Latest news with #Knox
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Knox to notch a hundred
Darcy Knox used to sweep the floor at the Edgar Centre. This afternoon he will bring up 100 games for the Otago Nuggets when they play the Wellington Saints in Porirua. It has been quite a journey for the Nuggets captain. "Oh, it's really special," he said. "It was never a particular goal I set out to accomplish or anything like that. But it has been very easy to keep coming back because I love playing for our city and for our region. "I started this six years ago in the Showdown but also before that ... I was a development player. "And looking back even further, I first started coming as a kid to watch the games ... and I was a floor sweeper as well — so going from being a floor sweeper as a kid coming to the Nuggets camps to reaching 100 games as a player is pretty cool." The 30-year-old point guard is the third Nugget to reach the milestone this year, so he has had some mates along for the journey. He joins Josh Aitcheson and Matthew Bardsley in the 100 club. The trio have played a ton of basketball together over the years. They have won two championships together, flatted together and roomed together, so it was only fitting they bring up 100 games just weeks apart. "Josh I've played with since 2016 and we grew up playing reps. He's my flatmate as well, and then Bards, we've been great mates. We were roommates at the 2020 Showdown." The Nuggets won the 2020 Showdown. The tournament had to be reworked because of Covid and the entire competition was played in Auckland. All the players stayed in the same hotel. It was an intense time, and is one of Knox's favourite basketball memories. The 2022 title was up there as well. But in terms of individual games, the win against a full-strength Saints side in the capital in 2023 really stood out. "We had a couple of other guys out and you know we were really up against it. I remember the commentators cutting us down big time. "We played our hearts out. We played together and we left everything on the floor. "It was one of those rivalry games, and to get the win when we were up against a full-strength Saints squad in Wellington in front of 4000 people was really cool. "But some of the most memorable stuff is actually in those down moments as well. "You know, when you keep it together as a group or when it's tough and the things you learn from that. "I think that's where you build as a player and as a person, in those kind of valleys more than in the peaks. "The peaks kind of come from going through those tough times and being able to stick with it as a group." The Nuggets will need to do that this afternoon. They are on a nine-game losing streak, and the Saints are one of the form teams in the competition. It might be another one of those learning opportunities Knox mentioned. They have struggled to contain teams, but their defence has improved since the departure of Jose Perez. They lost some scoring power with his exit. But Jonathan Janssen stepped up in his absence and Don Carey jun remains a major threat. NBL Nuggets v Saints Otago Nuggets: Patrick Freeman, Jonathan Janssen, Don Carey jun, Joshua Aitcheson, Jaylen Sebree, Michael Ruske, Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Caleb Smiler, Liam Boomer, Noah McDowall. Wellington Saints (possible): Nicholas Marshall, Izayah Mauriohooho Le Afa, Jordan Ngatai, Hyrum Harris, Nicholas Muszynski, Samuel Gold, Hassan Munir, Rangimarie Dougall-Mita, Lukah Richards, Kazlo Evans, Arthur Pilcher
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Sam Altman said AI would replace 95% of ad agency work. 3 top creative directors say AI has won them lucrative business.
