#Hong Kong risk training

[darkautomaton]

Integrating Risk Management into Corporate Culture in Hong Kong

As regulatory complexity and economic uncertainty continues rising across Hong Kong and mainland China markets, establishing risk-aware cultures has become pivotal for corporations seeking to embed resilience against crises. Beyond building risk monitoring systems, companies today need to drive mindset shifts from the leadership down to infuse vigilance and responsibility towards hazard identification at all levels.

Cultivating Risk Intelligence Starts at the Top

For most organizations, the cultural transformation necessary to view enterprise risk oversight as a shared culture rather than just a compliance activity starts with Asia regional leaders and Hong Kong senior executives. This means not only investment into formal governance through appointing Chief Risk Officers but also having CXOs like Chief Finance, Information and HR Officers spearhead training to their teams around prevailing risk landscapes and vigilance necessary in day-to-day decision making.

Incentivizing Risk Reporting from the Ground Up

Middle managers and frontline analysts will then carry this risk-aware DNA through the organizational bloodstream into daily processes. This demands establishing transparent reporting channels, securing anonymity and anti-retaliation policies to encourage surfacing of suspected risks through what-if questioning or flagging incidents that seemed“off” without fear. Especially around integrity hazards like fraud/bribery, safety hazards like harassment or mental health situations, or regulatory hazards like IP/data transfer violations, removing stigma is key.

Aligning Strategy and Operations with Risk Perspectives

Ultimately, for a risk-informed culture to stick, considerations around financial, reputational and regulatory exposures should drive strategy planning as well as operational enhancements across everything from supply chain design to cybersecurity to financial controls. Key risk indicators must be integrated into dashboards at multiple levels with drilling down to understand root causes. Frameworks like ISO 31000 or COSO provide blueprints here from setup to ongoing assessments into mitigation tracking.

With leadership setting the tone, transparency enabling ground up risk reporting without repercussions, and strategy/operations reflecting risk learnings - global companies can align around managing uncertainty as Hong Kong/China markets, regulations and technologies rapidly evolve. Risk management thereby transforms from restrictive compliance activity to enabler of sustainable advantage and resilience.

[panchitacarmensita]

How Corporate Secretary Helps Compliance with Changing Laws

In the ever-evolving business world, the role of a Corporate Secretary is increasingly significant, especially when it comes to compliance with changing laws. This holds particularly true in dynamic business environments like Hong Kong, where legal and regulatory landscapes are in constant flux.

At the forefront of their responsibilities, Corporate Secretaries in Hong Kong ensure that companies adhere to current laws and regulations. Their expertise lies in interpreting legal mandates and translating them into actionable corporate policies. This role is crucial as non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences and reputational damage.

Corporate Secretaries also play a vital role in monitoring and anticipating changes in legislation. Their ability to foresee potential legal shifts and prepare the company accordingly is invaluable. They keep a close eye on developments in corporate law, financial regulations, and other relevant legal areas, ensuring that the company is always a step ahead.

In addition to keeping the company compliant, Corporate Secretaries serve as the bridge between the company and regulatory authorities. They maintain open channels of communication, ensuring that any changes in laws are understood and implemented effectively. This role is particularly challenging in a diverse market like Hong Kong, where laws might be influenced by both local and international factors.

Corporate Secretaries also have the crucial task of educating and advising the company's board of directors and management. They provide insights on how legal changes impact the company's operations and strategic direction. This involves not only understanding the letter of the law but also grasping its practical implications for the business.

Moreover, Corporate Secretaries contribute to risk management strategies. By identifying areas where legal changes could pose risks, they help the company to mitigate potential legal and compliance risks. This foresight is essential in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the business.

Finally, Corporate Secretaries are instrumental in implementing and updating compliance programs. They ensure that all aspects of the company's operations align with the latest legal requirements. This includes revising internal policies, conducting training sessions, and ensuring that all employees understand their compliance obligations.

In conclusion, the Corporate Secretary's role in ensuring compliance with changing laws is multifaceted and indispensable, particularly in a complex and rapidly changing legal environment like Hong Kong's. Their expertise not only safeguards the company against legal pitfalls but also positions it to navigate the legal landscape proactively and strategically.

[doublechocolate]

Haibara dissecting Conan/Shinichi like he's some kind of experiment ksjksjf

I think it was around this time when I started to seriously ship them. Haibara, at this stage, was still given the "cold and mysterious" status of a character but the story didn't shy away from showing us how her empathy extended beyond her own needs. She was well aware of Conan/Shinichi's pain, and also Ran's, because she finds herself to be in that same position as them, and has gone through layers of her own emotional turmoil by this point to recognize this.

But more than that, it's blatantly obvious here that if there's anyone who can understand Conan, it's her. There's a level of understanding between them that's deep and personal. And yes, Conan has that with others too, you can argue that, but what he has with Haibara is slightly different. You see, their "friendship" was born out of pain and trauma. They were each others' "doom", in a sense. Haibara created the APTX4869 drug while Conan failed to save Akemi. They saw the sides of each other that others haven't and had to learn to trust each other in their own way. Slowly, they grew to understand one another and from doom, they became each others' hope.

(Long rambling under cut)

There are many instances of Conan being able to understand Haibara's thoughts by merely watching her actions but to me, the one that stood out the most was none other than m26 Black Iron Submarine (not canon to you but canon to me) when they were underwater and Haibara is about let Conan's hand go but he pulls her back up. The entire conversation takes place inside their heads yet they knew exactly what each other was saying. Remember that post I made about them being drift-compatible?

That's why I think Conan is still unaware just how big of a presence Haibara is in his life. He came close to that in m26 but with Pinga, BO and Haibara's kidnapping, he didn't exactly have the time to sit and ponder over it. Surely people (non-shippers) would chalk it up to you, "aakchuallyyyy he just needs her for the antidote". But... are you sure? Are you really, really sure that that's all he is to her? Is that all you understand about Conan/Shinichi as a character? Even Takayama Minami and Hayashibara Megumi commented on how Conan losing his cool and becoming short-tempered when Haibara got kidnapped was unusual of him. In their opinion, the only reason why Conan calmed down was because of Agasa and how the Prof almost risked doing something reckless to save Haibara. Only then Conan realized he needed to remain calm to keep Agasa in check.

And also, Haibara noticed Pinga and Vodka's presence in the hotel first but Conan only noticed when Haibara was in danger. His train of thought literally went; something happened to Haibara -> it's the Organization -> oh shit they've taken her. Like, hello?? Excuse me?? What is this soulmate-level telepathy going on here right in front of my salad??

I've ~kinda~ mentioned this before in a passing before, but CoAi lowkey reminds me of SyaoSaku (from CCS) but in a different font - a more painful and (perhaps) tragic one. Haibara being Syaoran's counterpart, and Conan being Sakura's counterpart. Example; Sakura's infatuation for Yukito was loud and out there, literally everyone knew about it too (Conan/Shinichi with Ran). Meanwhile, Sakura's love for Syaoran was already growing quietly within her. She was showing signs of it but was too distracted to realize it, until the time came when Syaoran was going to leave Japan and return to Hong Kong. All of a sudden it hit her like a train that it was too painful to let him go (Conan/Shinichi with Haibara/Shiho).

This is why I'm convinced that when all of this is over, Conan will have to face the reality of just what Haibara means to him. It doesn't matter if Aoyama doesn't want to explore this, or chooses to address this in a different way. It's his story, he can do what he wants. But personally for me? I know Conan simply cannot go back to his original life as Kudou Shinichi anymore. He's too far changed, forced to recognize the grayness in a world he deemed black and white, empathize with people he would have classified as "criminals" in the past, and live a life of white lie even it meant hurting the people he cared for the most - in short, Conan/Shinichi simply cannot go back to being the same person he was before Tropical Land. And the one person we know for sure who will be able to understand him despite all of this, is Haibara.

I saw a comment once saying that CoAi/ShinShi are supplementary and wouldn't work. I disagree because I think they are more of a narrative foil. Haibara's existence in Conan's life taught him that he isn't invincible (failure to save Akemi) and that not everyone from the Black Organization are cold-blooded assassins. Haibara had her life and freedom stolen from her. Conan, otoh, taught Haibara to live. To not run away from life and to learn to trust people again. All the important people in life left her at some point, but Conan was the only one who kept coming back for her when she chose to give up, holding her hand as tightly as he can.

Conan, the boy who has everything. Haibara, the girl who lost everything. Conan, the boy who keeps trying to dig deeper into the viper's nest. Haibara, the girl who has lived in the viper's nest trying to pull him back from diving further. Conan, the boy who wants to keep tempting fate to save his friends. Haibara, the girl who is willing to die to save her friends. Conan, the boy who thinks his actions of holding back his love is immature. Haibara, the girl who understands his pain enough to know he is anything but. Conan, the boy whose life changed because of the drug Haibara created but in a way also saved his life (Gin chose to not shoot him in the head but fed him the drug instead). Haibara, the girl who lost her sister because Conan couldn't save her but now he'd do anything to make sure she stays alive.

Whether you ship them or not, or see them merely as friends, you can't deny that they play huge roles in each other's lives. We know that when the end comes, Haibara will be willing to let Conan go. She might have already prepared herself for this, even, because Ran is the last person she'd want to hurt at this point. Her resemblance to Akemi is too strong now and she knows Ran adores her a lot too. And from that scene above, we know Haibara feels the same pain Ran and Conan/Shinichi are going through.

But. Will Conan be able to do the same? Can he simply let go of Haibara and return to his old life? Even if Haibara/Shiho does remain in his life, when the dust is settled, can he truly move on from the person whom he has experienced so many life and death encounters with, and in a way, shaped him into becoming the person he is today?

We know the love is one-sided now because we're almost always seeing it from Haibara/Shiho's perspective. But how can we be so sure that something isn't growing deep down in Conan/Shinichi's heart too? If it's something subtle and quiet like the flap of a butterfly's wings now, eventually growing into something that could literally change the course of his life?

