Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

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    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
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    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k113hrlq9z

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ30sBiUFKs

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇦🇴 Angola – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 24 -28 and 30 of September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1p1zmyxdl

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-yLpVlhsY

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19fawrf45

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5gOV-geg-Y

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, addresses the general debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vea este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV

    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1m/k1mxaldyj5

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-sU_tEb3Kk

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇷🇸 Serbia – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia, addresses the general debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 24-30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV

    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1tc0zg5bx

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0P8c-2x_Y8

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.24.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 24, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Steve Juarez, of Truckee, has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez served as a Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2016 to 2018. He was Associate Vice President of State Government Relations for the University of California from 2008 to 2016. Juarez was a Senior Investment Banker at J.P. Morgan from 2006 to 2008. He was Director of Financial Management for the J. Paul Getty Trust from 1998 to 2006. Juarez was Associate Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations for the University of California, Los Angeles from 1996 to 1998. He was Chief Legislative Representative for the County of Los Angeles in 1995. Juarez was Executive Director of the California Debt Advisory Commission from 1991 to 1995 and Principal Committee Consultant in the California State Assembly from 1987 to 1991. Juarez was Manager of Government Relations for the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission from 1984 to 1987. He was a Program Analyst in the Legislative Analyst’s Office from 1981 to 1984. Juarez is Chair of the National Association of Counties EDGE Board of Directors and a member of the California Museum and Keep Tahoe Blue Board of Directors. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Juarez is a Democrat. 

    Derek Urwin, of San Clemente, has been appointed to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. Urwin has been an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles since 2022. He has been Chief Science Advisor at the International Association of Fire Fighters since 2021. Urwin has been a Firefighter and Engineer at the Los Angeles County Fire Department since 2010. He was a Firefighter at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue from 2007 to 2010. Urwin is a member of the Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Urwin is registered without party preference.

    Sandra Sims, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Baldwin Hills Conservancy Governing Board. Sims has been a Human Resources Business Partner and Personnel Manager for the University of California, Los Angeles since 2023. She was a Human Resources Manager for Long Beach City College from 2021 to 2023. Sims was a Freelance Reporter and Writer with various news publications from 2016 to 2021. She was a Principal Analyst and Policy Human Resources Analyst for the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources from 2007 to 2016. Sims was a Civil Service Advocate for the Department of Children and Family Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources from 2006 to 2007. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Sims earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angles. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sims is a Democrat. 

    Recent news

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    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency….

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited the community of East Orosi to help address its failing sewer system, giving the state more tools to step in, as well as signing clean drinking water bills. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 Californians have gotten…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Lauds Top State Manager, Employee and Team of the Year

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN LAUDS TOP STATE MANAGER, EMPLOYEE AND TEAM OF THE YEAR

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 24, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards, designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai‘i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.

    “Public employees have made important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” said Governor Green. “We are honored to work with such dedicated individuals and appreciate all they do each and every day.”

    Governor Green presented the awards for:

    STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Joanna Seto, Administrator, Department of Health

    Faced with extraordinary responsibilities, including the Red Hill Fuel crisis, Joanna’s skills and successes have never been more apparent than after the Maui wildfires. She actively led her team through the response and recovery phases and continues to help hone their skills to assist the community in rehabilitating the environment. Leading by example, her team is committed to its mission – to protect human health and the environment.

    STATE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Heidi Taogoshi, Registered Nurse, Department of Health

    In the aftermath of the Maui Wildfires, Heidi quickly assessed the needs of the Lahaina community resulting in the deployment of mobile medical teams and the conversion of an abandoned state building into a health care clinic to provide essential services to those affected by the wildfires. With her guidance, management of the clinic was transferred to community providers, ensuring continued services to the people of Lahaina.

    STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR: UH Maui College Culinary Arts Team, University of Hawai‘i

    When the UH Maui College Pa‘ina Building was transformed into a fire relief food hub after the wildfires, the Culinary Arts team worked with organizations to prepare meals for residents displaced by the fire. The team also created a Disaster Relief Food Preparation Experience course, designed for students to work with industry chefs and instructors to learn about disaster relief food preparation and distribution.

    The three winners were selected from 56 exceptional groups and individual nominees.  A volunteer Selection Committee of four prominent members of the community carefully reviewed the 56 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories.  The committee presented its recommendations for the three awards to Governor Green.

    The four members of this year’s Selection Committee are: Hawai‘i Public Radio host and news team member Catherine Cruz; City and County of Honolulu Homeless Coordinator Sam Moku; Hawai‘i Convention Center/ASM Global General Manager Teri Orton, and Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Brooke Wilson.

    At this year’s ceremony, Governor Green also recognized the recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Employee, Manager and Team of the Year for their outstanding achievements due to the cancellation of the May 2020 ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The 2020 Selection Committee, comprising John Gotanda, president, Hawai‘i Pacific University; Catherine Cruz, host and news team member, Hawai‘i Public Radio; Marc Alexander, then-executive director, Mayor’s Office of Housing; Terri Funakoshi, director of operations, YWCA O‘ahu; and Jason Hagiwara, president and general Manager, KITV4 Island Television, selected the award recipients from 53 exceptional groups and individual nominees. They are:

    2020 STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR: BONNIE KAHAKUI, state procurement assistant administrator, Department of Accounting and General Services

    Bonnie sets the pace in her office, always looking ahead and focusing on improving practices and procedures. She launched a new Learning Management System, recording more than 14,000 attendees at procurement training workshops and worked to broaden the purchasing process and take advantage of Amazon’s wide selection. Bonnie also led a statewide initiative to procure electric vehicles and infrastructure to help reduce Hawai‘i’s carbon footprint.

    2020 STATE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: JANIS MATSUNAGA, entomologist, Department of Agriculture

    She is a leading expert in the field, editor of the Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society and is one of the longest serving officers in the 100-plus year history of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. Through emails or social media, Ms. Matsunaga will often bring peace of mind to the residents of Hawai‘i by defining problems with beetles infesting cabinetry or address insect problems that exist in their homes.

    2020 STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR: CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS SERVICES (CPS) – EDUCATION BRANCH, Department of Public Safety

    Education gives us knowledge and provides the necessary skills to navigate the world around us. When inmates become students of the Education Branch, they are more likely to find employment, make a positive contribution to society and strengthen family relations. The public benefits from reduced government costs, decreased crime rates, safer communities and a reduced tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend. In 2019, the Team produced 28 GED graduates, with 3 students passing the HiSET. (The Department of Public Safety was redesignated as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation effective January 1, 2024.)

    “These individuals have selflessly given of themselves to enrich the lives of those they serve,” said Governor Green. “Their accomplishments perpetuate the aloha spirit and make our state a special place to live and work.”

    Photos from today’s awards ceremony will be uploaded here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    Erin Conner
    Executive Specialist
    Department of Human Resources Development
    Phone: 808-587-1120
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Celebration of Creative Industries”: Telling Stories 2024 Festival Held at HSE

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    It was dedicated to the 10th anniversary Faculty of Creative Industries HSE University. September 20 at the venues Center of Cultures Lectures, master classes, discussions, screenings of works and other activities were held at the HSE. Students, teachers and other faculty members, artists and media business leaders, as well as future applicants took part in them.

    The first Telling Stories festival took place in 2018 and since then it has usually been held for 1-3 days at the end of May. This time the dates have been changed, as it became part of the FCI anniversary program.

    Telling Stories “This is a celebration of the creative industries of the Higher School of Economics,” says the deputy dean of the FCI, director Institute for the Development of Creative Industries HSE Tatyana Rivchun. – It is a large program consisting of lectures, seminars, round tables, master classes, demonstrations of students’ work and much more. The best and completed works are selected, which are worth showing to a wide audience, including our future applicants.”

    All departments of the faculty demonstrate their achievements: Institute of Media, School of Design, School of Communications, Institute of Cinema and the Institute for the Development of Creative Industries. So the festival becomes a platform for interaction between students and teachers of various educational programs.

    “Here we have the opportunity to discuss issues that go beyond the interests of a particular school or institute,” explains Arseniy Meshcheryakov, head of the School of Design. “Creative industries are an interdisciplinary concept, so designers should communicate with advertisers, media people with filmmakers, and so on. The festival helps establish horizontal connections and the emergence of joint projects.”

    “I was delighted”

    Every year, the festival welcomes stars of the creative industries.

    This time, writer and screenwriter Alexander Tsypkin was among them. He held a screening and discussion of two of his short films, one of which, “Farewell, Beloved!”, was awarded the Russian Guild of Film Scholars and Film Critics prize at Kinotavr “For an original solution to the traditional theme of separation in the spirit of modern times.”

    “I really enjoyed interacting with the students. Not only did they ask great questions, but they also offered me creative ideas,” he said. “One young man reimagined the ending of the film ‘Farewell, Love!’ and I think his version is cooler than mine. I was amazed.”

    The discussion “From Cannes Lions Winners to Russian Masterpieces,” dedicated to storytelling techniques in advertising videos, was moderated by Vladimir Evstafiev, a professor at the HSE School of Communications and a legend in the Russian advertising industry.

    “I like the HSE auditorium, and as a teacher I consider it one of the most interesting for communication,” said Vladimir Evstafyev. “Advanced and interested students study here, who want to know, think and understand meanings. All the questions were to the point, and not a single person left the room.”

    Together with the master, Guzella Nikolaishvili, president of the LIME social advertising and communications festival, also held at the FKI, took part in the conversation with the students. “We showed a brilliant work – a social video that won one of the seasons. The viewers were able to see that social advertising is a special art,” added Vladimir Evstafiev, head of the LIME jury.

    “A Surge of Creativity”

    The lecture by Igor Kirikchi, a well-known media manager and CEO of the advertising and communications group BBDO Moscow, was devoted to creativity in advertising. He gave a definition according to which creativity is, among other things, a person’s ability to deviate from standard rules, ideas and templates, and put forward the thesis that creativity determines the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

    “The modern history of Russian advertising began in 1989 and in the 1990s it was marked by a surge of creativity,” said Igor Kirikchi. “It may seem strange to you, but even a fan factory was among the advertisers. Financial pyramids were advertised – “MMM”, “Khoper-Invest”, as well as the bank “Imperial”, vodka “White Eagle”, Herschi Cola and much more. This advertising was remembered by people who lived in those times, because it was original, sometimes a little primitive, sometimes naive, but quite interesting.”

    The lobby of the Center of Culture hosted the All-Russian creative competition “Advertising Designer,” which is held annually by the School of Communications at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    “In the tenth grade, I took part in the first ever “Advertising Designer” competition, not suspecting that it would help me at the start and when choosing a profession,” shared Arina Torubarova, a student at the Faculty of Culture and Information Technologies. “I was very interested in the topic of museums, and I made a video about the favorite museums of my peers. In it, I showed that culture and museum work are not boring, that this is a real cultural field where there is room for creativity and a modern approach. I took a camera from my father, edited the video and won. Now I am studying at the Higher School of Economics.”

