Crypto In Your 401(K)? A Grace Period For Crypto Exchanges? There Are Bills For That. – Kitco NEWS https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/crypto-in-your-401k-a-grace-period-for-crypto-exchanges-there-are-bills-for-that-kitco-news/ Editor’s Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today’s must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) – Legislative activities related to cryptocurrencies in the U.S. are on the rise as the global push to establish a regulatory framework for crypto and launch central bank digital currencies (CBDC) continues to intensify.  In the U.S. Senate, a new bill has been introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) that proposes the creation of a safe harbor for cryptocurrency exchanges that might otherwise face legal ramifications for listing unregistered securities.  The text of the bill looks to establish a two-year grace period for crypto exchanges that would protect them from enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for listing tokens deemed to be unregistered securities by the regulating body. The beginning of the grace period starts once the commission makes an official determination that a token is considered unregistered security.  The bill also stipulates that exchanges will not be subject to legal action for failure to register as a broker-dealer or national securities exchange during the grace period.  Eventually, though, all exchanges listing tokens determined to be securities will be required to register as broker-dealers or national securities exchanges. In the event that the bill becomes law, the SEC will still be able to label tokens as unregistered securities via rulemakings, statements and enforcement actions, but the Commodity Futures Trading Commission would have the right to object. Exchanges can also sue to appeal any decisions in court, where a judge would then be tasked with making a ruling on the security status.   The bill faces a tough road ahead; however, as a limited amount of time left in the current legislative session decreases the odds of its passage anytime soon.  Cryptos in your 401(k) A separate piece of legislation recently introduced by three congressional Republicans looks to broaden the type of investments that managers of 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans can make, including the ability to invest in digital assets.  Dubbed ‘The Retirement Savings Modernization Act’, the bill would also allow financial advisors to recommend cryptocurrencies, along with other traditional investment vehicles like private equity or hedge funds, without legal liability.  Outgoing Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) are the sponsors of the bill. Statements given by the congressional members with the bill’s introduction cited inflation and “fiscal uncertainty” as the motivation for expanding retirement investment options. Limitations on 401(k) investments were also criticized as reducing the overall returns compared to traditional pensions despite the fact that far more Americans rely on 401(k)s than traditional pensions for their retirement needs.  “Our legislation will provide the millions of American savers invested in defined contribution plans with the option to enhance their retirement savings through access to the same wide range of alternative assets currently available to savers with defined benefit pension plans,” Senator Toomey said. The fate of this bill, too, remains up in the air; however, as Toomey is not running for reelection and Meijer recently lost his primary election to the Republican challenger Jonh Gibbs. There is still the possibility that the bill could be inserted into a broader end-of-year tax bill, but that remains to be seen.    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Tell Us What You Know About Stormwater Runoff! – City Of Spokane https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/tell-us-what-you-know-about-stormwater-runoff-city-of-spokane/ Meghan Havko, Wastewater Management Education Coordinator, No Phone Number Available Friday, September 30, 2022 at 11:01 a.m. What do you know about stormwater management? The City of Spokane’s stormwater drainage system is a large, complex network of conveyances that are designed to take rainfall and direct it away from streets, buildings, and other public and private property. Please complete this short survey by Oct. 31 to help us better educate the community about the importance of stormwater management. This survey was last conducted in 2019 and the goal is to compare results to see how best we can educate and serve our community. Stormwater management areas around the City collect and treat stormwater runoff by temporarily storing runoff and come in many shapes and sizes. They vary from simple swales, to constructed wetlands, to large grassy depressions in the middle of parks that are dry except right after a rain. Although their designs and appearance are slightly different, their functions and maintenance needs are similar. For more information on managing stormwater in the City of Spokane, visit SpokaneStormwater.org. More About… Older

Latest News Updates: Carnival Shares Hit 30-Year Low After Cruise Operator Warns Of Net Loss – Financial Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/latest-news-updates-carnival-shares-hit-30-year-low-after-cruise-operator-warns-of-net-loss-financial-times/ Choose your subscription Trial Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT For 4 weeks receive unlimited Premium digital access to the FT’s trusted, award-winning business news Digital Be informed with the essential news and opinion MyFT – track the topics most important to you FT Weekend – full access to the weekend content Mobile & Tablet Apps – download to read on the go Gift Article – share up to 10 articles a month with family, friends and colleagues Print FT print edition delivered Monday – Saturday along with ePaper access Delivery to your home or office Monday to Saturday FT Weekend paper – a stimulating blend of news and lifestyle features ePaper access – the digital replica of the printed newspaper Team or Enterprise Premium FT.com access for multiple users, with integrations & admin tools Group Subscription Premium Digital access, plus: Convenient access for groups of users Integration with third party platforms and CRM systems Usage based pricing and volume discounts for multiple users Subscription management tools and usage reporting SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) Dedicated account and customer success teams Or, if you are already a subscriber Sign in Are you a student or a professor? Check if your university has an FT membership to read for free. Check my access

England WU23s, WU19s And WU17s Squads Named For October Internationals – England Football https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/england-wu23s-wu19s-and-wu17s-squads-named-for-october-internationals-england-football/ Published 30 September 2022 4 min read England Youth Teams Written by: Callum Davies There’s EURO qualifiers and international games for three of our England Women’s development teams in October England players across three age groups will be in action during October with the WU23s taking on Norway and Sweden while the WU17s and WU19s will begin qualification for UEFA tournaments next summer. Head of Women’s Technical, Kay Cossington said: “Every new international season is important for our players on the pathway but after the incredible summer for our seniors, we all have an extra spring in our step. We’re seeing real benefits from the reintroduction of our under-23 set-up, not least in providing more international opportunities for those players moving beyond the younger age-groups and the incentive is there following the EURO success. “For our WU17s and WU19s, taking part in official UEFA competitions gives them the chance to build confidence, face new opposition and learn about what’s involved in travelling away. “As much as we want to see progression on the pitch and qualification for final tournaments, we are also grateful for the chance to develop the players’ life experiences and grow their understanding of what it means to represent an England team.” WU23s The WU23s will look to continue their winning run when they return to action again next month with a trip away to Sweden. Mo Marley’s squad will take on their Scandinavian hosts in Falkenberg on Monday 10 October, with kick-off at 6pm local time. The last time an England age-group side met Sweden was at the WU19 EURO this summer when Sweden won 1-0 on 30 June in a group-stage fixture in Czech Republic. The upcoming Sweden fixture comes after the Young Lionesses won 2-1 in Norway earlier this month and the teams will meet again on Thursday 6 October in a behind-closed-doors fixture to be played at St. George’s Park. The WU23 squad have enjoyed some tough tests this year, starting with a double header with France in February, which ended with a 1-1 draw following a 3-2 defeat, followed by a 3-0 victory and a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in April. England Women’s Under-23 squadGoalkeepers: Fran Bentley (Bristol City), Emily Ramsey (Everton on loan from Manchester United), Kayla Rendell (Southampton) Defenders: Asmita Ale (Tottenham Hotspur), Anouk Denton (University of Louisville), Jorja Fox (Brighton & Hove Albion on loan from Chelsea), Freya Gregory (Aston Villa), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Poppy Pattinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mia Ross (Charlton Athletic), Kiera Skeels (Charlton Athletic) Midfielders: Missy Bo Kearns (Liverpool), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Aston Villa), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Mel Filis (West Ham), Ruby Grant (University of North Carolina), Molly Pike (Leicester City), Charlotte Wardlaw (Liverpool on loan from Chelsea) Forwards: Angela Addison (Charlton Athletic), Ellie Brazil (Tottenham Hotspur), Jess Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Shannon O’Brien (Leicester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion) Last season’s WU19s reached the EURO Finals and will be starting out on the new campaign in October WU19s England WU19s will look to emulate last year’s achievement at the same age group when they begin qualifying for the 2023 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship. The Young Lionesses under the guidance of Emma Coates will report on Sunday ahead of a three-match mini-tournament to be played in a round-robin format in Slovakia. Last season’s WU19s reached the summer finals in Czech Republic, achieving a 4-1 defeat of eventual runners-up Norway in the process. The prize this time around should England finish in the top three in their first qualifying round group and then make it through a second round is a place in the eight-team finals in Belgium next June. The first round of qualifying for the 2023 edition will begin in Group A4 against Slovenia next Wednesday at the Spišská Nová Ves Stadium with a 12pm kick-off local time (11am BST). England will then meet the hosts Slovakia on Saturday 8 October at NTC Poprad, this time with a 5pm kick-off local time (4pm BST). The group action will conclude on Tuesday 11 October against Denmark back at Spišská Nová Ves Stadium with a 2pm kick-off local time (1pm BST). England Women’s Under-19 squadGoalkeepers: Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Natalia Negri (Crystal Palace) Defenders: Katie Dungate (Chelsea), Naomi Layzell (Bristol City), Olivia McLoughlin (Aston Villa), Lucy Parry (Hibernian on loan from Liverpool), Evie Rabjohn (Aston Villa), Hannah Silcock (Liverpool), Jessica Simpson (Burnley – dual contract with Manchester United) Midfielders: Elysia Boddy (Bristol City), Shauna Guyatt (Crystal Palace), Alex Hennessy (West Ham United), Halle Houssein (West Ham United), Grace Palmer (Lewes), Mackenzie Smith (Nottingham Forest – dual contract with Leicester City) Forwards: Keira Barry (Derby County – dual contract with Manchester United), Mia Enderby (Sheffield United), Freya Godfrey (Ipswich Town – dual contract with Arsenal), Freya Jupp (De Paul University), Emma Thompson (Lewes on loan from Chelsea) England WU17s start out on their EURO qualifying campaign in Estonia this month WU17s The WU17s will begin their attempt to qualify for the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Estonia next month. Under the guidance of head coach Natalie Henderson, the Young Lionesses will travel to Tallinn on Tuesday for three first-round matches against Ukraine, the hosts and Denmark. A top-three finish in the group, which will be played on a round-robin basis, would take them through to the second round and keep alive hopes of making it to the summer finals which will also be played in the Baltic nation. Estonia are taking part in qualifying, despite their guaranteed place in the tournament. The hosts will be England’s second opponents on 10 October at Lilleküla Stadium with kick-off at 6pm local time, 4pm BST. The Young Lionesses will start against Ukraine at Kadrioru Stadium on 7 October (kick-off 2.30pm local, 12.30pm BST) and finish their campaign against Denmark in the same venue on 13 October 2022 (2.30pm local, 12.30pm BST) England Women’s Under-17 squad Goalkeepers: Katie Cox (Chelsea), Sophia Poor (Leicester City) Defenders: Daisy Hind (Chelsea), Scarlett Kagalwala (Chelsea), Grace Nascimento (Aston Villa), Lucy Newell (West Bromwich Albion), Katie Reid (Arsenal), Mari Ward (Bristol City) Midfielders: Lola Brown (Chelsea), Maddy Earl (Arsenal), Laila Harbert (Arsenal), Lola Nesbeth (Chelsea), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Zara Shaw (Liverpool) Forwards: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal), Ava Baker (Leicester City), Araya Dennis (Arsenal), Vivienne Lia (Arsenal), Ruby Seaby (Arsenal), Ruby-Rae Tucker (Aston Villa) WOMEN’S & GIRLS’ FOOTBALL: FIND OUT MORE

