when trying to convince people of his readiness to push the button. Interestingly, the more recent depictions of Putin, Kim Jong-un and other authoritarian leaders as madmen by western tabloids can actually helps them by playing down the fact of their inferior military capabilities when compared to those of the Nato allies.

    Don’t think for a moment though that any of this discussion of propaganda increases or decreases the actual threat posed by nuclear weapons. Indeed, there exists a degree of confirmation bias among politicians, journalists and other public commentators that because nuclear war did not happen during the cold war, it is unlikely to happen now. But this can’t be guaranteed. It may be that these conclusions are mistakenly based upon the intensity of the propaganda environment – not the actuality of the threat posed.

    To this end, it ought to be remembered that the ability to press the button sits well within the capacity of the sane human mind. US president Harry S. Truman pushed the button in 1945. He was then given detailed reports of the death and destruction that his decision caused to Hiroshima. Then he pushed the button again to annihilate Nagasaki.

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

    – ref. The world isn’t taking Putin’s nuclear threats seriously – the history of propaganda suggests it should – https://theconversation.com/the-world-isnt-taking-putins-nuclear-threats-seriously-the-history-of-propaganda-suggests-it-should-239942

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Galaxy Tab S10 Series is Samsung’s AI-Ready Tablet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+, Samsung’s first tablets purpose-built for AI. Premium hardware includes 14.6-inch1 and 12.4-inch2 Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays — the ideal canvas for the intuitive S Pen bundled with both models. Performance upgrades for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra3 include an 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
    This improved processing power enables faster and more responsive AI features, which are now easily accessible with written prompts using the new Galaxy AI Key on the compatible Book Cover Keyboards, helping users customize their AI assistant.4 Cutting-edge software includes features such as Note Assist5 and Drawing Assist6 optimized for the tablet form factor. The Galaxy Tab S10 series also acts as a home AI device, with a 3D Map View that provides a visual overview of the home and connected devices to streamline device management across the SmartThings ecosystem.7 Robust Samsung Knox security provides data privacy and control, keeping users’ information safe.
    “The Galaxy Tab S10 series is packed with AI enhancements right out of the box, joining our portfolio of innovative Galaxy AI enabled devices,”8 said MC Lee, VP, Head of Galaxy Ecosystems Business Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re proud to add to our seamless ecosystem of connected devices, bringing versatile experiences that only an AI tablet can offer through the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ blend of power and portability.”

    Peak Performance on the Go
    Built on Samsung’s legacy of providing powerful experiences, Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ harness significant leaps in AI processing power to deliver a supercharged, lag-free experience. Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra includes a more than 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Coupled with long-lasting battery life and Super-Fast Charging,9 the Galaxy Tab S10 series allows the device to be used for long periods of time  without needing a charge.
    Elegant Build Quality, Mesmerizing Display

    Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s 14.6-inch display and Galaxy Tab S10+’s 12.4-inch display both feature cutting-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and offer a vibrant yet natural viewing experience, even outdoors. Every detail remains clear from any angle and in any environment with advanced anti-reflective technology, minimizing distracting glare and reducing reflection rate. The series’ quad speaker setup is further enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, which amplifies voices over unwanted noise to create ultra-clear audio. And for use on the go, the Galaxy Tab S10 series offers uncompromised durability with an IP68 rating10 further protected by enhanced Armor Aluminium — built to use anytime, anywhere.
    Work Smarter, Achieve True Creativity
    The Galaxy Tab S10 series offers an efficient experience — enhancing productivity — and serves as the ideal canvas to let out your creative side.

    With Note Assist and the intuitive S Pen, notetaking is a breeze on the tablet’s large display. Schoolwork, note-taking, and personal journaling become more efficient with automated transcriptions and summaries provided by AI. With PDF Overlay Translation, the Galaxy Tab S10 series can also seamlessly translate PDFs via an on-screen overlay. Handwriting Help cleans up untidy handwritten notes, too.
    Galaxy AI’s Sketch to Image11 makes the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra perfect for turning imagination into reality, acting as the ideal creative assistant for overcoming mental roadblocks.
    With Circle to Search12 with Google on the Galaxy Tab S10 series you can learn about almost anything without switching apps. Instantly translate anything you see on your tablet with Google, including any image, video, or text in two taps — allowing you to quickly get the info you need, then get right back to what you were doing. Circle to Search can even recognize and outline steps for solving physics and math problems.
    The Galaxy S Pen’s Air Command with AI provides instant access to Galaxy AI Assistant features without toggling between menus. AI Assistant apps can also be easily launched by the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboards with written prompts, making it easier for users to access Galaxy AI. Users can even choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for a customized AI experience.13
    Intelligent Home Device

