Latest news with #Howl
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Capital Sun partner for June 17 wolf reintroduction panel discussion
Thirty years ago, there were virtually no wolves in the Western U.S., the result of a decades-long eradication campaign. Then in 1995, the federal government brought them back, in their most controversial wildlife program ever. Reporters Heath Druzin, producer of the podcast Extremely American, and Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun took a 1,000-mile journey through wolf country to produce the podcast and written series Howl, which launches Wednesday. They talk to the people who endured death threats, gun shots and frostbite to help spark one of nature's greatest comebacks. In conjunction with the release of Howl, join Boise State Public Radio and the Idaho Capital Sun on Tuesday, June 17 for a discussion around the history, reintroduction and politics of wolves. Heath and Clark will be joined by Marcie Carter, Suzanne Asha Stone and Carter Niemeyer who were key figures in bringing wolves back to the American West. When: Tuesday, June 17 from 6-8 p.m. Where: Special Event Center, in the SUB at Boise State University 1700 W University Dr. Boise, ID 83725 This event is free, with a suggested donation of $10. Register here. *parking available directly across from the SUB in the Lincoln Garage for $5 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Carter Niemeyer has been a state trapper for the Montana Department of Livestock, and a district supervisor for USDA Wildlife Services. As wolf management specialist for USDA, he was responsible for livestock depredation investigation, as well as wolf capture and removal. Niemeyer was the trapper and tracker who led the mission to capture the Canadian wolves that would repopulate the Northern Rockies in the 1990s. He wrote his first memoir, Wolfer, in 2010. His second memoir, Wolf Land was published in 2016. In 2025 he released a third memoir, The Other Ten Wolves: A Yellowstone Backstory. Suzanne Asha Stone has dedicated her life to wolf conservation and coexistence. Beginning her journey in 1988 as a college intern with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) Tribe, she contributed to early wolf activity monitoring in Idaho. A pivotal USA/Canada team member for the 1995 Yellowstone and central Idaho wolf reintroduction, she played a key role in transporting and releasing wolves and securing critical funding for the 1996 operations. In 1999, Suzanne became the western wolf restoration lead for Defenders of Wildlife, overseeing compensation programs and creating nonlethal coexistence strategies to address wolf and livestock conflicts. Marcie D. Carter was born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho, she is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe. Marcie has a BS in Biology from Lewis Clark State College and an MS in Wildlife Resources from the UI. She is currently working on a PhD in Natural Resources at the UI-CNR. Marcie works full time with the Nez Perce Tribe-Department of Fisheries Resource Management-Watershed Division as the Watershed Coordinator. Heath Druzin is a reporter and podcaster who covers extremism, politics and the environment. His series Extremely American looks at the intersection between extremist groups and mainstream politics. He has reported for outlets such as NPR, BBC and the Daily Beast. Clark Corbin reports on politics, state government, public lands and climate change for the Idaho Capital Sun, part of the States Newsroom network. Corbin has followed stories deep into the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park, abandoned mines of Central Idaho and the halls of the Idaho State Capitol. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ditch AI filters, consume real art
If you're an artist or just someone who admires the effort that goes into drawing and animation, you must have strong feelings about the heaps of AI-generated art that's been plaguing social media for a long time now. The recent trend of AI-generated images that has beguiled netizens recreates the visual style of Studio Ghibli's signature 2D animation. And if there are any doubts as to where the studio's founder — Hayao Miyazaki — would stand, here are his views on machine-created art that resurfaced after OpenAI launched its update: "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself." In case you're not aware of what Studio Ghibli films are, I — first and foremost - express my deepest sympathies that you had to learn through this trend, but I am also happy to inform you that you've come to the right place. If your curiosity is pushing you to find out what life looks like through the Ghibli lens, you need not wait any longer. Here are four of the studio's films to introduce you to the painstakingly hand-drawn and remarkably emotive world of animation — or, if you're a fan, to trick you into a binge watch. 'Howl's Moving Castle' It has become culturally imperative to begin your Ghibli journey with this one. Howl's Moving Castle follows Sophie, a young woman cursed by a jealous witch to transform into an old lady due to the witch's affection for Howl, a vagabond wizard who crosses paths with Sophie in the beginning. As the curse makes our protagonist forget her identity, she accidentally moves in with Howl's motley crew and helps them out with domestic duties, oblivious to the fact that the solution to her problem is nearby. If the found-family trope is an easy way to your heart, this film will win you over no sweat while serving you an extra slice of tender romance. Although a stunningly serene film, it strikes a fine balance between wholesome moments and gut-wrenching reality that'll have you aching for more. 