Latest news with #SteveJohnson
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Second novel by Garston author is a love letter to Watford's past
A novelist has released his much-anticipated second book, a heartfelt tale that captures the spirit of a bygone era. Soul Objective, by Garston writer Steve Johnson, is a coming-of-age drama set in late 1960s and early 1970s Watford. Steve's latest novel 'Soul Objective' is available in paperback and e-book. (Image: Steve Johnson) The story follows Joe Holland, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn after a revelation on his 21st birthday. Steve said: "Change is so gradual that you barely even notice it, until one day you get to thinking about the places you frequented in your youth and realise that they are all gone. "For Watfordians of a certain vintage I hope this book will transport them back to a bygone time that no longer exists. But it did once. "I don't believe in living in the past but it's a nice place to visit. "When deciding where to locate my story it occurred to me that I'd never read, or even heard of, a novel based in Watford. "So, I decided to remedy that. It was a good place to grow up, and it probably still is." Soul Objective follows Joe as he travels from quiet south-west Hertfordshire to the streets of New York in search of answers. The novel references Watford landmarks like Top Rank, The New Penny, and The Coachmakers Arms. Read more Warner Bros. spotted filming in central Watford Save on puzzles this summer with Wentworth Puzzles More Harry Potter sets under construction as Leavesden filming ramps up Steve's debut novel, The Hidden Road Home, is a Second World War story set in St Albans, Harpenden, and RAF Northolt. He lives in Garston with his son Robert and their rescue dog, Purdy. Both books are available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I took the DWP to court and won - but it was the worst time of my life
A man fighting to claim PIP at a court tribunal said it was "the worst two hours of my life" as he spoke about his struggles claiming benefits while dealing with Parkinson's. Steve Johnson, a self-employed farmer based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, took the DWP to court to fight for his entitlement to disability benefit PIP after he was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition in 2020. Johnson, who also cares for his wife Gilly, who lives with MS, currently receives universal credit and the daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP). When he first applied for PIP, he was awarded zero points. He felt the assessment assumed that because he worked in agriculture, he must be physically fit. However, he was struggling with his symptoms of Parkinson's, such a his right-sided tremor, difficulties sleeping, and loss of strength. Charities like Parkinson's UK have raised significant concerns about how recent and proposed government benefit cuts could disproportionately affect people with conditions like Parkinson's because symptoms can present differently from one day to the next. Current benefit assessments are often under scrutiny for failing to understand or account for fluctuating conditions like Parkinson's, leading to people like Steve being refused PIP payments by the DWP. While PIP payments avoided the chopping block in the latest round of government cuts, the disability benefit is up for investigation next Autumn, when the government will explore the impact of restricting the eligibility criteria for the payment. Success rates for taking the DWP to tribunal for PIP appeals are consistently high, with around 60-70% of cases assessed at court overturning the DWP's decision, Johnson said the stress of the process significantly worsened his symptoms. He told Yahoo News: 'My stress levels went through the roof. It just made my symptoms 10 times worse.' 'They twisted everything I said' Speaking about applying for PIP, Johnson told Yahoo News: "I applied for PIP with some assistance. I had a telephone assessment and I got one of the most upsetting letters back I've ever read. "They twisted everything I said. There's several times in this refusal letter that said, because I cared for my wife, I must be all right. Because I worked in agriculture, I must be all right. "My GP was incensed. He read the letter and said, do they have any idea what Parkinson's is? He then wrote to them to back me up. "My mandatory reconsideration came back, even with extra evidence, And it was just a cut and paste. It was just a generic, computer says no response. It didn't even mention Parkinson's. Left without an option, Johnson decided to take his PIP case to tribunal. While the farmer was advised that he had a very strong case, he didn't realise how nerve-racking it would be. He said: "It was so hard. I remember trying to drink a glass of water because my throat was dry, and then my tremor went into overdrive. At one point, his home was pulled up on Google Maps by the court while he was questioned about walking to the local shop. "They said, according to Google Maps, your local village shop its 750 metres away. Could you get to the village shop? Could you walk?," he explained. "I said, I don't know, I've not walked to the village shop two or three years now. "They made me give an answer on a guess. All of a sudden, a guess was taken as a definitive answer. "I was just mentally, physically, emotionally, absolutely drained," he added. A few days later, Johnson found out his appeal was successful. "We didn't get the decision there and then we got a letter a few days later and sure enough, they've given me the full 12 points for daily living, and four for mobility," he said. While Johnson was overjoyed to finally have the support, the experience took its toll. "It was two hours of the worst time of my life," he added. 