If you understand Conan/Shinichi as a person, beyond the shipping lenses, then I think the answer is already obvious.

"It's not cause the creator said so. They're just friends and Shinichi already confessed to someone else". Okay, like I said, the creator can do whatever he wants with his story. I AM choosing to read between the lines based on what that same creator has presented to us. I'm also always reminded of the Akai/Jodie/Akemi love story and how that panned out. I'm saying, things can happen because feelings are complex and sometimes you go through experiences in life that changes you inside out. Both Akai and Conan have had their lives stained by the Black Organization.

Not to mention that, in terms of their personalities, CoAi/ShinShi's relationship are quite a stark parallel to Yuusaku and Yukiko's relationship as well. What Conan/Shinichi needs is someone who can match his level of eccentricity yet at the same time call him out when his head floats too high in the clouds. Haibara is that person. And the best part about it is she didn't even have to change herself to match him - that's pretty much her personality already. Fitting in exactly like a puzzle piece.

Anyway, this is long-winded already. i'll stop rambling here. Also, if this breaches containment and reaches a non-shipper/anti and you have something negative to say, please do me a favor and be a mature person. Leave this post and let's both live in peace.

Love you, CoAi nation, bye!

[girlactionfigure]

THURSDAY HERO: Ernst Leitz II

German businessman Ernst Leitz II, owner of the Leica camera company, saved hundreds of Jews from the Nazis by “transferring” them to Leica offices around the world. Ernst inherited the Leica camera company from his father in 1920. It was founded as Leitz Camera in 1869 and later took on the name Leica: Lei for Leitz + ca for camera. From the beginning the company stood out for the compassionate way they treated their employees, many of whom were Jewish. Leica provided health insurance, sick leave and retirement pensions.

After Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, the Nuremberg laws were enacted, depriving German Jews of the rights of citizenship. They were banned from schools professions, and lost many of their most basic freedoms. Ernst Leitz began receiving desperate calls from his Jewish employees, begging him to help them escape.

Leitz hatched a brilliant plan. He began “transferring” his Jewish employees, along with their extended families, to Leica sales offices in France, Britain, Hong Kong and the United States. After Kristallnacht, when hundreds of Jewish businesses and synagogues were destroyed throughout Germany, Leitz’ rescue efforts kicked into high gear. At this point, all of the refugees were being sent to America by ocean liner. Once they arrived in New York they were instructed to go to Leica’s office in Manhattan, where they received a Leica camera and a weekly stipend until they were employed. The Jewish refugees went on to careers in photography, camera repair, sales and marketing.

To save Jews, Ernst Leitz risked the company he and his father had lovingly built over 70 year. Indeed, he risked his entire life.

The Leica Freedom Train operated until September 1, 1939, when Germany closed its borders. The Nazis suspected that the Leica company had been illegally helping Jews escape, but they were unable to pin anything on Ernst Leitz, and instead arrested his top executive, Alfred Turk, who was imprisoned until his boss paid a huge bribe for his safe release.

Even after the borders were closed, Leitz’s daughter Elsie Kuehn-Leitz continued helping Jews escape from Germany. Elsie was captured by the Gestapo while smuggling Jewish women into Switzerland, and thrown into prison, where she endured harsh interrogation and frequent beatings before being released in the early 1940’s. By that point, the Nazis had forced the Leica plant to hire 800 Ukrainian women as slave laborers. Elsie spent the rest of the war advocating for these women and working to ensure they had acceptable working and living conditions, and were treated humanely.

Later to be known as the “Leica Freedom Train”, Ernst Leitz’ bold plan saved the lives of 200-300 Jews.

A rare light in a sea of darkness, the Leitz family never wanted publicity for their heroism. The story of the Leica Freedom Train only came out after the last immediate Ernst Leitz family member was dead.

For their courage and sacrifice, we honor Ernst Leitz and his daughter Elsie as this week’s Thursday Heroes.

[moosemonstrous]

btw I have now put links to both the tag here and on AO3 in my bio bc I got sick of scrolling through tumblr 😌 Full disclosure - I have met lab people who act like small animals caught in the middle of a road whenever someone dares to enter their domain.

Ghost Rider Pacific Rim AU - sticks and stones

“Can’t promise the spot will stay open,” Kwok tells him apologetically. “But this is good, no? All the young’uns want to go to the academy!”

Robbie would bet his working eyeball that none of the young'uns would be so keen on it after ten minutes alone with Major Brooks. “So I keep hearing,” he mutters. “Sorry for the trouble. I appreciate you taking me on in the first place.”

“Navos is good people,” Kwok shrugs. The Shatterdome functions on a rather opaque network of favours and IOUs. ‘Good people’ seems to be a fairly high praise. Not quite on 'one of ours' level, but high. “You remember me when you are a ranger up in the dome and we’re even.”

And just like that, the transport maintenance chapter of Robbie’s career closes with little fanfare. Technically, he didn’t have to come speak to Kwok in person – his assignment has already gone through and the man would’ve been notified either way. He doesn’t want to leave a bad impression, though. For all he knows, the battery of tests he’d been fast-tracked through the day before will spit out some convoluted reason for why the drift activated on its own and he will be back on the job market before the end of the week. At least there are plenty of positions open – it’s easier to hire someone inside the base and train them up than wait for the paperwork to clear for an experienced worker from the outside.

He remembers the last time he let himself think things were finally turning around, though. He’s not going to make that mistake again.

At least his head is clearer after half an hour in a giant magnet and a full night’s sleep. He’s still unable to hold a conversation with Ivanov without some truly strange thoughts popping up like bubbles on the surface of a pot – the more tired or angry he gets, the harder it is to ignore them. He knew he was going to pay for running on fumes for weeks, and being sedated for nearly three days must have knocked something loose, but. Nothing proper sleep hygiene and some semblance of a routine won’t fix.

Or maybe you’re just noticing stuff, because you ain’t an idiot. Huh? Could it be that?

Or maybe this whole business with The Charger is extremely weird and Robbie should be packing up and running for the hills. Unfortunately, his and Gabe’s permits only work in Hong Kong and when he last checked how much it would be to fly back to US, he had to sit down for a long moment. Even if he was willing to risk taking a ship, where would that leave them? Back on a decimated coast, hoping the wind doesn’t blow over nuclear fallout, and struggling to find enough food for both of them? Queuing at state borders for days or weeks, hoping they’ll be lucky enough to get through on the increasingly stringent rules? Nevada already stopped letting in anyone without immediate family members or sponsors in-state.

Looks like the only way forward is through.

His wristband scans through to the R&D wing now. The soldiers standing guard give Robbie odd looks, but don’t make a move to stop him, so he forces his shoulders down and walks through the armoured door like he knows what he’s doing.

He has no idea what he’s doing. Cho said, ‘come find me in R&D before noon’. There are at least fifteen labs just in this one corridor and none of the doors have anything approaching a comprehensible naming convention. Some signs are just a piece of printer paper with a name scrawled over it, some have the original writing taped over with a KEEP OUT sticker, some seem to list the people working inside. None of those list an Amadeus Cho. It’s half past eleven.

Eventually, Robbie sticks his head in a room labelled ‘HMT DES’. Inside, there are three circular podiums with a mannequin each, showcasing variations of the PPDC hazmat suits. There are three people inside; two hide behind the middle suit as soon as they notice him, leaving the third to fend for herself.

“Can–can I help you?” she asks nervously. She has blue hair and wears fishnet sleeves over a tank top. Not exactly the nerd attire Robbie was expecting.

“I’m looking for Amadeus Cho,” he explains, trying to look as non-threatening as possible. It’s the opposite of what he usually tries to achieve, and she looks like she might be having an anxiety attack. “Any idea where I could find him?”

The girl listens to some frantic whispering from behind the suit. “In the bone lab,” she squeaks. Then blushes so hard Robbie worries she might actually pass out. “Up one floor, two doors down on the left, thankyouseeyoulater.”

What the hell.

He closes the door.

At least with the directions he finds the right room in less than five minutes. The label indeed reads ‘bone lab’. He’s pretty sure the music blasting from the inside is Dead Kennedys. When nobody answers his knocking, he prays he isn’t about to embarrass himself further and pushes the door open.

Cho is standing with his back to him at a table completely covered in… either huge chunks of dirty plaster or – more likely and vastly more disturbingly – massive bone fragments. He’s holding a metal training staff. Before Robbie can call out, he brings it over his head and smashes one of the chunks. When it doesn’t break, he adjusts his grip and tries again. And again. And again, until the greenish-grey surface cracks, at which point he gives out a little whoop.

“Cho?” Robbie risks. The music is too loud, coming from a small bluetooth speaker at the edge of the table. It’s shaped like a cat head. “Hey, Cho!”

Cho whirls around with the staff ready to smack the intruder. He’s wearing thick safety goggles. When he sees Robbie, he drops his weapon to the table with a clatter. “Good news!” he shouts over the music, like it’s normal both for people to just show up in his lab and to start a conversation from the middle. “You don’t have brain cancer!”

Well. That’s definitely good news.

“Was that a–?” He waits for Cho to lower the speaker’s volume through his phone. “Was that a risk?”

Cho is busy checking his messages, frowning. “Did you break my outfitters?”

“What?”

“Hazmat lab?” The frown becomes a grin as he scrolls through a bunch of texts. Robbie feels like that’s worse. “Good job getting on their good side, they might be designing your drivesuit soon.”

“I just–“ Can we get to the point? This kid is missing a screw. “You said to come find you?”

“Yes! Come on, take a–“ he picks up a hammer from an office chair before sliding it towards Robbie. “There you go. I was hoping we could talk without the grown-ups hovering around.”

The grown-ups. Robbie can already feel a headache coming. He takes a seat while Cho leans on the table, untroubled by a pile of skeletal remains inches from his back. “Talk about what?”