'Kiki's Delivery Service' If you like witchcraft in your media and are looking for more magic after Howl's Moving Castle, you'll find it all in Kiki's Delivery Service. This coming-of-age fantasy story follows Kiki, a young witch who heads out of home to fulfill her desire for self-exploration. Aside from flaunting the picturesque world of Studio Ghibli, this film is your reassurance that hardships are a necessary part of growing up on your own. From introducing animal companions to unexpected friends, it reminds you that every step out of your comfort zone is worth the anticipation. 'The Secret World of Arrietty' If you grew up adoring Thumbelina or illustrated tales of a similar nature, it might be time to indulge your inner child with this heartwarming film. The Secret World of Arrietty follows its titular character in a miniature world as she "borrows" from the world of the much-larger humans for a living. Everything seems to be working in her family's favour until they are discovered by the humans and must fend for themselves. Packing compelling visuals that every Ghibli film is decked with, this feature stands out for its immersive look into the world that exists around us, just much bigger. If you're in the mood of a story that champions hope and courage, you wouldn't want to miss this one. 'Spirited Away' Ever wondered what your most inexplicable dreams would look like onscreen? Spirited Away is your answer. It focuses on Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who visits an amusement park with her family but soon realises that something is off, though her protests are dismissed by her parents. After a mysterious meal turns them into pigs, it is up to Chihiro to bring them back by stepping into the world of uncanny supernatural beings. Released at a time when animation was seen as a form of entertainment reserved only for children, Spirited Away would sooner be a kid's nightmare than a fond core memory to look back on. But for grownups who don't mind being unnerved, the film's appeal lies in its unsettling elements and melancholic storyline. Does hope prevail in the end? Find out for yourself.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
4 Studio Ghibli films to distract you from OpenAI's viral filter
If you're an artist or just someone who admires the effort that goes into drawing and animation, you must have strong feelings about the heaps of AI-generated art that's been plaguing social media for a long time now. The recent trend of AI-generated images that has beguiled netizens recreates the visual style of Studio Ghibli's signature 2D animation. And if there are any doubts as to where the studio's founder — Hayao Miyazaki — would stand, here are his views on machine-created art that resurfaced after OpenAI launched its update: "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself." In case you're not aware of what Studio Ghibli films are, I — first and foremost — express my deepest sympathies that you had to learn through this trend, but I am also happy to inform you that you've come to the right place. If your curiosity is pushing you to find out what life looks like through the Ghibli lens, you need not wait any longer. Here are four of the studio's films to introduce you to the painstakingly hand-drawn and remarkably emotive world of animation — or, if you're a fan, to trick you into a binge watch. 'Howl's Moving Castle' It has become culturally imperative to begin your Ghibli journey with this one. Howl's Moving Castle follows Sophie, a young woman cursed by a jealous witch to transform into an old lady due to the witch's affection for Howl, a vagabond wizard who crosses paths with Sophie in the beginning. As the curse makes our protagonist forget her identity, she accidentally moves in with Howl's motley crew and helps them out with domestic duties, oblivious to the fact that the solution to her problem is nearby. If the found-family trope is an easy way to your heart, this film will win you over no sweat while serving you an extra slice of tender romance. Although a stunningly serene film, it strikes a fine balance between wholesome moments and gut-wrenching reality that'll have you aching for more. 'Kiki's Delivery Service' If you like witchcraft in your media and are looking for more magic after Howl's Moving Castle, you'll find it all in Kiki's Delivery Service. This coming-of-age fantasy story follows Kiki, a young witch who heads out of home to fulfill her desire for self-exploration. Aside from flaunting the picturesque world of Studio Ghibli, this film is your reassurance that hardships are a necessary part of growing up on your own. From introducing animal companions to unexpected friends, it reminds you that every step out of your comfort zone is worth the anticipation. 'The Secret World of Arrietty' If you grew up adoring Thumbelina or illustrated tales of a similar nature, it might be time to indulge your inner child with this heartwarming film. The Secret World of Arrietty follows its titular character in a miniature world as she 'borrows' from the world of the much-larger humans for a living. Everything seems to be working in her family's favour until they are discovered by the humans and must fend for themselves. Packing compelling visuals that every Ghibli film is decked with, this feature stands out for its immersive look into the world that exists around us, just much bigger. If you're in the mood of a story that champions hope and courage, you wouldn't want to miss this one. 'Spirited Away' Ever wondered what your most inexplicable dreams would look like onscreen? Spirited Away is your answer. It focuses on Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who visits an amusement park with her family but soon realises that something is off, though her protests are dismissed by her parents. After a mysterious meal turns them into pigs, it is up to Chihiro to bring them back by stepping into the world of uncanny supernatural beings. Released at a time when animation was seen as a form of entertainment reserved only for children, Spirited Away would sooner be a kid's nightmare than a fond core memory to look back on. But for grownups who don't mind being unnerved, the film's appeal lies in its unsettling elements and melancholic storyline. Does hope prevail in the end? Find out for yourself. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Introducing 'Howl': How wolf reintroduction into Yellowstone and Idaho changed the West forever
