Monthly Archives: June 2023

The Race to Prevent ‘the Worst Case Scenario for Machine Learning’ – The New York Times

Posted: June 24, 2023 at 10:58 am

Dave Willner has had a front-row seat to the evolution of the worst things on the internet.

He started working at Facebook in 2008, back when social media companies were making up their rules as they went along. As the companys head of content policy, it was Mr. Willner who wrote Facebooks first official community standards more than a decade ago, turning what he has said was an informal one-page list that mostly boiled down to a ban on Hitler and naked people into what is now a voluminous catalog of slurs, crimes and other grotesqueries that are banned across all of Metas platforms.

So last year, when the San Francisco artificial intelligence lab OpenAI was preparing to launch Dall-E, a tool that allows anyone to instantly create an image by describing it in a few words, the company tapped Mr. Willner to be its head of trust and safety. Initially, that meant sifting through all of the images and prompts that Dall-Es filters flagged as potential violations and figuring out ways to prevent would-be violators from succeeding.

It didnt take long in the job before Mr. Willner found himself considering a familiar threat.

Just as child predators had for years used Facebook and other major tech platforms to disseminate pictures of child sexual abuse, they were now attempting to use Dall-E to create entirely new ones. I am not surprised that it was a thing that people would attempt to do, Mr. Willner said. But to be very clear, neither were the folks at OpenAI.

For all of the recent talk of the hypothetical existential risks of generative A.I., experts say it is this immediate threat child predators using new A.I. tools already that deserves the industrys undivided attention.

In a newly published paper by the Stanford Internet Observatory and Thorn, a nonprofit that fights the spread of child sexual abuse online, researchers found that, since last August, there has been a small but meaningful uptick in the amount of photorealistic A.I.-generated child sexual abuse material circulating on the dark web.

According to Thorns researchers, this has manifested for the most part in imagery that uses the likeness of real victims but visualizes them in new poses, being subjected to new and increasingly egregious forms of sexual violence. The majority of these images, the researchers found, have been generated not by Dall-E but by open-source tools that were developed and released with few protections in place.

In their paper, the researchers reported that less than 1 percent of child sexual abuse material found in a sample of known predatory communities appeared to be photorealistic A.I.-generated images. But given the breakneck pace of development of these generative A.I. tools, the researchers predict that number will only grow.

Within a year, were going to be reaching very much a problem state in this area, said David Thiel, the chief technologist of the Stanford Internet Observatory, who co-wrote the paper with Thorns director of data science, Dr. Rebecca Portnoff, and Thorns head of research, Melissa Stroebel. This is absolutely the worst case scenario for machine learning that I can think of.

Dr. Portnoff has been working on machine learning and child safety for more than a decade.

To her, the idea that a company like OpenAI is already thinking about this issue speaks to the fact that this field is at least on a faster learning curve than the social media giants were in their earliest days.

The posture is different today, said Dr. Portnoff.

Still, she said, If I could rewind the clock, it would be a year ago.

In 2003, Congress passed a law banning computer-generated child pornography a rare instance of congressional future-proofing. But at the time, creating such images was both prohibitively expensive and technically complex.

The cost and complexity of creating these images has been steadily declining, but changed last August with the public debut of Stable Diffusion, a free, open-source text-to-image generator developed by Stability AI, a machine learning company based in London.

In its earliest iteration, Stable Diffusion placed few limits on the kind of images its model could produce, including ones containing nudity. We trust people, and we trust the community, the companys chief executive, Emad Mostaque, told The New York Times last fall.

In a statement, Motez Bishara, the director of communications for Stability AI, said that the company prohibited misuse of its technology for illegal or immoral purposes, including the creation of child sexual abuse material. We strongly support law enforcement efforts against those who misuse our products for illegal or nefarious purposes, Mr. Bishara said.

Because the model is open-source, developers can download and modify the code on their own computers and use it to generate, among other things, realistic adult pornography. In their paper, the researchers at Thorn and the Stanford Internet Observatory found that predators have tweaked those models so that they are capable of creating sexually explicit images of children, too. The researchers demonstrate a sanitized version of this in the report, by modifying one A.I.-generated image of a woman until it looks like an image of Audrey Hepburn as a child.

Stability AI has since released filters that try to block what the company calls unsafe and inappropriate content. And newer versions of the technology were built using data sets that exclude content deemed not safe for work. But, according to Mr. Thiel, people are still using the older model to produce imagery that the newer one prohibits.

Unlike Stable Diffusion, Dall-E is not open-source and is only accessible through OpenAIs own interface. The model was also developed with many more safeguards in place to prohibit the creation of even legal nude imagery of adults. The models themselves have a tendency to refuse to have sexual conversations with you, Mr. Willner said. We do that mostly out of prudence around some of these darker sexual topics.

The company also implemented guardrails early on to prevent people from using certain words or phrases in their Dall-E prompts. But Mr. Willner said predators still try to game the system by using what researchers call visual synonyms creative terms to evade guardrails while describing the images they want to produce.

If you remove the models knowledge of what blood looks like, it still knows what water looks like, and it knows what the color red is, Mr. Willner said. That problem also exists for sexual content.

Thorn has a tool called Safer, which scans images for child abuse and helps companies report them to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which runs a federally designated clearinghouse of suspected child sexual abuse material. OpenAI uses Safer to scan content that people upload to Dall-Es editing tool. Thats useful for catching real images of children, but Mr. Willner said that even the most sophisticated automated tools could struggle to accurately identify A.I.-generated imagery.

That is an emerging concern among child safety experts: That A.I. will not just be used to create new images of real children but also to make explicit imagery of children who do not exist.

That content is illegal on its own and will need to be reported. But this possibility has also led to concerns that the federal clearinghouse may become further inundated with fake imagery that would complicate efforts to identify real victims. Last year alone, the centers CyberTipline received roughly 32 million reports.

If we start receiving reports, will we be able to know? Will they be tagged or be able to be differentiated from images of real children? said Yiota Souras, the general counsel of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

At least some of those answers will need to come not just from A.I. companies, like OpenAI and Stability AI, but from companies that run messaging apps or social media platforms, like Meta, which is the top reporter to the CyberTipline.

