Latest news with #Stefan
Otago Daily Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Dorka turns 102, recalls life under communist regime
Refugee Dorka Ganeva turned 102 late last month, 50 years after arriving in Christchurch to escape the Bulgarian communist regime. In a two-part series starting today, she talks to reporter Dylan Smits about resisting the communists after World War 2 Dorka's room at Radius St Helenas rest home is filling up with congratulatory cards and well wishes from the Bulgarian Embassy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Mayor Phil Mauger, and Seniors Minister Casey Costello. 'It feels very good,' she said of the cards. 'My life in Bulgaria was very frightening, so since I moved to New Zealand, I've recovered from the trauma. 'It's a sign of of respect. Those are some very smart people who sent the cards.' Dorka has lived peacefully in New Zealand for 50 years, but it was not always that way. At her advanced age, she is frail and has lost much of her hearing, but she still recalls her family's ill-treatment at the hands of the communist regime. Born in Varna, Bulgaria, on May 23, 1923, Dorka grew up in the small village of Kesarevo. Her childhood was happy in the independent Kingdom of Bulgaria, following the end of Ottoman rule. Her father managed the general store while her mother taught at the intermediate school. Despite national economic and political difficulties, Dorka's youth was happy. She studied at a girls' boarding school in Sofia during her high school years, where her love for art and literature blossomed. 'I enjoyed school very much and made friends for life.' Her future husband Stefan, a family friend 16 years her senior, opened a bank in Kesarevo to serve workers and peasants. He would visit her in Sofia while she studied. 'He was very kind to me and I didn't just like him, I adored him. With time we grew closer and closer.' An idealist and vegetarian, Stefan believed in humanitarianism. Though not political at first, he increasingly engaged in pro-democracy activism as Bulgaria came under authoritarian rule. First it was the Nazi-aligned military government, then the Soviet-installed communist regime. At 17, Dorka moved to Veliko Tarnovo for further study. World War 2 would break out soon after. She married Stefan in July 1942. Their first son, Kamen, was born in April 1943. While Dorka lived quietly in Kesarevo, Bulgaria was pressured by Nazi Germany to deport its Jewish population. She was moved by the public resistance. The Bulgarian government ultimately refused to deport its 50,000 Jews, due to pressure from religious leaders and parliament. As German soldiers passed through Bulgaria, she wondered: 'How could they send these young men to kill innocent people? Are they capable of committing such cruelties?' The family's troubles started when Stefan defended a bank employee accused of aiding the communist resistance. Though successful, Stefan was branded an 'enemy of the people,' a label that haunted the family under both fascist and communist regimes. When the Soviet Union invaded in September 1944, the situation worsened. Stefan was ousted from his banking job by the communists for allegedly supporting fascism, despite his opposition to it. Their daughter Maria was born two months after the invasion. The family became subsistence farmers, relying on a small flock of sheep. In 1946, Stefan ran in Bulgaria's post-war elections as part of the democratic opposition. 'From that moment onwards, our lives became a nightmare,' said Dorka. Police began harassing the family, often entering their home and conducting searches for anything incriminating. One night, they came to arrest Stefan. He was in the backyard, but Dorka lied, saying he was at the barbershop, giving him time to escape. She was summoned by the mayor and interrogated, but she held firm. Pregnant with their second son, Stojan, she told them: 'Even if I knew where my husband was I wouldn't tell you.' She later learned the police officer present wanted to beat and imprison her but refrained because she was pregnant. Shortly before the election, the government stopped arresting opposition candidates to maintain a facade of fairness. Stefan returned home and Dorka gave birth, but their house was attacked by communist youths who threw rocks through their front windows during a political meeting. 'When I went to check the children in their bedroom, I saw a large rock had landed right next to my baby Stojan's head. He was only 3-months-old. It was very lucky he wasn't killed.' Stefan won his seat and the opposition won the election, but the communist authorities overturned the results. Stefan was forced to go into hiding again, fearing arrest. 'We lived through so much fear and troubles. It was difficult to get through every day knowing they could arrest my husband,' said Dorka. Eventually, Stefan surrendered, hoping for a fair trial. Ten days later, Dorka was told he had been sent to a work camp. 'I was completely shocked by the news. I could not say a word and left the room. I was distraught. I don't remember how I managed to get back home.' For two years, Dorka managed the farm and raised her children as a solo mother. 'Despite anxiety, fears and hard work, we somehow got through that first year without Stefan,' she said. He endured harsh conditions in a mining camp with scarce food and regular abuse. When Dorka was finally allowed to visit, she barely recognised him. 'I was frightened. He was only skin and bones. His lovely hair was shaved off.' Toward the end of the second year of his imprisonment, an official visited to tell her Stefan had been released. 'That was the happiest moment of my life. I was in seventh heaven,' said Dorka. Shortly after, the couple were summoned to the mayor's office. A representative from the Interior Ministry apologised and offered Stefan a high-ranking job as deputy commerce minister – on the condition he join the government-aligned political party. They refused. 'He was a man of principle,' said son Kamen, now 82. 'He sacrificed a lot for his beliefs. He did not want to be part of that system.' Refusing the position eliminated the family's last hope of safety in Bulgaria. In the years that followed, escape became their only option. • Next week, the suspicious death of Dorka's husband, and escaping Bulgaria in 1975