On four separate occasions, Wolf 907F seized power as the alpha female leader of the Junction Butte Pack in Yellowstone National Park. Readers will learn 907's life story in part three of Howl, a new longform written series and podcast from the Idaho Capital Sun, States Newsroom, Boise State Public Radio and NPR. (File photo courtesy of Jeremy SundeRaj/Yellowstone National Park) Whenever a reporter comes to me with the phrase 'I have an idea for a longer series,' I admittedly take a breath and start to mentally prepare to make my case as their editor to say no. Usually it's a request for things, as a small but mighty staff of four journalists, that we just don't have the flexibility to provide. Reporting time, for one. With three to four months out of the beginning year tied up with covering the Idaho Legislature – a core mission for us here at the Idaho Capital Sun – as well as election seasons that can take a month out of our planning calendar before the primary election in May and another month before the general election in November, we very rarely have the luxury of time for truly long-term projects. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Financial support, for two. We're a nonprofit here at the Capital Sun, which means we rely solely on donations large and small from readers like you to keep our lights on. Any written series worth doing and worth doing well requires not just investment in reporting time, but also travel costs like mileage and hotel stays to meet sources where they are. To do deep stories real justice, we need to experience and observe these Idaho spaces for ourselves. In this case, I would soon learn, we'd also need several hundred dollars worth of audio recording equipment. And three? Institutional knowledge of the topic and experience with controversial issues. And for this series in particular, Idaho Capital Sun senior reporter Clark Corbin was sure going to need a lot of that. That's because his story series idea – dubbed 'Howl' – centers around the 30th anniversary of the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park and Idaho, which might quite possibly be the most controversial topic the West has ever had to offer. 'Howl,' a five-part print series and five-part podcast by the Idaho Capital Sun and Boise State Public Radio/NPR will launch Wednesday, June 4. Story installments will be released weekly each Wednesday morning at Like all of our work, it will be available to any local news outlet to pick up for free with proper attribution. Podcast episodes will air on and are available on all the major podcast distributors, including the NPR app, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We'll also co-host a live event that includes a panel discussion of three of our sources for this project: Former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wolf Recovery Coordinator Carter Niemeyer, Wood River Wolf Project Co-Founder Suzanne Asha Stone, and Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Coordinator Marcie Carter. We'll host the free event the evening of June 17 at Boise State University's Special Event Center. Stay tuned for more details on this special opportunity to hear directly from the people who first brought wolves back to the West 30 years ago. We can't wait to start sharing this epic story – our most intensive reporting project to date –with all of you this summer. Here's a bit more on how this massive project came to be. 'Howl' is the largest investment in time and resources we've put toward one project at the Idaho Capital Sun. If you find value in what we do, you can support work like this with a one-time or recurring donation at To read the weekly installments of 'Howl,' released every Wednesday morning, sign up for our free email newsletter, The second Clark said the word 'wolves,' I knew we'd have our hands full. As a fifth-generation Idahoan with farmers on both sides of my family lines, and after being an Idaho reporter for the vast majority of my career, I immediately recognized just how sticky a subject they can be. Wolves were extremely controversial in 1995 – when a team of biologists traveled to Canada to capture and bring the animals back to Yellowstone National Park and to the Lower 48 – and in 2025, 30 years later, they remain just as controversial still. Clark pitched to me a series of written stories and a multi-episode podcast by teaming up with Heath Druzin, an experienced audio reporter who has previously freelanced for us here at the Idaho Capital Sun. He's a former war correspondent who covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is the creator and host of the award-winning 'Extremely American' podcast. They wanted to spend weeks hiking through more than 20 miles of wilderness and drove more than 1,000 miles crisscrossing Idaho to interview sources directly in Yellowstone, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the Nez Perce Reservation in North Idaho, and dang near everywhere in between. And they wanted to take even more time reviewing and researching all of the past articles, books and memoirs – as well as old film of the wolf captures – that dealt with the dozens of wolf-and-livestock related sources they've talked to for Howl. They'd also need some financial help to pull all this off, they told me, including help with applying for grants to support the reporting, as well as a chunk of our not-so-sizable annual travel budget and a chunk of our finite freelance budget to support hiring a skilled photographer in Pat Sutphin. And they'd need some new audio equipment (and a few bucks for non-negotiable bear spray) to ensure the podcast was as clear and engaging as the written series. So while I had my initial, with-good-reason reservations, I also