    Film about the temple

    One of the key events of the festival was the screening of the documentary film “Remember What You Want to Forget”, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the tragedy in Beslan. The authors focused on the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, located next to School No. 1. The heroes of the film were school teachers, former hostages, parents who lost their children, and icon painters.

    Before the screening, the authors of the film, 4th-year students of the educational program “Journalism» HSE Institute of Media Arina Korosteleva and Maxim Selivanov — told about the history of its creation and promotion. They especially noted the role of the senior lecturer of the Institute of Media Alexander Dyukov, who took over the leadership of this project. On September 1, 2024, the premiere of the film took place on the Spas TV channel.

    The students emphasized that the work on the film was completed with the support of the FKI – with a grant from the HSE this summer they went on a second trip to Beslan, which made it possible to make the film long and multifaceted. “If you want to realize your idea and you need advice on how to fill out an application for a grant, contact us, we will be happy to explain everything,” Arina Korosteleva told the meeting participants.

    After the premiere, it was possible to speed up the collection of funds to complete the construction and painting of the temple. You can find out more about how the students worked on the film Here.

    Chekhov and Shakespeare

    The festival program also included screenings of feature films shot by students of the HSE Film Institute. There was also a screening of the play “The Seagull”, prepared last year by second-year students. The director was the academic director of the educational program “Actor» Igor Sharoiko.

    The play’s protagonist is a young director, Kostya Treplev. In order to understand his fate, he decides to stage a play through the prism of his memories and finds similarities between his life and Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”. In particular, he finds out that his family’s quiet life has ceased to be so because of his father.

    The genre of the play is a combination of physical theatre, when the actors’ movements dominate the text, and modern drama. True connoisseurs recognized not only Chekhov and Shakespeare, but also contemporary figures of theatrical art in the lines heard from the stage.

    Actor Sergey Bolgar, a student at the Institute of Cinema, told how the work on the play went. “Each student brought a sketch, paired or single. Based on them, we put together a physical theater play. Each movement has its own subtext,” he explained.

    “For us, performing at the festival with the play “The Seagull” is a happy opportunity to show what we do,” says Igor Sharoiko. “In addition, this is a popularization of physical theater, which exists in Russia, but is rarely talked about. Young artists enter the territory of an expressive language, which requires words to a lesser extent, and to a greater extent – their psychophysical expression, as well as plastic skills.”

    “Camera, action!”

    The festival program also featured student works in the short film and animation genres.

    The School of Design showed the audience a selection of animated films that combined minimalist motion design and animation created using traditional, hand-made materials. Nikolai Kovalenko, a graduate of Ivan Tverdovsky’s workshop at the School of Design, presented the film “Lelera” to the guests. This work was awarded the Grand Prix of the 31st Open Festival of Student and Debut Films “Saint Anne”. Alexandra Persheeva, academic director of the educational program “Contemporary art“.

    Students of the Institute for the Development of Creative Industries Danil Popov and Alena Semirikova recorded a special episode of the program “Perspective” with the guests of the festival. “This is a podcast from students for students, in which we, together with experts, discuss what creative industries are,” they explained.

    AI and designers

    The authors of the Telling Stories 2024 program could not leave aside the topic of artificial intelligence. It was the subject of a discussion organized by the School of Design. The participants — famous artists and designers — were asked to answer the question of how the paradigm of their work is changing in the era of AI.

    According to digital artist Andrey Maksimov, there are very few players left in the design industry who do not use neural networks. “Everyone chooses what a neural network will be for them – an assistant in some work or a powerful tool for implementing visual ideas. This, of course, makes work easier and helps in self-expression,” he explained.

    Arseniy Meshcheryakov stated that the use of AI will lead to increased competition in the field of art and design.

    “Previously, you could say: “I learned to draw a plaster head in art school, look what a master I am,” but today it is nonsense. You need to create a comprehensive project that for some reason will be in demand by your audience, consumer, customer. And this clashes with what is happening in education in the era of ChatGPT, when there is no point in exams based on tickets, and students need to develop their horizons, system of views, and the ability to implement projects,” says the head of the School of Design.

    What’s next?

    As Tatyana Rivchun noted, other events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the FCI are also being held under the Telling Stories festival brand this year. In particular, the School of Design and the School of Communications are planning to organize them in the coming months.

    “Our faculty is a whole universe of creativity, full of stars. Each of them is constantly growing and shining brighter. Every year new stars appear. Due to this, our FCI universe is expanding. We hope that it will give birth to other galaxies and dimensions in the field of creative industries, and our festival will involve new participants from all over the world in its orbit,” added Tatyana Rivchun.

    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.hse.ru/nevs/life/966313170.html

    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: AGF Management Limited Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    • Reported quarterly adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.37
    • Total assets under management and fee-earning assets of $49.7 billion
    • Declared quarterly dividend per share of 11.5 cents

    AGF Management Limited (AGF or the Company) (TSX: AGF.B) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended August 31, 2024.

    AGF reported total assets under management and fee-earning assets1 of $49.7 billion compared to $47.8 billion as at May 31, 2024 and $42.3 billion as at August 31, 2023.

    “Amid an uncertain economic backdrop and significant market volatility, we are pleased to see early signs of improvement with positive retail net flows complementing our solid investment performance,” said Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, AGF. “This improvement can be attributed to our long-term strategic plan which diversifies our business across asset classes and client channels ensuring we thrive through changing market cycles.”

    AGF’s mutual fund gross sales were $1,012 million for the quarter compared to $934 million in the previous quarter and $633 million in the prior year quarter. Mutual fund net sales were $14 million compared to net redemptions of $112 million in the previous quarter and net redemptions of $151 million in the prior year quarter.

    “Given the current market environment and industry trends, we are pleased with the trajectory of our sales strategy,” said Judy Goldring, President and Head of Global Distribution, AGF. “Heading into the final months of 2024, we remain focused on diversifying our capabilities and offerings through a vehicle agnostic approach that meets the evolving needs of our clients.”

    _________________
    1 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers

    Key Business and Financial Highlights:

    • AGF International Advisors Company Limited, a subsidiary of AGF, was once again accepted as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, a best-practice benchmark in investment stewardship.
    • AGF Management Limited partnered with Archer Holdco, LLC – a leading technology-enabled service provider to the investment management industry – to help further grow its Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) model business through additional product offerings and investment strategies.
    • AGF SAF Private Credit LP was named a Top Contender for a 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Award Fund.
    • Adjusted EBITDA2 for the three months ended August 31, 2024, was $40.2 million, compared to $37.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $33.7 million in the prior year comparative period.
    • Net management, advisory and administration fees2 were $78.7 million for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $81.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $73.8 million for the comparative prior year period.
    • Adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners for the three months ended August 31, 2024, was $18.5 million, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $7.3 million for the comparative prior year period. The increase quarter over quarter and year over year were driven by higher fair value adjustments and distribution income and the consolidation of a full quarter of KCPL financial results. Revenue from AGF Capital Partners can be variable quarter to quarter and can be impacted by fair value adjustments, timing of monetizations and cash distributions as well as performance fees and carried interest.
    • Adjusted selling, general and administrative costs2 were $59.6 million for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $60.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $50.3 million for the comparative prior year period.
    • Adjusted net income attributable to equity owners was $24.5 million ($0.37 adjusted diluted EPS) for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $23.6 million ($0.35 adjusted diluted EPS) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $22.9 million ($0.34 adjusted diluted EPS) for the comparative prior year period.
        Three months ended Nine months ended
          August 31,     May 31,     August 31,     August 31,     August 31,  
      (in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
                           
      Revenues                    
      Management, advisory and administration fees $ 114.4   $ 116.4   $ 107.4   $ 339.4   $ 324.0  
      Trailing commissions and investment advisory fees   (35.7 )   (35.2 )   (33.6 )   (104.6 )   (101.5 )
      Net management, advisory and administration fees2 $ 78.7   $ 81.2   $ 73.8   $ 234.8   $ 222.5  
      Deferred sales charges   1.4     1.9     1.8     5.3     5.7  
      Adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners2   18.5     12.0     7.3     54.7     29.4  
      Other revenue2   1.2     1.9     1.1     5.1     2.4  
      Total adjusted net revenue2   99.8     97.0     84.0     299.9     260.0  
                           
      Selling, general and administrative   66.3     68.2     50.2     192.3     156.2  
      Adjusted selling, general and administrative2   59.6     60.0     50.3     173.1     155.0  
                           
      EBITDA2   33.0     26.6     33.8     104.8     103.8  
      Adjusted EBITDA2   40.2     37.0     33.7     126.8     105.0  
                           
      Net income – equity owners of the Company   20.3     18.1     23.0     68.9     70.9  
      Adjusted net income – equity owners of the Company   24.5     23.6     22.9     81.8     71.9  
                           
      Diluted earnings per share   0.30     0.27     0.34     1.03     1.05  
                           
      Adjusted diluted earnings per share   0.37     0.35     0.34     1.23     1.07  
                           
      Free cash flow2   29.1     23.7     22.9     73.9     62.8  
                           
      Dividends per share   0.115     0.115     0.110     0.340     0.320  
      (end of period) Three months ended
          Aug. 31,     May 31,     Feb. 28,     Nov. 30,     Aug. 31,  
      (in millions of Canadian dollars)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
                             
      Mutual fund assets under management (AUM)3 $ 28,104   $ 26,961   $ 26,186   $ 24,459   $ 24,377  
      ETFs and SMA AUM   2,128     1,800     1,676     1,465     1,332  
      Segregated accounts and sub-advisory AUM   6,430     6,313     7,162     6,774     7,058  
      Total AGF Investments AUM   36,662     35,074     35,024     32,698     32,767  
      AGF Private Wealth AUM   8,186     8,026     7,836     7,341     7,360  
      AGF Capital Partners AUM   2,774     2,663     48     46     42  
      Total AUM $ 47,622   $ 45,763   $ 42,908   $ 40,085   $ 40,169  
      AGF Capital Partners fee-earning assets4   2,080     2,081     2,104     2,095     2,090  
      Total AUM and fee-earning assets4 $ 49,702   $ 47,844   $ 45,012   $ 42,180   $ 42,259  
                             
      Net mutual fund sales (redemptions)3   14     (112 )   (125 )   (224 )   (151 )
      Average daily mutual fund AUM3   27,542     26,604     25,197     23,840     24,168  

    2 Net management, advisory and administration fees, adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners, total net revenue, adjusted selling, general and administrative, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow are not standardized measures prescribed by IFRS. The Company utilizes non-IFRS measures to assess our overall performance and facilitate a comparison of quarterly and full-year results from period to period. They allow us to assess our investment management business without the impact of non-operational items. These non-IFRS measures may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other companies. These non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis available at www.agf.com.
    3 Mutual fund AUM includes retail AUM and institutional client AUM invested in customized series offered within mutual funds.
    4 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers.

