#Directorate of Revenue Intelligence | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mariacallous · 18 days

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In the hours after Iran announced its drone and missile attack on Israel on April 13, fake and misleading posts went viral almost immediately on X. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a nonprofit think tank, found a number of posts that claimed to reveal the strikes and their impact, but that instead used AI-generated videos, photos, and repurposed footage from other conflicts which showed rockets launching into the night, explosions, and even President Joe Biden in military fatigues.

Just 34 of these misleading posts received more than 37 million views, according to ISD. Many of the accounts posting the misinformation were also verified, meaning they have paid X $8 per month for the “blue tick” and that their content is amplified by the platform’s algorithm. ISD also found that several of the accounts claimed to be open source intelligence (OSINT) experts, which has, in recent years, become another way of lending legitimacy to their posts.

One X post claimed that “WW3 has officially started,” and included a video seeming to show rockets being shot into the night—except the video was actually from a YouTube video posted in 2021. Another post claimed to show the use of the Iron Dome, Israel's missile defense system, during the attack, but the video was actually from October 2023. Both these posts garnered hundreds of thousands of views in the hours after the strike was announced, and both originated from verified accounts. Iranian media also shared a video of the wildfires in Chile earlier this year, claiming it showed the aftermath of the attacks. This, too, began to circulate on X.

“The fact that so much mis- and disinformation is being spread by accounts looking for clout or financial benefit is giving cover to even more nefarious actors, including Iranian state media outlets who are passing off footage from the Chilean wildfires as damage from Iranian strikes on Israel to claim the operation as a military success,” says Isabelle Frances-Wright, director of technology and society at ISD. “The corrosion of the information landscape is undermining the ability of audiences to distinguish truth from falsehood on a terrible scale.”

X did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.

Though misinformation around conflict and crises has long found a home on social media, X is often also used for vital real-time information. But under Elon Musk’s leadership, the company cut back on content moderation, and disinformation has thrived. In the days following the October 7 Hamas attack, X was flooded with disinformation, making it difficult for legitimate OSINT researchers to surface information. Under Musk, X has promoted a crowdsourced community notes function as a way to combat misinformation on the platform to varying results. Some of the content identified by ISD has since received community notes, though only two posts had by the time the organization published its findings.

“During times of crisis it seems to be a repeating pattern on platforms such as X where premium accounts are inherently tainting the information ecosystem with half-truths as well as falsehoods, either through misidentified media or blatantly false imagery suggesting that an event has been caused by a certain actor or state,” says Moustafa Ayad, ISD executive director for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. “This continues to happen and will continue to happen in the future, making it even more difficult to know what is real and what is not.”

And for those that are part of X’s subscription model and ad revenue sharing model, going viral could potentially mean making money.

Though it’s not clear that any of the users spreading fake or misleading information identified by ISD were monetizing their content, a separate report released by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) earlier this month found that between October 7 and February 7, 10 influencers, including far-right influencer Jackson Hinkle, were able to grow their followings by posting antisemitic and Islamophobic content about the conflict. Six of the accounts CCDH examined were part of X’s subscription program, and all 10 were verified users. The high-profile influencers who are part of X’s ad revenue sharing program receive a cut of advertising revenue based on ”organic impressions of ads displayed in replies” to their content, according to the company.

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warabidakihime · 8 months

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A Glimpse Beyond Grief: Chapter 2

Characters: Toji Fushiguro x Reader | Office AU | Both characters are in their early 30s | toji is good daddy in this uwu

Synopsis: galactically intertwined journey of two souls: one navigating the depths of loss, the other offering a beacon of healing. through witty banter and unspoken connections, they find solace in unexpected places, uncovering the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to mend even the most shattered hearts.

Content warning: profanity, (eventual) smut, highkey adult themed, can be psychologically and emotionally triggering for some so read with caution.

A/N: there might be a few typos. will fix them once i get home later :D

"Kento, thoughts on this?"

You shared your concerns with your associate director, currently presenting his report during the weekly meeting with your group heads. The session was progressing well, with this month's revenue breaking records again after finalizing the partnership with Gojo Enterprise. The influx of inquiries from other companies kept everyone busy, a challenge you welcomed.

Toji, seated beside you, diligently recorded meeting minutes and contributed insights, especially during Kong Shiu's presentation, the head of your BFSI business unit. Toji collaborated closely with Kong Shiu on certain projects, but ultimately reported directly to you.

Nanami nodded in response to your inquiry. "Yes, according to Gojo-san, our current pace aligns with our agenda. He stressed maintaining service quality as crucial. The partnership has garnered attention, and upholding our standards is paramount."

Leaning back, you considered Nanami's response. "Good to hear. Quality remains non-negotiable as we scale up. We can't afford to compromise and damage our reputation."

Nanami remained composed. "Agreed. I've discussed resource allocation with team leads. We'll handle increased workload intelligently without compromising performance."

As the meeting progressed, Toji contributed, "I've reviewed potential synergies with Gojo Enterprise. Tech implementation stands out as an area where our teams could complement each other."

Nanami showed interest. "Excellent point, Fushiguro-san. Let's set up a meeting with their tech leads to explore these synergies."

You agreed, "Worth pursuing. Coordinate with their team and see if we can arrange something for next week."

The meeting continued with energy, ideas flowing, and plans taking shape. The partnership with Gojo Enterprise had opened opportunities, and your team aimed to leverage them.

After adjournment, Toji lingered. "I'll draft a proposal for joint tech exploration and run it by you before sending it to Satoru."

"Sounds good," you replied, appreciating Toji's proactive approach.

As everyone dispersed, Nanami approached, cautious before expressing his thoughts. "It's reassuring how well things are progressing. The team cohesion is stronger than ever. It should keep him at bay, or, with luck, we can finally shake him off."

You smiled, acknowledging his observation. "Teamwork and adaptability are our strengths. Let's maintain this momentum. Kento, thanks for your insights. I can imagine the effort, despite my reminders to take it easy."

Nanami nodded. "Of course, anytime. I want him out of the picture pronto."

You sighed, looking at your senior director. "Me too, Nii-san. Me too."

Toji observed the interaction between you and Nanami, later discovering he was your big brother. Upon realizing the resemblance, he understood why some mistook you for twins. Despite the age difference, you maintained a professional demeanor at work, surprising Toji when he learned about your relationship.

Returning to your office, your confidence in your team's abilities was evident. Once in the safety of your workspace, you released a slightly shaky breath, realizing you had been holding it during your walk from the boardroom. Toji, ever-observant, had been watching you but remained silent until you were both back in your shared office.

"Everything okay?" he asked as you settled at your desk, noting the unreadable expression that shifted into a rehearsed smile when you faced him.

"Yeah, just a bit tired from the meeting," you replied.

