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National Geographic
4 days ago
- National Geographic
Photo story: uncovering the charm of Bermuda
Photographs by Michael George Bermuda is often mistaken for a Caribbean island, but in reality, it is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A British Overseas Territory, this subtropical paradise is situated on approximately the same latitude as North Carolina and is just a two-hour flight from the East Coast of the United States. Millions of years ago, it formed as part of a volcanic seamount near a section of the Atlantic known as the Sargasso Sea. While stories of mysterious disappearances in the "Bermuda Triangle" may be fictional, its shipwrecks are very real. Bermuda is home to over 300 shipwrecks, earning it the nickname "shipwreck capital of the world." Here, tour boats visit the HMS Vixen, an intentionally sunk wreck that dates back to World War II. The HMS Vixen is located a short boat ride from shore. Companies such as Bermuda Watersports offer tours and provide snorkel gear rentals. Locals affectionately refer to Bermuda as "de Rock" due to its abundance of aeolian limestone cliffs. Admiralty House Park in Hamilton has long been a favorite spot for cliff jumpers, but for Bermudian Grant Farquhar, it holds a different allure: rock climbing. The author of Climb de Rock: A Climber's Guide to Bermuda, Grant has mapped rock climbing routes throughout the island. Bermuda's distinctive "boiler" reefs, seen here near the South Shore Beaches, create a churning effect in the water that resembles boiling. Bermuda sees an influx of part-time residents in the spring and summer: Longtails. These black-and-white tropicbirds, named for their long feathered tails, spend the winter at sea and return to Bermuda from March through August to nest in its cliffs and crevices. Bermuda's cliffs and shore reefs make for scenic coastal kayaking. Here, a couple paddles in clear-bottom kayaks in the parish of Somerset past a structure with a uniquely Bermudian stepped limestone roof designed to catch rainwater. One of Bermuda's most iconic structures is the Unfinished Church in the Town of St. George. As its name suggests, this Gothic-style church from the 1800s was never completed. St. George's is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest English settlement in the New World still in existence. The town dates back to 1609 when British passengers aboard the Virginia-bound Sea Venture were shipwrecked on the uninhabited island. A staff member at the Hamilton Princess Hotel in downtown Hamilton, Bermuda, wears a traditional outfit: Bermuda shorts worn just above the knee, high socks, a button-down shirt, and a blazer. The evolution of Bermuda shorts as we know them today is often attributed to Nathaniel Coxon, a Bermudian tea merchant in the 1920s who adapted British military uniforms to make them more comfortable in the island heat. Pictured in the background is a Bermuda moongate. Influenced by Chinese architectural design, Bermuda moongates symbolize love. It is a tradition for newlyweds to stand beneath them. Gombey dancers, wearing vibrant costumes, prepare to perform in the streets of Bermuda. This tradition dates back to the early 1800s and blends African, British, Native American, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the island's diverse heritage. Historically, enslaved individuals were permitted to dance only once a year, using masks to protest injustices without fear of retribution. Today, Gombey performances are a symbol of Bermudian identity, featured during holidays like Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Bermuda Day, as well as at festivals and public celebrations. The traditional Gombey costume features a peacock feather headdress, painted mask, bells, and tassels, but each dancer adds their own twist to the ensemble. The word "Gombey" is thought to come from an African term meaning "rhythm," highlighting the role of drumming and percussive beats in their performances. Two locals offering a taste of Bermudian culture are Doreen Williams-James (left) and Julie Barnes (right). Williams-James, founder of Wild Herbs N Plants of Bermuda, leads foraging tours across the island, teaching guests how to identify wild herbs and plants like nasturtium and sea purslane for culinary and medicinal use. Barnes, recently voted the best bartender in Bermuda, has spent the past 28 years at the Swizzle Inn, where she serves up Bermuda's national drink: the Rum Swizzle. While every bar puts its own spin on the cocktail, a Rum Swizzle typically includes rum, fruit juices (such as orange, pineapple, and lemon), falernum or grenadine, and Angostura bitters. For a bird's-eye view of Bermuda's reefs, landmarks, and distinctive fishhook shape, visitors can take to the skies with Heather Nicholds, owner of Blue Sky Flights. Nicholds offers 25-minute discovery flights and 45-minute full sightseeing tours around the island in her small plane. The view underground is equally stunning. In Bermuda's East End, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves invite visitors to explore the island's subterranean wonders. For those who like to venture off the beaten path, Bermuda is full of hidden gems—including Blue Hole Park. This striking blue swimming hole is tucked within the lush jungle of Walsingham Nature Reserve, a place that, in the words of the late Bermudian singer Hubert Smith, makes Bermuda feel like 'another world.'
