Latest news with #Chamberlain
Spectator
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Palestine Action shouldn't be unbanned
Yesterday, the High Court allowed Palestine Action to challenge the Home Secretary's decision to ban it. Since its proscription, under terrorism legislation, it has been an offence to be a member of the group, or to invite support for it. While it was not a final determination, the High Court hearing was revealing. Mr Justice Chamberlain's decision followed judicial consideration of a file of 'closed material' – evidence not disclosed to the claimant – and an open hearing which was reported in the press The judge ruled that Palestine Action could proceed to bring a judicial review; but only on two specific grounds: a human rights claim under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and an argument that the Home Secretary should have consulted the group before issuing the proscription order. The court rejected the claimant's remaining six grounds as not reasonably arguable and the ban on the group will remain in force in the interim. During the most recent proceedings the court was told that more than 170 people had been arrested since the ban on Palestine Action took effect, and that the police had been somewhat overzealous in their enforcement efforts. In particular, it was said that a man in Leeds had been detained for holding up a copy of an article in Private Eye that had lampooned the ban, and that others had been arrested for what was described as a seated, silent protest. The issues around freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, under the ECHR, are likely to found the main basis of Palestine Action's grounds of action when the full case is heard in the autumn. The discussion surrounding the proscription of Palestine Action is often framed through the lens of freedom of speech. Arguably, that should not be seen as the central issue. In a debate in the House of Lords last week, the security minister, Lord Hanson, explained very concisely the rationale for the proscription order against Palestine Action: 'Palestine Action has perpetrated attacks in which it has forced entry onto premises armed with weapons and smashed up property, and members of the organisation have used serious violence against responding individuals.' The Terrorism Act 2000 allows the Home Secretary to proscribe a group if she believes it is 'concerned in terrorism.' The legislation defines terrorism to include not only violence against individuals intended to influence the government or intimidate the public (or a section of the public), but also actions involving serious damage to property. Palestine Action is the first group to be proscribed based on that part of the definition. When Yvette Cooper informed Parliament of her intention to ban Palestine Action, members of the group had just broken into RAF Brize Norton in the early hours of 20 June and caused damage to aircraft – with repair costs estimated at up to £7 million. Cooper also emphasised that this was not the first time members of the group had taken direct action against targets affecting UK national security. Previous incidents attributed to the group included attacks on Thales in Glasgow, Instro Precision in Kent, and Elbit Systems UK in Bristol. The Glasgow attack reportedly caused significant financial damage to components essential for submarines and seriously alarmed staff who were present at the time. Cooper said that in late 2023, Palestine Action released what it called The Underground Manual. The document encouraged the formation of cells, offered practical guidance on how to carry out actions against private companies and government buildings on behalf of Palestine Action. It linked to a website featuring a map of specific targets across the UK. These activities are not just expressions of free speech and go rather further than simple public disorder. Rather, they fall much more within the realm of violent direct action. It is said that the proscription of Palestine Action could have a chilling effect on other people who wish simply to engage in peaceful protest against the war in Gaza. Whatever your views on the conflict, it is evident that people should be free to support Palestinian rights and self-determination. Yet there are ways to do this without being a member of or a supporter of a group like Palestine Action. The Home Secretary makes a reasonable point when she argues that we should not conflate its activities with reasonable pro-Palestinian advocacy. There is absolutely no need for peaceful protestors to associate themselves with a group concerned in unlawful acts involving violence. I have previously argued that, if anything, the police have been unusually lenient in policing pro-Palestine protests, allowing frequent, thinly veiled calls for the destruction of Israel – such as the now-apparently normalized chant, 'from the river to the sea.' Those who have witnessed the frequent marches in London might reasonably conclude that protesters – at least those simply calling for freedom for Palestine and an end to the war in Gaza – should have little to fear from the Metropolitan Police, provided that constables are properly briefed about the extent of the order banning Palestine Action. With Keir Starmer now expected to recognise a Palestinian state in