How To Travel More Sustainably Without Harming Destinations – Insider https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/how-to-travel-more-sustainably-without-harming-destinations-insider/ Traveling sustainably is about making intentional choices to serve your destination and planet well. We asked experts how to make these choices when planning a trip to be as sustainable as possible.  This article is part of “Better Me,” a series about improving your lifestyle and helping society through sustainable efforts and eco-consciousness. Loading Something is loading. Sustainable travel can feel like an oxymoron — as Justin Francis, the cofounder and CEO of Responsible Travel, a UK-based travel company that evaluates trips and vacation providers, told Insider. The travel industry can create jobs, or it can lead to over-tourism that lowers residents’ quality of life. Flights emit harmful emissions, but transport travelers to destinations where they can support local economies and participate in positive, nature-based tourism. Lodging accommodations can boost the local economy, or price residents out of their homes. But Francis believes people can travel “in a way that not only reduces harm but actively maximizes the benefits, for both planet and people.” Five other sustainable travel experts who spoke with Insider agree and say there are actions travelers can take to lower their negative impact, support the destinations they’re visiting, and have an overall better trip. They suggest considering every aspect of your trip — from where you go to how you get there — as you plan to travel more sustainably. Kelley Louise, the executive director and founder of Impact Travel Alliance, a nonprofit centered on informing travelers to help improve the world, told Insider that traveling sustainably takes practice and being an imperfect traveler is better than not trying. As Louise said, “It’s about asking, ‘How can you make little decisions that add up over time and have a positive impact on the world?'” If you’re looking for a place to start, here’s what the experts Insider spoke with recommend. Abbey Lossing for Insider Go off the beaten path Some of the experts Insider spoke with suggest skipping top tourist destinations and opting for under-the-radar spots. “By seeking out the less-visited destinations, you will be helping to spread the economic benefits of tourism more widely and helping to avoid the negative impacts that over-tourism has on local residents,” Georgina Davies — the communications manager for The Travel Foundation, a group that advocates for sustainable tourism — told Insider. Paloma Zapata agrees. The CEO of Sustainable Travel International — an organization that works with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to provide sustainable travel opportunities — also recommends visiting a hidden gem. If you’re going to Greece, for instance, you could skip Mykonos and head to an island like Anafi or Ios with fewer tourists. Once you’ve picked your destination, Davies encourages travelers to visit the region’s national parks and protected areas. Often these places have entrance fees, which support conservation efforts. Choose a destination that embraces sustainability Jessica Blotter, CEO and cofounder of public benefit corporation Kind Travel, told Insider she looks for destinations with tourism boards that have a dedicated sustainable travel section on their website. She recommends avoiding areas where sustainable transportation and lodging are hard to find, and “where access to nature and the outdoors is limited.” Vacation during shoulder season Tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain without hordes of people around or exploring Niagara Falls in the winter isn’t just beneficial to travelers; experts say it also supports sustainability. Visiting destinations during shoulder seasons “spreads the benefits of tourism locally across the year and lightens the burden of over-tourism in popular destinations,” Francis said. His company, Responsible Travel, has a guide that outlines the best time to visit certain destinations.  Zapata added that you’re also more likely to have a stress-free and special vacation if you’re visiting when there are fewer crowds. “It could be even more enriching,” she said. “When you’re on a beach or on a sailboat and it’s just surrounded by masses of people, maybe that’s not the best experience.” Visit fewer places for longer One way to travel more responsibly is to visit fewer places for longer periods of time. For example, instead of spending a week in four European countries, plan a 10-day trip to one or two. “Fewer but longer trips mean fewer air miles, more money in local hands, and you’ll have a more relaxing trip, too,” Francis said. “If you can, keep shorter trips close to home or travel by land or sea.” He added that these modes of travel can be an adventure in themselves, and allow you to “see so much more of a destination.” If you must travel a long distance, Blotter recommends stretching the trip as much as possible to maximize your experience. “Booking multiple, long-haul trips per year is not sustainable or carbon-friendly,” she said. Abbey Lossing for Insider Evaluate the distance for the most sustainable way to get there The first step in deciding how to responsibly get to your destination is considering the number of people traveling and the distance you’re going. Besides biking and walking, trains are typically one of the most sustainable ways to travel, Zapata said. If your destination is accessible by train, consider that. If you’re debating whether it’s more sustainable to fly or drive, Zapata said it comes down to the distance. “A lot of times trains are going to be more energy and carbon efficient,” she said. “But when it comes to a car, there comes a moment when flying is actually more carbon efficient than driving when you’re talking about very long distances.” Calculators like the ones offered by the International Civil Aviation Organization and Environmental Defense Fund can help travelers map out the least carbon-intensive way to get from A to B. If you need to fly, opt for nonstop routes and travel in economy Flying will likely be the most unsustainable aspect of your trip. Aviation makes up about 2% of global carbon emissions and 80% of a vacation’s carbon footprint comes from the flight, according to National Geographic. Experts suggest thinking about how much you should fly in a year. For example, maybe you take one international flight a year and prioritize having the rest of your trips close to home, Louise said.  But no matter where you jet off to, experts recommend flying nonstop in economy. “When booking long-distance plane travel, always choose a direct flight with no layovers,” Blotter said. “Direct flights use less carbon dioxide than connecting flights.” Additionally, by flying in economy, as some of the experts Insider spoke with pointed out, you maximize the number of people a flight can carry by taking up less space. Ultimately, though, the best thing you can do is reduce your carbon footprint during your trip. Experts like Louise and Gregory Miller, the executive director of the international nonprofit Center for Responsible Travel, agree that carbon offsets act more like a Band-Aid than a solution to sustainable travel. But if they do decide to purchase carbon offsets, which reduce or remove emissions to compensate for those made during a trip, Miller suggests purchasing through a reliable, vetted program. Groups like Zapata’s Sustainable Travel say they invest people’s money into carbon-reducing projects centered on clean energy and biodiversity.  Abbey Lossing for Insider Pack light The simplest advice when it comes to being a sustainable packer is to pack less, Zapata said. “Travel light,” she said. “You don’t need 20 shoes to travel.” Blotter agrees and says that by packing lighter, you’ll reduce carbon emissions. That’s because the lighter the aircraft, train, car, or boat, the less energy is needed.  Louise added that by packing fewer items and using a carry-on, you’ll get through security faster and avoid the hassle of checking a bag. Pack reusable items Francis suggests adding the items you use at home to your packing list. That might include a reusable water bottle, a bag for shopping, and utensils to avoid plastic cutlery.   Louise acknowledges that it might not be feasible for every traveler to carry a reusable water bottle, so she urges travelers to consider what other meaningful swaps they could make. For example, Louise said she swapped liquid shampoo and conditioner for shampoo and conditioner bars a few vacations back. The bars are lighter than liquid soaps, which means they save carbon emissions during transportation. Plus, many are packaged in recyclable paper instead of plastic.   The switch became permanent in Louise’s daily life, she said, adding that it made traveling easier since she didn’t have to worry about leaks or liquids at airport security. “It’s a cool example of how we can look for more sustainable experiences that are also better travel experiences,” she said. “Plus it opens our eyes to new habits that can help us become more conscious consumers as well.” Pack brands you support If you’re doing some pre-vacation shopping, Louise recommends buying from brands that place sustainability at the forefront of their business. “If you’re supporting corporations and brands that are working on sustainability as well, then that’s going to move the needle and create change a lot quicker than we could as individuals,” she said. For tropical getaways, pack reef-safe sunscreen If you’re heading to Aruba or planning a diving trip in Belize, experts say travelers should ensure reef-safe sunscreen is on their packing lists. “Sunscreen can be very damaging to the environment and not everybody knows,” Zapata said.  Ingredients in everyday sunscreen can harm both coral reefs and local w...

Latest Business News India Today 1 October 2022 | News Headlines – Tentaran https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/latest-business-news-india-today-1-october-2022-news-headlines-tentaran/ Please follow and like us: Here’s today business news, the latest business news India today 1 October 2022 Air India will introduce 20 additional flights to Birmingham, London, and San Francisco to strengthen its international presence. LIC Mutual Fund to merge with IDBI Mutual fund, merger in an advanced stage. IGIA becomes India’s 1st 5G ready airport, passengers with 5G handsets and SIMs can experience the technology once telecom industries roll out 5G services. Buy Online Women’s Kurta Pant Palazzo and Kaftan Dress at Wholesale Price – Shop Now Must Read: 1 October in Indian history Limited Offer – Buy Online Books in India – Buy Deepshikha Books Online at Best Prices In India – Buy Now Latest business news India today 1 October 2022 – business news headlines today Schneider Electric India Pvt Ltd to set up its 2nd facility at Telangana with an investment of Rs 300 crores. Adani Green Energy Ltd to commission the largest wind-solar power plant in the world of 600MW capacity in Jaisalmer. K Raheja Corp has acquired 1.5 acres of land parcel in Mumbai’s Sion from K J Somaiya Trust for Rs 120 crores. The government has lowered its borrowing target from the market for the current fiscal year by Rs 10,000 crores due to buoyant tax collection. Hero Motorcorp has collaborated with California-based manufacturers of electric motorcycles, Zero Motorcycles for developing electric motorcycles. Must Read:1 October 2022 ke Mukhya Samachar Latest business news India today 1 October 2022 – business news India today Uno Minda to set up a JV with Tachi-S Company for manufacturing and marketing of seat recliners for the passengers of four-wheelers in India. The largest maker of beer in India, United Breweries, has introduced Heineken Silver as a move to expand the Heineken franchise. The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition proposed of a 100% stake in DB Power and Diligent Power by Adani Group. An amount of Rs 21.14 crores in the bank accounts of OctaFX and related entities has been frozen by the Enforcement Directorate due to violations of forex rules. Must Read:News Headlines of India today 1 October 2022 Must Read:Today Current Affairs 1 October To keep yourself abreast with the latest business news India today 1 October 2022 – business news headlines today, business news India, India startup world news, latest business news, business news live, latest news, business news today India, do follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For watching our collection of videos, follow us on YouTube.

‘The Pandemic Made Me Embrace My Alopecia – I Ditched The Wigs After 17 Years’ – Women’s Health UK https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-pandemic-made-me-embrace-my-alopecia-i-ditched-the-wigs-after-17-years-womens-health-uk/ The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimate that 100,000 people in the UK live with alopecia areata, an auto-immune disease in which the body attacks the hair follicles, causing baldness. As Alopecia Awareness Month rolls to a close, we hear from Laura Matthias, 31, who was diagnosed with the condition when she was at secondary school. She is a campaigner with Changing Faces UK and a volunteer with Alopecia UK, but next year she will be taking to the catwalk for London Fashion Week – something that she never thought would be possible when she was a terrified schoolgirl craving answers, and to simply fit in with her peers. Her catwalk booking is made even more impressive as it wasn’t until the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic that she finally found the confidence to leave home without a wig. Laura writes… Ironically, it was my hairdresser who first found a small bald patch at the back of my scalp when I was 13 years old. My mum had only recently gifted me some GHD hair straighteners, and I remember worrying if I had done something wrong when using them. Laura Mathias has finally found the confidence to leave home without a wig (c) Debbie Burrows My hairdresser told me not to worry, it was ‘normal’ to have areas of less hair but suggested to my mum that we go check it out with the doctor. I was young, so it’s hard to remember how I felt that day other than ANXIOUS looking at the faces of that hairdresser and my mum in the mirror, seeing their concern and then their attempt to smile and say it was going to be fine when they saw me watching them. ‘I was waking up to hair all over my pillow and felt all-consumed what was happening to me.’ When I went to the doctor to show him my bald patches, he said it was ‘probably’ an autoimmune condition called alopecia. The doctor told me to ‘try not to worry’, and that stress would make it worse. My parents were going through a messy divorce and I was a teenager at high school; worrying was part of my daily routine! Now, I was worried I was to blame for my hair falling out too. I look back at that diagnosis and wish the doctor had taken a more holistic approach. Why didn’t he consider how telling me, at such a young age, that my hair would ‘probably’ come back if I ‘calmed down’ would have a detrimental impact on my mental and physical health. I was waking up to hair all over my pillow and felt all-consumed what was happening to me. I was so embarrassed as my hair loss progressed that I stopped going to school. In fact, I stopped leaving the house altogether when I couldn’t hide it anymore. I couldn’t face how different I looked and completely withdrew for around six months. Aged 14, at the start of a new academic year, I forced myself back to school. After a week of trying to hide my hair loss with hairbands and sitting at the back of classes, I asked my hairdresser to shave my head and help me style a wig. I wore it every day, even though it aggravated the eczema on my scalp and was far too big for me. This hiding my hair loss went on for over 17 years until, in the pandemic, I decided I’d had enough. I started the journey to embrace my alopecia and share my story on social media (@RelightAlopecia) to build my confidence and in the hope of helping others who felt they have to hide their hair loss from the world. ‘Now, aged 31, I can leave my house without my wig and exist as a happy, healthy, bald woman.’ My confidence isn’t consistent by any means, whose is? I still have days where I want to reach for the wig. But now, aged 31, I can leave my house without it and exist as a happy, healthy, bald woman. That is something I NEVER thought I would be able to do. I haven’t felt confident to rock the bald at a wedding or ‘dress up’ event yet but I think that’s OK. Wigs can be fun, I just want to choose when I wear them, not feel I have to as it’s the only acceptable way to present in public. Bald can be beautiful too! So many people experience hair loss, for many different reasons, but it can be hard to get a formal diagnosis. I think we need to work with brands and publications to shift the shame so we can be honest about the struggle of living with thinning or no hair. ‘I stopped going to school. In fact, I stopped leaving the house altogether.’ I would much rather engage with a brand showcasing inspirational and real people, than ‘aspirational’ content any day. I don’t want anyone else out there to ever feel ashamed of looking different just because society has told us we should look a certain way. The best way to tackle this is for brands to lead the change and show all people, hair or not. People don’t need to be fixed, products are available to elevate and assist us in loving ourselves, not fixing us. Laura wants brands to help women feel their best, not want to look different Debbie Burrows This is my advice for others experiencing alopecia There is no right way to deal with alopecia. If you want to wear wigs, if you want to tattoo your scalp, whatever you want to do – you do you! Take people’s opinions with a pinch of salt! If you choose to confide in friends about your hair loss, you may find they are full of advice and platitudes intended to make you feel better. I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has said to me: ‘It’s just hair, at least you can save money on hairdressers.’ People mean well, but their opinion is often unfounded and unwelcome. How YOU feel about YOU is all that matters. Learn to love yourself – showing yourself, and your body, kindness is still one of the most radical things I think we can do in a world bombarding us with ‘solutions’ to the long list of ‘trouble areas’ on a woman’s body. I make a conscious effort every day to try and be kinder about who I am and how I look.

Fantasy Baseball Today: Francisco Alvarez Gets The Call For Mets-Braves; Jarred Kelenic Finding A Groove – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fantasy-baseball-today-francisco-alvarez-gets-the-call-for-mets-braves-jarred-kelenic-finding-a-groove-cbs-sports/ Happy Friday, everyone! We get our first taste of playoff baseball atmosphere tonight — no it’s not actually the playoffs — but Braves vs. Mets is as close to it as can be. These teams are playing for high stakes as far as how their playoff blueprint will map out. And that’s important. We’ll be on the lookout for that, Aaron Judge’s chase for another homer and a lot more on the last Friday slate of the regular season. We’ll dive into some of the key action from Thursday, but first, make sure you’re all caught up on everything Scott White is cooking up over at CBSSports.com/Fantasy. Scott is already getting started on his 2023 rankings pieces and he has kicked things off with his top-20 catcher rankings. It’s always a fun read to check out rankings this early, but I also always find it helpful to keep my mind sharp and get an idea of which players to follow throughout the offseason. Scott is bullish on Adley Rutschman and has him ranked No. 4: “It took him a couple months to get acclimated, but once the rookie began walking like he did in the minors (say, July 1 on), he was about an .850 OPS guy, which would be good enough to lead the position most years. The power only figures to improve, and the Orioles have already shown a willingness to DH him on his “off” days.” Sean Murphy cracked the top 10 at No. 9 after his strong finish to the season: “It’s been a bumpy ride for Murphy since reaching the majors, but he began to live up to his potential over the final two-thirds of the season, shaving 10 percentage points of his strikeout rate to bring the batting average up around .280. He could be traded this offseason, which would further enhance his value.” MJ Melendez is a catcher I can see myself targeting and he just cracked Scott’s top 12 at No. 12: “Melendez’s rookie season was a mixed bag, highlighted by plus plate discipline and strong exit velocity readings. Most impressive, though, was the Royals‘ commitment to playing him alongside Salvy Perez, having the rookie spend much of his time in the outfield.” Mets get potentially big boost The New York Mets made a massive decision on Thursday to call up their top prospect in baseball — catcher Francisco Alvarez — ahead of this pivotal series against Atlanta. The 20-year-old righty hit .260 with a whopping 27 homers and an .885 OPS across 112 minor league games (45 of those at Triple A). As of now, the Mets are expected to hit Alvarez against left-handed pitching. That means he’ll get his opportunity this weekend against Max Fried, currently the only left-handed starter slated to pitch against the Mets in this series. A much-improved Kelenic? Jarred Kelenic has been up and down in the minors and majors this season, but he may finally be catching a groove and we’re excited to see it play out through the remainder of the season. On Thursday, Kelenic hit two home runs and he now has three homers since returning from the minors. In just seven games, he has struck out just five times. The strikeouts were a major issue for Kelenic before his last demotion. He is also batting .320 and looks like a clearly more confident batter in the box. Fantasy news, injuries and notes For a complete recap of every injury, update and more, make sure you’re locked into the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast where Frank, Scott and Chris dive deep into every player note. For the CliffsNotes version, we’ll recap the biggest news and notes you need to know right here: Julio Rodriguez returned to baseball activities Thursday and continues to aim for Monday activation when first eligible.  Scott has Julio Rodriguez first overall in his early 2023 two-round mock. Tony Gonsolin is set to return Monday against the Rockies (in LA). He only pitched two innings in his lone rehab start.  Trevor Story is dealing with an illness and is unlikely to play again this season. Corey Seager has missed two straight after being hit by a pitch on his forearm Tuesday.  Sixto Sanchez will undergo shoulder surgery on Monday. The expectation remains that Sanchez will be ready for spring training. He hasn’t pitched since September of 2020.  Michael Brantley said that he should be ready to resume full baseball activities by spring training. He was limited to just 64 games due to a shoulder injury. Zach Plesac had his start pushed back to Saturday with Aaron Civale starting Friday.  The great Connor Joe was placed on the IL with a shoulder strain. Matt Manning was placed on the 60-day IL with a right forearm strain. It’s unknown whether Manning will be available when spring training starts.  Guardians catcher prospect Bo Naylor was promoted to their taxi squad, which sounds like he could get a cup of coffee here in the majors. His numbers in the 2022 minors: .263, 21 HR, 20 SB, .888 OPS over 118 games (66 in AAA).