Cho scrambles around for a remote and points it at one of the screens at a wall behind Robbie. He flicks through several output sources – one is most definitely a cartoon show Gabe used to love back in L.A. – until he finds what looks like the Hell Charger’s blueprints.

“That,” he says, suddenly serious. “What do you actually know about this jaeger?”

“I already–“

“Yeah, but that can’t be all,” Cho cuts him off impatiently. “I found your records from before your mom took you and your brother off-base. You were eight. Your dad never took you to the hangar?”

Not really. Mama didn’t want you losing fingers in the machinery.

“Wasn’t a place for a kid,” he mumbles. There are records? “I don’t really remember much from that time. Weren’t all the records sealed?”

I told you Ivanov is full of shit.

“Oh, they were,” Cho smirks. “But the last guy in my role had access to some of the classified stuff, and nobody ever revoked it. You know how it is.”

Robbie has no idea how it is. “What do they say?”

“Nothing!” Cho groans. “Just that you and your brother existed. That’s why I’m asking.”

It’s both crushingly disappointing and a perfectly good reason for Ivanov to just say there was no information available. Keep deluding yourself. You’ll see I’m right sooner or later. Still, Robbie doesn’t really have much he can – or wants to – tell Cho.

“Sorry, I can’t help,” he shrugs. “I’m told we left before it was decommissioned. Mom never talked about it.”

Cho lifts up his goggles to his forehead to rub his eyes. He seems frustrated. “No weird work anecdotes? No drama about close calls?” He huffs when Robbie shakes his head. “Great. Another dead end. What did Ivanov tell you?”

“Just that my dad used to be a pilot. That he died killing Daggerblight.”

There is a long moment where Cho watches him like he’s waiting for Robbie to crack and admit to some vast conspiracy. When nothing happens, he blows the air out of his cheeks. “Bummer. Oh well, let’s go find Montesi before she starts wondering where we are.”

Robbie feels the bottom of his stomach freeze over. “We were supposed to be meeting her, too?”

Cho is already walking over to the door. He holds it open with a stupid little bow. “Yep. We better hurry.”

Robbie kind of wants to punch him. He’s beginning to suspect this will be a common occurrence.

[tsarisfanfiction]

Call On Me

Fandom: Trials of Apollo Rating: Teen Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Family Characters: Yan, Apollo, Jerry A simple shopping trip into the city goes wrong. TOApril day 7 - Fathers Who'd Kill. This prompt was easy, and of course it's Apollo! I love protective!Apollo and this prompt was begging for it, so here we go...

This wasn't supposed to happen.

It wasn't like they were on a quest or anything.  True, all demigods were in some degree of danger from monster attacks outside the protective borders of camp, but once they were at least somewhat trained, it was a moderately low risk, and one that most demigods didn't really consider.

Or maybe Yan had just got too complacent, given the only times they'd left camp before had been as part of a larger group, or even an army, that first time, when their dad was mortal and Nero was threatening to end New York while Python was slithering around Delphi.  That had been horrible - traumatising, even - but it had been once, and Yan was stronger, now.  More experienced.  More confident.

Overconfident.

It should have just been a quick trip into New York, for an American value of quick.  Jerry had been grumbling about the two hour drive the entire time, and how big America was.  He'd never really got used to the massive upsize in scale compared to England (and nor had Yan, really.  They'd never left London during their year there, and it had felt pretty similar in scale to Hong Kong.  America was an entirely different beast for both of them).  They'd been at camp for years now, lived through not just their father's mortality but also the overthrowing of Zeus, and whatever reshuffle was going on up in Olympus.  Apollo had never really given them a straight answer on that, just that it would take time.  Given how long the gods had lived for so far, Yan suspected it was the sort of take time that would last beyond a mortal lifespan, but as it didn't seem to be affecting the mortal world much, if at all, they could mostly put it out of their mind.

Everyone knew that quests went wrong - it was practically a rite of passage, to have a quest that went drastically sideways at some point or other.  Yan had never gone on a quest themselves, and was content to keep it that way, but they'd heard stories from others who had.  What wasn't supposed to go wrong were short shopping trips, but here they were.

Jerry wasn't moving.  His blood was splattered across the pavement, and stained Yan's shoes, and there was nothing Yan could do about it.  They weren't the strongest healer, couldn't deal with things like this, and they didn't have the chance to, either.

They weren't a close combat fighter, either.  True, they had a knife for emergencies, but their strength lay in their bow and the moment they had to make the switch was the moment they were going to fall, just like Jerry.

Gods, they didn't know if Jerry was even still alive.  The hellhound had barrelled into their younger brother at speed, and what made it even worse was the fact that Jerry had deliberately put himself in its way, because it had been charging towards them.  Jerry wasn't an archer, not really - he could shoot a bit – but he did better with the sword.  That was a rarity for Apollo kids, but Jerry always equated it to swinging a cricket bat, even though Yan was certain cricket bats were not wielded that way under any match circumstances.  It meant he tended to put himself on the front line, especially as he was one of the biggest Apollo kids now, certainly bigger than Yan despite being a year younger.

It worked in Capture the Flag.

It didn't work against a hellhound.

Yan had felled the first one before it reached them, before it could do more than just maul Jerry, but now there were more, a whole pack of them, and Yan didn't have enough arrows to take them all down.  Didn't have the time, either, with the speed the hunting pack were advancing.  Their knife would do nothing here, and even if they could make the opportunity to grab Jerry's sword, they didn't have the skill to use it.

They only had one thing they could do, one chance at survival, and they hoped it would work but they didn't have proof.  They knew it hadn't always worked in the past, definitely hadn't worked while Zeus was in charge, but he wasn't in charge anymore and Yan didn't want to die.  Didn't want Jerry to die.

"APOLLO!" they shrieked, letting their fear and desperation loose as they fired off another arrow.  It lodged itself firmly inside a hellhound eye, but didn't go deep enough to hit the brain.  It yelped but kept running, teeth bared and tongue lolling out disturbingly.  "DAD, HELP!"

The sun exploded.

Yan had high tolerance for bright lights, higher than anyone outside of their siblings, but this had even them wincing against it, instinct driving them to throw their arms up across their eyes as they screwed them shut.  It should have made them feel vulnerable, blinded and at the mercy of the ever-approaching pack of hellhounds, but it didn’t.  It made them feel safe.

They fell to their knees, eyes still shut but bow discarded in favour for reaching blindly for where Jerry lay, gripping their brother’s wrist tightly.  There was a faint pulse beneath their fingertips, a promise of life beneath the façade of blood and death that had flashed before their eyes as Jerry fell, and amongst the sound of tortured screaming that could only come from the throats of hellhounds, Yan relaxed.

The light beyond their eyelids slowly faded away, and the hand that rested on their shoulder was warmth incarnate.  Comfortable, reassuring.  Yan let themselves bask in it for a moment, taking deep, grounding breaths, before they opened their eyes again.

In front of them, Jerry was glowing faintly.  There was still a hand on their shoulder, but there was another hand on Jerry’s bloodied chest, one that was clean as it rejected the searching stain of blood, rejected the injuries beneath it.

The lightest shift on their shoulder had them slumping sideways, into the comforting warmth, and they dragged their eyes away from Jerry to look up at their father.

Apollo’s brow was furrowed in concentration as he looked at his son, but Yan didn’t detect any panic.  They hadn’t been set aside as a lower triage, and that meant that Jerry was going to be okay, because Apollo didn’t let any of them feel like there was a favourite, but he would prioritise based on the situation, and Yan would demand nothing less of him, right now.

Equal priority meant that Apollo wasn’t scared.

And if Apollo wasn’t scared, then Jerry was going to be fine.

They let their eyes drift again.  There were no hellhounds to be seen, corpses or otherwise – not that there would be, because they’d all be scattered dust – but there were scorch marks on the pavement that hadn’t been there before.

The silence reigned for a few minutes, before Apollo pulled his hand back from Jerry.  His clothes were still bloodied and torn, but his skin was unblemished and clean, and his chest was rising and falling normally.

“He’ll wake up shortly,” their dad finally said, and his hand rubbed up and down Yan’s arm for a moment, not letting them go.  Yan knew he wouldn’t let go until they pulled away, but for the moment they were content to stay where they were.  Apollo visited them more in person since Zeus’ destruction, but it still wasn’t often.  Most visits were still dream-visits, and while dream-hugs were still comfortable, in-person-hugs were just that much better.  “He’ll be okay.”

“I know,” Yan said simply.  “You’re here.”

[rosavulpes]

Yawning , as he pushed back on the frame of his glasses to have it better rest over his nose . He'd softly smile , nodding his head once in thanks to the flight attendant that had come by to ask if he'd needed anything else . Whispering politely in response that he was fine .

" ありがとうございます。元気です。"

While he'd since turned off his overhanging lights as to not disturb any of his nearby fellow passengers as they lay asleep in their seats , it was hard for him to do the same as they did . To let his eyes lay closed for too long was not something he could risk at the current moment . So awake he lay just as he'd been when he'd first boarded .

While there was always a feeling of melancholy that accompanied him when the time had come for him to leave behind one teacher in order to seek out his next . When it had come to leaving behind the mentors he'd found in the western part of China in order to travel elsewhere ... this time around ? He'd left behind his recent former tutors on very uncertain terms .

Which was why during the extent of his travels from the western part of China to the east , he'd swapped his face numerous times to avoid detection . Changing his identity , changing his appearance , changing his voice , all to ensure that he wouldn't be followed by those that might be seeking him out even now . Looking over his shoulders every now and again . Even now , on this commercial airplane flight destined to take him to Japan that had departed from Hong Kong . He remained alert while appearing aloof .

