Latest news with #TonyWilliams
Otago Daily Times
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Art seen: July 31
"A Year", Viky Garden (Fe29 Gallery) Over the course of the last year, Viky Garden has taken a break from painting to work on two series of sculptures — Crucibles and The Agony of Flowers . Both series are on display at Fe29 Gallery. The pieces are allegorical takes on women's struggles — struggles to make their voices heard in a society attuned to males, struggles to hold on to a personal sense of self when faced with the ravages of time, struggles to remain strong amidst the strictures and bombardments of life. In Crucibles , plaster figurines are enclosed within papier-mache coverings made from old sewing patterns. The link with the traditional homemaking role of women is clear, but the figures are also inspired by caryatid statues, female figures which form the supporting columns of classical Greek buildings. These women are weighed down by traditional roles and constricted by the ties of history. The Agony of Flowers presents gothically inspired sculptures of flowers encased in barbed wire. The flowers bloom, but are enmeshed and strangled. The sense is of beauty in all its forms facing a slow and painful descent and decay. The works are powerful and also attractive. Both series are accompanied by artistic documentation in the form of dark posed photographs and impressive painted "Mug Shots". "Tony Williams, Goldsmith", Tony Williams (Otago Art Society) Tony Williams' reputation as a master goldsmith is well-deserved, judging by the works shown in his exhibition at Otago Art Society. The exhibition, which presents new and previously seen pieces, includes many exquisite pieces, culminating in the astonishing Green Man necklace in gold and tourmaline. Other remarkable pieces include the Arachne brooch in silver and whale ivory, a beautiful pendant with moonstone and diamond set within an enamelled arc, and an elegant rutilated quartz pendant. Rings, of course, are very much in evidence, among them a dynamic jacinth ring, with its fiery zircon poised between two guardian emeralds, and an imposing parti-colored tourmaline ring, with its stone set within filigree gold on a silver base. Not all of the works on display would normally be defined as jewellery. Two silver bowls are on display, as is an impressive silver, gilt, and enamel dish. The austere lines of this piece are unusual for the artist, but the dish is every bit as impressive as his more extravagant creations. An element of fun is never too far from Williams' work, no more so than in a series of silver and onyx "fish brooches". These works have a wry, smile-inducing charm, as do pieces based on bats, a subject which is close to being a Williams trademark. "A Love Letter to Dunedin", Gemma Campbell (The Artist's Room) Gemma Campbell returns to The Artist's Room with a further series of acrylic paintings drenched in her own brand of magic realism. The use of aluminium for a base to the paint makes the works glow with an inner light. The current series, as the exhibition title suggests, places the scene squarely in suburban and rural Dunedin, with the protagonists arrayed against a backdrop of state houses, Art Deco villas, and the recognisable scenery of Otago Harbour and Tunnel Beach. Groups of animals live in harmony in these works, with seals, spoonbills, penguins, and cats happily nestling together, often accompanied by one or more children. More exotic creatures are also present, with tigers, rhinoceroses, and even a pangolin visiting the South. Campbell's knack is in making the scenes seem perfectly believable, despite the quiet surrealism associated with the unlikelihood of the congregations. There is the air of being in a dream and not being aware how odd the actions and events in it are. Accompanying the acrylics is a small group of remarkably detailed etchings, portraits of individual animals. Whether it is the feathers of a kea or the mottled markings of a snail's shell, these works deftly display the artist's skills at the precise depictions of these creatures. By James Dignan
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Looking To Domestic IT Operations For Data Security
Tony Williams Raré, CEO/CIO at Global IT Communications, Inc., overseeing technical and operational strategies for company and customers. In today's global economy, outsourcing is often seen as a cost-saving solution. The global outsourcing market is expected to reach $866.9 billion by 2027, driven by labor arbitrage and operational flexibility. Yet, increasing cybersecurity threats and shifting U.S. policy are forcing businesses to reconsider the long-term implications, especially when handling sensitive data. The Illusion of Cost Savings Outsourcing can initially appear beneficial. A Deloitte outsourcing survey report shows that 57% of businesses outsource to reduce costs. However, while immediate savings are tangible, hidden costs quickly emerge. Quality control, increased management oversight and infrastructure investments all add up. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, outsourced workers earn significantly less than domestic employees, revealing a cost that is both economic and ethical. More concerning are the risks. IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report shows the average breach costs $4.9 million. For companies dealing with protected health information (PHI), financial data or personally identifiable information (PII), those savings can rapidly become liabilities. Who Bears The Risk? While operations are outsourced, accountability stays in-house. A PwC study found that 32% of customers would stop using a brand after only one bad experience. Potential language barriers, poor voice quality or time zone differences can impact service delivery and resolution times. High turnover and minimal training at offshore centers can further reduce service consistency. According to a study by Intercom, 70% of end users feel more loyal to companies that provide support in their native language. HR And Legal Complications Offshore outsourcing introduces HR and legal complications. U.S. labor laws don't apply abroad, raising ethical and PR issues. Enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights is weaker in many countries, making businesses vulnerable to trade secret theft and insider threats. The U.S. Department of Justice has increased enforcement under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, particularly in cases involving the mishandling of trade secrets offshore. Jurisdictional confusion also hinders legal recourse. If offshore personnel mishandle sensitive data, determining liability across borders becomes nearly impossible. Security And Compliance Failures Another issue is data security. Offshore data centers and cloud environments frequently replicate or store data across multiple jurisdictions—often without customers' awareness—leading to diminished data control and transparency. U.S.