Last year, more than 27 million tips came from Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram alone. Already, tech companies use a classification system, developed by an industry alliance called the Tech Coalition, to categorize suspected child sexual abuse material by the victims apparent age and the nature of the acts depicted. In their paper, the Thorn and Stanford researchers argue that these classifications should be broadened to also reflect whether an image was computer-generated.

In a statement to The New York Times, Metas global head of safety, Antigone Davis, said, Were working to be purposeful and evidence-based in our approach to A.I.-generated content, like understanding when the inclusion of identifying information would be most beneficial and how that information should be conveyed. Ms. Davis said the company would be working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to determine the best way forward.

Beyond the responsibilities of platforms, researchers argue that there is more that A.I. companies themselves can be doing. Specifically, they could train their models to not create images of child nudity and to clearly identify images as generated by artificial intelligence as they make their way around the internet. This would mean baking a watermark into those images that is more difficult to remove than the ones either Stability AI or OpenAI have already implemented.

As lawmakers look to regulate A.I., experts view mandating some form of watermarking or provenance tracing as key to fighting not only child sexual abuse material but also misinformation.

Youre only as good as the lowest common denominator here, which is why you want a regulatory regime, said Hany Farid, a professor of digital forensics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Professor Farid is responsible for developing PhotoDNA, a tool launched in 2009 by Microsoft, which many tech companies now use to automatically find and block known child sexual abuse imagery. Mr. Farid said tech giants were too slow to implement that technology after it was developed, enabling the scourge of child sexual abuse material to openly fester for years. He is currently working with a number of tech companies to create a new technical standard for tracing A.I.-generated imagery. Stability AI is among the companies planning to implement this standard.

Another open question is how the court system will treat cases brought against creators of A.I.-generated child sexual abuse material and what liability A.I. companies will have. Though the law against computer-generated child pornography has been on the books for two decades, its never been tested in court. An earlier law that tried to ban what was then referred to as virtual child pornography was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2002 for infringing on speech.

Members of the European Commission, The White House and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee have been briefed on Stanford and Thorns findings. It is critical, Mr. Thiel said, that companies and lawmakers find answers to these questions before the technology advances even further to include things like full motion video. Weve got to get it before then, Mr. Thiel said.

Julie Cordua, the chief executive of Thorn, said the researchers findings should be seen as a warning and an opportunity. Unlike the social media giants who woke up to the ways their platforms were enabling child predators years too late, Ms. Cordua argues, theres still time to prevent the problem of AI-generated child abuse from spiraling out of control.

We know what these companies should be doing, Ms. Cordua said. We just need to do it.

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What Amazon, Google, And Microsoft Announced After PM’s ‘Hi-Tech Handshake’ – NDTV

Posted: at 10:58 am

Joe Biden and PM Modi met with some of the most powerful executives in Silicon Valley on Friday.

Three US tech giants have committed to major investments in India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently-concluded state visit to the western superpower. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have announced capital investments and technological cooperation for the growth of Indian technology.

While Amazon has committed to investing an additional $15 billion in India over the next seven years, which will take the company's total India investment across all businesses to $26 billion, Google has said it will open its global fintech operation centre in Gujarat.

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella in his meeting with the Prime Minister discussed the power of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, to help improve the lives of Indians.

"India is home to one of the most vibrant developer and start-up ecosystems in the world, and Microsoft remains deeply committed to the growth of Indian technology - that will impact both India and markets across the globe," a Microsoft statement said after the meeting.

Microsoft had last month launched Jugalbandi, a new generative AI-driven chatbot on mobile devices for government assistance, in India. It can understand questions in multiple languages, whether spoken or typed. It retrieves information on relevant programs - usually written in English - and relays it back in local language. The Jugalbandi AI assistant is powered by language models from AI4Bharat, a government-backed initiative, and reasoning models from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.

Google CEO Sundar Puchai said that he shared with the Prime Minister that Google is investing $10 billion in India's digitisation fund. "We are announcing the opening of our global fintech operation centre in GIFT City, Gujarat," news agency ANI quoted Mr Pichai as saying.

An Amazon statement said its CEO Andy Jassy and the PM spoke about supporting Indian startups, creating jobs, enabling exports, digitisation, and empowering individuals and small businesses to compete globally.

"Amazon has pledged to digitise 10 million small businesses, enable $20 billion in exports, and create 2 million jobs in India by 2025. Currently, Amazon India is on track to deliver on them, having already digitised over 6.2 million small businesses, enabled over $7 billion in exports, and created over 1.3 million direct and indirect jobs," the company statement said.

PM Modi met captains of industry from various fields, including semiconductors, manufacturing, space, and start-ups, at the "Hi-Tech handshake" mega event at the White House in Washington DC on his last day of the US visit.

"In his remarks, Prime Minister underlined the immense potential of harnessing India-US tech cooperation for socio-economic growth. He also applauded the contribution of India's talented youth in fostering a culture of innovation. President Biden called on CEOs to help expand India-US tech partnership to new fields including biotechnology and quantum," a government release on the event said.

Among those present were Apple's Tim Cook, Revathi Advaithi, CEO, Flex, Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI, Mark Douglas, President and CEO, FMC Corporation, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai.

Another key announcement, earlier during the PM's visit, was Micron Technology, along with India Semiconductor Mission, saying it will build a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat at a cost of $2.75 billion.

In space sector, India has signed the Artemis Accords for space exploration. By the end of this year, NASA and ISRO are developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation.

PM Modi also met with SpaceX chief Elon Musk in New York on Tuesday.

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Rishi Sunak warned tech giants could ‘leverage resources to … – Press Gazette

Posted: at 10:58 am

A coalition of publishing, tech and other digital organisations have warned against a potential change to the competition watchdogs appeal process that could allow tech giants to leverage their resources in the courts to obstruct and delay regulation.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill is the UKs version of legislation designed to regulate competition and dominance of the market by the biggest tech companies such as Google and Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp. It would also seek to force these platforms to negotiate payments for content with news publishers.

A coalition that includes the News Media Association, Professional Publishers Association, Public Interest News Foundation, Radiocentre and other tech businesses such as search engine Duck Duck Go, travel companies Expedia and Skyscanner, and the Open Web Advocacy has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urging him to keep the Judicial Review standard for appeals within the bill.