Toji hummed, settling at his desk to resume his tasks. Memories of the day Kenjaku visited replayed in his mind. He recalled the odd look on your face when Kenjaku entered, sensing the animosity between you two. Most of it emanated from you, your eyes shooting daggers at Kenjaku, who reveled in the confrontation with a smug smile.

The man's smile oozed smugness, his posture radiating self-assurance. Toji observed the interaction with a nonchalant air, his instincts signaling that this encounter held more depth than apparent.

You held your ground, a façade of composure concealing the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Toji's sharp eyes shifted between you and Kenjaku, a flicker of intrigue igniting in the depths of his gaze.

As unspoken tension thickened the air, Toji found himself an unwitting spectator to a history shrouded in secrecy.

Kenjaku's voice flowed smoothly, carrying an unearned familiarity that echoed through the room. His eyes bore into yours with a dangerous mix of amusement and shadows.

"Kenjaku," you replied evenly, your voice a masterclass in masking the storm within.

Kenjaku advanced, his movements calculated, invading your personal space with the ease of a predator. "You're looking well," he remarked casually, as if the years between you were nothing more than a fleeting moment.

Your jaw tensed, every muscle poised against the instinct to step back. "Cut to the chase, Kenjaku. What do you want?"

He chuckled softly, the sound grating on your nerves like a dissonant melody. Toji's frown deepened as he observed, the room's tension a silent ballet of wills.

Kenjaku's smile turned predatory, revealing the hidden fangs beneath charm. "You've done well for yourself. JJK Holdings, partnering with Gojo Enterprise. Quite the success story."

Arms folded, you defended with a defiant grace. "I'm not here for pleasantries. If you have something to say, say it."

Toji's gaze flicked to your hands, the subtle tremor betraying the composed exterior. His concern deepened, a silent promise to intervene if needed.

Kenjaku's eyes narrowed, the charm slipping away to reveal the cold calculation beneath. "You always had a sharp tongue. But some things never change, Y/N."

Toji remained steadfast, the lines of readiness etched into his features. Your nostrils flared with a potent mix of anger and frustration. "I'm not afraid of you anymore, Kenjaku. Your games won't work."

Kenjaku's expression darkened, the mask crumbling further. "We'll see, Y/N. We'll see."

Eye contact lingered, anger boiling within. It took everything in you not to succumb to the impulse to slap him. As Kenjaku made his way to the door, his eyes landed on Toji, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, and who might you be?" Kenjaku's voice carried amusement, a calculated interest.

Toji leaned against a nearby table, his posture a blend of nonchalance and quiet confidence. "Fushiguro Toji, Y/N's Executive Assistant."

Recognition flickered in Kenjaku's eyes, a fleeting memory trying to resurface. "Ah, an executive assistant. How quaint."

Toji's lips curled into a knowing smile, his tone casual yet laced with an underlying challenge. "Indeed, quite quaint. But even the most ordinary roles can play a part in remarkable stories."

Tension thickened as a verbal spar unfolded. Kenjaku's arrogant smirk met Toji's confident gaze. "Well, it's good to see that some find contentment in such… supporting roles."

"Supporting roles often hold the threads of the story together, ensuring the narrative's success." Toji's response was a masterful blend of cleverness and professionalism; his words served as a shield of support for you, skillfully countering Kenjaku's implications.

However, Toji wasn't the only one adept in the art of subtle jabs. Kenjaku's attention shifted to you, but his words were directed at your executive assistant, a man visibly measuring your visitor. "Yes, yes... I'm sure Y/N picked you among her seas of applicants for your... capabilities," he turned to Toji, a sick smile playing on his face. "As someone who knows her so well, you're in good hands, Fushiguro-san."

Kenjaku's words dripped with innuendo, a vile implication that sent a chill down your spine. You understood the insinuation, feeling a deep sense of disgust – not towards yourself as Kenjaku perceived, but rather at the twisted conclusions he drew due to your past involvement with him. Meeting his gaze with a calm demeanor, you concealed the tumultuous emotions swirling within.

Toji's response was a seamless fusion of level-headedness and a touch of cheekiness; his words carefully chosen as a retort. "It's always reassuring to provide valuable assistance to a highly respected colleague."

An uneasy tension lingered as Kenjaku's gaze shifted from you to Toji, as if he were peering into the depths of something he shouldn't be privy to. With an arrogant smirk revealing concealed intentions, he slowly backed away. "Ah, well then, I shan't keep you any longer. You both seem to have been having a really good conversation before I arrived."

Kenjaku turned and left the room, his departure leaving behind a residue of tension that slowly dissipated yet never truly disappeared.

As the door closed behind him, you exchanged a brief glance with Toji, the shared unease unspoken yet palpable. Then, for a split second, the lump you had been suppressing surged upwards, choking you with a whirlwind of emotions.

"Y/N!" Toji's voice carried urgency as he swiftly moved to your side, a pillar of support in the aftermath of Kenjaku's unsettling presence.

Slumping down on the floor, you felt the weight of the encounter crash down upon you, your body reacting to the overwhelming stress in a way that you couldn't control. As you expelled the contents of your stomach, the taste of bile on your tongue was a bitter reminder of the toxicity that still lingered from your past.

Toji's hand found its place on your back, rubbing comfortingly as he tried to offer solace amid the storm raging within you. His other hand fumbled for his phone in his pocket, the urgency of the situation driving him to seek help from anyone who could offer support.

Frustrated tears streamed down your face, mingling with the remnants of nausea. The sudden and unwelcome intrusion of your ex-husband had shattered the carefully constructed walls you had built to keep him at bay. The image of his smug smile was seared into your mind, each flash of memory a fresh wave of distress.

Your body convulsed with coughs, and your chest tightened with each intake of air. Toji remained steadfast, his presence a stabilizing force amidst the chaos. He murmured words of reassurance; the sound was a lifeline that helped ground you even as your panic threatened to consume you.

Moments later, the door swung open with a sense of urgency, and Nanami burst into the room. His usually composed demeanor was replaced with raw concern as his gaze landed on his sister, trembling and broken on the floor. He knelt down beside you, his touch gentle yet firm as he sought to offer his support.

Nanami's eyes held a mix of frustration and protectiveness; he had witnessed the toll Kenjaku's presence took on you before, and the sight of your suffering struck a nerve within him. He gently reached out, his hand finding yours in a comforting grip. "Y/N," His voice was soft but unwavering, a lifeline echoing Toji's earlier attempts to anchor you. "You're safe now. He's gone."

But just like any other attack, their words flew by you, distant echoes in the midst of your overwhelming turmoil. You were trapped in a whirlwind of emotions, your chest constricting with anxiety and pain. The memory of Kenjaku's smug smile and cutting words replayed like a haunting melody in your mind, each note reverberating with the memories of past wounds.