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ABB and Red Hat Extend Collaboration on Process Automation Systems to Drive Industrial Innovation
BOSTON – RED HAT SUMMIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ABB and Red Hat today announced an extended collaboration to develop automation systems for the future of industrial IT, enabling more secure and modular deployment of control applications for process industries. The collaboration builds on ABB's automation leadership and Red Hat's industry-leading enterprise open source platforms, combining industrial innovation and digital capabilities – including data analytics and artificial intelligence – to help pave the way towards autonomous operations. ABB's process automation system architecture consists of two interconnected yet distinct environments: a robust and secure control environment that helps ensure stable, real-time management of critical processes, and a digital environment designed for flexible and scalable introduction of digital solutions. Previously, ABB and Red Hat collaborated on the digital environment infrastructure for a more rapid scalable deployment of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud-based applications, without disrupting core control operations. Now, the two companies are expanding their collaboration to include the control environment, delivering enhanced operational consistency and stability to meet the most demanding security and process requirements. Built on Red Hat platforms such as Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift this dual approach will allow customers to introduce innovations incrementally, protecting operational integrity and existing investments while maintaining high levels of cybersecurity. Additionally, Red Hat technologies provide a reliable and secure foundation for system lifecycle services within the process automation system. Aligned with global industry standards and frameworks, ABB and Red Hat's collaboration supports secure adoption across multi-vendor environments, allowing customers to embrace digital transformation with greater confidence. Red Hat Summit Join the Red Hat Summit keynotes to hear the latest from Red Hat executives, customers and partners: Modernized infrastructure meets enterprise-ready AI — Tuesday, May 20, 8-10 a.m. EDT (YouTube) Hybrid cloud evolves to deliver enterprise innovation — Wednesday, May 21, 8-9:30 a.m. EDT (YouTube) Supporting Quotes Francis Chow, vice president and general manager, Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge, Red Hat 'This extended collaboration with ABB marks a significant milestone for the industry at large, as we empower manufacturers with the tools and solutions they need to transform to better meet the demands of today's increasingly complex industrial landscape. Red Hat platforms, including Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, provide a durable and consistent foundation for process automation and industrial controls, helping to address the strict security and uptime requirements of industrial use cases. We look forward to continuing our work with ABB to deliver modern automation powered by open-source technologies.' Stefan Basenach, senior vice president, Process Automation Technology, ABB 'Ongoing industry collaboration is essential to shaping the future of automation. Together with Red Hat, we're advancing modular, scalable solutions that align with global frameworks and deliver long-term value to customers across process industries. The dual-layered architecture, built on open source platforms, creates a robust foundation for the industry to progress towards autonomous operations. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we continue to drive open, resilient and secure automation that supports industry both now and in the future.' Additional Resources Learn more about Red Hat Summit See all of Red Hat's announcements this week in the Red Hat Summit newsroom Follow @RedHatSummit or #RHSummit on X for event-specific updates Connect with Red Hat About ABB ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this 'Engineered to Outrun'. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). ABB's Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. About Red Hat Red Hat is the open hybrid cloud technology leader, delivering a trusted, consistent and comprehensive foundation for transformative IT innovation and AI applications. Its portfolio of cloud, developer, AI, Linux, automation and application platform technologies enables any application, anywhere—from the datacenter to the edge. As the world's leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, Red Hat invests in open ecosystems and communities to solve tomorrow's IT challenges. Collaborating with partners and customers, Red Hat helps them build, connect, automate, secure and manage their IT environments, supported by consulting services and award-winning training and certification offerings. Red Hat's Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the company's current assumptions regarding future business and financial performance. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free Woolworths gift to solve annoying supermarket trend: 'How did I not know?'