'It's like a hidden trap door' Sadly, the farmer's benefits battle is far from over. Now, he is fighting to challenge the DWP after his transitional protection was removed from his universal credit payments when his income dipped. When a person is taken off a legacy benefit — like working tax credits, in Steve's case — and moved onto universal credit, they have a 12-month guarantee that they will not be worse off when they move to the new system. But as Johnson explains, self-employed farmers experience "feast or famine", so his income can vary significantly from month to month. Earlier this year, the farmer was alarmed to discover his universal credit benefits support dried up, and in his worst month, he received zero support. He told Yahoo News: "We went through three months of where I wasn't doing enough work, I wasn't selling cattle, but I had to pay the contractors. So I had a lot of bills and so I had a negative bank balance. "But it triggered this lower threshold rule, where the DWP apparently says if your income dips below a certain level — which they don't tell you about this until it happens — the government takes off your transitional protection. "We went from getting £986 to £800, then zero the next month." Steve is hoping to take part in a mass appeal investigating the impact of lower income threshold issues affecting transitional protection. "To me, it is fraud. How come the DWP are not carrying on my profits but my losses are included in my totals? "It's like a hidden trap door they don't really talk about. Then when I started challenging it, I was told it's in my claimant commitment. "It isn't in my commitment at all, it's only written in the law itself. It's hidden." 'We'll keep fighting' While Johnson receives the universal credit health top-up, people with Parkinson's hoping for support after April 2026 are likely to see their support halved under the government's welfare bill, Parkinson's UK has warned. While the government said 200,000 people with severe conditions will still be entitled to the higher rate of universal credit health top up once the payments are cut £97 p/w in April 2026 to £50 p/w, there are fears Parkinson's patients will not qualify as severe because of a lack of understanding about how Parkinson's affects day to day life. As the chart below illustrates, those with neurological conditions will be among the hardest hit should the PIP cuts go ahead next year, with around 38% of claimants projected to be affected. "The government's decision to cut universal credit costs is appalling. We believe that, despite the government's claims, savings are being made by effectively making people with Parkinson's ineligible for the higher rate health element," Juliet Tizzard, the director of external relations at Parkinson's UK, told Yahoo News. "The bill clearly states that someone must be constantly unable to do certain tasks to qualify. This will penalise people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms come and go. Until we can be certain that people with fluctuating conditions will not be penalised, we'll continue campaigning for a fair system. "We're thankful to the MPs who tried to stop the changes to universal credit, and for every campaigner who raised their voice. "We stopped the cuts to PIP, and while we're disappointed by the result today, this setback won't stop us. We'll keep fighting for better support, care and treatment for the Parkinson's community." The government has been approached for comment.
Edinburgh Reporter
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Deepfake Voices and Videos: Technology of the Future or Threat to Reality?
Deepfake technology has emerged as one of the most discussed innovations in recent years, raising concerns and excitement alike. With the ability to create hyper-realistic voice and video content, deepfake technology has the potential to reshape industries like entertainment, education, and even marketing. However, it also poses significant risks to the authenticity of information, creating potential for misinformation, fraud, and identity theft. As we look to the future, it's important to weigh the benefits of this technology alongside its potential dangers. Just like Betrino review provides insights into online gaming platforms, understanding deepfake technology can help people make informed decisions in an increasingly digital world. Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash What Are Deepfakes and How Do They Work? Deepfakes are synthetic media—images, audio, or videos—that use artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate or generate realistic content. By employing techniques such as machine learning, deepfakes create a false portrayal of events, people, or situations that appear remarkably genuine. While this technology offers opportunities for creative expression, it also opens the door to misusing digital media to deceive or misinform the public. How Deepfake Technology Operates: Technology Used Purpose Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) GANs create deepfakes by training two neural networks to improve each other's output—one generates fake content, and the other detects it, creating more convincing results. Autoencoders Used for manipulating videos and voices, autoencoders help create a more authentic blend between an individual's original facial expressions and those of a fake person. Voice Synthesis AI algorithms can replicate someone's voice by analyzing existing voice recordings, enabling the generation of speeches or statements that sound realistic. These advanced technologies make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content, leading to challenges for those attempting to determine the authenticity of digital media. Deepfakes in Entertainment and Media The entertainment industry has begun experimenting with deepfake technology, offering new creative opportunities. From recreating deceased actors to digitally altering performances, deepfakes can change how we consume content. However, the ease of creating false videos or images also raises ethical concerns about consent and the potential for exploitation. How Deepfakes Are Transforming Entertainment: Application Impact Recreating Actors Deepfake technology allows filmmakers to bring back deceased actors or make a character appear younger without the need for makeup or digital prosthetics. Performance Enhancement Actors' performances can be enhanced or modified using deepfake technology, adjusting facial expressions or actions in post-production. Virtual Influencers Companies are using deepfake technology to create digital personalities for marketing or entertainment purposes, blurring the line between real and artificial influencers. While these uses can bring fresh ideas to the industry, they