September, tensions over the Israel–Gaza conflict will likely remain high when the case returns to court in November. Given the public evidence now available, it seems hard to argue that proscription of Palestine Action was not a legitimate response to their recent activities. Damage to national security infrastructure – such as aircraft and submarine components – is among the gravest forms of property damage imaginable, and should clearly be seen as 'serious' for the purpose of the terrorism legislation. The decision to hold a full hearing is likely to be seen as a blow to the Home Secretary. Clearly, the High Court will have to carefully consider the claimant's submissions under the ECHR. But it would be particularly unfortunate if it reached the view that human rights laws could allow those who engage in, or support, violent and destructive activity to act with impunity.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Fargo North Dakota: A New AI Hub
MCLAUGHLIN, ND - JULY 9, 2018: North Dakota welcome sign along the highway at the state border We tend to think of American tech as being isolated in places like Irvine, Palo Alto and around the San Fernando Valley, out in sunny California, but in actuality, there's a lot happening further east, on the prairie. Take Fargo, North Dakota, where entrepreneurs are building some of the most interesting new AI use cases and applications, with less fanfare than, say, what Apple and Microsoft did in the oughts. Actually, it seems that Microsoft is involved in the tech ecosystem of the Midwestern region, but there's also a groundswell of local businesses innovating, nonprofits and trade groups participating, and local government chipping in. A Togetherness Mindset One thing you notice about enterprise in this part of America is that it's all about collaboration. People might not use that term, collaboration, that much, because it sounds sort of stilted. It's too formal a way to express what comes naturally to so many around Fargo and its environs. Peter Chamberlain, an MIT grad and the founder and CEO of Walkwise, a Fargo-based business, explained this to me as he detailed the involvement of individual businesses, orgs like Grand Farm and Emerging Prairie, and public investment by North Dakota's program's LIFT, APUC, and the Bank of North Dakota, as well as government initiatives. 'The brutal winters (here) create a culture of community where neighbors have to help each other,' he said, citing some of these ways that people support each other: snow plowing, jumping cars, pushing cars out of snow banks, giving people rides, or lending equipment. 'This trickles into entrepreneurship where all these founders kind of 'have each other's back.'' Deciphering Risk for Seniors Peter Chamberlain, CEO of Walkwise holding his certificate of one of his patents (left) and his ... More wheel product (right) in his startup office in Fargo ND There's more about Chamberlain's business in local media, as in this piece by Fargo Inc. magazine. Essentially, the company is demystifying predictions around medical events for seniors. Chamberlain described how the system works formally: 'Non-intrusive data on high-risk seniors must be collected continuously and compared to the model, essentially 'prompting' the model to determine if the current, real-time behavior has a high likelihood of leading to an adverse health event,' he said. He gave two examples: 'Are you concerned if someone doesn't move for 4 hours during the day?' he asked. 'Perhaps not, unless they are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and the AI model indicates that those with CHF have a 60% chance of ending up in the hospital if they have more than two 4-hour inactivity periods in a day.' And this example of statistical analysis: 'Are you concerned if someone's activity levels drop by 40% over a two-day period? Probably not! But what if the AI knew that there was also an outbreak of respiratory viruses in the area, the patient was recently diagnosed with COPD, and that Tuesday and Wednesday were typically higher-than-average mobility days of the week? Now you can start making data-driven healthcare decisions using AI.' Fargo also has a large Sanford Health presence, the largest rural healthcare provider in the United States, giving Chamberlain access to a wider range of testing populations. These stories of community-driven innovation are starting to ripple beyond state lines. Events like Chipp Con and Grand Farm's Elevate: An AI in Agriculture Summit have drawn startups, investors, and thought leaders from across the country to Fargo, turning the city into an unlikely gathering point for AI conversations. Startup accelerator gener8tor is now engaged in the community as well. The Greater Community This is just one of many examples of how new companies are emerging in the new era of AI utilization. Modern commentary on the takeoff of AI on the American prairie points out that it's not just about lower tax rates on real estate parcels, or better recruitment – that there's a deliberate building of AI infrastructure here in some areas that have been ignored by industry for too long. That community mindset is also reflected in the way North Dakota invests in its future. The state has built a robust foundation for innovation through legislative programs and investment funds that support entrepreneurs from idea to scale. State Representative Mike Nathe, who sponsored North Dakota's LIFT and In-State Investment programs, emphasizes the importance of initiatives like these in driving innovation across the state. 