They fear that a change to a full merits or Judicial Review-plus standard for appeal would mean powerful firms with unlimited legal budgets could leverage their resources and unparalleled strength in the courts to obstruct and delay the entire regime: on average, merits appeals take twice as long as appeals on Judicial Review principles.

The letter said this could leave the Competition and Markets Authority unable to move quickly enough to address significant anti-competitive harm.

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The size of the tech companies legal budgets was also raised earlier in the week at the Lords Communications and Digital Committee on the bill.

Committee member Dido Harding, best known by many for leading the NHS Test and Trace programme during the Covid-19 pandemic, said: If I can only afford one case, and you [the tech giants] can afford ten of them, timing is in your favour.

At the same committee, Metas UK policy manager Matt Foster argued platforms have a responsibility to their users to fight for the integrity of their service, which merits a review standard of appeal would allow them to do.

Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, told the committee the digital markets bill is urgently needed to recognise the value of news on platforms like Google and Facebook and tackle a market failure.

Meredith outlined the damage big tech has dealt to many news outlets, saying: Digital markets dont function properly, and essentially there has been a market failure we need this new legislation to tackle it.

He said the monetisation is fundamentally flawed because of the monopolistic attitudes and controls that a small number of big tech firms exercise, adding that we need this legislation to reframe the way that digital markets work.

Meredith said the root of the issue was the lack of recognition that news outlets were receiving for bring present on Google, saying the value created by having news as part of their overall product is fundamental to big techs ability to charge advertisers a premium.

He added: What we are asking for is recognition of the value that news brings to these platforms.

This was echoed by other speakers at the hearing, including Richard Stables, chief executive of e-commerce company Kelkoo Group, which is also part of the coalition that wrote to Sunak this week. Stables said his business was one of many suffering from big tech stealing from industries.

Overall, legislators have been asleep at the wheel over antitrust laws over the last 20 years, he alleged. He added that this has led to a situation where five companies run the internet. Government affairs managers from all five of those five companies, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon and Meta, were present at the hearing.

Googles Tom Morrisson-Bell stated that we strongly believe that our products are excellent products. When asked how Google would like the digital markets bill to be formulated, Morrison-Bell affirmed the need for a regime that has a consumer at the heart, one that is delivered by having the right checks and balances.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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Will There Be An Elon Musk Vs Mark Zuckerberg Cage Fight? The … – Dish Nation

Posted: at 10:58 am

Did someone say tech billionaire brawl?!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has accepted Tesla CEO and Chairman of Twitter Elon Musks invitation to a cage fight. Musk recently mocked Zuckerberg on Twitter when a follower warned Musk that Zuck does Jiu-Jitsu. In response, Elon tweeted Im up for a cage match if he is lol, to which Zuckerberg responded, Send me the location.

Musk, 51, responded with Vegas Octagon which is a competition venue used for UFC fights. Elon joked that although he almost never works out except for picking up his kids and throwing them in the air, his best move is The Walrus where he just lies on top of his opponent.

Meanwhile and all jokes aside, Zuckerberg, 39, has been training in MMA and even won jiu-jitsu tournaments.

#DishFam, who do you think will win in a cage fight.Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg?

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As layoffs surge, tech giants still lead when it comes to high salaries – TechSpot

Posted: at 10:58 am

In a nutshell: The number of layoffs in the tech industry this year has dwarfed those from other areas. We've also seen some extreme cost-cutting measures implemented. But a new report shows that if you want a well-paid job, some of the best options are still at technology giants such as Alphabet and Google.

The report on company pay comes from the Wall Street Journal, which analyzed data collected by MyLogIQ on the median salaries of 278 firms in the S&P 500.

Despite the large number of layoffs and global economic turmoil, annual compensation - salary, bonuses, and benefits - rose more in 2022 than in 2021, with more than 100 companies raising salaries by 10% or more.

$414,500

$279,902

$247,678

The highest median salary is the $414,500 paid by New York City-based real estate investment trust Vici Properties. Comprising just 22 employees, it owns a number of casinos across the US - the salaries of hourly workers employed by its properties aren't included in the figures.

The second place belongs to Facebook owner Meta Platforms, which pays almost $300,000. The $280,000 median wage Google parent Alphabet pays staff puts the company in third place.

Meta has laid off over 20,000 people since November last year, while Alphabet's 12,000 layoffs led to global protests.

Amazon, which had a revenue of $514 billion last year, was 43rd on the list with its median salary of $34,195. That includes the massive number of warehouse workers at the company.

The companies with the lowest median wages include retail firms such as Yum Brands ($10,398), Ross Stores ($9,968), and Aptiv ($8,139), which have minimum-wage workers. Walmart is on the lower half of the list ($27,000), even though it raised salaries by 7% last year.

The WSJ also worked out how much more CEOs earn compared to the average worker at their company. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai's top pay package of $226 million gives him 808 times more than the company's median pay. Mark Zuckerberg's $28 million is 91 times higher, while Vici Properties' CEO Edward Pitoniak gets 28 times more, though it was 273 times higher last year.

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Soaring Valuations: 3 Tech Stocks to Watch as Market Caps Hit New … – InvestorPlace

Posted: at 10:58 am

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and how! Weve seen some of the biggest tech companies emerge as pioneers in the field and this has taken the market valuation to new highs.

The companies that are developing products and services for AI applications will see immense growth soon. The recent quarterly results of several tech companies highlighted the potential that AI has and this AI boom will take the valuation of tech companies to new highs.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) recently joined the trillion-dollar club and the stock is up over 200% year to date. Its market cap surged after the company reported results.

The market capitalization of a company reflects the size of the company and several companies have seen the market cap hit new highs over the past month.

Naturally, it is easier for a large-cap stock to reach a higher market cap as compared to a small-cap stock. So, if you are looking for stocks that have the ability to hit a new high in the market cap, you need to ensure that the company has strong fundamentals and a high growth potential. With higher earnings and revenue, we can see soaring tech stock valuations.

With that in mind, lets take a look at the three top tech stocks to watch as the market cap hits new highs.

Source: NYCStock / Shutterstock.com

One of the top tech stocks with high market cap to keep your eyes on is Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). The tech dinosaur has been around for as long as I can remember.

While the company already has a market cap of $2.5 trillion, there is no stopping its expansion. The company is set for success with this investment in OpenAI and its integration across the infrastructure.