Global Metaverse Market Report To 2030 – Featuring Alibaba Group Holding, ByteDance, Facebook And Huawei Technologies Among Others – Yahoo Finance https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/global-metaverse-market-report-to-2030-featuring-alibaba-group-holding-bytedance-facebook-and-huawei-technologies-among-others-yahoo-finance/ , /PRNewswire/ — The “Metaverse Market By Component, By Technology, By Application, By Industry Vertical: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030” report has been added to  ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. Research and Markets Logo According to this report the metaverse market was valued at $41.9 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $1,237.0 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 40.4% from 2021 to 2030. Metaverse platforms are a virtual three-dimensional extension of the internet and social media platforms. Metaverse technologies provide its users with a great deal of versatility, in terms of immersive real-time interactions, as well as the ability to design whatever online environment they desire. With the help of metaverse, anybody can build a space and join a global community on an interoperable and decentralized multiplatform, where they can exchange their products or commodities with the rest of the world. Rise in demand for work from home and remote working tools during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic led to growth of the global metaverse market. Growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are positively impacting growth of the metaverse market. However, complex security and privacy challenges on the metaverse platform hamper the metaverse market. On the contrary, a positive drive toward decentralized network technology is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for expansion of the metaverse market during the forecast period. The metaverse market is segmented on the basis of component, technology, application, industry vertical, and region. On the basis of component, the market is divided into hardware, software, and service. Depending on technology, it is classified into blockchain, virtual reality & augmented reality, mixed reality, and others. On the basis of application, it is segmented into gaming, online shopping, content creation & social media, events & conference, digital marketing, testing & inspection, and others. By industry vertical, it is divided into BFSI, retail, media and entertainment, education, aerospace & defense, automotive, and others. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The global metaverse market is dominated by key players such as Alibaba Group Holding Limited, ByteDance Ltd, Facebook, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Nextech AR Solutions Inc., NVIDIA Corporation, Roblox Corporation, Shenzhen Zqgame Co., Ltd, Tencent, and Unity Technologies. These players have adopted various strategies to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. Key Benefits For Stakeholders The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global metaverse market forecast along with current & future trends to explain the imminent investment pockets. Information about key drivers, restraints, & opportunities and their impact analysis on global Metaverse trend is provided in the report. Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers operating in the industry. The quantitative metaverse market analysis from 2021 to 2031 is provided to determine the market potential. Key Topics Covered: CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW 3.1. Market definition and scope 3.2. Key findings 3.2.1. Top investment pockets 3.3. Porter’s five forces analysis 3.4. Top player positioning 3.5. Market dynamics 3.5.1. Drivers 3.5.2. Restraints 3.5.3. Opportunities 3.6. COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the market CHAPTER 4: METAVERSE MARKET, BY COMPONENT 4.1 Overview 4.1.1 Market size and forecast 4.2 Hardware 4.2.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 4.2.2 Market size and forecast, by region 4.2.3 Market analysis by country 4.3 Software 4.3.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 4.3.2 Market size and forecast, by region 4.3.3 Market analysis by country 4.4 Service 4.4.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 4.4.2 Market size and forecast, by region 4.4.3 Market analysis by country CHAPTER 5: METAVERSE MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY 5.1 Overview 5.1.1 Market size and forecast 5.2 Blockchain 5.2.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 5.2.2 Market size and forecast, by region 5.2.3 Market analysis by country 5.3 Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality 5.3.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 5.3.2 Market size and forecast, by region 5.3.3 Market analysis by country 5.4 Mixed Reality 5.4.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 5.4.2 Market size and forecast, by region 5.4.3 Market analysis by country 5.5 Others 5.5.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 5.5.2 Market size and forecast, by region 5.5.3 Market analysis by country CHAPTER 6: METAVERSE MARKET, BY APPLICATION 6.1 Overview 6.1.1 Market size and forecast 6.2 Gaming 6.2.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.2.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.2.3 Market analysis by country 6.3 Online Shopping 6.3.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.3.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.3.3 Market analysis by country 6.4 Content Creation and Social Media 6.4.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.4.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.4.3 Market analysis by country 6.5 Events and Conference 6.5.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.5.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.5.3 Market analysis by country 6.6 Digital Marketing 6.6.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.6.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.6.3 Market analysis by country 6.7 Testing and Inspection 6.7.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.7.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.7.3 Market analysis by country 6.8 Others 6.8.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 6.8.2 Market size and forecast, by region 6.8.3 Market analysis by country CHAPTER 7: METAVERSE MARKET, BY INDUSTRY VERTICAL 7.1 Overview 7.1.1 Market size and forecast 7.2 BFSI 7.2.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.2.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.2.3 Market analysis by country 7.3 Retail 7.3.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.3.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.3.3 Market analysis by country 7.4 Media and Entertainment 7.4.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.4.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.4.3 Market analysis by country 7.5 Education 7.5.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.5.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.5.3 Market analysis by country 7.6 Aerospace and Defense 7.6.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.6.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.6.3 Market analysis by country 7.7 Automotive 7.7.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.7.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.7.3 Market analysis by country 7.8 Others 7.8.1 Key market trends, growth factors and opportunities 7.8.2 Market size and forecast, by region 7.8.3 Market analysis by country CHAPTER 8: METAVERSE MARKET, BY REGION CHAPTER 9: COMPANY LANDSCAPE 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Top winning strategies 9.3. Product Mapping of Top 10 Player 9.4. Competitive Dashboard 9.5. Competitive Heatmap 9.6. Key developments CHAPTER 10: COMPANY PROFILES 10.1 Alibaba Group Holding Limited 10.1.1 Company overview 10.1.2 Company snapshot 10.1.3 Operating business segments 10.1.4 Product portfolio 10.1.5 Business performance 10.1.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.2 ByteDance Ltd 10.2.1 Company overview 10.2.2 Company snapshot 10.2.3 Operating business segments 10.2.4 Product portfolio 10.2.5 Business performance 10.2.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.3 Facebook, Inc. 10.3.1 Company overview 10.3.2 Company snapshot 10.3.3 Operating business segments 10.3.4 Product portfolio 10.3.5 Business performance 10.3.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.4 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. 10.4.1 Company overview 10.4.2 Company snapshot 10.4.3 Operating business segments 10.4.4 Product portfolio 10.4.5 Business performance 10.4.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.5 Nextech AR Solutions Inc. 10.5.1 Company overview 10.5.2 Company snapshot 10.5.3 Operating business segments 10.5.4 Product portfolio 10.5.5 Business performance 10.5.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.6 NVIDIA Corporation 10.6.1 Company overview 10.6.2 Company snapshot 10.6.3 Operating business segments 10.6.4 Product portfolio 10.6.5 Business performance 10.6.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.7 Roblox Corporation 10.7.1 Company overview 10.7.2 Company snapshot 10.7.3 Operating business segments 10.7.4 Product portfolio 10.7.5 Business performance 10.7.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.8 Shenzhen Zqgame Co., Ltd 10.8.1 Company overview 10.8.2 Company snapshot 10.8.3 Operating business segments 10.8.4 Product portfolio 10.8.5 Business performance 10.8.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.9 Tencent Holdings 10.9.1 Company overview 10.9.2 Company snapshot 10.9.3 Operating business segments 10.9.4 Product portfolio 10.9.5 Business performance 10.9.6 Key strategic moves and developments 10.10 Unity Technologies 10.10.1 Company overview 10.10.2 Company snapshot 10.10.3 Operating business segments 10.10.4 Product portfolio 10.10.5 Business performance 10.10.6 Key strategic moves and developments For more information about this rep...

How To Make Better Coffee, Whether Pour-Over, Cold Brew Or Keurig – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/how-to-make-better-coffee-whether-pour-over-cold-brew-or-keurig-the-washington-post/ The body of knowledge around coffee seems to grow exponentially every year, as the industry continues to roll out new brewers (sometimes to fix a problem created by a brewer from the prehistoric era of, say, 2005) or just develops more gadgets to separate coffee geeks from their money. (One peek into my kitchen cabinets, and you can tell who’s a sucker for gadgetry.) But here’s the thing about gadgets: No Japanese Origami dripper, no sleek high-tech grinder, no pouring tool and no temperature-controlled goose-neck kettle can overcome a batch of inferior beans. As James Hoffmann, managing director of Square Mile Coffee Roasters in East London and a general authority on the subject, writes in his latest volume, “The Best Coffee at Home”: Depending on your method, you should use beans four to five days after they’ve been roasted (for filter coffee) or seven to eight days after the roast (for espresso). But either way, once you’ve opened the bag, you should plan to use it up within two weeks. It’s safe to say, you won’t consistently find these kind of freshly roasted beans at supermarkets, even at Whole Foods. Which is why you need to frequent, and befriend the team, at your local roastery. They’ll make sure you start with the freshest beans, often sourced from small farms or collectives that have developed close relationships with roasters. Over the years, I’ve written a lot about brewing coffee at home and my relationship with the drink. As we head into the cooler months, I thought it would a good time to collect these articles on a single page, for easy reference if nothing else. My knowledge, like the industry’s, has evolved, which is just another way of saying that I might approach some of these stories differently in 2022. But I think they still give you an idea of how different brewers, techniques, beans, water temperatures, roast levels and more can affect what you taste in the cup. The stories may not change how you brew coffee at home, and that’s cool. If I’ve learned one thing about coffee over the years, it’s this: People love to fight for their right to enjoy a dark-roast blend that’s been reduced to mud after an hour on the warming plate of a Mr. Coffee. And you know what? They’re right. Coffee is one of the most personal things you consume, day in and day out. It should be prepared just as you like it. How to brew better coffee at home and save money in 5 easy steps: You don’t have to be a barista to make better coffee. With just a small investment in equipment — you don’t need a scale or thermometer! — and a little bit of time, you can turn your morning cup into something appreciably better than what you can make from a cheap drip coffee maker or a Keurig. How to hack your Keurig machine and get a better cup of coffee: Speaking of the Keurig, the popular push-bottom brewer may be anathema to specialty-coffee snobs, but, as we discover, you can improve the machine’s performance with a few important alterations. I thought cold brew coffee wasn’t worth a hill of beans until I used the right ones: Cold brew is a divisive subject among coffee lovers for one reason: Steeping ground beans in cold (or room temperature) water doesn’t extract the same flavors as steeping them in hot water. The cold-brew process produces a cup that’s sweeter and rounder, for sure, but usually at the expense of acids and other flavor compounds that give coffee depth and balance. These two recipes, however, produce a coffee that has more complexity than your typical cold brew. Each coffee brewing method has pros and cons. We tried 5 to help you find your perfect cup. No two coffee brewers are alike, even when using the same beans. Each will extract different flavors. Each will result in a different viscosity, or weight, which you can sense on the tongue. Which is why it’s important to find the brewer that best suits your tastes. (By the way, if you’re curious, Mia Farrow went with the Chemex.) How to make an excellent coffee pour-over and start your day right: Do you consider making coffee by hand a hassle? This streamlined recipe delivers many of the benefits of pour-over coffee without all the equipment and fuss. The recipe also suggests you can treat the morning ritual more like a meditation, one that results in a stimulant, the perfect combination to start any day. Coffee at home: Experiments in brewing. You might wonder why there are so many coffee brewers on the market, some that require no skill and some that take weeks to master. We take you through the pros and cons of nine brewing systems, whether a French press or a cool Japanese siphon that requires a small butane burner. You might find one that aligns with your daily habits and needs. Coffee is not just a drug to make us good worker bees. It’s a pleasure. No matter how you brew coffee, you shouldn’t treat the drink as if its sole purpose is to prepare you for another day on the hamster wheel. Kick back. Hold a warm cup between your hands. Enjoy it for what it is: One of life’s great pleasures.

David Gokhshtein’s Still Got Bags Of DOGE, Cardano Creator Urges IOTA’s Co-Founder To Debate, SHIB To Be Burned Via Amazon In New Way: Crypto News Digest By U.Today – U.Today https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/david-gokhshteins-still-got-bags-of-doge-cardano-creator-urges-iotas-co-founder-to-debate-shib-to-be-burned-via-amazon-in-new-way-crypto-news-digest-by-u-today-u-today/ Valeria Blokhina U.Today’s daily news digest keeps you informed of most important updates in the crypto industry The last days of September were rich with crypto events. Take a look at the most important of them with U.Today’s top four news stories. Still got bags of DOGE, waiting for price to go parabolic: David Gokhshtein David Gokhshtein, crypto enthusiast and founder of Gokhshtein Media, has long been supporting Dogecoin, calling it a crypto that can allow people to get into Bitcoin. Yesterday, he expressed his liking for the main meme coin by saying that he still holds a lot of DOGE and is now waiting for its price to go parabolic. In one of his recent tweets, apparently trying to settle a dispute between the communities of Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, he said that it is okay to hold both Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. According to data by CoinMarketCap, DOGE is currently ranked 10th in the top 10 cryptos list and is changing hands at $0.05998. Cardano creator challenges IOTA co-founder Dominik Schiener to debate Reddit users following updates of both Cardano and IOTA have recently requested Charles Hoskinson and Dominik Schiener to debate, suggesting such topics as the status quo, achievements, milestones and technology. In response to the request, Hoskinson asked the IOTA co-founder if he would agree to have a discussion, to which Schiener replied in the affirmative. The latter seemed to be excited by the idea of debating, saying that it would allow him to talk about the progress and roadmap of IOTA’s new protocol. Schiener also suggested inviting the IOTA Foundation’s Hans Moog, a tech enthusiast, hacker and entrepreneur with 24 years of experience in software development, to take part in the debate. SHIB burns via Amazon now available in brand new way As per Shibburn’s recent tweet, SHIB tokens can now be burned via Amazon’s Alexa app by listening to Shibburn Radio on devices connected to it. Amazon has confirmed that station ingestion has been completed, and the radio station that helps burn Shiba Inu tokens is now live. The radio will also have its own website, app and live DJs. The app for the radio that will run on iOS devices is expected to go live within the next two days. Later on, Shibburn Radio will be included for CarPlay and Android Radio. As stated in a tweet, the creation of such radio is an effort to “get sponsors to burn more and expose SHIB to more people.” LUNC trading volume falls double digits, is Binance burning hype over? Yesterday, LUNC trading volume dropped 34.43% and the asset’s price lost 1% of its value. Since Monday, Sept. 26, when Binance announced the token burning mechanism, volumes have fallen by 75%. While on the day of announcement LUNC’s trading volume exceeded $2 billion, now it does not exceed $600 million. It is worth noting that Binance accounts for only $306 billion in LUNC, which is a little more than half of all of the trading volumes of the cryptocurrency. The first stage of burning will end on Oct. 1, and the number of LUNC burned over this first period will only be known by the community on Oct. 3.

