Latest news with #Verne
France 24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Jules Verne: The 'Extraordinary Voyages' of a visionary French writer
France 12:14 Issued on: From the show This week we delve into the life of Jules Verne, one of the world's most widely translated writers. The French author's "Extraordinary Voyages" include "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", "Around the World in Eighty Days" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth". They continue to inspire fans of adventure stories, 120 years after his death in 1905. Many consider Verne to be one of the founding fathers of science fiction, while others see him as a visionary. Those familiar with the man himself speak of a tireless worker, with an unparalleled gift for making his ideas accessible to all and, with the help of his publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel, a creator of imaginary worlds that are still part of the cultural landscape today. We discuss Verne's life and legacy with Jean Verne, his great-grandson; Céline Giton, author of "Jules Verne: an Extraordinary Animal Anthology"; Agnès Marcetteau-Paul, author of "The very curious Jules Verne"; and Pierre Stépanoff, director of the Maison Jules Verne in Amiens.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYT Mini Crossword May 24, 2025: Hints and answers to solve today's challenge
The NYT Mini Crossword, a concise yet clever puzzle from The New York Times, has once again engaged word game enthusiasts with a new edition for Saturday, May 24, 2025. While the classic full-sized crossword remains a staple for devoted solvers, the Mini—a compact version available freely—has become a morning ritual for many across the globe. Resembling its larger counterpart in structure but not in scale, the NYT Mini Crossword is reset daily at 10:00 p.m. IST. Saturday's puzzle brought with it a fresh set of clues designed to challenge players' vocabulary, logic, and cultural knowledge in under five minutes. Hints for the NYT Mini Crossword – May 24 Edition To support players hoping to solve the puzzle independently, a set of thoughtful hints has been provided for both Across and Down clues. These prompts avoid direct spoilers, giving solvers an extra nudge without revealing the full answers immediately. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo Across Clues: 1 Across: "Get a load of ____!" — Hint: Common exclamation ending with "S" 5 Across: Balance skill on a ship — Hint: Begins with 'S' 8 Across: Military-style apparel — Hint: Starts with 'T' 9 Across: Windy City transport — Hint: Plural, ends with 'S' 10 Across: Airport wand-wavers — Hint: Three-letter acronym ending in 'A' 11 Across: Asian floral motif — Hint: Plural, common in Chinese art 13 Across: In solitude — Hint: Starts with 'A' 14 Across: Phileas ___ from Verne's novel — Hint: Surname ends in 'G' Down Clues: Live Events 1 Down: Read from a teacup — Hint: Ends in 'F' 2 Down: 'Star Wars' risk-taker — Hint: Starts with 'H' 3 Down: Type or kind — Hint: Starts with 'I' 4 Down: Narrative environment — Hint: Ends in 'G' 5 Down: Haircare directive — Hint: Begins with 'S' 6 Down: 'See for yourself' — Hint: Ends with 'E' 7 Down: Wellness destinations — Hint: Ends in 'S' 12 Down: Creamy holiday beverage — Hint: Starts with 'N' Solutions for NYT Mini Crossword – Saturday, May 24 For those who have exhausted all clues or simply wish to verify their guesses, the following answers have been confirmed as the correct completions of today's NYT Mini: Across: 1 Across: THIS 5 Across: SEA LEGS 8 Across: TANKTOP 9 Across: ELS 10 Across: TSA 11 Across: PEONIES 13 Across: ALONE 14 Across: FOGG Down: 1 Down: TEA LEAF 2 Down: HAN SOLO 3 Down: ILK 4 Down: SETTING 5 Down: STEP 6 Down: GO SEE 7 Down: SPAS 12 Down: NOG FAQs What is the hardest day of the New York Times mini-crossword? The easiest crossword is on Monday, and the hardest is on Saturday. How long does it take people to solve the NYT mini? Most solvers finish it within one to five minutes, depending on their experience and familiarity with clue types. With practice, some can complete it in under a minute. Beginners may take longer at first, which is completely normal!