As you trembled, unable to find your voice, you felt Nanami's arms wrap around you in a protective embrace. The warmth of his presence and the strong beat of his heart against your back provided a sense of solace; his touch was a silent promise that he was there for you and that he wouldn't let you face this alone. His grip tightened as he held you close, his voice a whisper against your ear. "I'm here, Y/N. You're not alone. Not anymore. Not ever."

But even in the safety of his arms, the pain persisted, the memories too vivid to ignore. Tears streamed down your face as you struggled to regain control over your racing heartbeat. The suffocating weight of fear and anger pressed down on you, threatening to overwhelm your senses.

"I'm sorry, Y/N. It's my fault. I failed you again today." Nanami’s words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his own guilt and turmoil; his tone was heavy with regret and self-blame.

You turned your head slightly, seeking his eyes through tear-blurred vision. His gaze was earnest, filled with a mixture of remorse and affection. In that moment, you saw not just your older brother but a man who had carried his own burdens and regrets, a man who had always tried to protect you, even from the demons of the past.

Toji, once again a star witness to yet another spectacle he's probably not allowed to see, continued to observe from a respectful distance. His expression was a mix of concern and understanding. He watched as Nanami cradled you in his arms, offering the comfort that only a brother's embrace could provide.

As your tears gradually subsided and your breathing began to steady, you were too tired and drained to speak. Nanami's grip remained firm, an unspoken promise that he would stand by your side through it all. In the midst of the lingering pain and vulnerability, you finally found peace in the presence of those who cared for you—a reminder that you were not defined by the scars of your past.

However, your eyes still looked distant, a complete contrast to the ones that Toji was used to. When you turned to him, your eyes somehow regained their clarity, and the sight sent shivers down his spine. The scene felt hauntingly familiar to him, a poignant reflection of the depths he had once sunk into during his grieving days after the loss of his wife. It was as though he could see the shadows of his own past in the turmoil you were experiencing. He had been lost in a similar type of pain and despair until Megumi and Tsumiki helped him stand up again and start anew.

You mumbled something under your breath; it sounded so faint, but both of them heard you loud and clear.

"I'm sorry."

The weight of those words hung in the air, carrying layers of meaning that resonated with the shared experiences of pain and redemption. Toji's gaze held a mixture of empathy and recognition, silently acknowledging the complexities of healing and the journey toward self-forgiveness.

The day slipped by effortlessly, and before anyone realized it, the clock had already struck five, signaling the end of the workday. Toji was in the midst of organizing his belongings when he noticed you still engrossed in your laptop, your fingers dancing across the keyboard.

"You're not heading home yet?" His question held a hint of concern as he slung his backpack over his shoulder, his gaze lingering on you, absorbed in your work.

"Hm, not just yet. I need to wrap this up in time for our meeting with Satoru next week."

After gathering his belongings, Toji walked over to your desk and peeked at what you were working on—the proposal for the partnership. "If you want, I can work on that at home. Just email me the key points, and I'll have it ready by Friday."

You met Toji's gaze with a mixture of reluctance and relief in your eyes. Despite wanting to refuse his offer, your gratitude betrayed you, causing a chuckle to escape Toji's lips. He affectionately ruffled your hair with one hand and suggested, "Leave it to me, Y/N. Head home and get some rest."

A grateful smile formed on your lips, and in an uncharacteristic move, you leaned gently into the warmth of his hand, now cozily resting on your shoulder. Such familiarity between a supervisor and her subordinate might raise eyebrows, but the fatigue coursing through you outweighed any adherence to protocol. And in all honesty, it had been so long since you'd experienced any semblance of softness and warmth that your hormones were acting up. You couldn't help but feel slightly self-conscious as it physically manifested through the apples of your cheeks.

Besides, ever since that pivotal day, the seed of a harmless crush had deepened its roots, evolving into something more profound. While you hesitated to label it love, you were certain you were hurtling in that direction at the speed of light.

However, your musings on Toji's feelings for you were less certain. Was he merely being a steadfast friend, or was he forging a deeper connection? Or did your own self-doubt misconstrue his intentions as pity, stemming from witnessing your vulnerability?

"I'll leave it to you then, Toji. Thank you," you replied to him, to which he responded with a gentleman-like nod. You smiled at the gesture before standing up to stretch your very tired limbs. You were practically glued to your seat, so sore all over your body that a tiny whimper escaped your lips.

"Just doing my job," Toji said, his voice laced with mirth.

"Make sure to plot in your timesheet that you allotted overtime hours, so it gets measured by the payroll team," you reminded him as you gathered your own belongings. Toji chuckled at this and nodded again as a response, but it was soon followed by a cheeky reply, "Thanks, boss."

You snorted at his remark and playfully smacked him on the chest. A shared laugh filled the room, and your eyes briefly met before you pulled away to finish tidying up, preparing to head home and rest. The journey to the elevator was enveloped in a comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional brush of your hands. Each accidental collision sparked a wave of warmth in your chest, and Toji's ears showed a hint of crimson. He contemplated whether to pull his hand away or yield to the desire to grab yours and hold it tight. Ever since that day, something stronger and more compelling had stirred within Toji.

What he had been denying to himself since your paths crossed was becoming clearer. It wasn't just gratitude; it was a genuine attraction that burned and ate away at him the more time he spent with you.

As you waited for the elevator, Toji broke the silence by asking, "Are you free this weekend?"

"Hm? Yes, why?" Your voice betrayed a subtle excitement, and your heart raced. Is this what you think it is?

"Well, I was kind of thinking of inviting you to come along with me and the kids to an animal shelter we visit monthly," Toji started. He cleared his throat and scratched a spot on his nape, a nervous habit. "Tsumiki, my daughter, and well… Megumi too, they love animals, and so we have this tradition of volunteering at the shelter near our neighborhood. If you want, you can tag along and, you know, relax. Not that working at an animal shelter would help you relax, but at least, it would keep your mind preoccupied." He chuckled sheepishly.

A genuine smile dawned on your face. You couldn't help but appreciate that he wasn't outright addressing what happened a couple of days ago, as you weren't quite ready to have that conversation. You looked at him, and this time, you were rather bold with your actions as you subtly batted your eyelashes at your executive assistant, saying, "I'd love to." The air seemed to crackle with unspoken emotions, and Toji's gaze held a mixture of relief and anticipation, a silent acknowledgment of the uncharted territory your relationship was treading.

