Anna Garraway

IndiGG Announces Partnership With Metaverse Magna (MVM) – CryptoNewsZ https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/indigg-announces-partnership-with-metaverse-magna-mvm-cryptonewsz/ IndiGG announces its collaboration with Metaverse Magna (MVM) to promote blockchain-based gaming in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Through this partnership, gamers of both communities can share in-game assets. This initiative largely benefits gamers as they will access many gaming resources. Gaming guilds consist of members sharing similar interests and passions for games. Sharing in-game assets will boost their interest, encouraging them to explore and build a larger community by connecting with more players. Also, the collaboration of MVM and IndiGG brings with it an increased number of earning opportunities. Gamers who engage within the ecosystem will be able to connect with more gamers, enabling them to improve their skills and get better at achieving virtual targets. Yemi Johnson, the General Manager of MVM, called this collaboration symbiotic, which suggests that the vision is to create a blockchain gaming community that is more diverse and collaborative. Yemi Johnson highlights that the partnership would allow them to strengthen the economics of both guilds. Additionally, the marvelous collaboration allows gamers to focus on improving the game’s quality. IndiGG has established a common vision with MVM, which is to build a global gaming community. MVM shares the vision, making it a perfect match for IndiGG as a partner. Both are constantly looking to serve their respective communities better through this collaboration. For instance, Metaverse Magna offers space to its gamers where they can come together and compete to earn rewards like cryptocurrency. Forming a connection with other gamers is a bonus that the members of the MVM community get for being a part of the ecosystem. Not only does the collaboration with MVM allows IndiGG to get connected with other gamers but also to earn crypto rewards. Metaverse Magna, also known as MVM, is the largest gaming guild in Africa. The African gaming guild is widely popular for its community spirit and offerings of games. This is a particular section that IndiGG looks to leverage through the partnership. The mission of constructing the largest Web3 gaming DAO in the world centered in India is being carried forward by IndiGG. The aim is to center it in India by onboarding over 500 million gamers on the platform. One way in which IndiGG looks to accelerate the accomplishment of the mission is by enabling gamers to earn from the community through gaming. IndiGG looks to reach a macro-community level through its micro-communities initiatives. However, this is followed by offering the best content developed in partnership with renowned gaming studios and developers. Previously, they collaborated with Big Time, a Web3 MMORPG, to boost Web gaming.  IndiGG’s experience is not limited only to India but the globe to ensure that the Web3 gaming ecosystem moves ahead at a good pace.

MUO Giveaway: Win A GEEKOM MiniAir 11 Mini PC – MUO – MakeUseOf https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/muo-giveaway-win-a-geekom-miniair-11-mini-pc-muo-makeuseof/ We know just how much our readers love cool gadgets, so we thought you may all like getting your hands on something free: GEEKOM MiniAir 11. If you’ve been looking into mini PCs, then you know how great GEEKOM products are. Our giveaway will have two winners, each getting a package that’s worth $299! Who wants one? Sign up for our giveaway HERE. How the MUO Giveaway Works Before we go any further, we have to discuss the mechanics of this giveaway. What you need to do to enter is to sign up for our newsletter. Old and new MUO subscribers can sign up for the giveaway here. When Our newest giveaway starts right NOW! Between October 10th, 2022, and October 17th, 2022, at 11:59 PM EDT. You can enter the giveaway anytime during this timeframe. How If you want the chance to win one of our two prizes, you need to be a subscriber to MUO Daily, our super informative newsletter. You can sign up for our newsletter on the giveaway page. See? Nothing too complicated! If you want to sign up for our newsletter only to get a chance to win the cool mini PCs from GEEKOM, we get that too. You can unsubscribe anytime you want, as long as you do it after the giveaway ends. We do hope you’re here to stay, however, because our newsletters are pretty awesome, with loads of helpful articles, tutorials, reviews, deals, and more. You should also read our privacy policy to learn all about how we handle your personal information. Who Wins The winners of our giveaway will be selected at random from the entire list of entrants. All winners will be alerted via email, which means you really should use a valid email address to enter since you’ll actually need to check it. Giveaway prizes can be shipped to the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. If you live elsewhere, we’re sorry, but you’re going to have to wait this one out. MUO Giveaway Prizes For this giveaway, we have two Geekom Anniversary Special edition boxes. Each one is valued at $299! The anniversary special edition box from Geekom features: Geekom MiniAir11 1 Mouse pad 1 Geekom mascot Other fun accessories If you prefer using mini PCs for work, we absolutely understand where you’re coming from. Mini PCs are super easy to carry with you whenever you need to travel. This is a PC that literally fits inside the palm of your hand, and it features an 11th Gen Intel Celeron N5095 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 605, a 256GB SSD, and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. If you’re worried about the ports, well, this one has more than many laptops we’ve seen. More specifically, you can find a USB-C port, a USB 3.2 gen 2 Port, a headphone/mic combo jack, the power button on the front, and another set of ports on the rear (a USB-C port, HDMI, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an Ethernet port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a DC power port). The PC also features an SD card slot. The GEEKOM MiniAir 11 also features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas. So, if you want a PC that you can take anywhere with you, the MiniAir 11 is a great choice. You can check out our full review for the GEEKOM MiniAir 11 to learn more about it. Visit GEEKOM’s 19th anniversary page if you want to learn more about the company. Enter the Giveaway for the Chance to Win One of the GEEKOM Prizes If you can’t wait to get a great mini PC, sign up for MUO Daily and enter the giveaway for the chance to win the MiniAir 11!

Crypto News Today: Here’s The Latest News About Solana, Fantom, And Big Eyes Coin – Euro Weekly News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/crypto-news-today-heres-the-latest-news-about-solana-fantom-and-big-eyes-coin-euro-weekly-news/ The cryptocurrency market is a unique ecosystem different from other financial systems you may find worldwide. And why is that? The coin market has several digital assets, giving users many options to invest in or trade. This financial market is also renowned for its volatility. You must give yourself the right information to get the best results from trading in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. You’ll need to find out the characteristics of each coin and how they can contribute to growing your wallet. By now, you already know that there are thousands of individual tokens in the crypto space. So, you’ll need to pick the assets to follow up closely. This piece will update users with the latest happenings around Solana, Fantom, and Big Eyes Coin.  BUY BIG EYES COIN NOW! Solana: The Ethereum Killer You’ll have heard about Solana if you’ve been active in crypto in the last few years. This cryptocurrency has been on the market for many reasons. This cryptocurrency was popularly touted as the Ethereum killer for many months, and many people still feel that it will dethrone the world’s largest altcoin. Ethereum’s proof-of-stake system ensures that transactions are secure and that users can swap crypto tokens seamlessly. Due to this consensus’s high flexibility, Solana users can process as many as 65,000 transactions per second. Now, that’s more impressive than most coins can offer. While Solana is one of the unique crypto projects, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Solana’s first challenge this year was the raging 2022 crypto crash. Due to the turbulent bear market. Solana lost a huge chunk of its value and trust from investors. Many investors sold their assets to avoid losing too much. However, the bear market is approaching its end, and Solana will rise again. Another major challenge for Solana occurred when its proof-of-stake network experienced some downtime on September 30, 2022. A misconfigured node caused a network outage that disturbed the flow of transactions. But now, things are back to normal. BUY BIG EYES COIN NOW! Fantom: One of the most reliable protocols on the market  Like Solana, Fantom is one of the most reliable cryptocurrency projects worldwide. Fantom is also considered an Ethereum killer because it can support decentralized applications. However, it has some way to go before becoming the largest altcoin in the coin market. Fantom can use smart contracts to support decentralized applications. It can also process transactions at lightning speed because of its reliable mechanism. Users on this network must settle transaction fees with Fantom’s token – FTM. It’s also possible to purchase FTM on top cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide. Yes, Fantom experienced a massive price dip during the 2022 crypto crash. But reports indicate it may finally be time for the coin to return to its earlier positions. Previous market data has shown that Fantom enjoyed a thrilling Q3. The coin enjoyed an average of 820,000 daily transactions, and new wallets were created regularly. With more people flocking into the Fantom project towards the end of the bear market, it’s already looking like this project will have a thrilling bull season. BUY BIG EYES COIN NOW! Big Eyes Coin: A new DeFi sheriff is in town The first thing you must note about Big Eyes is that it’s currently the hottest meme project on the coin market. The hype around big eyes has been building gradually. Meme lovers are looking forward to this project because it promises to be different from previous projects on the coin market. The first interesting thing to note about Big Eyes is that it will be a meme project that will introduce a unique utility to the coin market. Big Eyes will be one of the first meme coins to support NFT development in the meme sector. Also, this coin will adopt a community-driven approach that will safeguard users’ investments. This cryptocurrency has a proactive community of developers who want meme lovers to enjoy the benefits of the DeFi sector. That’s why everyone wants to be a part of this project. However, this cryptocurrency is already in the second stage of the presale, and many users are purchasing big bags of this token. Click the presale link to avoid being left out. BUY BIG EYES COIN NOW! For more information on Big Eyes Coin (BIG), please visit the following links: Presale: https://buy.bigeyes.space/ Website: https://bigeyes.space/ Telegram: https://t.me/BIGEYESOFFICIAL Sponsored

Maryland U.S. Attorney Establishes Civil Rights And Special Victims Section – The Washington Post https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/maryland-u-s-attorney-establishes-civil-rights-and-special-victims-section-the-washington-post/ The U.S. attorney’s office in Maryland will have a new section focused on civil and criminal civil rights and special victims cases. “This section will be a beacon for protecting civil rights and addressing victim-related crimes requiring specialized skills,” said U.S. Attorney for Maryland Erek L. Barron in a release announcing the change on the first anniversary of his swearing-in. Barron named Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Marquardt and Paul Budlow as chiefs and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Austin as deputy chief of the new civil rights and special victims section, according to the release. Assistant U.S. attorneys from both the civil and criminal divisions will staff the unit. The section will prioritize federal criminal civil rights enforcement including cases of child exploitation, human trafficking, and identity theft, according to the release. The division also will emphasize civil rights work that addresses hate crimes, housing discrimination, voter suppression, discriminatory employment practices, equal opportunity for people with disabilities, and denials of equal protection to students, according to the release. In his one year as the U.S. attorney, Barron has established a violent and organized crime section and hired 19 new assistant U.S. attorneys, according to the release. Barron previously served in the Maryland General Assembly as a delegate representing Prince George’s County. During his time as a delegate, he served as a member of the General Assembly’s Legislative Black Caucus and was known for his work advocating for criminal justice reform.

