Gopuff Selects Brands For Accelerator Program Food Business News
Gopuff Selects Brands For Accelerator Program – Food Business News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/gopuff-selects-brands-for-accelerator-program-food-business-news/
PHILADELPHIA — Grocery delivery platform Gopuff has named seven food and beverage brands to participate in its Put Me On small business accelerator program.
Co-founders Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev launched Put Me On to provide tools and resources to support and empower entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups. Participants will have access to monthly workshops hosted by industry leaders, networking events and one-on-one capacity-building sessions with marketing, private label, business insights, advertising, merchandising and supply chain teams at Gopuff. Additionally, the brands will launch and promote products through the Gopuff platform.
“Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is a fundamental pillar of what we do at Gopuff because Rafael and I know firsthand the challenges of building a business from the ground up,” Mr. Gola said. “The Put Me On program is a way for us to leverage our business model and resources to help others succeed, particularly entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities facing even greater obstacles. Running with the incredible success we had with the inaugural class, we’re so proud to announce this new group of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are ready to take their brands to the next level.”
Food and beverage brands selected for the second class of the Put Me On program are:
Boba x Ice Cream, an Asian-inspired frozen dessert brand
GoOats Oatmeal Bites, a portable take on a breakfast staple
Hella Cocktail Co., a maker of premium mixers and bitters
Hrbvor, herbal tea featuring whole leaf, organic herbs
Nunbelievable, a mission-driven cookie company
Superfrau!, a sparkling beverage formulated with leftover liquid whey
Sweet Logic, a line of keto-friendly desserts and snacks
“We’re on a mission to disrupt the ice cream industry and transform the All-American treat with Asian-inspired flavors and the cultural phenomenon of boba,” said Charn Bak, co-founder of Boba x Ice Cream. “Partnering with Gopuff’s ‘Put Me On’ program gives support to inspire a future where Asian Americans feel included, empowered, and proud to share our unique cultures and create a more fun, diverse and inclusive world.”
Gopuff is accepting applications for the third class of the Put Me On accelerator program. Brand founders may apply at rangeme.com/gopuffputmeon2023.
Dementia: Might An Old Drug For Diabetes Help Lower Risk? Medical News Today
Dementia: Might An Old Drug For Diabetes Help Lower Risk? – Medical News Today https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/dementia-might-an-old-drug-for-diabetes-help-lower-risk-medical-news-today/
Could an older drug for diabetes help reduce the risk of dementia? Image credit: Aitor Diago/Getty Images.
People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing dementia.
A team of researchers has found an older class of type 2 diabetes medication helps reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia from any cause by 22%.
Scientists also found the use of these medications lowered the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 11% and vascular dementia by 57% in people with type 2 diabetes.
shows that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing dementia.
found that people with diabetes have a 73% increased risk of developing , a 56% higher chance of having Alzheimer’s disease, and a 127% increased probability of developing vascular dementia.
Now researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, The University of Arizona, and Phoenix VA Health Care System have found evidence that an older class of type 2 diabetes medication known as helps reduce a person’s dementia risk by 22%.
This study recently appeared in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
Glitazones, also known as (TZDs), are medications used to manage and treat type 2 diabetes by targeting a person’s insulin resistance.
This medication targets the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) in the body. The PPAR-gamma receptor is responsible for how sensitive a body is to insulin, and also aids in the body’s metabolism of glucose (sugar).
TZDs work by boosting a person’s sensitivity to insulin, helping to make sure their pancreas can continue to produce a normal level of insulin for their body.
Potential side effects of glitazones include:
water retention
eyesight issues, such as
liver toxicity.
There are currently two main types of TZD medications. , marketed under the brand name Avandia, was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999, and by the European Medical Agency (EMA) in 2000.
However, the EMA suspended the use of rosiglitazone, and the FDA and label changes in 2010 following concerns over cardiovascular risks with the drug.
The other type of TZD, , marketed as Actos, is approved for use in the and the European Union.
According to the study authors, type 2 diabetes and dementia share similar physiological patterns. For example, show people with diabetes have changes in brain structure and cognitive capabilities similar to those found in dementia.
“At the Center for Innovation in Brain Science [CIBS], we take a multiprong approach in understanding ways to mitigate and prevent the development of Alzheimer’s Disease and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases,” commented Dr. Kathleen Rodgers, associate director of translational neuroscience at CIBS, and professor of pharmacology at The University of Arizona, and a member of the study research team.
“Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease and initiating factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is bioenergetic dysregulation. As type 2 diabetes at its base, due to reduced insulin sensitivity, bioenergetics dysregulation, evaluation of drugs that help diabetics properly handle glucose seemed to be an approach to meet our mission at CIBS.”
– Dr. Kathleen Rodgers
For that reason, Dr. Jin J. Zhou, associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research for the Department of Medicine Statistics Core at UCLA and lead author of this study, told Medical News Today there have been of the use of anti-diabetic medications for dementia, especially for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment.
However, the results have not been consistent, leading to her team’s current study.
For this study, Dr. Zhou and her team examined the electronic health records of more than half a million people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes through the national Veteran Affairs (VA) Health System over a 19-year period.
Upon analysis, researchers found after at least 1 year of drug treatment, patients who received TZD only had a 22% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause. Scientists also found these patients lowered their Alzheimer’s disease risk by 11% and vascular dementia risk by 57%.
“Our findings provide evidence for medication selections for mild or moderate type 2 diabetes patients who are at high risk for dementia,” says Dr. Zhou states.
“This,” she told MNT, “may lead to the future study […] [of the] mechanistic of [TZDs]. As our study is an observational study, further validation in other cohorts, including golden standard clinical trials, [is] needed.”
MNT also spoke with Dr. David A. Merrill, a psychiatrist, and director of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pacific Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, about this study.
He was glad to see researchers taking a second look at medications that are generic, available, and affordable as a potential benefit for older adults at risk for memory loss with aging.
“We’ve known for 20-odd years that this type of diabetes medication could be helpful for dementia risk reduction, and these new findings are hopefully renewing interest in pursuing these drugs for dementia prevention and treatment,” Dr. Merrill added.
Because the underpinnings of dementia symptoms are multifactorial, Dr. Merrill said glitazones help address some of the major drivers of dementia, including insulin resistance, atherosclerotic heart disease, and inflammation.
He explained:
“As you address things like metabolism, vascular disease, [and] inflammation, you’re then lowering or slowing the progression of pathologic brain disease, like plaques and tangles and Alzheimer’s. And so by treating general health conditions that we think of as systemic, you end up protecting the brain against age-related dementia.”
As for the next steps in this research, Dr. Merrill said he would like to see more real-world applications of these drugs, as well as combining glitazones with other types of treatments, such as a healthy lifestyle.
“We know that a healthy lifestyle is one of if not the most powerful interventions to reduce [the] risk of dementia,” he detailed. “If you combine a multimodal lifestyle intervention where you’re targeting improvement of a healthy lifestyle, and then you pair that with a drug like a glitazone, you might see a real synergy, as opposed to just using the pill or just advocating for a healthy lifestyle.”
Locked On Sports Today: October 17 2022 | 12news.com 12news.com KPNX
Locked On Sports Today: October 17, 2022 | 12news.com – 12news.com KPNX https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/locked-on-sports-today-october-17-2022-12news-com-12news-com-kpnx/
Discussing and debating the day’s top sports stories from the Giants improving their record to 5-1 to the Yankees forcing a game 5 in the ALDS against the Guardians.
Author: 12news.com
Published: 8:18 AM MST October 17, 2022
Updated: 8:18 AM MST October 17, 2022
EXCLUSIVE Short-Video Company Triller Launches Metaverse Platform Reuters
EXCLUSIVE Short-Video Company Triller Launches Metaverse Platform – Reuters https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/exclusive-short-video-company-triller-launches-metaverse-platform-reuters/
Oct 17 (Reuters) – Short-video platform Triller Inc is the latest company to stake its claim in the metaverse with the launch Monday of a new platform called Metaverz.
Triller said its Metaverz provides virtual spaces where users can gather to watch live music and sporting events, such as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship or the Triller Fight Club, and interact with artists and other fans.
Its first event takes place on Oct. 22 with DJ Sam Feldt performing an electronic set from the Netherlands, then dropping into Metaverz’s virtual nightclub as an avatar to mingle with guests. The virtual performance is one of 2,000 events Triller and its subsidiaries plan to host in the next year, a majority of which will happen in the real world and in Metaverz.
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“We’re carefully curating all our events and experiences so people understand what they’re doing,” Christopher Taurosa, head of Metaverz. “It’s not like you walk around aimlessly … You get to engage around an event.”
Triller’s Metaverz will compete with deeper-resourced rivals like Meta Platforms Inc (META.O), which has spent billions of dollars to create an immersive digital environment where people would socialize, play games and work. Its flagship game, Horizon Worlds, has struggled to gain a firm footing, attracting just 200,000 users, according to documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal.
In a preview, Triller showed off virtual environments the company spent the last two-plus years building, including a sports arena, beach houses surrounded by rippling water and palm trees and a nightclub with projection screens, laser lights and marble floors. Clusters of seating areas provide places for users to talk with one another, either as avatars or via livestreamed video that appears in a dialogue box on the screen.
The Metaverz is accessible via any internet-connected device, through a browser.
The company is working with Epik to create games within its Metaverz. Players can earn digital currency, dubbed Illr Bucks, that can used to buy virtual apparel, customize their avatars, or purchase tickets to events hosted by Triller or its creators.
The Triller video sharing app launched in its current form in October 2019, and has looked to take on larger rival TikTok. The company added fresh content and features to the platform with the acquisitions of live-streaming music platform Verzuz, founded by Grammy-winning producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, combat sports brands Bare Knuckle Fighting and Fite.tv, and Fangage, Julius and Amplify.ai, whose technologies help creators connect with and monetize their fan base.
Triller recently raised $310 million from Global Emerging Markets, a Luxembourg-based private investment group, in anticipation of going public as soon as next month.
Triller CEO Mahi de Silva said the company is losing money, but expects to cross into profitability by 2023.
It has run afoul of one of the world’s largest music companies, Sony Music Entertainment, which filed a lawsuit against Triller in August in federal district court in New York, seeking millions of dollars in damages after the video-sharing app allegedly stopped paying licensing fees in March 22. De Silva described the lawsuit as a tactic in license negotiations.
The Washington Post also reported this summer that Black influencers, who had been recruited to the platform a year ago with promises of $4,000 per month, say those payments have been erratic — and in some cases, nonexistent.
“We did have a few hiccups in the beginning of the year,” de Silva said. “But we are 100% up to date.”
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Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Amo Your Awesome With Oppo New Feature Of No Shake Camera The Tech Outlook
Amo Your Awesome With Oppo New Feature Of No Shake Camera – The Tech Outlook https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/amo-your-awesome-with-oppo-new-feature-of-no-shake-camera-the-tech-outlook/
Samsung’s Galaxy phone has been a huge success in the premium phone class. Samsung has the well-taken advantage of it by coming up with new models again and again for a long time. Now the premium Galaxy A series has come up with something super exciting. We would be mainly talking about the feature around the camera because that’s the main content that we would be serving in it.
Oppo camera that has never disappointed us bags something interesting and the very first thing is its no shake feature. The shake feature lets you record and capture the video without any blur. If you have been to a function or a party and have asked someone else to take your group photo it might have disappointed you because of the blurry image.
Oppo’s new camera lens moves in the opposite direction as soon as you move it. This causes the lens to be in the same place and take blur-free images and videos. But what about the unwanted person in the picture? You can’t do anything about it but now you can with a new feature of Oppo that lets you remove unwanted guests in photos. This is not the end because you can also follow the water and blowing sand because even that won’t let you down while taking some awesome shots.
Best Crypto Winter Tokens In 2022 – Cryptonews https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/best-crypto-winter-tokens-in-2022-cryptonews/
Disclaimer: The Industry Talk section features insights from crypto industry players and is not a part of the editorial content of Cryptonews.com.
What are the 11 best crypto winter tokens to consider investing in today? During the so-called crypto winter, although many digital assets are performing poorly, value investors will look to invest while prices are cheap.
As such, due to a sharp decline in the value of digital currencies, this crypto winter can provide an opportunity to make gains from depressed prices.
The 11 Best Crypto Winter Tokens
A list of the best crypto winter tokens worth considering during this bear market can be found below:
IMPT (IMPT) – Overall Best Crypto Winter Token to Buy Today (Presale)
Tamadoge (TAMA) – Newly Launched Play-to-Earn and NFT Gaming Platform
Battle Infinity (IBAT) – P2E Battle Games and Metaverse Ecosystem
Lucky Block (LBLOCK) – Decentralized NFT Competitions Project
Bitcoin (BTC) – Top Crypto Winter Token for Long-Term Store of Value
Binance Coin (BNB) – Native Token of the World’s Largest Exchange by Trading Volume
Polkadot (DOT) – Blockchain Addressing Interoperability and Scalability
Ethereum (ETH) – Potentially Undervalued Crypto With Smart Contract-Functionality
Solana (SOL) – Scalable Network With Over 3,400 Validators
Cronos (CRO) – Crypto Token Powering the Crypto.com Exchange
Chainlink (LINK) – Crypto Project Enhancing Smart Contract Capabilities
Invest in IMPT Now
A Closer Look at the Best Coins to Invest in During Crypto Winter
At the time of writing, the cryptocurrency space is firmly in a bear market. However, market-wide decreases mask a variety of intricacies and outliers.
Importantly, some cryptocurrencies show more potential than others. With this in mind, investors will find our analysis of the best coins to invest in during the crypto winter useful.
Our research findings can be found below:
1. IMPT – Overall Best Crypto Winter Token to Buy Today (Presale)
Environmentally-conscious investors searching for the best crypto to buy during the crypto winter will like IMPT. The idea is that businesses and individual users can take part in an impactful carbon offset program and lower their footprint.
So, how does it work? One way for users of the platform to gain carbon credits is by shopping with any of the environmentally-conscious brands that have partnered with IMPT. The platform gives shoppers IMPT tokens after each purchase.
This innovative platform also features a carbon marketplace. As such, the IMPT tokens earned on each purchase made can be swapped for carbon credits, allowing the shopper to reduce their environmental footprint. It’s also possible to make purchases in the traditional way via the IMPT crypto app.
This way, shoppers will accumulate a sales margin from any environmentally-conscious purchases and will earn IMPT tokens that way. Additionally, individuals can utilize whatever credits they accumulate (or purchase) to fund causes and initiatives that have been proven to value the environment and society.
On this note, the IMPT platform allows users to access a variety of environmental initiatives from all over the world, making it one of the most eco-friendly cryptocurrencies available. Carbon credits are minted as NFTs and they can be bought, sold, or burned.
The latter results in the user being rewarded with a unique NFT that may be swapped in the aforementioned carbon marketplace. This is possibly the greenest cryptocurrency on the market. At the time of writing, IMPT tokens are on presale.
This means early investors can buy IMPT at a huge discount. At this stage, it costs just $0.018 for one token. When stage two of the presale begins, the price will increase to $0.023. As such, IMPT is among the top cryptocurrencies with the highest upside potential.