recognized the history of the reintroduction of wolves to the American West – and the impact the lineage that those wolves have on the West and Idaho today – is always a story worth pursuing. After having spent the last 14 months organizing trips across Idaho, editing and re-editing drafts of the written stories, reading podcast scripts and listening to the first iterations of the podcast episodes, I know I can safely say all those investments were well worth it. In the written stories as well as the podcast episodes, we connect you with the sources who understand this issue better than anyone else: wildlife biologists, ranchers, Native American elders and tribal members, Idaho Fish and Game officials, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and trappers. We take you right into the wilderness with us, with its sights, sounds and smells (and scat. They saw and tracked A LOT of scat.) We talked to wolf advocates who have spent decades of their lives following, documenting and trying to protect specific wolves in Yellowstone and across the West, and we've talked to people who have multi-generation ranches who have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to wolf depredation. Importantly, we also talked to people like Suzanne Asha Stone of the Wood River Wolf Project, who has spent decades trying to bring all sides of the wolf debate to the table to find solutions – together. We look not only into the past of how the U.S. government essentially exterminated all wolves from the Lower 48 in the 1920s and '30s, but into the present day by detailing how controlling the wolf population continues to be one of the most controversial issues facing the American West – and its future. With all the time and resources we've put into this, I hope you like 'Howl,' certainly, but I also hope you come away with a better understanding of our Western history and how we've come to be and live in such a special place that must find space for us: all of us. We hope you'll check it out June 4. Enjoy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Korea Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
OpenAI recruits iPhone designer Jony Ive to work on AI hardware
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- OpenAI has recruited Jony Ive, the designer behind Apple's iPhone, to lead a new hardware project for the artificial intelligence company that makes ChatGPT. OpenAI said it is acquiring io Products, a product and engineering company co-founded by Ive, in a deal valued at nearly $6.5 billion. Ive became renowned for a meticulous design aesthetic that shaped the cultural zeitgeist during a 27-year career at Apple, which he left in 2019. He did his most influential work after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs returned to run the company in 1997. There, the two forged a partnership that would hatch a succession of game-changing products like the iPhone. The new OpenAI deal now thrusts Ive at the vanguard of AI -- a technology driving the biggest industry shift since the iPhone's arrival. The company hasn't said exactly what product they will be making but expect 'physical AI embodiments' that bring generative AI chatbot technology out of computer screens into another form, such as through a car, humanoid robot or the AI-powered glasses being developed by competitors Google and Meta, said Gartner analyst Chirag Dekate, adding that it is too early to know for sure. OpenAI said its CEO Sam Altman had been 'quietly' collaborating since 2023 with Ive and his design firm, LoveFrom. In a joint letter posted on OpenAI's website Wednesday, Ive and Altman said it 'became clear that our ambitions to develop, engineer and manufacture a new family of products demanded an entirely new company.' That's when Ive co-founded io, which was incorporated in Delaware in September 2023 and registered in California in April 2024, according to state records. OpenAI said it already owns a 23 percent stake in io from a prior collaborative agreement signed late last year. It says it will now pay $5 billion in equity for the acquisition. OpenAI said Ive will not become an OpenAI employee and LoveFrom will remain independent but 'will assume deep design and creative responsibilities across OpenAI and io.' Both OpenAI and Ive's design firm are based in San Francisco. Leading the new io division for OpenAI will be longtime executive Peter Welinder, who led robotics research in the startup's early years and more recently has been vice president of its 'new product explorations' team that delves into hardware, robotics and other early stage research. Altman, 40, can only hope his still-blossoming partnership with the 58-year-old designer works out as well as the mind-meld between Jobs and Ive. When he started his own firm, Ive derived the LoveFrom name from Jobs' observation that one way to hail humanity is by 'making something with a great deal of care and love.' Ive also chose to base LoveFrom in a historic part of San Francisco, located just near bars and cafes that were once frequented by such Beat Generation luminaries as 'On The Road' author Jack Kerouac and 'Howl' author Allen Ginsberg. OpenAI is headquartered about two miles away. Founded nearly a decade ago as a nonprofit research laboratory dedicated to safely building better-than-human AI for humanity's benefit, it remains controlled by a nonprofit board of directors even as Altman, its co-founder, has increasingly pushed it toward commercializing ChatGPT and its other inventions. It's not clear if Altman's collaboration with Ive began before or after Altman's short-lived ouster in November 2023, months after io's Delaware incorporation but before the new business was set up in San Francisco. Altman earlier this month said OpenAI was abandoning plans to drop its nonprofit governance structure but is pursuing a plan to make changes that would make it easier to access capital and pursue mergers and acquisitions 'and other normal things companies would do.'