Taglist: @nerdiel-has-no-braincells @bontens-angel

#warabidakihime #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x reader #jjk smut #toji smut #toji x you #toji x reader #toji fushiguro smut #toji fushiguro x you #toji fushiguro x reader #jujutsu kaisen smut #jjk headcanons #jjk imagine #jujutsu kaisen headcanons

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fans4wga · 10 months

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SAG-AFTRA Warns ‘Acting Profession’ May ‘No Longer Be an Option’ Without ‘Transformative Change’ in Contract

SAG-AFTRA held an informational meeting for more than 760 people over Zoom on Monday afternoon.

Among those who signed on were actors Lupita Nyong’o, Vanessa Kirby, Melissa McCarthy, Vanessa Hudgens, Lucy Liu, Laverne Cox, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Jon Huertas and Josh Pence, according to a source.

CAA’s Bryan Lourd, Faith France and Ryan Abboushi also attended, as did UTA’s Jay Gassner and Shani Rosenzweig and Houston Costa and Kris Heller of IAG. Publicists included Mara Buxbaum, Jill Fritzo, Luke Windsor, Brianna Smith and Cheryl Maisel.

The meeting was led by SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. The guild shared a one-sheet of talking points for participants. Among the bulleted items on revenue sharing, health care and retirement, online casting platforms and artificial intelligence, the memo states, “Without a transformative change in SAG-AFTRA’s current contract with the AMPTP, the acting profession will no longer be an option for future generations of performers, and actors already working in the industry will need to pursue other careers in order to survive.”

Crabtree-Ireland read questions from participants in the chat, including one asking if SAG-AFTRA members should “unsubscribe” to struck streaming services. While there is no rule regarding subscriptions, Crabtree-Ireland said that leaving a streamer is one way of showing support of the strike, a source tells Variety.

There are two more similar Zoom meetings set for Tuesday, July 18.

As Variety’s Gene Maddaus reported on July 15, the biggest sticking points for SAG-AFTRA and the major studios is the union’s demand for 2% of the revenue generated by streaming shows. The two sides also remain far apart on basic increases in minimum rates, with the studios offering 5%, 4% and 3.5% across the three years of the contract, while the union is demanding 11%, 4% and 4%."

#sag-aftra strike #sag strike #fans4wga #union solidarity #current events

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kakiastro · 2 years

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Houses

The houses is the next important part of astrology. The houses represents the area of life the planets and signs affect.

1 house - Aries house

Self

You are the main character of your life

How you look

First impressions that people make lf you when the first meet you

Head/ skin complexion

Incarnation

Worldly outlook

Public conscious

Manners

Habits

Early Childhood

One indication of life purpose

2 house -Taurus house

Your finances and wealth

Your family values/ your values

Banks

Investments

Comfort foods/foods

Chef

Farmers/farming

Food resources

Your voice

Throat

Taxes/ revenue

Friends of partners

Economy

Secrets pleasures and desires

Pleasures

Skills and resources

Possessions

Fashion aesthetics

Music taste

3 house- Gemini house

Communication

Radio

Information

Writings

Journals/ books about specific topics

Siblings

Transportation (cars, trucks, trains and boats)

Lungs

Fingers/finger nails

Aunts/uncles

Short trips

Education (k-12)

Teachers

Critics/ criticism

Video games / board games/arena games

4 house- Cancer house

Women/feminine

Mothers

Parents in general

Babies

Breast/chest

Milk

Showers/ baths/ ponds/rain

Home life

Family life/ ancestors

Hidden thoughts and feelings

Digestive system

Private life

Realtors/real estate/ renters/ home owners

Father in law

Old people

Nursing/nurses/nursery

Hotels/ motels

5 house- Leo house

How we have fun

Actors/actresses

Directors/filmmakers/ motion pictures/

Entertainment/amusement

Movie theaters

Concerts

Games/Arcade games/arena games

Theater/ dance/ acting

Music/musicals/musicians

Drama

Pride

Ego

Romance

Lovers

Dates/date night

Creativity

Child(ren)

Youth

First born child

2nd sibling

Gambling/gamblers

Royals

King/ Prince/ Queen/ Princess/ other novels

Your Heart organ

Lottery

6 house- Virgo house

Health

Health professionals (doctors, nurses)

Healers/ outer healing

Animals(small and domestic)

Artistic abilities

Birds

Body health

Hygiene

Physical examination

Bowels

Medical drugs

Caretakers

Brother/sister in law’s reputation

Critic/criticism

Judgement

Organizations/organized

Notes

Writing in details

Cooking

Employees

Co workers

Intelligence

First responders

Butler, maids, busboys

Cleaners

Grandchildren reputation

Offices

Companies

7 house- Libra house

Relationships (platonic & romantic )

Business/ business partners

First Marriage

Divorce

Alliances

Grandparents in general

Grandma

Husband & Wife

2nd Child

3rd sibling

Lawyers/law suites/laws

Court of law

Agents

Agreements/disagreements

Liver

Kidneys

Bladder

Butt

Lower back

Controversial

Dealings with the public

Open public enemies

Art, artist

Actors/actresses

Bars

Contest

Serious lovers

Close fan base

Affection

8 house- Scorpio house

Death/rebirth

Giving birth

Joint finances with partner

Wealth through marriage

Other people finances

Deepest fears

Obsessions

Genitals

Sex/sex work

Heirs

Heirlooms

Occult/occult studies

Debt

Underground crime

Surgery

Inner power

Psychic abilities

Psychology/ psychology therapy

Therapist

9 house- Sagittarius house

Spirituality/ religion (church, clergy, prophet, spiritual gifts)

Philosophy and ideals on life

Long range travel

Long range communication

Dreams and faith

Higher learning(college, grad school)

Teachers

Astral travel

Books/journals about broad topics

3rd child

Logic

Intellect

Metaphysics

Airports

Ships/shipping/shipping docks

Horses

Pets end of life

Hips and thighs

Liver

Upper legs

Supreme Court

10 house-Capricorn house

Career

Public status in society

Public image

Publicity

Success

Ambition

Knee/kneecaps

Skeletal system

Teeth

Famous family/family name

Fame

Popularity

Infamous

Scandals

CEO/ supervisor/managers

Father/fatherhood

Authority figure in your life

Government(president, senates, house, prime minister) all officials

Vocation

11 house- Aquarius house

Humanity

Humanitarian

Community

Friend groups

Social groups

Acquaintances

Friendship

Friends appearance

Science

Technology

Stans (loyal fans)

Support system

Aspiration and dreams

4th child

Step children

Daughter/ Son in laws

Community projects

Wealth within social groups

City

Lower calves/ankles

Flattery

Social media

Memberships and clubs

12 house- Pisces house

Deep dreams

Mythical/mystical/ ethereal

Asylums

Bondage

Blackmail

Fraud

Bootleggers

Spiritual

Burglary/burgalers

Cheating/cheaters

The unknown

Conspiracies

Hidden talents

True talents

Clinics

Prisons

Pass life

Karma/karmic

Monks

Intrigue

Hidden society

Hidden cults

Misinformation meditation

Inner Healing

Spiritual gifts

Drugs

Addictions

Orphanage

Partners career

Veterinarian

Voting/voters

Inner pain

Nurses

Big cats

Bigger animals such as elephants ect

Thank you for reading and I hoped you enjoyed this post

#astrology community #astrology

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lenbryant · 10 months

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(Long rePost) "Blood in the water"

How SAG-AFTRA strike will create global havoc for Hollywood - Los Angeles Times

SAG-AFTRA members picket outside Netflix in Hollywood on Friday, the first day of the union’s strike — and first such walkout in 43 years.

(Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Hollywood top executives figured they could ride out a skirmish with screenwriters reeling from technology’s changes to the industry.

But few executives were prepared for — or wanted — a strike by the industry’s largest union, SAG-AFTRA, which represents 160,000 actors and other performers.

After talks over a new contract collapsed last week, throngs of performers joined writers on picket lines — plunging Los Angeles’ signature industry into chaos and further complicating what some fear could become a long and devastating strike.

Movie shoots have ground to a halt. A-list stars have bailed on film and TV marketing campaigns. Matt Damon, Cillian Murphy and other actors walked outduring Thursday night’s London premiere of Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated “Oppenheimer.”

The upcoming fall TV season could sputter, devoid of new scripted episodes of “Abbott Elementary,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “NCIS.” And media companies that were already struggling to compete in the streaming era could see their fortunes further sink.

“There’s going to be a lot of blood in the water,” Jonathan Taplin, director emeritus of USC’s Annenberg Innovation Lab, said. “This is not going to end well.”

Simultaneous strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists — the first joint work stoppage since Ronald Reagan led SAG in 1960 — couldn’t come at a worse time for traditional entertainment companies.

Their businesses haven’t fully recovered from pandemic shutdowns. Walt Disney Co., Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery have been grappling with heavy debt loads due to mergers, and also from ordering dozens of shows to ramp up their streaming services. All the while, linear broadcast and cable TV networks have witnessed a precipitous slide in viewers to Netflix and other streaming services.

“The economics of the industry are very challenging — the worst that we’ve ever seen,” veteran media analyst Michael Nathanson said. “A prolonged strike will only make things worse.”

Amid a nationwide rise in labor activity, Hollywood’s discord has taken on the trappings of a larger cultural clash, ostensibly pitting everyday workers against top wage earners, America’s 1%.

On picket lines and social media sites, richly compensated industry leaders, including Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger and Warner Bros. Discovery Chief David Zaslav, are being portrayed as cartoon villains.

Outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters on Friday, a striking worker hoisted a sign that depicted Iger’s face superimposed on a hand-drawn Marie Antoinette figure, holding a raspberry-colored confection under the words: “How about sharing some of that cake, Bob?”

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, center, and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, left, outside Netflix on Friday.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, best known for starring in the 1990s sitcom “The Nanny,” has been celebrated among striking workers after her rousing speech Thursday to announce her board’s unanimous vote to call a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization that negotiates on behalf of the media companies.

Actors are seeking higher minimum pay, increased residuals and revenue sharing with the streamers. They’ve demanded protections against the use of artificial intelligence to simulate background actors, known as “extras.” Writers have made similar demands, saying since the rise of streaming, midlevel writers have struggled to make a living wage.

“The entire business model has been changed because of streaming, digital and AI,” Drescher said. “At some point, you have to say ‘no, we’re not going to take this anymore.’”

The AMPTP defended the offer the group had made to actors, including what it said was the highest percentage increase in pay minimums in 35 years and a “groundbreaking” proposal for AI protections.

“A strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life,” the AMPTP said. “The union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry.”

It’s not clear when bargaining sessions with the actors might resume. No talks are currently scheduled.

AMPTP negotiators haven’t met with the WGA in more than two months.

Taplin, a former film producer who wrote a book about artificial intelligence, “The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires Are Selling Out Our Future,” said the threat posed by technology “for all artistic production is gigantic.”

“People worry, in the abstract, about AI replacing workers but here it is, it’s actually happening,” Taplin said. “They don’t want to have to pay for extras anymore, so they could have a scene that has 5,000 AI extras in the background.”

Technology also has upset Hollywood’s hierarchy. AMPTP’s shifting makeup now includes tech giants Amazon, Apple and Netflix — companies that don’t have a tradition of collective bargaining.

Veteran executives said the group, even in good economic times, formed an uneasy alliance. Member companies, including Disney, Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Netflix, are more accustomed to battling one another for viewers and revenue.

And some in Hollywood have wondered whether the AMPTP’s shifting makeup will stand in the way of a deal.

When reached for comment, AMPTP spokesperson Scott Rowe said: “The companies remain completely united.”

But unlike past strikes, including the 100-day standoff between writers and studios in 2007-2008, no leading executive has emerged to help broker labor peace.

Director Steven Spielberg, left, Disney CEO Bob Iger and director James Cameron in January.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Wall Street already has placed its bets, punishing the stocks of legacy media companies.

Since the writers’ strike began in May, Disney’s stock has fallen 13% to $88.62 a share. Paramount has dropped more than 30% to $15.96 a share, and Warner Bros. Discovery has declined nearly 7% to $12.40.

Shares of WBD, which owns HBO and CNN, closed at $12.40 on Friday, down nearly 50% since April 2022 when the smaller Discovery absorbed WarnerMedia — a deal that saddled the company with more than $45 billion in debt.

In contrast, Netflix shares have soared 36% to $441.91 since the writers’ strike began.

Netflix now boasts a higher market value — nearly $200 billion — than Disney, the world’s largest entertainment company, which is valued at $162 billion.

“Investors are saying Netflix can weather the storm,” Nathanson said. “They make a lot of shows, and stack them up because of the binge-viewing model. They also have a lot more international production that they can import.”

Disney’s boss, Iger, appeared on business channel CNBC last week from the annual media mogul conference in picturesque Sun Valley, Idaho. The executive, who returned to the company in November, acknowledged that he underestimated the challenges confronting his company — particularly in the traditional television business.

“The disruptive forces that have been preying on that business for a while are greater than I thought,” Iger said. “We have to come to grips with that.”

Disney already has slashed nearly 7,000 jobs this year in an effort to save $5.5 billion. And in a nod to the changing winds, Iger suggested Disney might consider shedding linear channels, perhaps even the ABC television network.

The company, he said, also is open to taking on a strategic partner for ESPN.

Disney’s sports empire remains lucrative, but it is plagued by the trend of consumers ditching cable and satellite subscriptions in favor of streaming apps. At some point, the company plans to offer ESPN directly to consumers — but Iger didn’t say when.