U.S. Consumer Spending Rebounds, But High Inflation Cooling Demand – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-consumer-spending-rebounds-but-high-inflation-cooling-demand-reuters/ Consumer spending increases 0.4% in August Personal income rises 0.3%; saving rate steady at 3.5% Core PCE price index jumps 0.6%; up 4.9% year-on-year WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) – U.S. consumer spending increased more than expected in August, but stubbornly high inflation is dampening demand, potentially limiting an anticipated rebound in economic growth this quarter. The report from the Commerce Department on Friday also showed underlying inflation pressures building up last month, providing cover for the Federal Reserve to remain on its aggressive monetary policy tightening path. Wage growth also appears to be slowing and consumers are tapping excess savings to offset high prices. That, combined with stiff interest rate hikes from the Fed, has increased the economy’s vulnerability to a recession next year. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “More pain lies ahead as the economy heads toward a moderate downturn in the first half of next year,” said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. “This will eventually cool inflation, but not before the Fed takes a few more swings at the tightening can.” Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, increased 0.4% last month after falling 0.2% in July. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast consumer spending rising 0.2%. Revisions to the data from 2017 showed consumer spending was a bit stronger than previously thought and the level of savings was lower. Some of the increase in spending last month reflected higher prices, especially for housing and utilities. Spending was led by services, where outlays surged 0.8% after edging up 0.1% in July. There were also increases in spending on transportation services, healthcare as well as dining out, hotel and motel accommodation. Personal consumption But outlays on recreational services fell, a sign that consumers were cutting back on discretionary spending. Spending on goods dropped 0.5%, held down by a decrease in receipts at gasoline service stations amid lower gasoline prices. Goods spending fell 0.7% in July. There were also declines in spending on recreational goods, another indication consumers were pulling back on discretionary spending. Outlays on furniture and other long-lasting manufactured goods fell. But spending on motor vehicles rose. Overall, spending is rotating back to services from goods. Gasoline prices dropped 11.8% to $3.691 per gallon in August from July, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That, however, offered little relief on the inflation front last month, with services prices rising 0.6%. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index gained 0.3% after dipping 0.1% in July. In the 12 months through August, the PCE price index increased 6.2% after advancing 6.4% in July. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the PCE price index jumped 0.6% after being unchanged in July. The so-called core PCE price index climbed 4.9% on a year-on-year basis in August after increasing 4.7% in July. The Fed tracks the PCE price indexes for its 2% inflation target. Other inflation measures are running much higher. The consumer price index increased 8.3% year-on-year in August. Stocks on Wall Street were mixed. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury yields fell. Inflation WAGE GROWTH SLOWING Inflation has, however, likely peaked. A separate report on Friday showed the University of Michigan survey’s one-year consumer inflation expectations slipped to a reading of 4.7% in September. That was the lowest since September 2021 and down from 4.8% in August. The survey’s five-year inflation outlook fell to 2.7% from 2.9% in August, dropping below the 2.9%-3.1% range for the first time since July 2021. The Fed last week raised its policy interest rate by 75 basis points, its third straight increase of that size, and signaled more large increases to come this year. Since March, the U.S. central bank has hiked its policy rate from near zero to the current range of 3.00% to 3.25%. Last week, the Fed raised its median forecast for core PCE inflation to 4.5% this year from its previous estimate of 4.3% in June. Its estimate for core inflation in 2023 was boosted to 3.1% from the previously projected 2.7% in June. High inflation is cutting into spending. Inflation-adjusted consumer spending edged up 0.1% in August after dipping 0.1% in the prior month. That suggests consumer spending could be tepid this quarter after helping to blunt the drag on gross domestic product from a slowdown in the pace of inventory accumulation in the second quarter. Consumer spending increased at a 2% annualized rate in the second quarter. The economy contracted at a 0.6% pace last quarter after shrinking at a 1.6% rate in the January-March quarter. Goldman Sachs cut its third-quarter GDP growth forecast by 0.5 percentage point to a 0.9% rate on the spending data. Growth this quarter is seen driven largely by a narrowing trade deficit. An accumulation of inventory, part of it unsold goods because of slowing demand, is also seen supporting GDP growth this quarter. “The near-term outlook remains modest at best,” said Scott Hoyt, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania. “Rising interest rates will make new borrowing more expensive, undermining spending on big-ticket items typically bought on credit.” Consumer spending is likely to remain moderate, with wage growth showing signs of slowing. Personal income rose 0.3% in August, matching the prior month’s gain. Wages increased 0.3% after surging 0.8% in July. The saving rate was unchanged at 3.5%. July’s saving rate was slashed to 3.5% from the previously reported 5.0%. The saving rate was as high as 26.3% in March 2021. It is now near levels seen during the 2007-09 Great Recession. “It looks like consumers have been eating into the ‘excess saving’ built up over the earlier stages of the pandemic to fuel recent spending,” said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Andrea Ricci Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Mortgage Tech News Roundup: Sept. 30 – Mortgage Professional https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/mortgage-tech-news-roundup-sept-30-mortgage-professional/ Partnerships, integrations, venture capital and more PNC Bank linked with Blend to improve its online mortgage application process. VeriFast raised money to help accelerate its expansion into mortgage underwriting. InstaMortgage and Milestones are partnering to help consumers better understand the value of their property. Snapdocs integrated with BeSmartee to help boost the mortgage closing experience for borrowers. Constellation Mortgage Solutions unveiled a new mortgage loan origination system. PNC Bank/Blend PNC Bank linked with Blend to improve its online mortgage application process. Blend is the developer of a digital lending platform. PNC said that its beefed-up mortgage application platform lets customers digitally apply for a mortgage and import bank or payroll information directly into their application just by providing their necessary credentials. This reduces how long it takes to locate necessary documents, according to the bank. After customers submit their applications, they have a single portal they use to track its status, complete outstanding tasks, and also review and electronically sign loan documentation. Read more: Mortgage tech news roundup: Sept. 23 In addition, PNC mortgage loan officers can use their online portal to collaborate in real time with customers. “As an organization, our goal is to continue to partner with companies across the country to build the digital-first future of financial services,” Erik Wrobel, Blend’s head of Product, said in prepared remarks. VeriFast Fintech startup VeriFast raised a $3.5 million seed funding that will help accelerate its expansion into mortgage underwriting. The startup’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform relies on AI to automate financial analysis and decision making for tenant screening, mortgage underwriting and other verticals. M3 Financial group, HGTV star and real estate investor Scott McGillivray, Michael Sarracini of Keyspire and “Millionaire Mom” investor Susan White Livermore led the round. “We are … experiencing rapid [product] adoption with mortgage lenders who want to digitize and streamline their pre-approval and underwriting process,” VeriFast co-founder Tim Ray said in prepared remarks. Ray added that by doing so, the technology can reduce labor costs and quicken the approval process by up to 90%. VeriFast’s technology uses a single-source configurable API (which helps two systems link and talk to each other) to integrate biometric identity information, banking data, payroll insights and tax transcript data to customers’ existing processes. InstaMortgage/Milestones InstaMortgage and Milestones are partnering to help consumer better understand the value of their property as well as financial scenarios for refinancing and home equity borrowing. Milestones focuses on a homeowner portal designed to help consumers more easily buy, move, sell, manage, and access mortgages for their home. InstaMortgage is a technology-driven mortgage lender licensed in 27 states. Milestones’ platform monitors the value of a home, provides search options for homes for sale, and manages the selling and mortgage processes.  As part of the partnership, InstaMortgage will make Milestones client portfolios available to consumers for free through its own platform. Loan officers, through Milestones, can invite clients into web-based homeownership hubs to manage home maintenance, view home values, monitor home sales in their area, search for property, and identify mortgage refinance or trade in options. “More than ever, it is critical for mortgage companies to identify opportunities for engaging their existing and prospective customers in new, creative ways,” InstaMortgage Chief Lending Officer Jim Black said in prepared remarks. Snapdos/BeSmartee Snapdocs integrated with BeSmartee to help boost the mortgage closing experience for borrowers. Snapdocs developed a digital closing platform, and BeSmartee is marketing a web-based digital mortgage platform for banks, credit unions and non-bank lending institutions. Specifically, the integration is designed to drive faster closing times and reduce operating costs, with American BancShares among the first customers to use the integration. It relies in part on machine learning to automate and streamline the borrower’s closing document review and signature steps. The idea is that by taking manual administrative tasks away, the process will be more efficient and loan officers can support more homebuyers through the mortgage process. Snapdocs’ multi-party workflow engine is also a key element. Constellation Mortgage Solutions Constellation Mortgage Solutions (CMS) recently rolled out a new mortgage loan origination system. Read next: Mortgage tech news roundup: Sept. 16 Dubbed NOVA, the company is pitching the platform as making loan originations “fun again” through an intuitive user experience that also provides ease of access via the web from any work environment. The cloud-based platform is built with a dynamic user interface experience, the company said. NOVA is quick, provides automation of many processes, and enables customizable workflows. It offers easy integrations, according to CMS. “It’s not often that the mortgage industry makes great strides forward in technology, but with NOVA, we have developed a platform that changes the industry from a sales, operations and executive perspective,” Stephen Ryczek, Constellation’s president, said in prepared remarks. Plans call for CMS to debut NOVA through several live demos at the MBA Annual Conference in Nashville in October. Free e-newsletter Our daily newsletter is FREE and keeps you up to date with the world of mortgage. Please complete the form below and click on SIGN UP to receive daily e-newsletters from Mortgage Professional.