How Technology Is Disrupting The Passive Devices Market By Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., STMicroelectronics – EIN News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/how-technology-is-disrupting-the-passive-devices-market-by-murata-manufacturing-co-ltd-stmicroelectronics-ein-news/ The integrated passive device, also known as embedded passive components (EPS) or integrated passive components (IPCs), are electronic components NEWARK, UNITED STATES, October 10, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — A recent research report published by The Brainy Insights on the Global Passive Devices market includes all the comprehensive data along with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The report was prepared by studying the market deeply and closely monitoring the competition analysis, market trends, market dynamics, latest developments, issues, challenges, and the prominent companies dominating the Passive Devices market. In addition, the study looks at other market sections, such as growth rate, product classification, product price, and product innovations and upgrades. The main facts and growth of the market are the foundations of the research study on the Passive Devices market. A comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary data of the market on global Passive Devices is conducted to create an accurate image of the market and business environment operating in the industry. The primary and secondary methodologies are used to find out the details of the market and scope of review. Get Access to PDF Sample of Passive Devices Market Status and Trend Analysis 2022-2030 (COVID-19 Version) @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/12876 Top Companies: Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, ON Semiconductors, 3DiS Technologies, Johnson Technology, Global Communication Semiconductors, Inc., STATS ChipPAC Ltd., Micron Technology, Inc., Infineon Technologies AG Methodology The methodology used for preparing the report is based on primary and secondary methodology. These methodologies help prepare the report, which is accurate data and information. The raw data collected from the primary and secondary methodologies is filtered and verified at every step so that only authenticated data is kept and used by stakeholders. What makes this report worthwhile? The opportunities arising in the Passive Devices market arise post Covid19 pandemic. Driving and restraining factors for the market. Rate of Market Growth. Strategies of the prominent market players dominating the Passive Devices market. The report describes the demand and supply chain of the Passive Devices market. The report describes the demand and supply chain of the Passive Devices market. Some important technological, socio-economic, political, legal, and environmental factors have been represented geographically to understand the stakeholders better. The Passive Devices is segmented by: By Product Types: by Passive Devices: Customized IPDs Couplers Baluns Diplexers Filter Others By Application/ End-user: by Application: Digital & Mixed Signals RF IPD ESD/EMI Others Regions covered in the Power Tools report include: Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia) Europe (Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, France, Russia, and Benelux countries) North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia, Japan, China, India, and Australia) And remaining others How Research Study of DBMR helps clients in their decision-making: Creating strategies for new product development Supporting & Adjust Investment/business decisions Benchmark and judge own competitiveness Aiding in the business planning process Serving as a credible, independent check on company internal forecasts Supporting acquisition strategies Below is the TOC of the report: Assumptions and Acronyms Used Research Methodology Passive Devices Market Overview Passive Devices Supply Chain Analysis Passive Devices Pricing Analysis Global Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Type Global Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Application Global Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Sales Channel Global Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Region North America Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast Latin America Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast Europe Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast Asia Pacific Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast Middle East & Africa Passive Devices Market Analysis and Forecast Competition Landscape Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/request-customization/12876 About The Brainy Insights: The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients’ objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients’ specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients’ requirement whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market. Get more insights from The Brainy Insights: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/03/08/2399470/0/en/Geospatial-Imagery-Analytics-Market-Size-worth-USD-69-06-Bn-by-2030-With-stunning-28-CAGR-Says-The-Brainy-Insights.html https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-innovation-management-market-to-surpass-us-2-6-billion-by-2030–says-the-brainy-insights-301487379.html Contact Us Avinash D The Brainy Insights +1 -315-215-1633 email us here You just read: EIN Presswire’s priority is source transparency. We do not allow opaque clients, and our editors try to be careful about weeding out false and misleading content. As a user, if you see something we have missed, please do bring it to our attention. Your help is welcome. EIN Presswire, Everyone’s Internet News Presswire, tries to define some of the boundaries that are reasonable in today’s world. Please see our Editorial Guidelines for more information. Submit your press release

Triple Shooting In North Toronto Leaves One Dead, Two Injured – MsnNOW https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/triple-shooting-in-north-toronto-leaves-one-dead-two-injured-msnnow/ Triple shooting in north Toronto leaves one dead, two injured  msnNOW

Selina Announces The Opening Of Its Second Property In Tulum, Mexico. – The Bakersfield Californian https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/selina-announces-the-opening-of-its-second-property-in-tulum-mexico-the-bakersfield-californian/ NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 10, 2022– Selina, the fast-growing lifestyle and experiential hospitality company targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, announced it officially opened its newest location in downtown Tulum last week on October 3rd. The hotel — the second for the brand in the Tulum area — is perfect for today’s digital nomad and the modern traveler. Selina Tulum Downtown offers guests alternative ways to stay, play and work by combining beautifully designed accommodations with coworking, recreation, wellness, and unique local experiences. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221010005202/en/ Selina Tulum Downtown (Photo: Business Wire) This new Quintana Roo getaway provides digital nomads with an ideal option to live a unique lifestyle in the center of one of Mexico’s top beach destinations. Perfect for travelers looking for a quick vacation or a new home base for remote working, the hotel offers a collection of private room options allowing guests to personalize their stay based on their budget. Unlike its counterpart in Tulum’s resort area, this new space is defined as an experience focused on personal, physical, and mental well-being and exploring and appreciating the area’s rich culture. Selina Tulum Downtown marks the 12th Selina hotel in Mexico. The hotel will offer an onsite coworking facility, bookstore, gym, pool, spa, rooftop bar, and restaurant, opening in phases in the following months. It will also have the classic Selina hotel activities such as yoga, dance classes, surfing, and tours, as well as a shuttle service to and from Selina Tulum with its well-known beach club. About Selina Selina is one of the world’s largest lifestyle and experiential hospitality company built to address the needs and desires of millennial and Gen Z travelers, blending beautifully designed accommodation with coworking, recreation, wellness, and local experiences. Custom-built for today’s nomadic traveler, Selina provides guests with a global infrastructure to seamlessly travel, work and play. Founded in 2014, each Selina property is designed in partnership with local artists, creators, and tastemakers, breathing new life into existing buildings in interesting locations around the world – from urban cities to remote beaches and jungles. Selina’s portfolio includes over +150 open or secured properties across 25 countries and 6 continents. On December 2, 2021, Selina entered into a definitive merger agreement with BOA Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: BOAS), the closing of which, which is subject to customary conditions, will result in Selina becoming a publicly listed company. For further information on Selina, visit www.selina.com or check out @selina on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. To explore Selina’s real estate partnership opportunities, please contact partnerships@selina.com. View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221010005202/en/ CONTACT: ICR for Selina Selina@icrinc.com KEYWORD: MEXICO UNITED STATES CENTRAL AMERICA NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER TRAVEL COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE VACATION LODGING CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY DESTINATIONS TRAVEL SOURCE: Selina Copyright Business Wire 2022. PUB: 10/10/2022 04:00 AM/DISC: 10/10/2022 04:02 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221010005202/en Copyright Business Wire 2022.

Bank Of England Bolsters Plan To Calm Market Turmoil – Bbc.co.uk https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/bank-of-england-bolsters-plan-to-calm-market-turmoil-bbc-co-uk/ Image source, Getty Images By Nick Edser Business reporter The Bank of England has announced new measures aimed at ensuring an “orderly end” to its emergency bond buying scheme, which it brought in when some pension funds were at risk of collapse. The Bank says that it will now buy up to £10bn of government bonds on Monday, double the previous limit of £5bn. So far the Bank has bought only around £5bn bonds under the £65bn programme. The scheme was introduced after the government’s mini-budget sparked turmoil on financial markets. The Bank reaffirmed that the scheme would finish at the end of this week on 14 October. With the deadline for the Bank’s emergency bond-buying programme fast approaching, there have been worries that the turmoil that had been seen in financial markets would return once the scheme ends. However, Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the Bank was taking the approach of “talking loudly and carrying a big stick”, in its attempt to calm worries. He also said the Bank’s package of measures aimed to show the pension funds that “we’ve got your back”. The mini-budget – which was announced on 23 September – pledged £45bn of tax cuts as part of a plan to boost economic growth, but the level of government borrowing required shocked investors who questioned the sustainability of the public finances. In the aftermath of the statement, the pound hit a record low and investors demanded a much higher return for investing in government bonds, causing some to drop sharply in value. Certain types of funds in the pension industry, which invest in bonds, were forced to start selling, sparking fears of a fresh market downturn. Financial stability fear When the Bank stepped in last month, it said its decision to buy government bonds was driven by concern over “a material risk to UK financial stability.” The government borrows money to fund its spending plans by selling bonds, or “gilts”, to investors such as pension funds and big banks on international markets. But a collapse in the price of those bonds in the aftermath of the mini-budget was forcing some funds to rush to sell bonds further forcing down the price. If that process had continued, there was a risk that those pension funds could have got to a position where they could not pay their debts. In its latest statement, the Bank said there had been “substantial progress” in addressing the financial problems facing these funds, which had faced the prospect of having to make forced sales of £50bn of bonds. The Bank has not bought as many government bonds as it had allowed for under the £65bn programme, and will make available all the unused capacity this week. It has also announced further assistance for pension funds to help improve their financial position. Before the mini-budget, the yield on government borrowing over a 30-year period stood at about 3.7%. The yield is effectively the interest rate. After the mini-budget it jumped to 5.1% until the Bank’s intervention pushed the rate back down. However, in recent days it has crept back up again to around 4.4%.

Birthday Girl Rakul Preet Singh Is A Healthy Foodie – Slurrp https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/birthday-girl-rakul-preet-singh-is-a-healthy-foodie-slurrp/ Rakul is a self-confessed foodie who manages to eat her favourite foods while staying fit and healthy at the same time Thank God actress Rakul Preet Singh turns 32 today and there is no better wat to celebrate the day than talk about the ultimate love of her life – food. Rakul is a self-confessed foodie who manages to eat all of her favourite foods while staying fit and healthy at the same time. But that does not mean birthday girl Rakul compromises on her health. She is extremely cautious about feeding the correct things to her body. But she believes in having everything in moderation and not depriving the body of anything. Listening to what her body wants is the key to her healthy living. Home-cooked meal supremacy For Rakul, ghar ka khaana reigns supreme. She even packs her lunch from home when she is busy shooting and does not like to compromise on this aspect of her lifestyle at all. The actress believes that if you eat home-cooked meals, you are in control of your macros and that is extremely important for good health. Corn and millets for life  The birthday girl swears by the advantages of having millets and corn. She has gone on record to say how much she absolutely loves corn because of its high dietary fibre content. And millets, according to the actress helps to keep the body lean and fit. Street-food lover  Rakul Preet is a huge street food fan, with her favourite dish being chaat. She is often seen flaunting delicious pictures of chaat that she is having on her social media. Recently, she shared mouth-watering pictures of a sweet potato and pomegranate chaat that she was relishing. Rice is nice Rakul likes rice dishes like biryani For the Marjaavaan actress, rice is an extremely important part of her diet is any dish made up of rice and she completely debunks the notion that rice is a strict no-no when it comes to a healthy diet. From biryani to chicken rice to curd rice – Rakul’s meals are incomplete without a serving of this staple. Sharing is caring  The actress is not just a foodie who posts beautiful food pictures on the gram, she sometimes shares recipes of her tasty and healthy dishes too. Very recently, she shared the entire recipe for her healthy bhel bowl and it is the perfect snacking option for health-conscious foodies. The actress indeed ticks every box of being a certified foodie. She maintains her fitness and does not compromise on her taste too. We wish the birthday girl many happy returns of the day and hope that she continues being the healthy foodie we all aspire to be.  Dsdsds Thank God actress Rakul Preet Singh turns 32 today and there is no better wat to celebrate the day than talk about the ultimate love of her life – food. Rakul is a self-confessed foodie who manages to eat all of her favourite foods while staying fit and healthy at the same time. But that does not mean birthday girl Rakul compromises on her health. She is extremely cautious about feeding the correct things to her body. But she believes in having everything in moderation and not depriving the body of anything. Listening to what her body wants is the key to her healthy living. Home-cooked meal supremacy For Rakul, ghar ka khaana reigns supreme. She even packs her lunch from home when she is busy shooting and does not like to compromise on this aspect of her lifestyle at all. The actress believes that if you eat home-cooked meals, you are in control of your macros and that is extremely important for good health. Corn and millets for life  The birthday girl swears by the advantages of having millets and corn. She has gone on record to say how much she absolutely loves corn because of its high dietary fibre content. And millets, according to the actress helps to keep the body lean and fit. Street-food lover  Rakul Preet is a huge street food fan, with her favourite dish being chaat. She is often seen flaunting delicious pictures of chaat that she is having on her social media. Recently, she shared mouth-watering pictures of a sweet potato and pomegranate chaat that she was relishing. Rice is nice Rakul likes rice dishes like biryani For the Marjaavaan actress, rice is an extremely important part of her diet is any dish made up of rice and she completely debunks the notion that rice is a strict no-no when it comes to a healthy diet. From biryani to chicken rice to curd rice – Rakul’s meals are incomplete without a serving of this staple. Sharing is caring  The actress is not just a foodie who posts beautiful food pictures on the gram, she sometimes shares recipes of her tasty and healthy dishes too. Very recently, she shared the entire recipe for her healthy bhel bowl and it is the perfect snacking option for health-conscious foodies. The actress indeed ticks every box of being a certified foodie. She maintains her fitness and does not compromise on her taste too. We wish the birthday girl many happy returns of the day and hope that she continues being the healthy foodie we all aspire to be.