'We've worked hard to create an environment where entrepreneurs have the tools they need to build and grow,' said Nathe. 'Programs like the LIFT Fund and the North Dakota Growth Fund are helping startups tackle ambitious ideas while strengthening our economic future.' One such effort is the North Dakota Growth Fund (NDGF), created in 2021 by the State Investment Board (SIB) to advance innovation and private-markets investment by seeking investments that provide strong risk-adjusted returns and support North Dakota's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The $100 million multi-stage investment fund, managed by 50 South Capital, targets venture capital, private credit, private equity, growth equity, infrastructure, and real assets - all with a focus on opportunities connected to North Dakota. Meanwhile, the ND Legacy Fund, a state sovereign wealth fund set up with oil and gas money, has also begun playing a role in supporting AI infrastructure - and the governor's office has this to say: 'With our all-of-the-above energy approach and nation-leading efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage, we are well-positioned to support data centers and other energy-intensive industries with environmental stewardship while attracting high-paying jobs and diversifying our economy,' Gov. Doug Burgum said in a press release around the setup of a data center in ND. To many, these are the types of partnerships we will need to really supercharge the economy in our respective states as the AI era continues. 2025 has been quite a year, and we have all fall and winter to see additional changes. Will we build positive outcomes with AI? Some in the Midwestern heartland are ebullient.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers legend Wilt Chamberlain ranks in top 10 of all-time greats list
The legend of Wilt Chamberlain is, obviously, known. A Hall of Famer and 13-time All-Star, Chamberlain has a game where he scored the most points in NBA history of 100 points, and has career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds. He played four seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1964 through 1968 and won three MVP awards during that time. He led the Sixers to a championship in 1967 when he averaged 21.7 points and 29.1 rebounds during the playoff run. The legend of Chamberlain is truly otherworldly. Where does he rank all-time? Bleacher Report put together a list of the top 100 players in NBA history and Chamberlain comes in ranked No. 9 on the list: Chamberlain began his career by averaging 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959-60, winning Rookie of the Year and MVP. Two seasons later, he averaged 48.5 minutes and put up 50.4 points per game. He scored 100 points on March 2, 1962. He grabbed 55 rebounds on Nov. 24, 1960. He played 63 minutes in a game twice, on Dec. 8, 1961 and Feb. 2, 1969. Nobody has more baffling single-game or full-season numbers than Wilt. In 1967-68, he made a conscious effort to lead the league in assists—like, just because. His 702 total dimes were more than anyone else handed out. The unfathomable stats speak to Chamberlain's physical dominance. He was simply on an athletic level no one had ever reached—a combination of size, strength and dexterity that a fledgling NBA couldn't contain. Chamberlain would then go on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and would retire in 1973 after 14 stellar years in the NBA. His No. 13 is retired in the franchise history of the Sixers.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Chamberlain shines as Bulls dominate Currie Cup opener
Boeta Chamberlain of the Bulls orchestrated a dominant performance in their Currie Cup victory over Western Province. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has lauded flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain for his pivotal performance in the Bulls' emphatic 48-23 victory over Western Province at the Cape Town Stadium at the weekend. Chamberlain has had a challenging time at the Bulls since joining them from the Sharks, struggling for game time in the United Rugby Championship. However, in the Currie Cup opener, he shrugged off the rust, expertly guiding the Bulls to a six-try win. Scrumhalf Zak Burger and Number 8 Jeandré Rudolph each contributed two tries. Chamberlain was flawless with his kicking, converting all eight attempts at goal – six conversions and two penalties. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The last time Boeta started a game was about five months ago, and to come out and put in a performance like he did, I'm sure he'll be incredibly chuffed,' Nomlomo said. 'That bravery to keep pushing the boundary – that was class.' Nomlomo expressed particular pride in his team's first-half performance, which saw them lead 38-16 at the break. 'We were clinical,' he stated. 'That's where everything started. I think when you're up against the blue machine and it's going like that, it is a bit difficult to play against. Province were incredibly gutsy, but their discipline didn't help them at all and probably killed the game for them.' The home team suffered three first-half sin-bins, with captain Zain Davids and locks Gary Porter and Alex Groves all receiving yellow cards for breakdown infringements. At one point, Western Province struggled to scrummage due to a lack of locks on the field. This week, the Bulls will host a Sharks side still reeling from a significant defeat by the Lions at Ellis Park.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York"