    For further information and detailed financial statements for the third quarter ended August 31, 2024, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which contains discussions of non-IFRS measures, please refer to AGF’s website at www.agf.com under ‘About AGF’ and ‘Investor Relations’ and at www.sedarplus.com.

    Conference Call

    AGF will host a conference call to review its earnings results today at 11 a.m. ET.

    The live audio webcast with supporting materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com or at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fwjgan3c/. Alternatively, the call can be accessed over the phone by registering here or in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com, to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.

    A complete archive of this discussion along with supporting materials will be available at the same webcast address within 24 hours of the end of the conference call.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $50 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 800,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact:

    Ken Tsang
    Chief Financial Officer
    416-865-4338, InvestorRelations@agf.com

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company, including its business operations, strategy and expected financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as ‘expects,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘intends,’ ‘plans,’ ‘believes’ or negative versions thereof and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘should,’ ‘would’ and ‘could.’ In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future financial performance (including income, revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, fund performance, and possible future action on our part, is also a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expected growth, results of operations, business prospects, business performance and opportunities. While we consider these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our operations, economic factors and the financial services industry generally. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us due to, but not limited to, important risk factors such as level of assets under our management, volume of sales and redemptions of our investment products, performance of our investment funds and of our investment managers and advisors, client-driven asset allocation decisions, pipeline, competitive fee levels for investment management products and administration, and competitive dealer compensation levels and cost efficiency in our investment management operations, as well as general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, interest and foreign exchange rates, global equity and capital markets, business competition, taxation, changes in government regulations, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, technological changes, cybersecurity, the possible effects of war or terrorist activities, outbreaks of disease or illness that affect local, national or international economies, natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply or other catastrophic events, and our ability to complete strategic transactions and integrate acquisitions, and attract and retain key personnel. We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than specifically required by applicable laws, we are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors that may impact actual results, please refer to the ‘Risk Factors and Management of Risk’ section of the 2023 Annual MD&A.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Did COVID come from an animal market? Here’s what the new evidence really tells us

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Woolhouse, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, The University of Edinburgh

    The argument about the origins of COVID has always been heated, and nowadays it feels more like a brawl than a scientific debate.

    Some say that ground zero for the pandemic was a live animal market in Wuhan, China. Others argue that SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID) leaked from a nearby laboratory that was studying similar viruses. Both are plausible scenarios.

    Proponents of the market hypothesis have been aggressively vocal in recent weeks. In August, an anonymous editorial in a leading medical journal talked about the “hubris needed to underpin alternative hypotheses” and “fanciful ideas … more in keeping with popular movies”.

    A commentary in another journal lamented that scientists were being harassed for rejecting the lab leak hypothesis. With breathtaking hypocrisy, the same commentary then attacked a junior researcher who favours that hypothesis, dismissing her work as “conjecture, correlation and anecdote”.

    We can at least agree that the virus was present in the Wuhan market. Samples collected from market stalls and drains in early January 2020 contain SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. A recent analysis of this material, published in the journal Cell, claimed to show that the common ancestor of the viruses at the market was the common ancestor of the whole pandemic.

    That sounds compelling, until you realise that all of these samples were collected weeks after the pandemic began and none came from a live animal. Unaccountably, no samples were collected before the market was closed and the animals destroyed. Primarily for this reason, most commentators – including me – consider these latest results suggestive but not definitive.

    The lack of samples from animals is a problem. No one believes that this virus originated in Wuhan. The natural reservoirs of SARS-like coronaviruses are horseshoe bats, and no infected colonies have been found within 1,500km of the city.

    So it must have been brought into the market from somewhere. Yet no SARS-CoV-2 has been found along the supply chains for the animals sold there.

    Could a person rather than an animal have brought SARS-CoV-2 into the market in late 2019? That’s entirely possible. Many of the viruses near the base of the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral tree came from people with no links to the market. Several, including a cluster from Guangdong Province, were not even from Wuhan.

    Despite the many uncertainties and unanswered questions, it would be much easier to accept the market hypothesis if the pandemic had begun in one of the hundreds (or possibly thousands – no one seems to know for sure) of other Chinese cities that had similar markets in 2020.

    After all, the 2002 outbreak of the original SARS coronavirus (a very close relative of SARS-CoV-2) began in a market selling civet cats and other animals in, as it happens, Guangdong.

    Yet the epicentre of the COVID pandemic was less than 20 kilometres from China’s pre-eminent coronavirus research lab, the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That is an extraordinary coincidence, and you’d need compelling evidence that the market was the source (or that the lab wasn’t) to dismiss it. The evidence we have simply isn’t that strong.

    That said, there is no evidence – at least, not that the Chinese authorities have shared – that SARS-CoV-2 was present in the Wuhan Institute of Virology, though some closely related viruses were. I cannot know if it was or wasn’t, but it didn’t have to be.

    Scientists from the institute went on coronavirus-hunting expeditions to places such as Guangdong. Scientists from the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention – just a five-minute walk from the market – were making their own expeditions, too. There’s an obvious and plausible alternative route to the first human case.

    Dismissed as a conspiracy theory

    Yet as far back as March 2020, on a bare minimum of evidence, the idea that a lab was involved in any way was already being dismissed as a conspiracy theory.

    Two years ago, one of the most strident proponents of the market hypothesis claimed that his latest research “lays to rest the idea that the virus escaped from a laboratory”. An author of the new analysis in Cell says alternative explanations are “fanciful” and “absurd”.

    Who is all this bombast supposed to win over? Not scientists who can read the research papers, take note of the caveats and make their own judgments. Not politicians who have taken an ideological stance on the issue, particularly in the US. And not the intelligence agencies who many believe are our best hope for getting at the truth.

    I have studied the origins of human viruses for 25 years but, having examined the evidence, I still don’t know how the COVID pandemic began. I do know that the question is important and that debating it should be encouraged, not stifled.

    Mark Woolhouse receives funding from the European Union and the Wellcome Trust. He is a member of the Scottish Government’s Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and has advised the Scottish and UK governments, and the WHO, on pandemic preparedness and response.

    ref. Did COVID come from an animal market? Here’s what the new evidence really tells us – https://theconversation.com/did-covid-come-from-an-animal-market-heres-what-the-new-evidence-really-tells-us-239533

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: PUBLICATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROSPECTUS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issuer LEI: 213800ZBKL9BHSL2K459

    OSB GROUP PLC

    (the “Company” or “Issuer”)

    The Company announces today that a supplementary prospectus dated 25 September 2024 to the base prospectus dated 14 May 2024 (the “Base Prospectus“), in relation to the establishment of its £3,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the “EMTN Programme”) has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and is available for viewing.

    To view the full document, paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser:

    https://www.osb.co.uk/investors/debt-investors/emtn-programme/

    A copy of the supplementary prospectus will also be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    OSB GROUP PLC

    Alastair Pate                                                 
    Group Head of Investor Relations
    Email: osbrelations@osb.co.uk                                t: 01634 838 973

    Jens Bech
    Group Commercial Director                                    t: 01634 835 796

    Brunswick                                                                            
    Robin Wrench/Simone Selzer                                 t: 020 7404 5959 

    Notes to Editors

    About OSB GROUP PLC

    OneSavings Bank plc (OSB) began trading as a bank on 1 February 2011 and was admitted to the main market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2014 (OSB.L). OSB joined the FTSE 250 index in June 2015. On 4 October 2019, OSB acquired Charter Court Financial Services Group plc and its subsidiary businesses. On 30 November 2020, OSB GROUP PLC became the listed entity and holding company for the OSB Group. The Group provides specialist lending and retail savings and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, part of the Bank of England, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Group reports under two segments, OneSavings Bank and Charter Court Financial Services.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Synchronoss Introduces Enhanced Version of Flagship Personal Cloud Platform for Service Providers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (“Synchronoss” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator in personal cloud platforms, today announced the latest version of its carrier-grade Synchronoss Personal Cloud platform. Unlike over-the-top (OTT) solutions, the new Synchronoss Personal Cloud offers a tailored white-label solution for service providers to enable subscribers to manage, backup and optimize all types of digital content across a range of mobile devices, laptops, and computers.

    Available now, the latest Synchronoss Personal Cloud introduces several enhanced features and capabilities that are designed to increase awareness and drive subscriber engagement:

    • Memories – an AI curated personalization of user’s content in a movie format that users can enjoy and share with their family and friends.
    • AI-Enhanced Genius with One-Click Editing – allows users to edit and optimize photos with an array of AI filters and transformations.
    • Improved Backups – significant enhancements to improve backup and notification management.
    • Tip Cards – new in-app communications “tiles” allow carriers to provide relevant tips to their subscribers to drive awareness and adoption of new features.

    “The newest version of Synchronoss Personal Cloud enables our service provider partners to deliver robust cloud solutions with enhanced user experiences aimed specifically at improving engagement,” said Jeff Miller, President and CEO of Synchronoss. “With the introduction of Memories and AI-Enhanced Genius features, subscribers can effortlessly curate, share, and optimize their digital content – all within an intuitive and consistent interface. We are very proud to announce these new capabilities and are excited for subscriber feedback based on the user experience testing we have done.”

    Delivered as a white-label solution through leading communications service providers, telecom carriers, and mobile operators, Synchronoss Personal Cloud currently supports over 10 million mobile and broadband subscribers worldwide. Synchronoss’ flexible and highly scalable platform enables operators and service providers to rapidly launch and offer personal cloud solutions across tiered plans, value-added bundles, and premium features, effectively minimizing churn and increasing average revenue per user (ARPU).

    About Synchronoss
    Synchronoss Technologies (Nasdaq: SNCR), a global leader in personal Cloud solutions, empowers service providers to establish secure and meaningful connections with their subscribers. Our SaaS Cloud platform simplifies onboarding processes and fosters subscriber engagement, resulting in enhanced revenue streams, reduced expenses, and faster time-to-market. Millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss to safeguard their most cherished memories and important digital content. Explore how our Cloud-focused solutions redefine the way you connect with your digital world at www.synchronoss.com.

    Media Relations Contact: 
    Domenick Cilea 
    Springboard 
    dcilea@springboardpr.com 

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Ryan Gardella
    ICR for Synchronoss
    SNCRIR@icrinc.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Honcho Introduces AI-Enhanced Tools for Simplified Website Building

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Honcho has launched new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to simplify creating and launching business websites. This new suite of enhanced tools aims to make website building even more accessible to startup and small business owners who lack technical, creative, or marketing skills.