    The Galaxy Tab S10 series doubles as a Galaxy home AI device, simplifying device management. With large screen optimized features such as 3D Map View, it’s easy to see and take control of SmartThings enabled devices via the SmartThings widget. That means switching off the TV and lowering the lights from the table when it’s dinner time, turning up the air conditioning without getting off the couch, or getting notified when someone leaves the refrigerator door open — all on one powerful device. Users can also enable SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode to easily monitor their devices’ energy consumption. Galaxy AI doesn’t just enhance life on the go, it also takes the stress out of home life.
    Expanded Third-Party App Ecosystem

    The Galaxy Tab S10 series expands Galaxy’s unique connected experience and third-party app ecosystem, offering new and enhanced apps. The Tab S10 series provides access to leading third-party apps including Goodnotes,14 LumaFusion,15 Noteshelf3,16 Clip Studio Paint,17 PicsArt, and Sketchbook. Users can easily control speeds and add dramatic visual effects when editing videos on LumaFusion, or share their creative edits and re-created content with friends via PicsArt. With the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ extensive third-party app ecosystem, there’s something for everyone.
    Secure Experiences, Powered by Samsung Knox
    Samsung is committed to providing users with choice and control over their devices and their data. With Advanced Intelligence settings, users can choose to disable online data processing to ensure their data remains on-device. Samsung Knox’s real-time threat detection and collaborative protection keeps users safe, so they can live life to the fullest.
    Availability & Offers
    The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ are available for preorder starting today, with general availability beginning October 3 at Samsung.com and national retailers.
    Galaxy Tab S10+ will also be available in a 5G model at major carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
    For those who pre-order Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra or Galaxy Tab S10+ at Samsung.com or Best Buy, Samsung is offering enhanced trade-in value up to $800 off either device.
    Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,199.99, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
    Galaxy Tab S10+ starts at $999.99, with 256GB and 512GB storage options.
    Both devices are available in Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver.
    For more information about the Galaxy Tab S10 series, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/galaxy-tab-s10/

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State visits farm amidst bluetongue outbreaks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Secretary of State Steve Reed visited an Essex farm this week to hear from NFU representatives and a famer who recently had animals tested for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed

    Secretary of State Steve Reed visited an Essex farm this week (Wednesday 25th September) to hear from NFU representatives and a famer who recently had animals tested for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).

    The Secretary of State, accompanied by Animal Plant Health Agency staff, including APHA’s Veterinary Head of Outbreaks for England Sascha Van Helvoort, heard about the impact this disease has been having on the industry and the importance of reporting livestock suspected of having the disease.

    Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids, with case numbers now increasing dramatically in northern Europe. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, ulcers or sores in the mouth or nose, and reduced milk yield.

    Disease control zones were put in place to control the movement of potentially affected animals as soon as bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected. These zones have been under constant review and adjustment as the disease situation has developed, such as when evidence of local transmission of disease emerged. A single Restricted Zone is now in place covering the east of England from Lincolnshire to West Sussex.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, said:

    I have heard first-hand the experiences of farmers battling this disease and we are working hard to prevent its spread into other areas of England and Great Britain.

    We understand restrictions can have an impact but stress the importance of everyone adhering to these. We are committed to working with everyone affected and urge people to report livestock they suspect have the disease.

    Sascha Van Helvoort, APHA Veterinary Head of Field Delivery and Veterinary Head of Outbreaks for England, said:

    The increasing number of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) cases demonstrate the importance of vigilance from all livestock keepers and farmers.

    We have field teams, vets and scientists across the country who are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are being supported.

    If you have any suspicions of disease, you must report this to the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately so we can provide assistance.