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York" originally appeared on Basketball Network. In 1963, the late Dolph Schayes went straight from a 15-year Hall of Fame career to become the Philadelphia 76ers' player-coach. Expectations were high, but like many ex-athletes before and after him, it didn't take long for the former 12-time All-Star to learn a hard truth: success on the court doesn't automatically carry over to the sidelines. Schayes' early struggles are certainly noteworthy because, on paper, he had the perfect setup. Remember, Wilt Chamberlain — a once-in-a-generation talent — anchored the Sixers' roster at the time. While this might sound like a dream start for any basketball coach, the 2004 book "Wilt: Larger Than Life" reveals the challenges behind it. Chamberlain's impact In the early NBA years, it was almost impossible to find a bigger superstar than Chamberlain. Joining the league in 1959 as Philadelphia's territorial pick, the former Harlem Globetrotter made an immediate impact, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year, earning All-Star honors and leading the league in scoring (37.6 points per game) and rebounds (27.0 per game) as a first-year. But Chamberlain's dominance on the court wasn't the only thing that drew attention — his off-court stories did, too, ultimately boosting his superstar status. Chamberlain, known for his larger-than-life persona and rumored to have been with over 20,000 women, fully embraced the spotlight and became a cultural force beyond basketball. Wilt's star allure tested team chemistry The towering 7'1" center stood out on Schayes' roster — not just for his height, but for his star power, the kind of status that often came with special treatment. It's certainly a double-edged sword that can create friction within a team. Of course, that's not always the case — some former MVPs, like Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan, kept a low, grounded profile and were beloved by their teammates. But Chamberlain, who won the award four times during his storied 14-year NBA career, wasn't wired that way. He gladly accepted the extra perks that came with his heightened status in the league and within the Sixers organization. If anyone deserved them, it was him. Still, other players on the team resented it — especially when success was hard to come was caught in the middle Schayes, who had to manage it all, recalled key moments when this challenging dynamic came to a head. "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York," the 1966 Coach of the Year admitted. "One of the conditions, I think, for Wilt to come back to Philadelphia from San Francisco was that he could live in New York. Wilt was a night person. I think Wilt felt he wasn't as noticeable at night. He didn't like to practice in the morning. The guys wanted to practice early, to get it over with, so they had the rest of the afternoon off. But because of Wilt, we'd practice late in the day, at 4:00. The guys held it against me." Ultimately, his hands were tied. Schayes recalled team owner Ike Richman telling him to side with Chamberlain, saying, "There's no other way," likely fearing the fallout for the franchise if their cornerstone player decided to walk away. Tensions flared again during the 1965 playoffs against the iconic Boston Celtics. After winning Game 3, Dolph called for practice, but Wilt, citing fatigue, stayed in New York City. Boston took Game 4 in overtime, putting Philadelphia on the brink of elimination. Before Game 5, the Big Dipper missed another morning practice. While frustration ran high, the 76ers' head coach publicly defended his star player. "Wilt killed himself yesterday. He played a great game. So I excused him from practice… Before Tuesday night's game we're going to hold a strategy session. And Wilt will be there," he said. However, not every Sixer shared that support, as one anonymous player disclosed to the press. "Sure, he should have been here [at the practice]. Isn't Wilt just like you and me?" he was quoted. "Today was the same as it's been all year long. Wilt misses a practice and it sort of aggravates the guys." Ultimately, basketball is a team game. No matter how dominant a player is, no one wins alone, making team cohesion essential for sustained success. It's clear the Sixers lacked that unity in 1965, which played a major role in their 4-3 loss to the Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals. Afterward, Boston's superstar Bill Russell, known for his leadership and locker room presence, highlighted that very issue. "This may sound trite, but it's very true," the NBA icon explained. "I think this is a team game. I'm not saying anything bad about Wilt Chamberlain. He had a great and I voted for him for Most Valuable Player. But any time you take this game out of the team realm, you foul up your team."This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