Football News LIVE: Dybala Could Miss World Cup After Freak Penalty Injury, Mbappe UNHAPPY With PSG Role… – The US Sun https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/football-news-live-dybala-could-miss-world-cup-after-freak-penalty-injury-mbappe-unhappy-with-psg-role-the-us-sun/ Live Blog FOOTBALL LATEST Updated: 4:10 ET, Oct 10 2022 PAULO DYBALA could miss the World Cup after a freak injury when scoring a penalty winner against Lecce, Roma boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed. Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a “very bad” muscle problem that might sideline him until 2023. Meanwhile, Chelsea have hired David Grohl’s personal physio to advise on their medical department. Freddie Murray has already got to work, started helping N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana as they recover from injury. Furthermore, Kylian Mbappe is thought to be unhappy with the role that he is being asked to play at PSG this season. How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses Stay up to date with all the latest from around the grounds… Erik expects more from Antony Antony has quickly settled into life in the Premier League, and – after his equaliser at Everton – he has now netted in each of his three appearances in the English top-flight since moving to Manchester United. Yet manager Erik ten Hag is not yet satisfied, and told fans that they can expect more from the Brazilian winger in the weeks and month to come. Speaking to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell about the £82m arrival, United’s Dutch coach said: “We have to expect more from him. He needs challenges, that’s why he came to the Premier League, he gets it here. “He wants to play with the best players, the highest stress factors against the best players and from there on he will step up. “That’s what you see: first weeks, he scored goals, he did good stuff, but also I saw a lot of room for improvement in his game.” Mbappe unhappy with PSG role Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is understood to be unhappy with the position he’s currently being asked to play by manager Christophe Galtier. Le Parisien report that the 23-year-old is a frustrated by his place at the top of PSG’s attack, a role that sees him operate as a central ‘pivot’ for the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia. Mbappe recently stated that he enjoys more freedom when playing wide for the French national team. Following a frustrating goalless draw at Reims on Saturday night, the forward posted an image of himself on Instagram with the caption ‘pivot gang’. It is thought that the role he is currently being asked to play does not correspond to the promises he was made when he signed his bumper new deal in the summer. United confirm status as comeback kings Records tumbled at Goodison Park on Sunday evening, and this morning the history books are being rewritten. Not only did Cristiano Ronaldo finally net a landmark 700th goal of his club career, Manchester United also sealed their status as the Premier League’s comeback kings. In rallying from 1-0 down to win, the Red Devils claimed a 100th Premier League victory in matches where they have conceded the first goal. It’s the most such wins of any club since the English top-flight was rebranded in 1992. Ronaldo struck the winner on Merseyside after Antony had cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s early stunner. Emirates flashpoint to be investigated The Football Association are to investigate an incident that occurred during the second half of Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Liverpool. With the score locked at 2-2, referee Michael Oliver awarded the Londoners a penalty with 15 minutes remaining when Thiago was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus. The decision prompted a heated exchange among several players including Jordan Henderson, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel. Once tempers cooled, Oliver moved to the touchline to inform managers Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp of something that was alleged to have been said during the melee. An FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident that took place during the match between Arsenal and Liverpool. We are in dialogue with the match officials and will review the details of the incident.” Bukayo Saka scored the resulting penalty, and league leaders Arsenal went on to take all three points at the Emirates. Nerazzurri Inter City ace Ake Inter Milan will make a fresh approach for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake. That’s according to transfers expert Ekrem Konur, who reports that the Serie A giants are preparing an improved €30m for the Dutch international. However, the Premier League champions have indicated that they have no intention of selling the 27-year-old in January when the transfer window re-opens. Inter were one of several clubs linked to Ake in the summer, a list that includes the centre-back’s former side Chelsea. Good morning footy fans Tearful Paulo Dybala could miss the World Cup after a freak injury when scoring Roma’s penalty winner against Lecce on Sunday. Roma boss Jose Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a “very bad” muscle problem that could keep him out until 2023. Ex-Juventus hero Dybala, 28, pulled up clutching the left leg he had used to stroke home his 48th minute spot-kick. Team-mates who had rushed to congratulate him soon showed their concern as he grimaced and continued to hold his thigh. He hobbled off and was immediately substituted. Mourinho said: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”. Chelsea have hired Dave Grohl’s personal physio Freddie Murray, according to reports. The Blues have been on the lookout for a new medical team after sacking former head physio Thierry Laurent and medical director Dr Pablo Biosca last month. Chelsea will work with Murray and his clinic Remedy on a consultancy basis and they will advise the club on its medical team and structures, report the Daily Mail. In fact, Remedy have reportedly already begun to work with Chelsea stars and have been helping out the likes of N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and the other Blues players currently out injured. Murray, 40, is a former footballer turned physio and has helped out some big stars in and out of the game. After retiring aged 28 he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for the QPR academy under Harry Redknapp. Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has confirmed Antoine Griezmann’s move to Atletico Madrid has finally been made permanent. The forward has been with Diego Simeone’s side since the start of last season after securing a two-year loan. A bizarre clause meant Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35million if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches. To get around it, Atletico have often sent the 31-year-old on as a sub after the hour mark. Then reports emerged last week that Barcelona had accepted a fee of £17.5m – half the agreed figure – to put an end to the stand-off. And today Barca chief Alemany confirmed at a shareholders’ meeting that Griezmann is now an Atletico player for good. Dybala World Cup injury woe Tearful Paulo Dybala could miss the World Cup after a freak injury when scoring Roma’s penalty winner against Lecce on Sunday. Roma boss Jose Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a “very bad” muscle problem that could keep him out until 2023. Ex-Juventus hero Dybala, 28, pulled up clutching the left leg he had used to stroke home his 48th minute spot-kick. Team-mates who had rushed to congratulate him soon showed their concern as he grimaced and continued to hold his thigh. He hobbled off and was immediately substituted. Mourinho said: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”. Diet of Haaland Premier League scoring sensation Erling Haaland has taken the game by storm by feasting on a diet of hearts and liver. The Man City striker, who bagged his 20th goal of the season at the weekend, lifts the lid on his Hannibal Lecter-style routine in a documentary. The Norwegian series also reveals he only drinks water through a complicated filter system and tries to look at sunshine as soon as he wakes. Showing off huge chunks of heart and liver from his butcher, he says: “You (other people) don’t eat this, but I am concerned with taking care of my body. “I think eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important. “People say meat is bad for you but which? The meat you get at McDonald’s? “Or the local cow eating grass right over there? I eat the heart and the liver.” No Foo-ling around Chelsea have hired Dave Grohl’s personal physio Freddie Murray, according to reports. The Blues have been on the lookout for a new medical team after sacking former head physio Thierry Laurent and medical director Dr Pablo Biosca last month. Chelsea will work with Murray and his clinic Remedy on a consultancy basis and they will advise the club on its medical team and structures, report the Daily Mail. In fact, Remedy have reportedly already begun to work with Chelsea stars and have been helping out the likes of N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and the other Blues players currently out injured. Murray, 40, is a former footballer turned physio and has helped out some big stars in and out of the game. After retiring aged 28 he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for the QPR academy under Harry Redknapp. Man Utd hold on Man Utd did just enough to hold on against Everton – winning 2-1 at Goodison Park. It was Ronaldo with his 700th career goal to end the Toffees’ winning run. A nervy finish, but United will take it. Saved by VAR Everton have been saved by VAR. Marcus Rashford appeared to have scored to put the game to bed and Man Utd 3-1 up. However, Rashford was adjudged to have handled the ball. Correct decision, in fairness, it ricocheted off Rashford’s home in a tackle with James Tarkowski, before the England star went roun...

Author Amish And Marketing Agency Think WhyNot Use Metaverse And AR In Book Marketing – BestMediaInfo https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/author-amish-and-marketing-agency-think-whynot-use-metaverse-and-ar-in-book-marketing-bestmediainfo/ The author’s latest book, ‘War of Lanka’ (4th book of the Ram Chandra series), was launched recently Elevating the book reading experience coupled with the ever-evolving technology, author Amish has recently launched his fourth book in the Ram Chandra series, ‘War of Lanka’, published by HarperCollins. Amish has taken the marketing of books to newer heights, right from using cinematic trailers, to producing a music album, and offering customised merchandise to engaging with his readers through apps. The author, in partnership with Think WhyNot – the marketing communications agency, is bringing a new vision to book marketing through his strategy. The two collaborated again for Amish’s fourth book in the Ram Chandra series to give a virtual treat to his readers through Augmented Reality.  Creating excitement for the release of ‘War Of Lanka’, Think WhyNot has leveraged the latest development in the tech space – the Metaverse – to engage fans with the latest story in the Amishverse. The agency has planned an Augmented Reality campaign on Instagram, with four new filters that provide an immersive experience to the users unlike any other. Going beyond the pages of the book, these filters will bring the characters to virtual life in the online medium, pose a gaming challenge to the users, and even let them participate in the ‘War of Lanka’. To top it all off, there will also be an AR coupled with AI contest where players have a chance at winning personalised gifts from the author himself. Amish said, “Writing a book is a solitary job. And one that I enjoy. But equally so, I genuinely enjoy the marketing work to promote books. I have been blessed to have fantastic partners who have helped market my books in truly innovative ways. These are, in no small measure, contributory factors in the success of my books. I have worked with Think WhyNot for many years now. They are among the best marketing agencies in the country. They did some truly path-breaking work for my earlier books, from trailers in cinemas to music albums! But this new marketing idea, based on the Metaverse and Augmented Reality, is among the most exciting marketing campaigns that I have been a part of. Can’t thank Sangram’s team enough!” Sangram Surve, CEO and MD, Think WhyNot, stated, “Working with Amish has always meant innovation for us. We were a part of his Shiva Trilogy, which is the fastest selling book series in Indian publishing history. And now, we are supporting the Ram Chandra Series, the 2nd fastest selling book series in Indian publishing history. For the War of Lanka, we are leveraging innovations in the Metaverse space, with Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence. We have been actively working with Meta on their Metaverse projects and have brought some of the learnings and inspirations into this campaign. Content by Amish is already Metaverse-ready, and we hope that over time more immersive Metaverse rollouts are on the cards.” Amish’s previous books include The Immortals Of Meluha and The Secret Of The Nagas where he used cinematic trailers to market his book and for The Oath Of The Vayuputras, he produced a music album in collaboration with Times Music. His Ram Chandra series includes Ram- Scion Of Ikshvaku, Sita-Warrior Of Mithila, and Raavan-Enemy Of Aryavarta, which have been promoted through trailers, apps, and innovative events with drum circles.  Info@BestMediaInfo.com