“We’re seeing accelerated cord cutting as people are dropping the cable bundle,” Nathanson said. “And advertisers are no longer supporting the networks as they have in the past.”

Broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox — are expected to be hit hard by the twin strikes because they are most reliant on fresh programming. Late-night comedians, including ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel and CBS’ Stephen Colbert, have been off the air since early May, when the writers’ strike began.

If the two walkouts are not resolved before October, there probably won’t be any new scripted shows produced until next year, according to company insiders.

And that could be devastating at a time when traditional networks are struggling to hold on to viewers.

“The networks have sports and news but a lot of their constituents are there to watch the prime-time shows,” said Neil Begley, a senior vice president for Moody’s Investors Service. “Among those viewers, there’s an expectation that fall is the start of the new season. The networks are going to have to reach far and wide for content to fill those hours.”

Compounding matters, this year’s annual TV advertising market, when TV networks sell their commercial time for the new season, has been sluggish.

“Advertisers don’t know what type of programming they’re going to get with these strikes,” Begley said. “They’re saying: Why commit?”

Privately, company executives say their businesses won’t feel much financial pain for several months. Without widespread production, costs will be lower, which translates into higher profits — at least in the short term.

Studios also are expected to begin canceling TV writers’ overall deals to find more savings.

But eventually, networks and streamers will run low on original episodes and media executives will be motivated to reach a detente.

“You can’t get by without actors,” Begley said. “The actors’ strike gave more leverage to the writers.”

Analysts and veteran executives said the market is straining to support all of the streaming services — and shows to stock them — launched in the last five or so years. Hollywood, they say, could look dramatically different after the strikes get resolved.

“Consolidation is going to happen,” predicted Nathanson. “Perhaps the strike will accelerate those moves as the weakness sets in. Some of these players are going to get weaker.”

Times staff writers Richard Verrier, Yvonne Villarreal, Ryan Faughnder, Stephen Battaglio and Anousha Sakoui contributed to this report.

#refrigerator magnet #wga strike #sag/aftra strike #hollywood #labor #pay your writers #pay your actors #union strong

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 3 months

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AI Shows Signs of Maturity, Expansion in Brazil

Brazilian enterprises are turning to providers to help them adopt a more flexible, effective approach to managing data assets, ISG Provider Lens™ report says

Following high hopes and great expectations, the long-promised revolution in artificial intelligence has finally arrived in Brazil, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm.

The 2023 ISG Provider Lens™ Analytics Services report for Brazil finds the transformation of companies using AI is in full swing in Brazil and is expanding at a surprising rate and scale. Virtually every function has a solution capable of automating processes, reducing costs, mitigating risks, generating additional revenue or enabling better decision-making, the ISG report says.

“There is a steady increase in AI applications and AI-enabled business capabilities used across various company departments, processes and sectors,” said Shriram Natarajan, ISG director, Industry Transformation and Applied AI. “The leading providers have a clear vision of how their solutions can positively transform the businesses of their clients.”

Companies in Brazil are placing greater emphasis on data quality, with the understanding that the quality of their models hinges on the quality of the data that goes into them, the ISG report says. As a result, there is a growing demand for applications exclusively dedicated to handling data assets, the report says.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #economy #artificial intelligence #technology #°angry artistic grumbling°#mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

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whatevergreen · 8 months

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Oh f***:

"Since leaving No 10, the former prime minister has arguably become more powerful thanks to the work of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), which has exploded in size and revenue during the last few years. Its accounts show it made over $81m (£65m) in revenue in 2021, a 78% increase on the previous year.

With the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, increasingly turning to Blair as an unofficial source of advice, the influence of both the former prime minister and his institute could soon grow further. ...

Critics ... accuse Blair of using the institute as a vehicle to advance his own ideological views and the causes of some of its corporate backers.

A spokesperson for the leftwing campaign group Momentum said: “It’s deeply worrying to hear of the Tony Blair Institute’s extensive influence in Keir Starmer’s Labour.

“This is an organisation bankrolled by billionaires, which continues to advise and take money from the murderous Saudi government. What’s worse, its solutions reflect these corporate interests, with Tony Blair laughably claiming that Britain’s economic crisis is a result of too much tax and spend.”

After leaving Downing Street, Blair pursued a handful of different commercial and philanthropic activities. They included advising the US bank JP Morgan for $1m a year, and the insurance group Zurich for a reported six-figure salary. ..."

...

"The policy area that underpins much of what the institute does, however, is technology. Blair’s belief that governments can cut their costs by embracing cutting-edge technology is promoted by the institute as a whole, which advocates for countries to roll out digital identification cards and spend heavily on artificial intelligence.

The institute also pushes for governments around the world to digitise their health records, an agenda that happens to tally with the corporate interests of one of its biggest donors, Larry Ellison.

Ellison, the co-founder of the technology company Oracle who has ties to Donald Trump, has long been a strong supporter of the TBI. Oracle’s executive director for external relations, Awo Ablo, is also one of the TBI’s four directors.

Ellison gave the TBI $33.8m through his philanthropic foundation in 2021 and promised another $49.4m in 2022. That was also the year Oracle bought the healthcare IT company Cerner for $28bn."

#tony blair #politics #war criminal hypocrite

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mariacallous · 5 months

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International sanctions failed to stop the Russian economy from recovering to near prewar levels earlier this year, according to the latest statistics from the nation’s Federal State Statistics Service. Western news outlets and analysts now acknowledge it, too. Vladimir Putin is dancing on the bones of John McCain, declaring that Russia is no “gas station,” while presidential economic adviser Maxim Oreshkin insists that Europe has suffered more from its sanctions against Moscow than Russia itself. But not everything is sunshine and lollipops; millions of Russians are paying for the surge in military production as inflation reaches 7.5 percent. Amid indications of an overheating economy, a slowdown or perhaps even a recession is expected in 2024.

Western sanctions sent Russia into a recession after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but the economy has bounced back, at least in certain metrics, and the downturn ended in August after a mere 10 months, according to the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting. While TsMAKP perhaps isn’t the most objective think tank (its director, Dmitry Belousov, is the brother of First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov), Russia’s gross domestic product did grow 5.5 percent in the third quarter of 2023 and rose 3.2 percent in the first 10 months of the year. GDP was 1.1 percent greater in 2023 than during the same period in 2021, before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the West’s supposedly crippling sanctions.

Russia has outperformed the forecasts of its own Economic Development Ministry and Central Bank, which said in the spring that GDP growth on the year wouldn’t exceed 2 percent. Now even analysts at Bloomberg Economics say the rise in 2023 will surpass 3 percent.