Supermarkets and major retailers like Woolworths, Coles and Kmart are in a constant battle to ensure shopping trolleys stay where they are meant to be — in stores. However, a growing trend of locking them up in Australia to prevent them from being dumped is causing growing frustration among shoppers who rarely have a $1 or $2 coin required to operate them. Recently, regular Woolies shopper Stefan was fuming after his arm was hurting from having to lug a heavy basket around the store to do his weekly shop because he didn't have a coin on him to access a trolley. "My arm was killing me," he told Yahoo News of the ordeal, admitting that he "never" holds coins on him. However, after sharing his gripe online, Aussies informed Stefan of a little-known gift from staff at Woolies which solves the annoying problem — a keyring token which can be used to release the trolley without a gold coin. "I went up to the desk and asked, and they were like 'here you go' and gave it to me," he explained, asking, "how did I not know about that?" While the supermarket remained tight-lipped about the free item when approached by Yahoo News, it's understood customers who don't have a coin to use for the trolley locks are welcome to enquire about the tokens. Trolley dumping is a widespread issue, with supermarkets spending "significant amounts" on maintaining their fleets. Brisbane-based Ocean Crusaders' Ian Thomson recently told Yahoo it costs roughly $300 to replace a trolley, and stores "don't do much" to recover missing ones. "That's often being paid for with our groceries," he said, suggesting it's everyday Aussies who bear the brunt of the ultimate costs of the problem. Coles recently told Yahoo News they have teams of people collecting trolleys removed from the premises. "Abandoned trolleys are a nuisance to local communities and we are continually working to make this better across all our stores, including regular collections of abandoned trolleys with vehicles on the road frequently," a Coles spokesperson said. "We are always reassessing our trolley management and take local feedback into account when deciding what methods to employ at any of our stores, including the use of coin locks and electronic wheel lock systems." ‼️ Woolworths denies responsibility after pensioner slips and shatters wrist 🤖 Woolworths responds to bizarre robot footage, vows to roll out more 😲 Mum stunned by free $10 voucher from Woolworths staff member Aldi, well known for using coin-operated trolleys, told Yahoo News Australia they too use them to prevent trolleys being dumped, as well as to save money. "The Aldi trolley token system is a key preventative measure against trolleys being dumped in backstreets, waterways and public areas. As a result, we find almost all of our trolleys are returned to our stores," a spokesperson said. "By incentivising customers to return their own trolleys, we save money on trolley retrieval services and pass those savings on to customers in the form of our low prices. It's part of our Good Different operating model." The store sells a trolley token for 99 cents. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
D. Boral Capital Acted as Exclusive Placement Agent to ADS-TEC Energy (Nasdaq: ADSE) in connection with its up to $50.0 Million Registered Direct Offering
Transaction Highlights: Secured aggregate gross proceeds of up to $50 million from leading institutional investors, consisting of $50 million senior secured convertible note due 2028 to be provided in two tranches of $15 million and $35 capital to drive growth in Europe and North America, supporting long-term revenue-generating infrastructureExpansion into full-service provider model, enabling multi-revenue streams including ultra-fast charging, energy trading, and advertisingExclusive projects secured at over 300 locations across Germany, with international rollout underwayCompany expects significant recurring revenue starting late 2025 into 2026The transaction was fully subscribed, and the subscription period has concluded. The offering closed on May 2, 2025. NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 15, 2025 / On May 1, 2025, ADS-TEC Energy (NASDAQ:ADSE), a global leader in battery-based energy storage and ultra-fast EV charging solutions, announced it has secured up to $50 million in growth capital from well-recognized institutional investors. The proceeds from the offering will be disbursed in two tranches - $15 million in immediate proceeds available to the company and $35 million to become available upon the setup of a controlled account - and will fuel the company's strategic expansion across Europe and North America. The transaction was fully subscribed, and the subscription period has concluded. The offering closed on May 2, 2025. "We believe this funding is a strong validation of our long-term vision," said Thomas Speidel, CEO of ADS-TEC Energy. "We expect to deploy these proceeds in a manner that will allows us to take a significant step forward in transforming our business into a vertically integrated, full-service provider. Not