This is one company that already holds a strong market share and a dominant position in the industry. However, when it comes to AI, this is only the beginning.

It is not the one to let any opportunities pass by and it has adopted AI as fast as it could. Microsoft has integrated AI into its Bing search engine.

It aims to capture a large share of the search engine from Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) in the near future and this could mean a significant amount of revenue generation. Even one percent of the market share can bring billions to the business.

Microsoft is one of the top tech stocks with new highs.MSFT stock is trading at $338 today and is up 41% year to date. The stock has gone from $222 in Jan to $338 today and I am certain that it will end this year on a high note.

Besides AI, Microsoft is also set to benefit from the cloud computing business, Azure. It generated $75.3 billion in 2022 and $22.1 billion in the recent quarter, which was up 16%. The company enjoys a dividend yield of 0.80% and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.68.

It holds a solid position in the market and the segment generates maximum revenue for the company.

Source: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com

Next on the top tech stocks to watch list is Tesla(NASDAQ:TSLA). The EV maker enjoys a market cap of $850 billion and theres more to come.

TSLA stock is trading at $274 today and is up 99% in the past six months. The stock is up 153% year to date and 45% in the past month. Nothing can stop the momentum of this stock.

The recent rally in the stock is due to the companys agreements with General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F). Even Rivian Automotive(NASDAQ:RIVN)announced that it will allow Rivian drivers to access Teslas Supercharger network across North America.

Other EV makers could soon join the network. By opening up its charging networks for other automakers, the company is solidifying its position in the industry as an EV leader.Besides growing the EV lineup and increasing sales, Tesla also enjoys a full $7,500 federal tax credit on all the variants of Model 3s.

Teslas long-term goal is to produce 20 million vehicles annually and while it is relentlessly working towards reducing costs, if this ambitious goal becomes a reality, it could take Tesla to new highs. The stock has already doubled since the start of the year but there is room for more.

One reason to bet on Tesla is its approach toward expansion and innovation. With a leader like Elon Musk, this tech company can go places. He is always improving the quality and brings the latest technology to the forefront.

The company has the potential to become a leader in the AI space which could double the price of the stock. The company already enjoys a dominant position in the electric vehicle industry and with the recent collaborations, it is strengthening its position further.

Source: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

Already in the trillion-dollar club, all of us have witnessed the rise of Nvidia. The company reported blowout first quarter results and this led to a massive surge in the market cap.

NVDA stock is trading at $438 today and is up over 200% year to date. It is hitting new 52-week highs every week and theres no stopping its momentum. Ive said it in the past and Ill say it again, buy NVDA stock in every dip but if you missed the opportunity, NVDA still remains one of the high value tech stocks to own.

Once known for gaming, Nvidia has become a popular name in the AI space now. It has the best technology in the industry right now which can also change gaming forever.

It recently announced the Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) which is an AI-based solution for game developers. This technology will be used to build 3D graphics and applications. Besides the data center business, the gaming segment could pick up and generate strong revenues for the company in the near future.

Nvidias rally will continue throughout the second half of the year and its position in the industry is only going to strengthen.

The company is set to make the most of the AI boom and has chips that can run AI applications and its demand is soaring. Its cloud business has also shown tremendous growth and the company will continue to grow its market share in the years to come which makes it one of the top tech stocks to watch.

On the date of publication, Vandita Jadeja did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Vandita Jadeja is a CPA and a freelance financial copywriter who loves to read and write about stocks. She believes in buying and holding for long term gains. Her knowledge of words and numbers helps her write clear stock analysis.

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The 20 Most Anticipated Sequel and Reboot Movies Coming in … – MovieWeb

Posted: June 22, 2023 at 2:36 pm

The ever-evolving realm of cinema perpetually offers new, inventive, and groundbreaking content for enthusiastic movie enthusiasts across the world. With each passing year, viewers eagerly anticipate and count down to the day when the latest motion pictures make their grand entrance on the big screen, delivering a diverse concoction of enjoyment, motivation, and wonder.

As we peer into the foreseeable future with our focus on 2023 and 2024, it is truly unfeasible to ignore the powerful wave of enthusiasm that encompasses numerous highly-awaited sequels and reboots. These upcoming cinematic experiences have captivated fans as they eagerly discuss and hypothesize about the offerings these fresh installments will present. In this context, we shall delve into a thorough examination of the most passionately anticipated films that are poised to adorn our screens in the imminent years.

The highly anticipated fourth installment in the exhilarating Expendables franchise, fittingly dubbed EXPEND4BLES, is set to bring together the awe-inspiring ensemble of legendary action heroes that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Among the cherished heavyweights of this action-packed genre are none other than the distinguished Sylvester Stallone, the talented Jason Statham, and the formidable Dolph Lundgren.

Devotees of these thrilling movies can eagerly await a smorgasbord of pulse-pounding and nail-biting action sequences, interspersed with a delightful variety of smart and unforgettable one-liners that impeccably convey the true essence of these emblematic films. Moreover, audiences will be treated to an ample serving of heartwarming nostalgia as they experience these ageless actors join forces once more in their unwavering quest for justice and the pursuit of a better world.

A captivating prelude to the much-loved and esteemed Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the movie Wonka delves profoundly into the enigmatic inception of the eccentric and fantastical confectionery mastermind. Showcasing the exceptional skills of highly-acclaimed actor Timothe Chalamet, who embraces the critical portrayal of this beguiling figure, audiences across the globe are certain to be mesmerized by an extraordinary and bewitching voyage that delves into the enchanting world of scrumptious sweets' fabrication and groundbreaking innovation.

This creative reinterpretation aspires to transport spectators into the capricious universe that has seized imaginations for multiple generations, offering a revitalized perception of a time-honored classic.

The well-known and widely cherished doll, Barbie, comes to life like never before in a thrilling live-action adaptation, with the incredibly skilled Margot Robbie taking on the iconic role of the legendary Barbie character. This captivating cinematic experience delves deeply into meaningful themes of self-discovery and personal empowerment, as audiences witness Barbie facing and conquering a multitude of complex challenges presented throughout her richly diverse and colorful world.

Through this empowering story, viewers can immerse themselves in a remarkable tale that showcases the importance of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination in overcoming obstacles and discovering one's true self.