also raise concerns about the potential for manipulation, as these deepfake creations might not always be clearly disclosed as artificial, leading to confusion among audiences. The Dark Side: Misinformation and Fraud Deepfake videos and voices can be used maliciously to spread misinformation or manipulate public opinion. With the ability to convincingly mimic public figures, deepfakes have been used to create fake news, impersonate officials, or spread harmful rumors. This presents a major challenge for media organizations, governments, and individuals who rely on digital media for information. Risks of Deepfakes in Misinformation: Risk Impact Fake News Deepfake technology can create highly believable videos of public figures, spreading false information and causing political or social unrest. Impersonation and Fraud Deepfake voices and videos can impersonate individuals, leading to fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Manipulation of Public Opinion Malicious actors can use deepfakes to sway elections or incite violence by creating false narratives around key figures. The risk of deepfakes being used to spread false or harmful content poses significant threats to democracy, personal security, and trust in digital media. The Impact on Privacy and Security As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, individuals' privacy and security are at risk. Anyone's likeness—whether it's their voice, image, or actions—can be digitally reproduced without consent, which may lead to reputational damage, harassment, or even financial loss. Ensuring that people have control over how their likeness is used online is becoming a more pressing issue. Privacy Concerns with Deepfake Technology: Privacy Issue Consequences Identity Theft Deepfakes can be used to impersonate individuals, leading to the theft of personal or financial information. Reputation Damage Celebrities and public figures are especially vulnerable, as deepfake videos or audio can damage their reputations and spread false accusations. Invasion of Privacy People's likenesses can be used in videos or audio without their consent, potentially leading to legal or emotional distress. As the technology evolves, new methods of protecting individuals' privacy and securing consent for the use of their likeness will need to be implemented to protect people's rights. Combatting Deepfakes: Detection and Legislation With the growing concern surrounding deepfakes, various methods for detecting them have been developed. These methods often involve analyzing video and audio for inconsistencies, patterns, or artifacts that distinguish deepfakes from genuine content. However, as deepfake technology improves, so do detection tools, creating a continuous race between the two. Methods for Detecting Deepfakes: Detection Method How It Works AI-Powered Deepfake Detection Machine learning algorithms are trained to spot inconsistencies in deepfakes by comparing features like blinking, lighting, and facial expressions. Audio Forensics Analysis of audio frequencies and patterns can reveal alterations in speech, allowing detection of fake voices. Blockchain Verification Some companies are exploring blockchain technology to track and authenticate original media, making it easier to identify manipulated content. Alongside these detection methods, legislation is being introduced to hold creators of malicious deepfakes accountable. Countries are beginning to consider laws that specifically target the use of deepfakes for harmful purposes, such as defamation or fraud. The Future of Deepfake Technology: Opportunities and Challenges The future of deepfake technology presents both exciting opportunities and serious challenges. As AI continues to advance, deepfakes will likely become more indistinguishable from real content, presenting significant challenges for digital media literacy, authentication, and regulation. On the other hand, the technology offers new possibilities for entertainment, training, and education, where realistic simulations could provide valuable experiences. The Future Outlook for Deepfake Technology: Opportunity Challenge Creative Applications Deepfakes could be used in film, gaming, and other media to create immersive experiences and interactive content. Education and Training Realistic simulations of historical events or procedures could aid in education and training programs. Legislative Action Laws must evolve to keep up with the technology, ensuring that deepfakes are not misused while promoting innovation. Ethical Use Encouraging responsible use of deepfake technology will require widespread education on its potential risks and benefits. As deepfake technology progresses, it will be essential to balance its potential benefits with efforts to minimize its misuse. Collaboration between tech developers, lawmakers, and consumers will be necessary to ensure that deepfakes do not undermine trust or manipulate reality. Deepfake voices and videos are rapidly advancing and pose significant ethical, legal, and security challenges. While this technology has the potential to revolutionize entertainment and other industries, its misuse for misinformation, fraud, and privacy violations cannot be ignored. As the technology matures, the future will require ongoing efforts to develop detection methods, implement legislation, and ensure responsible use. By doing so, we can benefit from deepfakes while minimizing their risks to society. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greater Owensboro Music Commission seeking partners for music census