    Photo by afotostock

    “Our goal with these AI-enhanced tools is to remove the barriers many small business owners face when trying to establish an online presence – namely creative and technical skills,” said Matt Abrahams, CEO of Honcho. “With Honcho, users can easily create and launch a professional website in minutes without any prior experience.”

    AI streamlines the website creation process. Users can input minimal information, often just a business name and industry, and the AI will automatically generate a customized website complete with text, images, and optimized design elements.

    “Most small business owners just want a fully functioning website up and running … and fast,” added Abrahams. “Using our platform, business owners can begin marketing their business, and in turn, start adding to their bottom line, much faster.”

    Honcho is a well-established Australian business service with over 800,000 clients and has been operating in the website-building space for some time. The prototype version of the newly launched site has been in stealth mode in Australia for two years while the company perfected its operations. While the company will not provide numbers, it is understood thousands of clients have successfully used Honcho’s website-building services to date.

    A minimum viable product aptly named ‘Instant Website’ was launched first on Sept. 18, 2022, prior to AI becoming the hot commodity it is today. Version 2 of Instant Website, incorporating a range of new features, including business and domain name generators, automatic AI text generation and free photo library services, was released in February of 2024. Honcho launched its latest version with a completely new design interface and built for the global market on its premium Honcho.com site in September 2024.

    The company has big plans for the future with more features featuring AI soon to be launched, Abrahams noted. “We are not an AI company. We are service-focused specialists helping business owners globally to design, create and launch professional websites for their business – fast and simply. AI is another technology that adds value to our robust ecosystem, similar to many of the other technology tools we incorporate,” he said.

    About Honcho

    Honcho is a provider of business services to startups and small businesses. The technology company is dedicated to simplifying the process of creating and launching business websites. Honcho has delivered business services to more than 800,000 clients. With a focus on user-friendly design and AI technology, Honcho continues to set standards in the sector. For more information, visit Honcho’s website.

    Contact:

    Name: Morgan Davies
    Company: Honcho
    Website: Honcho.com
    Email: media@honcho.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e20860ed-4d91-46fa-9238-cc480e6365b1

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Buchanan Technologies Strengthens Oracle Expertise with Heartland IT Consulting Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAPEVINE, Texas, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Buchanan Technologies, a leading IT and Application Managed Services provider, has acquired Dallas-based Heartland IT, an IT services firm with primary expertise in Oracle technologies, including Oracle Fusion Applications (OFA), Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle EBS, JD Edwards, and PeopleSoft. This marks the third acquisition Buchanan has completed in the last three years centered around its Oracle solutions.

    Heartland IT was founded in 2010 with a vision to be the premier Oracle consulting firm providing services to multi­national organizations. With exceptional delivery expertise in Oracle technologies and a robust grasp of the needs of diverse industries, Heartland IT has created innovative solutions for its tenured customer base, assisting clients with their journey through the Oracle ecosystem. Buchanan will leverage this expertise to enhance the growth of its Oracle and Applications Services practice.

    Buchanan Technologies is going through a period of rapid growth, and by bringing Heartland IT into the fold, it can utilize the two organizations’ combined strengths to better service the growing demand for managed services across the entire technology stack as a one-stop solution for mid-market and enterprise customers. “Heartland IT’s expertise in Oracle solutions and their proven track record in consulting services further cements Buchanan’s ability to deliver a distinctive, holistic, and innovative approach to customers across the globe who rely on Oracle technologies within their business,” said Jim Buchanan, Founder and CEO of Buchanan Technologies.

    Patrick Donlin, CEO and President of Sales for Heartland IT, commented, “We are proud to be a part of the Buchanan team. Buchanan’s breadth of experience and customers for Oracle-based solutions is a natural fit and perfectly aligns with the vision of Heartland for being a premier Oracle consulting firm. We look forward to supplementing and growing as one team.”

    Buchanan Technologies is backed by Lightview Capital. Heartland IT was represented by Sett & Lucas. With this acquisition, Buchanan Technologies and Heartland IT will set new benchmarks in Oracle-based consulting services.

    About Buchanan Technologies
    Established in 1988, Buchanan Technologies is an award-winning managed services provider offering innovative IT services and customized solutions to mid-tier and enterprise-level organizations across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Buchanan offers flexible and customizable solutions to accommodate any IT needs – whether it is improving customer experience, serving with onsite IT services, or complete managed IT solutions – and believes every interaction matters with each customer to provide a seamless user experience. To learn how Buchanan can simplify your IT solution, visit www.buchanan.com.

    About Heartland IT Consulting
    Heartland IT Consulting is a resource delivery firm that supplies hard-to-locate consultants who specialize in Oracle products including Oracle Enterprise Business suite, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, Business Intelligence and Oracle Cloud applications. Heartland offers clients a flexible partnership as Heartland’s Resource Delivery Model innovatively creates contract and permanent staffing solutions to fit any client’s needs.

    About Lightview Capital
    Lightview Capital is a leading private equity firm focused on investing in founder-owned companies in the business services and tech-enabled services industries. Lightview partners with its portfolio companies by providing deep industry knowledge, insightful experience, and active resources to unlock growth and drive value. Lightview Capital’s approachable investment style combines deep operational and financial experience with an entrepreneurial spirit that delivers measurable results. For more information, visit lightviewcapital.com.

    Media Contact:

    LaRessa Cox
    Vice President of Marketing,
    Buchanan Technologies
    lcox@buchanan.com
    +1-972-910-7544

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing the FloQast Accounting Transformation Platform: Bringing AI Power to Accounting Automation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FloQast today announced the start of a new era of accounting operational excellence, driven by the debut of its all-new Accounting Transformation Platform, purpose-built by accountants, for accountants. Incorporating the entire FloQast™ solution portfolio, including FloQast Close, FloQast Compliance Management, and FloQast Ops, the Accounting Transformation Platform unveils new AI workflows to deliver value throughout every step of the accounting journey, including:

    FloQast also introduced several all-new solutions that align with each of these four steps, elevating accountants from simply being workflow stewards to critical drivers of organizational strategy – and empowering organizations to achieve transformation without disruption. The Accounting Transformation Platform and these solutions were unveiled at TakeControl, FloQast’s annual user conference, taking place from September 25-26, 2024.

    FloQast developed the Accounting Transformation Platform over more than a decade of innovation, supercharged by the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Built from direct customer feedback and deep industry expertise, the platform not only addresses evolving market demands, shifting regulatory landscapes, and the growing pressure on accounting leaders to deliver more with fewer resources in the face of a worsening talent shortage but also positions AI as a transformative force. By integrating AI, the platform gives organizations and accounting teams a powerful competitive advantage, driving new efficiencies and actionable insights for better decision-making.

    “We’re launching the FloQast Accounting Transformation Platform at a time when the accounting profession faces unprecedented challenges,” said Mike Whitmire, CEO and co-founder of FloQast, CPA. “With the number of practicing CPAs declining and fewer new professionals entering the field, the pressure on accounting leaders to do more with less has never been greater. This platform is designed to meet that reality head-on, using the power of AI to create solutions that not only streamline and automate critical processes but also enhance the strategic value of accounting teams within their organizations. In today’s landscape, the ability to drive operational excellence isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s essential for future business success.”

    Today’s launch features three new solutions, FloQast Journal Entry Management, FloQast AI Transaction Matching, and FloQast Consolidation – as well as the introduction of FloHub, an all-new, centralized hub for third-party applications. The announcements also include several key updates to existing offerings, creating a more comprehensive platform experience.

    For more information on the FloQast Accounting Transformation Platform, read the blog post.

    About FloQast

    FloQast, an Accounting Transformation Platform created by accountants for accountants, enables organizations to automate a variety of accounting operations. Trusted by more than 2,800 global accounting teams – including Twilio, Los Angeles Lakers, Zoom, and Snowflake – FloQast enhances the way accounting teams work, enabling customers to automate close management, account reconciliations, accounting operations, and compliance activities. With FloQast, teams can utilize the latest advancements in AI technology to manage aspects of the close, reduce their compliance burden, stay audit-ready, and improve accuracy, visibility, and collaboration overall. FloQast is consistently rated #1 across all user review sites. Learn more at FloQast.com.

    Contact:
    Kyle Cabodi
    FloQast Director of Corporate Communications
    kyle.cabodi@floqast.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Kandji Introduces Kai, the Industry’s First AI Device Management Assistant for Apple Fleets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kandji, the Apple endpoint management and security platform, today announced Kai, the first-of-its-kind AI device management assistant for Apple devices. With Kai, Kandji harnesses the power of AI to equip IT teams with fast, insightful answers to questions about their corporate Apple devices, to drive efficiency and make more informed decisions – all while maintaining full data privacy.

    In a 2023 survey of IT leaders in organizations with 1,000 or more employees, 76% said that the use of Apple devices in their companies increased over the past year. But only 35% of IT teams characterized their Apple device management capabilities as “mature,” while 93% said their organizations would benefit from additional management capabilities. Kai gives them just that: By simplifying the reporting process, IT teams can make a larger impact at work by dedicating more time to high-value execution.

    Kai builds upon Kandji Prism, a reporting tool that uses traditional, filter-based queries to provide fleetwide visibility. Now those same queries can be performed using natural language, which empowers IT team members of all technical levels, including those in leadership positions, to quickly and efficiently obtain device information, freeing them up for more strategic work.

    “Today’s IT teams face the challenge of delivering more to meet growing business demands, while navigating shrinking resources. As a result, the pressure to increase productivity is at an all-time high,” said Weldon Dodd, SVP of Global Solutions at Kandji. “Leveraging AI not only drives efficiency, but also amplifies what IT teams can accomplish, allowing them to focus on more strategic projects that drive innovation. Kai opens up a new dimension of efficiency for our customers, helping them to maximize their contribution to the highest value activities instead of being mired in manipulating data to uncover the insights they need.”

    Kai is the first iteration of Kandji’s AI efforts and will be available to select customers for early testing on September 25. Kai will become generally available in 2025 as part of Kandji’s continued efforts to bring the same intelligence to other features. For more information please visit: https://kandji.io/blog/kandji-announces-kai-artificial-intelligence-for-device-management

    Helpful Links

    About Kandji
    Kandji is the Apple endpoint management and security platform. Kandji empowers companies to manage and secure Apple devices in the enterprise and at scale. By centrally securing and managing your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices, IT and InfoSec teams can save countless hours of manual, repetitive work with features like one-click compliance templates and more than 150 pre-built automations, apps, and workflows. Learn more at http://www.kandji.io.