Related: Margot Robbie Didn't Think the Barbie Movie Would Ever Get Greenlit

Tom Cruise makes a triumphant return to the big screen, once more taking on the persona of the fearless and resourceful Ethan Hunt in the eagerly awaited seventh chapter of the universally acclaimed Mission Impossible series. In this latest nerve-wracking narrative, our heroes are faced with challenges and risks greater than ever before, pushing Hunt and his steadfast squad of highly trained specialists to face off against an array of terrifying new enemies while tackling daring and seemingly insurmountable trials in their high-stakes mission to rescue humanity from a catastrophic fate.

Audiences worldwide can look forward to being whisked away on an enthralling cinematic adventure that promises an extraordinary exhibition of gravity-defying stunts, heart-stopping moments of high-intensity action, and a mesmerizing plot that expertly intertwines a bewitching mosaic of clandestine activities and far-reaching conspiracies. This thrilling new entry in the long-standing espionage thrill ride serves as an unyielding testament to the longstanding appeal and continued relevance of the ultimate spy saga.

Following the overwhelming success and enthusiastic acclaim of the first film, Extraction 2 brings back the formidable Chris Hemsworth to reprise his role as the fearless and intrepid mercenary, Tyler Rake. Charged with yet another high-octane mission that demands not only courage but also resourcefulness, Rake must embark on a treacherous journey that takes him through a hazardous world teeming with international espionage, intricate conspiracies, and labyrinthine deceptions.

His ultimate objective remains unwavering: to navigate this precarious landscape and successfully return his target to safety, completely unscathed and secure from harm.

Harrison Ford dons the iconic fedora once more in the eagerly awaited fifth installment of the Indiana Jones series. With an entirely new adventure on the horizon, loyal fans of the franchise can excitedly anticipate thrilling action scenes, gripping escapes from peril, and the long-awaited return of their beloved archaeologist hero. Indiana Jones is prepared to embark on another unforgettable expedition as he ventures deep into the core of ancient enigmas and faces formidable opponents that test him at every turn of his incredible journey.

Following the undeniable success and widespread recognition of the initial installment, Dune Part 2 presents a captivating continuation of the grandiose and mesmerizing saga of Paul Atreides. As he adeptly maneuvers his path through the ruthless power dynamics on the harsh, desolate landscape of Arrakis, audiences will be swept up in his journey. Eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike, this enthralling sequel not only features awe-inspiring visual effects that exceed those of its predecessor, but also showcases an absorbing and thought-provoking narrative that intricately interlaces myriad plot aspects to create an immersive and captivating experience for viewers.

Emboldened with the potential to provide a truly indelible and unparalleled cinematic adventure, Dune Part 2 is set to etch its mark in the chronicles of film history as a genuine, timeless masterpiece.

Building upon the incredible achievements and widespread acclaim garnered by the innovative animated feature, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, its eagerly awaited sequel delves further into the enthralling escapades of young Miles Morales, along with a diverse array of Spider-People originating from different dimensions across the vast expanse of the multiverse.

Bearing the title, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, this follow-up establishes itself with a truly unique and visually striking artistic style that differentiates it from traditional animations. In conjunction with a spellbinding storyline designed to attract and captivate audiences of various tastes and backgrounds, this grand sequel is perfectly positioned to attain immense success, entrance long-time fans of the franchise, and pique the interest of novices belonging to all age demographics.

Following the colossal confrontation between the immense titans in Godzilla vs. Kong, the forthcoming sequel, Godzilla x Kong - The New Empire, propels spectators into an uncharted era of excitement and conflict involving these iconic mythical creatures. As the almighty Godzilla and the powerful Kong persistently assert their supremacy over Earth, they are confronted with new enemies and challenges that force them to engage in relentless combat to safeguard their world.

Boasting an impressive display of mesmerizing visual effects and pulse-quickening action sequences, this newest installment in the MonsterVerse is poised to enthrall audiences as they embark on a suspenseful, nail-biting journey like never before.

Robert Pattinson reprises his role as the enigmatic Caped Crusader in the eagerly awaited sequel to The Batman, adding a new layer of depth to the iconic character. Facing a formidable new antagonist and charged with safeguarding the shadowy, perilous streets of Gotham City, The Batman 2 is set to deliver a riveting and enthralling journey into the iconic superhero's complex universe. This masterful narrative is poised to not only captivate audiences, but also to provide an immersive exploration of Batman's intricate psyche.

With its unflinching focus on the esoteric facets of Batman's character, the film delves deep into his motivations, fears, and convictions. The endearing complexity and duality of Batman's personality will be carefully examined through intense character development and poignant emotional arcs. As we venture further into the uncharted depths of this legendary crime fighter's world, we will experience firsthand the many moral challenges and difficult decisions he must continually grapple with.

Overall, Batman 2 offers an engrossing cinematic experience that promises a unique perspective on an enduring cultural icon while still delivering pulse-pounding action scenes and mind-bending plot twists worthy of the genre. By weaving together these elements with an emphasis on storytelling excellence and emotional resonance, this anticipated sequel is sure to leave fans both satisfied and longing for even more adventures within the captivating world of the Caped Crusader.

Related: Matt Reeves Wants to Dive Deeper into Characters' Emotions in The Batman Part 2

The upcoming addition to the critically acclaimed Planet of the Apes series, fittingly named Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is poised to uphold and continue Caesar's impactful and timeless legacy. At the same time, it will probe further into the relentless struggle between the intelligent ape and human species. Fans and viewers alike can eagerly look forward to an engaging and spellbinding plot that is brimming with enthralling narrative components, ensuring that their attention remains unwavering from the beginning right through to the end.

Moreover, the movie's awe-inspiring and state-of-the-art visual effects are certain to dazzle audiences, making for an even more immersive cinematic experience. Consequently, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is fast emerging as an utterly unmissable event for ardent devotees of this long-standing and beloved franchise.

Set in the aftermath of the monumental events that occurred in Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Brave New World follows the compelling narrative of Sam Wilson as he wholeheartedly embraces his newfound responsibilities as the iconic Captain America. In a dramatically evolving world beset by unparalleled challenges and the emergence of formidable adversaries, this thrilling movie stands out as an inspiring and invigorating chapter within the renowned Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As the international community finds itself desperately seeking a genuine hero capable of instilling hope and fortitude, Captain America: Brave New World pledges to captivate audiences with gripping action scenes and unforgettable moments, all while staying true to the cherished superhero's fundamental principles and ideals.