Remaining calm , remaining unfazed , he'd put in extra work on his dialect to ensure that he even sounded more like a rural chinese local than a western traveler . Neither over playing his part or slouching . As far as the authorities knew , and as far as any of his fellow passengers knew ? He nothing more than a rural young man , born far outside the capital of Beijing , traveling to Japan to seek employment , and education as a cheaper alternative to doing so in the mainland to support his elderly parents .

Then ? In a few days ? His identity would change once more , his current persona would disappear in favor of the one that he was planning for now to stick with for as long as he remained in Japan . Keichi Furude . A student moving from the rural Gifu prefecture to study in Tokyo on a yet unclaimed scholarship .

His new documents , new identity , and new face would be waiting for him once he was well outside of the airport .

Staring from his window out towards the distant lights that where drawing closer with every passing minute . Only about an hour remained until they touch down , and as the gentle hum of the plane's turbines rose above the soft silence of the cabin space he wondered if they'd gotten his last letter . It had been some time , quite some time since he'd last written to them . His last later mailed before he'd begun his time training with the League of Assassin's . Or rather , before they'd found him . Seemingly wasting away in a remote prison cell in the country after a brutal fight with the other inmates that morning during breakfast . However , Bruce had been detained not by mistake earlier on . But by his own choice .

While he couldn't relay exactly where he was , and what it was that he was doing at the time of putting pen to paper . What they would know was that he remained alive , a very generalized description of where he was , and a lie of what he was there for . Which was far more than what most of the world knew of Bruce Wayne's current whereabouts . Of course , Bruce had used cyphers , invisible ink , and all other manner of different methods to disguise his true identity/messages to peering eyes but all that meant was that he'd inadvertently created an air of mystery when it came to exchanging messages . A game almost .

With a soft smile , a genuine smile . He wondered if they'd looked forwards to getting his letters as much as he did theirs whenever he was able to receive them . How long did it take for them to figure out which letter was his among the many that their family already received daily ? How long had it taken them to figure out , and decrypt his jumbled word puzzles ? He knew . They'd tell him , as a way to test one another's wits but it'd be nice to hear it from them in person this time around .

He'd first meet Rukia & Byakuya Kuchiki when he was a child many , many years ago . Back when he lived happily with his mother , and father in Gotham City in North America . The Kuchiki Families visits weren't frequent , but their company was always far more enjoyable than those of the Gotham Elite's families . He remembered those days playing tag with them in the outdoor gardens , hide n' seek , reading , and much more . They'd even been one of the many faces that Bruce had seen present during his parent's funeral after they'd been killed . The murder that shook all of Gotham , and beyond . Everywhere the Wayne Family and their influence had touched . Though he certainly hadn't been able to laugh , or smile when seeing Rukia or Byakuya on that day . Still , they'd been , and remained good people . Good friends to him . Of which he had few . He'd learned much later on that that basis for the meetings had been to establish Wayne Enterprises overseas in that part of the world . Products , knowledge , and most importantly their philanthropy practices . It was a partnership that still ran to this day with the Kuchiki Family and their business . Though Bruce had long since cut ties with the corporate happenings of Wayne Enterprises after he'd left Gotham altogether .

Alfred kept him aware of important changes every now and then but ultimately Bruce knew that as far as the overseeing board that now ran Wayne Enterprises was concerned ? Him being out of the country all this time meant that they didn't need to deal with him , he wasn't going to assert control , despite him still having inherited majority stock control .

As time passed , and the tires of the airplane squealed as they touched down on the runway . Slowing down , Bruce would rise once everything had settled . Taking his items out of the overhead carry on luggage bin .

On top of collecting his new identity , documents , and new face once he left the airport he'd stop to collect a few extra things that he had shipped over by freighter a few days earlier on before he'd boarded his flight . While one of these souvenirs had been a bit harder to obtain than the other , he'd always promised them that he'd gift them something that would represent a piece of journey around the world so far .

For Byakuya ? He'd obtained a scimitar , originating from the middle eastern part of the world . Shaped , forged , and sharpened by expert hands . Meticulously made to look , feel , and handle like it dated back to the 18th Century .

For Rukai ? He knew of her love for the Chappy the Rabbit mascot character ever since they were kids . It's face , and likeness appearing on products the world over . Especially the Chappy doll she'd carried with her everywhere she went to which , he'd managed to pick up a special edition version of Chappy the Rabbit that ran for a limited time in Sweden . He's spotted it in passing while he'd briefly been in the country while attending a university there , and knew he'd be remiss to not pick it up for her . So Chappy , as well as some other imported Chappy branded chocolates , candies , and other collectibles would take a part of his luggage as he drove down the highways of Japan . Wanting to make it to Tokyo by dawn .

@rukia-kuchiki-divided

[hong-kong-art-man]

What Is So Special About The Dance Drama Wing Chun (詠春) As An Art Furore ? Will The Competition From Shenzhen Force Hong Kong To Do Our Cultural Best?

In the Western world, martial art is the art of motion. For the Chinese, martial art is more than that. It is a master’s philosophy and use of his body to accomplish visual art result.

Success is no accident. Many in the art world just want to follow success and not create it. Great stage works never come from comfort zones. The real risk facing the performing art circles in Hong Kong is the lack of enough top-notch breakthroughs and talented persons, apart from the usual problem: insufficient financial resources to make a big dream possible.

The world has changed. Home cinema, home video game and home audio are the kinds of ‘home entertainment’, because of their instantly accessible enjoyment, are replacing the traditional places like theatres, movie houses and concert halls. Determining what play or dance to go to watch in a theatre can be exorbitant these days, especially when you have to take into account travelling expenses, parking and dinner, apart from the expensive tickets. Making the overall trip ‘worth it’ obviously favours the large budget stage productions these days.  

For the above reasons, the new dance drama Wing Chun (詠春), produced by the young city of Shenzhen (深圳) in China, has been extremely popular in the country for more than a year since 2023. The show went to Asian cities. Some said, “What a grand show! Almost 80 dancers perform on stage!” Some said, “The electrifying movements and gravity-defying choreography performed by the dancers create a visual spectacle that keeps us glued to the stage!” Some said, “The variety of striking scenes is another thing that makes me excited. Nobody performs ordinarily!” Some said, “The dancers, male or female, are good-looking, powerful and extremely stunning! They express their performing passion glamorously!” 

The story of Ip Man (葉問) who created the famous martial art of Wing Chun (詠春) is well-known among the Chinese. Ip man was born in 1893 and died in 1972. He developed the great martial art of Wing Chun when he was 20. He had a famous legendary student Bruce Lee (李小龍). After the Second World War, Ip left Foshan (佛山) for Hong Kong. The dance performance was chiefly about how he was struggling for a living in Hong Kong, bullied by the gangsters, training his students, sparring with other martial art masters and deserted by his loved wife. His life has an unbroken line of unusual events and emotions, resulting in a successful and yet regretful life.

The production is high-quality but a bit expected. It is said that the investment was fuelled by the Shenzhen government. The stage design, lighting, audiovisual engineering, music and costumes offer their best, though the show are somehow not good enough if it wants to be at the top of other top dances. The truly excellent ones in this case are the dancers. The physically captivating dancers have no stuntman. I can feel that they sometimes risk their bodies to complete dangerous movements. These marvellous performers make the show absurdly beautiful because it is the most rigorous job for a dancer to be equally capable of the best martial art skills at the same time.  

The southern island of Baoan (寶安) County became the British Hong Kong after the Opium Wars more than 100 years ago, while the primitive small village of Shenzhen was ignored on the border. In 1979, Shenzhen was suddenly made an Economic Zone for the ambitious economic developments of China. After about 40 years, the young au courant city managed to produce this art show that shocks the Asian art world. Hong Kong has a much longer cultural history and up to now, there has been no such comparable achievement. We should feel downcast by the scale of the threat that we see from this pioneering city neighbour.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong announced in 2023 that Hong Kong, with the government’s help, will be able to produce big stage shows for large-scale long runs or re-runs. The ‘Signature Performing Arts Programme’ will provide a subsidy of up to Hong Kong $10 million, a matching funding of up to $5 million to match private sector funding and venue support so that these Hong Kong performances can become world-class art productions and the international cultural brand that can represent Hong Kong. This is surely a piece of exciting news. But, the local performing art sectors are too used to government’s money as their major source of funding. How to make profits is right now a big lesson for the local art groups to learn. Money can be a good reason for success. They must realize that there are 10,000 ways that make things not work. Complacency, inertia and lack of business sense are the imminent hurdles that they must overcome. 

We all do better when we can gather the most talented people from a larger pool to work together. The population of Hong Kong is just about 7 million. That of Chinese mainland is around 1.41 billion. A top-class performing art team must be made of many gifted artists, from front and back stage. It is almost a necessity that in order to accomplish the ‘signature stage projects’ of Hong Kong, we cannot work alone or simply let a few big stage groups determine the scene. Joint productions of Hong Kong and Chinese mainland will be the sensible path, and I am sure we can find and manage a right path. It is going to take some time, though. Flexibility is the art of creating way outs within the cul-de-sac, as a Turkish playwright pointed out. 

Maurice Lee

Chinese Version 中文版: https://www.patreon.com/posts/hong-dong-ya-de-98447537?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 

Wing Chun Dance Drama

Acknowledgement-CultArts x Creative

Wing Chun Dance Drama

Acknowledgement – 生活生活

Wing Chun Dance Drama Interview

Acknowledgement – 香港商報

[shadowfromthestarlight]

So many people are still talking about wanting to change their lives and I’m wondering whether I even need to. My life is pretty awesome. I’ve never lost a loved one suddenly or unexpectedly. I didn’t even lose a grandparent until I was 17. I’ve never been hospitalized. I’m in good physical shape with no major medical conditions. I’ve never been uncertain that I’d have my next meal or a roof over my head. I’ve never been unable to buy food or clothing or necessary supplies. I’ve never had a huge family issue with family members hating or not speaking to each other. I count my parents, my sister, my grandma, and my cousins among my best friends. I’ve never been hugely betrayed or cheated on or abused. I’ve never been a crime victim. I graduated from college and have an advanced degree. 