    Defra has permitted use of the currently available unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines, subject to licence. We recommend animal keepers work with their veterinarians to decide if vaccination is right for their animals. To prioritise initial supplies, a general licence allows those in high-risk counties of England to use the vaccine. Specific licences can be applied for through APHA by animal keepers elsewhere in England who wish to use the vaccine

    BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301, 03003 038 268 in Wales or your local Field Services Office in Scotland. 

    View more information about bluetongue. Check the list of all bluetongue cases and control zones and view the bluetongue interactive map.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 20 rescued, 144 arrested in major child abuse operation across South America

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    26 September 2024

     

    LYON, France – An international operation targeting child sex offenders has led to 144 arrests and enabled the safeguarding of 20 victims across South America.

    During Operation Orion International, 12 South American countries joined forces to combat the production, distribution and possession of online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, focusing particularly on victim identification and rescue.

    As a result of the operation, undertaken with the coordination and support of INTERPOL, 18 direct abusers were caught and 111 people were charged with possession and distribution of abuse material. Seven individuals wanted internationally for child sex offenses, who were the subjects of INTERPOL Red Notices, were also arrested as part of the crackdown.

    The arrested individuals, predominantly men, were aged between 14 and 86 and came from diverse backgrounds. Their occupations included: professor, graphic designer, security guard, mechanic, musician, journalist, psychologist and taxi driver.

    Case studies: child victims safeguarded after years of abuse

    In Argentina, local authorities had identified abuse material circulating on messaging applications.  With the support of INTERPOL and its additional data, authorities were able to identify and safeguard a nine-year-old victim who had suffered at least six years of abuse.

    In a separate case in Chile, police identified an offender sharing child sexual exploitation material in messaging groups. Following his arrest, investigators analysed the seized information and established that the same person had also produced child sexual abuse material at the arrest location. This made it possible to identify and safeguard a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of the perpetrator’s partner.

    As part of Operation Orion International, participating countries were also asked to assess existing Red Notices for child sexual offenders believed to be living within their borders.

    In one such case, Korean authorities had provided information about the manager of a website which shared child exploitation material. Thanks to the collaboration between Korea and Ecuador, with coordination from INTERPOL, the individual was apprehended.

     

    Chile: Targeting the production and distribution of online child sexual abuse material

    Hardware seized in Argentina has opened new avenues for investigation

    Paraguay: 144 arrests were made during the international operation

    Venezuela was one of 12 participating countries in the operation

    Arrests in Colombia as part of Operation Orion International

    International cooperation throughout South America

    The region-wide initiative, which ran from May to September 2024, was launched by INTERPOL following information provided by Chile’s cybercrime unit and the Buenos Aires’ prosecutor’s office, concerning investigations into the transnational distribution of child sexual abuse material on instant messaging applications.

    INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children unit analysed and consolidated this information, along with its existing data, and then shared this intelligence with participating countries. A preoperational meeting with prosecutors and investigators, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, laid out the roadmap for cross-border collaboration.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

    “This operation, and the harrowing cases it exposed, is yet another reminder that child abusers are from all walks of life. Thanks to this international effort, children who have known a lifetime of abuse have been protected from further exploitation.

    “INTERPOL will continue to work with all member countries in our continued, and vital, efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society.”

    As well as joint international action, the operation required cooperation at a national level, across multiple states. It resulted in arrests and victim identification in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    The hardware seizures and evidence gathered during Operation Orion International have opened new avenues for investigation, with further results to follow.

    Participating countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester libraries mark Black History Month

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER’S libraries are marking Black History Month this October with two free cultural events and plenty of suggestions for great books by Black authors.

    Grenadian author and poet Merle Collins will be at the Central Library on 15 October to talk about her life and work.

    Her latest book, Ocean Stirrings – which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political fiction – will be available for sale after the event.

    In conversation with Merle Collins starts at 7pm on Tuesday 15 October.

    Also coming up at the Central Library on Bishop Street is an opportunity to meet the British Grammy-nominated singer Tippa Irie (pictured).

    The reggae pioneer will talk about his 40-year career and his 2023 autobiography, Stick To My Roots, on 30 October.

    In conversation with Tippa Irie gets under way at 7pm on Wednesday 30 October.

    Admission to both events is free of charge but places can be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0116 454 0290 or central-library@leicester.gov.uk

    Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Black history, music, culture and art.

    “Throughout October, our libraries will be celebrating the work of Black authors and helping to bring Black history to life for visitors for all ages.

