Tag Archives: triumphs

Prevention League Triumphs in Extremism Research as Musk Champions Right-Wing Opposition

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The Prevention League, a leading Jewish advocacy and anti-hate organization in the nation, has removed over 1,000 pages of extremism research from its website after facing significant backlash from right-wing influencers and Elon Musk on Tuesday night.

The now-deleted “extremist glossary” from the ADL included more than 1,000 entries offering background information on various groups and ideologies associated with racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of hate. The section dedicated to neo-Nazi groups, militias, and anti-Semitic conspiracies has been redirected to a landing page featuring its extremism research.

Musk and various right-wing accounts on X have recently targeted the ADL over this glossary, which included references to Turning Point USA, associated with the late far-right activist Charlie Kirk. Musk responded to a post on X, criticizing the group for its entries on Christian identity and mistakenly conflating the militant movement with Christianity as a whole. In truth, the term refers to a faction that advocates for racial jihadism against Jews and other minorities.

The ADL did not directly address the backlash in its statements regarding this decision, instead arguing that removing the glossary would enable organizations to “explore new strategies and creative approaches to present data and research more effectively.”

“With over 1,000 entries compiled over the years, the extremist glossary has been a valuable resource for high-level information across a broad array of topics. However, the increase in entries has rendered many outdated,” stated the ADL. “We have observed many entries that have been intentionally misrepresented and misused. Furthermore, experts continue to develop more comprehensive resources and innovative means to convey information on anti-Semitism, extremism, and hatred.”

The decision to remove the glossary comes amid intense criticism faced by the ADL from staff and researchers, particularly concerning Israeli policies and its narrow focus on Musk’s repeated defenses. The organization lost a donor, and a prominent executive resigned following a statement by CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, who has praised Musk.

The ADL has not addressed inquiries regarding the comprehensive resources mentioned in its statement. The glossary was launched in 2022 and marketed as the first database designed to aid the media, the public, and law enforcement in understanding extremist groups and their ideologies.

“We consider it the most extensive and user-friendly resource for extremist speech currently accessible to the public,” noted Oren Segal, senior vice president of the ADL Center, in a prior statement. “We believe an informed public is crucial for the defense of democracy.”

ADL pages that contained the 2022 press release now display a message stating, “You are not permitted to access this page.”

Musk has long targeted the ADL, previously threatening to sue the organization for its research documenting the rise of anti-Semitic content on social media platforms. However, the ADL and Greenblatt defended him earlier this year, but after other Jewish groups and lawmakers condemned Musk for a fascist-style salute following Donald Trump’s inauguration. The ADL referred to it as “an unfortunate gesture amid moments of enthusiasm.”

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Musk has consistently tweeted about the glossary’s ADL entries, including those related to Kirk’s TPUSA, labeling the ADL a “hate group” and insinuating that it incites murder. The TPUSA entry did not label the organization as extremist but included a list of its leadership and activists linked to extremists or who have made “racist or biased statements.”

On Wednesday, Musk continued to focus on the ADL, reiterating his classification of it as a “hate group.” He also aligned with another right-wing pressure effort, making a call to boycott Netflix due to a show featuring trans characters.

Source: www.theguardian.com

OpenAI Triumphs Over Jony Ive’s Trademark Reference in IO

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OpenAI has taken down online content regarding Jony Ive’s recent partnership with the hardware startup IO following a trademark dispute.

The AI firm has retracted promotional content, which comprised a video featuring Ive, the former Apple designer of the iPhone, talking with OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman about the $6.4 billion (£4.8 billion) agreement. Nonetheless, you can still watch the 9-minute video on YouTube.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, was compelled to respond after receiving a legal notice from IYO, a startup specializing in AI-powered earphones.

OpenAI stated it had removed the page from the website announcing the acquisition of IO. This deal involves Ive’s company which will lend creative and design expertise across the organization. OpenAI emphasized that the dispute does not impact the transaction itself.

Promotional videos featuring Jony Ive and Sam Altman. Photo: YouTube

“This page is temporarily down after a court order resulting from a trademark lawsuit filed by IYO regarding the use of the name ‘io.’ We disagree with these claims and are exploring our options,” remarked a spokesperson for OpenAI.