Adebayor Shows Off 2022 BMW Series, Range Rover, G Wagon In Exotic Garage – Sports Brief https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/adebayor-shows-off-2022-bmw-series-range-rover-g-wagon-in-exotic-garage-sports-brief/ Emmanuel Adebayor has taken time to show off some of his expensive cars on social media Inside Adebayor’s garage are exotic rides ranging from the latest Range Rover to the 2022 BMW 3 Series Sharing the clip on his Instagram story, the trending song Ku Lo Sa by Oxlade sounded in the background Togolese sensation Emmanuel Adebayor is one man who lives in luxury and will do anything to lavish cash on his favourite cars. Born in Lome to Nigerian parents, Adebayor set the English Premier League alight as he featured for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace. Having last played for Paraguayan club Olimpia in 2020, making just two appearances, the superstar returned to his home country in 2021, where he signed a deal to join local club Semassi. Emmanuel Adebayor owns a lavish garage with some exotic rides. Photo: e_adebayor Source: Getty Images Adebayor has several businesses in Togo and continues to wow his social media followers with his very expensive lifestyle. Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU find “Recommended for you” block and enjoy! The 38-year-old took to his Instagram Story to showcase his garage, and no fewer than five exotic cars were spotted. One of the rides is a black 2022 BMW 3 Series which, according to Car and Driver, is delightfully strong with smooth powertrains. It boasts athletic handling, a serene ride, and a useful back seat and trunk space. A white Mercedes Benz G Wagon was also parked in one of the lots with SEA (the initials of his name – Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor) boldly written on the registration plate. Also seen is the latest Chrysler, which is fitted with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a rearview camera and other modern gadgets. Most cars spotted in the garage are black, which could define the player’s colours when it comes to stepping out of his exotic rides. He captioned the post in his Instagram Story: “Love this life” and jamming in the background is Ku Lo Sa by Oxlade. Trendy Beatz reports that Ku Lo Sa is an eloquent and on-point track from the talented Nigerian artist, with many crediting his delivery and vocals. Adebayor flaunts a state-of-the-art living room Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that superstar Emmanuel Adebayor has shown off his exquisite lifestyle by flaunting a section of his home in a social media post. Seen is a duplex fitted with state-of-the-art stairs crested in white ceramic tiles, with a dining suite seen in one corner. Seated on a single couch, Adebayor enjoys a cup of his favourite snack while the trending song ‘Organise’ by Nigerian artist Asake plays in the background. Source: SportsBrief.com

Crypto Price Today: Bitcoin Breaches $20k; XRP, Polygon & Polkadot Gain Up To 4% – Economic Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/crypto-price-today-bitcoin-breaches-20k-xrp-polygon-polkadot-gain-up-to-4-economic-times/ Synopsis Bitcoin slipped below the $20,000 mark, whereas Ethereum was slightly above $1,300. Investors across the globe will be keenly looking at the inflation data and the US Fed minutes of the meeting scheduled this week. Reuters New Delhi: Following a muted trade on the weekend, crypto tokens were back in the green during the early hours of Asian trade on Monday. However, the gains were limited considering inflation fears across the globe. Bitcoin slipped below the$20,000 mark, whereas Ethereum was slightly above $1,300. Investors across the globe will be keenly looking at the inflation data and the US Fed minutes of themeeting scheduled this week. All the crypto tokens were trading higher on Monday, but the gains were capped. XRP jumped as much as 4 per cent, whereas Polkadot and Polygon gained 3 per cent each. Solana was up 2 per cent. The global cryptocurrency market cap was trading marginally higher at $944.94 billion, rising about a per cent in the last 24 hours. However, the total trading volume gained as much as 2 per cent to $33.20 billion. What’s cooking in India The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday released its concept note for central bank digital currency (CBDC), which was announced by Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman in Parliament during her budget speech in February. The RBI clarified that the concept note aims to create awareness about CBDC and features of the digital rupee (e₹). It explains the objectives, choices, benefits, risks of CBDCs in India. Expert take Shivam Thakral, CEO, BuyUcoin said that the overall crypto market cap is hovering around $945 billion, a marginal jump of less than a per cent in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin was sitting at the $20,000 level but later lost it. “The ongoing economic pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and hawkish stance of central banks worldwide will keep investors on their toes in the coming weeks,” he added. Global Updates Crypto mining companies have struggled extremely in 2022 so far. One shred of evidence came from Barclays, which initiated equity research coverage on Core Scientific last week, issuing an ‘overweight’ rating. Crypto exchange Huobi Global, one of the biggest token trading outposts in the Asia markets, said that it has agreed to be purchased by Hong Kong-based investment company About Capital Management’s M&A fund. Ziya Sadr, an Iranian Bitcoin advocate, was arrested by Iranian security forces last month, according to multiple sources. The arrest came amid widespread anti-government protests over the state killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Tech View by Proasstez Exchange Bitcoin is still holding a strong support level of $19,000 and key support level of $17,000. Currently, a small momentum is building up to reach $20,400. If it crosses $22,000 it can touch the levels of $25,000. Agencies (Views and recommendations given in this section are the analysts’ own and do not represent those of ETMarkets.com. Please consult your financial adviser before taking any position in the asset/s mentioned.) (What’s moving Sensex and Nifty Track latest market news, stock tips and expert advice on ETMarkets. Also, ETMarkets.com is now on Telegram. For fastest news alerts on financial markets, investment strategies and stocks alerts, subscribe to our Telegram feeds.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News. …moreless Pick the best stocks for yourself Powered by

As U.S. Midterms Near, Anxiety Rises In Kyiv Over Pro-Putin Republicans – The Washington Post https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/as-u-s-midterms-near-anxiety-rises-in-kyiv-over-pro-putin-republicans-the-washington-post/ KYIV, Ukraine — As American officials pore over maps tracking developments in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia, their Ukrainian counterparts are monitoring a different kind of contest back in the United States: the upcoming midterm congressional elections. In Kyiv, Ukrainians voice hope, and some apprehension, that next month’s legislative polls won’t undercut the staggering flow of U.S. weapons and security aid that Washington has authorized since the start of President Vladimir Putin’s Feb 24. invasion. And they warn that a softening of Republican sentiment has the potential to sap a recent surge in battlefield momentum. Uncertainty about future American support is intensifying as pollsters predict that Republicans will retake control of the House of Representatives. Some Republican lawmakers and candidates have expressed displeasure with giant aid sums, citing competing security concerns about China, domestic priorities, and the need for greater oversight. Daria Kaleniuk, an anti-corruption activist who led a delegation of female Ukrainian fighters to Washington last month, noted that nearly all House Republicans had voted against a stopgap funding bill that included $12 billion for Ukraine. “So it means that we are getting into this danger waters of making Ukraine a partisan issue, and support for Ukraine a partisan issue,” Kaleniuk said. Fears, however tentative, that American support could falter, are creating a sense of added pressure in Kyiv. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly, said that Ukraine’s near-total dependency on foreign military and economic aid meant that its military must quickly recapture as much Russian-controlled territory as possible before any potential softening of Western support. “The U.S. midterms are one of the factors that have us concerned about the winter,” the official said. “Russia will gain an advantage with the new Congress and with Europeans as they blackmail them on energy policy. That’s why the current offensive is so important.” Other Ukrainian officials said they remained confident that U.S. assistance would continue. Oleksander Zavytnevych, who heads the national security and defense committee of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, said U.S. public support for Ukraine in the war remained strong nationwide despite the reluctance of some Republicans, and so he was not worried that U.S. help would drop off. “Which politician does not support the opinion of his voter?” Zavytnevych said. “After all, the support provided by the United States is a certain strategic course” for America’s own security. President Biden, in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week, repeated his pledge that Washington would support Ukraine “as long as it takes,” suggesting a long-term campaign to supply arms needed to push Russian troops back from occupied cities and towns, and prevent Putin’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian provinces from being carried out on the ground. Since February, the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than $17 billion of military aid, including missile systems and drones. The White House has frequently faced calls from lawmakers in both parties for faster and greater assistance, which, combined with ongoing appeals from Kyiv, helped yield an expanding supply of heavier, longer-range weaponry for the fight. But as American consumers grapple with inflation and a slowing economy, polls indicate that fewer Republicans believe the United States has a responsibility to protect Ukraine. An August poll by Morning Consult showed that U.S. concern about the war has declined more quickly among Republicans than among Democrats. For Ukrainians, the moment echoes the toxic political dispute over the Trump administration’s withholding of military aid to Ukraine, which culminated in the then-president’s 2019 impeachment. This time, Ukrainians are determined to stay out of the partisan crossfire. “It’s not our business to discuss or to help somebody” in American politics, said Vasily Chaly, who served as Ukrainian ambassador in Washington from 2015 to 2019. “Our business is to keep a strong relationship with American people.” Chaly recalled the intense debate over providing arms to Ukraine, then locked in a war with Russian-backed separatists in the eastern Donbas region, during his tenure in Washington. The sale of small arms began in 2015 and 2016 under the Obama administration. In 2017, the Trump administration authorized the provision of Javelin antitank missiles. Since its start, largely bipartisan U.S. backing has defied the prevailing animosity in Congress. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), the senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee are among the Republican leaders on Capitol Hill who have championed military aid to Ukraine. But other Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Roger Williams (R-Tx.), have expressed reluctance. Influential conservative pundits such as Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, meanwhile, have questioned where money for Ukraine is going and warned of ‘mission creep’ in U.S. support. That has led even some Republicans to fret about the staying power of American support for Ukraine. “I hope the safety and security aspect will win out,” said one Republican congressional aide. “But I think there is a question mark.” While Chaly is among the Ukrainians pushing for sophisticated equipment including tanks and fighter jets, he said he empathized with some U.S. lawmakers’ focus on domestic issues. “Every country should pay for health, for education, for the internal programs, for jobs — it’s absolutely understandable,” he said. “But if you do not secure your country and your people, you can’t think about development.” Ukrainians also fear that Russia will use the election to chip away at the bipartisan support, potentially using strategies like those the U.S. government determined to be Russian interference in the 2016 election. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested Russian media narratives and disinformation could be swaying American lawmakers to Ukraine’s detriment. “Of course I worry that some politicians don’t receive the right information,” Klitschko said. “Russians use the media so strong against the world.” The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last month posted, then deleted, a tweet that echoed Kremlin language and called for a halt to “gift-giving to Ukraine.” It later issued a statement reaffirming its stance on U.S. assistance. “We must oppose Putin, but American taxpayers should not be shouldering the vast majority of the cost,” it said. Republican officials cautioned that the recent spending vote did not necessarily indicate a big reduction of support, noting that Ukraine aid was just one of the items the bill financed. They also said Republican support may be buoyed by Ukraine’s military gains or Russian atrocities and nuclear threats. Oleksandr Kornienko, deputy speaker of the Rada, noted that Putin devoted much of a speech last week on his annexations to a long list of Russian grievances against the U.S. and the West, signaling his larger ambitions and animosity. “But the war is happening in Ukraine, in the territory of Ukraine. Our people are dying,” Kornienko said. “Therefore, it is in the interest of the civilized world to continue helping Ukraine defeat Putin on Ukrainian territory … so that it does not spill over into Europe and other countries of the world.” As U.S. assistance adds up, lawmakers of each party are calling for more robust oversight in hopes of averting the waste and diversion that characterized much of the enormous U.S. aid sums provided to Iraq and Afghanistan. Ukraine is working to intensify accountability efforts, standing up a new parliamentary oversight body and organizing visits to weapons depots, according to Zavytnevych. So far, he said, there have been no substantiated complaints about diversion or misuse of foreign arms. While they recognize what America’s election results may bring, Ukrainians continue to make the case for the global cost of inaction. “What we can do as Ukrainians is just keep explaining to the world properly what Russians are doing,” said Kaleniuk, who heads an anti-corruption group. “If [we] are properly armed, we are able to win, and this war has to be won faster. Otherwise, it will cost too much for American people.” John Hudson in Washington contributed to this report. War in Ukraine: What you need to know The latest: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees Friday to annex four occupied regions of Ukraine, following staged referendums that were widely denounced as illegal. Follow our live updates here. The response: The Biden administration on Friday announced a new round of sanctions on Russia, in response to the annexations, targeting government officials and family members, Russian and Belarusian military officials and defense procurement networks. President Volodymyr Zelensky also said Friday that Ukraine is applying for “accelerated ascension” into NATO, in an apparent answer to the annexations. In Russia: Putin declared a military mobilization on Sept. 21 to call up as many as 300,000 reservists in a dramatic bid to reverse setbacks in his war on Ukraine. The announcement led to an exodus of more than 180,000 people, mostly men who were subject to service, and renewed protests and other acts of defiance against the war. The fight: Ukraine mounted a successful counteroffensive that forced a major Russian retreat in the northeastern Kharkiv region in early September, as troops fled cities and villages they had occupied since the early days of the war and abandone...