100 Scores For Week 7 – High School Football America – High School Football America https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/100-scores-for-week-7-high-school-football-america-high-school-football-america/ There are eight head-to-head matchups in the High School Football America 100, powered by NFL Play Football. There are also 14 games involving teams inside the HSFA 300 battling each other. One Top 100 battle was cancelled due to Hurricane Ian that ravaged a large part of Florida. The game between No. 14 IMG Academy and No. 53 Jones (Orlando) was cancelled well before Ian hit land on the west coast of the state. Follow how the Top 100 fares all weekend long below. Thursday In Texas, No. 9 North Shore beat No. 216 C.E. King 38-3, giving the Mustangs an 18-game win streak. The reigning 6A Division I champs lost sophomore quarterback Kaleb Bailey early in the game and down 3-0. Wide receiver David Amador, a UTSA-recruit, moved under center to lead the Mustangs to victory. Amador had TD runs of 17, 38 and 75-yards. Wednesday No. 36 Colquitt County (Georgia) improved to 6-0 with a 30-7 win over No. 245 Lincoln High from Tallahassee, Florida. Because of Hurricane Ian, both teams played on just five days rest. Georgia State-recruit Charlie Pace ran for two touchdowns. Monday With Hurricane Ian approaching, No. 46 Lakeland and Lake Gibson decided to play on Monday. The decision to play was made easier since both teams had bye weeks last week. After about a 90-minute rain delay at the start, the Dreadnaughts cruised to a 47-14 victory. High School Football America 100 powered by NFL Play Football *All games played on Friday unless otherwise noted No. 1 Mater Dei (California) vs. No. 140 JSerra (California) No. 2 St. John Bosco (California) vs. Servite (California) No. 3 Buford (Georgia) vs. No. 150 Collins Hill (Georgia) No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Maryland) vs. No. 82 Kahuku (Hawaii) No. 5 Miami Central (Florida) vs. North Miami Beach (Florida) No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas (Florida) vs. No. 298 Miramar (Florida), cancelled due to Hurricane Ian No. 7 Chaminade-Madonna (Florida) – Idle No. 8 Bishop Gorman (Nevada) vs. Canyon Springs (Nevada) No. 9 North Shore (Texas) beat No. 216 C.E. King (Texas) 38-3 No. 10 Duncanville (Texas) – Idle No. 11 Archbishop Moeller (Ohio) vs No. 91 Elder (Ohio) No. 12 American Heritage (Plantation, Florida) vs. No. 19 Cardinal Gibbons (Florida), Saturday No. 13 Good Counsel (Maryland) vs. No. 200 Life Christian Academy (Virginia) No. 14 IMG Academy (Florida) vs. No. 53 Jones (Orlando, Florida), cancelled due to Hurricane Ian No. 15 St. John’s College HS (Washington, DC) vs. No. 75 Cedar Grove (Georgia), Saturday No. 16 Lipscomb Academy (Tennessee) vs. Davidson Academy (Tennessee) No. 17 Corona Centennial (California) vs. Chaparral (California) No. 18 Westlake (Texas) vs. Del Valle (Texas) No. 19 Cardinal Gibbons (Florida) vs. No. 12 American Heritage (Plantation, Florida), Saturday No. 20 Denton Guyer (Texas) vs. McKinney Boyd (Texas) No. 21 Chandler (Arizona) vs. Red Mountain (Arizona) No. 22 Mill Creek (Georgia) beat Central Gwinnett (Georgia) 58-7 No. 23 DeMatha (Maryland) – Idle No. 24 Archbishop Hoban (Ohio) vs. St. Francis (Hamburg, New York) No 25 Langston Hughes (Georgia) vs. Alexander (Georgia) No. 26 Columbus (Miami, Florida) vs. Miami (Florida) No. 27 Catholic (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) – Idle No. 28 Northwestern (Miami, Florida) – Idle No. 29 Oakland (Tennessee) vs. Blackman (Tennessee) No. 30 Southlake Carroll (Texas) – Idle No. 31 DeSoto (Texas) – Idle No. 32 Venice (Florida) vs. Riverview Sarasota (Florida), ppd. due to Hurricane Ian No. 33 Dutch Fork (South Carolina) – Idle No. 34 Edgewater (Florida) vs. Wekiva (Florida), Monday No. 35 Bixby (Oklahoma) vs. Southmoore (Oklahoma) No. 36 Colquitt County (Georgia) beat No. 245 Lincoln (Tallahassee, Florida) 30-7 No. 37 Massillon Washington (Ohio) vs. Middletown (Delaware) No. 38 St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania) vs. Archbishop Wood (Pennsylvania) No. 39 Auburn (Alabama) vs. No. 133 Opelika (Alabama) No. 40 St. Edward (Ohio) vs. No. 100 St. Ignatius (Ohio), Saturday No. 41 Lakota West (Ohio) vs. Mason (Ohio) No. 42 Long Beach Poly (California) vs. Millikan (California) No. 43 Walton (Georgia) beat North Paulding (Georgia) 51-49 No. 44 Mission Viejo (California) – Idle No. 45 Katy (Texas) beat Jordan (Texas) 70-21 No. 46 Lakeland (Florida) beat Lake Gibson (Florida) 47-14 No. 47 Serra (San Mateo, California) vs. Archbishop Mitty (California) No. 48 Folsom (California) vs. Oak Ridge (California) No. 49 Iona Prep (New York) vs. St. Anthony’s (Mellville, New York), Saturday No. 50 Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey) vs. No. 64 St. Peter’s Prep (New Jersey) No. 51 Montgomery Bell Academy (Tennessee) vs. Pope John Paul II (Tennessee) No. 52 Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) vs. DePaul Catholic (New Jersey) No. 53 Jones (Orlando, Florida) vs. No. 14 IMG Academy (Florida), cancelled due to Hurricane Ian No. 54 Lee County (Georgia) beat Houston County (Georgia) 50-21 No. 55 Cocoa (Florida) – Idle No. 56 McCallie (Tennessee) vs. No. 188 Baylor (Tennessee) No. 57 Thompson (Alabama) vs. No. 78 Hewitt-Trussville (Alabama) No. 58 Allen (Texas) vs. Rock Hill (Texas) No. 59 Clay-Chalkville (Alabama) – Idle No. 60 Saguaro (Arizona) vs. No. 246 Liberty (Arizona) No. 61 Bryant (Arkansas) vs. Jonesboro (Arkansas) No. 62 De La Salle (California) – Idle No. 63 Brownsburg (Indiana) vs. Zionsville (Indiana) No. 64 St. Peter’s Prep (New Jersey) vs. No. 50 Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey) No. 65 Pittsburg (California) vs. McClymonds (California) No. 66 Central (Phenix City, Alabama) beat Dothan (Alabama) 35-28 No. 67 Longview (Texas) – Idle No. 68 Hoover (Alabama) vs. Oak Mountain (Alabama) No. 69 North Cobb (Georgia) – Idle No. 70 Cherry Creek (Colorado) beat Cherokee Trail (Colorado) 34-7 No. 71 Hough (North Carolina) beat West Mecklenburg (North Carolina) 52-6 No. 72 Edna Karr (Louisiana) vs. No. 182 Brother Martin (Louisiana) No. 73 Grayson (Georgia) beat Newton (Georgia) 26-0 No. 74 Loyola Academy (Illinois) vs. Marist (Illinois) No. 75 Cedar Grove (Georgia) vs. No. 15 St. John’s College HS (Washington, DC), Saturday No. 76 Seminole (Sanford, Florida) vs. No. 131 Apopka (Florida) No. 77 Belleville (Michigan) vs. Glenn (Michigan), Saturday No. 78 Hewitt-Trussville (Alabama) vs. No. 57 Thompson (Alabama) No. 79 Basha (Arizona) vs. Cactus (Arizona) No. 80 Center Grove (Indiana) vs. Pke (Indiana) No. 81 Winton Woods (Ohio) vs. Kings (Ohio) No. 82 Kahuku (Hawaii) vs. No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Maryland) No. 83 Skyridge (Utah) vs. No. 92 Lone Peak (Utah) No. 84 Cathedral (Indiana) vs. No. 230 La Salle (Ohio) No. 85 Timpview (Utah) vs. Orem (Utah) No. 86 Los Alamitos (California) vs. Newport Harbor (California) No. 87 Creekside (Georgia) beat Mays (Georgia) 22-21 No. 88 East St. Louis (Illinois) vs. Belleville West (Illinois), Saturday No. 89 Atascocita (Texas) vs. West Brook (Texas) No. 90 Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida) No. 91 Elder (Ohio) vs. No. 11 Archbishop Moeller (Ohio) No. 92 Lone Peak (Utah) vs. No. 83 Skyridge (Utah) No. 93 St. Xavier (Kentucky) vs. Ryle (Kentucky) No. 94 Santa Margarita (California) vs. No. 115 Orange Lutheran (California) No. 95 Springfield (Ohio) vs. No. 199 Springboro (Ohio) No. 96 Mallard Creek (North Carolina) beat North Mecklenburg (North Carolina) 48-3 No. 97 Tampa Bay Tech (Florida) vs. Freedom (Florida) No. 98 Edison (Huntington Beach, California) vs. Huntington Beach (California) No. 99 Trinity (Kentucky) vs. No. 145 St. Xavier (Ohio) No. 100 St. Ignatius (Ohio) vs. No. 40 St. Edward (Ohio) Click here to see LIVE High School Football America 100 Scoreboard

Excursion Focus: Tulum Ruins & Mayan Cenote Tour In Cozumel – Royal Caribbean Blog https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/excursion-focus-tulum-ruins-mayan-cenote-tour-in-cozumel-royal-caribbean-blog/ Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known for its ancient Mayan ruins and freshwater cenotes, and I wanted to experience the best of both worlds on my recent port day in Cozumel. I booked the Tulum Ruins & Mayan Cenote tour through Royal Caribbean. This excursion combines a visit to the oceanfront Tulum Archeological site with time to swim at nearby cenotes. This tour was located on mainland Mexico as opposed to the island of Cozumel, so I knew I was in for an adventure. Booking options Because of the ferry involved from the island of Cozumel to mainland Mexico, I booked this excursion directly through Royal Caribbean. I usually prefer to book smaller tours through independent companies, but I had heard stories of ferries being delayed and causing people to miss the cruise ship. I figured it was best to book directly through Royal Caribbean for the added protection. Related: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship? I purchased the Tulum Ruins & Mayan Cenote tour for $101.99 on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website. Transportation to the mainland All tours traveling to mainland Mexico from Cozumel met in the ship’s theater at 7:45 AM. Up bright and early, I was expecting to leave shortly after the meeting time, but we didn’t leave the theater until around 8:20 AM. We boarded the Winjet Fast Ferry to the mainland, and there are two levels: an outdoor deck and an indoor deck with no window views. I chose to sit indoors and this turned out to be a huge mistake. I had heard stories of the ferry being miserable through choppy waters between Cozumel and the mainland, and these stories are completely true. The ferry ride was beyond miserable. Multiple people were vomiting around me and I was doing everything in my power to not throw up myself! I’ve never wanted to kiss the ground more than when I disembarked the ferry on the mainland. Thankfully the non-drowsy Dramamine I took before the ferry saved me and I arrived in Playa del Carmen unscathed. On the way back, I sat on the top deck so I could keep my eyes on the horizon throughout the whole journey. Being outside was much better than indoors. Tulum Ruins Following the 45 minute ferry, our group of 44 passengers boarded a 1 hour bus to the Tulum archaeological site. The Tulum Archeological Site is the only site in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state facing the Caribbean Sea, and the city was once the center of land and sea trade in the region. It is thought to have been constructed between 1200 AD and 1450 AD. Many temples and buildings are located right on the ocean, leading to spectacular views of ancient history mixed with turquoise Caribbean waters. Our tour included a wonderful guide, Tony, and it was fascinating to learn about the traditions and culture of those who once called this site home. We were given earpieces to wear so everyone could hear the guide. The archeological site was not outrageously busy when we visited, and we were given an hour of free time to explore after our ~1 hour tour of the ruins. I always enjoy visiting archeological sites, and the Tulum Ruins are particularly beautiful as they are right on the water. They were all well-preserved and I appreciated that visitors are neither permitted to climb on the ruins nor walk on the beaches to keep the site in excellent condition. After exploring on my own, I headed back to the entrance of the archaeological site, where there are souvenir shops and places to eat. Our tour included a small sandwich in the morning, but most guests ordered tacos at the site. Cenote tour After around two hours at the Tulum Ruins, we boarded the bus for a quick, 15-minute drive to the second part of our excursion: a cenote tour. Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing the groundwater below. The Yucatán Peninsula is said to have over 6,000 cenotes. These have become popular tourist destinations in recent years, allowing visitors to cool off in the region’s hot temperatures in a natural, tropical oasis. Our tour brought us to two cenotes. I had never seen a cenote before and they were just as beautiful as I had imagined. The first cenote was fully exposed to open air and had clear, cold water perfect for swimming. We were provided life jackets as the cenotes are quite deep, and many visitors were cliff jumping into the cenote from above. The 5-minute walk to the second cenote was beautiful along a path through mangroves. The second cenote was in a cave, and our group was guided into the cave’s small opening and through an underground pathway to the other side. Food and drink stands were available throughout the cenote complex, and I ordered a fresh mango and passion fruit juice before starting the long journey back to Cozumel. What I liked about this tour I felt this tour had a nice mix of history, natural beauty, and adrenaline. It was interesting to visit mainland Mexico from Cozumel even if it required the choppy ferry ride, and the two destinations we visited were undeniably beautiful. I loved being able to cool down in the cenotes after walking around the Tulum Ruins in the September humidity, and I’d love to explore more cenotes on future visits to Mexico. Our driver and two guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the tour. What I didn’t like One of the reasons I don’t book Royal Caribbean excursions or large group tours very often is due to how slowly the tours move. A lot of this excursion was spent waiting around for all guests to finish at the bathrooms, board the bus, arrive at the theater in the morning, etc. Additionally, while the cenotes were gorgeous and refreshing, our time at the cenotes was very brief. We were only given around 15 minutes to swim at each cenote, and there were a lot of crowds. I felt our time at the ruins was a good length, however. The ferry was by far the worst part of the day, so if you’re planning this tour it’s imperative to pack motion-sickness medication and sit on the outdoor deck. Should you book this shore excursion? While this tour had its downsides, it still offered the quintessential Yucatán vacation experience of visiting ruins and cenotes. The Tulum Ruins are larger and more impressive than anything found on Cozumel, so if you’re interested in visiting Mayan Ruins it’s worth the trip. Plus, when you look back at the tour in 10 years, you won’t remember the nausea-inducing ferry ride or summer humidity. What you will remember are the fantastic sites, history, and nature you experienced! If you do select this tour, I’d highly recommend planning more relaxing port days for the rest of your itinerary. This tour is tiring and busy; it lasted 9 hours! Booking an all-inclusive beach club or catamaran tour for the other port days on your cruise is a good idea to ensure you don’t get too worn out. I would not recommend trying to do this excursion on your own. Due to lengthy travel time required with the ferry, it’s best to book directly through Royal Caribbean. More excursion recommendations and reviews: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port Excursion Focus: Chacchoben Ruins in Costa Maya Excursion Focus: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau Things to do in Cozumel on your Royal Caribbean cruise Nachi Cocom Cozumel excursion review Ultimate Mexico cruise guide

Sustainability Measurements The Goal Of Ingredion Partnership – Food Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/sustainability-measurements-the-goal-of-ingredion-partnership-food-business-news/ WESTCHESTER, ILL. – Partnering with HowGood, a SaaS (Software as a Service) data platform with a database on food and personal care product sustainability, will help Ingredion, Inc. meet customer demand for sustainable ingredients. Westchester-based Ingredion has a goal of having 99% of its global supply of crops sourced sustainably by 2025. “Our customers need holistic sustainable ingredient solutions to meet consumer and regulatory demands for greater transparency,” said Brian Nash, vice president of corporate sustainability at Ingredion. “Partnering with HowGood provides third-party validation of the sustainability impact of our ingredients and enables our customers to confidently make informed decisions.” By the end of 2022, HowGood’s scorecard will make available the environmental and human impact for 50 of Ingredion’s strategic growth platform ingredients. By using globally accepted measurement methodologies, HowGood, Stone Ridge, NY, measures eight sustainability attributes: greenhouse gas emissions, processing, water use, soil health, work conditions, labor risk exposure, biodiversity and animal welfare. “The scorecards include a full life cycle carbon footprint, an overview of eligible sustainability claims customers could make, and the holistic social and environmental impact assessment they need to make formulation decisions and meet disclosure requirements,” said Alexander Gillett, president of HowGood.