-based organizations embracing cross-border outsourcing must therefore navigate a complex web of legal and regulatory frameworks to maintain compliance and visibility over their sensitive information. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to identify third-party and supply chain attacks as top national cybersecurity threats, particularly as more organizations rely on outsourced and offshore vendors. Cross-border data workflows present significant compliance challenges, particularly with standards such as HIPAA, SOC 2 and NIST. Processing sensitive data across jurisdictions with different legal protections increases the risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration and regulatory violations. Political And Strategic Vulnerabilities Political tensions and evolving trade policies can disrupt outsourcing relationships. The 2024 Republican platform aims to "stop outsourcing and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower," potentially signaling more restrictions ahead, particularly in government contracts. As geopolitical alliances shift, organizations risk sudden disruptions or surveillance by foreign governments. Even with contracts in place, enforcing U.S.-level protections abroad remains difficult. The Case For Domestic IT Operations The tide is shifting. U.S.-based managed service providers (MSPs) offer several key advantages: • Compliance with domestic regulations like CMMC 2.0 and HIPAA • Seamless communication and customer service • Lower latency and higher service quality • Legal and regulatory alignment Domestic operations can allow for greater control, faster response times and higher accountability. Strategic Reassessment The question businesses must ask is: Do the savings justify the risk? Offshore outsourcing may reduce direct costs, but it exposes organizations to regulatory penalties, customer dissatisfaction and long-term brand damage. To adapt to increasing compliance demands and the evolving security landscape, organizations should consider strengthening their internal governance frameworks—such as implementing role-based access controls and conducting regular third-party risk assessments—to reduce their dependence on outside vendors for sensitive functions. Additionally, investing in cybersecurity training for in-house teams and designating a compliance officer can help ensure ongoing adherence to CMMC 2.0, SOC 2 and NIST standards, even without external partners. For those considering U.S.-based managed service providers (MSPs), it's essential to assess vendor transparency, data residency policies and experience with regulatory compliance. Look for MSPs with clear incident response plans and the ability to customize security frameworks to meet your industry's specific needs. Common pitfalls to look out for include unclear SLAs, vendor lock-in and underestimating the internal preparation needed to manage third-party partnerships. A readiness checklist—including asset inventory, current documentation and executive alignment—can help ensure smoother collaboration. Conclusion The global outsourcing landscape is shifting under the weight of cybersecurity threats, changing regulations and evolving political priorities. Protecting your business's future now means going beyond cost-cutting. Smart enterprises are reassessing their outsourcing strategies, focusing on domestic partnerships, investing in in-house cybersecurity maturity and refining their governance frameworks. The future belongs to businesses that build resilient, secure and ethically grounded operations that safeguard both customer trust and long-term value. 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Otago Daily Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Putting ‘soul' into every piece key to endurance
This year, Dunedin jeweller Tony Williams notches up 50 years of being in business in the city. He talks to business editor Sally Rae about his successful career. Back in 1975, Tony Williams was told the life expectancy of a small business in New Zealand was five years. Notching up a 50 year career as an artist craftsman, which has included manufacturing jewellery, employing, training, exporting, retailing and wholesaling, he has blown that timeframe out the window of his Dunedin workshop. While semi-retired, Mr Williams (76) continues to make fabulous pieces from a bench he refers to as his "world" and he has an exhibition at the Otago Art Society later this month. When it came to business success, the goldsmith and enamelist believed those that thought of it only in dollar terms had missed the point. His tenure had been successful because he had made a living, which had varied from "being appalling to quite good". He had done some great work and he had a reputation that expanded outside New Zealand. And it was a lot more than just an object that was being sold. "If you haven't dripped blood — sometimes literally — into the piece, does it really have a soul? "Being aware of that is part of how you survive." Born in England, where his father Robert (known to his family as Robin) Williams was embarking on post-graduate study at Cambridge University, he was brought up in Wellington. Robin was an influential civil servant and scientist who moved into university administration, taking the position of vice-chancellor at the University of Otago in 1967 where he oversaw a review of the struggling Otago Medical School. Describing himself as "one of those kids who didn't know what to do", the young Mr Williams dropped out of university. While there was some expectation, due to his father's standing, that he would complete his tertiary studies "and get a uni-type career", he said his father was supportive of his desire to get into jewellery making. The significant arts and crafts movement in New Zealand at that time was at its peak. While he tried to get an apprenticeship, he was too old, as, because of the economics of the time, businesses could not afford to pay adult wages, rather than a youth