    “There are lots of themed events taking place at our libraries, including crafts for children and a ‘Book Detectives’ treasure hunt.

    “Pop into your local library or download an eBook or audiobook from our OverDrive page and discover an author you’ve never discovered before – and mark Black History Month with a great book.”

    A list of titles suitable for children, teens and adults has been specially curated by library staff to mark Black History Month.

    David Olusoga’s Black and British and Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters are two of the books on the children’s list, while Kamala Harris’s autobiography The Truths We Hold: An American Journey and Troy Jackson’s biography of Martin Luther King, Becoming King, are on the list of suggested reading for adults.

    The list of themed titles for Black History Month can be viewed at Leicester Libraries’ OverDrive page at leicesteruk.overdrive.com

    Events and activities taking place at Leicester Libraries can be found here 

    Opal 22’s exhibition Black Lives is on display at Highfields Library until 31 October, while other events taking place in Leicester to mark Black History Month include an exhibition featuring portraits of 100 Black women with connections to Britain and Ireland, led by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, and an evening of live music at the African Caribbean Centre.

    100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark opens at Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University on Tuesday 1 October.

    A Journey Through Black Music takes place on Friday 18 October and will feature both local and national artists. Tickets are £10.

    Listings for Black History Month events in Leicester are available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/east-midlands/leicester/

    More information about Black History Month is available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Russian Federation’s malign activities and interference: UK statement to the OSCE, September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Deputy Ambassador Brown condemns Russian disinformation and other forms of malign influence.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you Madam Chair.     

    The United States has just informed this Council of steps it has taken to defend its democratic institutions in the face of a covert foreign influence operation by the Russian Federation. This follows other participating States’ interventions in this Council to highlight multiple forms of malign interference across our region in recent months.    

    Indeed the United Kingdom put Russia’s malign influence and interference onto the Permanent Council’s agenda in May and I thank the US for once again raising this matter.   

    All OSCE Participating States – including the UK – have made important commitments to uphold media freedom, including to foster “free, independent and pluralistic media” as part of open societies and accountable governments.   

    The United Kingdom will continue to uphold media freedom, learning from best practice – including that shared by the Office of the Representative for Freedom of the Media. And we again call on all other participating States – particularly Russia and Belarus – to uphold OSCE commitments on media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression.  

    At the same time the United Kingdom will also take action to defend our national and regional security against the full spectrum of threats emanating from Russia, working in partnership with others. This has included sanctioning Russian media outlets like Rossiya Segodnya and TV Novosti (which controls Russia Today) which spread disinformation and propaganda designed to incite violence and hatred towards Ukraine and its people.     

    Madam Chair. Our message to Russia is clear: stop this illegal war; withdraw your troops from Ukraine; cease your malign activities including disinformation and information manipulation; and, respect the OSCE principles and commitments that keep us all safe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Pacific Partnership 2024-2 Concludes Mission in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia

    Source: United States Navy

    The nine-day Kosrae mission stop brought more than 40 participants from Australia and the United States together to increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness in the Indo-Pacific.

    “The Pacific Partnership team is honored to have returned to Kosrae for the first time since 2011 to conduct the largest annual U.S. Navy multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific.” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas. “We cherish the longstanding, close relationship between Australia, the U.S. and the Federated States of Micronesia so it’s wonderful to be here to see firsthand how our friendship continues to grow.”

    During the mission stop, the team held 21 medical events including optometry exams and handing out more than 550 pairs of eyeglasses; installing dental chairs; three community health events, training 110 community members in basic lifesaving skills; and conducted subject matter expert exchanges in a wide variety of disciplines.

    “Pacific Partnership has given thought to the well-being of our friends and our neighbors, and to the idea that when we work together, we benefit and we all grow stronger,” said Hon. Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. “On behalf of the American people, I say thank you. What you’ve done here is highly impactful for our dear friends, the people of Kosrae.”

    At the invitation of the host nation, the U.S. Coast Guard held boating safety workshops to share expertise and best practices for at-sea activities in Kosrae communities.

    The host nation outreach team organized 19 community engagements consisting of school visits, U.S. Navy recruiting events, an interfaith dialogue session, and concerts with the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band.