Moving To Portugal Show: Discover Healthy Living In Algarve – Portugal Resident https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/moving-to-portugal-show-discover-healthy-living-in-algarve-portugal-resident/ New report emphasises importance of wellness to second home buyers; London event takes place on October 20 Wellness has become increasingly important to second home buyers, according to the new ‘Global Destinations for Second Homes’ report from Savills. As the aftershocks of the pandemic continue to be felt in terms of adjustments to the way that we live and work, it seems that families are taking wellness so seriously it is impacting their choices of where to buy their second homes. For second home buyers from London, Portugal’s Algarve made it into second place on their list of top destinations. According to Savills’ research, “with the increased focus on personal health and wellness, second-home locations have to pull double-duty by providing both the traditional sun, sea, countryside or mountains and also the key amenities to promote personal wellness. “Locations which excel in this category offer ample gyms, high numbers of golf and tennis courts, and large numbers of spas which second-home residents will be able to take advantage of. Air quality is also a key element for a top wellness score, especially as many have recognised the effects of pollution on personal health.”  The Algarve is one region that wins big when it comes to wellness credentials. With a coastline of over 200km, there’s sea air in abundance, while just a few kilometres inland there’s also wonderfully fresh mountain air to enjoy. Both landscapes also offer incredible views that cannot help but refresh and restore the mind. As well as its natural environment, the Algarve offers a stress-free lifestyle that is ideal for those seeking greater serenity. Trees weighed down with carobs, olives, oranges, figs, almonds and a host of other fresh fruits and nuts contribute to the superb local gastronomy, along with the plentiful seafood courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean. Even the wine is fresh and uncomplicated, with locally made wines delivering the taste of sunshine in every glass. On a national scale, Portugal’s air quality is ranked as ‘good’ by IQAir. The cleanest air quality in the country, meanwhile, is found in the Algarve town of Alcoutim. Tucked away on the Guadiana River, which marks the border between Spain and Portugal, the town is known locally for its stunning river beach, where visitors can splash in the warm, shallow water, tucked away in a valley that seems a million miles away from the rest of the world. For those who prefer their wellness delivered in a spa setting, the Algarve also ticks all the right boxes. The region is home to more than 40 spas and treatment centres. From spas inspired by the aquamarine water of the Algarve’s ocean caves, delivering the latest treatments (think phyto-aromatic facials and golden quartz treatments), to traditional settings providing deep massages that seem to relax every cell in your body, there is something for everyone when it comes to Algarve wellness centres. With so much rolling countryside available, the Algarve has plenty of space for golf courses. The region is home to 31 courses in total, with destinations such as Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura attracting players – and second home buyers – from around the world. Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, says: “The Algarve is wellness embodied in a region. From its clean air to the pace of life to the ample opportunities to keep fit, it has the perfect outdoor lifestyle to appeal to buyers tired of the stress and pollution back home. The abundance of luxurious spas and wellness centres is an added bonus, while the local gastronomy is both healthy and delicious. It’s a very special place to live for those focused on their personal health and wellness.” Those looking for more wellness than a holiday alone can provide can discover more about life in Portugal at the upcoming Moving to Portugal Show & Seminars. Taking place on October 20, from 11am to 8pm at London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel, the show will feature more than 20 exhibitors, with experts on hand to discuss a wide range of aspects of life in Portugal. Visas, tax options, residency, healthcare, schooling, daily life and more will all be under the spotlight, with seminar presentations, panel discussions and one-to-one networking all helping attendees discover everything they need about moving to Portugal. The Moving to Portugal Show, which is hosted by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, is free to attend and places for the show and seminars can be booked online.  Home buyers seeking to tap into Portugal’s wellness lifestyle have plenty of options when it comes to property. At Greens Vilamoura, for example, the unique living experience is focused on sustainability and harmony, with the development contrived around a goal of enhancing residents’ quality of life. Vertical gardens that reuse treated water from the 100% ecological, 25m swimming pool mean that Greens Vilamoura is bursting with foliage and flora. Meanwhile, over at Verdelago Resort, Altura, wellbeing is showcased through interior gardens, sports facilities, a stunning coastal setting and a market stocked with local and ecological products. As well as homebuyers, holidaymakers are placing an increased emphasis on wellness, according to Turismo de Portugal, which notes that an increasing number of travellers are looking to include some element of wellness in their holidays. This is driving hotels and resorts to include pools, spas and activities such as yoga and mindfulness sessions in their holiday offering. As a region, the Algarve is running a spa week from October 22 to 30, designed as a digital detox to enable individuals to connect themselves to wellness. The Algarve scored particularly well in Savills’ recent Yoga Index, which rates areas based on their yoga environments, yoga class essentials and yogi index. The Algarve placed 11th globally for its impressive yoga offering. The area is also known for its stunning wellness and detox centres, such as its Juice Master Retreat and Vitalisé Portugal centres, which focus on supporting a healthy mind in a healthy body. For more information, contact the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK: telephone 00 44 207 201 6638 / 00 44 7463 689666  www.portuguese-chamber.org.uk | www.movingtoportugal.org.uk  About the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK The Chamber runs regular online and live Moving to Portugal events in the UK all year round to advise Brits who want to move to Portugal or buy a second home there on how they can sort out their tax, residency, property, insurance and lifestyle issues. Over 7,000 Brits have attended our events so far and the demand is growing exponentially now Brexit is finally done.

Fantasy Football Today: The Toughest Lineup Decisions For Every Week 4 Game Plus A TNF Recap – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fantasy-football-today-the-toughest-lineup-decisions-for-every-week-4-game-plus-a-tnf-recap-cbs-sports/ Latest updates for each Week 4 game plus a Dolphins-Bengals recap Sep 30, 2022 at 10:05 am ET • 24 min read Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images The early part of this season has been defined by injuries, and we saw another scary one Thursday night. Tua Tagovailoa was forced from the game against the Bengals after hitting his head against the turf on a sack, but he was released from a Cincinnati-area hospital Thursday night. That’s the good news after such a scary sight.  The Dolphins ended up losing that game, and Tyreek Hill was the only player on the team who really performed all that well — Jaylen Waddle, Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert all scored 10 or fewer PPR points. On the other side of that game, Joe Mixon had another OK game, as did Ja’Marr Chase, while Tee Higgins was a star and Joe Burrow hit on three plays of 36 yards or more — a good sign given his struggles finding big plays so far this season. The Bengals ended up winning 27-15, and Fantasy players left come out of the game mostly dissatisfied. That’s been a theme through the first month of the season, and it might have left you in a hole. But don’t worry; we also have plenty of injuries to wade through just in case the degree of difficulty wasn’t already high enough.  I want to help out there, so send any questions you might have my way at Chris.Towers@ViacomCBS.com with the subject line “#AskFFT” and they’ll get included in my Sunday morning mailbag. Plus, you can catch our YouTube stream Sunday morning at 11:30 EDT where Adam Aizer, Frankl Stampfl and I will be answering all of your lineup questions.  Get ready for Week 4 with all of our preview content here:   Week 4 Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em: QB | RB | WR Starts, sits and sleepers for every game Cheat Sheet: PPR | Non-PPR Week 4 Position Previews: QB | RB | WR | TE Week 4 Rankings: Jamey | Dave | Heath | Chris And here’s what the rest of today’s newsletter has in store to help you get ready for Week 4: TNF Fantasy Recap: Bengals 27, Dolphins 15 Week 4 Game Previews: Injury updates and lineup dilemmas TNF Recap: Bengals 27, Dolphins 15 Winner: I don’t think Ja’Marr Chase has a Tee Higgins problem, or anything, but Higgins is a problem for defenses. We knew this, of course, but the gap in the preseason ADPs of Chase and Higgins’ suggests we might not have understood it well enough. Chase is an incredible player, of course, but Higgins is pretty good in his own right. And, as SportsLine’s Jacob Gibbs has noted, Higgins has actually been targeted more than Chase when they’ve been on the field together in their careers. Both are great players — top-12 WRs in my eyes — and Higgins deserves more credit for what he’s done right alongside his brilliant running mate.  Loser: Chase Edmonds. You got bailed out if you started Edmonds this week, as he scored another touchdown from in close, but that’s about all he’s got going for him right now. Raheem Mostert is just a more effective runner in this system, and that was especially notable Thursday with Mostert rushing 15 times for 69 yards while Edmonds lumbered for 6 yards on five carries. Both players were targeted three times, with Edmonds’ seeing two targets from inside the 10. That’s the only saving grace for Edmonds, but you can’t rely on touchdowns every week, especially if Teddy Bridgewater is playing QB for the Dolphins. Edmonds’ Week 1 usage was pretty promising, but his snap share has fallen in each game since then — cratering to 27% Thursday — and he now has just 16 carries and seven targets over the past three weeks. He isn’t droppable, but I’m not starting him next week.  One more thing: Jaylen Waddle had a quiet game, going for two catches for 39 yards and five targets while Tyreek Hill went for 10 for 160. However, it’s worth noting that Waddle was dealing with a groin injury on a short week and had a few more plays on the sidelines than we’re used to seeing. I’m not worried about it, even if Bridgewater has to start a few games. This Dolphins offense is heavily concentrated between those two, and Waddle’s 35 targets in four games is still a very healthy number.  By submitting my email I agree to receive the “Fantasy Football Today Newsletter” and other marketing and promotional emails from CBS Sports, which may include information from our affiliates and/or partners’ offers, products and services. For more information about our data practices consult our Privacy Policy Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error processing your subscription. Week 4 Game Previews There’s something to watch in every game on the NFL schedule every week, even if you have to squint to see it sometimes. Here’s a look ahead at every Week 4 game, with some notes on what Vegas is expecting to see, some lineup help and one thing to watch for from each game: All odds are via Caesars Sportsbook. Vikings “at” Saints Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Line: Vikings -2.5; 43.5 O/U  Implied totals: Vikings 23-Saints 20.5 Remember, we have a 9:30 am EST start this week with the Vikings and Saints playing in London, so you have to make sure you have your lineups set early. And, unfortunately, there are plenty of injury question marks here that we may not have any clarity on before Sunday morning. That makes it hard to know exactly what to expect from this game as of Thursday afternoon.  Toughest lineup decision: Dalvin Cook — Start. Obviously, this depends on Cook being active, but you might be worried about starting him even if he is. Don’t be. Cook has a lot of experience playing through shoulder injuries, and he’s been mostly just fine — he missed a game with a similar issue last December and returned with 27 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He’s not going to do that, in all likelihood, but I am expecting Cook to more or less play his usual role if he’s out there. If not, start Alexander Mattison with confidence.  Injuries: There’s a lot to keep track of here, starting with Jameis Winston (back, ankle), who has yet to practice this week. Andy Dalton would start in his place if Winston is unable to play, and I think it would be a downgrade for the offense as a whole. Michael Thomas (foot) was also unable to practice, while Jarvis Landry (ankle) was upgraded to limited participation Thursday, so he figures to be in better shape. On the other side, Cook was a full participant Thursday, so it looks like he’s going to play.  Browns @ Falcons  Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Browns -1.5; 47.5 O/U Implied totals: Browns 24.5-Browns 23 I’m surprised to see the Browns favored by just 1.5 against the Falcons. I guess Vegas isn’t buying into the Browns sixth-ranked offense — or they are buying into the Falcons ninth-ranked offense, which seems harder to believe. Both of these teams have found their greatest success on the ground, and that could lead to pretty low-volume game for both offenses if they can do so again.  Toughest lineup decision: Amari Cooper — Start. It probably isn’t fair to Cooper that he has two consecutive top-10 finishes and is the No. 13 WR on the season and I still don’t know if I trust him in my lineup. It’s not about Cooper, to be clear — I don’t trust Jacoby Brissett, who held seeming-superstar Jaylen Waddle to just 258 yards and 11.36 PPR points per game in five games as the primary quarterback for the Dolphins last season. But the Browns are funneling a huge target share to Cooper, and he’s still a really good player. He’s not a top-20 WR for me, but I’m probably starting him where I have him.   Injuries: Cordarelle Patterson (knee) — Patterson has yet to practice this week, which is obviously a concern, especially given how he seemingly wore down toward the end of last season. He’s been very active with 49 carries through three games, and it’s fair to wonder if he can keep up his current usage. He’s an RB2 if he plays, but he carries some risk here.  Commanders at Cowboys  Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Cowboys -3; 41.5 O/U Implied totals: Cowboys 22.25-Commanders 19.25 With Dak Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys have won consecutive games allowing 17 and 16 points, and they’re doing it on the strength of what might be the NFL‘s best pass rush. The Commanders just got dominated by the Eagles, who sacked Carson Wentz nine times. The blueprint for the Cowboys is clear, and this could be another long day for Wentz and the Commanders offense. Toughest lineup decision: Carson Wentz – Sit. This is a really tough one because you may not have a good alternative — quarterback has been pretty bad so far this season. Wentz is my 13th-ranked QB for the week, so I’m not saying he’s an automatic sit, and the amount of drop backs for the Commanders offense so far — 153 pass plays, the third-most in the league — makes it especially tough to go away from Wentz. But we just saw him struggle against a very similar matchup, and the Cowboys might be even tougher. He’s a risky start, at best.  Injuries: Michael Gallup (knee) — Gallup has practiced without limitations so far this week and looks in line to make his debut after saying he wasn’t quite mentally ready in Week 3. I’m not starting him, but I’m definitely stashing him … Dalton Schultz (knee) — Schultz has been limited each day so far, which points to a decent chance at returning from a one-game absence. I wouldn’t expect him to play his usual role, and he’s more of a fringe starter if he does play.  Seahawks at Lions Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Lions -4; 48 O/U Implied totals: Lions 26-Seahawks 22 The Seahawks actually looked like a competent modern NFL offense in Week 3, and it wasn’t just chasing points — they put up 20 in the first half while throwi...

VeChain Set Up For Metaverse With ExoWorlds – Crypto News Flash https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/vechain-set-up-for-metaverse-with-exoworlds-crypto-news-flash/ Source: Den Rise Shutterstock The team behind the project has also launched VeChainHasNFTs, an all-inclusive community meant to advance the interest of the VNFT ecosystem. With the expectation that the total addressable market for the metaverse could reach $8 trillion to $13 trillion by 2030, this move could open the way for more Investment.  As a blockchain platform designed to enhance supply chain management and business processes, VeChain has for the past few months sealed several high-profile partnership deals with industry-leading firms. According to a recent report, VeChain has been set up for the metaverse with the likes of ExoWorlds and other partnerships. With the expectation that the total addressable market for the metaverse could reach $8 trillion to $13 trillion by 2030, this move could open the way for more Investment. VeChain is one of the leading blockchain platforms that are scalable enough to serve the $4 trillion market. The team behind the project has also launched “VeChainHasNFTs”, an all-inclusive community meant to advance the interest of the VNFT ecosystem. According to their latest report, there is a giveaway in the pipeline once their targeted milestone is achieved. The #VeChainHasNFTs Road to 500 is ON! When milestones are hit, the giveaways will drop! Winners will get to select the NFT of choosing from our prize vault! VeChain processes over 700k transactions for Walmart VeChain recently sealed a partnership deal with the china-based subsidiary of Walmart to build a blockchain traceable platform on VeChainThor. The company disclosed in a tweet that it has processed over 700,000 transactions in 3 hours for Walmart.  In just over 3 hours, #VeChain has pumped out almost 700k transactions for the biggest company in the world (Walmart). No spam, no token shuffling, real world, economically beneficial on-chain activity for 1 company, with thousands to come. $VET is the future of #blockchain. To come up with a trade solution for the food and beverage industry, VeChain has also partnered with ASI Group and DNV GL. It has also sealed a partnership agreement with the UFC. With this, it will receive the integration into the “premier UFC assets of any sponsor in UFC history.” In addition, they would collaborate on custom and original content involving UFC talents and athletes. About Author John Kumi John’s a cryptocurrency and blockchain writer and researcher with years of experience. He has a lot of interest in emerging startups, tokens, and the invisible forces of demand and supply. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Economics. My Email: (kojokumijohn@gmail.com)

Elon Musk Set To Showcase Tesla’s Humanoid Robot After Delay – Gadgets Now https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/elon-musk-set-to-showcase-teslas-humanoid-robot-after-delay-gadgets-now/ Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said a robot business will be worth more than its cars, and on Friday investors, customers and potential workers expect to see a prototype at Tesla’s “AI Day” that could prove whether the bot named “Optimus” is ready for work. The robot will be the star of the AI show, but Musk is also expected to discuss Tesla’s long-delayed self-driving technology. In May, Musk said that the world’s most valuable carmaker would be “worth basically zero” without achieving full self-driving capability, and it faces growing regulatory probes, as well as technological hurdles. Read Also “There will be lots of technical detail & cool hardware demos,” Musk wrote on Twitter late on Wednesday, adding the event was aimed at recruiting engineers. Tesla’s live demonstration record is mixed. Launches typically draw cheers, but in 2019 when Musk had an employee hurl a steel ball at the armored window of a new electric pickup truck, the glass cracked. The key test for the robot is whether it can handle unexpected situations. Musk announced Tesla’s plan for humanoid robots at its AI day in August last year and delayed this year’s event from August to have its robot prototype working, with a plan to start production possibly next year. Tesla teased the unveiling of the bot on social media with an image of metallic robotic hands making a heart shape. But building human-like, versatile hands that can manipulate different objects is extremely challenging, said Heni Ben Amor, a robotics professor at Arizona State University. Initially, Optimus, an allusion to the powerful and benevolent leader of the Autobots in the Transformers media franchise, would perform boring or dangerous jobs, including moving parts around Tesla factories or attaching a bolt to a car with a wrench, according to Musk. “There’s so much about what people can do dexterously that’s very, very hard for robots. And that’s not going to change whether the robot is a robot arm or whether it’s in the shape of a humanoid,” Jonathan Hurst, chief technology officer at Agility Robotics, a humanoid robot firm, told Reuters. Musk has said that in the future robots could be used in homes, making dinners, mowing the lawn and caring for the elderly, and even becoming a “buddy” for humans or a sex partner. Read Also He is due at Friday’s event to give updates on Tesla’s much-delayed plan to launch self-driving cars, and on its high-speed computer, Dojo, which was unveiled last year and the company has said is integral to its development of self-driving technology. Musk has said he expects Tesla will achieve full self-driving this year and mass produce a robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedal by 2024. At an “Autonomy” event in 2019, Musk promised 1 million robotaxis by 2020 but has yet to deliver such a car. FacebookTwitterLinkedin

This Week [in] Crypto: Reversible Transactions, Ripple Wins, Recession – BeInCrypto https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-week-in-crypto-reversible-transactions-ripple-wins-recession-beincrypto/ It has been another glorious week in crypto, but a tough one for the economy as markets around the world faced turmoil. This week we turn back time with Ethereum, and ask whether non-fungible tokens (NFTs) really hold the key to love and happiness. We also reveal who is drinking bourbon with John McAfee in Texas (probably). Let’s do this. Ethereum regrets (the worst kind) If you could go back in time and change just one thing about your life, what would it be? If you answered “Ethereum transactions,” then Stanford researchers sure do have some good news for you. According to a paper filed by collective gigabrains Kaili Wang, Qinchen Wang, and Dan Boneh, new Ethereum token standards such as ERC-20R and ERC-721R could bring about a new era of reversible Ethereum transactions. In other Ethereum news, the network is now 55% complete following the long awaited Merge. Next up in Ethereum’s development hell cycle comes the Surge, the Verge, the Purge, and the Splurge. Is there any chance we could reverse these terrible name choices please? A tough week for the economy There was bad news for the economy when it was confirmed that the U.S. entered a technical recession in Q2 of 2022. For the uninitiated, a technical recession is what used to be called a recession until recently, when the meaning of the word recession was changed by U.S. legislators to avoid one.  If you can’t fix the economy, just fix the words. Thanks, Joe. The week was marked by a fair amount of volatility in the markets with both Bitcoin and the S&P500 falling. One small crumb of comfort is that while global markets have continued to linger in the doldrums, Bitcoin has rallied to close out the week better than it started. Well done BTC.  Source: CoinGecko. Non-fungible dating? This week Be[In]Crypto asked, can you find love based on what NFTs you hold? Spoiler alert: No! There are probably few phrases in the English language less likely to spark a romantic encounter than, “please accept this JPEG as a non-fungible token of my affection.” Still, that won’t stop people from trying. Good luck in your search, and we hope you find someone truly rare. Malware scare In news that will be of concern to anyone crypto HODLers everywhere, Be[In]Crypto reported on a malware infection that has reportedly had success cracking both hot and cold storage wallets. The malware infection dubbed “Erbium” is believed to be hidden within popular software downloads and games. Not that any of our readers would stoop to software piracy, but if you know a friend who has, tell them to fire up the virus checker pronto. XRP wins a small victory A small legal victory for XRP could yet prove to be a massive win for the entire crypto industry. This week a judge ruled that William Hinman, the former Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Corporate Finance Division, must hand over emails and drafts relating to a speech he made in 2018. In that speech, Hinman asserted that the Ethereum network, cryptocurrency, and crypto trades do not constitute securities-related activities. What Hinman based those comments on, and the thinking of the SEC at that time, may be crucial not only to Ripple’s case, but any further litigation the SEC might wish to bring. At the moment it’s still highly speculative what the discovery process might uncover, but it could be the first step towards clearer industry guidance from the notoriously opaque and litigious governing body. So as much as it might stick in the throat of crypto libertarians to cheer on XRP, that’s good news for everyone. Do Kwon is not on the run Lastly, in not crime news, Do Kwon remains absolutely not in hiding and not on the run, even as Interpol has issued a red notice on the Terra founder. So where is Do Kwon? Be[In]Crypto has heard reports suggesting the not missing founder is drinking bourbon in Texas with a not dead John McAfee. Probably not true, but you never know. That’s all we have time for. If you’re still reading, thanks for joining us. You’ve now caught up with the Last Week [In] Crypto. Disclaimer All the information contained on our website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Any action the reader takes upon the information found on our website is strictly at their own risk.

U.S. CFTC Must Seek Admissions Of Wrongdoing From Wall Street, Commissioner Says – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-cftc-must-seek-admissions-of-wrongdoing-from-wall-street-commissioner-says-reuters/ WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Wall Street companies and others that break the rules should be required to admit their wrongdoing when settling enforcement actions, especially as the growth of retail investing puts more Americans at risk, a U.S. regulator told Reuters. Christy Goldsmith Romero, a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), said she planned to use her vote on enforcement actions to push for more admissions of wrongdoing, particularly from repeat-offender Wall Street companies. “We’ve seen Wall Street banks get one enforcement action after another, after another, after another and the deterrence doesn’t seem to be working, so I’m looking for a greater deterrent impact,” she told Reuters on Thursday. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “If a defendant has to admit to their conduct and suffer the full consequences, maybe they won’t engage in the same conduct.” On Tuesday, the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission fined 16 financial firms, including Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, a combined $1.8 billion because staff used personal devices to discuss trades and deals, violating record-keeping rules. In a victory for the agencies, the 16 institutions admitted the facts and acknowledged that they violated federal laws. But that’s unusual. It is common for civil regulators to include language in settlements requiring the company “neither admit nor deny” the agency’s findings, a clause that protects the company from private litigation, among other adverse secondary consequences. Goldsmith Romero, who joined the CFTC in March after a decade serving as the watchdog of a key 2009 financial crisis bailout program, said the CFTC was “routinely” agreeing to include the wording in settlements without negotiation. “Why are we doing that? Consequences often flow from illegal conduct, and I don’t think it’s the government’s job to alleviate those consequences.” The CFTC should push for admissions of wrongdoing in cases of egregious conduct, recidivism, or where the agency needs to send a message about a particular issue, among other factors, she said. Growing retail participation in the markets increases the need for greater accountability and deterrence, she added. “Particularly as we have crypto and other digital asset retail products coming in, I think it’s going to be incredibly important that we require defendant admissions.” The CFTC’s sitting commissioners vote to approve enforcement settlements. “I am hopeful that there will be change, but I am going to use my vote to try to bring change as well,” said Goldsmith Romero. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Michelle Price; editing by Jonathan Oatis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Asset Servicing Technology News | Clearwater Acquires JUMP – Asset Servicing Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/asset-servicing-technology-news-clearwater-acquires-jump-asset-servicing-times/ Image: saiko3p 30 September 2022 US Reporter Lucy Carter Share this article Clearwater acquires JUMP Analytics solutions provider Clearwater Analytics Holdings (Clearwater) is to acquire Paris-based technology firm JUMP Technology (JUMP). Clearwater will pay €75 million in the deal, which is expected to close within the next two months. JUMP uses a modular approach, allowing clients to choose specific solutions for individual needs. The company covers the entire investment management chain in a single software platform, and includes data management, front-, middle-, and back-office services and reporting capabilities. Through the acquisition, JUMP’s solution will be integrated with Clearwater’s existing platform, Clearwater Prism. This will provide an end-to-end platform for the hedge fund and investment management industry, and offer end-to-end capabilities for unit linked funds in Europe. Sandeep Sahai, CEO of Clearwater Analytics, says: “This acquisition furthers Clearwater’s journey to become a multi-product company, gives us immediate scale in Europe, and expands our offering to cover the entire investment lifecycle. JUMP’s commitment to innovation and building the best platform for their clients is extraordinary.” Emmanuel Fougeras, founder and CEO of JUMP, adds: “We are delighted to combine our world-class technology with a global go-to-market engine. Clearwater shares our passion for building innovative technologies that enrich the client experience and enables asset managers and insurers to grow confidently.”

First Light For First Responders Launches Relief Effort (Copy) – MyEasternShoreMD https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/first-light-for-first-responders-launches-relief-effort-copy-myeasternshoremd/ GRASONVILLE — First Light For First Responders is currently collecting donations for deployment to Florida and other affected areas to assist with victims of Hurricane Ian. The organization has joined forces with Lions Club International to grow the relief effort. “We are currently collecting items listed below. More drop-off locations will be added to our Facebook page and website as they come available. Please donate if you can,” said Justin Davis, founder and president of First Light for First Responders. “If you are unable, then please share the information with your circle of friends and family.”

Travel Insurance For Trips To Brazil – Forbes Advisor – Forbes https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/travel-insurance-for-trips-to-brazil-forbes-advisor-forbes/ Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations. Whether you plan to marvel at Christ the Redeemer atop Mount Corcovado or relax in the surf of Praia do Futuro, you’re bound to discover something new and different in the diverse and naturally beautiful country of Brazil. As you start paying for pricey international airfare, hotels or resorts and other pre-paid travel expenses, it’s a good time to think about travel insurance. The best travel insurance plans can protect your investment if certain aspects of your trip go awry. Here are considerations to keep in mind when buying travel insurance for Brazil. Compare & Buy Travel Insurance Entry Requirements for Brazil Brazil requires travelers arriving on international flights from any country to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination in English, Portuguese or Spanish. For travelers who meet certain exclusion requirements for vaccination, a negative PCR test taken at least 24 hours prior to boarding is required. Buying Travel Insurance for Brazil: Best Practices While travel insurance is not a requirement to visit Brazil, you can gain considerable peace of mind when you buy a plan well before you depart. A solid travel insurance policy can help protect you from some of the added risks that come with a trip to South America. Look for a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes: Trip cancellation insurance Trip interruption insurance Trip delay insurance Travel medical insurance Emergency medical evacuation coverage 24/7 assistance services Delayed or lost luggage protection Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance for Bad Weather in Brazil While trips to the Caribbean are more likely to be affected by severe weather like hurricanes, northern and eastern countries of South America also experience tropical and subtropical cyclones that could affect travel, says Scott Adamski, vice president of AIG Travel Guard. Travel insurance plans that include trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses if unexpected severe weather disrupts your trip. Trip cancellation insurance Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you 100% of pre-paid expenses you lose if your travel plans change because of a reason listed in the policy, such as inclement weather that causes your airline to cease operations or a natural disaster at home or at your destination. It also covers money you lose if you have to cancel your trip because you become sick or injured. Trip cancellation can be purchased up to the day before you leave, but buying travel insurance earlier covers you over a longer period of time for the same price. Trip interruption insurance Trip interruption insurance generally reimburses up to 150% of your trip costs, depending on the travel insurance plan you choose. This coverage compensates you for non-refundable portions of your trip you miss if you have to return home early due to a reason listed in the policy, such as falling ill. It also pays for a last-minute flight home if you have to cut a trip short. Related: Advantages to buying travel insurance right after you book Should You Buy “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage? It can also make sense to purchase “cancel any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance that can reimburse your pre-paid travel expenses if you decide to cancel a trip for any reason at all. CFAR coverage is a good option for people who aren’t entirely certain they will be able to travel on the trip they’ve planned, says Shannon Lofdahl, CEO of Travelex Insurance Services. “This option allows travelers to cancel a trip for any reason, usually up to 48 hours before their scheduled departure date, and they can receive reimbursement for a significant portion of their insured trip costs so they’re not left with the full cost of a trip they can’t go on,” she says. CFAR coverage usually reimburses 75% of your lost trip cost, as long as the entire value of the trip has been insured. This type of coverage typically needs to be purchased within 14 days of making your first payment for your trip. It adds an average of 50% to the cost of travel insurance. Trip Delay Travel Insurance: Iguaçu Falls Will Have to Wait Sometimes you start your trip with no issues, but get waylaid in a connecting airport. An unexpected delay on your travel route could cause you to arrive later than planned and lose money on non-refundable accommodations, pre-booked transportation or pre-paid tours. Trip delay insurance can help you recoup those costs and get your Brazil vacation back on track. Another benefit of trip delay insurance is that it can reimburse you for extra expenses caused by a travel delay. Say your connecting flight from Chicago to Rio de Janeiro is canceled and you have to spend the night in Houston. You can file a claim for money you spend on dinner, transportation and a night at a hotel while you wait for your new flight the next day. Trip delay insurance kicks in after a certain delay period, such as six or 12 hours. Check the plan you purchase for rules on waiting periods. If your flight is only delayed an hour or two, don’t expect to file a successful claim. Featured Travel Insurance Partners Medical & evacuation limits per person $250,000/$1 million Medical & evacuation limits per person $500,000/$500,000 3 GoReady (formerly April) Preferred Plan Pandemic Plus Medical & evacuation limits per person $50,000/$500,000 3 GoReady (formerly April) Travel Medical Insurance for Misadventures in the Amazon Travel medical insurance is “imperative,” says Lofdahl, when you’re booking an international trip. In most cases Medicare is not accepted outside the U.S. and U.S. health plans sometimes do not have good coverage outside the U.S. In the event of illness or injury in Brazil, you would need to pay the medical costs out of your own pocket. Imagine taking a boat tour into the heart of the Amazon and needing urgent medical care somewhere deep in the rainforest. Emergency medical evacuation insurance will pay for a medevac to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility. Lofdahl says medical evacuations on their own can cost as much as $250,000, depending on the specific location. “If a traveler has a medical emergency, gets sick or injured, or needs a hospital or evacuation, travel insurance can help them find a doctor and provide payment so they can focus on feeling better,” she says. 24/7 Assistance Services Can Save the Day 24/7 assistance services included with travel insurance plans can come in handy if you run into trouble in Brazil. These services offer a range of help with: Emergency cash transfers Emergency translation Finding a local doctor Legal assistance For even more help while traveling, buy a plan with travel insurance concierge service. This can help you with restaurant reservations, theater tickets and other services. Baggage Insurance for Your Carnaval Costumes and Camera, Too There are two types of baggage insurance to look for when buying a travel insurance plan: baggage and personal effects and baggage delay. Baggage and personal effects If your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, you can file a baggage insurance claim to get reimbursement for the depreciated value of your belongings. This is true even if the problem happens while you’re traveling in Brazil. So if your camera is stolen while you’re relaxing on Ipanema Beach, you can file a claim. Just be sure to report a theft as soon as it happens because your travel insurance company will request documentation. It’s also wise to read your policy closely so you are aware of what baggage insurance covers and what it doesn’t—typically some exclusions apply. Baggage delay insurance Celebrating Rio’s pre-Lenten Carnaval won’t be as exciting if your suitcase full of partywear is delayed. If you need to buy some replacement festive apparel while you wait for your luggage to arrive in Brazil, baggage delay coverage can help. Baggage delay insurance has a waiting period, which will depend on the policy. Your baggage might have to be delayed six, 12 or even 24 hours before your coverage kicks in. How Much Does Travel Insurance for Trips to Brazil Cost? The average cost of travel insurance for a Brazil trip is $184, according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of plans purchased so far in 2022. The average trip cost for Brazil is $2,517. Your cost of travel insurance will vary based on the age of the travelers, the length of the trip and the trip cost you’re insuring. For example, here are quotes for a seven-night trip to Brazil from several of the best travel insurance companies. The quotes below are for a 42-year-old woman traveling in February 2023 with a total trip cost of $5,000. The quote range for each company reflects the range of coverage offered by various plans by each company. When you compare travel insurance quotes for Brazil, it’s important to do an “apples to apples” comparison. This means making sure the plans you’re considering have all the types of coverage you want and that the limits for each coverage protection are similar. Compare & Buy Travel Insurance