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Students unite, excel at Fontie Games
Students from NewBridge Graduate Institute (NGI) in Centurion are buzzing with excitement after their recent performances at the Fontie Games. The annual competition unites students from different educational institutions, showcasing their athletic prowess and school spirit across a range of sports. Participants from NGI take part in these games each year, and this year's event, which took place from April 11 – 12 at Hoërskool Centurion, was no exception, as students expressed their pride in representing their institution. Jabulani Nkosi, a first-year student who participated in rugby, shared his experience of taking part in this year's games. 'The Fontie Games were a real success this year,' he said. He said that the matches were exciting and the team experience was something special. 'We created memories I won't easily forget because we all came together, supported each other, and showed true respect on and off the field.' Second-year student and rugby teammate Tresor Wakunga said the annual games were a fantastic opportunity to build team chemistry. He said that while they demonstrated promising skills, there was still room for growth in consistency and teamwork. 'This experience was incredibly rewarding, and it taught me valuable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and what it truly means to work as a team.' Montyra Groenewald, a first-year student who took part in the netball games, highlighted the social aspect of the event. 'This experience was a blast. I loved the new challenges and meeting new friends because that's what makes it so exciting.' She spoke of the adrenaline rush she felt on the court and how, when she heard the cheers from the sidelines, it created an incredible atmosphere. 'Whether it's your team or not, everyone comes together as one.' Sucathma du Toit, a second-year student, described her experience as incredible. She said the atmosphere was electric and it was inspiring to compete with passionate players. 'It's always inspiring to be part of an event that brings people together through sport.' NGI spokesperson Timothy Verne provided insights into the overall performance of the teams. He said the students showcased their skills in multiple sporting codes, including rugby, hockey, and netball, with teams giving it their all. 'This competition inspires passion,' he said. Verne said the netball team achieved three wins out of six matches, including thrilling victories over VC Sandton, Strelitzia, and Aros. 'The men's and ladies' teams both put on excellent shows. 'The ladies' team excelled by winning five out of their six games and notably achieved an impressive 8-1 victory against VC P2,' he said. He added that the men's team demonstrated resilience with three wins and three draws, finishing with a decisive 5-1 victory over Sol-Tech. Verne said their rugby squad won three of their five games, with highlights including an exciting neck and neck 17-15 victory over Sol-Tech and a 25-0 finish versus ETA. Francois Viljoen, the interim NGI rugby coach, praised his squad's performance and expressed pride over their passion during the games. He said the players gave their all on the field and demonstrated strong teamwork and discipline, which he described as the core of NGI Rugby. 'Their development has been evident in each and every game, and I think their performance has set the stage for an exciting season,' said Viljoen. 'Overall, the Fontie Games served as an important reminder of the power of teamwork, support, and allowing students to forge connections and feel part of something greater.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CEE's AI investment boom: Why global investors are flocking to the region
Why is CEE such a desirable location for investments in AI? Why are international investors turning their focus here more and more? Let's dissect it. AI investment in the CEE region has increased rapidly because of a robust ecosystem that endures in the face of challenging global economic conditions. Over €850m was raised by AI startups in 2023, while an additional €593m was raised in the first eight months of 2024. Poland, Greece, and Croatia are at the forefront thanks to big rounds from well-known companies like Croatia's Verne and Poland's ElevenLabs (€74m Series B round). Due to strong international interest, Poland led the region in fundraising, with firms raising €171m in 2024 alone. The area's entrepreneurial spirit, technical and technological prowess, and quickly evolving digital infrastructure particularly appeal to investors. CEE has shown its capacity to draw in capital despite global economic downturns and tighter investment conditions, exhibiting resilience that is frequently absent in other areas. The area's resilience in the face of economic upheaval emphasizes its developing reputation as a centre for AI innovation. Investors are focusing on particular high-impact industries where CEE businesses are succeeding rather than simply placing bets on AI in general. Biotech and healthcare are major drivers, with businesses like Causaly in Greece getting a sizeable round of capital (€55m) to use AI-powered analytics to revolutionise the life sciences. In general, financing for healthcare AI was comparable to that for media-focused AI, but it was split across about 40 early-stage businesses. Fintech and Digital Banking: equally important; Romanian leader FintechOS raised €55m, demonstrating the region's strength in financial services and digital banking. Industrial Automation & Manufacturing: Robotics startups, such as the Croatian company Gideon, which is currently supported by Toyota, are promoting automation and efficiency in a variety of industries. Cybersecurity: AI-powered security solutions are drawing significant investments as cyber threats get more complex; the Hungarian startup SEON was able to secure €87m. The growth of vertical AI solutions that are suited to the demands of particular industries is another significant factor driving investment. Instead of creating generic AI platforms, CEE startups are succeeding in specialised applications like AI-driven video production, where businesses like Creatopy (which raised more than €120m in 2024), ElevenLabs, and Colossyan are revolutionising content creation. By providing highly specialised solutions, CEE companies can compete globally thanks to their strategic focus on vertical AI. Smart regulation is just as important to CEE's investment-friendly climate as talent and technology. Clear legislative frameworks that lower investment risks and guarantee ethical AI development are provided by the EU AI Act, which went into effect in the middle of 2024. This clarity in the regulations is revolutionary. When thinking about investing in AI, investors are giving compliance more weight, and CEE startups gain from adhering to European governance norms. CEE's proactive approach positions it as an area where innovation and responsibility coexist as AI legislation changes. Long renowned for its highly skilled technical workforce, CEE is currently attracting investors looking