    Media Contact
    Erica Anderson
    pr@kandji.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    New Jersey – Stadiums and venues provide a central and accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises, providing safe storage and shelter in times of need. With these events becoming more frequent, severe, and expensive, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier today announced that MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, will be among the first NFL venues to be designated as a Mission Ready Venue that can be used during response and recovery missions. Through Mission Ready Venues, a public-private partnership, MetLife Stadium will increase its capabilities to better sustain public safety and be a source of support for the community they serve. The designation identifies the ways MetLife Stadium could be used for response and recovery activities during declared emergencies or disasters.

    “We are honored that MetLife Stadium is one of the first NFL venues designated as a Mission Ready Venue,” said MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VanDeVeen. “The stadium will serve as a staging area and safe space that will offer critical support and comfort to our community in the event of a crisis.” 

    “During large-scale emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornados, we’ve seen how large music, sports and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new strategy we’re launching with the NFL is a groundbreaking opportunity to help our partners use these venues for emergency response and recovery needs, while keeping communities safe and making them more resilient. While we are starting with the NFL, all venues across sports organizations and leagues can become assets to their communities, and I encourage them to join in this collaborative effort as we grapple with the impacts of the climate crisis.”

    “Public-private partnerships are essential to helping communities during the response and recovery phases of a disaster,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “Establishing relationships of this type will not only enhance our nation’s resilience toward the disasters we face today but will be critical in shaping tomorrow due to the ever-changing landscape of emergency management. This collaborative effort with the NFL is a true reflection of whole-community engagement and I welcome the opportunities it will bring.”

    “Stadiums are valuable community assets that are often used in times of disasters,” said NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier. “This designation reflects the role that many stadiums play, not only on Sundays, but especially in times of need. We are proud to work with FEMA and first responders at the local and state level to ensure disaster response agencies have the information and tools they need to help a community recover when disaster strikes.” 

    According to the NYU School of Professional Studies and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, stadiums and arenas can improve the public health and well-being of their communities —including pandemic response during COVID-19. 

    “Collaborating with our Federal counterparts and the NFL to designate MetLife Stadium as a mission-ready venue for disasters highlights a critical step in strengthening our state’s emergency preparedness,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and State Director of Emergency Management. “In times of crisis, every second counts. This partnership ensures we have a strategically located, fully equipped facility capable of supporting large-scale emergency operations, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to protect the lives and well-being of New Jersey’s residents.”

    Given the size, capabilities, and locations of large sports venues, these existing community assets can serve the public in a variety of ways including emergency shelters, staging areas, commodity distribution sites, evacuation pick up points, disaster recovery centers, mass vaccination and testing, temporary hospitals and more. FEMA and the NFL recognized this unique opportunity for collaboration and are enlisting the support of venue owners, operators, and the tenants of these facilities to work with government officials in the planning and preparation for emergency or disaster response and recovery efforts.  To receive an official Mission Ready Venue designation, venues must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine what capabilities the venue may be able to support in emergency and disaster response and recovery efforts. The designation highlights the following attributes of selected venues: 

    • Provide Safety and Security: Stadiums are usually centrally located, close to major roadways and transportation hubs, and critical services like hospitals. If used to respond to a disaster, the designation will save valuable time and resources and will further enhance coordination between the public and private sectors during disaster response and recovery. 
    • Provide Accessibility: Stadiums are also compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act and can support persons with disabilities and others with access or functional needs. Additionally, 73% of NFL venues are accessible by mass transportation. This provides an avenue to promote equitable service to underserved populations to access potentially critical lifesaving/life sustaining services after an event.  
    • Strengthen Community Resilience: Stadiums and arenas are a focal point of communities and help strengthen social networks by enhancing connections between residents with home team pride. These Mission Ready Venues can boost morale amidst disaster. By providing a more robust and resilient environment, these venues can enhance social networks amongst survivors while providing ample opportunities to establish connections with the venue’s main tenants.
    • Ensure Unity of Effort: Coordination of stadium resources and services can support survivors and responders and help stabilize an incident quickly. Since stadiums are fixed locations, resources and services can be deployed quickly. This promotes the community’s physical and economic recovery.

    Mission Ready Venue designations are for five-year increments with a yearly check-in to ensure continued readiness of the venue. Redesignation will be necessary every five years and designation does not supersede any agreements with state, local or private sector entities.

    kate.macedo

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Pixability and Ad Fontes Media Join Forces to Empower Advertisers to Safely Support News Content on YouTube

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pixability, (www.pixability.com), a leader in AI-driven contextual targeting, brand suitability and performance on YouTube and CTV, today announced the launch of a brand safety solution for news content with Ad Fontes, a leader in rating news sources for bias and reliability. The new offering will be the only misinformation solution in the marketplace that tackles the two-part problem of protecting advertisers on news channels on YouTube–(1) identifying sources of news that are reputable, trustworthy and not overly biased and (2) screening those reputable news channels for high risk, sensitive news stories. Pixability will combine its brand safety solution, which includes tech and human monitoring, with Ad Fontes’ in depth news ratings system to ensure marketers are running their ads in a trusted news environment.

    “At a time when false and misleading information is rampant across all platforms, it’s important we identify and provide support for sources of news that are trustworthy and not expressing extreme bias,” said Vanessa Otero, founder and CEO of Ad Fontes. “As the largest video platform in the world, YouTube has a vast ocean of content of varying reliability, which presents both huge opportunities and challenges. We believe our solution, combined with Pixability’s brand suitability technology, will together provide a much-needed way to target high-quality journalism and information on YouTube while in turn steering clear of low-reliability content.”

    The new solution will give advertisers the ability to select channels on YouTube that are not overly biased and that follow proper and recognized journalistic practices of fact-checking. It also incorporates Pixability’s brand suitability technology and real-time monitoring of sensitive news to isolate stories, even on reputable sources, that may not be appropriate for certain advertisers.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ad Fontes to bring this solution to the market at a time when supporting reputable news sources matters more than ever,” commented David George, CEO of Pixability. “We’ve seen a pattern of brands and agencies avoiding news content altogether because of a lack of effective brand suitability solutions in the market tailored for news sites and are proud to be solving for this problem on YouTube specifically.”

    Industry leaders are also acknowledging the importance of the new solution for YouTube. AJ Brown, COO of the Brand Safety Institute said the following:
    “Brands play a critical role in safeguarding the future of reliable, quality journalism. The decision to invest in news calls for nuanced buying options that go beyond traditional brand suitability risk categorization, which too often bluntly demonetizes high-quality, high-impact journalism. Bringing together Pixability’s Brand Safety solutions and Ad Fontes Media’s reliability and bias scoring allows marketers to support quality journalism with targeted ad buys on YouTube that align with their brand’s values.”

    Pixability’s insights team recently released data that showed that, on average, 40% of YouTube advertisers ask to avoid news content on YouTube. This not only leads to a lack of funding for reputable news sources but also hurts advertisers as they may miss engagement opportunities with their audiences in key areas of interest.

    Pixability’s insights team also released the following data that demonstrates the value of news content for advertisers:

    • Advertisers from food & beverage, automotive, entertainment, travel and many other industries see that news content drives anywhere from 24%-44% better engagement than the average content category on YouTube
    • The desirable 18-24 year old demographic is most likely to engage with advertising on news content on YouTube
    • Reputable news channels on YouTube have a 99% favorability rating from audiences

    About Pixability

    Pixability is the leading AI-driven technology company empowering the world’s largest brands and their agencies to maximize the value of their video advertising on YouTube and CTV. Leveraging its proprietary technology platform and data, Pixability makes every video impression matter by identifying contextually relevant, brand suitable inventory and maximizing cost efficient outcomes. Pixability’s suite of solutions are used by the top media agencies including IPG, Publicis, Omnicom, Dentsu, Stagwell, and GroupM, as well as brands such as KIND, McDonalds, Salesforce, Lego and CVS. The company is the only YouTube partner certified for brand suitability and contextual targeting as well as content insights, enabling unique solutions for the benefit of brands and their agencies. For more information about Pixability, please visit www.pixability.com.

    About Ad Fontes Media

    Ad Fontes Media is the producer of The Media Bias Chart®, which rates media sources in terms of political bias and reliability. The company was founded with the mission of rating all the news to positively impact the media ecosystem. Ad Fontes Media rates content at the source level, article level, and episode level using a combination of human analysts and AI for the most accurate and real-time ratings available on the market. The company’s Interactive Media Bias Chart Data Platform, API, and direct ad-tech integrations allow Ad Fontes Media’s brand, media, and media technology partners to leverage its comprehensive news source ratings so they can engage with them in real time in media planning, activation, and reporting.

    CONTACT:

    Silicon Alley Media for Pixability
    Alexandra Levy
    alex@siliconalley-media.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches 990 EVO Plus SSD With Improved Performance Speeds Supported by PCIe 4.0

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced the release of the 990 EVO Plus, adding to its lineup of leading SSD products. Featuring PCIe 4.0 support and the latest in NAND technology, the 990 EVO Plus is an ideal solution for buyers seeking enhanced performance and power efficiency across gaming, business and creative tasks.
    “The average person creates more than 100 megabytes of data every minute1,” said James Fishler, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. “Whether you’re taking photos, editing videos, or gaming on your favorite console, it’s clear that our daily activities demand more data than ever before. The new Samsung 990 EVO Plus provides the best solution for it all – from gaming and content creation, to business use cases. With expanded storage capacities and even faster processing speeds, the series can help you reliably power your day, and make the most of every minute.”