I’ve been to over 30 countries, over 30 U.S. states, and 27 U.S. national parks. I’ve been to some of the most recognizable cities in the world, including Sydney, Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Paris, Rome, Prague, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, Madrid, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Venice, and Athens. I’ve watched the sunset from New Caledonia and Aruba and the middle of the Mediterranean. I’ve ziplined through the Costa Rican rainforest. I’ve walked over the border from Thailand to Myanmar. I’ve taken road trips in Europe where I’ve been to 4 countries in one day. I’ve hiked in Patagonia. I’ve dodged traffic in Hanoi. I’ve seen the sunrise over Ankar Wat. I’ve ice skated in the biggest mall in the world on my birthday. I’ve watched New Year’s fireworks in Brisbane, Queensland and Cusco, Peru. I’ve stopped for lunch in Lake Como. I’ve stood on the Great Wall of China. I’ve ridden a train through the Candian Rockies. I’ve been to the place I consider the world’s most beautiful - Glacier Point, Yosemite - 4 times. My family owns property in Florida and the Hamptons so I have a beach getaway about 10 times a year. 

I have an apartment with my own washing machine and dishwasher. I have a job I can work remotely whenever I’m sick or otherwise need to be away from the office. I have coworkers I actually look forward to seeing. I have a cat who loves me. I live about 30 seconds away from a bakery, ice cream shop, Mexican restaurant, pizzeria, and bagel shop, and within walking distance of three grocery stores. It takes me about 4 minutes from my door to the train platform to get to work. I say this just to point out that my day-to-day life is almost absurdly easy. 

Some people would look at my life and think there are still things missing from it; I don’t have my own house, I don’t have kids, I’m not married, I have very few friends who aren’t from work or family, I don’t have my own car, I don’t make six figures, I’m still just an “associate” without a prestigious job title or ranking within my firm. But I still have a lot that most people don’t. I need to remind myself of that at times, because sometimes I even feel unsatisfied. I never feel like I’ve learned enough; I’ve never read enough books or watched enough movies or practiced enough hobbies to please myself. I often feel happy doing activities alone, but sometimes I wish I had a close friend my own age to hang out with just once a week or so to make things more interesting. I live somewhere convenient, but there are trade-offs; it’s loud, there are too many lights obscuring the sky at night, it’s crowded, it’s not where I want to be forever. I haven’t even figured out whether I’m serious about doing some of the things I say I want to do; move to the West Coast, open my own law office or other business, conduct research and write articles, buy my own house where I can have chickens and a root cellar, climb mountains. Maybe I’m just too complacent a person deep down? I fear that. I’ve found that a decent life can be a trap; if things are good enough, you can start to genuinely wonder if it’s worth it to work any harder or take any more risks to make them better. Let this be a reminder that nobody’s perfect, I guess; I have a lot that’s enviable but I still don’t have all the answers.

[momelizza]

The Benefits of Choosing Momelizza for Regular Vehicle Servicing

Regular vehicle servicing is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your car. In Hong Kong, Momelizza has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted auto service providers. Here’s why choosing Momelizza for your regular vehicle servicing can make all the difference.

1. Expert Technicians with In-Depth Knowledge

At Momelizza, your car is in the hands of highly trained and experienced technicians. Their in-depth knowledge covers a broad range of car models and brands, ensuring that each vehicle receives specialized care. From routine oil changes to complex engine repairs, the team at Momelizza has the skills to keep your car running smoothly.

2. Preventative Maintenance Saves Money

Regular servicing at Momelizza helps catch potential problems before they become major (and expensive) repairs. Their comprehensive inspections cover everything from the engine to brakes, tires, and fluids. By addressing issues early, you can avoid costly breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

3. Improved Safety and Reliability

Safety is always a priority, and Momelizza ensures that your car is roadworthy after every service. Regular vehicle servicing reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, tire failures, and brake malfunctions, giving you peace of mind every time you hit the road.

4. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, which means better fuel economy. At Momelizza, their expert team ensures that your engine is running optimally, tires are inflated to the right pressure, and other components are working in harmony. This leads to reduced fuel consumption and savings on gas over time.

5. Transparent Pricing and Honest Service

With Momelizza, you never have to worry about hidden fees or unnecessary repairs. They offer honest, transparent pricing, and only recommend services that your vehicle truly needs. This customer-first approach has made Momelizza a trusted name in car maintenance across Hong Kong.

For reliable and professional vehicle servicing, choose Momelizza. Learn more at momelizza.

[vgaman]

Your Trusted Moving Company in Hong Kong – Best Movers HK

Relocating can be a stressful process, whether you’re moving within Hong Kong or internationally. With so many logistical challenges, it’s essential to choose a reliable moving service that ensures a smooth and seamless transition. That’s where Best Movers HK comes in. We are Hong Kong’s leading professional moving company, offering a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Why Choose Best Movers HK? At Best Movers HK, we prioritize customer satisfaction and professionalism. Here are some reasons why we stand out:

1. Experienced and Skilled Team Our team of movers is highly trained and experienced in handling all types of relocations, whether residential or commercial. We ensure that your belongings are treated with care and respect, giving you peace of mind during the entire moving process.

2. Customized Moving Solutions No two moves are the same. We offer flexible and customized moving solutions to suit your individual requirements. Whether you need full-service packing or just transportation, we work around your needs to ensure a hassle-free experience.

3. Local and International Moving Services Whether you’re relocating across Hong Kong or planning an international move, Best Movers HK has the resources and expertise to handle your move efficiently. We offer seamless international moving services with customs handling, logistics planning, and international shipping.

4. Safe and Secure Moving We take the safety of your items seriously. From delicate antiques to large furniture, we ensure that all items are packed securely and transported safely. Our team uses high-quality packing materials and modern equipment to minimize the risk of damage during transit.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. Best Movers HK offers competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, ensuring great value for your money.

Our Services We provide a range of services to meet the specific needs of our clients, including:

Residential Moving Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or house in Hong Kong, our residential moving services are designed to make your move as stress-free as possible. We handle everything from packing and loading to transportation and unpacking.

Office and Commercial Moving Relocating your business? We specialize in office and commercial moving, ensuring minimal downtime so you can get back to business quickly. Our team works efficiently to move office furniture, equipment, and files, ensuring that everything arrives in perfect condition.

Packing Services Proper packing is essential for a smooth move. Our professional packing services ensure that your belongings are packed securely to prevent damage. We use high-quality materials and efficient techniques to safeguard your items during transport.

Storage Solutions Need temporary storage for your items? We offer secure and flexible storage solutions to accommodate your needs. Whether it’s short-term or long-term storage, you can trust that your belongings will be safe with us.

Moving Tips from Best Movers HK Here are some essential moving tips to make your relocation even smoother:

Plan Ahead: Start planning your move at least a month in advance. This gives you time to organize and pack without rushing. Label Your Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room. This makes unpacking much easier. Declutter Before You Move: Use your move as an opportunity to declutter. Get rid of any items you no longer need to make the moving process lighter and easier. Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box of essential items you’ll need for the first day or two in your new home. Include toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and important documents. Contact Best Movers HK Today! Are you planning a move? Let Best Movers HK take the stress out of the process. Our team of professionals is ready to assist you with any type of relocation, big or small. Contact us today for a free quote and find out why we’re the best movers in Hong Kong! https://www.bestmovershk.com/

[bysumex]

Hong Kong: Photo Tips for Capturing the Neon Magic 👉 https://bysumex.com/hong-kong-photo-tips-for-capturing-the-neon-magic/

Cyber Night Vibes in Hong Kong: How to Capture the Futuristic Glow of the City After Dark 🌃✨

Hong Kong is a photographer's dream when night falls—where the streets become illuminated with neon lights, futuristic architecture, and a bustling urban energy that creates the perfect cyberpunk aesthetic. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to capture some stunning night shots for Instagram, here are some in-depth tips to help you harness the full potential of Hong Kong’s electric nightlife through your lens.

1. Scout the Best Locations for Neon Vibes

Hong Kong is full of iconic spots that scream cyberpunk. Knowing where to go will make a huge difference in your photos:

Mong Kok: One of the most vibrant and dense neighborhoods, Mong Kok is famous for its towering signs, glowing advertisements, and constant flow of people. Capture the energy of the crowds or focus on the neon-soaked street signs.

Temple Street Night Market: The gritty atmosphere of this night market is perfect for moody shots. The blend of glowing signs, bustling market stalls, and locals haggling gives you a raw, urban vibe. Look for unique characters to add human elements to your frame.

Central and SoHo Districts: For a more polished, high-tech aesthetic, head to the heart of Hong Kong Island. Glass skyscrapers and futuristic architecture make this area great for long-exposure shots of glowing buildings and reflections.

Victoria Harbour: You can’t leave without capturing the iconic skyline from either side of the harbor. The lights of Hong Kong Island reflecting off the water create stunning visual contrasts between the modern city and the natural beauty of the bay.

2. Leverage Reflections to Create Surreal Effects

Reflections are your secret weapon for adding depth and complexity to night shots. In Hong Kong, reflections can come from just about anything:

Puddles on the Street: Wait for the rain or find small pools of water that can reflect the neon lights of the city.

Glass Windows and Doors: Frame your shot so that signs and lights bounce off reflective surfaces, creating a layered, futuristic look.

Moving Cars and Trams: If you’re doing long exposure shots (more on that below), the reflections of car lights or tram windows can add motion and a sense of movement through the city.

3. Master Long Exposure for Stunning Light Trails

Long exposure photography is perfect for Hong Kong’s dynamic, neon-drenched nights. It allows you to capture the movement of traffic, people, and city lights in a way that feels alive:

Set a Slow Shutter Speed: Anywhere between 1 to 15 seconds is a good place to start depending on how much movement and light you want to capture. Experiment with different speeds to get unique results.

