Latest news with #OSB
NBC News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
A group of New York City college students are going viral for spreading ‘Black Boy Joy'
When Khadim Thiam, 23, posted a video to TikTok of his friends visiting a Dunkin' in New York City to try matcha green tea, he had no idea it would go viral. The 19-second video, which has been watched by more than 15 million people since early April, shows Thiam and seven friends smiling and laughing as they hold up their cups. But the initial comments did not match the group's positive energy. 'They were saying things like, 'Oh, why are men this happy to try matcha?' 'Oh, men should be in war,'' Thiam said. Instead of listening to the negative comments, the group was inspired to gleefully keep trying more adventures and posting their experiences on social media. 'I don't know why the internet reacted like that,' Thiam said. 'So now I was like, O.K., so y'all don't want to see us try matcha? We're going to start trying many other things.' Now the group OSB, which stands for One Strong Brotherhood, has since posted more than 20 videos conquering a range of activities from puppy yoga to dance classes and pilates. Their goal is simple: break the mold of how people perceive young Black men. 'It's like 'Black Boy Joy,'' said Thaim, evoking the phrase and hashtag popularized in 2016 by Danielle Young, a writer for The Root at the time. The point was to counter negative stereotypes of Black men and boys through celebrating their happiness and freedom through positive a decade later, Young said she's seen the videos made by Thiam and his friends. 'It's so hard to see the OSB guys and not be immediately happy, joyful and smiling,' Young said. But she also notes there's a deeper historical context that goes beyond any phone screen. 'Thinking of Emmett Till and his story, not even being able to be a young, free Black boy without society claiming him as a threat and needing to be murdered for that,' Young said. She also said the societal limitations placed on young Black men are exactly the reason their videos have gone viral. 'It's beautiful to see that Black boy joy is timeless, but it's also hurtful to see that it is considered a thing because of what they're not supposed to be doing,' Young said. Now, Thiam considers himself and his friends — all 10 of whom are students at Hunter College in Manhattan — part of a movement with a greater purpose. 'There's a lot of negative stereotypes and connotations' when it comes to young Black men, said Thiam, a computer science major and the son of immigrants from Senegal. 'We deserve our credit and our place in society to be considered normal, joyful people.' In the two months since the matcha video was posted, nearly every video the group posts has gone viral, each gaining at least hundreds of thousands of views between TikTok and Instagram. As OSB has posted more videos, Thiam said he's also noticed a shift in the comments. 'People were beginning to see the genuineness and joy in us trying different things,' Thiam said. 'I felt like it inspired a lot of people to continue watching the series, and basically they wanted to see what's next.' One of the latest adventures was a West African cooking class led by Maye Jolie, another New York City-based content creator, who frequently posts popular African recipes on TikTok. On the menu was a dish called nem, a meat and spice-filled fritter from Mali that's similar to a spring roll. During the nearly three-hour class, the members of OSB mixed, rolled and fried their nem, all joking and laughing. Each member took turns recording one another while trying to pay attention. A battle even emerged among OSB members and other class participants to see who could make the best shaped spring roll. 'Whoever's guiding us, they always feed off our energy,' Thiam said. 'We're always getting hit with, 'Oh, this is the most fun class,' best class that they ever had.' It's an experience that OSB wants to keep up. Thiam says the group is already securing five-figure brand deals and has collaborated with brands such as DoorDash and MAC Cosmetics. The ultimate goal is to eventually take their adventures beyond New York City. 'Hopefully we go global,' said Thiam, dreaming out loud about 'going to Japan trying to become like a samurai or something, or we're making tea in China.' But for now Thiam says he finds joy in inspiring others. 'I just want to encourage people to try new things,' he said. 'Meet new people, make great connections. Have genuine fun, joyness and bring energy.'
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Muir Timber Systems delivers first kits to Dalgety Bay development
Muir Timber Systems has delivered the first timber kits to a new 37-home development in Dalgety Bay, Fife, marking an important milestone for the local regeneration project led by sister company Muir Homes. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Muir Timber Systems has delivered the first timber kits to a new 37-home development in Dalgety Bay, Fife, marking an important milestone for the local regeneration project led by sister company Muir Homes. The Swordfish Drive development is transforming a long-vacant brownfield site into a thriving new neighbourhood, with a mix of 26 three, four and five-bedroom homes for sale and 11 homes for affordable rent. Located less than a mile from Dalgety Bay train station and close to key amenities, the site is ideally positioned for modern family living. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As part of the partnership, Muir Timber Systems will supply and install external ground and first floor wall panels, loose site-fixed first floor I-joists, OSB crash decks, chipboard flooring, internal non-loadbearing partitions, loose site-erect roof trusses, door sets, and finishings. Muir Timber Systems Factory The timber kits were manufactured at Muir Timber Systems' state-of-the-art factory in nearby Inverkeithing. Built using responsibly sourced materials and powered in part by an on-site solar array, the facility reflects Muir's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Founded in 1975 to support Muir Construction and Muir Homes, Muir Timber Systems has since grown into a trusted supplier to contractors and housebuilders across Scotland, known for delivering high-quality timber solutions with a focus on sustainability and local expertise. Gary Gray, General Manager at Muir Timber Systems, said: 'While Muir Timber Systems now supports a wide range of developers across Scotland, working alongside our sister companies remains a core part of our identity. We're proud to play a key role in delivering high-quality new homes right here in Dalgety Bay. This development contributes to local regeneration, highlighting the exceptional standards, sustainable materials, and skilled local craftsmanship that define our work.'
Web Release
24-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime The American University of Beirut's (AUB) Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) partnered with the MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group (MENA FCCG) and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) to launch an online certificate program in Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC); and announced the official release of the program's first certificate. The CTBFC program, now available through AUB Online, is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the fight against financial crime. This broad category includes illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, corruption, and terrorist financing—each of which presents a serious threat to the stability and integrity of global financial systems. As financial markets become more interconnected and digitalized, the challenges of preventing, detecting, and prosecuting financial crime continue to evolve. Effective action against these crimes demands a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, regulation, cross-border cooperation, and education. The CTBFC program has attracted strong interest from financial professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in this rapidly evolving sector. Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business said, 'The CTBFC program embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering transparent corporate cultures and healthy organization, free of financial crime, that positively impact society and serve as a force for good.' Hashem Taha from Arab Bank PLC was recognized as the top performer in this inaugural certificate cohort. Taha's dedication and academic excellence have set a high standard for the program, demonstrating both his hard work and the exceptional quality of the CTBFC certificate. His achievement highlights the program's success in preparing leaders for the financial sector. 'This course not only met but exceeded my expectations. Earning this certificate will help me achieve my professional goals. It has enhanced my decision-making skills and enabled me to apply best practices. As a result, I feel more confident in discussing and addressing complex trade-based financial crime matters,' Taha commented. The AUB Online platform offers flexible access to the CTBFC program, allowing busy professionals to pursue certificate while balancing their careers. This initiative is a testament to AUB's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education that meets the evolving needs of today's workforce—combining academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant insights. 'The CTBFC certificate equips professionals with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to trade- based financial crime, addressing the growing demand for experts in this field,' said Dr. Abdel Jalil Ghanem, CTBFC program academic director. 'Earning the CTBFC certificate enhances participants' professional profiles with specialized skills, helps them stand out in the compliance job market, opens new career opportunities, and connects them with a network of professionals dedicated to financial integrity.' With the third batch of certificates now available, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB looks forward to welcoming more professionals into its Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC) program, further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. The program offers more than just theoretical knowledge; it provides an immersive learning experience led by experts with over 20 years of real-world experience in the field. Participants will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and acquire practical skills to address the ever-growing challenges of trade-based financial crime. Additionally, the program serves as a steppingstone toward becoming certified in trade-based financial crime.
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
ZS2 Technologies Scales First Domestic Production of Magnesium Cement Technology in North America
High-performance cement building materials now made with patented low-carbon tech and Canadian-sourced inputs, replacing overseas supply with North American resilience CALGARY, AB, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - ZS2 Technologies has announced the launch of its second-generation (Gen 2) magnesium cement building materials, backed by verified fire performance, patented low-carbon technology, and domestically sourced inputs. The Gen 2 platform marks a major step in the North American scale-up of climate-resilient construction materials, offering a durable, non-combustible alternative to traditional gypsum, oriented strand board (OSB), and imported magnesium oxide (MgO) products. Gypsum and OSB are widely used in residential and commercial construction for wall assemblies and sheathing but are prone to mold, moisture damage, and limited fire resistance—leading to costly repairs, insurance concerns, and accelerated material failure on-site. Backed by over $9.9 million in grant funding, this launch introduces a domestic solution to the performance gaps of conventional materials and the volatility of imported MgO. In just five years, ZS2 has transformed its patented waste-to-cement process from a lab-scale innovation into a commercially ready platform. Alongside the development of Gen 2, the company has completed high-profile projects using its first-generation materials, including a Krispy Kreme location in Edmonton, Alberta, the largest Habitat for Humanity development in Calaveras County, California, and the mixed-use Shawnessy Station by Trico Homes in Calgary, Alberta. ZS2 is now entering commercial production for Gen 2, focused on supplying certified, next-generation materials for real-world projects across North America. As part of Gen 2's performance validation roadmap, ZS2TechTile™, a raised flooring system designed for data center and modular commercial construction, was recently classified as non-combustible under ASTM E136-19a. This industry standard test determines whether a material will ignite, burn, or release heat when exposed to high temperatures. The result reinforces confidence in the Gen 2 platform and builds on third-party certifications from ZS2's Gen 1 materials, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs), High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) approvals, and Code Evaluation Reports (CERs). The patented formulation and process of the domestic Gen 2 product line builds on the proven success of ZS2's first-generation suite of climate-resilient materials. The expanded lineup continues to deliver fire, mold, water, and pest resistance, along with low-carbon performance and exceptional strength and durability: ZS2 TechStone™ Lightweight MgO stone facade, veneer, and cladding for durable, impact-resistant, fire-rated exterior applications ZS2TechTile™ 2x2 Non-combustible, low-carbon raised flooring system ideal for data center construction ZS2TechBoard™ 3x5 Backer Board Wet-rated interior magnesium cement board for tiled walls, showers, and utility spaces ZS2TechBoard™ 4x8 Structural Sheathing Lightweight, high-strength sheathing panel for walls and ceilings with proven fire and moisture resistance While MgO has long been recognized for its potential, inconsistent quality and reliance on overseas supply chains have limited its use. ZS2 has solved both challenges. By formulating with Canadian industrial by-products and producing locally, Gen 2 materials offer consistent strength, fire performance, and supply chain reliability without the compromises of legacy materials. This launch comes at a time when the construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen domestic supply chains, and build resilience against fire, flood, and extreme weather. Cement remains one of the most carbon-intensive materials globally, responsible for an estimated 7 percent of global CO₂ emissions. Magnesium cement offers a proven alternative at a 1/3 of the carbon footprint, but until now, has been held back by lack of access and localized production. ZS2 has changed that. "Our Gen 2 product line is not a concept. It's certified, spec'd into projects, and it's ready to meet the demands of today's building industry," said Scott Jenkins, CEO of ZS2 Technologies. "We've redefined how magnesium cement is made, where it comes from, and how it performs. Builders are choosing ZS2 because they're done waiting for MgO materials to arrive from overseas. We're delivering what they need right here in North America." ZS2's building materials give architects, designers, and builders the ability to meet evolving code and sustainability targets with the confidence of local production and performance-verified products. Supported by a growing portfolio of patents and certifications, ZS2 Technologies is delivering what the construction industry needs today and setting a new benchmark for what's possible in the built environment. With its Gen 2 platform now in place and full board production scaling through 2025, ZS2 is providing a stable, high-performance, climate-aligned alternative for projects across North America. About ZS2 Technologies ZS2 Technologies is the North American leader in magnesium cement technology, innovating both its production and its applications. ZS2 delivers a full suite of high-performance building materials manufactured across North America, trusted by architects, developers, and builders for their strength, sustainability, and resilience. ZS2 products are available for projects across North America through its growing TechPartner distribution network, connecting regional builders and developers to certified magnesium cement solutions. All ZS2 materials are fire-resistant, water-resistant, non-toxic, and designed to meet the performance demands of modern residential, commercial, and industrial construction. To learn more about ZS2 Technologies and its magnesium cement technology, visit Certain statements in this news release are "forward-looking statements", which reflect current expectations of the management of ZS2 regarding future events or ZS2's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. ZS2 believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and ZS2 assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Web Release
12-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AUB Conference Explores Pathways to Restoring Financial Trust in Lebanon
The American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a conference titled Restoring Financial Trust in Lebanon: Building Integrity for a Better Future. The event brought financial experts, policymakers, and academics from Lebanon and the region, who engaged in critical discussions around Lebanon's financial reality, exploring systemic risks, emerging trends, and practical solutions aimed at restoring financial accountability and public trust. The conference was organized by the Business Practice and Policy Initiative (BPPI) at AUB's Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) in collaboration with the Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory (GGCO) at AUB. After the Lebanese anthem and the AUB alma mater, the event was officially opened by a welcoming note from Raghda Kawass, Knowledge and Public Policy Specialist at BPPI. 'We gather to address some of the most urgent challenges facing the country and to engage in meaningful dialogue, paving the way for impactful policy reform,' she said. 'Through this dialogue, we aim to foster knowledge exchange and contribute to Lebanon's economic recovery and long term resilience.' Provost Zaher Dawy represented AUB President Fadlo Khuri in the opening ceremony. He spoke about the gravity of Lebanon's current challenges, stating, 'Trust—perhaps the most essential element in any functioning system—has been depleted.' He added that despite all setbacks, 'we cannot but turn our attention toward possibility and opportunity.' Dawy further highlighted the significance of BPPI and GGCO at AUB, describing these initiatives as exemplars of interdisciplinary collaboration. 'They recognize that financial recovery is not only a numbers game—it is also a people game. It is about integrity and transparency. It's about responsibility and accountability. It is about leadership,' he asserted, concluding his remarks with a rallying call for collective action, urging all sectors of society to come together. OSB Dean Yusuf Sidani spoke about the critical role of educational institutions, including business schools, in shaping a future based on transparency and ethics. He noted that while they impart essential knowledge, there is an equally important need to instill values such as social responsibility. 'We have a role to play in building the character of our students,' he said, adding that 'we have been trying to do that in multiple ways: one way is to include ethics and reflections of our social responsibility in many of our courses. But beyond including building character within our formal curriculum, there is a lot of opportunity to build that outside the curriculum, in the experiences that we expose students to.' 'This is, I believe, our role at OSB and at AUB, in advancing financial trust in Lebanon and in Lebanese institutions,' Sidani concluded. GGCO Director Simon Kachar highlighted the pivotal role of civic engagement in restoring trust in governance. He remarked, 'Transparency and anti-corruption are not abstract goals; they are measurable outcomes of robust civic participation. Without informed and engaged citizens, governance loses its compass. This is why the Observatory's work is focused not only on critiquing systems but on transforming them—from the grassroots up.' He added, 'The raison d'être for Lebanon's continuity and relevance is, and must be, its people. Not just as passive beneficiaries of reform, but as active agents of change. Our country has suffered from a deep erosion of trust in public institutions. The antidote to this is not despair, but meaningful engagement. That is what we seek to cultivate.' BPPI Director Nivine Ahmed emphasized the urgency of the conference's focus, stating, 'Restoring financial trust in Lebanon is one of the urgent challenges facing the country today, and this requires concrete, measurable action. This includes a comprehensive restructuring of the financial sector, insightful discussion about past mistakes, and a clear roadmap for monetary and fiscal stability. Equally important is the need for open dialogue among policymakers, financial experts, and civil society to create shared ownership of the reform; and only through restoring trust in institutions and reinforcing the social contracts can Lebanon move forward to a more stable, inclusive, and resilient economic future.' Lebanon's Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri delivered a keynote address, providing an overview of the government's ongoing reforms, with a focus on rebuilding public trust and restoring credibility to Lebanon's financial system. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and institutional reform as prerequisites for international support and long-term recovery. Central to his address were three key legislative efforts: the recently passed law lifting bank secrecy; a proposed bank resolution law to manage failing banks and protect depositors, the financial system, and the broader economy; and a law aimed at addressing Lebanon's financial deficit fairly and responsibly. 'These laws are not only technical reforms. They are a statement about what Lebanon we would like to build. They are a blueprint for justice. And an important step towards restoring the trust of the Lebanese and the confidence of international partners,' Mitri stated. He added, 'Expectations are indeed very high, not only among the Lebanese, but among Arab and international friends of Lebanon. Earning their support—Arab and international support—is conditional on concrete measures on the path of reforms. This is said to us, time and again, in so many words. The government has adopted some of these measures less than those we have wished to accomplish, but we're putting many on track. We would like to ensure that there are transparent and credible institutions that would carry out these reforms.' The conference proceeded with a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on good governance, economic recovery, and sustainable development. Former World Bank Director Jamal Saghir presented a cost-benefit analysis for promoting integrity and curbing corruption in Lebanon. He discussed the staggering cost of corruption in Lebanon, noting that corruption worldwide costs 5% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with Lebanon losing billions, especially given its 2018 GDP of $55 billion. He added that corruption in developing countries costs $1.3 trillion annually, which could lift 1.4 billion people above the poverty line. Saghir pointed out that 'As Lebanon continues to endure a multifaceted collapse, with UN data indicating that more than half of the populaton had fallen below the poverty line, confronting corruption has become a matter of survival for Lebanon.' He added that concrete anti-corruption measures must be prioritized, implemented, and monitored by the Lebanese government, civil society, universities, and the international community, as these are core components of any recovery plan for the country. 'While promoting integrity in Lebanon carries short-term political and economic costs, the long-term benefits—especially in regaining public trust, restoring economic growth, and leveraging international aid—are substantial,' he ended. The conference continued with a series of discussions covering key topics and featuring a diverse range of experts. The first panel, From Systems to Safeguards: A Comprehensive Approach to Anti-Corruption , included experts such as Regional Chief Anti-Corruption and Integrity Advisor at UNDP Arab States Arkan Al Seblani; Chairman of Governance Dynamics and Chief Governance Officer at Beeah Group Fadi Sidani; Economist and Public Financial Expert Iskandar Boustany; and Chief of Governance and State-Building at ECRI – ESCWA Younes Abouyoub. It was moderated by Director of Corporate Engagement at OSB Rania Uwaydah Mardini. Judge Georges Attieh, president of the Central Inspection Board in Lebanon, spoke on the role of the Central Inspection in public legal reform, followed by Dr. Simon Kachar, lecturer in political science and GGCO founding director, discussing the importance of good governance in restoring accountability and rebuilding trust in the financial system. Next was a panel on Banking Regulations and Financial Stability: Restoring Confidence in Lebanon's Financial System, featuring Jean Riachi, Chairman and CEO of I&C Bank, Professor of Economics at AUB Ishac Diwan, and President ACFE Lebanon Hussein Tarraf; and moderated by Director of Master Program of Finance at OSB Mohamad Faour. The conference concluded with remarks by Professor of Finance at OSB Assem Safieddine.