rate. His father made some inquiries and Mr Williams returned to England where he trained at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, receiving an honours diploma in jewellery and a diploma in gem diamonds. He later worked for Anglo-Italian jewellery designer Andrew Grima in London, the leading contemporary jeweller of the time and whose clients included members of the British Royal Family. It was a large workshop, with 20 or so staff, and Mr Williams thought he once saw the late Princess Margaret — a major customer — walk through the workshop. At lunchtime, staff were allowed to remain in the workshop and work on their own designs, but if anyone came through the workshop, they had to drop their own pieces — and their lunch — and quickly return to working on Grima designs. Returning to New Zealand, Mr Williams set up in a historic stone cottage in Port Chalmers, where the rent was the princely sum of $8 a week. The trade was very supportive, and it was also very strong; he recalled doing a headcount of retail jewellers in Dunedin and reaching 27, not counting those in South Dunedin. Dunedin jeweller John Bezett convinced him to join the local jewellers and watchmakers branch, and he also had "a foot in both camps" — which was uncommon then — as he was also on the executive of the crafts council. He attributed that to one of the reasons why his business endured, as he had always been able to cater to "both ends of the spectrum". As well as top-end pieces, he also liked to be able to find something for people who did not have much money, and the mix also provided some cashflow. In 1989, Mr Williams received an Arts Council grant for overseas study which he used to further his skills in enamelling, visiting workshops in Italy and Scotland and working for a firm in London where objet d'art were also created, some destined for the Sultan of Brunei. In 1990, he was commended in the enamelling section of the London Goldsmiths' Hall Competitions. When Mr Williams first looked at exporting, he planned to target England, but he discovered it was too far away. Diamond merchants told him he would need to be there at least twice a year, and it was too expensive and too far to go. So, in the 1990s, he started focusing on Australia, promising himself he would go at least twice a year, which he did for about 15 years. Door-knocking at first, he slowly established a few firms, and his work ended up being commissioned by some leading retailers. One reason for his success across the Tasman was the fact he did things nobody else would tackle — "fairly impossible stuff", he said. A later move into the Moray Chambers in the city coincided with changes in the Australian market but he had always ensured he had "kept things rolling" back home. When his landlord doubled the rent — "during the Global Financial Crisis, rents in Dunedin were horrendous" — he moved to the Carnegie Centre and the business became much more retail-oriented. After six years, he decided to move to a workshop next to his home where he has remained for the past 10 years. There was romance involved in working with precious stones and metals. Even as a small boy, he was a romantic and he quipped he was almost able to recite The Hobbit, long before Sir Peter Jackson adapted it to the screen. He was looking forward to his exhibition at the art society from July 18-27, his first show for about 18 months. He had some new pieces which he was very pleased with. He still also enjoyed helping anyone who was interested in learning about the jewellery trade, most recently teaching an 11-year-old girl how to make a pair of earrings.
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
11 injured in stabbing attack at Oregon homeless shelter, suspect arrested
A dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack at an Oregon homeless shelter on Sunday night. A suspect has been arrested, police said. Advertisement A man with a knife walked into the lobby of the Union Gospel Mission in Salem at around 7.15pm local time, the Salem Police Department said on Monday. The man had been talking to people in the lobby when he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed several people, according to police. Other people in the vicinity were hurt when they tried to intervene, police said. The man then left the building and stabbed others who were nearby, sitting outside. Police arrested a suspect identified as Tony Williams, 42, across the street from the shelter. Eleven victims, including two shelter staff members, were taken to a hospital for treatment and a 12th victim was identified as officers interviewed witnesses. Police said the victims suffered 'varying types of injuries'. All of the injured were men between the ages of 26 and 57, police said. Advertisement Five people remained hospitalised on Monday with serious injuries. Police have not specified a motive for the stabbings, but said it did not seem targeted at people who are homeless.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate elusive morel at Up North annual festival this weekend
With Michigan smack dab in the middle of morel season, an annual celebration of the much-sought-after mushroom is this weekend. Devotees can celebrate all things morels at the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City from May 15 through May 18. Now in its 65th year, the event will feature a morel-hunting seminar presented by Tony Williams, a five-time winner of the National Competitive Hunt, and a Morel Wine & Dine event sponsored by the Boyne Area Chamber. Two seatings are available for the wine-and-dine event, where chefs will showcase morel-infused dishes. Tickets are $115 per person and available by calling 231-582-6222. Tasting tickets for the evening are available at $10 per person. Throughout the weekend, there will be entertainment events, a morel mushroom giveaway, craft shows and food truck vendors. For information, visit Morels are prized for their meaty flavor and cone-like shape. Foragers often find them in Michigan's forests and fields. 'Large burn sites in forested areas are ideal for morel mushroom hunting, especially in burned areas where jack, white or red pine once grew,' according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It has produced an interactive map marking the state's burn field spots from the last couple of years that you'll find at Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@ Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City: What to know