Use a Tripod: This is crucial to ensure your shot stays sharp while capturing the motion of the city around it. A tripod will allow you to use longer shutter speeds without the risk of camera shake.

Capture Light Trails: Hong Kong’s busy streets and trams are perfect for light trails. Set up near a busy intersection or along the tram line in Central, and let the streaks of car headlights or moving trains create futuristic, high-energy lines of light in your frame.

4. Embrace Hong Kong’s Moody Atmosphere

Hong Kong’s humid weather often creates a natural fog or haze at night, which is perfect for enhancing the otherworldly, sci-fi feel in your images. Use it to your advantage:

Fog and Haze: If you're lucky enough to be shooting on a misty evening, the glow of the neon lights cutting through the fog can give your photos a dreamlike, atmospheric quality.

Rainy Nights: Don’t shy away from a little rain! In fact, it’s one of the best times to shoot. Wet streets reflect neon lights more vividly, making your photos pop with color and giving the city an even more cinematic feel.

5. Use Wide-Angle Lenses for Dramatic Cityscapes

Hong Kong is a city that grows vertically, with towering buildings and densely packed streets. To capture this sense of scale and depth, a wide-angle lens is a must:

Vertical Composition: Don’t forget to shoot vertically to capture the sheer height of buildings and the density of neon signs stacked one on top of the other. This technique works especially well in narrow streets where the buildings seem to rise endlessly.

Dramatic Perspectives: Get creative by shooting from low angles, looking up at the glowing skyline, or from high vantage points where you can capture the sprawl of lights stretching out across the city.

6. Shoot in RAW for Maximum Post-Processing Flexibility

Night shots often need some adjustments to really shine. Shooting in RAW gives you more control over your images during post-processing:

Adjust Shadows and Highlights: Recover details in both the darkest and brightest parts of your photo to avoid losing the intricate textures of the city.

Boost Color Saturation: The neon lights of Hong Kong are naturally vibrant, but a little extra saturation during editing can bring out the otherworldly glow even more.

Noise Reduction: Shooting at night often means using higher ISOs, which can result in noise. RAW files give you more flexibility to clean up this noise without sacrificing detail.

7. Practical Tips for Night Photography in Hong Kong

Bring a Tripod: As mentioned before, a tripod is crucial for long-exposure shots, especially at night when even the steadiest hands can’t hold a camera still for long.

Use a Fast Lens: If you want to capture handheld shots, opt for a fast lens (like an f/1.8 or f/1.4) to allow more light into your camera and avoid blur.

Scout Your Location During the Day: It’s easier to plan your night shoot if you’re already familiar with your surroundings. Find the angles and spots you want to capture in daylight so you’re not scrambling in the dark.

Keep Safety in Mind: Hong Kong is generally very safe, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when wandering through busy areas with expensive equipment.

Hong Kong’s nighttime glow is like stepping into a scene from a sci-fi movie, where the neon lights and urban energy create a photographer’s playground. With the right techniques, a little creativity, and patience, you can capture the city’s electrifying cyberpunk aesthetic in a way that stands out. So pack your camera, grab your tripod, and get ready to lose yourself in the mesmerizing cyber night vibes of Hong Kong!

#hongkong

[schrijverr]

Tomorrow Will Be Different 2

Chapter 2 out of 26

Instead of managing to meet up later, Oliver has to keep running with Akio. The only way to keep them safe is to go public with Oliver being alive, leaving him back home in charge of Akio, while Tatsu and Maseo are still in the wind

In this chapter, Akio and Oliver are hiding out in Hong Kong, still on the run from the bad men and seperated from Tatsu and Maseo. As they hide, Oliver tries to find them and bring Akio home.