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Syncro Launches XMM Unified IT and Security Management Platform with Microsoft Integration
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 29, 2025-- Kaseya Connect —Syncro, a leading platform provider for growing Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams, today announced the launch of XMM™ (Extended Monitoring and Management), a unified IT and security management platform developed through a collaboration with Microsoft. The platform consolidates Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Services Automation (PSA), and Microsoft 365 multi-tenant management into a single, integrated solution. It integrates with Microsoft Secure Score, Defender Antivirus and Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) to provide MSPs with a streamlined and secure way to manage their clients' infrastructures in the cloud. 'As more businesses migrate to Microsoft 365, MSPs struggle with increasing pressure to manage both security and IT operations across multiple clients, often relying on fragmented tools that create inefficiencies,' said Michael George, CEO of Syncro. 'XMM simplifies the entire process by providing a unified platform that enhances security and operational effectiveness. Our integration with Microsoft helps MSPs maximize the power of Microsoft 365 while maintaining an even stronger security posture.' Key Features and Benefits of XMM Addressing MSPs' Biggest Challenges As MSPs grow, they face three primary challenges: securing their clients' businesses, reducing operational complexity, and scaling their businesses profitably. Cyberattacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have surged, with 31% experiencing incidents such as ransomware, phishing, or data breaches, according to the 2024 Microsoft Digital Defense Report. In addition, MSPs often struggle with tool sprawl, relying on dozens of disconnected tools that increase overhead and security risks. XMM is designed to help solve these problems by unifying security management, IT operations, and automation in one platform, enabling MSPs to streamline workflows, improve security, and scale operations without increasing labor costs. Syncro XMM integrates with Microsoft's security products including Microsoft Secure Score, Defender Antivirus and Entra ID allowing MSPs to strengthen security postures, reduce attack surfaces, and maintain compliance with ease. 'Microsoft and Syncro share a deep commitment to the MSP community,' said Jose Gomez Cueto, general manager, Small and Medium Business (SMB) at Microsoft. 'The Syncro XMM integration with Microsoft 365 will help MSPs serving SMBs to easily manage and secure customers with a unified, multi-tenant platform, and streamline their operations.' Early Adoption and Availability Early adopters report that XMM has reduced operational overhead, improved security compliance, and streamlined IT management. 'XMM has fundamentally changed how we manage our clients' IT environments,' said Janice Mahlmann, CEO, August eTech. 'As we have launched our new MSSP service, it has helped us consolidate multiple tools into one platform, streamlined our operations, improved our customers' security compliance, and saved countless hours each week. It's a game-changer as it simplifies our technology stack while at the same time strengthening our clients' security.' XMM is available immediately, with additional features rolling out through 2025. MSPs looking to streamline operations, enhance security, and drive business growth can learn more at About Syncro Syncro offers the first Extended Monitoring and Management (XMM) platform purpose-built for midsized MSPs and internal IT teams. The unified platform integrates RMM (endpoint management), professional services automation (PSA), and Microsoft 365 multi-tenant management to help organizations simplify operations, strengthen security, and scale profitably. Syncro delivers powerful automation, native AI capabilities, deep Microsoft 365 integration, and seamless support for 50+ third-party tools—enabling teams to reduce complexity, cut costs, and uncover new revenue opportunities. Its transparent per-user pricing model and commitment to continuous innovation make it an ideal solution for modern IT operations. Learn more at or follow Syncro on LinkedIn. View source version on CONTACT: Media Elyse Familant Results PR [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEVADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY SECURITY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKS INTERNET DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOURCE: Syncro Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/29/2025 08:45 AM/DISC: 04/29/2025 08:46 AM
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK flour supplier Whitworths to buy edible-oils group KTC Edibles
UK flour miller Whitworths has agreed a deal to buy local edible oils and fats supplier KTC Edibles Group. The deal, struck for an undisclosed sum, is subject to the approval of the Irish competition authorities, a statement issued by KTC owner, the private-equity firm Endless, read. KTC is a vertically-integrated edible oils and fats business supplying more than 370,000 tonnes of oils and fats across all major food channels in the UK. According to Endless, KTC generates sales of more than £500m ($645.9m) and employs 450 people in five manufacturing and distribution sites in the UK and Ireland. Endless snapped up KTC in 2022. In the statement, Whitworths director Michael George said: 'We have been impressed by the progress of the business over recent years and look forward to working with [KTC CEO] Paresh Mehta and his talented management team to continue to progress and grow the business. The transaction is a great fit strategically and will deliver significant further growth potential for all stakeholders." Mehta said the sale to Whitworths was "the next exciting evolution in KTC history" and added: "Their shared knowledge of developing a market-leading enterprise for all stakeholders will be hugely beneficial for KTC. It is also an exciting development for our customers, given the product offering of the combined business." Whitworths, founded in 1886, has ten flour mills "supplies almost exclusively into food manufacturing", the statement read. According to accounts lodged with Companies House, the UK business register, Whitworths Holdings generated turnover of £641.8m in the year to 29 March 2024, compared to £702.3m in the previous 12 months. Profit for the financial period stood at £20.6m, versus £11.9m a year earlier. Mehta also thanked Endless 'for the support they have given the business over the last three years". He added: "Our partnership has shown what can be achieved with the right backer and when all key stakeholders are strategically aligned.' Endless said that, working alongside KTC's management, the company's turnover has grown by over £150m and profitability more than doubled since it acquired the business three years ago. It pointed to the appointment of executives to support Mehta, capital investment in manufacturing and the acquisitions of Scottish margarine supplier Cardowan and Irish edible-oils distributor Trilby. Aidan Robson, managing partner at Endless, said: "The combination of both businesses will create a strong platform supplying two important ingredients to the UK food sector." Last month, Endless sold UK meat processor Karnova Food Group to US-based meat major OSI Group. "UK flour supplier Whitworths to buy edible-oils group KTC Edibles" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DHS agents serve warrants at Columbia University after protests over Mahmoud Khalil's arrest
Columbia University confirms Homeland Security agents entered two university residences Thursday night with warrants, but no one was arrested or taken into custody. Earlier in the day, dozens of protesters entered Trump Tower in New York City to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia graduate and pro-Palestinian activist who has been detained by ICE. CBS News correspondent Michael George has more.