only expanding our physical footprint-but building a sustainable, recurring revenue model with long-term value for our customers and shareholders." ADS-TEC Energy has established itself as a provider of high-performance, decentralized, battery-based platform solutions tailored for B2B customers. Its offerings span hardware, proprietary software, service-level agreements (SLAs), and smart features-all developed and manufactured in-house. These SLAs are intended to ensure uninterrupted infrastructure performance over decades, providing reliability for customers and consistent revenue streams for the company. With the new capital, ADS-TEC Energy plans to evolve its business model to include full project delivery-covering financing, installation, commissioning, and long-term operation of charging assets, energy optimization and trading software, and digital advertising platforms. This 360-degree solution is being deployed across exclusive locations such as supermarkets, convenience stores, DIY retailers, and gas stations. "Until now, ADS-TEC focused on supplying our proprietary ultra-fast charging technology to B2B customers like oil and gas companies, retail chains, and fleet operators," said Stefan Berndt-von Bülow, CFO of ADS-TEC Energy. "Our expanded model introduces an opportunity to achieve a robust, multi-year recurring revenue structure that enhances visibility, predictability, and overall financial strength. We already have multiple international projects in motion." Among those projects is a pipeline of more than 300 sites in Germany where ADS-TEC is expected to have exclusive deployment rights for its ChargePost platform. Revenue from these sites is expected to ramp up beginning in late 2025 and into early 2026. Monetization is expected to stem from energy trading, super-fast charging, and advertising, all managed directly by ADS-TEC. The expected net proceeds of up to $47.2 from this offering will be used for general corporate purposes. Such purposes may include working capital, capital expenditures, repayment and refinancing of debt, the acquisition of companies, businesses, technology or other assets. D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the Placement Agent for the offering. Reed Smith LLP and Arthur Cox LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Paul Hastings LLP acted as counsel to the Placement Agent in connection with the offering. A registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-284850) relating to these Securities was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and declared effective on March 26, 2025. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC's website free of charge at The offering was made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus. A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus related to the offering were filed with the SEC on May 1, 2025 and are available free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws. Further details, including full terms of the financing, can be found in the Company's Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. About ADS-TEC Energy Based on more than ten years of experience with lithium-ion technologies, ADS-TEC Energy develops and produces battery storage solutions and fast charging systems including their energy management systems. Its battery-based fast-charging technology enables electric vehicles to charge ultra-fast even with weak power grids and is characterized by a very compact design. The company, based in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg, was nominated for the German Future Prize by the Federal President and was included in the "Circle of Excellence" in 2022. The high quality and functionality of the battery systems is due to a particularly high level of in-depth development and in-house production. With its advanced system platforms, ADS-TEC Energy is a valuable partner for car manufacturers, energy supply companies and charging station operators. More information at: About D. Boral Capital D. Boral Capital LLC is a premier, relationship-driven global investment bank headquartered in New York. The firm is dedicated to delivering exceptional strategic advisory and tailored financial solutions to middle-market and emerging growth companies. With a proven track record, D. Boral Capital provides expert guidance to clients across diverse sectors worldwide, leveraging access to capital from key markets, including the United States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. A recognized leader on Wall Street, D. Boral Capital has successfully aggregated approximately $30 billion in capital since its inception in 2020, executing ~350 transactions across a broad range of investment banking products. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the delivery and installation of the PowerBoosters, our expectations with respect to future performance and the anticipated timing of certain commercial activities. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made in this press release, including: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical events including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, macroeconomic trends including changes in inflation or interest rates, or other events beyond our control on the overall economy, our business and those of our customers and suppliers, including due to supply chain disruptions and expense increases; our limited operating history as a public company; our dependence on widespread acceptance and adoption of EVs and increased installation of charging stations; our current dependence on sales to a limited number of customers for most of our revenues; overall demand for EV charging and the potential for reduced demand for EVs if governmental rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives are reduced, modified or eliminated or governmental mandates to increase the use of EVs or decrease the use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels, either directly or indirectly through mandated limits on carbon emissions, are reduced, modified or eliminated; supply chain interruptions and expense increases; unexpected delays in new product introductions; our ability to expand our operations and market share in Europe and the U.S.; the effects of competition; changes to battery energy storage standards; and the risk that our technology could have undetected defects or errors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect our financial results are included under "Item 3. Key Information - 3.D. Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 12, 2025, which is available on our website at and on the SEC's website at Additional information will also be set forth in other filings that we make with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by applicable law. For more information, please contact: D. Boral Capital LLCEmail: info@ +1(212)-970-5150 SOURCE: D. Boral Capital
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Thai man arrested for smuggling baby orangutans
BANGKOK: Thai police have arrested a man suspected of smuggling two baby orangutans into the kingdom, they said Thursday (May 15), in a case linked to an international wildlife trafficking network. The 47-year-old suspect was detained on Wednesday evening at a petrol station in a residential district of Bangkok while preparing to hand over the animals to a customer, police said in a statement. Two infant orangutans -- one about a year old, the other just one month -- were found in a plastic basket wearing diapers, with a feeding bottle beside them, according to photos released by police. - Photo: The Nation/ANN The arrest followed a joint investigation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Orangutans, native to Borneo and Sumatra, are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under the CITES treaty, and are among the most trafficked primates in the world. Thai police said the apes were believed to have been sold for around 300,000 baht each ($8,900). - Photo: The Nation/ANN The man was charged with "illegal possession of protected wildlife" under Thai law and faces up to four years in prison. The orangutans, named Christopher and Stefan, were handed over to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for health checks and care to help "rehabilitate their condition". Police said the suspect admitted he was hired to deliver the animals, but did not disclose the payment amount. "We are investigating the larger network," Kasidach Charoenlap, a police officer with the Central Investigation Bureau, who was part of the investigation told AFP. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers, who often sell highly prized endangered creatures on the lucrative black market in China, Vietnam and Taiwan. Separately, The Nation reported that the suspect, Thanasit, 47, was arrested at a petrol station on Prasert Manukit Road, in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district, after arriving on a motorcycle with the two baby orangutans placed in a basket strapped to the pillion seat. International agencies support wildlife operation Officers from Thailand's Environmental Crime Suppression Division, along with officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), conducted the operation. The raid followed a tip-off from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Justice Commission (Netherlands), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Thai authorities have been working with these international partners to investigate a wildlife trafficking gang suspected of illegally selling baby orangutans. The animals are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). - Photo: The Nation/ANN Critically endangered species sold for 300,000 Baht each Orangutans are listed under CITES Appendix I, meaning they are critically endangered and international trade is strictly prohibited. When officers emerged from their stakeout and stopped the suspect, they discovered two orangutans, named by the gang as Christopher (approximately one year old) and Stefan (around one month old), inside the basket. - AFP, The Nation/ANN