Don't sound the death knell for ad agencies yet. Artificial intelligence threatens to upend the ad agency sector. Ever-improving tools are shortening the time it takes to produce logos, online ads, and even movies. In the soon-to-be-published book "AI First" by Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is quoted as saying, "95% of what marketers use agencies, strategists, and creative professionals for today will easily, nearly instantly, and at almost no cost be handled by AI." The agency world thinks differently. BI spoke to three top creative directors, who said AI is fueling a creative boom and that the technology doesn't portend an ad agency extinction event. Instead, they're using AI to more efficiently pitch big ideas and to expand their services into areas like content optimization. It's Don Draper from "Mad Men," on steroids. "AI can be an incredible creative tool, and if we keep getting in our own way of fearing it, it'll only date us," said Elena Knox, executive creative director at BBDO New York, which works for clients like M&M's, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and St-Germain. Knox said she's using AI to sell ambitious concepts to clients. She and her team used tools like Midjourney to bring to life a vision of an office where tree growth exploded into it before landing the viewer in a forest in the form of a GIF. It convinced the client to invest a multimillion-dollar production budget for shoots in New Zealand and Bulgaria. "Before you would have had to spend hours comping that, and the image wouldn't have existed," Knox said. "In AI, we were able to make a quick GIF of it and show the clients: this is what we want to film." In a separate pitch, Knox and her team used AI to create a realistic voiceover that convinced the client they needed to invest in that particular celebrity. In yesteryear, the agency might have needed to create a multi-page pitch deck to showcase why the celebrity was relevant, include their latest movies and social media followings, and perhaps call in the celebrity or a voice impersonator for testing. "What AI allowed me to do was show the client what it felt like," said Knox. "There's nothing like hearing the thing and being like, well, I can't unhear that." Trading celebrity glamour for an AI 'GOAT' AI can come to the rescue when lavish celebrity shoots are off the cards, too. Reckitt-Benckiser's laundry detergent brand Woolite was famed in the 1970s through the 1990s for using megastars of French cinema in its advertising. But when Woolite asked its creative agency, BETC, to relaunch the brand in France this year, the budget was more constrained than in decades past. Still wanting to maintain the brand's celebrity cachet, BETC used AI to create a new brand character: the Fluffy GOAT. A play on the "greatest of all time" moniker, the superstar goat is seen globetrotting on a speedboat, private jet, and in a limousine. Alasdhair Macgregor Hastie, executive creative director at BETC, said the campaign was delivered in six weeks, compared to the three to six months that in-person productions featuring big celebrities would ordinarily take. "AI to me is something that can only enhance what we do. I'm old enough to remember when Photoshop came in and people were wailing and moaning it was the end of advertising," Macgregor Hastie said. "Photoshop became a tool, and if we don't adapt to the new tool then the new tool is going to take over." For all its attributes, AI still presents clear challenges to the ad agency business model, in which companies tend to bill clients based on the number of full-time equivalent employees that are devoted to their accounts. Martin Sorrell, the executive chairman of the advertising company S4 Capital, told analysts on a recent earnings call that agencies like his were adapting their commercial models in some cases to be "on the basis of assets or outputs delivered." It reflects how AI is reducing the time it takes to manage and produce campaigns. The creative directors BI spoke to also said there were open questions about how the industry would continue to nurture early career talent, now that many junior tasks can be automated. Eric Wegerbauer, chief creative officer at TBWA, said the availability of AI tools is changing the scope of work the creative agency is pitching. It recently won a big piece of work that was all about content optimization across different formats and countries. TBWA also recently devised an idea for a campaign that would deliver close to 1 million personalized variations of an ad to target individual customers. "You'd just never ever, ever do that without AI," Wegerbauer said.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
Landmark Cospas-Sarsat meeting begins in Abu Dhabi
28 May 2025 00:33 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Demonstrating its commitment to saving lives and advancing global rescue operations, the UAE opened the 39th International Meeting of the Cospas-Sarsat Programme on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The event, which runs through June 5, brings together more than 200 experts from 45 meeting - hosted for the first time in the UAE - was organised by the National Guard and the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) under the patronage of Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard.'This gathering stands as a testament to the UAE's visionary leadership in fostering global partnerships and sharing expertise, ultimately contributing to saving lives and strengthening emergency response systems in line with the highest international standards,' said Brigadier Rashid Al Naqbi, Director General of the NRSC, in his opening Knox, Head of the Cospas-Sarsat Delegation and Chairman of the 39th Joint Committee Meeting, called the UAE meetings a significant milestone. 'These annual meetings form a cornerstone in strengthening the global search-and-rescue framework. They provide a vital platform for coordination, knowledge exchange, and evaluation of emerging technologies and methodologies,' Knox said. 