    Faster Performance and Greater Efficiency
    The 990 EVO Plus is backed by decades of pioneering semiconductor technology with proven reliability from Samsung. It offers sequential read speeds up to 7,250 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s, up to 50% faster than the previous 990 EVO. This performance boost is enabled by the latest Samsung 8th generation V-NAND technology and 5-nanometer (nm) controller, while an innovative nickel-coated heat shield minimizes overheating, delivering 73% greater power efficiency over the 990 EVO.
    The 4TB model of the 990 EVO Plus boasts an industry-leading random read speed of 1,050K input/output operations per second (IOPS) and 1,400K IOPS for random write. This remarkable feat nearly rivals that of SSD products with DRAM, despite not using a DRAM cache, making it an optimal solution for gaming and AI tasks that require high performance.
    Expanded Storage Capacity
    To meet today’s growing demand for high-capacity storage devices, the 990 EVO Plus offers ample capacity options of 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, exceeding the storage limits of the 990 EVO. The 990 EVO Plus is also equipped with the intelligent Samsung TurboWrite 2.0, revamped for maximized performance, offering rapid file transfer speeds and reduced lag, even when managing large files, editing high-res video or enjoying next-generation gaming.
    Samsung Magician Software Support
    Samsung Magician Software presents a suite of optimization tools for enhanced functionality for all Samsung SSDs, including the 990 EVO Plus. Users can streamline the data migration process for SSD upgrades effortlessly and securely. In addition, Samsung Magician protects valuable data, monitors drive health and offers customized performance optimization.
    The drives will be available this Fall at Samsung.com and other select retailers. They will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $109.99 for the 1TB model, $184.99 for the 2TB model, and $344.99 for the 4TB model. For more information, please visit here.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Julie Rivera Pérez Bridges Business, STEM to ‘Make the Magic Happen’

    Source: NASA

    Senior Resource Analyst Julie Rivera Pérez ensures finances and assets are in place to enable missions’ engineering and science “magic” can happen. As a former intern, she also reaches out to current students to ensure a diverse and inclusive future workforce.
    Name: Julie Rivera PérezFormal Job Classification: Senior Resources AnalystOrganization: Systems Review Office/Resource Management Office, Office of the Chief Financial Officer (Code 159.2)

    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    I work in Goddard’s Systems Review Office (SRO), which plays a critical role in NASA’s mission gate reviews, also known as system review boards (SRBs). As the lead senior resources analyst, I provide financial expertise relating to budget planning and funds execution in support of all life-cycle reviews for Goddard missions. These reviews occur during key milestones in the progression of a mission through the various stages until launch. A mission cannot proceed with its work unless it passes the gate reviews, like the preliminary design review (PDR), critical design review (PDR), system integration review (SIR), operational readiness review (ORR), among others. It is great to support these reviews and make sure that key panel members like engineering, science, cost/schedule, and programmatic subject matter experts are planned for and funded to hold these SRB reviews. It is exciting to be able to contribute to Goddard missions!
    What is your educational background?
    In 2010, I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. My major was in human resources, and my minor was in marketing.
    Why did you come to Goddard?
    I first came to Goddard in 2008, as a summer intern. I will never forget the team of recruiters that visited my university and shared Goddard’s opportunities for business majors. I dreamed to contribute to the NASA mission! I took a chance and signed up to be interviewed. Three months later, I was offered an internship, and here I am, nearly 15 years later and thriving!
    Where have you worked at Goddard? What was a pivotal moment for you?
    In 2009, I had the opportunity to intern with the Office of Human Capital Management, the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, and the Office of Education.
    After graduating in 2010, I joined Goddard as a procurement analyst in the Small Business Office. In 2013, I became the Contracting Officer for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system.
    In 2015, I was selected as a participant in the NASA FIRST Program, a very prestigious NASA leadership program, which was pivotal for me. I learned about different roles at NASA including the important roles of business professionals. This inspired me to transition into the world of resources and finance!
    In 2017, I became a senior resources analyst for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). My procurement background helped me understand the underlying contractual mechanics in the world of resources. I was very excited to continue to grow in my NASA career! In 2018, I served as a contract resources analyst of the Ground Systems and Missions Operations 2 contract for the Space Science Mission Operations Division. Presently, I serve as the lead senior resources analyst for the Systems Review Office within the Safety and Mission Assurance Business Branch of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO).
    It has been an amazing journey! I have had the opportunity to work in multiple flagship missions, mission operations, interagency collaborations, procurement, finance, and resources. I am excited for what the future will bring in my NASA career!
    What are your responsibilities in your current role?
    My key responsibility is serving as the financial liaison between the Systems Review Office (SRO) and program or project offices. I collaborate with program managers, deputy program managers for resources, and financial managers from other NASA centers to ensure the proper coordination of system review boards’ funding requirements. This includes preparing program, planning, budget, and execution (PPBE) inputs, labor projections, continuing resolution funding requirements, and phasing plans for all SRB missions.
    As the SRO lead senior resources analyst, I also oversee the daily functions and activities of the SRO staff members, providing them with appropriate guidance, direction, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
    What are you most thankful about in your career?
    I have had many opportunities from the moment I started working at Goddard as an intern. I have always been encouraged to continue growing as a professional through several significant work opportunities. One of them being the NASA FIRST leadership program for the 2015 cohort. It was a joy when I was accepted into this life-changing and unique opportunity! Throughout my career at Goddard, I have learned about many different aspects and the importance of being a business professional to help achieve the NASA mission.
    Who is your mentor and what is their advice?
    I have had several amazing mentors throughout my career at Goddard. Dan Krieger was key in my recruitment and has always supported me through my journey. Veronica Hill has continuously provided her guidance and wisdom. Janine Dolinka welcomed me to Goddard as my first mentor and further inspired me grow at NASA. Jennifer Perez took me under her wing and taught me the importance and roles of the Small Business Office. Currently, I am under the mentorship of Rich Ryan (deputy program director for business, Mars Sample Return) and Kevin Miller (chief of Resources Management Office). All in all, my mentors have always reminded me to always be my authentic self. It sounds so simple, yet it is such powerful advice. I want to thank each and every one of them for fueling the desire to make a difference for the NASA mission and to continue bringing my talents to the workforce!
    What is important to you about your role on the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE)?
    A very fulfilling part of the work I do at NASA Goddard is my voluntary service as the co-chair for the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE) resource group. I am in a unique position to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to center management, the Office of STEM Engagement, and the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity on initiatives regarding recruitment, outreach, retention, cultural awareness, and professional development of minorities and Hispanics at Goddard. I also serve as the recruitment and outreach co-lead for the committee. As co-chair, I am a voice representing the interests of the GSFC Hispanic community.
    I also develop key initiatives in student recruitment and outreach to build a pipeline of Hispanic interns for NASA. Every summer, I coordinate intern presentations to center management, as well as provide training to the Hispanic interns on how to write a federal résumé and apply for a federal job within NASA.
    It is my wish to pay it forward. I once was an intern. I want to encourage others to join the NASA community and make a positive impact with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Así Se HACE!
    In 2021, you were a panel speaker at the Women of Color conference. What did you talk about?
    It was such an honor to be invited as a panel speaker with a financial professional background for a STEM event. I served as a bridge between STEM and the business world and how both come together to make the magic happen. I have a deep understanding of how the business world and the engineering and science come together to bring missions to life. While I may not have a STEM degree, I am a STEM advocate. This event was an opportunity to tell my story as a Hispanic woman in resources and finance working at NASA. As a business professional, it is important that the money and the assets are in place so all the engineering and science can happen. It was equally important to highlight the value of embracing yourself and what you bring you the table because that is where your strength lies and how you can make a difference.
    What do you do for fun?
    I have a passion for singing! Since my early teens, I studied music and singing at the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico. In college, I was accepted into the very competitive University of Puerto Rico classical choir. I continued to pursue my love for music through the Goddard Music and Drama Club (MAD). I even starred in
    two musicals produced by MAD!
    I love spending time with my husband and two children, as well as watching movies with family and friends, spending time at the beach, reading, walking, listening to true crime podcasts, and watching the occasional Spanish telenovela.
    What is your favorite life quote?
    This Gandhi quote speaks to the power of perseverance and means a lot to me: “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
    What is your “six-word memoir”? A six-word memoir describes something in just six words.
    PassionateCreativeDedicatedAuthenticLeaderDetermined

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces Mid-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date September 13, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of September 13, 2024, short interest in 3,057 Nasdaq Global MarketSM securities totaled 12,241,625,467 shares compared with 12,296,040,928 shares in 3,037 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of August 30, 2024. The mid-September short interest represents 3.06 days compared with 3.38 days for the prior reporting period.

    Short interest in 1,670 securities on The Nasdaq Capital MarketSM totaled 2,107,947,669 shares at the end of the settlement date of September 13, 2024, compared with 2,103,446,709 shares in 1,668 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.34 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.27.

    In summary, short interest in all 4,727 Nasdaq® securities totaled 14,349,573,136 shares at the September 13, 2024 settlement date, compared with 4,705 issues and 14,399,487,637 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 2.57 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 2.72 days for the prior reporting period.

    The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

    For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit
    http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx
    or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

    About Nasdaq:
    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com

    Media Contact:
    Jennifer Lawson
    jennifer.lawson@nasdaq.com

    A graph accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea6c93d1-befd-4bc5-88a7-0ac3aaa2dcbf

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: The design tricks keeping your kids hooked on games and apps – and 3 things you can do about it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Zomer, Associate Research Fellow at the Centre of the Digital Child, Deakin University

    This article is part of a series on the great internet letdown. Read the rest of the series.


    Ever found yourself unable to resist checking out a social media notification? Or sending a random picture just to keep a Snapchat “streak” going? Or simply getting stuck staring at YouTube because it auto-played yet another cute cat video?

    If so, you’re far from alone. And if we adults can’t resist such digital temptations, how can we expect children to do any better?

    Many digital environments are not designed with the best interest of users in mind – and this is especially true of games, apps and platforms commonly used by kids and teens.

    Designers use persuasive design techniques to make users spend more time on apps or platforms, so they can make more money selling ads. Below, we explain some of the most common design tricks used in popular games, social media and apps.

    Decision-making made easy 🔀

    Social media and streaming platforms strive to provide “seamless” user experiences. This makes it easy to stay engaged without needing to click anything very often, which also minimises any obvious opportunities where we might disengage.

    These seamless experiences include things such as auto-play when streaming videos, or “infinite scrolling” on social media. When algorithms present us with a steady flow of content, shaped by what we have liked or engaged with in the past, we must put in extra effort to stop watching. Unsurprisingly, we often decide to stay put.

    Rewards and dopamine hits 🧠

    Another way to keep children engaged is by using rewards, such as stars, diamonds, stickers, badges or other “points” in children’s apps. “Likes” on social media are no different.

    Rewards trigger the release of a chemical in our brains – dopamine – which not only makes us feel good but also leaves us wanting more.

    Rewards can be used to promote good behaviour, but not always. In some children’s apps, rewards are doubled if users watch advertisements.

    Loot boxes and ‘gambling’ 💰

    Variable rewards have been found to be especially effective. When you do not know when you will get a certain reward or desired item, you are more likely to keep going.

    In games, variable rewards can often be found (or purchased) in the form of “loot boxes”. Loot boxes might be chests, treasures, or stacks of cards containing a random reward. Because of the unpredictable reward, some researchers have described loot boxes as akin to gambling, even though the games do not always involve real money.

    Sometimes in-game currency (fake game money) can be bought with real money and used to “gamble” for rare characters and special items. This is very tempting for young people.

    In one of our (as yet unpublished) studies, a 12-year-old student admitted to spending several hundred dollars to obtain a desired character in the popular game Genshin Impact.

    The lure of streaks 🔥

    Another problematic way of using rewards in design is negative reinforcement. For instance, when you are at risk of a negative outcome (like losing something good), you feel compelled to continue a particular behaviour.

    “Streaks” work like this. If you do not do the same task for several days in a row, you will not get the extra rewards promised. Language learning app DuoLingo uses streaks, but so does Snapchat, a popular social media app. Research has shown a correlation between Snapchat streaks and problematic smartphone use among teens.