    Engineering efforts included subject matter expert exchanges in coastal erosion and water purification, including site surveys to examine potential improvements on the drinking water infrastructure in Kosrae. The team also assembled a playground at a local elementary school.

    “Pacific Partnership 2024-2 in Kosrae has surpassed all expectations in terms of impactful outcomes for my people,” said Kosrae Gov. Tulensa Palik. “So, on behalf of the people of Kosrae, I say to you, thank you for a job well done.”

    Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational HA/DR preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, http://www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund requests for partial early redemption and temporary waiver under the bond terms and conditions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baltic Horizon Fund (the Issuer) applies for temporary waiver of debt service coverage ratio covenant in relation to Baltic Horizon Fund EUR 42 million 5-year floating rate bonds maturing in 2028 (ISIN EE3300003235, the Bonds). The current outstanding nominal amount of the Bonds is EUR 22,000,000 as Baltic Horizon Fund has mandatorily redeemed Bonds in nominal amount of EUR 20,000,000 as foreseen under the terms and conditions of the Bonds (Terms and Conditions).

    In the light of the current situation of Baltic economies, the outlook for next year as well as the associated effects on the fund, Baltic Horizon Fund has decided to request the holders of the Bonds (the Holders) to amend and lower the debt service coverage ratio covenant in the Terms and Conditions for a period of 24 months starting from 30 September 2024 until 30 September 2026. Baltic Horizon Fund confirms to all Holders that its ability to fulfil the monetary obligations provided in the Terms and Conditions has not been affected.

    Baltic Horizon Fund also applies for a consent to stipulate an additional obligation for mandatory early redemption of the Bonds concerning total nominal amount of EUR 3,000,000  by 7 November 2025.

    Northern Horizon Capital AS as the fund manager has been in contact with the Holders and received preliminary consent for the requested amendments which is now to be confirmed in the official Holders’ written consent procedure in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

    Holders who were entered in the registry of bond-holders maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE on the preceding business day before initiation of the written procedure, i.e. at the end of business of Nasdaq CSD SE on 25 September 2024, are entitled to vote in the written procedure. All Holders are sent a notice by Triniti Collateral Agent IX OÜ acting as the agent for Holders (the Agent). 

    The consents the Holders are requested to grant are the following:

    1. to amend the undertaking set out in Clause 13.3.1(b) of the Terms and Conditions in the following wording: the Debt Service Coverage Ratio of the Group (i) is above one point ten (1.10) until 31 December 2023 (inclusive), (ii) is above zero point eighty five (0.85) for the period of 1 January 2024 (inclusive) until 29 September 2024 (inclusive), (iii) is above zero point seventy five (0.75) for the period of 30 September 2024 (inclusive) until 30 June 2025 (inclusive), (iv) is above one point zero (1.00) for the period of 1 July 2025 (inclusive) until 30 September 2026 (inclusive), and (v) thereafter as of 1 October 2026 is above one point twenty (1.20);
    2. to amend the undertaking set out in Clause 12.4.1 and to stipulate an additional obligation for mandatory early redemption of the Bonds under Clause 12.4.1(c) of the Terms and Conditions concerning Bonds with a total nominal value of EUR 3,000,000 by 7 November 2025;
    3. to introduce an amendment fee to the Terms and Conditions payable by the Issuer to the Holders for granting consent to request no 1 as described above in total amount of EUR 95,000 (i.e., total amount payable to all Holders jointly) and payable within 10 business days as of the decision for the amendment of the Terms and Conditions.
    4. to introduce an amendment fee to the Terms and Conditions payable by the Issuer to the Holders for granting consent to request no 2 as described above in total amount of EUR 200,000 (i.e., total amount payable to all Holders jointly) and payable together with the completion of the additional mandatory early redemption (i.e., at or before 7 November 2025).

    Voting can be carried out by sending the filled-in voting form to the Agent by mail, courier or e-mail no later than 23:59 (EET) of 1 October 2024. The notice sent by the Agent along with the voting instructions, the voting form and template Power of Attorney are attached.