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: none

~~~

Chapter 2: Finding the Yamashiros

It’s been over a week of cat and mouse games with no end in sight and no Tatsu or Maseo. Oliver doesn’t want to give up hope – he can’t, for Akio’s sake – but everything is starting to look bleaker and bleaker with each passing day.

The office they’re hiding out in has become a bit more homely, with Oliver trying to sneak in as much comfort as he can. Akio has a few pillows now and an extra blankets, Oliver even managed to get a little game for the kid to play, which Akio is grateful for, since he has to wait for Oliver by himself each day, staying out of sight.

Oliver is sure it isn’t easy on him and he’s honestly surprised that they haven’t had worse arguments so far.

Akio wants to get back to his parents and is disgruntled that it’s taking so long. He doesn’t like being cooped up, though he has gotten used to it. However, he is still convinced that Oliver will reunite him with his parents soon, still trusts Oliver and follows his lead. It makes Oliver feel both highly honored and terrified.

He isn’t the best caregiver. He’s gotten pretty good at keeping himself alive, but the circumstances don’t exactly make it easy to provide. He tries, though.

Every day he risks going outside, going by the botanical gardens, hoping that if Tatsu and Maseo show their faces somewhere, it’ll be where they think their kid is going to be. So far no luck yet, but he can’t give up hope.

Then he’ll comb the city best he can while staying under the radar, bringing home some actual hot food that he buys with money he steals. Not his proudest moment, but he’ll do whatever he can to keep Akio well fed and his spirits up. The kid loves food, he deserves that small comfort.

Amanda’s men haven’t let go yet, but he hasn’t been spotted, still there have been a few close calls here and there. His hope is dwindling, but he has to believe that the men are not just looking for them, but Tatsu and Maseo too. It’s not a total comfort, since A.R.G.U.S. is good at disappearing people, but Oliver hasn’t seen anything in the news about an altercation or bodies being found, so he keeps holding on.

Today is another like any other. He wakes up from a light sleep, not having had a proper moment of rest since that day at the docks. Akio is still asleep next to him, curled up in the little nest he has built under the desk.

In Oliver’s hands is a bow made from materials he found around the abandoned office, glad that they had left things such as curtains, tables and a few fake plants behind. Even a mirror in the bathroom that he had destroyed to make arrows. He is grateful that his training extends beyond guns, since having a weapon he can use well makes him feel more safe.

Their breakfast will be cold rice left over from the day before. It came with a small packet of soy sauce and Oliver makes sure to leave it for Akio to have, dividing the rice in two portions and taking the smallest one for himself. The stress has diminished his appetite quite a bit and Akio is growing anyway, he needs it more.

With his own breakfast done, he wakes Akio up, telling him where the breakfast is and to eat it when he is ready to properly wake up. It’s still early.

“Are you going to leave again?” Akio asks in a murmured voice, head not fully off his pillow. The days by himself must weigh on him.

“I’ll come back, don’t forget the chair,” Oliver promises, carding his hand through Akio’s hair. He wishes he can offer him more comfort, more certainty. But there is nothing to offer.

If Tatsu and Maseo don’t show up by the end of the week, Oliver is seriously contemplating leaving the country. He still hates boats with a passion, but it will be easy to sneak aboard a ship, maybe even a cruise if they’re lucky.

Once they manage to get out of Hong Kong, it’ll be much harder for Amanda to find them, they can be anywhere at that point. However, it will also mean that it will be harder for Tatsu and Maseo to find them. Maybe it will be never. He can’t do that to Akio yet, so he just makes his promises about coming back, vowing to never abandon him until he’s home safe, before slipping out of the building.

Oliver has developed a system, sneaking out the back in a business appropriate outfit and walking to a different office building every day, where he changes into street clothes, before sneaking out of that building as well. At the end of the day, he’ll change back into the business clothes, so that the cameras only see a worker entering the building in the morning and exiting it in the evening.

Dressed in his street clothes and having successfully exited, he makes his way through the tourist part. The people here are used to seeing western faces, some for a few days, some only for one, before they disappear. Plus, ample pickpocket opportunities. It’s the best place to be for Oliver to be.

After getting together a new spending budget, since they were running low, Oliver makes his way to the botanical garden. He makes sure his route is different and full of twists and turns every time, always keeping his head on a swivel. He hasn’t been found yet, but he knows his luck can run out any moment.

At the gardens, he sweeps the perimeter. He still remembers how Akio took him through the garden, so he makes sure to hit all the spots. Today he follows a tour, pretending to look interested in the plant facts, while actually searching the garden for two familiar faces.

Nothing.

It’s disappointing, but not unexpected. Oliver just wishes he could bring Akio different news tonight, but no dice.

Exiting the gardens, he makes his way south. He’s been rotating the city, scouring a new district every day in the hope of finding Tatsu and Maseo somewhere. It’s absolutely idle hope. Hong Kong is huge, so it’s like finding a needle in a hack stack, but he tries anyway.

Once it starts getting late, he gets some food from a place. He usually tries to avoid Triad owned fronts, since he’s gotten on their bad side, however, he does pick places close to them, since their cameras are usually dead.

With his dinner in hand, he returns home, changing clothes and hiding their food in his backpack, before sneaking back into their office building after making a round.

Inside, he knocks a specific pattern on the door and waits. There is some shuffling on the other side of the door, then a scraping, before the door opens. Akio is on the other side, face lighting up when he sees Oliver. “You’re okay.”

“Yeah, I’m okay, buddy,” Oliver smiles, ruffling his hair as he enters, closing the door behind him and barricading it again with the chair. “Have a good day?”

“The same,” Akio shrugs. He looks a little listless, being stuck inside isn’t good for him. Akio shakes it off admirably, though, excitedly asking: “Did you see them?”

“I’m sorry, Akio,” Oliver says, unable to say a blunt no, wanting to soften is as much as he can.

Akio’s face falls visibly, even as he tries to hide it. Hopefully, he says: “Tomorrow will be different.”

“Tomorrow will be different,” Oliver agrees, a ritual the two have preformed every day so far. After the first day of disappointment, it was Oliver who said it, now Akio has taken it as a chant to keep himself going.

Oliver really hopes he’ll see a trace of Akio’s parents in the next few days, otherwise he’ll have to break that hope for Akio and move them. He fears Akio might break if they do have to give up the search for his parents. He doesn’t want to do that to him. He wants to preserve the innocence and hope Akio still holds.

But Oliver has become much better at breaking things and with how his search has been going, he is starting to suspect that Akio’s spirit is something he’s going to have to add to the list of things he has broken.

It’s not something he likes to think about, so he stuffs it down somewhere deep down inside of him along with all the other stuff he doesn’t like to think about.

He gets his backpack and says: “But for now, I’ve got us dinner. What do you think about dim sum, ey?”

Akio’s eyes get a sparkle in them again and a part of Oliver feels a little lighter at the sight. “I love dim sum,” Akio exclaims.

“Let’s eat then.”

Oliver sets everything up, the two of them holing up under the desk, cardboard take out boxes on their laps. Eating dinner together there makes it feel a little like the sleepover Oliver promised Akio it would be. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best he can do right now. Oliver feels a bit better as Akio excitedly tells him about the game he’s playing. For now Akio is still allowed to be a kid.

That night, he sleeps even less than he has done the past week and a half. His mind is filled with how he can break the news to Akio and what routes they might be able to take out of the city… how to get Akio there silently if breaking the news goes terrible.

God, he really hopes tomorrow will bring a change. He doesn’t have hope. It’s been three years of bad luck, the idea that it will change with a new day is ludicrous.

Still, he wakes up the next morning, eating the smaller portion of leftover dim sum. Then he wakes Akio gently, reminding him to eat his breakfast and to put the chair back, before he changes into business clothes to head to an office to change.

Today he skips over pick pocketing, he got quite a sum yesterday and doesn’t want to risk it. It would be so embarrassing if he got caught, because the police arrested him for petty theft.

So, he takes a long route to the botanical garden, scoping it out, before entering. He is in the part where he and Akio nearly got caught the first time, taking a seat on a bench and pretending to enjoy the garden. He doesn’t have big expectations, but scans every face carefully anyway.

Someone sits down next to him. He gives the person a quick glance. It’s a teen, local and lanky. He sits down next to Oliver and puts down a newspaper on the bench between them. Overall he doesn’t look like a threat, though Oliver just keeps him in his periphery.

Then the boy suddenly speaks. “Don’t look at me. I have a message from Maseo and Tatsu.”

Oliver’s heart stops in his chest, before it starts beating loudly. This can very well be a trap, but it’s the first sign he has of life in nearly two weeks. He is desperate enough to try. For Akio he can risk this being a trap.

“Tatsu wanted me to ask if you remember how to do laundry,” the boy says, sounding a little confused by the request.

However, Oliver can’t be more glad. It’s not something Amanda is likely to know, so a good code that confirms that this is actually from the two Yamashiros. They likely paid the kid to deliver the message, not wanting to risk leading anyone to Akio. He smiles: “She’s not my maid.”

The boy nods, that was likely the correct thing to say, or just confirmation. The three of them never discussed a code.

“Take the paper with you,” he says, then he gets up and walks away, leaving the newspaper on the bench next to Oliver.

Oliver waits a few minutes, before leaving the bench too, taking the newspaper with him. He desperately wants to look, but knows better, so he tucks it in his inner pocket and meanders out of the garden, towards a cafe.

As he walks he keeps watching, unsure if he expects Tatsu and Maseo or a group of Amanda’s men to pop out.

Once seated in the back, out of sight, he first drinks a coffee, newspaper burning a hole in his pocket, before he goes to the bathroom. Only once he has the privacy of a stall does he open it, finding an envelope inside. The handwriting is definitely Maseo’s.

Oliver,

It’s not Waller, it’s Shrieve. He wants to release the Alpha-Omega virus on Hong Kong to test it, but he needs the component Waller has. I don’t know where she is, but she’s somewhere underground. They’re moving in on all of us, we can’t hide forever. You have the best chance of all of us. Get somewhere public, make it known that you’re alive. They can’t touch you when you become news, not without serious repercussions. A dead man can stay dead, an alive one must be killed. Get the information out so ARGUS can send help. Ask for a Lyla Micheals, she’s a trusted agent of Waller.

We haven’t seen Akio with you, but we hope the fact that you’re at the gardens each day means you are still with him. Please, take care of him and keep him safe. Get him out of this city. We will come find him when we can, for now, we must continue to hide.

- Maseo

Oliver is stunned, his brain whirring. All this time he thought it was Waller, convinced the cold-hearted woman double crossed them. But Shrieve? What on earth is he thinking?

A part of Oliver wants to go find the man and beat his skull in for even considering doing something so horrific. He probably would have, were it not for Akio. Tatsu and Maseo are counting on him. Akio is counting on him. He promised he would come back.

The other two items in the envelope further solidify that choice.

One is a letter to Akio, he quickly glances inside, seeing two different handwritings, likely from Tatsu and Maseo. It’s a relief that they’re both still alive. His Japanese is still horrible, so he doesn’t know what it says, but he spots his own name at some point. Hopefully it tells Akio to listen to him and stay near Oliver.

Second is a document, signed by both Tatsu and Maseo. It’s a temporary guardian contract, signing over rights to Oliver until they can be reunited.

This whole time, Oliver has been questioning his ability to take care of him, wondering why Maseo trusted him with this. If Tatsu even agreed with her husbands words, shouted between the bullets, or if she never wanted him near her son.

Yet here it is. In black and white.

Tatsu and Maseo trust him with Akio, they trust him far more than Oliver ever thought and ever deserved.

Oliver cannot let them down. The Yamashiros took him in, despite their reluctance. It was forced on them, but they welcomed him into their home anyway. He became their friend. They trust him with the person they hold dear. With their son.

He has to get to Akio right now. Guess today is different.

[whatishivpnapp]

can us residence use bitfinex through vpn

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can us residence use bitfinex through vpn

US residence

The United States of America offers a variety of residence options for individuals looking to live in the country. Whether it's for work, study, family reunification, or other purposes, there are different pathways to obtaining residence in the US.

One common way to become a US resident is through employment. Employers can sponsor foreign nationals for work visas, such as the H-1B visa for skilled workers or the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers. These visas can eventually lead to permanent residence status through sponsorship for a green card.

Another popular route to US residence is through family reunification. US citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members for green cards, allowing them to live and work in the country permanently. Spouses, parents, children, and siblings are all eligible for family-based immigration.

For individuals looking to study in the US, obtaining a student visa is often the first step towards residence. Upon completing their studies, students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) or other work visas that can eventually lead to permanent residence.

Additionally, the Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, offers a limited number of green cards to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US.

Overall, the United States provides various pathways to residence for individuals with different goals and circumstances, making it a desirable destination for many looking to establish roots in the country.

Bitfinex

Title: Exploring Bitfinex: A Comprehensive Overview of the Cryptocurrency Exchange

Bitfinex, founded in 2012, stands tall as one of the pioneering cryptocurrency exchanges in the digital financial realm. With its headquarters situated in Hong Kong, it has cemented its position as a formidable player in the crypto exchange arena.

One of Bitfinex's distinguishing features is its advanced trading platform, designed to cater to both novice traders and seasoned professionals. The platform offers a wide array of trading pairs, including major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC), as well as numerous altcoins, providing ample opportunities for diversification and investment.