    Streaks can also make money for apps directly. If you miss a day and lose your streak, you can often pay to restore it.

    Loss of reputation 👎

    Reputation is important on social media. Think of the number of Facebook friends you have, or the number of likes your post receives.

    Sometimes designers build on our fear of losing our reputation. For instance, they can do this by adding a leaderboard that ranks users based on their score.

    While you may have heard of the use of leaderboards in games, they are also common in popular educational apps such as Kahoot! or Education Perfect. Leaderboards introduce an element of competition that many students enjoy.

    However, for some this competition has negative consequences – especially for those languishing low in the ranks.

    Similarly, Snapchat has a SnapScore where reputational loss is still at play. You do not want a lower score than your friends! This makes you want to keep using the app.

    Exploiting feelings of connection 🥰

    Another tool in the designers’ bag of tricks is capitalising on the emotional ties or connections users form with influencers or celebrities on social media, or favourite media characters (such as Elmo or Peppa pig) for younger children.

    While these connections can foster a sense of belonging, they can also be exploited for commercial gain, such as when influencers promote commercial products, or characters urge in-app purchases.

    What can parents do? 🤷

    Persuasive design isn’t inherently bad. Users want apps and games to be engaging, like we do for movies or TV shows. However, some design “tricks” simply serve commercial interests, often at the expense of users’ wellbeing.

    It is not all bleak, though. Here are a few steps parents can take to help kids stay on top of the apps:

    • have early and ongoing discussions with children about ideas such as the underlying commercial intent of what they are engaging with

    • model good digital choices of not giving in to persuasive design, such as by avoiding digital distractions yourself

    • use trustworthy resources to help in digital decision-making, such as Common Sense Media and Dark Pattern Games.

    For the moment, the responsibility for managing children’s interactions with the digital realm falls largely on individuals and families.

    Some governments are beginning to take action, but measures such as blanket age-based bans on social media or other platforms will only shield children temporarily. A better approach for governments and regulators would be to focus on safety by design: the idea that the safety and rights of users should be the starting point of any app, product or service, rather than an afterthought.

    The authors 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 design tricks keeping your kids hooked on games and apps – and 3 things you can do about it – https://theconversation.com/the-design-tricks-keeping-your-kids-hooked-on-games-and-apps-and-3-things-you-can-do-about-it-239493

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Womack Delivers Remarks at Unveiling of Johnny Cash Statue in U.S. Capitol

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3)

    Washington, D.C.—September 24, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) participated in the unveiling ceremony for a statue depicting Arkansan country music legend Johnny Cash.

    Congressman Womack’s remarks as prepared are below:

    “Not lost on me is the fact that very few members of Congress have the privilege of presiding over something as unique and profound as a Statuary Collection dedication. I’m honored to be part of this historic event.

    “Admittedly, I was a Johnny Cash fan since my childhood. Little known fact, I loved the song ‘A Boy Named Sue.’ I loved it so much that I memorized its lyrics. I could prove it to you right now—some 55 years later—but organizers of this event limited me to two minutes.

    “There are statues of great people throughout the Capitol. Men and women of significant accomplishment. But today marks a first. Johnny Cash represents the first such statue of a professional musician, and while many statues are of people some of us have never heard of, rare will it be that someone will see this masterpiece and not know of the legendary singer-songwriter represented here. That makes me proud.

    “A couple of weekends ago, while catching up on Arkansas Week on PBS, I heard Rosanne comment on the significance of this moment. Her dad won many awards and accolades. He’s a Hall of Fame artist. One of the most recognizable figures in American history. But to hear her say that this dedication—to have his likeness standing in the iconic symbol of freedom in the world—tops them all, gave perspective to this day.

    “And the artist, Kevin Kresse, whose God-given talent in this magnificent statue is surpassed only by his incredible ability to portray Johnny Cash as he truly was, down to the finite detail. In this statue, Kevin, I can actually see the ‘gravel in his gut and the spit in his eye.’ Well done.

    “To my friend Shane Broadway, the Arkansas General Assembly, and everyone associated with this rare occasion, thank you.

    “Now, Arkansas will have Daisy Bates forever surveying this historic hall and the ‘Man in Black,’ larger than life, in the Visitors Center. No one walking by these impressive memorials will fail to know who they were, what they did, and where they were from. That makes me Arkansas proud.”

    A recording of Congressman Womack’s remarks can be found here.

    A recording of the entire ceremony can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Recognizes the Victims of Birmingham’s Five Points South Shooting on the House Floor, Calls for Action on Gun Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the victims of Saturday night’s mass shooting in Birmingham’s Five Points South. She called on her colleagues in Congress to pass common sense gun safety measures, including universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. She also called on state officials to reverse the state’s 2022 permitless carry law. This morning, Sewell was briefed by the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Steven Dettelbach, regarding the federal response to the shooting.

    Watch it on YouTube here.

    Rep. Sewell: Mister Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that rattled the Birmingham community over the weekend.

    On Saturday night, just after 11:00 p.m., twenty-one people were shot in Birmingham’s Five Points South entertainment district. Four of them tragically lost their lives.

    Let me be clear. This, indeed, is a senseless violence and unacceptable and it must stop.

    Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss. Nothing compares to the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. We stand with them in this time of great sadness, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those that were injured.

    I join in expressing my gratitude to the police officers and first responders, as well as our county, state, and federal partners, for their quick response. 

    My staff and I have been closely monitoring the situation, and we stand ready to assist the City of Birmingham in any way that we can.

    While this horrific tragedy has focused the eyes of the nation on Birmingham, Alabama, the surge of gun violence is a reality that far too many of my constituents endure every day.

    Our communities are crying out for change, and we as elected officials owe it to them to do all that we can—at every level of government—to keep them safe.

    Again, I want to be clear. This senseless violence is unacceptable and it must stop. 

    That means bringing more resources to community organizations fighting to break the cycle of violence. It means teaching our children about alternatives to gun violence. And yes, it means passing common sense measures to keep weapons off the streets of America.

    Mister Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are important. They are needed. But they will not bring back the lives of those lost to gun violence, nor will they prevent such tragedies from happening again.

    The members of this body cannot continue to sit by as family after family, community after community are torn apart. It is time for Congress to finally pass universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

    It is also time for state officials in the State of Alabama to reverse the permitless carry law, which has allowed the unchecked proliferation of guns on our streets.

    Only by taking meaningful action can we stem this needless loss of life.

    I ask my colleagues to keep the entire Birmingham community in your prayers, and I hope that we can come together and turn this pain into purpose and do something about it.

    Thanks, and I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer Delivers Remarks on the Justice Department’s Lawsuit Against Visa for Monopolizing Debit Markets

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Thank you, Attorney General Garland.

    Today, the Department brings this antitrust action against Visa for monopolizing the debit market. Our complaint describes how Visa has maintained this monopoly — not by competing on the merits, but by threatening merchants and banks with higher rates if they do business with Visa’s competitors. And we explain how Visa has further entrenched its dominance by disrupting innovations that threaten to loosen its control.

    Visa is a classic example of a middleman that takes advantage of its role as gatekeeper to stamp out competition. Because companies like Visa facilitate commercial transactions, they have the power to exercise considerable control over the markets in which they operate. These middlemen can use that power to make those markets more efficient, offering more choices and more affordable products. Or, like Visa, they can try to use that power to hike fees on customers and stifle innovation.  

    More and more, we are seeing these kinds of intermediaries gain control in a broad range of industries — from healthcare to online advertising to live music to housing. As today’s action demonstrates, we remain dedicated to stopping these middlemen from exploiting their power to increase their profits while consumers get harmed.

    Today’s action also reflects our continued commitment to ensuring economic justice for all Americans and fighting illegal conduct that unfairly raises prices.

    Every day, millions of Americans use debit cards to buy groceries, clothing, and other necessities. Many Americans rely exclusively on debit cards. That is particularly true of younger or less affluent individuals who are unable to obtain credit cards or who prefer not to use them. When merchants raise their prices to cover Visa’s exorbitant fees, the burden of Visa’s anticompetitive conduct falls disproportionately on Americans who are less well off, and who feel the impact of high prices most painfully.

    Promoting competition through antitrust enforcement levels the playing field and plays a critical part in advancing economic opportunity and equity. But our work to ensure economic opportunity for all Americans, regardless of income status, spans the entire Department. It includes the Civil Division’s work to protect vulnerable seniors from financial fraud. And it includes the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s fight to ensure all Americans, including people in Native communities, have access to clean air, safe drinking water, and a healthy environment. Today’s action against Visa makes clear that we will continue to focus our resources on advancing economic justice and equity.  

    Before I close, I would like to thank the staff and leadership of the Antitrust Division for their extraordinary work on this matter. The Department is incredibly grateful for your continued dedication and professionalism.

    With that, I will turn the podium over to Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki.   

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Death – Wadeye

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police can confirm the 49-year-old man injured in Wadeye last week has died in hospital.  

    The man was taken off life support yesterday afternoon.

    Major Crime Detectives have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s injuries since Friday.  

    The exact circumstances of how he suffered his injuries are currently unknown but police are treating the death as suspicious.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Jon Beer said “ Detectives are urging those within the community with any information to come forward.

    “Anyone with information, however significant, could help police reconstruct a timeline”.

    “Police particularly urge anyone with CCTV or dash cam within the community on the evening of Tuesday 17 September 2024 to make contact.

    You can also make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses During Senate Judiciary Committee On Supreme Court Ruling In Donald Trump Immunity Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.24.24

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “‘When the President Does It, that Means It’s Not Illegal’: The Supreme Court’s Unprecedented Immunity Decision.”  The hearing explored the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. United States.  Durbin began by questioning Mary McCord, Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, a Visiting Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, and a former Department of Justice (DOJ) official about the Supreme Court majority opinion in Trump v. United States, which established a framework for determining presidential immunity.  In the framework, the justices stated that there is no immunity for unofficial acts; but evidence of immunized official conduct is inadmissible to secure convictions for prosecutable conduct, such as unofficial acts.

    “Professor McCord, as a former prosecutor, could you walk us through what prosecutors need to establish to successfully secure convictions, and exactly how this prohibition on evidence in Trump v. United States would prevent prosecutors from doing so?”  Durbin asked.

    Professor McCord responded that a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt “every element of the offense charged.”  The majority’s opinion in Trump v. United States will hamstring prosecutions of conduct that the opinion does not immunize by prohibiting the introduction of evidence of official acts that would “help secure [a President’s] conviction, even on charges that purport to be based only on [their] unofficial conduct.”  In Professor McCord’s response, she referenced Justice Barrett’s concurrence, which argued that, “[t]he Constitution, of course, does not authorize a President to seek or accept bribes…[y]et excluding from trial any mention of the official act connected to the bribe would hamstring the prosecution.”