This week, Vladimir Putin declared triumphantly that Russia’s annual GDP growth will exceed 3.5 percent. “Any intelligent person must agree that this is a good indicator for the Russian economy,” the president explained, adding that only 2 percent of the country’s growth came from resource extraction.

The spike in economic output this year is remarkable, but these indicators capture the nation’s recovery from a slump, like in 2021 after the coronavirus pandemic. In other words, Russia’s surging GDP isn’t the evidence of sustainable development that Putin claims.

From subsidized recovery to overheated economy

Russia’s manufacturing output has been booming, but money from the oil and gas industries nevertheless made up roughly a third of all federal budget revenue between January and October 2023. Yes, oil and gas production declined by 2 and 5 percent, respectively, but this was due primarily to obligations Russia accepted in a deal with OPEC to cut supplies. According to former Central Bank Deputy Chairman Sergey Aleksashenko, the primitive structure of Russia’s reliance on oil and gas exports has actually insulated its economy against international sanctions and helped the Kremlin sustain the war in Ukraine.

The federal deficit in 2023 is expected to be just 1 percent of GDP — half the authorities’ original estimate — despite skyrocketing allocations to military production. At the same time, annual spending on “national defense” and “national security” will exceed 6.2 percent of annual GDP and rise to almost 8 percent of GDP in 2024, reaching nearly 40 percent of all budget expenditures.

Russia finances its deficit spending through reserves held in the National Wealth Fund (the liquidity of which the Finance Ministry currently estimates to be 6.94 trillion rubles, or 4.6 percent of GDP) and through government loans. By November 1, the total volume of soft loans had reached 11 trillion rubles — 7 percent of GDP and more than 14 percent of the credit portfolio of Russian banks. Major enterprises with state ownership (including Russian Railways, AvtoVAZ, Aeroflot, and Roscosmos) have started lobbying for preferential terms on loans.

Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has warned that the government fuels inflation by subsidizing more and more borrowing, which forces her office to maintain a high key rate. In November, inflation in annual terms reached 7.5 percent and showed no signs of slowing. Something that is slowing: Russia’s economic growth. According to the Central Bank, the recovery peaked in the third quarter of 2023.

Russia’s human problem

Shortages of industrial capacity and labor will also limit Russia’s manufacturing development, says Raiffeisenbank analyst Stanislav Murashov. Additionally, further hikes to the key interest rate will slow the growth of wages and complicate the work of upgrading enterprises technologically. With nearly full employment, labor will redistribute across sectors, driving workers from areas hit by rising interest rates like construction, retail, and finance into enterprises in Russia’s military-industrial complex, predicts Bloomberg Economics chief economist Alexander Isakov, who says future rate hikes will reduce lending and, in turn, consumer demand, raising the risk of another recession in the next six months to more than 70 percent.

More than 85 percent of companies are experiencing staff shortages, and skilled workers are the most scarce of all. Wages rose nominally by 13.2 percent in the first nine months of 2023, and unemployment fell to 2.9 percent (the lowest level in post-Soviet history), but these impressive statistics conceal major problems with labor productivity, which fell by 3.6 percent compared to 2021 — the worst decline since 2009. The emigration of skilled workers fleeing the war and political repressions, not to mention the participation and deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in the war, has removed from Russia’s labor pool another million or so workers.

While the invasion remains the government’s top priority, there will be relatively less funding for developing Russia’s human capital through spending on education and healthcare. The longer this continues, the harder it will be for the Kremlin to return to solving complex “civilian” issues, and the easier it will be to drag out the war.

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jcmarchi · 6 months

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7 Applications of AI Video in the Entertainment Industry - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/7-applications-of-ai-video-in-the-entertainment-industry-technology-org/

7 Applications of AI Video in the Entertainment Industry - Technology Org

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, and the entertainment sector is no exception. In recent years, AI has found numerous applications in video production, enhancing creativity, efficiency, and audience engagement. From video editing to content recommendation, AI-driven technologies are transforming the way we create, distribute, and consume entertainment content. In this article, we will explore seven exciting applications of generative AI video in the entertainment industry.

Video editing. Image credit: DaleshTV via Wikimedia, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Video Editing and Post-Production

One of the most prominent applications of AI in the entertainment industry is in video editing and post-production. AI-powered editing tools can analyze video footage to automatically select the best shots, correct color and lighting, and even add special effects. For instance, Adobe’s Premiere Pro offers AI-powered features like Auto Reframe, which automatically adjusts the aspect ratio of videos for different platforms, saving creators valuable time.

Deepfake Technology

Deepfake technology, which uses AI algorithms to superimpose one person’s face onto another’s body, has garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry. While controversial, deepfakes have been used in movies and TV shows to recreate the likeness of actors who are no longer available or to de-age actors. This technology allows filmmakers to create realistic digital people and characters, opening up new creative possibilities.

Personalized Content Recommendation

AI-driven recommendation algorithms have become a staple in the entertainment industry, helping platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube suggest content tailored to individual preferences. These algorithms analyze users’ viewing habits, likes, and dislikes to recommend movies, TV shows, and music that align with their tastes. This personalized content recommendation not only enhances user experience but also keeps viewers engaged for longer periods, increasing platform revenue.

Virtual Production

AI video is also revolutionizing virtual production techniques. Filmmakers can now use AI-driven tools to create realistic virtual sets and environments. This technology allows for more cost-effective and efficient filmmaking, as it eliminates the need for physical sets and on-location shoots. Additionally, it enables real-time visualization of scenes, empowering directors and actors to make instant creative decisions.

Video Restoration and Enhancement

AI algorithms are invaluable in restoring and enhancing old or damaged video footage. Whether it’s restoring classic films or enhancing historical footage, AI-driven tools can significantly improve the quality of visuals and audio. This not only preserves valuable cultural artifacts but also offers a new way to experience old content with modern clarity and vibrancy.

Content Creation and Generation

AI-generated content is gaining traction in the entertainment industry. AI systems can analyze trends, generate scripts, and even compose music. OpenAI’s GPT-3, for example, has been used to write articles, stories, and dialogues for video games. While AI-generated content is not replacing human creativity, it can be a valuable tool for generating ideas and streamlining content creation processes.

Audience Engagement and Interaction

AI is enhancing audience engagement in various entertainment forms, including interactive videos, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality games. Interactive storytelling powered by AI allows viewers to make choices that impact the narrative, creating personalized experiences. Virtual reality and augmented reality experiences are also made more immersive and interactive with AI, providing audiences with captivating and engaging entertainment options.

AI video technology is reshaping the entertainment industry in remarkable ways. From video editing and deepfake technology to personalized content recommendation and virtual production, AI is enhancing creativity and efficiency throughout the production process. Additionally, AI is contributing to the preservation and enhancement of historical content and generating new forms of creative expression. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting applications in the entertainment industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of video and media. It’s an exciting time for both creators and audiences as AI-driven innovations continue to transform the entertainment landscape.