Visit IMPT Presale Now
2. Tamadoge (TAMA) – Newly Launched Play-to-Earn and NFT Gaming Platform
Tamadoge is one of the best IEO cryptos of the year. Moreover, Tamadoge had a hugely successful presale phase, whereby it sold out early; reaching its target of $19 million in just two months. Its native token TAMA is now listed on Uniswap, BitMart, and OKX.
TAMA is also one of the best meme coins. The most well-known meme coins are Shiba Inu and Dogecoin. Both of these meme coins gave traders huge returns in 2021, following the conclusion of the last bull market. Tamadoge adopts a different strategy by fusing P2E (play-to-earn) gaming mechanics with meme coin ideals.
This fun game is like a reboot of Tamagotchi, only it uses blockchain technology and offers crypto rewards and NFTs. Each pet is minted as an NFT and has its own set of qualities and weaknesses. All Tamadoge pets are born as infants, requiring care until they reach adulthood.
As such, players can breed, care for, and mint their own Tamadoge pets. When a Tamadoge pet reaches adulthood, it can take part in the turn-based arena where users battle one another. Players can earn frequent rewards through strategic gameplay. This is when they can try to beat other players to the top of the leaderboard.
Some would argue that Tamadgoe is one of the best coins to invest in during the crypto winter because it has room to grow and a strong roadmap. This crypto project is already in the process of introducing a metaverse (called the Tamaverse) and AR app to its ecosystem, as per its whitepaper.
The latter will enable players to explore the environment around them and go hunting for TAMA tokens with their pets. Although TAMA is a brand new crypto project, the team has already submitted its application to list on Binance.
TAMA is one of the best low-cap crypto gems on the market. The market capitalization of Tamadoge, at the time of writing, is just $35 million. For more information on how to buy Tamadoge tokens – read our comprehensive guide.
Buy Tamadoge Now
3. Battle Infinity (IBAT) – P2E Battle Games and Metaverse Ecosystem
Those interested in P2E gaming might also consider IBAT to be one of the best crypto winter tokens. Battle Infinity aims to transform the gaming industry by fusing it with both the blockchain and the metaverse.
Considering the fundamentals of this project, Battle Infinity is one of the best long-term cryptocurrencies in the market.
The presale phase of its native token, IBAT, was a great success. Presale tokens sold out in just 24 days due to high demand. This was much earlier than the 90 days the team had previously anticipated. During this phase, Battle Infinity reached its hard cap goal of 16,500 BNB, which equated to around $5 million at the time.
The IBAT token is the driving force behind the Battle Infinity economy. The IBAT Premier League is a fantasy sports game based on NFTs. Players may create their ideal sports team and compete against each other to win prizes. All in-game products, avatars, and athletes are backed by NFTs.
Players may purchase IBAT on Battle Swap and exchange their earnings for other cryptocurrencies. Another part of the Battle Infinity ecosystem is the Battle Arena, the project’s metaverse. This is connected to the marketplace so that players can buy items or upgrade their avatars.
Meanwhile, Battle Games gives players access to a variety of crypto-enabled P2E titles, and the Swap element of the ecosystem functions as a DEX. Finally, flexible and locked staking options are also available on the Battle Infinity platform.
At the time of writing, the market capitalization of Battle Infinity is just $10 million.
Buy Battle Infinity Now
4. Lucky Block (LBLOCK) – Decentralized NFT Competitions Project
Lucky Block is one of the best new NFT projects in the space. Its native token, LBLOCK, is also worth a look for those looking for winter crypto investment opportunities. This NFT competitions platform was only launched in January 2022 so is still in its infancy.
That said, it hit the ground running during its presale period. The project’s native token, LBLOCK quickly sold out and raised around $5.7 million during the process. Not only that, but it became the fastest-ever crypto asset to reach a market capitalization of $1 billion.
As we touched on, Lucky Block is an NFT competition platform. Due to the platform’s usage of the Binance Smart Chain for hosting, there are no geographic constraints. As such, competitions held by Lucky Block are open to everyone.
Investors who purchase a Lucky Block NFT will be guaranteed entry into the platform’s daily prize draws as it acts as a ticket. Notably, though, the daily prize draw is separate from the main competition and is only open to NFT holders.
There are now two versions of LBLOCK. LBLOCK V1 is a BEP-20 token, whereas LBLOCK V2 is built on Ethereum, making it simpler to list on centralized exchanges. There are more significant exchange listings anticipated shortly, however, the coin is currently listed on Uniswap, MEXC, LBank, and Gate.io.
The market capitalization of LBLOCK V1 is just over $7.7 million. According to CoinMarketCap, the fully diluted market capitalization of LBLOCK V2 is almost $725,000.
Buy Lucky Block Now
5. Bitcoin (BTC) – Top Crypto Winter Token for Long-Term Store of Value
Bitcoin is by far the most well-known cryptocurrency and has become a global phenomenon. BTC was the first blockchain-based digital asset and it has been steadily gaining popularity since 2009. Bitcoin is widely recognized as the benchmark for the market as a whole, making it one of the best crypto winter tokens.
Bitcoin went from less than a cent in 2009 and ended up reaching a high of over $68,000 in late 2021. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around 70% lower than its all-time high. This could represent an opportunity to buy BTC at a discount, whilst perhaps creating a diverse portfolio of new and well-establish winter cryptocurrencies.
This crypto asset...
Bakelite Synthetics Features BREAKTHRU Technology That Significantly Reduces Free Formaldehyde The Bakersfield Californian
Bakelite Synthetics Features BREAKTHRU™ Technology That Significantly Reduces Free Formaldehyde … – The Bakersfield Californian https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/bakelite-synthetics-features-breakthru-technology-that-significantly-reduces-free-formaldehyde-the-bakersfield-californian/
Atlanta, Oct. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bakelite Synthetics, a leading global integrated producer of thermoset specialty resins, systems and engineered thermoset molding compounds, is featuring an innovative technology that reduces residual formaldehyde content in phenolic resins. BREAKTHRU technology will be showcased at the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), October 17 through 20, in Anaheim, California.
Testing of BREAKTHRU has demonstrated reductions of 97 percent in emissions when compared with current MIL-SPEC resin systems. This new technology can help manufacturers lower plant emissions, reduce solvent use, and decrease the potential for in-plant exposure when working with phenolic resins and solvents, without affecting performance.
“We’re excited to offer this innovative technology to our customers, especially those in the composites business,” said JP Aucoin, CEO of Bakelite Synthetics. “Limiting plant emissions is an ongoing focus of industry, and we are committed to meeting this need while improving the performance and efficiency of our products. Our BREAKTHRU technology provides an attractive, new alternative to conventional phenolic resin products.”
Phenolic resins used in industrial applications historically contain free formaldehyde levels ranging from 0.3 percent to greater than 1.5 percent. BREAKTHRU technology has been shown to reduce free formaldehyde in phenolic resins to below 1,000 parts per million or less than 0.1 percent. This is below the labelling threshold required by the globally harmonized system for safety data sheets (SDS) established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – effectively removing formaldehyde from the SDS.
In addition to this significant advance, analyses have shown that BREAKTHRU technology can also lower free phenol content and offer a faster curing profile for phenolic resin systems. Resins made with BREAKTHRU technology are also high molecular weight and water-soluble, helping manufacturers reduce solvent use.
Related to BREAKTHRU technology, the technical paper CURING EMISSIONS OF NEW ULTRA LOW FREE FORMALDEHYDE PHENOLIC RESINS FOR COMPOSITE APPLICATIONS will be presented at 10:30 AM Wednesday Oct. 19 at the conference. In addition to the technical presentation, Bakelite Synthetics will be presenting its resins and technology in the CAMX Theater 10 AM, Wednesday, October 19.
Technical representatives will be available in the Bakelite Synthetics booth (V47) at CAMX to answer questions about the new technology.
About Bakelite Synthetics
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Bakelite Synthetics is a leading global integrated producer of thermoset specialty resins, solutions and engineered thermoset molding compounds serving a variety of segments and end markets across geographies. Bakelite Synthetics comprises approximately 1,500 associates and 21 manufacturing sites operating in 10 countries. Additional information about Bakelite Synthetics and its products is available at www.bakelite.com.
Donald Ullery Bakelite Synthetics +1 502-762-8034 donald.ullery@bakelite.com
Copyright 2022 GlobeNewswire, Inc.
San Antonio Startup Week Returns With Aim Of More Collaboration And Funding Across Tech Sector San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Startup Week Returns With Aim Of More Collaboration — And Funding — Across Tech Sector – San Antonio Express-News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/san-antonio-startup-week-returns-with-aim-of-more-collaboration-and-funding-across-tech-sector-san-antonio-express-news/
SAN ANTONIO — After two years of hybrid and virtual events, San Antonio Startup Week is back in person.
The conference this week is bringing together business executives, tech experts and government officials discussing topics such as early-stage funding, opportunities for Latino and LGBTQ entrepreneurs, marketing investments and the future of artificial intelligence in robotics.
Its main focus is introducing investors to entrepreneurs, and comes as leaders are working to build more collaboration across the city’s sprawling tech scene.
“San Antonio is still kind of maturing and going through a rapid growth out of the pandemic,” said Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom ’s for-profit downtown co-working space. “It’s something that’s creating a lot of excitement in different parts in the city.”
By late last week, more than 900 people had registered for the free seven-day conference that runs through Saturday. The event is hosted by Geekdom and the 80|20 Foundation — both founded by serial entrepreneur Graham Weston — along with Trinity University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Visit sasw.com/attend to register.
On ExpressNews.com: Geekdom-gener8tor program begins recruiting cybersecurity startups for new San Antonio push
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg is scheduled to launch the conference at 8:30 a.m. on the 24th floor of Frost Tower.
Today’s main event is to follow: Weston is leading a “fireside chat” with Steve Case, CEO of Revolution LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based firm that’s invested at least $1 billion into startups across the United States. Case is best known for co-founding America Online, or AOL, the giant internet company, in 1985, and negotiating its merger with Time Warner in 2000.
Tech history, future
The conference has scheduled numerous panels throughout the week. A sampling:
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who is stepping down at year’s end, is set to speak at 11:15 a.m. Thursday at the Geekdom Event Centre about experiences in and around the local tech industry. He will be joined by Randy Smith, chair of regional business booster Greater: SATX and co-founder and CEO of developer Weston Urban.
On ExpressNews.com: Nelson Wolff reflects on the cosmos in last State of the County address
At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Gabriel Garcia, founder of San Antonio design agency Summit Creative Group, will join local photographer Justine Scott and other professional creatives at Hopscotch art gallery to discuss diversity and the obstacles faced in their careers.
San Antonio Philharmonic board president Brian Petkovich is set to speak at 2:15 p.m. Friday at the Geekdom Event Centre about developing and launching a full season of programming after the bankruptcy of the symphony. Founding musicians will join him for an interview by board member Lara August, who’s also the founder and CEO of the Robot Creative marketing agency in San Antonio.
Participants will also offer step-by-step process of creating a startup.
At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Bexar County clerk Lucy Adame Clark and Renee Watson, director of the county small business and entrepreneurship department, will join a Q&A-styled panel at the Geekdom Event Centre. Then, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Pat Matthews, founder and CEO of Active Capital, a Terrell Hills-based accelerator, will join speakers at the Geekdom Event Centre to discuss angel investing, venture capital, debt financing and other financial topics for people interested in starting a business.
Startup Week’s return comes amid efforts to more tightly integrate the city’s technology firms, which have historically stayed largely on their own.
‘Catalyst for change’
“We’ve operated in silos and in order for us to make some progress, something needed to change,” said Phillip Hernandez, chief operating officer at Geekdom. “I’m hopeful that this conference will be a catalyst for that change and now there’s just going to be a lot more collaboration.”
Geekdom offered a co-working space to budding entrepreneurs downtown. Port San Antonio built on its North Side campus near the JBSA-Lackland base. Small-to-medium-sized cybersecurity and IT firms scattered across the city. Rackspace, the city’s largest tech company, worked on Fanatical Place in Windcrest, a suburb north of the metro.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the arrival of accelerators like Austin-based Capital Factory to the Port, Geekdom’s partnership with gener8tor from Wisconsin and the expansion of nonprofit VelocityTX downtown has sparked efforts to band together to attract and retain startups, businesses, venture capital, and eventually workers.
As Geekdom scanned San Antonio for partnerships, they also looked at their own programming to figure out where they fit in the tech scene. They decided on a rebranding of sorts.
“When Geekdom first started out, we were known as a co-working space and it was really hard to differentiate ourselves from other spaces,” Hernandez said. “In the last three years, we’ve started to pivot and figure out we’re not as much of a co-working space as we thought we were. We’re more so like a place where entrepreneurs can come and co-work and collaborate with each other.”
When Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of Capital Factory, traveled to San Antonio from Austin for the April opening of a new office at Tech Port Center + Arena, local tech leaders wondered how the large accelerator providing finance to startups across Texas would work here. Did it mean Capital Factory and Geekdom would compete for startups? Or could they work together?
On ExpressNews.com: How Port San Antonio brought Capital Factory to its campus and what it seeks to accomplish there
Geekdom now sees itself as operating in the “early-stage, ideation space,” Hernandez said, adding that the group focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop startup ideas through in-house mentorships and accelerator programs and then send them to Capital Factory once they’re ready to seek more resources.
By comparison, Capital Factory has said it plans to work with venture capital-ready companies as it brings its Center for Defense Innovation program here to build partnerships between the private sector and Defense Department.
Baer is a keynoter this week. He’s scheduled to speak at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Geekdom Event Centre with a talk titled, “Unlocking 100s of millions of government funding,” in which he will discuss new ways the military buys tech.
Wresling for capital
In recent years, the city’s startups have collected an increasing amount of venture capital but continue to struggle to compete against companies elsewhere.
On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio startups still fall short on venture capital funding; Austin companies jet ahead
In 2021, investors put in $93.1 million into San Antonio, according to Crunchbase, which tracks investments in startups. That was nearly double the $47.1 million raised in 2020.
By comparison, Dallas startups attracted investments of $1 billion in 2021. Houston firms brought in $1.7 billion. And Austin startups secured $5 billion.
San Antonio’s tech leaders are wary about comparing the local scene to that in other major urban centers. But venture capital remains a benchmark of the city’s ability to reel in and retain companies and workers needed for growth.
For now, Geekdom believes things are looking up.
“Funding is consistently increasing,” Woodin said last week. “We’re going to see more funding come to San Antonio.”
He said Case’s new venture company Revolution has a reputation for investing in tech scenes outside of Silicon Valley and hopes his introduction might fuel investment opportunities in San Antonio.
“Putting us on the national radar with Revolution is very exciting and hopefully creates a cascading effect for the years to come,” Woodin said.
eric.killelea@express-news.net
On Location: These Kissimmee Vacation Homes Are On The Doorstep Of Floridas Top Theme Parks PAX News
On Location: These Kissimmee Vacation Homes Are On The Doorstep Of Florida’s Top Theme Parks – PAX News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/on-location-these-kissimmee-vacation-homes-are-on-the-doorstep-of-floridas-top-theme-parks-pax-news/
Why should Disney-bound families stay in Kissimmee, Florida?