    Durbin continued, “Justice Barrett went on to argue that the majority’s concern that ‘allowing into evidence official acts for which the President cannot be prosecuted may prejudice the jury’ is already addressed by the rules of evidence, which ‘are equipped to handle that concern on a case-by-case basis.’  Do you agree with that?”

    Professor McCord responded that she agreed.  She continued to say, “that includes when evidence might be prejudicial than probative.”

    Durbin then asked Philip Lacovara, a former Deputy Solicitor General of the United States for criminal and national security matters and Counsel to the Watergate special prosecutor, about finding the basis of presidential immunity in the Constitution. 

    Mr. Lacovara replied that “this is one of the great ironies of the decision by Chief Justice Roberts.”  He continued to say, “it’s not just a question of not being able to find authority in the text of the Constitution—any form of immunity… for commission of crimes by a president—the Constitution clearly says the opposite.  The president is subject to impeachment… [the] text [of the Constitution] goes onto to say, ‘but the party convicted, that includes the president, should nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgement, and punishment according to law.’”  He states that the framers of the Constitution clearly demonstrated that the president is subject to the normal course of law. 

    Durbin concluded the hearing by stating, “Holding a hearing on the Supreme Court decision is almost routine in this committee… History will judge that it was the right thing to do in light of the gravity of this decision.  And secondly, questioning the ethics of the Supreme Court happens to be our responsibility under the Constitution.”

    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    On July 1, the Supreme Court’s rightwing supermajority ruled that not just Donald Trump—but also future presidents—may be immune from abusing the levers of government to overturn an election or engage in other misconduct. The Court held in a misguided 6-3 decision that “the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.”

    Durbin previously condemned the ruling and announced this hearing, describing the decision as “judicial activism unmoored from the text of the Constitution and intentions of our framers” that “Congress cannot turn a blind eye to.”

    -30-



    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cook Islands and Niue audiences to enjoy Australian content as Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy continues to roll out

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    Australia has continued to boost its presence in the Pacific with the Australian Government today announcing the expansion of the PacificAus TV initiative to two new nations.
     
    Residents of Cook Islands and Niue will be able to access more than 2,000 hours of Australian TV content each year as part of the initiative.
     
    PacificAus TV, which is managed by Free TV Australia, currently receives $5.68 million per year under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to bolster the viability of Pacific regional media and expand access to Australian television programs.
     
    Sports programming is an important element of the PacificAus TV initiative, with Australian news, current affairs, children’s programs, drama, lifestyle and entertainment programs also available.
     
    Cook Islands Television, Vaka TV, and the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue have joined the initiative, with each able to individually broadcast a wide range of Australian television content according to their programming strategies, interests and audience preferences.
     
    They join 14 free-to-air broadcasters across Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu already accessing Australian content through the initiative.
     
    The Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy seeks to increase access to trusted and reliable news, deliver quality content and foster engagement across the region, including through measures like this.
     
    The Strategy provides a framework to help foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement.
     
    For more information on the PacificAus TV initiative visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/media-industry-programs/amplifying-australias-voice-pacific.
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “With the expansion of the PacificAus TV initiative to the Cook Islands and Niue, now even more of our regional neighbours can access quality Australian content – fostering stronger cultural ties across the Indo-Pacific region. 
     
    “The Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in the Indo-Pacific, and has identified this opportunity for expansion.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Senator The Hon Pat Conroy MP
     
    “Australia has a proud history of support for Pacific media and broadcasters, and we know how critical a vibrant media sector is for sharing important stories and forging connections across our region.
     
    “Under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership, we are committed to expanding our engagement with the Pacific media sector.
     
    “PacificAus TV’s growth is delivering on our commitment to share content that resonates with Pacific audiences and complements investments to bolster media development and viability.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Cleaver, Lee Introduce Bill to Prepare Workers and Next Generation for Technology Driven Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the Workforce of the Future Act, legislation that would identify how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will change the workforce of the future and provide workers, teachers, and our nation’s students with the resources to develop integral skills required to participate in that workforce. U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    “With the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, there is boundless opportunity to boost innovation, productivity, and prosperity across the nation,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, as with all new technologies, we must work to ensure the benefits will be distributed equitably across society. As has been highlighted by our work as co-chairs of CBC TECH2025, too often Black and Brown communities get left out when our leaders fail to make intelligent and proactive investments in growing a workforce that supports all Americans. To maximize the potential of these emerging technologies, the U.S. must ensure that we not only have a workforce capable of leading the world in these industries, but also that workers of every background and in every region share in the spoils. I’m proud to partner with Representative Lee and Senator Butler in introducing the Workforce of the Future Act to strengthen the pipeline of America’s technology workforce and safeguard our status as a global leader in innovation.”

    “With the advent of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, it’s essential that we ensure we don’t widen the digital divide that disproportionately harms people of color,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The Workforce of the Future Act will invest $250 million into preparing our students, teachers, and workers for the advanced technology jobs that will shape our future. This bill is about equity, and ensures that the opportunities of tomorrow are available to all communities, particularly those historically underrepresented in the tech sector.”

    The Workforce of the Future Act would require the Department of Labor (DOL), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Education (ED) to conduct a study on the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on job outlooks across sectors.

    This bill would also authorize $250 million in grant funding for labor organizations and state, local, and tribal entities managing education and workforce development programming to foster the development of emerging and advanced technology education in K-12 schools. It would also train a new generation of emerging and advanced technology teachers and provide workers with up-skilling and lifelong learning opportunities.

    Major concerns have been raised over the impact AI will have on the job market, particularly in the manufacturing, automobile, and entertainment industries. Throughout 2023, writers, musicians, and other entertainment industry workers held strikes in an attempt to prevent AI from supplanting their jobs.

    Concerns have also been raised about AI not impacting all communities equally. Many AI models are trained on biased data, leading to outcomes that disproportionately harm marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. These biases can manifest in hiring practices, criminal justice systems, healthcare, and more.

    “Emerging technologies have the potential to significantly change the reality of work. We must continue to understand those impacts, ensuring that we adequately prepare America’s workers to thrive in the evolving job market,” said Senator Butler. “The purpose of this legislation is to solidify our commitment to today’s – as well as tomorrow’s – workers, preparing them to work in tandem with AI and to be ready for the jobs of the future.”

    “As advancements in AI rapidly increase, so do concerns regarding the potential effects of this technology on our workforce,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will help protect American workers by identifying the impacts AI has on jobs, and investing in education and workforce development to better prepare our students, educators, and workers for the future.”

    Specifically, funding from the Workforce of the Future Act would be administered by the Labor and Education Departments and distributed as follows:

    1. $80,000,000 for the creation of K-12 educational programming utilizing emerging technology to foster interest in and increase exposure to science, technology, engineering, art, and math;
    2. $80,000,000 for initiatives to increase the development and recruitment of emerging and advanced technology teachers; and
    3. $90,000,000 for workforce development, upskilling, and lifelong learning programs specifically targeted towards workers in industries or occupations that are projected to see worker displacement as a result of AI adoption.

    The Workforce of the Future Act is endorsed by The Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Microsoft, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), the Urban League, and the California Department of Education.

    Official text of the Workforce of the Future Act is available here.

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Training programs to plug jobs gap in the visitor economy

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 25 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Jobs, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Minister for Tourism


    The Minns Labor Government is boosting NSW’s visitor economy workforce, delivering subsidised training programs for a sector that is expected to need up to 150,000 more workers over the next decade.

    TAFE NSW is partnering with Destination NSW to develop and deliver training programs jointly funded by the Federal Government’s NSW Choose Tourism Program.

    The subsidised courses are designed to address industry workforce shortages by encouraging Australians to pursue a career in the visitor economy, helping operators to attract, retain and upskill staff. 

    A key recommendation of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 Review, to be released in coming weeks, is to encourage school leavers and other jobseekers into the tourism workforce, with the aim of growing the sector in NSW to 450,000 workers. 

    The Review finds that currently school leavers are spurning visitor economy careers, with leakage of workers into mining, agriculture and trades due to “perceived better career paths, industry confidence and better pay”. 

    Having reached a record $52.9 billion of annual visitor expenditure in the year to June, the NSW visitor economy is Australia’s biggest. 

    The growth in the NSW visitor economy over the coming decade will coincide with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport in 2026 and a new emphasis on visitor experiences that show off the best of our food and wine, coastal and aquatic environments, nature-based, cultural, heritage, arts, First Nations, adventure and wellness experiences. 

    The new training programs include:

    • An ‘Introduction to the Visitor Economy’ microskill: a short self-directed online course, designed to provide foundational knowledge and explore careers in the visitor economy industry. The microskill will be offered free to the public for the first six weeks of release, with fully subsidised access available for NSW high school students.
    • Five one-hour video masterclasses: fully subsidised pre-recorded masterclasses will be available on the TAFE NSW website, featuring industry experts such as Scenic World, Cupitt’s Estate, Merlin Entertainments, Sydney Opera House, and W Hotels.  
    • Modernised Certificate III in Tourism: set for delivery in 2025, this updated qualification will include new visitor economy skills. Updates will also incorporate contemporary case studies and assessments based on industry feedback to ensure the qualification meets the current needs of the sector. 

    The ‘Introduction to Visitor Economy’ microskill is launching today and masterclasses will be available from late October 2024. To find out more, visit tafensw.edu.au/visitoreconomy

    Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham said:

    “Through the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 review, we discovered that we need more school leavers to pursue careers in the visitor economy.

    “A career in the visitor economy offers not just an incredible professional pathway but also the opportunity for some of the best life experiences available anywhere in the world.  

    “These new training programs will be invaluable to attracting more people to the visitor economy workforce and will alleviate pressure from the countless small businesses who are feeling the pinch as they look for skilled workers to fill jobs.”

    Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

    “TAFE NSW is working closely with industry to deliver relevant, modern training to build a pipeline of workers needed to support a thriving visitor economy.

    “High schools across NSW, as well as the public, will have access to fee-free places in the Introduction to Visitor Economy microskill, opening doors for people to discover opportunities in this dynamic sector.

    “These exciting new training opportunities will be available online, so people across the state can access the skills and expertise needed to excel in the visitor economy, helping regional businesses attract and retain talent.”

    Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said:

    “A strong, sustainable, skilled workforce is critically important to Australia’s tourism industry.

    “It is a great industry to work in with a diverse range of exciting career opportunities.

    “That is why the Albanese Government is supporting New South Wales, and all states and territories, to build their tourism workforce through our Choose Tourism grants program.

    “My first job was in tourism, and I know firsthand what an amazing opportunity this industry provides, I commend NSW on these initiatives.”

    MIL OSI News