for high-value possibilities as an alternative to Western Europe. What distinguishes it? Cost Efficiency: Because of lower operating costs and a highly qualified workforce, CEE companies are able to reach comparable revenue milestones with 40% less capital than their Western European rivals. Appealing Estimates: Investors have more advantageous entry opportunities because Series A valuations in CEE are still 30–40% lower than in Western Europe. Government Support: To ensure a consistent supply of future AI leaders, nations like Poland and Hungary are making significant investments in digital skills and AI education. CEE is one of the most alluring AI investment destinations in the world because it strikes a balance between affordability and top-notch innovation, making it more than just a less expensive option for investors. What comes next? The prospects for AI in 2026–2030 It is doubtful that the momentum behind CEE AI investments will slow down in the near future. The following significant trends suggest that the area is well-positioned for sustained success: Growth in Late-Stage Investments: Although CEE was formerly recognised for drawing in early-stage money, there is currently a noticeable trend toward bigger capital infusions, as institutional investors are increasingly supporting growth-stage businesses. There will soon be more AI unicorns: More billion-dollar AI firms should arise from the region as AI adoption picks up speed, especially in the financial, health tech, and cybersecurity sectors. Strategic Acquisitions & Global Expansion: The region is poised to become even more visible on the global AI scene as a result of the aggressive acquisition of promising CEE startups by foreign investors and corporations. Conclusion The Reasons CEE Is an Important AI Market to Monitor The fact that CEE has emerged as a hub for AI investments is no coincidence. Numerous features, such as excellent tech talent, cost-effective operations, strong government support, and favorable legislation, make it one of the most alluring regions for AI innovation and finance. However, if the region is to realize its full potential, problems including a shortage of qualified personnel and limited departure choices must be fixed. In the upcoming 10 years, CEE has the chance to not only compete with but possibly even surpass more established AI hubs with careful planning and sustained investment. The moment has come for investors to look more closely at Central and Eastern Europe in search of high-growth AI prospects. This could be the beginning of the AI future. Oleg Khusaenov is CEO at Zubr Capital Zubr Capital, is private equity firm that specialises in investing in rapidly expanding TMT companies. The article draws on the firm's The State of AI in the CEE 2024 report "CEE's AI investment boom: Why global investors are flocking to the region" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, 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.
Los Angeles Times
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Vanguard students present campy multimedia twist on Jules Verne's classic ‘Journey'
Famed 19th-century author Jules Verne — who penned futuristic tales about science-minded explorers navigating the furthest reaches of the planet, beyond the limits of human understanding — might well have been proud of a theatrical effort being undertaken at Vanguard University's Lyceum Theater. That's where students of the Costa Mesa campus' Theatre Arts program on Thursday debuted in a preview an original adaptation of 'Journey to the Center of the Earth,' a French science fiction novel by Verne published 1864 that has been translated numerous times and retold for both stage and screen. Running through April 13, the multimedia production takes viewers on a subterranean quest through worlds populated by mythical beasts, reminiscent of early Hollywood movie creatures like King Kong. The production employs layered projections with live action video sequences, miniature models and actors set against a green screen to create an over-the-top 1930s movie vibe, says Sue Berkompas, head of the university's theater department and artistic producing director for the campus productions. ''Journey' is so different from anything we've ever done, because of all the cool technical elements we're implementing,' Berkompas said in an interview Tuesday. 'All of those things are melded into one fun, adventurous, campy show, and we're really leaning into the campiness.' Since last summer, Berkompas has been collaborating with Vanguard junior (and assistant director) Amanda Fagan to create an original script from the Verne classic, and the pair have been making additions and edits all the way into rehearsals week. The show follows German scientist Professor Hardwigg and his nephew, Harry, as they follow a trail of clues left by a 16th century alchemist whom they believe traveled to the Earth's core through a series of volcanic tunnels. They are joined by Harry's fiancée Gretchen, who stows herself away for the voyage, unaware of the perils and amazements that await. 'They go on this dangerous, lost world adventure to the center of the Earth and encounter all these anomalies,' Berkompas said, describing an active volcano, giant snakes and sea monsters battling in an underground grotto. 'Some of the effects are really amazing and cool, and some of them are uber cheesy — that's the way I envisioned it, with the two always working together.' While students comprise the eight-member cast and roughly 20-member crew, additional expertise was brought in to pull off some of the more technical elements, including the use of gigantic onstage puppets. All of those elements working together presented a unique challenge for Alyssa Kammerer, a 2023 graduate of the Theatre Arts program who now serves as an adjunct professor pulling double duty as the production and stage manager for 'Journey.' 'We're trying to mesh live theater and film into the same thing. Figuring out the timing and how everything works together is quite difficult,' Kammerer said Wednesday. 'I've used projections before, but when you're integrating a projection with a live video feed it's a whole different beast.' The end result, however, is an intriguing and impressive spectacle that is not to be missed, she added. Berkompas said if all goes well, she'd like to take the adaptation to the American Coast Theater Company, a professional theater group that stages shows at the Lyceum when not in use by the university, and where she also acts and directs. 'This is the most ambitious technical show I've ever done in my entire life,' she said. 'It's just really fun stuff. You're not going to get Tennessee Williams with this, but you're going to have a lot of fun — I guarantee it.' Vanguard University's Lyceum Theater presents 'Journey to the Center of the Earth,' with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday this week and next, along with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost $17, or $15 for seniors 60+, children under 12, college students and groups and can be purchased at or by calling the box office at (714) 668-6145.