The long-awaited and much-anticipated sequel to the cherished cult classic Beetlejuice has finally arrived, with Michael Keaton making a triumphant return to his unforgettable role as the playful, peculiar spirit possessing an irresistible charisma. In Beetlejuice 2, the story unravels as we delve into the lives of a fresh family who has unwittingly moved into the realm where the infamous ghost resides, delivering an ideal setting for a series of unearthly jokes and exhilarating paranormal adventures.

Featuring a distinctive combination of hair-raising scenes and gut-busting comedy, this movie guarantees to be both an enthralling and uproarious journey that will ensnare and entertain fans from all generations, whether they are experiencing this ghastly delight for the first time or reliving cherished memories of this spirited tale.

Marvel's legendary vampire hunter, Blade, is poised for an incredible resurgence in this much-awaited reboot of the famed Blade franchise. The supremely talented Mahershala Ali will take on the spellbinding role of the inimitable vampire slayer, breathing new life into the character. Presenting a revitalizing portrayal of the iconic figure and weaving an enthralling, entirely original narrative, this highly anticipated feature film promises to deliver a pulse-quickening, adrenaline-charged experience for audiences everywhere.

With its thrilling and edge-of-your-seat action sequences, this new addition is poised to cement its place within the continuously expanding and evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Building upon the resounding success of the first film, Joker: Folie a Deux takes audiences even deeper into the twisted and warped world of Arthur Fleck, providing an intricate exploration into his tumultuous descent into absolute madness. With Joaquin Phoenix reprising his brilliant portrayal of the enigmatic and horrifying Clown Prince of Crime, it's certain that this eagerly awaited sequel will captivate viewers with its compelling and enthralling examination of the intricate psychological layers that comprise one of cinema's most unforgettable and iconic villains.

Almost two decades have passed since the initial release of the iconic and groundbreaking film, Gladiator, and now, Gladiator 2 signifies the long-awaited return of the acclaimed director Ridley Scott to the spellbinding world of ancient Rome. Featuring an entirely new protagonist together with a thrilling and unique storyline, this eagerly anticipated sequel is poised to provide a monumental, gripping narrative that masterfully encompasses essential themes such as unwavering loyalty, relentless retribution, and deeply sought-after absolution. With this captivating blend of historical intrigue and emotional depth, Gladiator 2 is set to recapture audiences' hearts and minds while staying true to the essence of its legendary predecessor.

Ryan Reynolds triumphantly graces the big screen once more, taking up the role of the beloved and irreverent Merc with a Mouth in the highly anticipated third chapter of the Deadpool franchise. This latest installment promises to deliver an even greater dose of wise-cracking humor, over-the-top mischief, and unrepentant tongue-in-cheek moments, all while demolishing the fourth wall with an undeniable panache. Deadpool 3 stands ready to take its loyal audience members on a wildly thrilling journey filled with action sequences that go above and beyond, fully capturing the very essence of this atypical superhero character.

Die-hard fans who have passionately tracked the offbeat adventures of Wade Wilson can anticipate losing themselves in another exhilarating episode that stays unwaveringly faithful to the character's authentic wit and comical nature. The unique spirit and humor that made this unconventional superhero an audience favorite are sure to shine brightly in this new escapade, leaving viewers eager for more Deadpool adventures.

Carrying forward the revolutionary and breathtaking narrative of the Na'vi and their unwavering fight for existence on the awe-inspiring world of Pandora, Avatar 3 is set to be an astonishingly vivid and effectively poignant enhancement to James Cameron's grandiose sci-fi saga. This next installment in the series will captivate audiences with its unparalleled visual prowess and emotionally charged plot lines, immersing viewers in an unimaginably expansive universe that continues to unravel and surprise with each new chapter. As the story unfolds, audiences will be transported to new breathtaking locales as the Na'vi people continue their epic struggle against the forces of colonization and oppression.

Bonds will be forged and shattered, alliances will be made and broken, and through it all, the unbreakable spirit of the Na'vi will continue to shine through, inspiring hope and resilience in the hearts of all who behold it. Filled with jaw-dropping set pieces, emotional performances, and a narrative that manages to surprise and delight at every turn, Avatar 3 promises to be a landmark entry in one of cinema's most beloved and enduring franchises.

This live-action adaptation of the timeless classic fairy tale, Snow White transports the beloved story into a reimagined world for a new generation to marvel at and enjoy. Offering a fresh, innovative perspective on the familiar narrative, and boasting a skilled ensemble of performers, this film guarantees to deliver a captivating and bewitching cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences of all ages, transcending boundaries and creating lasting memories. Delving deeper into the nuances of each character, this retelling explores their motivations and relationships with one another, providing a richer understanding of the story's underlying themes.

The film's set design and visual effects serve to enhance the fantastical atmosphere, while ensuring that it remains true to the original spirit of the tale. The inclusion of stunning musical arrangements not only captivates audiences, but also breathes new life into the iconic soundtrack that has become synonymous with Snow White. With its intricate storytelling and exceptional performances by both seasoned actors and newcomers alike, this rendition is sure to become a cherished addition to the pantheon of classic fairy tales adapted for the big screen. Each scene is meticulously crafted to elicit emotions ranging from joy and wonder to heartache and suspense, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Transformers One serves as a captivating prequel to the widely popular Transformers franchise, delving into the intriguing beginnings of the Autobots and Decepticons. As an exploration of their genesis, this movie masterfully captures their intense and unrelenting battles on their home planet of Cybertron. From the forging of alliances to the formation of bitter rivalries, audiences will be enthralled by the origins of their favorite robotic heroes and villains. The film's engaging narrative delves into the deeper motivations and complex relationships between these iconic characters, shedding light on the events that eventually lead them to Earth.

Boasting awe-inspiring visuals that effortlessly draw the audience into this expansive universe, coupled with an enthralling storyline filled with twists and turns, Transformers One is poised to be a thrilling and engaging addition to the ever-growing world of Transformers. Fans both new and old will appreciate the depth added to this rich lore, offering an even greater appreciation for these beloved mechanical warriors as they continue their struggle for peace or dominance across galaxies.