'We anticipate outcomes that will directly enhance the efficiency of lifesaving operations worldwide, increasing the speed and accuracy of responses,' he added. What is Cospas-Sarsat?Founded in 1982, Cospas-Sarsat is a global humanitarian programme that has saved more than 66,000 lives so far. 'It is a free, global system operating 24/7 via satellites, offering rapid and accurate location of distress signals anywhere in the world,' Saif Al Kaabi, Training and Exercises Section Head at the (NSRC), told Aletihad. Modern tools such as AI and drones are revolutionising rescue efforts, and the UAE is taking the lead, Al Kaabi the country joined the Cospas-Sarsat programme in 2009, it has grown into a major player deploying new technologies, including nine ground stations, AI-powered distress signal analysis, as well as a fleet of AW139 helicopters across five using advanced technology, UAE teams are able to locate missing people faster and reduce the hazards for the squads on the ground, Al Kaabi said, highlighting the importance of real-time data analytics. In 2024 until the first quarter of 2025, the NSRC has carried out more than 1,200 search-and-rescue operations within the UAE and beyond, solidifying the country's humanitarian leadership. 'We aim to support countries affected by disasters through partnerships and rapid-response tech,' Al Kaabi said. Despite the innovations in search and rescue, gaps and challenges remain, especially when it comes to reaching remote areas and standardising capabilities. 'That is why meetings like these are vital - for sharing expertise and improving global coordination,' the NSRC official said. On the meeting's first day, several closed events tackled key issues such as improving satellite alert systems, data-sharing processes, and enhancing collaborative international agencies.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Arkansas freshman Karter Knox announces draft decision on social media
Arkansas freshman Karter Knox announces draft decision on social media Arkansas freshman Karter Knox announced Monday on Instagram that he will withdraw from the 2025 NBA draft and return to school next season. Knox averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and one assist on 35% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games this past season. He registered two 20-point games, including 20 points and six rebounds on March 27 in a loss to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16. The 6-foot-6 guard became the ninth freshman in program history with at least 300 points, 100 rebounds, 30 assists, 20 steals and 10 blocked shots in a season. He was one of three players on the team who appeared in every game for the Razorbacks. Knox competed in the draft combine earlier this month, averaging nine points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist in two scrimmage games. He also recorded a 39 1/2-inch max vertical jump, tied for the fourth-highest mark of any player this year. The 20-year-old was among the notable prospects who were still weighing their decisions ahead of the early entrant withdrawal deadline on Wednesday. He returns to a team adding top-25 prospects Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 5) and Maleek Thomas (No. 13). Knox will have the opportunity to develop his overall skill set next season after receiving feedback from teams. He projects to have a strong sophomore year after a solid showing during the predraft process.
The Province
4 days ago
- The Province
Amanda Knox set to appear at Vancouver library event: 'How do I truly feel free?'
Once dubbed Foxy Knoxy by the tabloid press Amanda Knox was wrongly convicted of murder. Now she hopes her story of resilience will inspire others Dana Gee Published May 27, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 6 minute read Wrongly convicted of murder, Amanda Knox spent four years in an Italian prison. Now, 18 years later, Knox hopes her new memoir Free: My Search for Meaning will help others find a path forward through diffiuclt times. Courtesy of Gand Central Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Amanda Knox spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn't commit. In the process, she became an infamous tabloid story. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors In 2007, in Perugia, Italy, the then-20-year-old Knox and her Italian, boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, were arrested for the murder of Knox's roommate, Meredith Kercher. Both convictions were overturned due to a lack of any evidence linking them to the crime, and the pair were ultimately exonerated by Italy's highest court in 2015. Now, 18 years later, Knox — who the tabloids dubbed 'Foxy Knoxy' — is returning to the story with a new memoir, Free: My Search for Meaning. But instead of just re-litigating what happened to her, she turned her nightmare into a story of healing and hope for others searching for a path out of dark times. Knox will be in conversation with Vancouver journalist Sarah Berman at Vancouver Public Library's main branch on June 2, at 7 p.m. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This picture taken on Oct. 3, 2011, shows Amanda Knox leaving the court after an Italian appeals court overturned her murder conviction. Knox, an American student, had been accused of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in 2007. Photo by TIZIANA FABI / AFP/Getty Images Knox, who also wrote the memoir Waiting to be Heard after being released from prison at age 25, decided to return to her story all these years later as she realized people were still interested. 'I very specifically have tried to keep my personal life very private for years. And I couldn't,' said Knox, 37, who is a mother to two young kids and lives on Vashon Island in Washington state. A big sign of continued interest came when paparazzi and media descended on her 2020 wedding. 'I tried to keep it really, really locked down,' said Knox recently from her home. 