These Shops Opened Their Doors In State College, Plus More Business News From September – Centre Daily Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/these-shops-opened-their-doors-in-state-college-plus-more-business-news-from-september-centre-daily-times/ You don’t have permission to access “http://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article266195751.html” on this server. Reference #18.4b3b2f17.1664537436.2794663d

Philips Shareholders Appoint Roy Jakobs As Next President And Chief Executive Officer – GlobeNewswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/philips-shareholders-appoint-roy-jakobs-as-next-president-and-chief-executive-officer-globenewswire/ September 30, 2022 Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announced that today’s Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGM) appointed Roy Jakobs as the company’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 15, 2022, succeeding current President and Chief Executive Officer Frans van Houten. “I am very pleased that Roy Jakobs has been appointed today as the next CEO of Philips,” said Feike Sijbesma, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips. “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Frans for successfully leading Philips’ transformation into a focused, global solutions leader in health technology. We are convinced that Roy is the right successor to lead Philips’ efforts to help improve the health and well-being of people globally, and further shape the company for increased value creation for shareholders and all other stakeholders.” “I have enjoyed and feel deeply privileged for having been given the opportunity to shape Philips onto a path of future relevance as we embraced health and healthcare innovation as our company focus,” said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. “Much has been achieved in the past 12 years and I want to thank the many passionate, talented colleagues who have made this possible. Nevertheless,  much remains to be done, and this will now be the task of the Executive Committee under the leadership of my successor. I wish Roy and the team much success.” “I am honored to be appointed as the next CEO of Philips, and together with our Philips colleagues continue to help improve people’s health and well-being with meaningful innovations,“ said Roy Jakobs, incoming CEO of Royal Philips. “Philips is a unique company with a strong brand, more than 130 years of innovation power and a bright future as a leader in health technology solutions. I look forward to leading the company in a transparent way, empowering our people as we address the current challenges, while also shaping the next chapter of Philips.” Additional information on the composition of Philips’ Board of Management and the Executive Committee can be found here . For more information about the EGM, please click on this link . For further information, please contact: Elco van Groningen Philips Global Press Office Tel.: +31 6 8103 9584 E-mail: elco.van.groningen@philips.com Derya Guzel Philips Investor Relations Tel.: +31 20 59 77055 E-mail: derya.guzel@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2021 sales of EUR 17.2 billion and employs approximately 79,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. Roy Jakobs Frans van Houten CEO Frans van Houten congratulates incoming CEO Roy Jakobs on his appointment Incoming CEO Roy Jakobs introduces himself to the shareholders

NFF To Get New Leaders Today – Latest Sports News In Nigeria – Brila https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nff-to-get-new-leaders-today-latest-sports-news-in-nigeria-brila/ The 78th Nigeria Football Federation General Assembly and Elective Congress will hold today in the ancient City of Benin, Edo State. There were many uncertainties hanging around the elections after a group dragged the Federation to the Federal High Court, Abuja, stating that the NFF’s decision to choose September 30, for its Elective Congress is unlawful and the election must be stopped. The coast however became clear after Court of Appeal gave the green light for the election to go ahead on Thursday morning. The ruling by the Court of Appeal ordered a stay-of-execution of an ex parte injunction secured by some fellows a fortnight ago to stop the elections. At least 10 prominent individuals are jostling for the position of the Presidency, while dozen other notable persons jostling for seats on the Executive Committee. More representatives of the world football-governing body, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football are already in Benin City. Solomon Mudege, A FIFA representative said: “We are happy to be here and to witness another milestone in the history of Nigeria Football. We believe it is going to be an interesting Congress with the elections.” The elections will commence after other items on the agenda for the 78th Annual General Assembly have been dealt with. Winners would be sworn in immediately after the elections. According to the NFF media department, these are the Aspirants for the position of NFF Presidency and the board : Among the 10 persons jostling to succeed Amaju Melvin Pinnick as Nigeria football’s supremo are former vice presidents, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (1st VP) and Mallam Shehu Dikko (2nd VP), as well as former Executive Committee Member and Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and former Executive Committee Member, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande. There is also an immediate past General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu, and Head of Safety and Security of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Christian Emeruwa. Also in the hunt for the exalted post are Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Mallam Adam Mouktar Mohammed; former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peterside Idah; former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC and respected technocrat, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola and; UK-based David-Buhari Doherty. A former NFF 1st Vice President, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, pulled out of the race during the week. Mr. Paul Yusuf from Plateau State was disqualified as a result of invalid nomination; the same axe that swept Mr. Marcellinus Anyanwu from Imo State out of the race. Three persons, viz current Member of Board, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; current Member of Board, Senator Obinna Ogba and; Mr Chinedu Okoye will battle for the post of 1st Vice President. Current Member of Board, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ will replace Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as Chairman of Chairmen, as he was the only one who obtained the form, and has been cleared for, the position. Contesting for seats on the Executive Committee from the South East are: Pastor Emeka Inyama (Abia State); Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra State); Mr Karibe Pascal Ojigwe (Abia State); Mr. Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State) and; Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Imo State). For North Central are Alhaji Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa State); Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen (Benue State); Hon. Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State); Mr. Daniel Amokachi (Benue State) and; Mr. Benedict Akwuegbu (Plateau State). Current Member of Board, Ms Aisha Falode tops the list of candidates from the South South region, with Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State); Mr. Gregory Abang (Cross River State); Mr. Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State); Barr. Poubeni Ogun (Bayelsa State); Mr Jarret Tenebe (Edo State) and; Rt. Hon. Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State) also vying for seats from that zone. Current Member of Board, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi leads the list of contestants for seats from the South West, with Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State); Mr. Ayodeji Ogunjobi (Osun State); Alhaji Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State); Mr. Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga (Osun State); Mr. Ayodeji Adegbenro (Ondo State) and Barr. Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi (Osun State) also in the race. North East candidates are current Member of Board, Alhaji Babagana Kalli (Borno State); Barr. Sajo Mohammed (Adamawa State) and; Mr. Timothy Henman Magaji (Taraba State). Current Member of Board, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) is the only candidate from the North West. If you use the quotes from this content, you legally agree to give www.brila.net the News credit as the source and a backlink to our story. Copyright 2020 Brila Media.

‘Metaverse’ Children To Replace Real Kids By 2050 And ‘help With Overpopulation’ – Daily Star https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/metaverse-children-to-replace-real-kids-by-2050-and-help-with-overpopulation-daily-star/ Virtual kids born in the metaverse could become more common in the next 50 years, according to an AI expert. Author Catriona Campbell believes parents will want to care for digital children in virtual reality, using a headset to feel like they’re really there with a CGI kid. These virtual kids would be just like the real thing but could be switched off at the touch of a button, and Campbell argues they’ll help the world deal with ‘overpopulation’. READ NEXT: Mark Zuckerberg’s top secret Metaverse headset revealed after being left in hotel room In a book released this year, Campbell says a ‘Tamagotchi generation’ will be born and be available to parents for a ‘small monthly fee’. Real babies could be out of a job (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) In the book, she says: “Virtual children may seem like a giant leap from where we are now, but within 50 years technology will have advanced to such an extent that babies which exist in the metaverse are indistinct from those in the real world.” She adds: “We’re already well on our way to creating the Tamagotchi generation which, for all intents and purposes, will be ‘real’ to their parents. “On the basis that consumer demand is there, which I think it will be, AI children will become widely available for a relatively small monthly fee.” Virtual children would be available ‘for a small monthly fee’ (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The idea that the world will become dangerously overpopulated is not supported by data. Although the global population is set to continue increasing over the next century, it is due to eventually flatten and slow down. This is already happening in countries in the West, including Britain, which have ageing populations and declining birthrates. In the UK, that means the population is set to decline by 2025 and begin shrinking, which will lead to many unfilled jobs. Population growth tends to slow in post-industrial societies as contraception becomes more readily available and more women enter the workforce. One estimate suggests you could fit the entirety of the world’s population in an area the size of Los Angeles, although it would obviously not be very comfortable. Put simply, it’s unlikely that virtual children will replace the real deal anytime soon. READ MORE: Beijing bus drivers to have their ’emotions tracked’ by government using AI bracelets TikTok could face £27million fine as it ‘may’ have breached child privacy laws Inside Hitler’s insane Nazi ‘Snowpiercer’ train with a pool, kennel, and lots of guns iPhone camera can now tell you if a spider in your house is deadly or venomous Baptist churches using ‘invasive’ spying apps to track ‘sinful’ phone behaviour

5 Things To Know Before The Stock Market Opens Friday – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-friday-cnbc/ Traders on the floor of the NYSE, Sept. 28, 2022. Source: NYSE Here are the most important news items that investors need to start their trading day: 1. A bang, or a whimper? The third quarter comes to a close Friday, and it couldn’t come any sooner for beaten-up stock markets. It’s been a terrible month for equities. The Federal Reserve’s policy makers made it clear they’re serious about raising rates until price increases cool down, sending bond yields surging and stocks down. The central bank’s critics say much of the turmoil is the result of the Fed waiting too long to address inflation and then doing too much, too quickly, to fight it. The economic mess in the UK and the nuclear-tinged anxiety over Russia’s war in Ukraine haven’t helped, either. Earnings season is around the corner, too, which could add even more pressure to markets that have already fallen below their previous 2022 lows. Follow live market updates here. Read more: Euro zone inflation soars again 2. Not great, Apple Apple CEO Tim Cook presents the new iPhone 14 at an Apple event at their headquarters in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 7, 2022.  Carlos Barria | Reuters A somewhat surprising name led Thursday’s big selloff in tech stocks: Apple. While the top-tier gadget maker is down a whopping 20% so far this year, it has outperformed the tech-loaded Nasdaq, which has fallen an even-worse 31% since the end of 2021. Technology stocks are typically considered riskier and more vulnerable to interest rate increases, so when there’s volatility investors head to safer securities. In this case, it was a downgrade from Bank of America that triggered the decline in Apple, which brought other big names down with it, such as Alphabet and Microsoft. “Shares have outperformed significantly YTD … and have been perceived as a relative safe haven,” BofA analyst Wamsi Mohan wrote Thursday, in downgrading Apple to a hold. “However, we see risk to this outperformance over the next year, as we expect material negative est. revisions driven by weaker consumer demand.” Still, a vast majority of analysts on the Street have Apple at a buy rating. Read more: Apple exec leaves company after vulgar comment goes viral on TikTok 3. Toyota CEO stands by EV plan Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp., gestures while posing for photographs during a news conference at the company’s showroom in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 14, 2021. Toyota announced plans for its EV vehicles. Kiyoshi Ota | Bloomberg | Getty Images Akio Toyoda has heard your complaints that his company, Toyota, isn’t moving fast enough to go all-in on electric vehicles, but he’s not budging. “That’s our strategy and we’re sticking to it,” the CEO said. While Ford and General Motors have been telling investors, customers and politicians alike that they’re going all-electric, Toyota is taking an all-of-the-above approach. That means producing gas-electric hybrids, like the Prius, as well as hydrogen-electric vehicles and plugins. The company has increased investments in electric vehicles, but it doesn’t view EVs as the only solution. “Everything is going to be up to the customers to decide,” Toyoda told reporters Thursday. 4. Nike has an inventory problem A man wearing a protective face mask walks past a Nike brand store central in Kyiv, Ukraine December 10, 2020. Valentyn Ogirenko | Reuters It looks like people will be getting a lot of steeply marked-down Nike gear for holiday gifts this year. The sneaker and sporting goods company said in its earnings report Thursday that it’s overwhelmed with products from multiple seasons because of supply chain problems. Some shipments intended for earlier seasons showed up after taking too long, Nike said, while the company is also getting products for the holiday shopping season, which it ordered early to hedge against shipping delays. Overall, the company’s inventory jumped 44% in the prior quarter, and by 65% in North America, its largest market. So that’s left Nike with no choice but to “aggressively liquidate” big chunks of its inventory, said CFO Matthew Friend. Nike isn’t the only one in selling mode: Shares of the company fell in off-hours trading. More from CNBC PRO: Nike results offer clues about the strong dollar and earnings season 5. Ian strengthens after pummeling Florida A man takes photos of boats damaged by Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Florida, on September 29, 2022. Giorgio Viera | AFP | Getty Images Ian became a hurricane again after it barreled through Florida and hit the Atlantic Ocean. Now the storm is on a collision course with South Carolina, where it’s projected to make landfall Friday afternoon. Parts of the state could receive 8 inches of rain while suffering from severe flooding and winds, weather authorities said. Ian has already left a wide path of destruction in Florida, and knocked out powered to millions. President Joe Biden warned of a “substantial loss of life.” Images of Fort Myers, Florida, were particularly horrifying: Lingering floods, boats left on streets, houses smashed. “Watching the water from my condo in the heart of downtown, watching that water rise and just flood out all the stores on the first floor, it was heartbreaking,” Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told NBC’s “Today.” – CNBC’s Alex Harring, Jordan Novet, Michael Wayland and Lillian Rizzo contributed to this report. — Sign up now for the CNBC Investing Club to follow Jim Cramer’s every stock move. Follow the broader market action like a pro on CNBC Pro.