As we eagerly await the upcoming years, a riveting selection of sequel and reboot movies is set to enthrall spectators with their captivating narratives, awe-inspiring visuals, and memorable characters that will leave a lasting impression. Ranging from adrenaline-filled escapades to mesmerizing fairy tales, the assortment of films in this exhilarating lineup ensures there's something for everyone's taste and preferences. Each movie aims to not only entertain but also satisfy our appetite for cinema by striking the perfect balance between storytelling, visual effects, and unforgettable personas. These upcoming masterpieces delve deep into themes of family, friendship, love, and loss, providing an immersive environment for viewers to truly connect with the stories being told.

Additionally, as they showcase new cutting-edge technologies and innovations in film production, these sequels and reboots are poised to revolutionize how we consume visual art, managing to achieve this while still celebrating the roots of their respective franchises. As we venture forward into the future of film, these highly anticipated sequels and reboots stand as testament to the continuous evolution of content and creativity within the industry. Furthermore, they represent a collective understanding that our favorite stories are worth revisiting in order to explore fresh ideas and modern interpretations. Finally, as these movies captivate cinema-goers around the globe, they are also creating deeper connections between diverse audiences who can share in relishing the magic that these highly awaited re-imaginings bring forth.

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What Taylor Swift teaches girls about taking control of their lives and … – Morningstar

Posted: at 2:36 pm

By Jennifer Openshaw

Swift is a confident and powerful role model

I'll admit, I don't like being pressured into things, especially when it involves spending a lot of money. But my daughter was one of the millions of fans anxious to see Taylor Swift live in concert.

I understood the power of Swift's popularity, or so I thought. After all, hers was the only music my daughter would play when she hopped in the SUV.

However, i t wasn't until we took our seats, about two football fields away from center stage, that I began to think more deeply about her influence. The crowd of 85,000 -- by far mostly women and girls -- shared tears, laughter, hug s, and maybe just a touch of empowerment. I think my daughter walked out of that stadium a fraction of an inch taller -- her chin held higher than when we entered.

Perplexed as to how Swift could garner such an audience and compel them to feel such a wide range of emotion s , I sat down with some teen girls to attempt to truly understand her influence. After that conversation I realized Swift is not just a pop star, but a personal and professional role model, and as one girl stated, "a confidant." As someone who has dedicated years to giving young women this same feeling of empowerment and strength that Swift could impart with just one heartfelt chorus, I wondered, how is Swift training the next generation of women to 'lead from the top'?

Through Swift's songs and her on and offstage presence, young women find someone who understands them, "someone who's fighting the fight for them," as they put it.

From depression and acceptance to standing up for yourself and taking charge, Swift's songs address the problems of today's teenagers.

Through her songs and business dealings, Swift shows them the way, generally serving as a confident and powerful role model of how someone who faces the same issues not only copes , but faces her challenges head-on. Through the use of creativity, confidence, experimentation and taking control of her situation, Swift demonstrates to millions of girls that there is nothing in their way that they can't overcome.

Take, for example, Swift's piece, "Nothing New," performed with Phoebe Bridgers. As she introduced Bridgers, Swift admitted to her own fear when she started her career that people would tire of her.

Some interpret the song "Anti-Hero," to be about Swift 's ordeal involving Kanye West's song, "Famous." "A mass public shaming, with millions of people saying you are quote-unquote canceled, is a very isolating experience," Swift said to Vogue.

For this generation of young women, it's comforting to hear that even a powerful celebrity has dealt with some of the same issues they have. She has taken on issues that women face in business, both in lyrics and in her own career. In the song "The Man," Swift wonders how her career would go if she were a man. "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can / Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man,".

She has gone where no artist has -- standing up to a male-dominated industry to achieve what no artist before her has in terms of ownership of her music, compensation, and creative control.

As she pointed out on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, her music is her passion , a -- and thus the strategic move to rerecord her six albums, giving her full rights to her music. She shared with her audience the surprise to see her new "Taylor 's versions" gain more traction than she imagined.

Yes, the reality is that being a young woman is hard. Feelings of anxiety, rejection, and suffocating beauty standards are compounded when you add the professional challenges that women uniquely face. Women are told they must be tough, confident -- unbreakable.

But Swift challenges this narrative -- she gives young women relatable and vulnerable music that encapsulates the struggles of growing up. Yet, she does this while taking charge of her brand, business, and standing up for herself every chance she gets. She shows girls a holistic picture of the growing pains of womanhood -- and because of that she is deserving of every adoring fan out there.

We at Girls With Impact work to ensure that as many girls as possible have the opportunity, skills and tools needed to take control of their lives, of their stories, and of their futures. Our business and leadership training programs build the confidence and capabilities in girls to give them a leg-up as they move through various phases of education and career. While few will end up doing what Taylor Swift has done, through our program, many more will have a better chance to achieve their own version of success.

Thank you to Taylor Swift for being such an inspiration to millions of girls out there, for being a role model, and for demonstrating to her fans that life doesn't dictate what you do or who you are. You have the potential to create your own future, just as Swift created hers.

Jennifer Openshaw is CEO of Girls With Impact, the nation's leading nonprofit business and leadership education program for young women.

-Jennifer Openshaw

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-22-23 0914ET

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Report Points To Growth Of Asian-American Businesses In … – iHeart

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BOSTON (State House News Service) - The payrolls of Asian-owned businesses in Massachusetts grew from $1.2 billion to nearly $4 billion over the 18-year period ending in 2020, according to a new report that collates information from national and local sources.

The revenue growth at Asian-owned American firms in the state outpaced the average growth of all other firms in the state between 2002 and 2017, Nicole Filler, a program coordinator and research associate at UMass Boston's Institute for Asian American Studies, said during a virtual briefing Wednesday.

The research brief, called "Understanding the Asian Business Landscape in the Commonwealth: A Snapshot of Resilience and Impact," was released by the Asian Business Empowerment Council and the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation. A broader research effort is underway over the coming year, the foundation said, to more granularly analyze the AAPI business community and provide recommendations to support growth and success.

Filler highlighted census data that point to "considerable explosive growth" in the volume of Asian-owned firms in Massachusetts, which increased their number of employees by 150 percent from 2002 to 2020. That's a jump from 37,193 employees to 92,844, an increase that far exceeds hiring at Black- and Latino-owned businesses.