Optimising Returns Through Big Data Insights – 365 Retail https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/optimising-returns-through-big-data-insights-365-retail/ As we approach peak season sales, optimising the returns process is crucial if retailers are to save the sale and keep items circulating in the marketplace. Big data insights into returns can provide crucial insights that manage the handling of items throughout the warehouse, sales and delivery process, as well as fixing customer experience issues and identifying ‘toxic products’. Data insights can be invaluable to retailers, especially during peak season where sales are high, warehouses and suppliers are stretched and logistically there’s a lot to manage. There are so many things that technology can tell us. For example, it can enable retailers to allocate resources appropriately based on forecasts and trends. With resources in the right place, retailers can process returns more quickly making products ready for resale quickly. Retailers can also route stock to different locations depending on where an item sells best, including charity donations or repair shops for damaged goods. This can reduce a retailer’s airmiles and impact on their carbon footprint. It also allows for the consolidation of returns, rather than the moving of individual returns. Data can also identify ‘toxic products’ far more easily than manual and, lets face it, outdated processes of identification. These are items that have an excessively high rate of return and come at a greater cost to retailers. If retailers know what and when a product is being returned, proactive decisions can be made to minimise cost. An integrated system can also impact customer behaviour at the point of return, such as offering a live exchange rather than a refund or perhaps an incentivised refund to gift card for faster refunds. If a customer chooses this option, the retailer can refund an item on first carrier scan rather than waiting for the item to arrive back at the distribution centre. Essentially, to reduce both the volume and the impact of returns and maximise the resale value of returns, retailers need to be embracing technology and the significant big data insights it can provide. At the end of the day it can minimise unnecessary cost, reduce wastage across the board and even encourage customer loyalty.

A Risk-Taking GOP Moderate, Trish DeBerry Is Fighting For Her Political Life In County Judge Race – San Antonio Express-News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/a-risk-taking-gop-moderate-trish-deberry-is-fighting-for-her-political-life-in-county-judge-race-san-antonio-express-news-2/ SAN ANTONIO — Trish DeBerry is used to taking risks and fighting battles she may not win. Whether DeBerry, 57, can defeat her Democratic opponent, Peter Sakai, 67, a highly regarded former state district judge who spent 26 years on the bench, is an open question. The voters will decide that Nov. 8. DeBerry believes a Republican can win the top elected position in this Democrat-dominated county, especially in a midterm election. In these contests, the president’s party usually takes hits. In the upcoming election, that would be President Joe Biden’s Democrats. When DeBerry made her last-minute decision to run for county judge in December, Biden was in the doldrums because gas prices were outrageous, inflation was spiking and the president struggled to articulate his vision for the nation. Democrats looked like they were in for a drubbing in this year’s general elections. VOTER GUIDE: A full list of races and candidates in the Nov. 8 election DeBerry believed so strongly in a possible victory that she was willing to give up her job as Precinct 3 county commissioner 11 months into her term, a position she fought hard to win. The law required her to vacate her commissioner’s seat to run for county judge, which pays $189,000 per year. Her optimism about the race hasn’t changed, but the political currents that seemed likely to benefit her have. Biden’s approval ratings are climbing, though they remain below 50 percent, and he’s signed major legislation in the last year, including a $1.3 trillion infrastructure bill and another to combat climate change. Also, the price of gas in San Antonio has dropped to a little more than $3 a gallon on average from a high of $4.69 in June. But DeBerry doesn’t play solely to the GOP’s staunchest, most conservative voters. She’s also making appeals to independents and moderates. The longtime public relations executive and former TV journalist describes herself as a fiscal conservative and a social progressive — a Republican who is “right of center.” She notes that some “hardcore Democrats” at the courthouse were among those who asked her to run for county judge when Wolff decided not to seek re-election. Trish DeBerry, 57, the former Precinct 3 county commissioner, attends a 9/11 event at San Antonio American Legion Post 2 as she campaigns for Bexar County judge. Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News She described rallying the support of Democrats on the five-member Commissioners Court to establish a family leave policy for county employees and to lower Bexar County’s property tax rate by a small amount. She was the sole Republican county commissioner. “I think I have proven myself to operate more as a moderate Republican who is able to cultivate votes from Democrats,” DeBerry said during an interview at her Alamo Heights home. “I’ve got serious relationships (with) moderate Republicans, conservative Republicans, independents, moderate Democrats, hardcore Democrats,” she said. “I’ve lived here too long not to have those relationships. I don’t think anybody sees me as a super-strident Republican.” In 2001, DeBerry helped run District 7 City Councilman Ed Garza’s mayoral campaign against District 9 Councilman Tim Bannwolf, a business-backed conservative from the North Side. Garza won — and DeBerry lost the favor of some of her Republican friends and allies for a couple of years. Garza plans to vote for her this November. He said DeBerry is putting the needs of Bexar County residents before her party. He likes that she’s discussing poverty, education and the need to attract more industries in her campaign. “Just the fact that she’s in tune with San Antonio’s poverty rate is, I think, a big step forward for any Republican,” said Garza, who served two terms as mayor and now serves on the San Antonio Independent School District’s board. “Right now, when times are so divisive, it’s refreshing to have candidates on either side take a stand on their values, not just on what the party dictates.” DeBerry has outlined goals she’ll pursue if elected county judge. It’s the county’s highest elected position, one that requires leading Commissioners Court and overseeing a $2.8 billion annual budget and more than 5,000 county employees. She aims to improve conditions at Bexar County’s jail for both detention officers and inmates. She also wants to explore moving the jail elsewhere to open up development opportunities for the city’s near West Side, where the lockup is now. DeBerry wants to bring more property tax relief to homeowners, create more jobs, help sustain small businesses and lower poverty rates. She’s also called for consideration of a merger between the city’s Metropolitan Health District and the county’s health system, University Health, to reduce costs and ramp up the fight against diabetes, heart disease and obesity. “I believe the future of this county is too important not to frame a platform and a vision for what we need to accomplish in the next 20 to 25 years,” she said. “And quite honestly, I don’t believe that anyone is crowned or is anointed without having to articulate a vision for what they want to accomplish.” The county judge’s race has become contentious — though not as much between DeBerry and Sakai as between her and San Antonio trial lawyer Thomas J. Henry. She is the target of a series of TV attack ads in which a narrator declares, “Trish DeBerry would crawl across steaming hot coals to be county judge, to keep serving herself.” A group called Friends of Bexar LLC paid more than $259,000 for those advertisements. It was “dark money” — anonymous political donations to nonprofit groups set up to attack or bolster candidates. Sakai has said his campaign isn’t involved in the dark money group, whose principals are unknown. But DeBerry has called on the Democrat to disavow the blistering ads. Without offering evidence, she also publicly accused Henry and his ad placement agency of being behind the ads. Henry and The PM Group of San Antonio have vehemently denied DeBerry’s claims, which she leveled at a news conference on the Bexar County Courthouse steps Monday. Henry said he hasn’t given a “single penny” to either of the candidates running for county judge and accused her of making “false representations.” So far — in a race defined mostly by undramatic policy disagreements and differences in style (between DeBerry’s high-energy, social media-infused campaigning and Sakai’s low-key, down-to-business approach) — the fight over the TV ads has been the only real source of heat. “Life is short. I felt like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” DeBerry said. “And I know it’s risky, and I know all the odds are stacked against me.” If she wins, DeBerry will become only the second female county judge in Bexar County’s history. The first was Republican Cyndi Taylor Krier. Trish DeBerry greets people before a service at Iglesia Bautista Puerta La Hermosa. She gave up her job as Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner to run for county judge. Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News A ‘dominant force’ Born and raised in San Antonio, DeBerry has been a fixture in political and business circles for well over two decades. She’s either run or advised numerous bond issue and candidate campaigns over the years. Less is known about her upbringing. She was a latchkey kid raised by a hardworking single mom and a father in the Air Force. Her mother, who died in 2021, was a liberal Democrat, while her father has always been a staunch Republican. DeBerry, the youngest of six children, grew up on Campobello Drive and attended Serna Elementary School on the Northeast Side. She later went to Garner Middle School. Her parents divorced when she was young. “For the most part, it was my mom and I,” she recalled. “My mom worked full time in civil service out at Fort Sam Houston. “I walked to school and walked home, did my chores around the house, did my homework. Was always someone (who) despite the circumstances — not the best of circumstances growing up — (was) self-motivated,” said DeBerry, who sometimes talks in choppy, incomplete sentences, as if she’s rushing to get her point across. “My dad wasn’t in the house for a very, very long time.” She said the family got by on a bare-bones budget “especially when my parents divorced. Sometimes it was hand to mouth.” DeBerry’s mother overcame a traumatic childhood, with alcoholic parents and time spent in abusive foster homes. She gave her children love and support she didn’t receive growing up. She also instilled the values of hard work and financial responsibility. “My mother used to say all the time, ‘If you count the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,’” DeBerry said. “She was a dominant force in my life, for sure.” When DeBerry was in the eighth grade, her mother married again and the family moved. DeBerry attended Churchill High School, where she graduated in 1983. She was crowned Miss Fiesta in 1984. She also played on softball teams for 10 years. DeBerry’s mother transferred from Fort Sam Houston to Kelly AFB but began having back problems and took a disability retirement. This cut into the family’s income when it was time for DeBerry to go to college. With little money for tuition, her mother asked her to enroll at the University of Texas at San Antonio. DeBerry attended classes there for two years, then transferred to Trinity University with the help of a scholarship and a student loan. She lived at home with her mother and stepfather while pursuing her degree and worked her way throughout school. She waited tables, worked as a cashier at a clothing boutique and a greeting card store, and had a job at ...

Spain Is The Only European Country Keeping Covid Entry Rules – Travel Tomorrow https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/spain-is-the-only-european-country-keeping-covid-entry-rules-travel-tomorrow/ Most European Union/European Economic Area countries have lifted their special entry rules and measures for summer 2022, allowing arrivals from almost any country without restrictions from July of this year onwards, after the Covid-19 epidemiological situation improved in many parts of the world. Spain, however, maintains some of these measures. Effective from the 2nd of June, Spain removed all Covid-related restrictions for travelers coming from the EU or Schengen area. As of that date, proof of vacation, recovery, or negative test are no longer required. In its decision, Spain’s Ministry of Health noted that the majority of Member States have already taken a similar decision. On the other hand, the Spanish Ministry of Health established that all travelers from third countries (including the UK and US) must show a vaccination certificate -provided that the holder has completed primary vaccination within the last nine months or has received a booster vaccination- upon arrival in Spain. According to Euronews, health checks are being conducted at Spanish airports and ports to ensure passengers follow the rules. They are currently expected to remain valid until at least 15 November. Masks are no longer mandatory in public spaces including bars, cafes, cinemas and museums. Masks are still required on airplanes, buses, trains, metros and taxis. On ferries also if a 1.5-m distance can’t be maintained indoors. Travelers who do not possess a certificate equivalent to that of the EU must complete the Health Control Form. Exceptions are minors under 12 years of age and passengers in international transit. According to Euronews, UK citizens who have been vaccinated are able to travel to Spain, as long as they can prove they are not infected with virus. Unvaccinated UK citizens no longer need to fill out the Health Control Form, but they must show proof of recent recovery or a negative test. One of the three following certificates is required: A negative test certificate – either a PCR taken within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours A vaccination certificate Certificate of recovery at least 11 days after testing positive (valid for six months) Authorities will accept the NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination. It can be shown on a mobile device or in paper.