    For the quorum to be reached and the resolution taken the Holders representing at least 55% of the nominal amount of the Bonds should vote and Holders representing at least 2/3 of the nominal amount of the Bonds participating in the voting need to be in favour of the decision. Once a requisite majority of consents have been received by the Agent, the relevant decision shall be deemed to be adopted, even if the time period for replies has not yet expired. Information about the decision taken will be sent by notice to the Holders, published on the website of Baltic Horizon Fund and published by way of stock exchange release. If the request is approved by the Holders it will be binding on all Holders whether they participated in the voting or voted against the request or not, in accordance with Clause 16.12 of the Terms and Conditions.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    http://www.baltichorizon.com

    Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. Both the Fund and the Management Company are supervised by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.

    Distribution: Nasdaq, GlobeNewswire, http://www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on http://www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on http://www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tourist flow to Moscow exceeds 2019 record figures — Sergei Sobyanin

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The trend of increasing tourist flow to the capital continues. In the first six months of this year, Moscow received 12.2 million guests, which is six percent more than in the same period of 2019. This was reported by Sergei Sobyanin in his blog.

    “The absolute majority of tourists are our compatriots from other regions of Russia. Most often, people come to Moscow for vacation or holiday from St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Krai, Vladimir, Rostov, Tula regions,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.

    The average occupancy rate of hotels increased by 75 percent, which is 10 percent higher than the first half of 2023 and three percent higher than the first half of 2019. At the same time, the number of places to accommodate guests is also growing: five hotels with 507 rooms have opened since the beginning of the year.

    The contribution of tourism to the city’s economy is steadily growing. The volume of tourist and excursion consumption reached 650 billion rubles, of which budget revenues are estimated at 89 billion rubles. Both figures are a third higher than similar figures for 2019.

    Tourism growth is the result comprehensive support for the industry and close cooperation between the city and business.

    The majority of tourist traffic occurs during the May holidays and the summer vacation and holiday season.

    In the summer, 7.4 million tourists vacationed in Moscow. The average hotel occupancy rate was 78 percent, which is six percent more than the year before.

    At the same time, domestic tourism figures are also growing. This year, the capital was visited by 6.7 million people, which is 12 percent higher than the peak figures of the summer of 2019.

    Although the majority of travelers are Russians, every fifth guest at Moscow hotels this summer is a foreigner.

    The summer period brought 54.5 billion rubles to the city budget, and the volume of tourist and excursion consumption amounted to 398.1 billion rubles.

    The capital’s guests were especially fond of summer festivals, such as “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” and “Summer in Moscow. Everybody out on the streets!”

    Sergei Sobyanin: More than 12 million people visited the forum-festival “Moscow 2030”

    The United Arab Emirates Culture Days, which took place this summer on Manezhnaya Square, attracted over 300,000 people in five days. Visitors enjoyed fashion shows accompanied by traditional music, tried popular national dishes, and learned about unusual crafts. At the site, one could become a guest of a wedding show or see oriental landscapes at an open-air photo exhibition.

    The Moscow Estates Festival was held for the third time and became a record-breaker both in duration and scale. The number of visitors exceeded 700 thousand – this is 1.6 times more than in the two previous seasons combined.

    More than three thousand events took place: masquerades, theatrical performances, symphonic music concerts and musicals in the scenery of old estates, historical picnics, outdoor games of gorodki, badminton and serso.

    The festival brought together 40 estates in the capital.

    “We have managed to form a new weekend culture among Muscovites and tourists: the number of visitors to some estates has increased several times compared to the same period last year,” added Sergei Sobyanin.

    Post stations where you could sign a postcard with a quill pen were popular. From there, tourists sent over 65 thousand such messages to different cities in Russia.

    Almost every second guest of the festival visited the pavilions of the “City Dacha”, 255 liters of jam were cooked from seasonal berries.

    This season of “Moscow Tea Party” guests tried and chose the tea blend that is most associated with Moscow. Now golden-amber black tea with the taste of black and red currants, strawberries, with the addition of cornflower petals, safflower, rosebuds and orange slices can be purchased in the capital’s coffee shops.

    The real discovery was the iced Moscow tea. Restaurants and cafes presented more than 800 types of the soft drink, and also offered unique recipes. Muscovites and tourists drank about 50 thousand liters of iced tea.

    More than 500 events took place on Tverskaya Square, the festival’s flagship venue. They were attended by over 400,000 people. The most popular were thematic theatrical performances, musical talks, and interactive lectures related to tea culture, which were accompanied by useful master classes.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11815050/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –