Local News
Deep Fakes: Seeing is Not Believing
“What the eyes see, and the ears hear – the mind believes” – Harry Houdini
In 2017, the term ‘Deep Fakes’ (spelled ‘deepfakes’) was the fashionable buzzword at IBM regarding the latest in influence capabilities using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The possibilities of pervasive disinformation were obvious then, but I didn’t think it would arrive this soon. Deepfake technology improved immensely in a relatively short period of time. Society and regulation will soon be in reaction mode, playing catch-up with the outbreak of new issues accompanying this innovation.
Most info-savvy people are familiar with media spin and the polarization of news along the left and right axis. The terms disinformation, misinformation, spin control, narrative, and so forth are part of our daily lexicon. If you agree that the search for truth is difficult now, wait to you see what’s coming soon. By 2030, we will all be living in a world of disbelief.
By the way, we’re not talking about photo-shopping pictures or imposing celebrity faces on pics like Elvis with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un below or the existing practice of placing the faces of celebrity starlets on porn photos. No sir, we’re way beyond that now. Deepfakes is on another level. This is going to be a game-changer. Hopefully, it won’t lead to our demise.
Deepfakes are defined as AI-doctored audio and video footage, creating visuals and events that never occurred. In other words, it is a video of a person whose face or body has been digitally altered to appear to be someone else, typically for malicious purposes or to spread false information. This new technology can make people believe something is real when it is not.
[Kim Jong-Un with Elvis. Photoshop: Lazaro Gamio/Axios]
If the viewing public cannot discern reality, what are we reduced to? Cybercriminals and foreign governments are stocking up on the AI capabilities that will define the next generation of conflict. Meanwhile, automation and the rise of fake information are stirring unrest. Together these forces can turn society upside down.
The current anti-Artificial Intelligence narrative is generally aimed at the progression of robotics. The doomsayers refer our memory to the movie, ‘Terminator,’ when AI got out of control and pitted mankind versus the machines. We, as a global society, have a quicker chance of getting blindsided by the secondary effects of AI’s other offspring – ‘deepfakes.’
A very real-looking video of a world leader making incendiary threats could, if widely believed, set off a trade war or a conventional war or worse. Increases in deepfake technology allow the manipulation of footage that could easily depict President Biden saying, “Vladimir Putin has 48 hours to vacate the Kremlin, or the U.S. will launch a nuclear strike.” If the Russian President believed the footage to be authentic, he might well launch a first strike. Visualize that concept in the context of President Bush’s 2003 globally televised ultimatum to Saddam Hussein. Current deepfake technology can replace President Bush’s face with President Biden’s face and alter the audio with President Biden’s voice threatening Vladimir Putin. The collective public viewing this on TV would not know it was fake, nor would Mr. Putin. That could have dire consequences for life as we know it. Another danger is the possibility that deepfake technology spreads so that people are unwilling to trust video or audio evidence. Imagine the impact of that in the courtroom. I can see the prosecuting attorney squirming now. Imagine a fake video causing widespread rioting. Given recent events, the latter is not difficult to fathom.
Businesses will bloom that specifically design fake videos for hire. A few already exist. The campaign that hires the best deepfake company will have an advantage. Expect to see dead movie icons promoting products in voice and character that looks real. Visualize John Wayne and Kevin Costner together in an advertisement for Stetson cowboy hats. Then visualize the surge in Stetson’s market share.
Activists will be able to whip up a frenzy with fake inflammatory footage and fake press conference remarks, etc. News agencies will unwittingly broadcast the deepfake material because they can’t tell the difference. Social media-induced demonstrations have existed for years. Think Arab Spring. An accompanying video is worth a thousand words, and properly crafted, a deepfake video can change the trajectory of society. The prospect of deepfake video scams frolics about in my crystal ball. At the very least, it will pose innumerable difficulties for law enforcement.
Basic artificial intelligence applications have become accessible to the public in the past year, opening vast opportunities for creativity as well as confusion. With campaigning already underway for the 2024 Presidential Election, the impact of this technology is already in the limelight. And, what about the impact of foreign countries [think Russia] using these tools to sway public opinion more effectively moving forward?
Just recently, presidential candidate Ron DeSantis’s campaign shared faked images of Donald Trump and Antony Fauci hugging created with artificial intelligence. [You know how fond they are of each other]. A few weeks earlier, a deepfake-generated image of the Pentagon being bombed caused brief stock market dips and a statement from the Department of Defense. This is how far along we are now, but wait a couple of years, and everyone will be second-guessing the validity of everything they see.
[Screengrabs from an ad campaign for Ron DeSantis featured on the DeSantis War Room Twitter account. Images are AI-generated. © Provided by HuffPost]
Several Hollywood stars have recently expressed concern about their likeness being used and about the prospects of having their likeness superimposed on other characters from existing films. This kind of edit makes us wonder what the future of film could look like using this technology. Imagine being able to choose your preferred actor to play the lead in any film you’re watching or, better yet, input your own likeness into the film. Wild possibilities.
Identifying Deep Fakes (Content Authentication)
The flip side of creating deepfakes is the ‘fact-checking’ or identification of fake visuals – referred to as content authentication. While AI can be used to make deepfakes, it can also detect them. As deepfake technology becomes accessible to any computer user, more and more researchers are focusing on deepfake detection with the regulation in mind. This obviously creates the need for many more professionals in this line of work – especially since the technology is spreading through society rather swiftly.
Large corporations like Facebook and Microsoft have taken initiatives to detect and remove deepfake videos. Presently, you can generally detect slight visual miscues in deepfake videos, such as the ears or eyes not matching, facial borders that don’t look right, or improper lighting and shadows. Detecting these flaws is getting harder as the deepfake technology becomes more advanced and videos look more realistic. Just as fact-checking takes time, so does the time lapse between when a deepfake video is released and when it can be authenticated. By then, decisions have been made, and the world has moved on. Of course, the question then becomes; are people more likely to believe a deep fake or a detection algorithm that flags the video as fabricated? Let’s put it this way, you and I won’t be able to tell it’s fake.
Initially, the authentication capability will be in the hands of a few firms but over time, new ‘authentication apps’ will be available to the public. When breaking footage is passed over social media, our first question to each other will be, “Has it been authenticated yet?” That is defined as the point of disbelief.
Technological advancement leading us astray
The lightning speed with which high-tech disinformation can now spread around the globe is already alarming. Deepfake videos make it even harder to discern fact from fiction. The inability to believe what you see during heightened tensions unfolding in real-time is a scary thought. When all the information you require is rife with misinformation, and you can’t believe what you see – you have a problem. When that dilemma is universally prevalent – we all have a problem. Once this line is eroded, truth itself will not exist. Essentially, what your eyes see and your ears hear cannot be trusted anymore – then everything becomes false. We will lose confidence in anything and everything.
Local News
Virginia State Police Urge Safety and Sobriety on Roads as Summer Begins
As the summer season kicks off with the 2024 Memorial Day weekend and graduation festivities, the Virginia State Police emphasize the importance of safe, sober, and focused driving. With AAA Mid-Atlantic predicting a four percent increase in Memorial Day travel, Virginia’s highways are expected to be especially crowded. This heightened activity comes with increased risks, as evidenced by the nine fatal crashes reported on Memorial Day weekend in 2023.
“By May 23, 2024, Virginia has already lost 294 lives to traffic crashes this year,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “During this busy time, it’s crucial for drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and drive sober. We must also talk to our teenagers and young adult drivers about safe driving behaviors. While many are celebrating the end of the school year and the start of summer, too many Virginians are mourning the loss of loved ones. Let’s prioritize traffic safety to prevent further tragedies.”
Starting Friday, May 24, 2024, the Virginia State Police will join the national Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E) to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries related to impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations. The Memorial Day statistical counting period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 24 and continue through midnight on May 27, 2024. Throughout the holiday weekend, all available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol to ensure safe and responsible traffic flow.
During the last Memorial Day weekend, Virginia State Troopers issued 771 seatbelt violation citations and 136 child restraint violations. They also cited 4,990 speeders and 1,924 reckless drivers and arrested 89 impaired drivers. Additionally, troopers made 169 felony arrests, assisted 1,447 disabled motorists, investigated 1,846 traffic crashes, and inspected 634 commercial vehicles.
The funds from summonses issued by the Virginia State Police go to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology funding, and teacher retirement.
Drivers are also reminded of recent changes to Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which now requires motorists to either move over a lane or slow down for any vehicle on the roadside using emergency markers, flashing lights, or flares.
Colonel Settle’s message is clear: “This is a time for celebration and making memories, not mourning. By following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits, we can all contribute to a safer holiday weekend and summer.”
Local News
Skydiving Milestone: Kim Knorr’s 666th Jump at Skydive Front Royal
Kim Knorr, an experienced skydiver passionate about the skies, is celebrating a unique milestone at Skydive Front Royal. With a radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, Kim is gearing up for her 666th jump, a number she humorously claims is her lucky charm.
“I’m trying to reach my thousandth jump to get my gold wings,” Kim explains. “Today is number 666, and I’m excited to dive into this jump under the beautiful blue sky.”
A Legacy in the Skies
Kim’s journey in skydiving started at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. “I began skydiving at 20 and was part of the first women’s U.S. parachute team for international competition in 1962,” she recalls. Her passion for the sport was sparked by a chance encounter at a drugstore where she overheard a conversation about skydiving. Intrigued, she asked to join, and the rest is history. “I made my first jump on January 13, 1959, and it was fantastic,” she says with a nostalgic smile.
Kim holds a Class 3-D Skydiving License, the highest level of certification in the sport. The skydiving D license, awarded by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), signifies a skydiver’s extensive skills and experience. To achieve this, Kim completed at least 500 jumps, including three hours of freefall time, and successfully passed the rigorous USPA D license exam.
The Joy of the Jump
As Kim ascends to 10,000 feet, she marvels at the breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. “The mountains are magnificent up here,” she exclaims. The thrill of the freefall and the serene beauty of the landscape below make each jump an exhilarating experience. “It’s really fun, and at 10,000 feet, you’re not freezing cold like at higher altitudes,” she notes.
Upon landing, Kim’s excitement is palpable. “It was really fantastic, seeing the mountains and the valley,” she shares. The camaraderie and shared passion among skydivers at Skydive Pro Royal create a welcoming and supportive environment reminiscent of her early days in the sport. “This place reminds me of when I started – a small, friendly club without the rush and pressure of bigger operations,” Kim observes.
Tandem Jumps and Record-Breaking
Kim completed her 666th jump with tandem partners Alfredo Basile and Albert van Jaarsveld, adding to the thrill of the day. She managed to do three jumps, ending with 668 jumps on her record by the end of the day. Each jump brings her closer to her goal of 1,000 jumps to earn her gold wings.
Motivated by Family and Adventure
Kim’s dedication to skydiving is fueled by a desire to stay active and adventurous. “My children are grown, and my grandchildren are in their 20s. I didn’t want to sit at home and watch TV,” she explains. Instead, she channeled her energy into skydiving, setting her sights on completing a thousand jumps. “When I get old, I can write a book,” she laughs, “but for now, I want to keep jumping.”
Kim’s plans include achieving her gold wings and giving herself a special reward. “I want to jump over the pyramids in Egypt,” she reveals. Her adventurous spirit and determination are inspiring, as she shows no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ll still be jumping on my hundredth birthday,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.
Celebrating Milestones
For Kim, each jump is a celebration of life and adventure. As she continues to work towards her goal of a thousand jumps, she remains a beacon of inspiration for others.
Kim Knorr’s 666th jump at Skydive Front Royal is a personal achievement and a testament to her enduring passion for skydiving. Her journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.
Special thanks to Alfredo Basil from Skydive Front Royal for sharing the video footage from the jump.
Whether you’re looking to try skydiving yourself or give an incredible gift, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with tandem skydiving! This unforgettable experience will have you safely attached to a highly experienced instructor with thousands of jumps and decades of expertise.
Skydive Front Royal and all our instructors are registered with the United States Parachute Association. To learn more, visit our website at www.skydivefrontroyal.com.
Local News
Colonel James H. Drake: The Man Who Almost Became Stephens City’s Confederate Hero
Green Hill Cemetery in Stephens City holds a piece of history that never quite came to be. Established in the 1880s, this five-acre, nondenominational cemetery was once part of the town commons, used for militia drills, and later as pasture for livestock. According to former Mayor Ray Ewing, who served from 1994 to 2010 and now acts as a Green Hill trustee, the cemetery’s original design centered around a proposed memorial for Colonel James Henry Drake, a Confederate hero from the Civil War.
Drake, a native of Stephens City (then Newtown), was intended to be reinterred at Green Hill, but plans fell through when his widow, Sarah Rosenberger, objected. Instead, Drake remains buried in the old Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery on Mulberry Street. His absence at Green Hill is marked by an empty space where a memorial and tall trees once stood. A black cast iron well water hand pump was placed there but was removed around 2000 due to concerns about soil contamination, leaving the spot vacant.
Colonel James Henry Drake’s grave marker in the old Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery on Mulberry Street in Stephens City, Virginia. Courtesy Rick Wilde.
But who was Colonel James H. Drake, and why was he almost honored with such a prominent gravesite? Born on June 9, 1822, Drake was a plasterer, mechanic, and militia officer before the war. When the Civil War began, he joined the Confederate States of America, serving in the First Virginia Cavalry. His leadership and bravery were quickly recognized. He rose from Commissary of Company A, Newtown Light Dragoons, to Colonel by May 1863.
Drake’s military career was marked by significant battles. He fought in the Seven Days Battles, Stuart’s ride around McClellan, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Kelly’s Ford, Chancellorsville, and Brandy Station. He commanded the First Virginia Cavalry at the Battle of Gettysburg, which was critical in protecting General Robert E. Lee’s retreat.
Tragically, Drake was mortally wounded on July 16, 1863, during a skirmish near Kearneysville, West Virginia. He was shot in the thigh, right breast, and right shoulder. Despite his severe injuries, his men managed to retrieve him from the battlefield. He died later that night and was buried with full military honors on July 18, 1863, at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Jefferson County Camp, United Confederate Veterans Marker #2 sits a few feet off West Virginia Route 480. It commemorates Colonel James H. Drake of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, who fell mortally wounded during an engagement at Kearneysville, West Virginia. Courtesy Mark Gunderman.
Drake’s legacy lived on through his comrades’ and community’s dedication and respect. Major General J.E.B. Stuart mourned Drake’s death, noting that it deprived his regiment of a “brave and zealous leader” and the Confederacy of a “patriotic defender.” General Fitzhugh Lee praised Drake’s gallantry and devotion, emphasizing his readiness and bravery in facing danger.
The 1913 Gettysburg reunion, marking the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, included Colonel Drake on the roster of Virginia troops. His story was passed down through the generations, highlighting moments like when he reportedly saved young Milton Boyd Steele during the Gettysburg Campaign by keeping him away from the front lines. Steele, a wagon driver, survived the war and later enlisted with the First Virginia Cavalry.
In 1993, the Turner Ashby chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) held a grave marking ceremony for Drake at the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. About 100 people attended, including Drake’s great-granddaughters and local officials. The UDC provided a headstone for the grave that had been unmarked for 130 years.
Colonel Drake’s life and service left a lasting impression on Stephens City. Historian Linden “Butch” Fravel remarked that Drake is “the closest thing the town has to a Civil War hero.” Though his memorial at Green Hill Cemetery never materialized, his story remains a poignant chapter in the town’s history.
Reference: 1st Virginia Cavalry, by Robert Driver, Jr., dated 1991, published by H. E. Howard, Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia, was essential in writing this article.
Local News
Warren Heritage Society Appoints New Executive Director
The Warren Heritage Society announced the appointment of Joe Petty as its new Executive Director.
Joe Petty brings experience and local knowledge to his new role. Raised in Warren County, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from George Mason University and has over 15 years of experience in community development. His professional background includes serving as Vice President of Operations for the Crystal City Business Improvement District, where he worked on enhancing the area’s perception and fostering a sense of community. Petty has recently been involved with the Warren County Government in the Planning Department and Economic Development.
“I am excited for this new opportunity with an organization that provides an amazing asset for education and awareness of our community,” Petty said. “Being from Warren County, it is an honor to accept this new role, and I am looking forward to the new experience.”
Teresa Henry, President of the Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for Petty’s appointment. “I am thrilled to welcome Joe Petty as our new Executive Director. With his deep roots in Warren County and extensive experience in community development, I am confident he will lead the Warren Heritage Society to new heights in preserving and celebrating our rich history.”
The Warren Heritage Society, established in 1971, is dedicated to preserving the history of Warren County and educating the public about its heritage. The society is located at 101 Chester Street, Front Royal, Virginia. For more information, visit warrenheritagesociety.org.
Local News
State Police Investigate Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Warren County
Virginia State Police are investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred late Friday night, resulting in a fatality and serious injuries. The crash occurred on May 17 at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway), two-tenths of a mile south of Coppermine Road.
According to the police report, a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling north on Route 340 when the driver failed to maneuver a curve, causing the vehicle to cross the double-solid yellow centerline. The Malibu collided head-on with a southbound 2011 Toyota Camry.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Cody A. Kanavel, 29, of Front Royal, VA, sustained life-threatening injuries in the collision. He was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Police confirmed that Kanavel was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.
The driver of the Toyota, a 59-year-old man from Rileyville, VA, suffered serious injuries and was transported to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that he was wearing a seatbelt.
The Virginia State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
EDA in Focus
EDA Board Takes Another Hit, Secretary Hayden Ashworth Resigns
In an emailed letter dated Friday, May 17, Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA, FR-WC EDA) Secretary Hayden Ashworth announced his resignation, effective immediately. Ashworth cited the workload associated with his employment as the reason for his decision:
“Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation as Secretary of the Board for the Front Royal Warren County Economic Development Authority, effective today, May 17, 2024.
“Due to the demands of my current work schedule in Washington DC, I am no longer able to dedicate the time and effort necessary to fully support the EDA in its important mission. This decision has not been easy, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the past year I have served alongside this dedicated board.
“I am truly proud of the work we have accomplished together in creating opportunities for Warren County residents and fostering future economic growth. I have the utmost confidence that the EDA will continue its success in attracting new businesses and investments to our community.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I wish the EDA continued success in its endeavors,” Ashworth wrote to his fellow board members, county officials, including County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, whose last day in that position was also Friday, May 17.
Hayden Ashworth, far left at December 2023 EDA Asset Committee meeting. Also pictured around the table from Ashworth’s left are John Stanmeyer, Joe Petty, Rob MacDougall, and Jorie Martin. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini
Ashworth was appointed to the EDA Board of Directors on March 7, 2023. His term was to expire February 28, 2025. We asked current EDA Board Acting Chairman Jd Walter about Ashworth’s loss. “The EDA Board of Directors has really appreciated Hayden’s time as a member, and are disappointed that he is unable to continue serving. Hayden has been a integral part of our Asset Committee, which has done the lion’s share of the work over the last year getting contracts on the remaining EDA properties. He also served as our Secretary and has been a great contributor and valued voice in our discussions. But we understand that work commitments are a priority, and we hope that at some point in the future, he may be able to return to the board,” Walter responded.
In recent months, citing conflicting time commitments to his seasonally based Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast business, then EDA Board Chairman Scott Jenkins did not apply for reappointment to the EDA board when his term ended February 29. Treasurer Jim Wolfe has also left the board recently and Jorie Martin has announced her intention to resign, though has put that resignation on hold temporarily.
Hayden Ashworth, center right of table, joins former chairman Scott Jenkins, left head of table, Treasurer Jim Wolfe, center left of table, and County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, near left back to camera, in leaving the County’s EDA mix in recent months. And Jorie Martin, partially obscured to Wolfe’s left, may also be leaving soon. Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers, observing upper center, may need a scorecard soon to keep up with the EDA roster substitutions.
Readers may recall that when then-EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne and member Greg Harold applied for reinstatement at the end of their terms in March of 2023 after helping guide the EDA through the immediate aftermath of the “financial scandal” of 2014-2018 (both were appointed in 2019), that the board of supervisors rejected their reinstatement requests. See related story (published April 5, 2023): “Did not seeing eye to eye with supervisors on property sales priorities lead to replacement of two longest-tenured EDA board members?”