Ive departed from Apple in 2019 after a 27-year tenure as one of the company’s prominent product designers.

The IO promotional video detailed Ive and Altman’s ambitious visions for the partnership revealed last month. Originally from the UK, Ive expressed, “I feel a growing sense that everything I’ve learned over the past 30 years has led me to this moment.”

In the video, Altman mentioned that he had tested prototype devices from Ive, stating, “I believe this is the most exciting technology the world has ever seen.”

The outcomes of the Ive-OpenAI collaboration are not anticipated until next year. Reports indicate that these AI-integrated devices will be “seamless” and will offer comprehensive insights into users’ environments and lives. According to the Wall Street Journal, they will be designed to sit on a user’s desk alongside the MacBook Pro and iPhone.

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Ive has shared his concerns about the “unintended” adverse effects of smartphones, although Altman has clarified that this new initiative isn’t aimed at phasing out the iPhone.

“I don’t think the goal is to replace the phone, just like smartphones didn’t replace laptops. It’s an entirely new category,” Altman stated in a Bloomberg interview in May.

IYO has been approached for further comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

28 Years Later: Danny Boyle’s Long-Awaited Zombie Sequel Triumphs

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Infection after 28 years

Miya Mizuno/Sony

28 Years Later

Written by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland

In theaters from June 20th

Here’s a piece of scriptwriting advice: simplify the plot while adding complexity to the characters.

The narrative of 28 Years Later can be summarized in a few sentences. This long-awaited third chapter of the series that began in 2002 with 28 Days Later revolves around a neurotoxic virus that has spread uncontrollably across Europe, turning people into an army of infected (which some might call zombies, though the term isn’t explicitly used). The infection ultimately becomes contained within the UK, safeguarded by the International Fleet to prevent anyone from escaping the island.

A young boy named Spike (played by newcomer Alfie Williams) resides in the relative safety of a small northern island linked to the mainland by a causeway that is passable only at low tide. At 12 years old—an age his father thinks makes him ready—Spike ventures onto the mainland in search of adventure. He navigates through the possibly long-abandoned woods. While there may not be much tracking after 28 years, the film showcases Spike skillfully battling slow-moving zombies and avoiding the much quicker ones, all while providing some context for these encounters.

Upon his return, despite his mother (Jodie Comer) being bedridden with an unknown illness, Spike is hailed as a hero, while his father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), seeks comfort with another woman. Determined, Spike sneaks out to find the only doctor he knows about to help his mother.

Let’s throw in a twist. However, introducing a twist often implies that there isn’t one. Author Alex Garland, who set the rules of the world in 28 Days Later, stays true to his vision. The world is thriving yet shadowed by the remnants of an earlier outbreak, where some zombies have mutated, growing larger and posing new challenges. These are not just recycled dangers but add complexity within Spike’s idyllic yet troubled village.

Visually, the film offers a unique experience. Boyle incorporates elements reminiscent of Laurence Olivier’s Henry V wartime newsreels and original footage of the 28 Weeks Later outbreak, providing a contemplative layer to the community’s defenses. It evokes a sense of folk horror, nodding to films like Apocalypse Now and Alien 3. Yet, despite its depth, the film remains accessible, conveying themes of loss, disillusionment, and personal growth through the relatable actions of its characters.

The budget is reasonable (estimated between $60 million and $75 million), with a keen eye for casting (like Christopher Fulford as Spike’s grandfather, who brings depth to a tragic backstory). Don’t be mistaken: 28 Years Later is filled with clever nods and callbacks that will engage fans. However, there is no unnecessary complexity. No contrived MacGuffins, pointless quests, or mystical items. Spike’s journey, portrayed expertly by Alfie Williams, is a relatable and poignant evolution, where he learns that to grow into manhood, he must let go.

The acclaim for 28 Days Later back in 2002 still resonates, as does its 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, which was equally impressive. The crown for this genre, at least for now, belongs to 28 Years Later.

Boyle and Garland have triumphantly revisited the territory they first explored over two decades ago.

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Source: www.newscientist.com