The Greater Owensboro Music Commission is seeking community partners involved in music to help spread the word about the organization's upcoming 'music census.' The plan is to launch the census in July and gather information from anyone involved in music performance, production, education and other avenues. Steve Johnson, facilitator for the Music Commission, said the census results will help the community identify changes that would help promote music. When the results are released later this year, 'it will come with some recommendations' for improvement, Johnson said. 'I don't know what those are, because it will be unique to Owensboro and Daviess County.' The survey and its results will signal nationally 'that Owensboro-Daviess County is serious about music,' Johnson said. According to a press release, the census' findings 'will inform strategies for supporting live music, boosting music education, improving regulations and guiding future investments in the region's cultural economy.' People involved in music in Daviess, Hancock and McLean counties, and others involved with music in Owensboro and Daviess County will be included in the census, the press release says. Johnson said the work now is to get organizations involved in music, such as venues, churches, businesses and others, to spread the word about the census. 'If you look at other communities, they've done this,' Johnson said. The census data will be compiled into a report with findings by Sound Music Cities, an Austin, Texas firm. Johnson said the report is expected to be released in November. Musicians who come in to play at venues such as Friday After 5 can also participate, Johnson said. Some questions will be Owensboro-Daviess County specific, and will look at address any barriers people in music face in the community, Johnson said. 'We want to hear them (musicians): 'Why do they go to Nashville to do a gig?' or, 'What are the biggest barriers' to music performance and the music business in area, Johnson said. 'What are some of the gaps we can fill?' Johnson said later. The recommendations will be driven by the responses to the census. 'It's meant to be realistic ... otherwise, it doesn't get done,' Johnson said. 'We are going to try to find realistic opportunities that exist.' People interested in being a community partner should visit the commission's website,
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrating 30 Years of Dictionary.com Through the Words That Defined the Times
Words grow up, too. From "stream" to "hallucination," our language—and world—has evolved since 1995. SAN MATEO, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1995, the world met Toy Story, tuned into the O.J. Simpson verdict and embraced a new tech frontier known as the World Wide Web. That same year, opened its virtual doors, becoming one of the internet's first destinations for word lovers, curious minds and anyone needing to settle a spelling debate. Now, the world's leading online dictionary turns 30. And while it hasn't bought a house or started saving for retirement, it has redefined what it means to be the authority on language in a rapidly changing world. "Over the past three decades, so many words we use regularly have evolved to take on completely new definitions," said Steve Johnson, PhD, Director of Lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning. "Words like cloud and stream no longer just refer to natural phenomena—they also reflect how we live and interact with technology. Through it all, one thing remains the same: language never stops evolving, and never stops paying attention." Taking on new meaningTo celebrate its 30th birthday, is looking back at how far words have come—in technology, pop culture and how we describe our world. Throughout the last three decades, has documented this evolution, growing alongside our language. Consider these examples: Technology:Stream (noun or verb) Then: A flowing body of water, or a verb meaning "to run or flow" Now: A verb in digital technology meaning "to send or play video, music, or other data over the internet in a steady flow without having to download it" The rise of high-speed internet in the 2000s turned streaming from a tech experiment into an everyday experience. Today, we can binge-watch an entire series or replay our favorite songs with a tap. (Kids today will never know the pain of waiting for Saturday morning cartoons.) Hallucination (noun) Then: A false notion, belief or impression; delusion Now: False information generated by a machine learning program, such as artificial intelligence, presented as if it were true Once confined to psychology textbooks, hallucination now sits at the heart of conversations about artificial intelligence—especially when AI chatbots "make things up." The term even earned the title of 2023 Word of the Year. Pop culture:Ghost (noun or verb) Then: The spirit or soul of a dead person Now: a verb meaning "to disappear from communication," especially in reference to dating People have been getting dumped forever, but ghosting adds a modern twist. With social media, dating apps and DMs, there are endless ways for someone to vanish without a trace. Mysterious, much like the original ghost. Lit (adjective) Then: bright, full of light Now: "intoxicated" or a term of approval meaning "amazing, cool" Even in the early 1900s, people described themselves as lit after a few too many drinks. Today, it's a go-to word for anything exciting or fun—whether you're at a party or just hyping up your group chat. These shifts reflect more than evolving definitions. They show how language mirrors the spirit of the times—from everyday lingo to coding breakthroughs. For more throwbacks and linguistic insights, check out the full anniversary editorial article here: Charting a new courseSince its founding, has grown from a useful tool into a cultural touchstone. It has tracked the rise of internet slang, unpacked buzzy headlines and spotlighted the words that help us make sense of everything from viral memes to major world events. Today, it continues to shape how we think, talk and connect through language, with features like Word of the Day and Word of the Year leading the conversation. That mission expanded in 2024, when IXL Learning acquired and formed Dictionary Media Group. The group encompasses inglé ABCya, and Together, these sites reach over 500 million people around the world each year. About define every aspect of our lives, from our ideas to our identities. aspires to empower people to express themselves, learn something new and find opportunities through the power and joy of language. With 96 million visitors each month, is the premier destination to learn, discover and have fun with the limitless world of words and meanings. helps you make sense of the ever-evolving English language so you can put your ideas into words—and your words into action. Press ContactJoslyn ChessonIXL Learningpress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE IXL Learning Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