Yinglu Tian, director of international and domestic sales at Experience Kissimmee, has a simple answer to that question: “It is really, really convenient.”
“Every accommodation is a very short drive to Disney World,” Tian said, speaking to PAX last month during a FAM trip in Kissimmee, where the tourism board, alongside Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, hosted Canadian travel advisors from Sept. 5-9.
Not just a short drive to Walt Disney World Resort.
Kissimmee, which was the original gateway to Disney’s Magic Kingdom back when the park opened in 1971, is on the doorstep of several major theme parks in Florida, including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Legoland Resort, and others.
From Kissimmee, which is located in Florida’s Osceola County, just south of Orlando, the car ride to Walt Disney World Resort is under 10 minutes (depending on traffic). Universal Orlando Resort is roughly 25 minutes away.
But the comfort and convenience of Kissimmee isn’t defined solely by its close proximity to theme parks.
READ MORE: Agents unlock vacation homes, theme parks with Experience Kissimmee, Air Canada & ACV
What’s driving bookings is a booming vacation home market.
Made for visitors
Kissimmee’s some 60,000 rentable homes exist in “purpose-built” communities – suburban-like, gated neighbourhoods designed exclusively for visitors. Families especially.
The furnished homes, which can range anywhere from three to four-bedrooms to “mansions” with upwards of 18 bedrooms, come with fully-equipped kitchens, private pools and barbecues.
The higher end categories may include private bowling alleys, movie theatres, arcade rooms and themed bedrooms (like Star Wars) for the kids (or adults).
Location and convenience is a key selling point: many of Kissimmee’s vacation homes are built on golf courses and offer the amenities of a resort, such as a central pool and/or water park, restaurants and concierge desk.
Some neighbourhoods offer free shuttle service to theme parks and most homes come with audio/video fixings, making them suitable venues for corporate groups, too.
All of this translates into a significant value proposition, Tian explained.
It can be cheaper for a family to stay in a spacious three or four-bedroom home for roughly $300 to $400 (USD) a night (depending on the season) instead of a traditional (and much smaller) hotel room.
“But you also have to consider the cost of dining out every day,” Tian said. “In a home, you can get groceries and make easy, affordable meals.”
This allows visitors to “put dollars towards the experience” versus meals at restaurants, she said.
The “Vacation Home Capital of the World”
How did Kissimmee become the “Vacation Home Capital of the World?”
Tian says the local phenomenon was born out of two markets: Brits and Brazilians.
In the years leading up to 2014 (the year when Kissimmee’s vacation home inventory took off), many British visitors were staying in Central Florida for longer than a week, creating a demand for more beds and space, Tian said.
Brazilians, meanwhile, led the multi-generational market, with groups arriving in Florida with “20 people and their nanny.”
“Having a house to themselves was more affordable,” Tian said.
So the demand was there, and after years of expansion, vacation homes now make up more than 60 per cent of Kissimmee’s room inventory, Tian said.
And the COVID-19 pandemic only boosted the market’s desire to vacation in a private space – away from crowds – or work remotely in a setting where Mom and Dad have their own office, and where a work-life balance is embraced.
“We saw a big spike during the pandemic,” Tian said. “[With vacation homes], you don’t have to share a lobby, or a gym, or a pool.”
Agents open doors
Unlike most Airbnb rentals, Kissimmee’s vacation homes are professionally managed and come with housekeeping, security, and grocery delivery services.
They’re also bookable and commissionable to travel advisors.
This is something PAX, alongside Canadian agents, learned last month while staying in a spacious eight-bedroom home at “Encore at Reunion,” one of several Kissimmee-based rental communities.
Located minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort, Encore has the comforts of a home (like private bedrooms, living/TV rooms, ready-to-use kitchens and private pools) with the amenities of a resort.
At the centre of this 800-home compound – which is so manicured it could pass as a movie set – there’s a club house, main pool (with waterslides), a restaurant, bar, gym and concierge desk.
Encore also offers free shuttle rides to major theme parks, eliminating the need to rent a car.
But it’s just one of many rental neighbourhoods in Kissimmee. Agents, last month, were able to see a range of homes that are available to rent in Kissimmee.
Solara is another spot where Global Resort Homes offers rentals, from two-bedroom condos to luxurious nine-bedroom houses with numerous bathrooms, modern kitchens, family-ready living areas, games rooms and private screened-in pools and spas.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Cottages has also tapped into the vacation home trend.
The Jimmy Buffett franchise, where island and parrot imagery rules (and embracing a “flip-flop state of mind” is encouraged), created more than 300 lime, blue, peach and aqua-painted cottages.
Think of these as premium, standalone homes – reminiscent of the colourful buildings seen along the shoreline of Willemstad, Curaçao – built in an island paradise.
The cottages (many of which come with private pools) range from one to eight bedrooms, providing guests with peace and privacy for unplugging in a lush setting.
Cottage guests can still access the amenities of the main resort, which features two towers (totalling 235 suites) and other on-site comforts, such as lagoon-style pools, three restaurants, a sandy “beach,” the St. Somewhere Spa and complimentary shuttle service to nearby parks.
The property is also right beside Island H20 water park, where families can get their splash on.
For a condo-like experience, there’s Spectrum, a resort with modern and chrome-toned units that range from three to five bedrooms in a luxury setting.
Accommodations at this upscale property (which is brand new) may look like apartments from the outside, but inside, the units are chic, bright, multi-level and built for everyday family living.
Spectrum, too, comes with luxurious on-site amenities, from a waterpark to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and all guests have access to the club house at Encore.
Further up the luxury scale is The Bear’s Den Resort, where Kissimmee’s “mansion” segment is found.
Here, Jack Nicklaus-branded homes with sparkling pools range from four to eight bedrooms and offer access to on-site features, like a waterpark (with lazy river), a restaurant, tennis/pickleball courts and spa services.
The spacious homes at the Bear’s Den overlook a lavishly-green golf course (there’s three PGA courses nearby).
Equally appealing are the townhouses at Eagle Trace, which flanks the 18th fairway of a Jack Nicklaus golf course and comes with open floor plans, large windows, a resort pool and other hotel-like amenities.
All of these neighbourhoods, which are pet friendly, fall under the Rentyl Resorts banner, and each brand has its own unique vibe and personality.
Hotels for all budgets
But Kissimmee isn’t limited to just vacation homes. The city offers a range of traditional hotels, too, for all budgets.
Comfort Inn Maingate, located two kilometres from Walt Disney World Resort, is a popular choice for many Canadian families.
It serves a hot buffet breakfast and has complimentary shuttle service to the major theme parks, which saves time and money.
At Walt Disney World Resort itself, there’s the vibrant “All-Star” value resorts.
The playful hotels have different themes (sports, music and movies), and all three are situated on the southern portion of Walt Disney World (the only portion of Disney located in Osceola County).
Each property, which is slightly lower in price compared to other Disney-branded hotels, feels like a vibrant pop-up book with fun oversized elements reflective of each hotel theme.
Disney’s All-Star Sports, for example, has giant football helmets connecting each building, while the music property has a pool in the shape of a giant guitar (with the Three Caballeros propped in the centre).
Families are the target market – at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, for example, some suites come with murphy beds so there’s room for everyone to move and sleep.
Another option is Meliã Orlando Celebration, a “Walt Disney World Good Neighbour Hotel” in quaint Celebration, a Pleasantville-like community, beside Disney World, that was originally developed by The Walt Disney Company.
This hotel has spacious units with homey features, like fully-equipped kitchens and oversized bathrooms.
It’s pet friendly and has a large main pool, meeting spaces, outdoor activities, shuttle service to theme parks and access to the neighbouring 18-hole Celebration Golf Club.
Taking an afternoon to explore Celebration itself is also great way to break up theme park days.
Celebration is an experiment in “new urbanism” – a master-planned community of white picket fences and suburban uniformity that, today, is comparable to the picture-perfect towns seen in the “The Stepford Wives” or “The Truman Show.”
The serene, tree-lined streets wind around parks and boardwalks, where plants (like green fly orchids) and wildlife native to the swampy Everglades thrive.
The best way to soak it all up is on a bike tour with Celebration Bike Renta...
Kanye West To Buy Conservative Social Media Platform Parler Business News Castanet.net
Kanye West To Buy Conservative Social Media Platform Parler – Business News – Castanet.net https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/kanye-west-to-buy-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-business-news-castanet-net/
Kanye to buy Parler
The Associated Press – Oct 17, 2022 / 7:09 am | Story: 390992
Photo: The Canadian Press
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West is offering to buy right-wing friendly social network Parler shortly after being booted off Twitter and Instagram for antisemitic posts.
The acquisition of Parler would give West, legally known as Ye, control of a social media platform and a new outlet for his opinions with no gatekeeper.
Parlement Technologies, which owns the platform, and West said the acquisition should be completed in the fourth quarter, but details like price were not disclosed. Parlement Technologies said the agreement includes the use of private cloud services via Parlement’s private cloud and data center infrastructure.
Ye, was locked out of Twitter and Instagram a week ago over antisemitic posts that the social networks said violated their policies. In one post on Twitter, Ye said he would soon go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” according to internet archive records, making an apparent reference to the U.S. defense readiness condition scale known as DEFCON.
Ye is no stranger to controversy, once suggesting slavery was a choice and calling the COVID-19 vaccine “the mark of the beast.” Earlier this month, he was criticized for wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt to his collection at Paris Fashion Week.
The potential purchase of Parler would give Ye control of a social media platform and a new outlet for his opinions with no gatekeeper.
“In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves,” Ye said in a prepared statement.
The acquisition could also breathe new life into Parler, which has struggled amid competition from other conservative-friendly platforms like Truth Social. Parler, which launched in August 2018, didn’t start picking up steam until 2020. But it was kicked offline following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. A month after the attack, Parler announced a relaunch. It returned to Google Play last month.
“This deal will change the world, and change the way the world thinks about free speech,” Parlement Technologies CEO George Farmer said in a prepared statement.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard And Outside Join Forces To Create North Americas Preeminent Snowsports Hub Business Wire
U.S. Ski & Snowboard And Outside Join Forces To Create North America’s Preeminent Snowsports Hub – Business Wire https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/u-s-ski-snowboard-and-outside-join-forces-to-create-north-americas-preeminent-snowsports-hub-business-wire/
PARK CITY, Utah–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a move that links America’s snowsports governing body and the country’s largest creator of outdoor recreation media and services, U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Outside Interactive, Inc., today announced a longterm strategic partnership to create and broadcast snowsports content. For the first time, FIS World Cup alpine, cross country, freestyle, snowboard, and freeski events held in the United States will be available to stream on all Outside platforms, including OutsideOnline.com, SkiMag.com, the Outside App, and Outside Watch. The partnership will also launch a bundled Outside+ and U.S. Ski & Snowboard consumer membership, as well as business partnerships in competition registration, photography services, Web3 innovation, and sponsorship sales.
As part of the partnership, Outside becomes the streaming broadcaster of domestic U.S. World Cups, with more than 90 hours of competition in the 2022-23 season. The season’s eight alpine, freestyle, snowboard, and freeski domestic FIS World Cup events include the Killington Cup, Xfinity Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek, Aspen World Cup, Palisades Tahoe World Cup, Freestyle International at Deer Valley, the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth and Copper, and the Visa Big Air at Copper. The coverage will also feature never-before-televised snowboard and freeski qualifiers at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air. In addition to these events, Outside will air new and archival non-event programming.
“We are delighted about this new partnership with Outside,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO. “It enables the passionate fans of skiing and snowboarding in the United States to watch our major domestic events and to combine the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Outside communities in an innovative multi-platform partnership. We have the most FIS World Cups on U.S. soil in history this winter, and we are proud to showcase those incredible events with Outside to inspire new and seasoned ski and snowboard fans. Outside is more than a distribution partner with incredible channels and scale; what really attracted us was the opportunity to build a strategic alliance to allow our community to more deeply engage with our athletes, content and other new offerings.”
“First and foremost, we’re honored to support the Olympic movement and help U.S. Ski & Snowboard nurture the next generation of American medal hopefuls,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “Nothing could be more inspiring for a young skier than to watch champions come up through the ranks, dominate and take gold with the national anthem playing. This partnership will bring those special moments to more eyeballs, along with hundreds of hours of exciting video content from Outside Watch, Warren Miller and our brand partners. With U.S. Ski & Snowboard, we’re creating a one-stop resource where skiers and snowboarders will find motivation along with the world’s richest archive of gear, travel, and instructional content.”
The partnership will also lead to the creation of a unique membership bundle for U.S. Ski & Snowboard members, one that provides access to Outside+ premium content, educational videos, SKI Magazine content, GPS mapping services, outdoor industry gear discounts and NASTAR, the largest public grassroots ski racing program in the world.
In addition to airing races, Outside will have access to an extensive archive of ski and snowboard footage, as well as the opportunity to produce original content franchises with the team’s athletes, coaches and other experts. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will also utilize Outside’s expertise in competition software and Web3 to develop innovative services for its membership and fans of the sports.
Further streaming and televised coverage of international FIS races in the United States will be announced in the following weeks leading up to the FIS World Cup season.
2022-23 DOMESTIC WORLD CUPS
Alpine
Nov. 26-27: Killington Cup, Killington, Vermont; women’s slalom/giant slalom
Dec. 2-4: Xfinity Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, Colorado; men’s super-G/downhill/downhill
Feb. 25-26: Palisades Tahoe, California; men’s slalom/giant slalom
March 3-5: America’s Downhill, Aspen, Colorado; men’s super-G/downhill
Freestyle
Feb. 2-4: Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International, Deer Valley, Utah; men’s and women’s aerials/moguls
Freeski and Snowboard
Dec. 16-17: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Copper Mountain, Colorado; men’s and women’s halfpipe
Dec. 16-17: Visa Big Air Presented by Toyota, Copper Mountain, Colorado; men’s and women’s big air
Feb. 2-4: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Mammoth Mountain, California; men’s and women’s halfpipe/slopestyle
About Outside Interactive, Inc.
Outside is the premier destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in the endurance sports, outdoor, and healthy living spaces. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its 30+ media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, meal plans, gear reviews, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at OutsideInc.com.
About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.
Sooners In The NFL: Week 6 – Sports Illustrated https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/sooners-in-the-nfl-week-6-sports-illustrated/
Former Oklahoma defensive back Tre Norwood continues to play a big role on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, helping them score an upset win on Sunday.
Another NFL Sunday has come and gone with Week 6 now in the books just short of Monday night’s collision between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.
As the season rolls on with roughly one-third of the season’s games wrapped up, players continue to solidify the roles they have carved out for themselves as the games gain more and more importance with each passing week.
Fitting into that category is certainly former Oklahoma defensive back Tre Norwood, who has ingrained himself as a key member of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in his second professional season.
The former Sooner earned himself playing time in all 17 games in 2021, and has kept that trend rolling into 2022 seeing significant playing time each Sunday for Mike Tomlin’s squad.
Tre Norwood (21) makes tackle
Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
In Week 6, Pittsburgh hosted legendary quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and were considered large underdogs after just a 1-4 start to the season.
But, despite quarterback Kenny Pickett doing down with injury, Norwood and the Steelers bested Brady and the Bucs 20-18 behind a stellar defensive output.
Norwood, who entered the day with 12 total tackles on the season, would put up a season-high five on Sunday to help out the effort.
His five tackles against Tampa Bay were good for third-most on the team, as the Steelers held the Buccaneers to just 304 total yards – well below their season average.
While Pittsburgh is likely going to have a difficult season as they undergo a transition from a previous era, the team showcased their level of effort on Sunday scoring one of the bigger upset wins in the entire league this season – with Norwood playing a key role in it.
Next up for the former Oklahoma defender and the Steelers is a road contest next weekend at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football at 7:20 p.m. CT.
As for the rest of the Sooners in the NFL, here is a recap of how they did in Week 6:
Arizona Cardinals
(L 19-9 at Seattle)
WR Marquise Brown: 5 receptions on 9 targets for 68 yards
OL Cody Ford: DNP (IR List)
OL Marquis Hayes: DNP (Practice Squad)
QB Kyler Murray: Completed 23 of 37 passes for 222 yards, 1 interception, 10 rushes for 100 yards
Atlanta Falcons
(W 28-14 vs San Francisco)
RB Damien Williams: DNP (IR List)
Baltimore Ravens
(L 24-20 at NY Giants)
TE Mark Andrews: 7 receptions on 11 targets for 106 yards, 1 touchdown
OL Ben Powers: Started at left guard
Buffalo Bills
(W 24-20 at Kansas City)
DL Jordan Phillips: 1 solo tackle
Carolina Panthers
(L 24-10 at LA Rams)
QB Baker Mayfield: DNP (Inactive)
Cincinnati Bengals
(W 30-26 at New Orleans)
RB Joe Mixon: 8 rushes for 45 yards, 4 receptions on 5 targets for 23 yards, 1 receiving touchdown
RB Samaje Perine: 2 rushes for 5 yards, 2 receptions on 2 targets for 11 yards
Cleveland Browns
(L 38-15 vs New England)
DE Isaiah Thomas: Saw playing time in a reserve role
DL Perrion Winfrey: 2 assisted tackles
WR Mike Woods: 1 reception on 2 targets for 15 yards
Dallas Cowboys
(L 26-17 at Philadelphia)
LB Devante Bond: DNP (Practice Squad)
DT Neville Gallimore: 3 solo tackles
WR CeeDee Lamb: 5 receptions on 10 targets for 68 yards, 2 rushes for 9 yards
Denver Broncos
(at LA Chargers on Monday Night)
OLB Nik Bonitto:
S Delarrin Turner-Yell:
Scroll to Continue
Detroit Lions
(Bye Week)
K Austin Seibert:
Houston Texans
(Bye Week)
DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo:
Kansas City Chiefs
(L 24-20 vs Buffalo)
TE Blake Bell: DNP (IR List)
OT Orlando Brown: Started at left tackle
C Creed Humphrey: Started at center
LS James Winchester: Served as long snapper for 8 snaps
Las Vegas Raiders
(Bye Week)
LB Curtis Bolton:
Los Angeles Chargers
(vs Denver on Monday Night)
LB Kenneth Murray:
Los Angeles Rams
(W 24-10 vs Carolina)
OL Bobby Evans: Started at left guard
Minnesota Vikings
(W 24-16 at Miami)
LB Brian Asamoah: 1 solo tackle
New England Patriots
(W 38-15 at Cleveland)
OLB Ronnie Perkins: DNP (IR List)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: 19 rushes for 76 yards, 2 touchdown, 4 receptions on 5 targets for 15 yards
New York Giants
(W 24-20 vs Baltimore)
DB Tony Jefferson: DNP (IR List)
WR Sterling Shepard: DNP (IR List)
New York Jets
(W 27-10 at Green Bay)
OL Dru Samia: DNP (Practice Squad)
Philadelphia Eagles
(W 26-17 vs Dallas)
RB Kennedy Brooks: DNP (Practice Squad)
QB Jalen Hurts: Completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards, 2 touchdowns, 9 rushes for 27 yards
OL Lane Johnson: Started at right tackle
Pittsburgh Steelers
(W 20-18 vs Tampa Bay)
S Tre Norwood: 5 solo tackles
San Francisco 49ers
(L 28-14 at Atlanta)
OL Trent Williams: DNP (Inactive)
Seattle Seahawks
(W 19-9 vs Arizona)
CB Tre Brown: DNP (PUP List)
Washington Commanders
(W 12-7 at Chicago)
P Tress Way: 6 punts for 307 yards, 51.2 yards per punt, 2 punts inside the 20, longest punt 58 yards
In This Article (2)
How Can We Dissolve The Barrier Of Entry Into The Metaverse? The Drum
How Can We Dissolve The Barrier Of Entry Into The Metaverse? – The Drum https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/how-can-we-dissolve-the-barrier-of-entry-into-the-metaverse-the-drum/
Web3 presents a (virtual) world of opportunities, but with them comes a minefield of implications surrounding privacy, accessibility and sustainability. Ting Zheng of PMG delves in, urging brands to consider these factors if they want to establish themselves in the metaverse.
Meta platforms such as Niantic and Roblox are racing to build the first true metaverse experience and, in doing so, an interesting growth trajectory plays out for users. Like how social media emerged as an online space for interacting with friends, and eventually transformed the internet (and society), metaverse platforms of today – while impressive in their own right – are rudimentary to what can be expected from the metaverse of tomorrow.
Knowing what we know about the challenges facing web2, like enabling adequate consumer privacy and data security, things like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and metaverse activations should be carefully considered, with special attention paid to the challenges currently facing web3 technologies.
Access to the metaverse isn’t easy (yet)
Metaverse platforms often require hardware designed for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology. Most web2 platforms, such as YouTube and Instagram, are free to users, while Meta’s version of the metaverse (for example) is accessible through a Meta Quest 2 headset, which retails for $399. Rival platforms may require different software and hardware, meaning mass adoption of metaverse experiences may be slower compared to that of social platforms in their heyday.
Virtual worlds such as The Sandbox and Decentraland are accessible via desktop devices; however, blockchain technology requires virtual currency to unlock the full potential of such platforms. The infrastructure of each metaverse platform relies on cutting-edge computing technology, like the blockchain of Ethereum, which benefits from an influx of capital and press interest but may alienate general audiences who want to join in the fun.
Brands eager to enter the metaverse should remember that ease of access and understanding will be critical to long-term success. Inclusivity should remain top-of-mind and will go a long way to helping customers grow more accustomed to engaging with brands in the virtual world.
Metaverse regulation remains a work in progress
Access to the metaverse is only one piece of the puzzle. Some immersive experiences such as Roblox and Fortnite have made things easy in this respect by establishing themselves, first and foremost, as a game platform v a virtual world.
Logging into Roblox is as easy as Facebook, but regarding engaging and moderating communities, it couldn’t be more different. Roblox was recently accused of deceptive marketing by Truth in Advertising, which argued that Roblox doesn’t explicitly identify branded worlds, called ‘advergames.’
The same challenges hold true for providing user safety. In May 2022, a female researcher reported that her avatar was harassed while on the metaverse platform Horizon World. While Meta launched a new personal safety feature dubbed Personal Boundary in February 2022 to reduce these encounters, the continuation of them indicates that user personal safety remains an ongoing concern.
Does adequate data privacy exist in the metaverse?
Today, protecting consumer privacy remains critically important. At a high level, data privacy concerns in a web2 environment are primarily centered around consent, safekeeping data and minimizing unnecessary user behavior and signal tracking. Contrarily, the list of user data signals that can be tracked within a metaverse environment increases.
Depending on the sophistication of the platform, data collection could soon include virtual avatar behavior, biometrics, eye-tracking within AR/VR hardware, personal interests and countless other personal details that will require specialized data privacy protections.
Web3 requirements run counter to sustainability initiatives
Calls for more sustainable products and business practices are growing louder across the world stage, with brands going to great lengths to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Despite the metaverse taking shape within a virtual environment, the computing power needed to host these immersive experiences demands a significant carbon footprint, counteracting brands’ sustainability initiatives.
Already, brands including MeUndies have gone back on web3 partnerships after customers argued that the activation conflicted with the brand’s mission to reach net-zero carbon emissions.
Brands, don’t be put off
These challenges should be considered, but not seen as an insurmountable barrier to entry. For every challenge facing the metaverse, there are just as many opportunities for brands. Just as web2 platforms built out dedicated teams and tools to solve challenges such as protecting user privacy and enforcing content moderation across regions, the same can be expected for web3 in years to come.
It’s early days for web3, but as web2 evolves into this new frontier, brands that take an imaginative yet pragmatic approach to vet new opportunities will be best positioned to unlock the endless potential of any metaverse opportunity that comes their way.
The Best Bookshelf Speakers Of 2022 – How-To Geek https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/the-best-bookshelf-speakers-of-2022-how-to-geek/
Syafiq Adnan/Shutterstock.com
What to Look For in Bookshelf Speakers in 2022
Whether you’re buying bookshelf speakers for music or as the core of your home theater system, there are quite a few variables to consider.
First, it’s useful to know what a bookshelf speaker is. These are smaller than floor-standing speakers and typically sit on either a speaker stand or a shelf, hence the name.
Bookshelf speakers typically have a single woofer and tweeter combination, sometimes with a port on the back or bottom for improved bass. Compared to larger speakers, bookshelf speakers can be lacking in low-end sound, so they’re commonly paired with either a subwoofer or other speakers.
When it comes to purchasing a bookshelf speaker, the most important aspect to consider is size. Not only does this affect how much space your speakers will take up, but also how they sound. For example, larger speakers often feature deeper bass and a fuller sound.
While size is important, the most critical factor is whether to choose active or passive speakers. Active speakers are powered, meaning you can plug in a turntable or CD player without additional amplification. On the other hand, passive speakers require an A/V receiver or turntable to work at all.
You’ll also need to consider what you plan to hook up to your speakers and how you plan to do so. For example, if you’re using a record player, things could get tricky, as you’ll need an A/V receiver or powered speakers with phono-ready inputs.
You may also want to consider digital physical connections. CD and Blu-ray players have optical or coaxial digital outputs that can offer better sound quality. If you want to use these, make sure they’re available on your speakers or A/V receiver.
If you’d rather not deal with wires, there’s wireless connectivity to consider. In most cases, this is Bluetooth, but you may also find speakers with other wireless connectivity methods like Wi-Fi built-in.
Finally, think about any extra features you may want. For example, most powered bookshelf speakers don’t feature built-in EQ, but some do.
Best Bookshelf Speakers Overall: KEF LS50 Meta
KEF
Pros
✓ Fantastic sound quality overall
✓ Smoother than the originals, particularly in the highs
✓ Same great-looking design as the originals
✓ Sweet spot for listening is surprisingly large
✓ Available in four color varieties
Cons
✗ Expensive
✗ Needs an amplifier or A/V receiver
If you’re spending a fair bit of money on speakers, you don’t want to hear the speakers. Instead, you want to hear the music coming out of them. That is precisely what you get with the KEF LS50 Meta pair, as there’s absolutely nothing standing between you and the music.
While the Meta speakers are an evolution of KEF’s well-loved LS50 set, you may not notice much difference initially. This is intentional, as KEF couldn’t find many ways to improve the design of the previous generation of speakers. Instead, the company upgraded the materials, building the LS50 Meta with metamaterials.
The LS50 Meta speakers are designed around KEF’s Uni-Q 12th Generation driver array, which uses Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). This aims to absorb sound from the driver’s rear, reducing overall distortion and achieving a more natural sound.
What does this mean? While the KEF LS50 Meta speakers are similar to the original LS50, they’re smoother in the high end. Overall, the LS50 Meta pair is even more detailed and transparent than the original.
Of course, all these new materials and engineering expertise don’t come cheap. This is an expensive set of speakers, and unless you already own a high-quality amplifier or A/V receiver, you’re only halfway there. You don’t spend this much on speakers without wanting an amp to match, so this can be an expensive road to start down.
Best Bookshelf Speakers Overall
KEF LS50 Meta
They’re not cheap, but pair the KEF LS50 Meta speakers with a suitable amplifier or A/V receiver, and you’ve just taken a shortcut to audio heaven.
Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers: ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Pros
✓ Improved woofer and tweeter make for better sound
✓ Plenty of volume for small to medium rooms
✓ Still sounds great at lower volumes
✓ Improved cabinets are easier to place
Cons
✗ Requires a separate amp or receiver
The term “budget speaker” may conjure mental images of harsh, overly colored sound, but you can throw them out the window. While the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers may be affordable, they’re anything but cheap.
The Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers have plenty of upgrades compared to the original. The cabinet has been overhauled, and the speakers have both been replaced. The pair now boasts new 6.5-inch woven aramid fiber woofers and 1-inch soft dome tweeters.
The cabinets here are slightly larger than the originals, and this helps the low end. A new front-firing bass port also helps with the low end, as these speakers will reach down to 44 Hz without the help of a subwoofer.
These are passive speakers, so you’ll need an amplifier or A/V receiver. You’ve got quite a bit of power to play with, as the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers handle up to 120 watts per channel. These aren’t the loudest speakers in the world, but they’re more than enough to fill a medium-sized room.
Looking at the opposite side of the volume, these will be a great fit if you listen to music at lower volumes. Some speakers can start to lose certain elements as you drop the volume, but the Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers still keep the depth and power of the music.
If you’re looking to use these for your home theater, you can find them bundled with the ELAC C5.2 and C6.2 center channel speakers.
Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
If you’re looking for a great sounding, affordable speakers that will stay with you for years, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 pair will be perfect for you.
Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers: Fluance Ai61
Pros
✓ Natural sounding highs and deep bass
✓ Bluetooth 5.0 and plenty of digital and analog inputs
✓ Adjustable EQ
✓ 120 watt internal amplifier
Cons
✗ Bass can be lacking without a subwoofer
There’s a significant difference between a good pair of Bluetooth bookshelf speakers and “just” a Bluetooth speaker. The Fluance Ai61 pair is a perfect example, with great sound and an impressive list of features.
The Fluance Ai61 speakers pair a 6.5-inch woven glass fiber driver with 1-inch neodymium soft dome tweeters. To power these, the pair uses an internal 120-watt class D amplifier. Fluance combines these elements with robust internal bracing for precision sound.
While these speakers feature Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, that’s just where it begins. They also have a TOSLINK optical digital input and a USB-C audio input. That’s not something you often see, even on more expensive speakers.
The Fluance Ai61 speakers also feature an analog RCA input and a 3.5mm output that you can use to attach an external subwoofer. To switch inputs, you even get a remote, another feature you won’t always get with powered bookshelf speakers.
The speaker pair features an internal digital signal processing (DSP) chip that allows you to EQ the speakers. Being able to do this without any additional software or settings on your playback device is helpful if you listen to different genres that may benefit from different EQ curves.
The Fluance Ai61 speakers are available in Black Ash as well as Lucky Bamboo, Natural Walnut, and White Walnut.
Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Fluance Ai61
The Fluance Ai61 speakers combine the convenience of Bluetooth with the company’s fantastic sound and a host of other options to connect your audio gear.
Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers: Edifier S1000MKII
Pros
✓ Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX for better sound
✓ Bass and treble knobs make dialing EQ easy
✓ Rich bass for the small driver size
✓ Hi-res audio certified
Cons
✗ No subwoofer output
Whether you’re hooking up a second audio system or are just a fan of simplicity, there are plenty of reasons you might not want an A/V receiver or amplifier. If you’re looking for powered speakers that can handle anything you throw at them, the Edifier S1000MKII speakers are a fantastic option.
These are slightly smaller than the majority of speakers on this list, with a 5.5-inch midrange driver and a 1-inch tweeter in each speaker. They are powered by a pair of internal amplifiers which pump 120 watts into 60 watts per channel.
The class D amplifiers in these speakers are ready for hi-res audio, with support for 24-bit/192hKz playback. In the case of these amplifiers, they use a high PWM frequency, which results in low overall noise.
These speakers feature ample connectivity options, with Bluetooth 5.0 at the center. The Edifier S1000MKII pair supports the aptX HD codec, so if you’re playing audio from a compatible device like an Android phone, you’re getting a higher-quality Bluetooth signal.
If you’d prefer to connect the old-fashioned way, you’ve got plenty of options. The speakers feature both coaxial and optical digital audio inputs, as well as a pair of RCA line inputs. You also get onboard EQ via bass and treble knobs, plus a wireless remote.
Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier S1000MKII
If you’re looking for powered speakers that will play everything you throw them from digital to analog without complaining, look no further than the Edifier S1000MKII speakers.
Best Small Bookshelf Speakers: Audioengine A2+
Pros
✓ Great sound for the small size
✓ Small footprint makes them fit anywhere
✓ Plenty of wired and wireless connectivity
✓ Subwoofer output
Cons
✗ Accessories can be expensive
While bookshelf speakers are a space-saving alternative to massive floor-standing speakers, they still take up a fair amount of space. If you’re looking for something with less of a footprint, b...
Best Crypto STOs In 2022 – Cryptonews https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/best-crypto-stos-in-2022-cryptonews/
Disclaimer: The Industry Talk section features insights from crypto industry players and is not a part of the editorial content of Cryptonews.com.
The purpose of this beginner’s guide is to discuss the best crypto STOs of 2022. Security token offerings (STOs) are somewhat similar to initial coin offerings (ICOs), not least because they enable investors to own a stake in a newly launched crypto project.
However, STOs differ from ICOs because they comply with government regulations, and thus – the investment often comes with the same safeguards as traditional securities.
8 Best Security Token Offerings Happening Now – STO Crypto List
The best crypto STOs to consider right now are listed below:
IMPT – Overall Best Crypto STO Available Right Now
Meta Music Token – Earn a Share of Music Royalties
Aquarius Fund – High-Yield Investment Opportunities for Professional Investors
Blockstream Mining – Gain Exposure to the Bitcoin Mining Industry Passively
La Boulangerie – Invest in a New Dubai Bakery From Just $100
ParkinGO – Established Transportation Company Looking to Expand via an STO
Advanced Robotics – On-Site Customer Support Services via AI Technology
Infinite Fleet – Diversify Into the MMO Strategy Gaming Space
Read on to find out more about the above STO projects.
Analyzing the Top Crypto STOs
Choosing the best STO crypto to invest in requires time and effort, not least because plenty of research and due diligence is needed.
Consider exploring what the STO investment offers in terms of use cases and upside potential, in addition to evaluating the credentials of the development team.
For further insight, below we discuss the eight best crypto STOs of 2022.
1. IMPT – Overall Best Crypto STO Available Right Now
The first project that we will discuss is IMPT – a newly launched ecosystem that offers access to green initiatives via carbon credit offsets. In its most basic form, IMPT enables token holders to offer their carbon footprint. All that is required is for the holder to convert their tokens into carbon credits and subsequently elect to burn the respective digital assets.
This will have the beneficial impact of reducing carbon emissions from the environment. Interestingly, however, the IMPT ecosystem will also enable investors to gain exposure to the ever-growing carbon credit trading industry. In its current form, this industry is highly fragmented and in most cases, inaccessible to retail clients.
However, IMPT has removed this barrier to entry through its secondary marketplace. This enables investors to list their carbon credit tokens for sale on IMPT. The credits can be purchased by speculative investors or businesses that require additional emissions for the year. Either way, if the price of carbon credits rises in the global market, the value of IMPT tokens could follow suit.
The IMPT ecosystem is built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, which makes it one of the most sustainable cryptocurrencies to buy and hold. This is because Ethereum is now a proof-of-stake crypto network, which means that transactions within the IMPT ecosystem are fast, cheap, and highly scalable.
IMPT is tipped to become the best crypto presale of 2022 and its fundraising campaign is underway right now. As of writing, nearly $5 million worth of IMPT tokens has been sold at the initial batch price of $0.018. However, once the first batch is sold – which is expected to happen in the coming days, the presale price will increase to $0.023.
This is with the view of motivating early investors to act fast on this new cryptocurrency launch. To buy IMPT tokens via the presale at preferential pricing, investors will need to have USDT or ETH in a private wallet. After connecting the wallet to the presale dashboard, investors can swap their tokens for IMPT.
Those without tokens right now can buy ETH with their credit card on the presale dashboard, before exchanging them for IMPT in real time.
Buy IMPT Tokens Today
2. Meta Music Token – Earn a Share of Music Royalties
The next option to explore on this list of the best crypto STOs is Meta Music Token. As the name suggests, this project is looking to bring music to the blockchain through a royalty-based structure.
Artists from all over the world can elect to market their albums via the Meta Music ecosystem, which is funded by investors of the STO. This means that investors will earn a share of any royalty fees generated on sales.
Without a third-party record label involved in the process, artists will get to keep the vast majority of any revenues generated from their music. In terms of the specifics, Meta Music Token will operate on top of the Algorand blockchain.
The public sale will seek to raise just €200,000. The private sale will look to raise €3 million. Each MMT token that is purchased during the STO will afford royalty rights for 25 years. To gain exposure to this STO, investors can use Bitcoin, USDT, or Euros.
3. Aquarius Fund – High-Yield Investment Opportunities for Professional Investors
Aquarius Fund offers one of the best security token offerings for professional investors. Before going any further, we should note that the minimum investment in this STO is €125,000. If this is feasible, Aquarius Fund offers access to high-yield investment opportunities.
Through a Luxembourg-based structure, Aquarius Fund offers investment strategies in both fiat money and stablecoins like USDT. Built on top of the Algorand blockchain, this STO can be accessed with USDT and EURT, in addition to US dollars and euros.
4. Blockstream Mining – Gain Exposure to the Bitcoin Mining Industry Passively
Powered by the Liquid network, Blockstream Mining proposes access to the lucrative Bitcoin mining industry through a regulated security token. Those investing in the project will have the potential to earn passive income from any Bitcoin mining rewards that are generated.
This Canada-based company is offering its STO to large-scale investors, considering that the minimum capital outlay is €270,000. As of writing, Blockstream Mining has already raised over €40 million in STO funding across 83 individual investors.
5. La Boulangerie – Invest in a New Dubai Bakery From Just $100
While the previous two options discussed are aimed at professional investors, La Boulangerie is one of the best crypto STOs for those on a budget. This interesting project is offering STO investors exposure to a Dubai-based bakery chain from just $100.
Each token will be priced at $1 during the STO campaign. As such, investing the minimum will result in 100 tokens. In total, the project will be looking to raise €11,500 during its public sale. A much larger €250,000 will be sought during the private sale.
6. ParkinGO – Established Transportation Company Looking to Expand via an STO
Founded in 1995, ParkinGO is an established company that offers a variety of transportation services. This includes airport parking, car rentals, and electric charging stations. ParkinGO is looking to take its growing business model to the next level through an STO campaign.
Although specific details of the total fundraising target are yet to be released, this STO will require a minimum investment of just €100. The project will operate on the Ethereum blockchain and the STO will support investments via ETH, USDT, Gemini Dollar, and euros.
7. Advanced Robotics – On-Site Customer Support Services via AI Technology
The next project to consider on this list of the best crypto STOs is Advanced Robotics. This project is looking to build a network of customer support terminals that operates on artificial intelligence technology.
This is with the view of offering a more streamlined and efficient customer experience through automation. Advanced Robotics – which was founded in 2019, is offering access to its development and sales journey through a regulated STO campaign.
A minimum investment of just €100 is required and the STO accepts Bitcoin, USDT, and euros. The STO thus far has raised just over €82,000. The ongoing private sale is looking to reach a hard cap target of €200,000.
8. Infinite Fleet – Diversify Into the MMO Strategy Gaming Space
The final option that we will discuss today from this list of the best crypto STOs is Infinite Fleet. This project is building a highly diverse MMO strategy video game that will be backed by the EXO token.
By investing in this STO, investors will be entitled to a 20% profit share on income generated from the game. Interestingly, Infinite Fleet already has some notable backers, inclusive of Max Keise and Charlie Lee.
This STO has already raised over $4.7 million in funding and the minimum investment is just $100. Those looking to invest in the Infinite Fleet STO can do so with Bitcoin, USDT, and euros.
What is an STO?
Security token offerings – or STOs, enable both startups and established companies to raise capital for their operations. Built in conjunction with the blockchain protocol, STOs create their own native token, which is offered to investors of the project.
In this sense, STOs are very similar to conventional crypto ICOs. However, the key difference is that STOs operate in a fully regulated environment, which ICOs do not. In fact, depending on the jurisdiction, some STOs are regulated in the same way as traditional securities.
The idea here is to enable investors to gain exposure to the blockchain asset scene in a safe and regulated space.
This means that by investing in an STO, investors will secure a stake in the respective firm.
In this regard, STOs are somewhat similar to initial public offerings (IPOs) held by companies that are about to be listed on a stock exchange for the first time.
This is because, in theory, those investing in an STO will have the same rights that shareholders have when buyi...
U.S. Supreme Court Gives Boost To Dominos In Arbitration Case Reuters
U.S. Supreme Court Gives Boost To Domino’s In Arbitration Case – Reuters https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/u-s-supreme-court-gives-boost-to-dominos-in-arbitration-case-reuters/
Oct 17 (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday gave a boost to Domino’s Pizza Inc’s (DPZ.N) bid to force delivery drivers to bring a wage lawsuit in private arbitration rather than in court in a case from California that could have major implications for gig economy companies.
The justices threw out a lower court’s ruling that had let a group of drivers pursue a class action lawsuit seeking to recoup work-related expenses because their local deliveries represented the final step in the flow of goods over state lines.
The justices ordered the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the case in light of the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in June that Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) could not force an overtime pay lawsuit by baggage handlers into arbitration because the workers routinely load cargo onto planes that cross state lines.
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A U.S. law called the Federal Arbitration Act requires the enforcement of agreements that workers sign with companies to bring legal disputes in arbitration, but it exempts transportation workers engaged in interstate commerce.
More than half of private-sector U.S. employees have signed arbitration agreements, which typically also bar class action claims. Business groups have called arbitration a quicker and more efficient alternative to suing in court. Workers’ advocates have said that process tends to favor employers.
Three delivery drivers sued Domino’s in California state court in Santa Ana in 2020, accusing the company of violating various wage laws, and the case was subsequently transferred to federal court.
Domino’s made a motion to send the claims to arbitration, citing agreements that the drivers had signed barring them from suing in court. A federal judge in Santa Ana denied the motion, ruling that the drivers were exempt from arbitration because they were involved in interstate commerce.
The 9th Circuit last year upheld the judge’s decision, finding that the drivers were integral in getting products that came from outside California to their final destinations. Domino’s then appealed to the Supreme Court.
There has been a growing number of lawsuits filed in courts around the country asserting that local delivery drivers qualify for the interstate commerce exemption because they handle goods coming from other states such as various ingredients used to make Domino’s pizza and other prepared foods.
The scope of the exemption has divided federal appeals courts in cases involving Grubhub Inc, Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) and its subsidiary Postmates Inc, and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) “last mile” delivery workers.
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Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Will Dunham
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Daniel Wiessner
Thomson Reuters
Dan Wiessner (@danwiessner) reports on labor and employment and immigration law, including litigation and policy making. He can be reached at daniel.wiessner@thomsonreuters.com.
Polartec Power Shield Debuts Bio-Based Weather Protection Technology Ecotextile News
Polartec Power Shield Debuts Bio-Based Weather Protection Technology – Ecotextile News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/polartec-power-shield-debuts-bio-based-weather-protection-technology-ecotextile-news/
Written by Marketing Team
Published: 17 October 2022
SPONSORED CONTENT – Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand is pleased to announce the launch of its all-new bio-based Power Shield fabric technology setting a new standard for sustainable weather protection. The launch signifies Polartec’s continued pivot to source living matter substitutes for petroleum-based products while increasing the efficiency and performance of fabrics and materials.
The advanced monolithic membrane of Polartec Power Shield is made from a combination of plant-based and non-PFAS materials, and achieves an industry-leading combination of waterproofness, windproofness, long-lasting breathability, high durability, and comfortable stretch. Constructed for a wide range of solutions, Polartec Power Shield is the most capable and versatile waterproof breathable technology in the company’s fabric portfolio to date, and the latest addition to the company’s complete conversion to non-PFAS alternatives across its entire range of fabrics.
“With the launch of Power Shield, we’re reinforcing Polartec’s expanded capabilities of breathable and waterproof solutions – from expedition grade durability to fashion-forward hand and drape – while also pioneering the use of bio content to achieve these remarkable functionalities. We’re proud to launch a proprietary solution constructed from all non-PFAS polymers and plant-based building blocks that do not compete with human food sources. It is our commitment to reduce reliance on petroleum while producing a membrane that offers greater water-resistance performance than we’ve ever brought to market,” said Polartec President, Steve Layton.
“At the center of Polartec Power Shield’s revolutionary functionality is a major advancement in membrane technology. The highly durable monolithic membrane is a barrier specifically engineered to be impermeable to outside weather, while transporting moisture vapor from skin-to-surface via molecular diffusion,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President, Research, Sustainability, and Textile Development at Milliken.
The end result is Polartec’s first-ever waterproof fabric to test greater than 20,000 mm in the Hydrostatic Pressure Test for Waterproofness and 20,000 g/m2/24h Moisture Vapor Transmission Rating for Breathability. The advancement and versatility pairs with a wide range of fabrics: from supple stretch to bombproof wovens, to low-snag and high-stretch knits. The all-new Polartec Power Shield brings a soft hand and tough barrier to outside rain and snow that is incorruptible over time.
Polartec Power Shield is available now to manufacturers and makers across the globe in six variations of face and backing fabrics – in both knits and wovens – and will debut in market-ready products offering a vast range of capabilities from city to summit use beginning Fall 2023. For more information please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram,Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Americas Fourth Largest City Is Named After Him. Who Was Sam Houston? The Epoch Times
America’s Fourth Largest City Is Named After Him. Who Was Sam Houston? – The Epoch Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/americas-fourth-largest-city-is-named-after-him-who-was-sam-houston-the-epoch-times/
Gen. Sam Houston rested under an oak tree on the coastal plains of Texas near Buffalo Bayou, his left ankle shattered by a copper ball. He and his Texian army of 783 men had just defeated a Mexican army detachment of about 1,500 soldiers under the command of Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna, president of Mexico. When Houston gave the volunteer army its war cry of “Remember the Alamo,” the Texians struck their enemy like a bolt of fire in a surprise attack on April 21, 1836, near the San Jacinto River in southeast Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto went down in history as a day of vengeance, as the soldiers sought retribution for the massacres in San Antonio de Bexar and Goliad the month before. The clash lasted only 18 minutes; the Texas Revolution was now complete after months of multiple conflicts and bloody battles. The Mexican state of Tejas won its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas.
It wasn’t the first time Houston had been injured in war. Under the command of Gen. Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812, the young man from Tennessee was wounded two times in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on the Tallapoosa River in Alabama. Although Houston was taken from the battlefield with the other wounded, the Army doctors didn’t expect him to live, and he was nearly left for dead. His leadership and bravery impressed Gen. Jackson, who took Houston under his political wing and encouraged the young man to read law and seek political office in Tennessee. Houston became governor of the state in 1827, and Jackson became the seventh president of the United States in 1829.
A portait of Sam Houston by William Henry Huddle, 1886. The House of Representatives, Austin, Texas. (Library of Congress)
Early Life
Houston was born on March 2, 1793, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, on the family plantation north of Lexington, Virginia, near the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church where his family attended every Sunday. He was the fifth child of Maj. Samuel and Elizabeth (Paxton) Houston and received his father’s name.
Houston’s father was passionate about military life, fought in the Revolutionary War, and continued to serve as an inspector of frontier militias until his death when young Houston was 13 years old. Maj. Houston’s widow followed through on the previously planned sale of the Timber Ridge Plantation, crossed the Allegheny Mountains with her nine children, and started a new home in Blount County on the fertile banks of the Tennessee River with extended family in the area. They settled near Maryville, about 8 miles from the river, which at the time was the boundary between the Anglo settlers and the Cherokee Indians. The tribe was highly civilized and peaceful and sought to cooperate with the influx of pioneers.
As a young boy, Houston thrived in the outdoors. Riding horseback, swimming in the creeks and rivers, and hunting took precedence over being confined in a school building. He preferred his father’s library over a classroom, and he kept a well-read translation of Homer’s Greek epic poem “The Iliad” by Alexander Pope as a treasured possession and could recite passages from it. Another book he read regularly was the Bible. When his request to study the ancient languages of Greek and Latin was denied by a schoolmaster, the rebellious Houston refused to return to school. His four older brothers tried first to make him work in the fields and then in a local merchant store the family had part interest in, but these suggestions didn’t satisfy Houston’s restless, adventurous spirit. At the age of 15, he ran away.
Living With the Cherokee Indians
Houston’s family searched for him for several weeks to no avail, until they learned he had crossed the Tennessee River and was living with the Cherokees. After the young teenager was found and questioned for his motives, Houston replied that “he preferred measuring deer tracks, to tape—that he liked the wild liberty of the Red men, better than the tyranny of his own brothers, and if he could not study Latin in the Academy, he could, at least, read a translation of Greek in the woods, and read it in peace. So they could go home as soon as they liked.” He was adopted by Chief Oolooteka and given the Indian name of “Colonneh,” translated into English as “the Raven.”
The volunteer exile lived with his adopted family for three years before returning to Maryville for a year and then joining the U.S. Army when recruiters came to town with music, a banner, and well-dressed sergeants. Houston’s friends tried to convince him to not join the military as a common soldier during the War of 1812, as his father had been an officer. His answer was that “he would much sooner honor the ranks, than disgrace an appointment,” yet he added: “You don’t know me [now], but you shall hear of me.”
Houston lived with the Indians at one other time in his life and became a certified citizen in the Cherokee Nation with all rights and privileges. This was in 1829, after he held several political offices, including being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1823 and as the governor of Tennessee in 1827. His political rise was halted by the unfortunate news that he and his wife had separated after only three months of marriage. Houston suffered deep humiliation and believed that not just his political career but also his life was ruined. He resigned his position as governor and returned to live with his Indian family. This time, he was known as the “Big Drunk.” In later years, Houston would achieve the glory and honor he sought, but in midlife he was described as “a troubled man, towering in a bright blanket, grand, gloomy and peculiar, brooding and drinking.”
Starting Over in Texas
After three years, Houston left the Cherokees and sought to start a new life in the American colony of Tejas, enthralled with the opportunities available. He set up a law practice in Nacogdoches, in the eastern part of the region, and found himself drawn once again into politics. The Texas Rebellion against Mexico had been brewing and, due to his prior military service, he was named major general in the Texas army within two years. His life continued on a similar path as before—success and promotion in the military, which led to political office.
Houston’s seemingly improbable victory at San Jacinto led to his elevation as a hero, which he accepted with reservations. He was given credit for commandeering Texas’s independence and was elected president of the sovereign Republic of Texas in 1836. Four months after the battle, a small town named Houston was founded on land near the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. By 1930, Houston became Texas’s most populous city, and it is now the fourth most populous city in the nation, behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
When Texas was admitted to the union in 1845, Houston was elected governor and became the only person to have been so elected in two different states. As before, however, he served only two years before resigning; however, this time it wasn’t due to personal unhappiness. It was due to his love of Texas and the United States. At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, Texas voted to secede from the United States. Houston was a strong Unionist and refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy, which ended his political career. On July 26, 1863, Houston died of pneumonia at the age of 70. One of his daughters reported that his last words were “Texas, Margaret, Texas.”
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
Increasing Rising Awareness Regarding Travel Vaccines Is Expected To Boost The Travel Vaccines Market | Get Analytical View From Future Market Insights Inc. Digital Journal
Increasing Rising Awareness Regarding Travel Vaccines Is Expected To Boost The Travel Vaccines Market | Get Analytical View From Future Market Insights, Inc. – Digital Journal https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/increasing-rising-awareness-regarding-travel-vaccines-is-expected-to-boost-the-travel-vaccines-market-get-analytical-view-from-future-market-insights-inc-digital-journal/
NEWARK, DE / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2022 / The travel vaccines market is estimated to reach $ 3,878.94 Mn in 2022. As per the report, sales are forecast to increase at a robust 9.8% CAGR, with the market valuation reaching US$ 6,914.22 Mn by 2032.
Vaccination is an extremely efficient way of preventing some infectious diseases. Vaccines are relatively safe, with significant adverse effects being extremely rare. Most of the world’s youngsters are protected from a variety of infectious diseases by the routine immunisation programmes. Previously, millions of people died each year because of various diseases. Vaccination provides travellers with the option of preventing various infectious diseases that kids may come into contact with, when away from home.
There are several government bodies which are taking constant efforts in order to prevent the spread of diseases. Vaccinations are made mandatory to travellers before crossing the borders. Moreover, there are several pharmaceutical companies that are innovating as well as inventing new vaccinations for the constantly growing infectious diseases. The players have developed vaccinations that have less dosages to ensure the safety and prevent the side effects caused by the vaccines.
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Combinations of vaccines are also being used to generate immunity against multiple diseases. The growing incidences of infectious diseases and increasing awareness among travellers will boon the travel vaccines sector in the upcoming times
“Innovation in existing technology of vaccines and travellers getting more health conscious will prove to be beneficial for the Travel Vaccines Market” Says an FMI analyst.
Key Takeaways:
In terms of disease type, covid-19 vaccinations will have great demand in upcoming years.
By booking channel, the in-person booking segment is anticipated to hold a noteworthy share of nearly ~65%.
In terms of age group, demand in the age group 0-14 years and 66-75 years will continue gaining traction through 2032.
For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an [email protected]https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-3490
Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
The tourism sector was damaged due to the regulations of the pandemic caused by covid-19. Travelling was paused throughout the world. This has caused more number of travellers to come out of their homes and explore new places. However, the pandemic also resulted in people getting more conscious about their health. This increase in awareness of travellers has enhanced the travel vaccines market.
Who is winning?
Leading players in Travel Vaccines market are GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Dynavax Technologies, Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Abbott, Bharat Biotech, Moderna, Serum Institute of India, Takeda, Chiron, BioNTech, Astra Zeneka, and GSK Vaccines among others.
Get More Valuable Insights
Future Market Insights, in its new offering, provides an unbiased analysis of Travel Vaccines market, presenting historical demand data (2017-2021) and forecast statistics for the period from 2022-2032. The study divulges compelling insights on the Travel Vaccines by Diseases Type (Covid-19, Ebola, Influenza, Hepatitis, Others) Booking Channel (Online Booking & In Person Booking) Tourist Type (Domestic & International) Tour Type (Independent Traveller, Package Traveller and Tour Group) Age Group (0-14 Years, 15-25 Years, 26-35 Years, 36-45 Years, 46-55 Years, 56-65 Years, 66-75 Years) & Region – Forecast to 2017 – 2032.
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Table of Content
1. Executive Summary
1.1. Global Market Outlook
1.1.1. Who Is Travelling?
1.1.2. How Much Do They Spend?
1.1.3. Direct Contribution of Tourism To GDP
1.1.4. Direct Contribution of Tourism To Employment
1.2. Tourism Evolution Analysis
1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations
2. Market Introduction
2.1. Total Spending (US$ Mn) and Forecast (2022-2032)
2.2. Number of Travelers (Mn) and Forecast (2022-2032)
2.3. Total Spending Y-o-Y Growth Projections (2022-2032)
2.4. Number of Travelers Y-o-Y Growth Projections
3. Global Tourism Industry Analysis
3.1. Tourism Industry Overview
3.1.1. Travel & Tourism Industry Contribution To Global GDP
3.1.1.1. Business Spending v/s Leisure Spending
3.1.1.2. Domestic v/s Foreign
3.1.1.3. Direct, Indirect, and Induced
3.1.2. Travel Sector Contribution To Global Overall Employment
3.1.3. Travel & Tourism Growth Rate
Read More TOC..
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Arkansas Child Poverty Rate Among Highest In Nation Arkansas Business Online
Arkansas’ Child Poverty Rate Among Highest In Nation – Arkansas Business Online https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/arkansas-child-poverty-rate-among-highest-in-nation-arkansas-business-online/
The poverty rate last year for Arkansas children under the age of 18 stood at 22.4%, according to the American Community Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Nationwide, the child poverty rate was 16.9% in 2021.
The national poverty rate for all ages stood at 12.8% last year. In Arkansas, the rate for all ages was 16.3%
Woman Thankful For Cardiologist Living Life To Fullest Iredell Health System
Woman Thankful For Cardiologist, Living Life To Fullest – Iredell Health System https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/woman-thankful-for-cardiologist-living-life-to-fullest-iredell-health-system/
Imagine your breathing is so labored that it’s difficult for you to walk or move. Completing once-simple tasks, like cooking or even walking across the room, seem like mountainous obstacles. You are being treated for a lung condition, but feel in your heart that it is something more than that. What you didn’t feel, however, was what was actually happening inside your heart.
This was the reality for 78-year-old Statesville resident, Betsy Evans. She had always considered herself generally healthy and proactive with her medical appointments and screenings. But, as breathing became increasingly difficult for Evans, she found herself reaching for her oxygen and inhaler, prescribed for her lung condition, more and more frequently.
“I would have several episodes where I would be sitting in my chair, crawl up into a fetal position, and could not move. I told my husband, ‘We need to see a cardiologist,’” said Evans.
Evans scheduled her appointment, and soon after, in late October 2021, she visited the office of Bradley Martin, a cardiologist at Statesville Cardiovascular Clinic.
“She [Evans] was one of those people who I knew right away when I walked into the room that something was wrong. Her whole demeanor — the way she was breathing, the look on her face — you could see she was uncomfortable and in trouble. I realized this was something we were likely going to need to move quickly on,” said Martin.
After an electrocardiogram (EKG), a heart monitoring test, Martin realized Evans was in atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm.
“Dr. Martin talked with me and explained everything in terms I could understand. His last words were, ‘I’ll see you in the hospital in the morning,’” said Evans.
At this point, the full extent of Evans’ condition was not yet uncovered, but it was not solely a lung condition. It was also a heart condition.
Martin scheduled a cardioversion for Evans the very next day. A cardioversion is a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation using quick, low-energy shocks to restore a regular heart rhythm.
When Evans arrived at Iredell Memorial Hospital the following day, she had to receive a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) before her cardioversion. A TEE is a type of test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart and its structures. In order to have a safe cardioversion, since there is a risk of stroke, a TEE is done before to make sure there are no blood clots in the heart.
“Surprisingly, on her TEE, I realized the real problem. It actually wasn’t the AFib. It was an issue with her mitral valve,” said Martin.
The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves. A healthy mitral valve keeps blood moving in the right direction.
Some of Evan’s tendinous cords that keep her mitral valve in place were ruptured, causing blood to leak across the valve and leading to her irregular heart rhythm.
“Dr. Martin explained to me that I had a defective valve and that I needed to stay in Iredell Memorial for five more days. After that, I would need to be transferred to a different hospital to have open heart surgery and replace the valve,” said Evans.
For five days, Martin and his team got Evans medically prepared for open heart surgery. They removed extra fluid, put her on medications to help her heart function, and performed a heart catheterization to make sure she did not have any blockages.
After leaving Iredell Memorial, Evans met with a surgeon at the hospital where she was transferred. Just six days later, on November 17, Evans had open heart surgery. Her valve was replaced with a pig valve.
She stayed in that hospital for 16 days after surgery. When discharged, Evans went to an assisted living facility in Statesville for rehabilitation, where she was for two weeks before finally going home.
“When I came home, I felt wonderful. People tell me I’ve been on a journey. But, for me, it wasn’t a journey. It was a day trip. It all happened so fast,” said Evans.
Evans felt much better and came home in time to enjoy the holidays with her family.
“I saw Evans about eight weeks postoperatively, and she was a brand new woman. She couldn’t believe how much better she felt. She had been dealing with that for a long time,” said Martin.
Later, in March 2022, Evans was at Iredell Health System’s Outpatient Rehab in Statesville completing her cardiac rehabilitation therapy. Unfortunately, while she was there, her blood pressure shot up to 190/90, and she went into AFib again.
“I went to Dr. Martin’s office immediately. I saw the PA there, and she talked me through what was going on. They did another EKG and set me up for an appointment with Dr. Martin a few days later,” said Evans.
At her appointment with Martin, he decided to schedule a cardioversion to return Evans’ heart to a normal rhythm.
And since that procedure, Evans has not had any other issues. She has been able to get back to doing the things she’s so desperately missed, like crafting and spending time at her beach house.
“I wasn’t really living before my surgery. But now, I’m excited about life going forward. I’m finally doing things I want to do. For the first time in a long time, I was able to drive to the beach by myself. I am going to live every day I can to the fullest,” she said.
Martin explains that he always finds it rewarding to see patients get back the life they’ve wanted to live.
“The first time I saw her, I don’t think she knew she would ever have the quality of life she had before. She had been sick for a while, and I don’t think she thought she was getting better. But, I knew once we saw that valve that things were going to get better fairly quickly. And, it’s not fun to have open heart surgery, but that was certainly the right thing for her, and she did great,” said Martin.
Reflecting on her experience, Evans is incredibly thankful for all the medical professionals who cared for her. She is especially grateful for Martin, who discovered the cause of all of her life-altering symptoms.
“Dr. Martin’s staff has been so wonderful. And, the main thing I want to say about Dr. Martin is that he not only cares about your heart and your physical being, he cares about your mental health, and he cares about your emotional health. He always asks how you feel, really talks to you, and cares for you,” said Evans.
Learn More
Evans’s story was shared last week during the Iredell Health Foundation’s inaugural Heart of Jazz, a fundraiser benefitting the Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund for Iredell Health System. The fund supports the life-saving efforts of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, nurses, and technicians throughout the health system, and 100 percent of funds raised remain in Iredell County. To learn more about the fund, or to make a donation, visit IredellHealthFoundation.org, or call 704-878-7669.
Dr. Bradley Martin sees patients in Statesville, Mooresville, and Taylorsville. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Martin, please call 704-873-1189.
What Channel Is Broncos Vs. Chargers On Today? Schedule Time For Monday Night Football In Week 6 Sporting News
What Channel Is Broncos Vs. Chargers On Today? Schedule, Time For ‘Monday Night Football’ In Week 6 – Sporting News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/what-channel-is-broncos-vs-chargers-on-today-schedule-time-for-monday-night-football-in-week-6-sporting-news/
The Broncos and Chargers have a lot to live up to — in more ways than one.
In Week 5, the Raiders and Chiefs played a stellar game that came down to the last Vegas possession in the fourth, and resulted in the Chiefs just barely eking out a win over their AFC West rivals, 30-29.
The Broncos (2-3) and the Chargers (3-2) have an opportunity to live up to the entertainment of that game — but also have an opportunity to live up to their playoff expectations this season.
It’s been something of a nightmare start for Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett in Denver: While the team isn’t entirely underwater yet, Hackett’s uninspiring coaching decisions and Wilson’s uninspiring play haven’t done much to put Broncos country at ease so far.
The Chargers are benefitting from another great start to the season from Justin Herbert (10 touchdowns to two interceptions), but Brandon Staley is once again seemingly getting in the way of the Chargers’ success. Still, Los Angeles is in prime position to push its division rival further down the standings.
MORE: Watch Broncos vs. Chargers on ‘Monday Night Football’ with fuboTV (free trial)
Here’s how to catch the AFC West follow-up on Monday night:
What channel is Broncos vs. Chargers on today?
Game: Broncos at Chargers
Date: Monday, Oct. 17
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: ESPN+, fuboTV (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)
Broncos vs. Chargers is the “Monday Night Football” matchup for Week 6, meaning Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be in the booth and Lisa Salters will report from the sideline.
There will be no “Manningcast” featuring Peyton and Eli Manning for this game.
MORE: Manningcast schedule for 2022
Those who choose to stream “MNF” have several options. FuboTV carries the ESPN family of networks as well as CBS, Fox, NBC and NFL Network, which means they will be able to stream local games throughout the 2022 season. FuboTV also offers a free trial.
ESPN+, the network’s proprietary streaming service, will also carry Broncos vs. Chargers.
Viewers in Canada will be able to stream the game via DAZN.
What time is Broncos vs. Chargers on today?
Date: Monday, Oct. 17
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET (6:15 p.m. MT/5:15 p.m. PT)
Kickoff for Monday night is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. That’s the customary start time for “Monday Night Football” games.
The Broncos will travel to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, meaning the game will start at 5:15 p.m. local time and 6:15 p.m. in Denver.
NFL live stream for Broncos vs. Chargers
Broncos vs. Chargers will be simulcast on ESPN and ABC. That means it will be available to stream on the ESPN app, as well as ESPN+.
Cord-cutters can watch “Monday Night Football” with fuboTV, which carries ESPN and ABC and also offers a free trial. FuboTV also carries CBS, Fox, NFL Network and NBC, so users can find most locally broadcast NFL games.
Other streaming options for Broncos vs. Chargers are as follows:
Streaming option
Cable subscription needed?
Free?
Cost
Free trial?
NFL App
Yes
Yes
—
—
Yahoo! Sports App
Yes
Yes
—
—
NFL+
No
No
$9.99/month
Yes
DirecTV Stream
No
No
$49.99/month
Yes
fuboTV
No
No
$69.99/month
Yes
Hulu Plus Live TV
No
No
$69.99/month
Yes
Sling TV
No
No
$35/month
Yes
YouTube TV
No
No
$54.99/month
Yes
‘Monday Night Football’ schedule 2022
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: ESPN app, ESPN+, fuboTV
ESPN made one of the biggest splashes of the broadcasting offseason when it signed Buck and Aikman to work “Monday Night Football,” pulling them away from Fox. Buck will handle play-by-play, while Aikman will provide color commentary.
“Monday Night Football” games can be watched on the ESPN app, through ESPN+ or on fuboTV, which offers a free trial. ESPN+ will also have exclusive coverage of the Oct. 30 matchup in London between the Broncos and Jaguars, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Week
Date
Matchup
1
Sept. 12
Seattle Seahawks 17, Denver Broncos 16
2
Sept. 19
Buffalo Bills 41, Tennessee Titans 7
2
Sept. 19
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Minnesota Vikings 7
3
Sept. 26
Dallas Cowboys 23, New York Giants 16
4
Oct. 3
San Francisco 49ers 24, Los Angeles Rams 9
5
Oct. 10
Kansas City Chiefs 30, Las Vegas Raiders 29
6
Oct. 17
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
7
Oct. 24
Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots
8
Oct. 31
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
9
Nov. 7
Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints
10
Nov. 14
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
11
Nov. 21
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals (at Mexico City)
12
Nov. 28
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts
13
Dec. 5
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14
Dec. 12
New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals
15
Dec. 19
Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers
16
Dec. 26
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts
17
Jan. 2
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals
STYLY Launches METADIMENSIONS Metaverse Project – XR Today https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/styly-launches-metadimensions-metaverse-project-xr-today/
Last Saturday, Psychic VR Lab debuted its Real Metaverse Project via the firm’s extended reality (XR) content creation and distribution platform STYLY.
The new Metaverse experience enables global STYLY XR creators to place geotagged augmented reality (AR) art in a real-world environment.
To celebrate the new service, Psychic VR Lab launched METADIMENSIONS on 15 October at Shibuya Scramble in Japan, where visitors can view artistic AR visuals via a smartphone camera.
City × AR × NFT Project
Starting from Shibuya, Tokyo#METADIMENSIONS#AugmentedReality pic.twitter.com/TzcCTqWs3j
— METADIMENSIONS (@metadimensions_) October 15, 2022
The project does not require participants to scan a QR code to see the AR content. Instead, the service automatically displays immersive Metaverse content through STYLY geo-tagging tech.
According to the firm, tracking technology places AR assets in the real world with greater accuracy when compared to QR codes.
STYLY also enables developers to create and place AR assets that reflect the real world, like building placement and overlaying content on billboards.
STYLY allows creators to place and overlay multiple XR assets in the same real-world locations. Visitors can switch between XR layers to enjoy a site through various immersive filters.
More on METADIMENSIONS
The METADIMENSIONS project is a deep partnership with Japanese brands and artists to showcase the platform. The project lets its collaborators turn AR visualisations into NFTs to sell on STYLY’s integrated OpenSea marketplace.
The METADIMENSIONS project initially operates with BOSO TOKYO and Web3 firm MAD WORLD HONG KONG to create a unique virtual world showing sci-fi motorcycle gang culture. Users can see the AR visuals via the STYLY smartphone application for iOS and Android.
Ryohei Watanabe, the CMO of Psychic VR Lab, added,
“We will not replace the real world but rather open the metaverse to all and propose a new lifestyle that combines real and virtual to enhance the experience value of the world itself. With this first event in Shibuya, we will create an unprecedented flow of people in the city and contribute to the development of the city in the future”
In the future, the project will also employ content from NEO TOKYO PUNKS and GENERATIVE MASKS.
What is STYLY’s Geotagging Tech?
Psychic VR Lab uses ARCore from Google and Niantic’s Lightship AR software elopement kit (SDK) to enable its geotagged content. Using Google’s geospatial API, XR content creators can overlay immersive assets in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Psychic VR Lab also provides several resources to help developers create geotagged XR content using its XR Cityscape Assets platform. Currently, the service only has data models for six Japanese cities Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
STYLY first introduced its XR urban content creation tools in December last year. The service uses accurate GPS data to place XR visuals on top of real-world urban environments.
Deals: Microsoft Project Complete Course – Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced – Geeky Gadgets https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/deals-microsoft-project-complete-course-beginners-intermediate-advanced-geeky-gadgets/
12:00 pm October 17, 2022 By Roland Hutchinson
We have an awesome deal on the Microsoft Project Complete Course – Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced in the Geeky Gadgets Deals store this week.
The Microsoft Project Complete Course – Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced is available in our deals store for just $10.99.
In the course, you will learn how to open and close a project together with the procedures for adding tasks, and resources, managing project status, etc. Next, in the intermediate level, you will learn how to work correctly with the Project environment including using team planners, templates, etc. Finally, the course teaches you the advanced features of Microsoft Project including checking project progress, working with reports, working with multiple projects, etc.
Access 39 lectures & 32 hours of content 24/7
Learn Microsoft Power fundamentals
Familiarize yourself with Project Creation
Work with tasks & resources
Learn balancing projects
Instructor
Alpha Academy | Awarding Body Accredited Courses
Alpha Academy is an online learning platform that provides one of the best e-learning experiences. With a large variety of training courses to choose from, you are bound to find something to suit you. Whether it be to improve your current expertise or develop new skills, we can facilitate your goal.
Important Details
Length of time users can access this course: 1 year
Access options: desktop & mobile
Certification of completion included
Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
Experience level required: all levels
Have questions on how digital purchases work? Learn more here
You can find out more details about this great deal on the Microsoft Project Complete Course – Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced over at our deals store at the link below.
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Filed Under: Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Biggest Green Crypto Token Sale Ever IMPT.io Raises $5 Million In First 2 Weeks Cryptonews
Biggest Green Crypto Token Sale Ever – IMPT.io Raises $5 Million In First 2 Weeks – Cryptonews https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/biggest-green-crypto-token-sale-ever-impt-io-raises-5-million-in-first-2-weeks-cryptonews/
London, England, 17th October 2022 – Within two weeks of the start of its presale, the IMPT token has already attracted $5 million from ESG-conscious investors.
The online fundraising is the start of the IMPT.io mission to revolutionize the carbon credit industry through accessible carbon offsetting.
IMPT makes carbon-offsetting as easy as shopping for your favorite items
IMPT.io will make it easy for shoppers to manage carbon credits using a blockchain-based offset mechanism.
Joining the IMPT.io network in this endeavor will be many top consumer brands. The team has already signed affiliate partnership deals with retail outlets, including Amazon. That means any shopping a consumer does on Amazon via the IMPT widget will help save the planet.
Other brands IMPT.io has affiliate shopping deals with include Microsoft, Bloomingdales, GameStop, River Island, Macy’s, and Electrolux.
Each retailer will donate a proportion of the sales made through the IMPT.io widget or app. It is up to the retailer how much they wish to donate to the audited environmental, social, and governance (ESG) projects that have been selected by IMPT.io.
Consumers will be able to choose from among their favorite brands by comparing the various sales margins for green projects offered by each.
When an individual shops online with the IMPT.io widget or in-store using the app, they earn IMPT tokens that can then be exchanged for carbon credits.
Here’s how IMPT works
The project’s other core feature is to facilitate the buying, selling and ‘retiring’ of carbon credits on a blockchain marketplace. By using blockchain technology, fraud in carbon credit trading can be eliminated and transparency brought to the fore.
Each time someone buys an IMPT token they can convert it into a carbon credit, which in turn can be listed on the IMPT.io marketplace as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In addition, the IMPT token incentivizes the retiring of carbon credits by exchanging them for collectible NFTs designed by recognized artists.
The retiring of credits is achieved by burning them – a process whereby the tokens are sent to an address on the blockchain that can only receive tokens (not send them), effectively removing them from supply.
Along with accumulating IMPT tokens when shopping, consumers can buy the IMPT token direct on the IMPT website.
Individuals can then choose to either burn the credits to offset their carbon footprint, and receive in return a collectible NFT, or list the carbon credits on the IMPT marketplace.
IMPT makes protecting the environment profitable for consumers and businesses
IMPT appeals to ESG-focused investors who want to put their money to work to stop environmental degradation by supporting green initiatives such as renewable energy and the curtailment of deforestation.
Improving our environment and being socially responsible doesn’t have to be in conflict with making a profit.
The project’s overriding strategic contribution is to show how that premise can be turned into an everyday reality for both shoppers, retailers and investors.
ESG is a $30 trillion opportunity not to be missed
Broadridge Financial Solutions estimates that ESG assets will be valued at around $30 trillion by 2030.
IMPT is thinking big because the challenges faced by humanity in tackling climate change require solutions that work at scale
The team behind the project is led by highly experienced business executive CEO Denis Creighton.
IMPT will help each of us to make our own personal beneficial impact – and together that can significantly strengthen the urgent task of protecting and improving our planet.
With IMPT, consumers become part of the solution, not the problem.
To get involved in this green revolution powered by blockchain technology, an individual or corporate entity can simply connect a crypto wallet at impt.io and buy IMPT with ETH or USDT (Tether stablecoin).
If prospective buyers don’t have ETH, they can buy using a card securely on the IMPT site, and then make their IMPT token purchase.
In this 1st stage of the presale, IMPT is priced at $0.018. In the second stage, which will begin after $10.8 million worth of tokens are sold, the price rises to $0.023.
Visit IMPT Now
U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/u-s-energy-information-administration-eia/
October 17, 2022
In our latest Winter Fuels Outlook, we forecast that U.S. households that primarily use natural gas for space heating will spend an average of $931 on heating this winter (October–March), which is 28% (or $206) more than last year.
Natural gas is the primary heating fuel for 47% of U.S. homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. The retail price of natural gas and the amount of natural gas consumed determine how much households spend on winter natural gas bills.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), Winter Fuels Outlook
This winter, higher retail natural gas prices are the main driver for the expected increase in natural gas bills. On average, we expect retail natural gas prices to rise 22%, from $13.02 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) last winter to $15.95/Mcf this winter. We expect retail natural gas prices in the Midwest to increase the most nationally, by 27% compared with last winter, to $13.80/Mcf.
The increase in retail prices reflects rising natural gas spot prices over the past year. We forecast the natural gas spot price at the U.S. benchmark Henry Hub will increase 54% from last winter to average $7.26 per million British thermal units. Changes in natural gas spot prices are typically reflected in the retail price over a period of months because of the way these costs are handled in regulated rates.
Spot price spikes from previous years can affect current retail prices. For example, regional natural gas spot prices approached record highs following Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, especially in the Midwest. Following that price spike, spot prices quickly returned to pre-winter-storm levels. Many utility companies in states affected by the storm filed motions with their states’ public utility commissions detailing plans to recover the extremely high natural gas costs they had incurred following the winter storm. For example, in Colorado, these plans add a line item charge to utility bills for the next several years to spread the cost out over a long period of time.
This winter, we expect colder temperatures and slightly more household consumption to contribute to higher natural gas bills compared with last winter. For households that use natural gas as their primary space heating fuel, we expect average consumption this winter to increase by 5%, or 58.4 Mcf, from last winter.
Principal contributor: Corrina Ricker
Enseo Partners With Cubigo Expanding Senior Living Technology Integrations PR Newswire
Enseo Partners With Cubigo, Expanding Senior Living Technology Integrations – PR Newswire https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/enseo-partners-with-cubigo-expanding-senior-living-technology-integrations-pr-newswire/
Senior living community residents can now engage in Cubigo-powered requests directly through the Enseo apartment TV
, /PRNewswire/ — Enseo, the premier senior living technology services provider, and Cubigo, a technology company on a mission to modernize senior living communities, have partnered to provide Cubigo’s cloud-based solution through Enseo’s platform. The integration with Cubigo enables community residents to request dining, maintenance, activities, transportation needs, and more, directly through the resident TV.
“While many aspects of community caregiving must be handled in-person through staff, technology can be used to more efficiently manage routine requests, alleviating staff for where they are needed most,” said Corey Rhodes, Enseo CEO. “We’re proud to partner with Cubigo, as residents now have more opportunities to access necessary requests, such as maintenance and transportation needs, but also in-suite food ordering and even resident chatting, making their lives easier.”
Enabled on resident smart devices, Cubigo is also now available through Enseo’s resident TV platform, which can be customized by the community to meet specific staff and resident needs. With this integration, residents can navigate Cubigo’s non-clinical service requests through the largest screen in the room.
“We want Cubigo’s applications to be hardware agnostic for the residents, so they can pick the device they like most to interact with the community and the services,” said Geert Houben, Cubigo’s Founder & CEO. “Although we see a massive uptake in mobile devices among seniors, the TV screen is always there and larger than any other device. We found a great partner in Enseo to provide the right infrastructure for Cubigo on TV.”
Providing resident TV, smart apartment solutions, and managed Wi-Fi, Enseo provides connections for communities, improving the lives of residents as well as operations for owners and management. A natural step, the integration with Cubigo enables additional resident benefits to be managed on the TV platform.
Cubigo’s solution is geared toward senior living providers, residents and their family members. With the apps built for iPad, iPhone, and now TV, communities have the opportunity to radically streamline processes at independent- and assisted-living residences, which is a huge relief for staff members. Most importantly, however, Cubigo is an easy-to-use technology that gives seniors independence over their daily activities.
To learn more, stop by Enseo’s booth #1111 and Cubigo’s booth #2919 at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting EXPO and Conference in Denver, Colorado October 16-19, or visit www.enseo.com/seniorliving.
About Enseo, LLC
Enseo is the premier technology services provider in the U.S., offering solutions in hospitality, senior living and education. Located in Plano, TX, Enseo has been engineering innovative hardware and software solutions for 22 years that deliver digital entertainment, managed WiFi, smart room automation (IoT) and energy management, and safety and staff solutions including employee emergency alert system, MadeSafe®, and touchless technology. Enseo is enjoyed by more than 85 million users annually.
Enseo has been recognized for excellence on Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators, a Financial Times‘s America’s Fastest Growing Companies, one of the best Entrepreneurial Companies in America for three consecutive years by Entrepreneur Magazine‘s Entrepreneur 360 List, and consistently recognized on the Inc. 5000. For more information, please visit www.enseo.com.
About Cubigo
Founded in 2011, Cubigo is partnering with some of the world’s most influential senior living organizations to improve the wellbeing of older adults. Cubigo is a leading all-in-one software platform for senior living operators, focused on integrating non-clinical and resident-centric services like Dining, Maintenance, Activities, Transportation, Digital Signage, Visitor Management, etc. Implemented in more than 600 communities and used by 250k+ monthly active users across the US, Canada and Europe, Cubigo helps to supercharge teams and streamline communication with residents, prospects and loved ones. More than 30 API integrations connect Cubigo to all main EMR/EHR, finance platforms and other apps to create automated workflows. The company is headquartered in Belgium, with offices in San Francisco and Toronto. To learn more, visit www.cubigo.com.
SOURCE Enseo
County Commissioner To Hold Special Meeting On Nov. 8 Polling Sites Texas Public Radio
County Commissioner To Hold Special Meeting On Nov. 8 Polling Sites – Texas Public Radio https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/county-commissioner-to-hold-special-meeting-on-nov-8-polling-sites-texas-public-radio/
Published October 17, 2022 at 4:32 AM CDT
Bexar County commissioners have called a special meeting for Tuesday to discuss additional polling sites required by a state district judge.
The county has been successfully sued twice for not having enough polling sites for the Nov. 8 election.
A state district judge most recently ruled the county needs 388 polling sites to meet state election code.
The Texas Organizing Project or TOP won the most recent suit. Aaron Arguello of TOP told commissioners last week one of those additional polling sites needs to be at the county jail.
“Currently those incarcerated in the jail can rely only on mail-in ballots. But the numbers indicate that mail-in ballots are insufficient,” said Arguello. “Recent data shows that in the 2018 and 2019 municipal elections, zero mail-in ballots were counted.”
County officials as of last week had boosted the number of polling locations from more than 250 to more than 270.
County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen and County Judge Nelson Wolff have both told Texas Public Radio finding volunteers to staff polling locations has been no easy task.
“As you know, these are difficult times when a vast number of people have been attacking elections systems. Election officials have been personally attacked, so it’s not easy to find election sites. It’s not easy to recruit people to do it,” Wolff said.
Very few young people volunteer as election workers, said Callanen. The average poll worker here is 71 years old.
Some veterans groups volunteered at a recent county commissioners meeting to help staff polling sites.
Callanen has been able to convince all the commissioners or the courts that having more than 270 “vote anywhere” sites works just as well has having dozens more polling places.
Commissioners Tommy Calvert, Rebeca Clay-Flores, and Justin Rodriguez have been critical of Callanen’s efforts to place more polling places in the underserved East, West, and South Sides.
Callanen said in the last major election, voters told election officials where they liked to vote in sheer numbers. She said she elected to close polling sites where only a handful of voters turned out on election day.
Judge Wolff also pointed out more than 65% of voters will skip election day and vote early or by mail-in ballot.
Early voting starts Oct. 24 and voters can vote at any of the 50 sites set up.
She Asked A Stranger For Directions On Vacation. Two Weeks Later They Were Engaged CNN
She Asked A Stranger For Directions On Vacation. Two Weeks Later They Were Engaged – CNN https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/she-asked-a-stranger-for-directions-on-vacation-two-weeks-later-they-were-engaged-cnn/
(CNN) — Rachel Décoste landed in West Africa’s Republic of Benin in August 2018, anticipating an important journey of self-discovery, but not predicting the extent to which the trip would change her life.
On her first day exploring Benin, Rachel asked a passerby for directions. Two weeks later, Rachel and the stranger were engaged. Within six months, they were married.
Rachel grew up in Ottawa, Canada, the daughter of Haitian parents who’d immigrated to Canada in the late 1960s. As an adult, Rachel relocated to Washington DC for college, later working for a bipartisan tech program associated with the United States congress.
Rachel loved this job, she loved the diversity of Washington and loved working in public service. When her US visa was up for renewal, Rachel, then in her early 40s, figured she’d work remotely for a few months before returning to DC.
But rather than working from Canada, she hatched a plan to set up her desk further afield.
Earlier that year, Rachel had submitted her DNA to an online ancestry site. Rachel had long known she was the descendent of enslaved Africans, but until she got the results, she hadn’t known where her forebears had lived. Now, she had a list of countries where she had roots: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Togo, Ghana and Benin.
“DNA tests for a descendant of enslaved Africans has very deep significance for us,” Rachel tells CNN Travel. “Even though it’s not a precise science, when you get the map of where your ancestors came from, it’s an emotional journey.”
Rachel arrived in Benin towards the end of her five month remote working trip. She’d already visited the other countries on her list, and her African trip was shaping up to be an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Nevertheless, Rachel didn’t know what to expect from Benin.
“Honestly, I don’t know if I could find Benin Republic on a map before this,” she says.
She booked a room in a bed and breakfast in the port city of Cotonou, planning to stay there for two weeks — working from the B&B and exploring the country in her spare time.
Following a couple of days settling in, Rachel ventured out for the first time. She planned to visit Ouidah, once one of the most active slave trading ports in Africa. She expected this would be a moving and thought-provoking experience.
“I’m sure that one of my ancestors passed by there, just because of my DNA test,” says Rachel.
Exiting her room, Rachel searched around for the manager of her bed and breakfast — she was looking for guidance on how best to travel to Ouidah.
“She’s nowhere to be found. And then I look for the security guard, and the security guard is on break.”
Rachel figured her next best bet was asking a passerby outside, so she opened the gates and glanced around.
The first person she spotted was a man about to get on a motorcycle, parked just outside.
Rachel greeted the stranger in French — as a French Canadian, French is her first language and it’s also the official language of Benin — and politely asked him how to get to Ouidah.
“You have to go to a certain intersection downtown, where all the bush taxis are,” explained the stranger. “You find the taxi going to your destination, you pay for your seat, and then you’ll get there.”
He started passing on directions to the intersection, but then, realizing they were a bit complicated, changed his tune.
“If you want. I can bring you there, it’s about 10 minutes away,” he suggested, gesturing to his bike.
It was about 9 a.m. Rachel was wary of trusting someone she didn’t know, but she decided she was unlikely to come to harm in broad daylight. She agreed.
“I take a chance, hop on the back of his motorcycle, no helmet,” she recalls.
Traveling together
Honoré and Rachel explored Benin together.
Woke Enterprises, Inc. Canada
The motorbike-riding stranger was Honoré Orogbo, a single father and business owner in his thirties who’d lived in Cotonou all his life and just happened to be passing by that morning.
When Rachel opened the bed and breakfast door, Honoré had just finished eating some breakfast he’d grabbed from a nearby street kiosk.
From the outside, Rachel’s accommodation wasn’t obviously a B&B. Honoré says he assumed she was the owner of the house. It was only when she asked for directions that Honoré realized Rachel was a visitor.
When Rachel and Honoré arrived at the taxi rank in Cotonou city center, they realized the one heading to Ouidah was pretty empty. Honoré explained it would be some time before it departed — the driver wouldn’t leave until the taxi was full.
Rachel was disheartened. She didn’t have time to wait around — she wanted to spend the whole day in Ouidah without feeling rushed, and to safely return to Cotonou before sundown.
Sensing her disappointment, Honoré came up with a suggestion. He had a friend in Ouidah he’d been hoping to visit — while he hadn’t been planning to go that day, he could, he had a day off.
“I’m like ‘Cool. I’ll pay for gas. Let’s go,'” recalls Rachel.
Just over an hour later, they arrived in Ouidah.
“He shows me how to get back — where the bush taxes are that I can get back that afternoon — and he shows me where the Slave Museum is. And I’m like, ‘Okay, good to go. Thanks, sir,'” recalls Rachel.
But before they were due to go their separate ways, Rachel asked Honoré if he wanted to get brunch. She wanted a bite to eat before she started her tour — and extending the invite to Honoré felt like the polite choice, he’d gone out of his way to help her, after all.
Honoré agreed, touched by the gesture. The two sat down to eat.
Rachel was aware that she was a woman traveling alone, and while Honoré had been nothing but polite and respectful, he was still a stranger, so she told him she was married.
She also didn’t share details of her job, or her life in the US. But she did explain how she was hoping to travel around Benin over the coming days. She asked Honoré if he had any friends or contacts who worked as chauffeurs or tour guides, and who might be interested in escorting her around over the next couple of days. She figured that might be easier than relying on taxis.
Honoré contacted a tour guide friend, but he was fully booked
“So I said, ‘Well, how about you? Can you be my escort? You helped me out this morning, can I just pay you to do that for three days?'” recalls Rachel.
“No, I’m not a I’m not a tour guide,” said Honoré. “I don’t know my country’s history by heart, and that’s not what I do.”
Rachel backtracked. She didn’t really need a tour guide — there would be experts at all the historical sites she planned to visit — she just needed a ride.
After a bit of back and forth, Honoré agreed to drive Rachel.
“When she insisted, I said ‘Why not?'” Honoré recalls today.
He wanted to help Rachel, Honoré says. She seemed like a “good person,” based on the way she’d approached him, the way she’d asked him questions and the way she’d invited him to brunch.
The two agreed Honoré would drive Rachel around for the next few days, starting that day in Ouidah, and Rachel would pay him for his services.
Growing closer
Here’s Rachel at Ganvie Lake Village in Cotonou, Benin.
Woke Enterprises, Inc. Canada
For the rest of the week, Honoré took Rachel to Benin’s most important sites.
Touring Benin was a powerful experience for Rachel. She says visiting the slave fort, inside Ouidah’s Museum of History, “is a pilgrimage that every afro-descendant should visit to remind us of the cruelty that our ancestors survived.”
“I didn’t know this before going there in person, but if Las Vegas was taking bets on the survival of enslaved Africans, the odds of my being alive today would have been slim to none,” says Rachel. “I am a walking, talking miracle. I am the ‘one percent.’ I owe it to those who didn’t make it to live my best life.”
While traveling around Benin, Rachel and Honoré talked. While Rachel still didn’t disclose many details about her personal circumstances, but she found herself opening up to Honoré about her thoughts and feelings. Honoré opened up in turn.
“First conversations were about learning about myself, my family, my situation, who I am, who I really am,” he says.
“We were very open and very candid, because we were strangers and we’ll never see each other again,” recalls Rachel.
She remembers being touched when Honoré explained that he didn’t have a new model of motorcycle because he put all his money towards his son’s education.
“He says ‘I’d rather have my kid have those opportunities than drive a fancy motorcycle.’ And I thought, ‘Wow, those are the values of my parents.’ I saw myself in those values,” says Rachel.
In one of their many conversations, Honoré mentioned his brother was a tailor. On their fourth day together, Honoré took Rachel to a market to help her buy fabric that his brother could make into a dress.
Rachel was overwhelmed by the choice — so much so that she asked Honoré to pick his favorites. He opted for two pieces of colorful, bright Ankara fabric. The third option was a white, gray, lace style, called lessi. Rachel loved it, and figured the resulting dress could be “appropriate for a baptism or some kind of special occasion.”
Honoré’s brother made clothing for Rachel and Honoré out of the fabric he picked for her at the market.
Woke Enterprises, Inc. Canada
In one of their many conversations driving to Benin landmarks, Honoré mentioned to Rachel that he would usually travel to Lomé, the capital of the neighboring country of Togo, when he and his friends wanted a night out.
Rachel was intrigued.
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll ever come back here. This is a once in a lifetime trip where I’m getting paid while I’m working in a foreign country. I want to take advantage of every opportunity,” she rememb...