'I made sure that no one who was attending said anything to anyone. I was really strict about it, and even so, paparazzi showed up outside and started taking pictures of me and my various guests and writing articles. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'My personal life remains in the public eye, even when it shouldn't be. And I'm instead sort of accepting that as part of my reality, and then asking myself, 'OK, what good can come from that?'' said Knox, who upon her release from prison cut her hair off, donned large glasses and worked in a basement bookstore. The result of that reflection is Free, a mixture of memoir and self-help. Free: My Search for Meaning by Amanda Knox. Photo by Courtesy of Gand Central / Courtesy of Gand Central 'What I came up with, is someone who is open and communicative and attempting to articulate really difficult things so that other people can see themselves in my experience, and I can see myself in their experience,' said Knox. 'Part of it is also me trying to feel like I belong to humanity again.' It should be noted that, almost two decades after her original arrest, Knox's legal drama is not over. She is still trying to get the slander conviction she received after she was coerced during her interrogation into naming Patrick Lumumba, a pub owner she worked for in Italy, overturned. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Even though I had been denied the assistance of an interpreter or an attorney, I was blamed for the outcome of the interrogation and sentenced to three years' time served,' Knox writes in Free. In 2019, the European Court of Human rights vindicated Knox and said her rights were violated during her first arrest, and she was then able to successfully sue Italy and had her slander conviction overturned. But in 2024, she was back in Italy in court and stunned to hear the appeals court had decided to uphold her original slander conviction. 'I was re-convicted, and now I just got, very recently, the motivation document, which explains the verdict, and I'm literally making plans to speak with my attorneys about what our options are,' said Knox, noting her goal is to wipe her record clean, once and for all. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Knox says her experience with courts of law and the continuing court of public opinion — Knox still receives hateful messages from the public — have, at the end of the day, offered her valuable insight into who she really is. 'You just learn to have control over the little that you have control over. And you have to accept what you cannot,' said Knox. 'I would have driven myself crazy if I spent the entire time that I was in prison banging my head against a wall that I could not get through. So, I instead focused on what I could do.' Calling the book Free obviously conjures the idea of her exoneration, but for Knox, the title leans more toward the journey away from the 'girl who was accused of murder' to the woman she is today. 'I've had to challenge what people thought my life should be limited to,' said Knox. 'I've always balked at limitations and these little boxes that people are trying to constantly shove me in. And you know, that goes back to this idea of freedom, which is why I named the book Free — how do I be free when the world really wants me to be limited and diminished and boxed in? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'How do I truly feel free? Part of that is accepting my life for what it is, seeing my life really clearly, and seeing other people really clearly. And then asking myself again, what is it? What is the good that I can do … that is the thing that ultimately defines me.' In the book, Knox talks a lot about her mistakes and how failing, in the end, propelled her forward. She describes meeting other falsely accused people and gives due to one of the 20th-century's most unjustly maligned women. 'Meeting Monica Lewinsky was a huge moment where it really, like, cracked open some things for me,' said Knox. 'I saw a woman who had every reason to feel like her entire life was over because the whole world had just written her off as a human being and blamed her for other people's infidelities. But she had forged a path forward and reclaimed her life. And I was like, oh my God, there's an actual model for how it can be done.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Finding a way forward led Knox to reach out to the prosecutor that put her behind bars in Italy all those years ago. 'That's a huge story in the book,' said Knox. 'I think anyone who's been victimized in the past can relate to this experience of wanting to know that the person who hurt them cares, and they recognize that it was wrong … That's one of the big things that someone who has experienced grief or trauma wants, is just an acknowledgment that what you're experiencing, that the pain you're experiencing, is real. 'I was really, really surprised at the results. And once I came out on the other side of that experience, I thought, oh my god, I really have a story to tell now, because I've actually done something that defines me, I think, more than this horrible thing that happened to me.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. At the end of the day, Knox realizes her infamy is what may draw people to her new book. But once their curiosity is sated, she hopes the reader will find the book's much bigger takeaway useful. 'My hope is that people will read my book out of curiosity, and then once they get to the end of it, they'll be like, 'Oh my God, I need to get this book to my friend Sarah, who's going through a breakup, or my Uncle Rob, who's dealing with cancer,' or whatever,' said Knox, who has hosted the podcast Labyrinth since 2020. 'Who really needs to hear this story is this person who's going through a hard thing. And then I can, through my book, be there as like a companion to someone who is going through a difficult thing. That's what I hope.' Dgee@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Canucks Crime