Security remains a paramount concern for any cryptocurrency exchange, and Bitfinex takes this aspect seriously. Employing industry-leading security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for the majority of its users' funds, and constant monitoring for suspicious activities, Bitfinex prioritizes the safety of its users' assets.

Liquidity is another key aspect that sets Bitfinex apart. With high trading volumes and deep liquidity across various markets, traders can execute large orders with minimal slippage, making it an attractive choice for institutional investors and high-volume traders.

Bitfinex also offers margin trading and lending services, allowing users to amplify their trading potential by borrowing funds or earning interest on their idle assets. However, it's important to note that margin trading involves higher risks and should be approached with caution.

In addition to its trading features, Bitfinex provides users with access to real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and a robust API for algorithmic trading, catering to the needs of professional traders and developers alike.

Despite facing its share of challenges and controversies over the years, Bitfinex has remained resilient, continuously evolving and adapting to meet the changing demands of the cryptocurrency landscape. With its commitment to innovation, security, and user experience, Bitfinex continues to be a prominent force in the realm of digital asset trading.

VPN connection legality

Title: Understanding the Legality of VPN Connections

In today's digital age, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular for individuals seeking to enhance their online privacy and security. However, many users may wonder about the legality of using VPN connections and whether they might inadvertently be breaking the law. Let's delve into this topic to provide clarity on the matter.

Firstly, it's essential to note that in most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. VPNs are legitimate tools designed to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from prying eyes, whether they be hackers, government agencies, or malicious third parties.

However, the legality of VPN usage can vary depending on the country and its specific laws. In some authoritarian regimes, VPNs may be restricted or banned altogether as they can be used to circumvent government censorship and surveillance. In such cases, using a VPN could indeed be illegal and may carry severe consequences for users.

Furthermore, while VPNs themselves are legal in many jurisdictions, their usage for illegal activities is not. Engaging in activities such as hacking, fraud, or copyright infringement while connected to a VPN is against the law and can result in legal repercussions.

It's also worth mentioning that some services and websites may block or restrict access to users connecting through VPNs, particularly if they suspect malicious intent or fraudulent behavior.

In summary, the legality of VPN connections largely depends on the laws of the country you're in and how you use the VPN. For the vast majority of users, using a VPN for legitimate purposes such as enhancing privacy and security is entirely legal. However, it's crucial to be aware of any restrictions or regulations that may apply in your jurisdiction to avoid running afoul of the law.

Cryptocurrency trading

Title: A Beginner's Guide to Cryptocurrency Trading

Cryptocurrency trading has surged in popularity in recent years, offering individuals the opportunity to participate in a decentralized financial system. Unlike traditional stocks or commodities, cryptocurrencies operate on a digital platform, using blockchain technology to facilitate secure transactions.

For beginners, understanding the basics of cryptocurrency trading is crucial before diving into the market. Firstly, it's essential to choose a reliable cryptocurrency exchange platform. Research various platforms to find one that aligns with your trading needs, ensuring it offers a user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and a diverse range of cryptocurrencies to trade.

Once you've selected a platform, it's time to familiarize yourself with different trading strategies. Some traders opt for day trading, buying and selling cryptocurrencies within a single day to capitalize on short-term price fluctuations. Others prefer swing trading, holding onto assets for a more extended period to ride out market volatility and potentially maximize profits.

Risk management is another critical aspect of cryptocurrency trading. While the market can offer lucrative opportunities, it's also highly volatile and unpredictable. Set clear goals and establish risk management strategies, such as setting stop-loss orders to minimize potential losses.

Furthermore, staying informed about market trends and developments is essential for making informed trading decisions. Follow reputable cryptocurrency news sources, join online communities, and engage with other traders to gain insights and stay updated on the latest market movements.

Finally, never invest more than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency trading carries inherent risks, and it's crucial to approach it with caution and diligence. By educating yourself, developing a sound trading strategy, and exercising prudent risk management, you can embark on your cryptocurrency trading journey with confidence and maximize your chances of success.

Online privacy measures

Online privacy is a growing concern for internet users around the world. With the increasing amount of personal information shared online, it is crucial to take necessary measures to protect one's privacy and data security.

There are several steps individuals can take to enhance their online privacy. Using strong, unique passwords for each online account can prevent unauthorized access to personal information. It is also advisable to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.

Another essential measure to safeguard online privacy is using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks the user's IP address, making it difficult for third parties to track online activities. By using a reputable VPN service, individuals can browse the web anonymously and protect their sensitive data from potential cyber threats.

Moreover, regularly updating software and applications can help keep devices secure and protect against vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. It is also important to be cautious when sharing personal information online and to limit the amount of data shared on social media platforms.

Furthermore, individuals should be mindful of phishing scams and unsolicited emails that may attempt to gather personal information. Verifying the authenticity of websites before entering sensitive data and avoiding clicking on suspicious links can help prevent falling victim to online scams.

By adopting these online privacy measures, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information and ensure a more secure online experience. Prioritizing privacy and implementing these measures can help mitigate potential risks associated with sharing information online.

[jcmarchi]

How to safeguard your business from AI-generated deepfakes

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-to-safeguard-your-business-from-ai-generated-deepfakes/

How to safeguard your business from AI-generated deepfakes

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Recently, cybercriminals used ‘deepfake’ videos of the executives of a multinational company to convince the company’s Hong Kong-based employees to wire out US $25.6 million. Based on a video conference call featuring multiple deepfakes, the employees believed that their UK-based chief financial officer had requested that the funds be transferred. Police have reportedly arrested six people in connection with the scam. This use of AI technology is dangerous and manipulative. Without proper guidelines and frameworks in place, more organizations risk falling victim to AI scams like deepfakes. 

Deepfakes 101 and their rising threat 

Deepfakes are forms of digitally altered media — including photos, videos and audio clips — that seem to depict a real person. They are created by training an AI system on real clips featuring a person, and then using that AI system to generate realistic (yet inauthentic) new media. Deepfake use is becoming more common. The Hong Kong case was the latest in a series of high-profile deepfake incidents in recent weeks. Fake, explicit images of Taylor Swift circulated on social media, the political party of an imprisoned election candidate in Pakistan used a deepfake video of him to deliver a speech and a deepfake ‘voice clone’ of President Biden called primary voters to tell them not to vote. 

Less high-profile cases of deepfake use by cybercriminals have also been rising in both scale and sophistication. In the banking sector, cybercriminals are now attempting to overcome voice authentication by using voice clones of people to impersonate users and gain access to their funds. Banks have responded by improving their abilities to identify deepfake use and increasing authentication requirements. 

Cybercriminals have also targeted individuals with ‘spear phishing’ attacks that use deepfakes. A common approach is to deceive a person’s family members and friends by using a voice clone to impersonate someone in a phone call and ask for funds to be transferred to a third-party account. Last year, a survey by McAfee found that 70% of surveyed people were not confident that they could distinguish between people and their voice clones and that nearly half of surveyed people would respond to requests for funds if the family member or friend making the call claimed to have been robbed or in a car accident.

Cybercriminals have also called people pretending to be tax authorities, banks, healthcare providers and insurers in efforts to gain financial and personal details. 

In February, the Federal Communications Commission ruled that phone calls using AI-generated human voices are illegal unless made with prior express consent of the called party. The Federal Trade Commission also finalized a rule prohibiting AI impersonation of government organizations and businesses and proposed a similar rule prohibiting AI impersonation of individuals. This adds to a growing list of legal and regulatory measures being put in place around the world to combat deepfakes. 

Stay protected against deepfakes 

To protect employees and brand reputation against deepfakes, leaders should adhere to the following steps:

Educate employees on an ongoing basis, both about AI-enabled scams and, more generally, about new AI capabilities and their risks. 

Upgrade phishing guidance to include deepfake threats. Many companies have already educated employees about phishing emails and urged caution when receiving suspicious requests via unsolicited emails. Such phishing guidance should incorporate AI deepfake scams and note that it may use not just text and email, but also video, images and audio. 

Appropriately increase or calibrate authentication of employees, business partners and customers. For example, using more than one mode of authentication depending on the sensitivity and risk of a decision or transaction. 

Consider the impacts of deepfakes on company assets, like logos, advertising characters and advertising campaigns. Such company assets can easily be replicated using deepfakes and spread quickly via social media and other internet channels. Consider how your company will mitigate these risks and educate stakeholders. 

Expect more and better deepfakes, given the pace of improvement in generative AI, the number of major election processes underway in 2024, and the ease with which deepfakes can propagate between people and across borders. 

Though deepfakes are a cybersecurity concern, companies should also think of them as complex and emerging phenomena with broader repercussions. A proactive and thoughtful approach to addressing deepfakes can help educate stakeholders and ensure that measures to combat them are responsible, proportionate and appropriate.

(Photo by Markus Spiske)

See also: UK and US sign pact to develop AI safety tests

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, deepfakes, enterprise, scams

[starlingsrps]

would've, could've, should've.

amelia knows that she never had a chance.

jake casey calls her beautiful and inevitable which is the best thing anyone has ever said to her. it beats sam kinney telling her that she’s got a hell of a tennis serve in gym class by a mile. she’s seventeen and it doesn’t strike her that jake is a twenty five year old man and maybe shouldn’t say that to her. 

he’s over at the house a lot that spring, working with her father on a series of articles for the beacon. when dad goes to bed, jake hangs around to talk to her. he’s interested in what she say and thinks. amelia has spent her entire life as the precocious child in the room but jake talks to her like she’s a woman and she gets a rush off of it. the day he comes over to say goodbye, he kisses her hand and tells her she’s beautiful and inevitable and it feels like a promise.

she’s finished her first year at at smith, miserable and bored, when he comes to visit again. she looks back and knows she would have run off with anyone. he just asked first. inevitable, he calls her again at the glencoe boat club summer gala. he kisses her and she’s on the train to new york with him at dawn.

dad only asks that they get married and they do. she wears a red dress and keeps her last name because that’s what her mother did and jake seems to like her best when she’s daring.

it’s whirlwind for awhile, chasing jake’s stories across europe and back again - berlin for a minute, paris for awhile where he meets her mother and she thinks she might be pregnant. jake stays drunk for a week and comes home when she discovers she’s not. he just wants her to himself for the first few years, he says as an apology. is that so bad?

she supposes it’s not.

they stay in switzerland for a year and amelia starts writing chatty little stories about life in geneva for the beacon. they’re her first bylines, published as mrs. amelia casey even though she’s not. just housewife scribblings, jake says to their friends and amelia laughs and says that he’s the writer in the family and this is just for fun. 

they land in hong kong for another story and jake gets so sick with dysentery that she writes the story for him from his notes, adding more in where she thinks it’s thin and charming her way into more interviews. jake is amused enough that he tells his editor to publish it with her as a co-author. he’s less amused when she asks to be listed as amelia kirkpatrick. after four years, she’s already tired of trying to decipher if he wants her to be a daring bohemian or his little wife and decides to simply do as she likes.

she starts getting more stories and assignments and they start traveling for her work as well as his. he goes home to chicago when he doesn’t feel like joining her and she learns to write fast and well and never misses a deadline for a hangover. if she sometimes takes foolish risks for a story, she takes the criticism better from her father than jake. he at least cares about her in a way that doesn’t feel selfish.

she tries to not remember her twenty sixth birthday party if she can help it. back in chicago, back at the country club, celebrating her birthday and first collier’s cover - she feels proud and happy and isn’t monitoring jake for once. when he stands to give his toast, he sways and she realizes that she should have. 

it begins fine. it doesn’t stay that way for long. beautiful and terrible, he calls her. unnatural. a writer but no wife. if she were, there wouldn’t have been amanda. or blanca or diane or gretchen. she knew about amanda - amanda lynwood who sneaks out of the ballroom like a thief in the night - but not the others. 

under the table, her father reaches for her hand but amelia sits as still as a stone. it doesn’t hurt, not the way she would have expected. she doesn’t know him anymore and she wonders if he ever knew her at all.

she goes to new york for work and jake stays in chicago. he doesn’t reach out and she doesn’t reach out and they go on that way for a year until she finally hires a lawyer for a divorce. abandonment is the reason and she’s willing to go to reno if she has to. she doesn’t care what he wants anymore - god knows she spent too long caring in the first place.

it’s too late to change the past but she can spend the rest of her life making up for it if she starts now.