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LONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men returned the verdict after deliberating for about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual assaults unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.
In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming and technology, a captivating trend is emerging from the depths of innovation: “テスラかぶ,” a concept that fuses the excitement of high-performance electric vehicles with the immersive allure of role-playing games. Enthusiasts across the globe are abuzz with anticipation as this new experience promises to redefine what it means to game on the move. At the heart of “テスラかぶ” is the integration of virtual role-playing elements within the confines of a Tesla’s state-of-the-art cockpit. Players assume the role of digital characters whose missions are intertwined with real-world driving adventures. Not only does this add a thrilling layer to the daily commute, but it also revolutionizes interactive gaming by transforming the Tesla into a mobile gaming hub. Future Prospects: Merging Reality with Imagination Looking ahead, “テスラかぶ” hints at a future where the lines between reality and gaming blur even further. With advancements in augmented and mixed reality technologies, drivers and passengers alike become part of expansive digital landscapes. This could lead to truly interactive road trips where friends and family can share these rich gaming narratives. Embracing the Future As this exciting crossroad of automotive and gaming technology accelerates, “テスラかぶ” represents a glimpse into a future driven by creativity and possibility. With Tesla’s continual innovation and the gaming industry’s push towards more integrated experiences, this concept symbolizes the beginning of a new era in how we perceive travel, entertainment, and technological synergy. Revving Up Game Nights: How ‘テスラかぶ’ is Shaping a New Era of Entertainment In an industry buzzing with innovations, “テスラかぶ” is setting a new benchmark by fusing the thrill of high-performance cars with captivating RPG elements. The seamless integration into Tesla’s advanced automotive platforms signals a groundbreaking transformation in how gamers and drivers alike experience entertainment and travel. Exciting Features of ‘テスラかぶ’ “テスラかぶ” is not merely a gaming concept but a novel feature richly embedded with futuristic gameplay dynamics. Inside the comfort of your Tesla, digital characters navigate missions that mirror your real-world travels. Imagine role-playing narratives that evolve based on your route, turning everyday journeys into interactive adventures. Compatibility and Technological Synergy This gaming initiative leverages Tesla’s technological prowess by utilizing the car’s existing interface, advanced GPS systems, and motion sensors for an immersive experience. The current development trajectory even hints at potential integration with augmented reality systems, making the virtual elements appear alongside the real world, viewable through the windshield or augmented displays. Pros and Cons: What Sets ‘テスラかぶ’ Apart? # Pros: – Innovative Travel Experience : Transforms routine commutes and road trips into exciting quests, enhancing passenger engagement. – Cutting-edge Integration : Utilizes onboard Tesla technology for seamless, real-time gameplay. – Social Connectivity : Offers opportunities for shared adventures and cooperative gaming during travel. # Cons: – Safety Considerations : Ensuring that interactive elements do not distract the driver remains a challenge. – Content Accessibility : Current gaming options might be limited to newer Tesla models with compatible software updates. Market Analysis: A New Era for Gamers and Automakers The intersection of gaming and automotive industries as seen in “テスラかぶ” represents a significant market niche poised for expansion. Enthusiasts predict a surge in demand for similar integrated experiences, potentially prompting other car manufacturers to explore analogous technology partnerships. Security and Safety Innovations With safety as a paramount concern, developers are implementing rigorous protocols to ensure that the gameplay remains non-intrusive and that all interactions are safe for drivers. Future enhancements are likely to include customizable settings for the degree of in-game interaction based on driving conditions. Future Predictions and Sustainability As innovation in both sectors continues to accelerate, expect “テスラかぶ” to lead the way in eco-conscious entertainment solutions. Its ability to merge leisure with sustainable energy use aligns well with Tesla’s ethos of reducing carbon emissions, setting a precedent for environmentally friendly, tech-driven leisure activities. For more information on Tesla’s technological innovations and automotive advancements, visit the official Tesla website . With “テスラかぶ,” the horizon of gaming thrills expands beyond the screen, beckoning drivers and passengers into a world where the open road becomes the ultimate gaming playground.
Ben Foster leads Kansas' largest independently owned broadband and communications company. OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association announced the election of board officers for 2025, including Ben Foster as Vice Chair. Foster is the president & CEO of Twin Valley and ISG Technology – together the largest independently owned broadband and communications company in Kansas. Twin Valley is rapidly growing as a rural Kansas fiber and small-to-medium business IT provider, while ISG is a top national competitor in mid-to-enterprise level IT services with locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. As the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based broadband companies, NTCA is committed to advancing policies that help close the digital divide and advocating on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also provides educational programming, training and development by publishing comprehensive industry research, conducting in person and virtual events, and offering an array of employee benefit programs. "NTCA is instrumental in setting industry policy and putting important legislation in front of lawmakers," Foster said. "In my role as Vice Chair of the NTCA board, I aim to bring a rural Kansas perspective to national broadband policy discussions, ensuring the voices of local providers and communities are heard." In its Pledge made to rural communities, Twin Valley commits to building the most reliable broadband network and supporting meaningful outreach initiatives, including digital inclusion efforts. Industry policy and federal funding are keys to delivering on those commitments. As a fourth-generation leader of the Twin Valley family of companies, Foster brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the NTCA board, which he has served on from 2011 to 2014 and 2022 to present, acting as secretary/treasurer in the 2024 board year. He also serves as a board member for the Kansas Fiber Network. As NTCA board vice chair, Foster joins officers Roxie Jorgenson, director at MTA (Palmer, Alaska), who will serve as chair, and Ross Petrick, general manager/CEO of Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc. (Garretson, S.D.), who will serve as secretary/treasurer. Foster was also re-elected to serve as the Central Region Commercial Director. "As we head into a new year, I look forward to working with all of our board members to implement our new strategic plan centered around our efforts to advocate for the continued viability and sustainability of the Universal Service Fund," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. About Twin Valley Twin Valley is a fourth-generation family business that has over 80 years' experience providing cutting-edge technology and connectivity throughout the central U.S. Twin Valley helps customers unlock possibilities to realize their full potential by providing a unique combination of broadband, mobile, home security, managed IT services, technology consulting, professional services and cloud/data center solutions for both residential and business customers. Twin Valley made a Pledge to their communities and customers, always striving to provide the most reliable broadband network, the best value for internet, local hometown customer service and meaningful community outreach initiatives. Learn more at twinvalley.com/pledge. About NTCA NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing about 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kansas-tech-ceo-ben-foster-appointed-to-vice-chair-of-national-broadband-association-board-302330769.html SOURCE Twin Valley
Welshman Ncube faction of the CCC was outsmarted by Sengezo TshabanguMusk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also sought to be CEO and in an email outlined a plan where he would “unequivocally have initial control of the company” but said that would be temporary. He grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration.