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beardedmrbean · 2 years

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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A court in Iran on Thursday ordered the United States government to pay over $4 billion to the families of Iranian nuclear scientists who have been killed in targeted attacks in recent years, state-run media reported.

The largely symbolic ruling underscores the escalating tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, with negotiations to restore the tattered atomic accord at a standstill.

Although Tehran has blamed Israel in the past for slayings targeting Iranian nuclear scientists since a decade ago, Iran did not directly accuse its arch-foe Israel in its announcement. Iran has not recognized Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the pro-West monarchy and brought Islamists to power.

The court mentioned Israel only in saying the U.S. supported the “Zionist regime” in its “organized crime” against the victims.

It's unclear how the court decision, like a raft of previous Iranian cases against the U.S. as the two sides have engaged in a spiraling escalation of threats, would gain traction; there are no American assets to confiscate in the Islamic Republic.

Still, the court branch, which is dedicated to the review of Iranian complaints against the U.S., summoned 37 former American officials, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Iran envoy Brian Hook and former Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.

Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed tough economic sanctions on Iran that severed most of its oil revenues and international financial transactions.

President Joe Biden wanted to return to the accord, but talks have stalled in recent weeks over America’s designation of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, Iran is enriching uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels under decreasing international oversight. Earlier this month, Iran removed 27 surveillance cameras of the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency in what its director warned could deal a “fatal blow” to the nuclear accord.

The families of three nuclear scientists who had been killed in targeted slayings, along with one nuclear scientist wounded in an attack, filed the lawsuit in Tehran, the country's state-run IRNA news agency reported, without identifying the plaintiffs. The court ordered that the U.S. pay $4.3 billion in total compensation, including fines.

Iran and Israel have been locked in a shadow war across the Middle East and its waters. That conflict has escalated with the recent suspected targeted killings of Iranian nuclear scientists and military officials. In late 2020, Iran blamed Israel for killing its top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, with a remote-controlled machine gun while he was traveling in a car outside Tehran.

Iran also has placed sanctions on prominent American political and military officials for alleged “terrorism” and “human rights violations,” in retaliation for the U.S. assassination of Iran’s top commander, Qassem Soleimani, two years ago.

Meanwhile Thursday, the Guard replaced the head of its intelligence arm. Cleric Hossein Taeb will be replaced by Gen. Mohammad Kazemi, the former head of the Guard's security department.

The move follows the deaths of several Guard officers in recent weeks. Taeb was known for his heavy-handed policies toward pro-reform figures since Iran's 2009 post-election turmoil.

#nunyas news

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yourreddancer · 2 years

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Heather Cox RIchardson

April 29, 2022 (Friday)

The “Ghost of Kyiv,” an ace pilot who heartened the Ukrainian resistance by shooting down a number of Russian aircraft on the first day of Russia’s invasion, was real after all. According to The Times of London, he was Major Stepan Tarabalka, 29 years old, and was killed in action on March 13.

That extraordinary Ukrainian resistance, reinforced as we now know it was by U.S. intelligence and the unified support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other allies and partners, thwarted Russian president Vladimir Putin’s plans for a quick annexation of Ukrainian land. Continuing pressure, combined with Putin’s refusal to stop his attack, means that Russia has thrown away decades of economic development and its global standing.

Today, Russia avoided defaulting on its debt by making a last-minute payment in dollars from reserves outside Russia, a move forced on it by economic sanctions. This will speed the draining of the country’s financial resources. The country has been able to continue to function and to fund its military in part because of about $800 million a day in revenue it pulls in from selling oil and gas to Europe. It appears this is about to change.

On Wednesday, Germany dropped its opposition to a European Union ban on oil and gas imports, enabling the 27 nations in the European Union to hammer out an agreement that adopts a phased end to shipments of Russian oil and gas. E.U. ambassadors expect to sign the agreement next week. “More important than the oil embargo is the signal that Europe is united and taking back the initiative,” Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, told New York Times reporters Matina Stevis-Gridneff and Thomas Gibbons-Neff.

Meanwhile, the House passed legislation to update the March 1941 Lend-Lease Act, passed to enable the U.S. to loan or lease military supplies to any country whose defense the president believed was vital to the defense of the United States. The original law enabled the U.S. to send supplies to Britain’s defense without joining the war directly. Yesterday’s update allows the government to skip some rules and move weapons more quickly. It will increase pressure on Putin by demonstrating that the U.S. is going to continue supporting Ukraine.

The Senate passed the measure by a voice vote, and there was overwhelming bipartisan support for it in the House, with only 10 Representatives, all Republicans, voting against it. Those ten included Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and others who also voted against last week’s House resolution “expressing support for Moldova’s democracy, independence, and territorial integrity” in the face of Russian threats.

Today, Ukrainian defense reporter Illia Ponomarenko tweeted: “What America is doing now in terms of sending weapons to Ukraine is a masterpiece of logistics. In all regards, starting from bureaucratic hurdles.”President Joe Biden yesterday asked Congress for $33 billion for Ukraine—on top of the $13.6 billion authorized so far—to last until September 30, the end of the fiscal year. In his letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) requesting the funds, Biden noted that the administration expects NATO allies and E.U. partners jointly to be sending even greater sums to the support of Ukraine but said Russian aggression would “require a substantial additional investment on our part.”

Biden added, “What I want to make clear to the Congress and the American people is this: the cost of failing to stand up to violent aggression in Europe has always been higher than the cost of standing firm against such attacks. That is as it always has been, and as it always will be.” He was referring to the misguided attempt to appease Adolf Hitler by accepting Germany’s 1938 annexation of the Sudetenland rather than resisting. Appeasing dictators never stops them; it simply emboldens them to increase their demands. And by the time the European war broke out in 1939, Hitler had significantly strengthened Germany’s forces.

Other countries are also continuing their support for Ukraine. About 8000 troops from the British army are deploying to eastern Europe over the summer to join in exercises with NATO troops and those from the Joint Expeditionary Force, which includes Finland and Sweden. Those two countries are currently not members of NATO but are considering joining because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland and Russia share a border of more than 800 miles. Yesterday, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that, should they ask to join, they “will be warmly welcomed and I expect the process to go quickly.”

Spain this week shipped to Ukraine hundreds of tons of heavy transport vehicles and ammunition. An unconfirmed report says that Ukrainian soldiers opening the shipment found Spanish sausages among the grenade launchers with a card from the queen that read: “I wish you victory! With love, Leti[z]ia.”

Countries supporting Ukraine have begun to talk not just of defending Ukraine, but seeing Ukraine “win,” and weakening Russia’s ability to meddle in the affairs of other countries.

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