Fastest Fall In Welsh Business Activity Since February 2021 – Business News Wales https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/fastest-fall-in-welsh-business-activity-since-february-2021-business-news-wales/ The headline NatWest Wales Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – registered 47.7 in September, down from 48.1 in August to signal a modest contraction in output across the Welsh private sector. The pace of decline was quicker than the UK average and the fastest seen in Wales since February 2021. Lower business activity was often linked to supply chain issues and weak client demand. The drop in output was broad based, with manufacturers recording a slightly sharper downturn. New business across the Welsh private sector continued to decline during September. The rate of contraction quickened to a strong rate that was the sharpest since the start of 2021. The fall was also faster than the UK average. Anecdotal evidence suggested that lower new order inflows stemmed from weak client demand and a reduction in new enquiries. At the sector level, service providers registered a sharper fall than their manufacturing counterparts. September data signalled further muted expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming 12 months at Welsh private sector firms. Although the degree of confidence picked up from August’s recent low, it was among the weakest since March 2020. Planned investment in new product and services, alongside hopes of stability in supply chains supported optimism. That said, ongoing concerns regarding inflation and economic conditions weighed on sentiment. Welsh private sector firms recorded a further upturn in employment at the end of the third quarter. The rise in workforce numbers was linked to the filling of long-held vacancies. The rate of job creation eased to a solid pace that was the slowest in 2022 to-date. The pace of increase was broadly in line with the UK average. The level of work-in-hand decreased further during September, thereby extending the current sequence of decline to five months. The drop in outstanding business was attributed to lower incoming new work. The rate of contraction slowed but was the second-fastest since February 2021. Manufacturers recorded a faster fall in backlogs of work than service providers. Average cost burdens faced by Welsh private sector companies increased further in September. The rate of cost inflation quickened to the fastest for three months and was marked overall. Higher input costs stemmed from greater energy, material and fuel prices, with a weak pound compounding price hikes. The rate of increase at Welsh firms was the sharpest of the 12 monitored UK areas. Output charges at Welsh private sector firms increased at a marked pace again in September. The rate of inflation was broadly in line with that seen in August and the fastest of the 12 monitored UK areas. Higher output charges were linked to the pass-through of greater cost burdens to customers. The pace of increase was softer than earlier in the year, however, as firms noted increased competition and reduced purchasing power at clients. Gemma Casey, NatWest Ecosystem Manager for Wales, commented: “September data signalled ongoing challenges for Welsh manufacturers and service providers, as client demand weakened further and output fell. Strain on customer purchasing power worsened amid hikes in inflation and energy costs, with new orders falling at the fastest pace since the start of 2021. As a result, backlogs of work decreased solidly and employment growth slowed for the third month running. “Meanwhile, cost pressures mounted further. Input prices rose at the quickest rate since June as a weak pound heightened imported inflationary pressures. Despite a faster fall in new orders, Welsh firms hiked their selling prices markedly again, and at the sharpest pace of the 12 monitored UK areas

Take Responsibility For Your Wellness — Obanikoro, Experts Urge Nigerians – Vanguard https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/take-responsibility-for-your-wellness-obanikoro-experts-urge-nigerians-vanguard/ By Juliet Umeh REPRESENTATIVE of Eti-Osa Federal Constituency of the National Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Obanikoro, together with other health conscious individuals, weekend urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their health by getting enough exercise, eating healthy food and getting enough sleep. The charge came when a non-governmental organization, NGO, Waka Community International Foundation, collaborated with Q-Life Family Clinic and  Health Emergency Initiative, HEI to lead Nigerians on a walkout session in Lagos. Participants embarked on a 9.4 kilometre walk from Lekki through Ikoyi link bridge to Falomo and back to Lekki. Addressing the media, Obanikoro said exercise is one of the most critical and important aspects of life that the majority of Nigerians ignore. He said: “We just experienced some kilometers of walking. It is needed to keep us fit and healthy.” Similarly, the founder of Waka Community, Mr Lorenz Mba, said the initiative which also witnessed a health talk on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR and First Aid is driven by their conviction that since health is wealth, it is worthwhile to inform, educate and persuade Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their wellness by walking and eating right as well as getting enough quality sleep. He said: “Walking is the oldest and safest form of physical exercise and is non-discriminatory on grounds of age, gender, level of physical fitness or location. Walking also has many benefits such as helping to maintain a healthy weight, lose unwanted and undesirable fat. Also speaking at the event, Executive Director of HEI, Mr. Paschal Achunine said: “We are here to build consciousness among Nigerians on healthy living. Walking is a very healthy exercise; it is an exercise that is accessible to the young and old, and across gender. “But there are also shared values that necessitate our making this journey. We have heard that so many people die of heart attacks and other emergencies. What our organisation has done in the last four years is to design a system that ensures that when an emergency happens, instead of taking pictures as a bystander, any Nigerian will know the immediate thing to do, to give the victim chances of survival. We want to change the narrative.” Speaking on HEI, he said: “A lot of Nigerians die because of medical conditions, especially chronic conditions that require less than 30,000 and below to survive. So we have been working with public hospitals across Lagos especially for children of zero to five.” Subscribe for latest Videos

Prevet, Darrell-Sterbak Claim Tennis Doubles Crown At Lakewood YMCA – Evening Observer https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/prevet-darrell-sterbak-claim-tennis-doubles-crown-at-lakewood-ymca-evening-observer/ OBSERVER Photo by Scott Kindberg Above are the top tennis seeds from the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Championships last week. Kneeling are the singles players. From the left are Riley Farrugello (Falconer), Ryann Hayes (Maple Grove), Liz Kane (Southwestern) and Angelina Fiasco (Falconer). Standing are the doubles teams. From the left are Olivia Shearer and Elise Riedesel (Chautauqua Lake), Alyssa Colburn and Emily Wakamatsu (Frewsburg), Lucy Prevet and Nella Darrell-Sterbak (Fredonia) and Erika Pickard and Abby Strother (Southwestern). OBSERVER staff report LAKEWOOD — Elizabeth Kane entered the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Tennis Championships last week as the top singles seed. Not surprisingly, the Southwestern standout left the Lakewood YMCA on Saturday with the title. As for doubles, it didn’t necessarily go as scripted. Unseeded Lucy Prevet and Nella Darrell-Sterbak of Fredonia claimed the title, posting straight-set victories in the semifinals and finals to punch their ticket to the Section VI tournament later this week. For the dozen players — four singles and four doubles teams — it was a spirited several days of competition, capped by Saturday’s action. Kane posted a 6-3, 6-2 semifinal victory over Riley Farrugello of Falconer and then upended Angelina Fiasco of Falconer 6-1, 6-2 in the final to claim CCAA’s top seed for the sectionals. Fiasco, who reached the title match by virtue of a 6-2, 6-3 semifinal victory over Ryann Hayes of Maple Grove, settled for CCAA’s No. 2 seed. In the third-and-fourth place match, Hayes outlasted Farrugello 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The top three CCAA seeds — Kane, Fiasco and Hayes — will play later this week in the sectional tournament. In doubles, Prevet and Darrell-Sterbak defeated second-seeded Emily Wakamatsu and Alyssa Colburn of Frewsburg 7-5, 6-4 in the semifinals and then downed Erika Pickard and Abby Strother of Southwestern 6-1, 6-2 in the title match. Pickard and Strother earned a berth in the championship by virtue of a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win over tournament No. 1 seed Elise Riedesel and Olivia Shearer of Chautauqua Lake. The Thunderbirds’ duo upended Wakamatsu and Colburn 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 in the battle for third place. The top four teams — Prevet/Darrell-Sterback, Pickard-Strother, Shearer-Riedesel and Wakamatsu-Colburn — will play in the sectional tournament, beginning Friday. SINGLES Semifinals Elizabeth Kane (Southwestern) d. Riley Farrugello (Falconer) 6-3, 6-2; Angelina Fiasco (Falconer) d. Ryann Hayes (Maple Grove) 6-2, 6-3/ Finals Kane d. Fiasco 6-1, 6-2. 3rd-4th place Hayes d. Farrugello 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. DOUBLES Semifinals Erika Pickard-Abby Strother (Southwestern) d. Elise Riedesel-Livia Shearer (Chautauqua Lake) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2; Lucy Prevet-Nella Darrell-Sterbak (Fredonia) d. Emily Wakamatsu-Alyssa Colburn (Frewsburg) 7-5, 6-0. Finals Prevet-Darrell-Sterbak d. Pickard-Strother 6-1, 6-2. 3rd-4th place Shearer-Riedesel d. Wakamatsu-Colburn 6-3, 6-7 (5-7) 7-5. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Inside Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse Struggles – The New York Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/inside-mark-zuckerbergs-metaverse-struggles-the-new-york-times/ Meta’s push to develop virtual and augmented reality technology has had a bumpy year. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive, introducing the Oculus Quest virtual-reality headset in 2019.Credit…Amy Osborne/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Oct. 9, 2022 Last October, when Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Facebook, announced that the company would change its name to Meta and become a “metaverse company,” he sketched a vision of a utopian future many years off in which billions of people would inhabit immersive digital environments for hours on end, working, socializing and playing games inside virtual and augmented worlds. In the year since, Meta has spent billions of dollars and assigned thousands of employees to make Mr. Zuckerberg’s dream feasible. But Meta’s metaverse efforts have had a rocky start. The company’s flagship virtual-reality game, Horizon Worlds, remains buggy and unpopular, leading Meta to put in place a “quality lockdown” for the rest of the year while it retools the app. Some Meta employees have complained about frequent strategy shifts that seem tied to Mr. Zuckerberg’s whims rather than a cohesive plan. And Meta executives have butted heads over the company’s metaverse strategy, with one senior leader complaining that the amount of money the company had spent on unproven projects made him “sick to my stomach.” The company’s struggle to reshape the business was described in interviews with more than a dozen current and former Meta employees and internal communications obtained by The New York Times. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about internal matters. Image A still from Mr. Zuckerberg’s announcement in 2021 that Facebook was changing its name to Meta and would become a “metaverse company.”Credit…Meta/EPA, via Shutterstock On Tuesday, Meta is expected to unveil a new V.R. headset at a developer conference, along with other new metaverse features. The stakes are high for the company, which is racing to transform itself to make up for declines in other parts of its business. TikTok is siphoning younger users away from Facebook and Instagram, Meta’s two big moneymakers, and Apple made privacy changes to its mobile operating system that have cost Meta billions of dollars in advertising revenue. The company’s stock price has tumbled nearly 60 percent in the past year — a reflection not just of broader market turbulence, but of some investors’ skepticism that the metaverse will be highly lucrative anytime soon. In late September, the company announced that it would freeze most hiring, and Mr. Zuckerberg has warned employees that layoffs may be coming. “The pressures Meta’s business is facing in 2022 are acute, significant and not metaverse-related,” said Matthew Ball, an investor and metaverse expert whose advice Mr. Zuckerberg has sought. “And there is a risk that almost everything Mark has outlined about the metaverse is right, except the timing is farther out than he imagined.” What Is the Metaverse, and Why Does It Matter? Card 1 of 5 The origins. The word “metaverse” describes a fully realized digital world that exists beyond the one in which we live. It was coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel “Snow Crash,” and the concept was further explored by Ernest Cline in his novel “Ready Player One.” The future. Many people in tech believe the metaverse will herald an era in which our virtual lives will play as important a role as our physical realities. Some experts warn that it could still turn out to be a fad or even dangerous. In a statement, Andy Stone, a Meta spokesman, said the company believed it was still on the right path. “Being a cynic about new and innovative technology is easy,” Mr. Stone said. “Actually building it is a lot harder — but that’s what we’re doing because we believe the metaverse is the future of computing.” Mr. Zuckerberg successfully overhauled his company a decade ago, getting it to focus on how its products worked on smartphones instead of desktops. He signaled a similar shift last year, saying that investing in the metaverse would allow Meta to make the leap from one technological era to the next. There are some signs that Meta’s bet has put it ahead of competitors. The company’s consumer V.R. headset, the Quest 2, is the most popular V.R. headset on the market with more than 15 million sold, according to outside estimates. Its Oculus V.R. app — which has since been rebranded Meta Quest — has been installed over 21 million times on iOS and Android devices, according to an estimate by Sensor Tower, an app analytics firm. But Meta’s future success depends on the company’s ability to bring virtual and augmented reality tools to far more people. Meta said in February that its Horizon Worlds game had grown to roughly 300,000 monthly active users — an increase from a few months earlier, but minuscule in comparison with Facebook’s more than 2.9 billion monthly active users. The company declined to provide more up-to-date figures for Horizon Worlds. Adding to Meta’s woes is that U.S. regulators appear determined to prevent the company from acquiring its way to success, as it did by buying Instagram and WhatsApp. In July, the Federal Trade Commission sued Meta to block it from acquiring Within, the maker of a popular V.R. fitness app. Meta is fighting the agency’s lawsuit, which it has called “wrong on the facts and the law.” Image Mr. Zuckerberg, right, fencing with an Olympic gold medal fencer in the metaverse. He has made himself the face of the company’s metaverse push.Credit…Facebook, via Reuters Mr. Zuckerberg, determined to recast his public image after years in the limelight for unpopular decisions about political speech on Facebook, has surprised some employees by making himself the innovator face of the company’s metaverse push. Demonstrations and mock-ups of Meta’s latest metaverse technologies feature footage of Mr. Zuckerberg performing V.R. versions of his hobbies, including fencing and a surfing-like watersport called hydrofoiling. The chief executive recently went on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he told the popular comedian that building an immersive metaverse was his “holy grail.” What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? What’s their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. His involvement has backfired at times. In August, Mr. Zuckerberg posted a screenshot of his Horizon Worlds avatar on his Facebook page, along with an announcement that the app was expanding into France and Spain. But the avatar’s flat, cartoonish look was roundly mocked. (One commenter compared it to “a 2002 Nintendo GameCube release.”) After that response, Mr. Zuckerberg and other executives directed employees to give priority to improving the appearance of avatars, according to two employees. Mr. Stone, the Facebook spokesman, characterized Mr. Zuckerberg’s reaction to the avatar backlash as “frustrated,” but did not provide additional details. A new version of Mr. Zuckerberg’s digital appearance was fast-tracked, the two employees said, along with updates to other Horizon Worlds avatars that had been in the works. Four days after Mr. Zuckerberg’s original post, he shared that upgraded digital version of himself, conceding that his first avatar was “pretty basic” while the “graphics in Horizon are capable of much more.” One Meta graphic artist claimed in a LinkedIn post, which has since been deleted, that he and his team had designed roughly 40 versions of Mr. Zuckerberg’s face over a four-week period before a final version was approved. Image In a post on his Facebook account, Mr. Zuckerberg said that the graphics on the Horizon World app are “capable of much more,” after criticism of an earlier avatar of himself.Credit…Meta Mr. Zuckerberg’s zeal for the metaverse has been met with skepticism by some Meta employees. This year, he urged teams to hold meetings inside Meta’s Horizon Workrooms app, which allows users to gather in virtual conference rooms. But many employees didn’t own V.R. headsets or hadn’t set them up yet, and had to scramble to buy and register devices before managers caught on, according to one person with knowledge of the events. In a May poll of 1,000 Meta employees conducted by Blind, an anonymous professional social network, only 58 percent said they understood the company’s metaverse strategy. Employees have also grumbled about the high turnover and frequent shuffling of employees as Mr. Zuckerberg’s priorities change. Inside Meta, two employees said, some workers now jokingly refer to key metaverse projects as M.M.H., an acronym for “make Mark happy.” In September, Vishal Shah, the vice president in charge of Meta’s metaverse division, wrote on an internal message board that he was disappointed in how few Meta employees were using Horizon Worlds, according to a post obtained by The Times. In his post, which was first reported by The Verge, Mr. Shah said that managers would begin tracking workers’ use of Horizon Worlds, and said that testing their own technology was essential. “Why don’t we love the product we’ve built so much that we use it all the time?” Mr. Shah asked. “The simple truth is, if we don’t love it, how can we expect our users to love it?” Mr. Shah, who declined to comment to The Times, also said in his post that Horizon would undergo a “quality lockdown” for the rest of the year to “raise t...

Editor’s Choice: Instax Mini Link 2 – Gadget https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/editors-choice-instax-mini-link-2-gadget/ This week’s Editor’s Choice was a recent choice for Gadget of the Week. The new accolade is given to products that represent a significant advance in technology, or a remarkable approach to innovation or user needs. The Instax Mini Link 2 from Fujifilm is Editor’s Choice for the week starting 10 October 2022. What is it? Three years ago, Fujifilm startled the market with the Instax Mini Link, a portable printer designed specifically for smartphone photos. Now, it has released a second generation of the device, the Link 2, which draws on the learnings of the original, and adds enticing new features. It’s a competitive market, with both Polaroid and Kodak turning to on-the-spot printing of smartphone photos to help them keep coming back from the dead. In some departments, their portable printers are superior, but they can’t match the cool credentials of the Instax devices. It is a rechargeable printer, using Bluetooth to transfer images from a smartphone. Most significantly, the Link 2 is fast: from the point of transferring an image from a smartphone to the device, it begins printing in about 15 seconds, and can produce around 100 prints per charge. It offers an astonishing innovation that sets it apart: InstaxAiR, an augmented reality (AR) effect that works through the dedicated Link 2 app. It allows users to add graphic effects to prints, including bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint or a glitter look.  But that is not nearly as impressive as “drawing in the air”: by holding the printer, pressing the feature button on top, and aiming the side LED lens to draw in the air, what is drawn then appears on the print preview in the app. If the user is satisfied with the image, and hits print, the “air drawing” appears on the photo that is then printed out.  Fujifim has added a further solidly social element to this feature, underlining the fact that it is not simply a case of throwing specs at the device. They can record a video of the drawing being made and share it as a QR code that appears on the print. Anyone can then scan the QR code and view the video on their own phones, download it, or share it on social media. Other features include customising Instax prints with Image Modes, Design Frames, Stickers and more. Fujifim says: “The Instax Mini Link 2 app contains a variety of design elements that can be overlaid onto the selected image for a one-of-a-kind Instax instant print. Users can also use their finger to draw a picture on a photo; select the best artistic filters; or manually adjust brightness, contrast and the saturation of the image. If it’s difficult to choose between images, simply combine up to eight pictures into a single Instax print via the collage feature.   Finally, when printing users can choose between two image colour modes – Instax-Rich Mode for deep, enhanced colours or Instax-Natural Mode for a more original look.” Fujifim has not forgotten regular cameras in its push to add new capabilities to smartphone cameras. The printer can also connect to  the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless digital camera, so that images can be printed from the camera as well. The capability extends to other Fujifilm digital camera via the Fujifilm Camera Remote app. The Link 2 can used with the new Instax Mini Spray Art instant film, which features a colourful rainbow spray design that reflects light – designed to complement the InstaxAiR feature. This new film variety is also expected to be available in August,  What does it cost? The Instax mini Link 2 printer is available in Soft Pink, Clay White and Space Blue, and retails for a suggested R2,799 including VAT. A pack of Instax Mini Spray Art instant film sells for a recommended retail price of R180 including VAT. Why does it matter? It revives printing at a time for a highly specific need at the very time when people are finding they have that need. By the same token, it fills a major social gap in the highly social activity of taking photos and selfies among friends and family.  What are the biggest negatives? • The quality of images is substantially lower than that of regular photo printers. • The cost of photo printing film is high. • The device itself is costly for low- and mid-range phone users who have not paid a lot more than that for their handset. What are the biggest positives? • It is quick and easy to use. • It looks great, and adds a wonderful vibe to social activity. • The ability to print a phot immediately after taking it, and showing it around, far outweighs the lack of glossy photo print quality. * Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @art2gee

Crypto Corner: The Sports Slice | Bitcoinist.com – Bitcoinist https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/crypto-corner-the-sports-slice-bitcoinist-com-bitcoinist-2/ We’re back with The Sports Slice to take a bite into all things sports and crypto. Some of the latest headlines over the past week include the upcoming launch of LaLiga’s new NFT platform, a college quarterback’s new NFT NIL deal, and a crypto jersey patch deal cut unexpectedly short. Let’s dive into all of the past week’s crypto and sports activity. The Sports Slice New Zealand Rugby Buys World Of Women Galaxy NFTs New Zealand’s commercial arm of rugby and national team representative New Zealand Rugby made a hefty purchase of 33 World Of Women Galaxy NFTs this past week; the move is the team’s first NFT purchase, courtesy of some assistance with MoonPay – who is not an official declared partner of the team. Fans on the team’s official Reddit outlet were unenthused. LaLiga’s Digital Collectible’s First Platform Drop Is Slated For Later This Month ‘LaLiga Golazos,’ the long-awaited NFT product courtesy of Dapper Labs and the powerhouse soccer league, is set to debut in coming weeks. October 27th is slated as release day (paired with it’s initial first drop), and will feature some of the league’s biggest moments since 2005. The platform is expected to mirror the experience seen in Dapper’s other products, Top Shot and NFL All Day. A College Quarterback’s $1M NFT NIL Deal Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is approaching $4M in NIL deals, courtesy of a new $1M NFT NIL deal established this past week with Metabilia. Over half the U.S. states have now established some sort of formalized NIL policy as universities look to find new avenues to recruit athletes, and athletes look at new avenues of compensation. Ewers and Metabilia will launch a collaborative NFT project that will require a subscription fee to access drops and signed memorabilia. NIL territory is still very young for new platforms and projects to explore, and crypto and web3 firms haven’t shied away from doing so thus far. Dapper Labs (FLOW) is set to release it's latest product courtesy of a league-wide deal with European soccer monster, LaLiga. | Source: FLOW-USD on TradingView.com Athlete-Backed & Avalanche-Powered ‘MynaSwap’ Raises $6M NFL stars including Kyler Murray and Odell Beckham Jr. were a part of a recent fundraise for Avalanche blockchain-based sneaker trading platform, MynaSwap. The raise, totaling $6M, will go towards building out the digital collectibles platform that provides digital authentification for physical goods. The platform is founded by Adeel Shams, co-founder of sneaker shop Coolkicks (which has become an LA staple in the sneakerhead community). Crypto.com Reportedly Turning Down The Dial On Sports Partnerships Crypto.com is reportedly cutting back on sports sponsorship engagements as the exchange likely faces increased budgetary constraints in the bear market. While the exact scope is unknown, reports emerged in recent days that Crypto.com was looking to cut scope with sports partners such as the World Cup and Twitch Rivals. The exchange was once a leading force in sports sponsorships and is now likely seeing a major shift in spending as the bear market has persisted throughout this year. MoonPay’s First Sports Foray One name we haven’t mentioned in the Slice‘s history is MoonPay. Check that box this week as the crypto exchange secured it’s first-ever sports deal with Brazilian soccer club Flamengo. The two will look to have MoonPay lead the charge on a variety of NFT engagement, including ticketing, loyalty programs, and more. Trail Blazers Cut StormX Jersey Patch Deal The NBA’s first crypto jersey patch deal was established in the middle of last year, and despite being a multi-year deal that was established between the Portland Trail Blazers and young platform StormX, it’s coming to a quiet and unexpected close. StormX has largely underperformed in the broader crypto marketplace, and despite signing an athlete endorsement deal with former Blazer CJ McCollum back in November, the exchange is rarely mentioned when top crypto exchanges are discussed. The club’s reasoning behind cutting the partner, who’s jersey patch was featured in media day content in recent weeks, was undisclosed. We’ll see where Portland turns to next for a patch deal, after donning a BioFreeze patch prior to the StormX deal. The Blazers join the Grizzlies and Wizards among clubs currently searching for a jersey patch partner. Featured image from Pexels, Charts from TradingView.com The writer of this content is not associated or affiliated with any of the parties mentioned in this article. This is not financial advice. This op-ed represents the views of the author, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Bitcoinist. Bitcoinist is an advocate of creative and financial freedom alike.