Paul Watanabe, director of the Institute for Asian American Studies, attributed the business growth to the immigrant roots among Asian Americans who are more likely to start their own firms than individuals born in the United States. Asian Americans are on track to "soon" be the largest immigrant group in Massachusetts and the nation, said Watanabe, who noted nearly 70 percent of all Asian Americans are foreign-born.

"They tend to percolate and move towards starting their own businesses after many of them tried to make it in the mainstream economy and sometimes come away with bad experiences and so forth, and they move towards self-employment," Watanabe said during the briefing. "The No. 1 source of growth of the economy in Massachusetts is the immigrants who are coming into the state of Massachusetts."

Asian American entrepreneurs are concentrated in service industries, including scientific and technical services like consulting and accounting, as well as personal care such as nail salons, barber shops and dry cleaning, Filler said, citing data from the 2017-2021 American Community Survey.

But a quarter of Asian small business owners -- defined as having up to 500 employees -- say business conditions are "bad," compared to 15 percent of overall small business owners in the state, according to 2022 data from the MassINC Polling Group.

Filler said their primary concerns revolve around rising operating costs due to inflation. Asian-owned businesses are also more likely to report difficulty finding qualified and reliable employees, compared to their white, Black and Latinx counterparts, MassINC data show.

Asian-owned businesses were less likely than other non-white businesses to receive technical assistance and coaching due to a lack of familiarity with resources and programs. But owners said they would find it "useful" to receive help accessing grant funding and low-interest loans, plus finding new revenue sources.

Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao said the report reflects themes she often discusses with her children, namely that Asian Americans can appear visible and invisible at the same time. Asian Americans can't hide their identities, such as their physical appearance and cultural backgrounds, Hao said at the briefing.

"Sometimes we're invisible also, and so when we think about getting access to programs, getting priorities around support and funding, I think there's oftentimes a stereotype where, 'Oh Asian Americans, you're doing fine, you're doing great, you don't need any help,'" Hao, who described herself as a child of immigrants, said. "Small businesses are a stepping stone for many people to get into the workforce. They're hugely important, especially for immigrants, minorities and women to actually build wealth."

Asian-owned businesses are also far less likely to have business contracts with anchor institutions -- such as large businesses, colleges, larger nonprofits and foundations -- "that are likely to sustain businesses for a longer period of time," Filler said.

Family funding, rather than mainstream capital sources, was at the foundation of 18 Vietnamese businesses in Boston's Field Corner, Watanabe said as he mentioned a separate prior study.

"This is often true of these businesses that they often don't have relationships with major mainstream banks, which is fine up until a particular point," said Watanabe, who described the dynamic as impeding Asian-owned businesses from getting their "fair share" of COVID-19 relief funds.

Watanabe said business must build the capacity, including language skills, to form relationships with anchor institutions -- or to change the policies "which are biased against individuals who are largely foreign-born or don't have the sort of cultural or language capabilities to access these sorts of funds."

Outreach and language equity is needed to connect business owners with resources, said Q.J. Shi, director of the Asian Business Empowerment Council.

"So many people are tied up in survival mode and the day-to-day operations of their businesses, and they don't have the time to figure out where to start," Shi said. "So how can we get resource providers to do targeted outreach and actually meet with these businesses and meet the community where they are?"

Written By Alison Kuznitz/SHNS

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Empowering Women: A Day of Firearms and Firearm Safety | P … – NewsBreak Original

Posted: at 2:36 pm

Empowering Women: A Day of Firearms and Firearm SafetyPhoto byKool ConUnsplash

In today's ever-changing world, it is crucial for everyone, regardless of gender, to be equipped with knowledge and skills that promote personal safety and security. Breaking the stereotypes surrounding firearms, the Van Wert County Outdoorsman Association recently organized a remarkable event called "Ladies Day." This empowering initiative aimed to introduce women to firearms and provide them with the necessary training and education on firearm safety. Let's delve into the exciting highlights of this event and the valuable lessons learned by the participants.

Unveiling the Event:

On a sunny Saturday morning, the Van Wert County Outdoorsman Association, in collaboration with Friends of the NRA, welcomed women of all ages and experience levels to join their annual "Ladies Day" event. Held at the Ringwald Rd. range, the event brought together certified instructors and Range Safety Officers (RSOs) who were committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

The Experience:

The participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on instruction using .22 caliber pistols and rifles. For those who owned firearms, they were encouraged to bring their own. Whether beginners or individuals with intermediate to advanced skills, every woman was embraced and encouraged to participate. The primary objective was to make them feel comfortable and confident around firearms while experiencing the thrill of hitting targets.

Learning the Essentials:

Safety was paramount throughout the event, and participants gained a wealth of knowledge on firearm safety practices. Judy Stuckey, one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of making women comfortable with firearms and allowing them to discover the joy of shooting. Participants learned about proper firearm handling, how to ensure firearms are always safe, positioning their hands, sighting techniques, loading a gun, and conducting themselves safely when others are around.

Transformation and Empowerment:

The testimonials of the participants showcased the transformative impact of the event. Jocelyn Wray, a first-timer, expressed her satisfaction with hitting the target and the newfound knowledge she gained. She acknowledged the learning curve, from understanding safety measures to mastering the technicalities of shooting. This event opened up new possibilities for her to enjoy the sport with her husband and friends, fostering stronger bonds through shared experiences.

Another participant, Britta Salinas, described herself as a firearms beginner. She highlighted the significant strides she made in a short period, feeling more comfortable and confident in handling firearms. This newfound confidence can empower women to protect themselves, should the need arise, and contribute to a greater sense of personal security.

Continuing the Journey:

While the "Ladies Day" event is an annual affair, plans are already underway to host another event in the near future. Despite the setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Van Wert County Outdoorsman Association remains committed to its mission of promoting firearm safety and educating future generations of hunters and sportsmen.

Conclusion:

The Van Wert County Outdoorsman Association's "Ladies Day" event provided an empowering platform for women to learn about firearms and firearm safety. By creating a supportive environment and offering valuable instruction, this initiative shattered stereotypes and equipped participants with the skills and knowledge needed to handle firearms responsibly. Through events like these, women can discover newfound confidence, strengthen bonds with loved ones, and contribute to their personal safety and security.

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