INDIA STOCKS Indian Shares Hit One-Week Low On U.S. Rate Hike Jitters – Reuters https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/india-stocks-indian-shares-hit-one-week-low-on-u-s-rate-hike-jitters-reuters/ BENGALURU, Oct 10 (Reuters) – Indian shares fell to their lowest level in a week on Monday, led by automobile and consumer stocks, and as Asian equities slipped after a strong U.S. jobs report strengthened the case for the Federal Reserve to persist with aggressive rate hikes. The NSE Nifty 50 index (.NSEI), with all of its major sub-indexes in the negative territory, fell 1.4% to 17,072.90 as of 0442 GMT, and the S&P BSE Sensex (.BSESN) declined 1.37% to 57,396.53. Both the indexes posted their sharpest intraday drop in two weeks. “The paradoxical construct of good economic news turning out to be bad news for markets played out again last Friday in the U.S. The surprisingly low U.S. unemployment rate implies that the Fed will have to continue raising interest rates longer than the markets had discounted,” said V K Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Financial Services. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com In morning trading, the Nifty’s auto index (.NIFTYAUTO) and the fast-moving consumer goods index (.NIFTYFMCG) were among the worst performers among other sub-indexes, falling 1.64% and 1.8%, respectively. Tata Motors Ltd (TAMO.NS) and Hero MotoCorp (HROM.NS) were the top losers on the Nifty 50, declining 3.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Domestic corporate earnings will be among the drivers for markets in the next few weeks, with IT service provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS) set to kick off earnings season on Monday, when it reports quarterly results later in the day. Tata Consultancy Services, rising 0.6%, was among the two gainers on the Nifty IT index (.NIFTYIT) which was down 0.48%. IDBI Bank (IDBI.NS) jumped as much as 11.2% after the government said on Friday it was looking to sell a 60.72% stake in the bank and invited expressions of interest. read more A Reuters poll found India’s retail inflation accelerated to a five month high of 7.30% in September due to surging food prices, staying above the Reserve Bank of India’s tolerance band for a ninth month. The data is due after market hours on Wednesday. read more ($1 = 82.8200 Indian rupees) Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Rama Venkat in Bengaluru; Editing by Neha Arora and Dhanya Ann Thoppil Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

New U Of A Center For Public Health And Technology Kicks Off Speaker Series – University Of Arkansas Newswire https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/new-u-of-a-center-for-public-health-and-technology-kicks-off-speaker-series-university-of-arkansas-newswire/ Photo Submitted Tyler Prochnow, Ph.D., assistant professor of health behavior in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. The U of A Center for Public Health and Technology will host its first speaker Tuesday in a series focused on public health research, health literacy and emerging media and digital technologies. Tyler Prochnow, Ph.D., assistant professor of health behavior in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University, will speak at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the Graduate Education Building, room 343. His talk is titled “Connections Matter: In life, health, and research.” Registration is required. Prochnow’s research interests include the social dynamics which drive health behavior. His primary areas of research involve youth physical activity, mental health and social network analysis. The human body is wired for connection, physically, mentally and emotionally. Social network analysis is one tool to quantify and evaluate connections between people and what they might mean for health, health behavior and health belief. In his talk, Prochnow will offer a primer on social network analysis, including how he has used it to study topics like youth physical activity, mental health among online gamers and professional collaborations in health care. He also plans to lead a discussion on how social network analysis could be used in ongoing research within health and technology to answer new research questions. The second speaker in the center’s series is Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His talk, “What’s in a picture: The influence of social networks on health,” will be at noon on Friday, Oct. 14, in the Graduate Education Building, room 239. Registration is required. The Center for Public Health and Technology, in the U of A College of Education and Health Professions, is a new hub for interdisciplinary research. The center specializes in public health research and communication, health literacy, and emerging media and digital technologies in the U.S. and around the globe. Faculty bring together diverse disciplines and capitalize on mixed methodologies to support public health surveillance, intervention and evaluation in advancing health and human rights, social justice and health equity. Prochnow’s talk is co-sponsored by the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation‘s Outside Guest Speaker Series (HOGSS).

Major Update In Novita Brazil Murder – Chilling Behavior Of Teens Who Fired 100 Rounds Into Airbnb In H… – The US Sun https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/major-update-in-novita-brazil-murder-chilling-behavior-of-teens-who-fired-100-rounds-into-airbnb-in-h-the-us-sun/ FIVE teenage boys have been arrested after an Airbnb was pummeled by 100 bullets, killing a young woman in what is believed to be a horror mixup. Bexar County officials continue to take teens into custody as they investigate the death of 25-year-old Novita Brazil who was reportedly working on her computer when a wave of gunfire brutally killed her. 3 Novita Brazil, 25, was brutally killed by a wave of gunfire when she was sitting inside a Texas home, police saidCredit: GoFundMe 3 Five teen boys have been arrested in connection to the crime including Johnny Bermea, 17, who was charged with deadly conduct with a firearmCredit: Bexar County 3 Police believe the suspects ‘hit the wrong house’ when they allegedly fired over 100 roundsCredit: News 4 It’s believed the suspects “hit the wrong house” in a Texas neighborhood at about 12.30am Tuesday, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. Two boys were arrested after the event, and cops said their behavior after being caught was concerning. “I don’t think they’re showing remorse, whatsoever,” Salazar said. A 41-year-old woman staying in the Airbnb as a guest was also struck in the leg by gunfire, but officials said her wound was non-life-threatening. The teen boys, one 14 and the other 15, initiated a car chase until they were caught 10 miles away in the back of a baseball field, WOAI-TV reports. The alleged gunmen left over 100 shell casings at the crime scene, according to the sheriff. Two homes were hit by gunfire. Salazar described the victim as “completely innocent” saying: “She was just up, burning the midnight oil, doing some work on her computer, and now she’s dead.” Cops have arrested three more teens who are believed to have been involved in the tragic events – 17-year-old Johnny Bermea, a 15-year-old, and a 14-year-old – all of whom have been charged with deadly conduct with a firearm. Investigators determined that these three had fired at multiple houses during the shooting, causing significant property damage, FOX 29 reported. “We believe these suspects came to this location and did a drive-by shooting,” Salazar said. “The problem with that is obviously 14-15-year-olds are doing a drive-by shooting in the dead of night. “They hit the wrong house and it looks like a 25-year-old woman lost her life.” The other two teens who were arrested after the event have been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to local reports. The 14-year-old suspect was also charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The 15-year-old faces a charge of evading arrest on foot. The two teens facing murder charges are being held in a juvenile detention center.

A Time Of Courage – The Maritime Executive https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/a-time-of-courage-the-maritime-executive/ With its Ukrainian roots and focus on the seafarer, Danica is leading the way in finding and caring for qualified crews against a backdrop of war and an ongoing pandemic. Jensen, second from left, with his staff in Batumi, Georgia (Danica) Published Oct 9, 2022 10:53 PM by Tony Munoz (Article originally published in July/Aug 2022 edition.) “At the start of Danica Crewing Specialists, our primary base of mariners were Ukrainians, and our main office was in Ukraine,” says Henrik Jensen, Founder & Managing Director. “While our headquarters are in Hamburg, our biggest crewing office was in Odesa. Because of this terrible situation with the war in Ukraine, we have now opened an operational office in Limassol to act as a regional coordination center.” The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022 when Putin announced his intention to  demilitarize and “denazify” Ukraine. Immediately after the announcement, Russia launched missile and air strikes across Ukraine including on the capital of Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted martial law and a general mobilization of all male Ukrainian citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 and banned them from leaving the country.    The invasion has displaced almost 13 million Ukrainians with more than six million fleeing the country and another seven million leaving their homes and seeking refuge elsewhere. It also further aggravated a growing shortage of seafarers worldwide that had begun two years earlier with the onset of COVID-19. Ukraine accounts for roughly 77,000 seafarers – 47,000 officers and 30,000 ratings. Russian and Ukrainian mariners together account for about 14 percent of officers and 15 percent of ratings, a significant proportion of the world’s approximately two million seafarers. Crewing ships had already been a challenging situation because of COVID-19 as crews were subject to travel restrictions and were often quarantined onboard for months beyond IMO statutory limits. “Any industry where 15 percent of the workforce more or less falls out will have a problem,” says Jensen. “Even owners not using Eastern European crew will feel a knock-on effect as owners traditionally using Ukrainian and Russian crew turn to other nationalities.” There are other problems as well. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is overwhelming shipping companies’ ability to hire seafarers. Since the war began it’s become difficult for Russians to obtain travel visas and get paid due to Russian bank sanctions, and it’s problematic to mix Russian and Ukrainian crews. Several shipping companies have declined to hire Russian seafarers entirely. The stress on Ukrainian mariners has been tremendous because many of their families have fled the country or been forced to relocate. Many do not want to return to Ukraine and have extended onboard contracts. Ukrainian national marine licenses have been extended, but no new licenses are being issued, which is affecting job opportunities for Ukrainians. In the meantime, the Ukrainian maritime authorities have established a system where Ukrainian seafarers can now undertake online the necessary courses and exams to renew their certificates when their five-year cycle expires. In addition, the Polish maritime administration has established a system for extending Ukrainian certificates. “When the war broke out, about 60 percent of Ukrainian seafarers were onboard,” Jensen explains. “A few of them wanted to return home immediately when the war started to join the army or be with their families, but the majority stayed onboard, and when their tenure came to an end they asked to stay longer. In general, shipping companies were able to cope, including Danica. However, in the past few months the situation has changed. Many of the Ukrainian seafarers’ families have been able to leave the country and are now in the E.U. As soon as their families are out of Ukraine, the seafarers onboard want to join them. This is of course understandable, but now it creates a shortage of relievers while other relievers are still not able to leave Ukraine.” With the growing shortage of professional mariners, salaries for onboard personnel are rising quickly, and there are no quick solutions due to the professional licenses required to meet the IMO’s STCW certifications along with logging verifiable time at sea. A Different Kind of Company “Our ambition is to be the crewing partner for demanding shipping companies,” says Jensen, “those with high standards and high expectations, and to deliver crews who can fulfill our clients’ business goals.” To do so, the company employs one of the strictest screening procedures in the business, especially for senior officers, and offers leadership training courses for officers and safety training courses for ratings. It screens candidate backgrounds, authenticates licenses and verifies sea service including navigational skills and knowledge. It charts the candidate’s behavior and ability to communicate and interact with other crew members, which is critical for successful ship operations. Asked if Danica is the world’s biggest crew supply company, he replies, “No, and we will not be. There are not enough crews who can pass our strict pre-employment screening process.” Jensen grew up in a seafaring family in Denmark. Both of his grandfathers were professional mariners, and his uncle was a marine pilot. During summer vacations from school, he would join his uncle on pilotage voyages in the Denmark fjords and deep-sea waters, which sparked his interest in becoming a deck officer and ship’s captain. He served as an officer on container ships, bulk carriers and ferries and eventually took command of seismic vessels. When not sailing, he earned advanced degrees in business organization and human resource management. Eventually, he came ashore with the opportunity to work as a safety superintendent and crewing officer for the seismic company. He went to Greece to oversee operations for a Danish-Greek ferry and soon became the fleet director and managing director for another Danish ferry company. He spent nine years with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement in Germany, rising to Group HR-Marine Manning Director. In 2009 he cofounded Nordic Hamburg Shipmanagement and in 2013 founded Danica Crewing Specialists. His years of hands-on experience managing crews and fleets made it clear that there was a need for quality recruitment and manning services, for a company that was independently owned and acted entirely on behalf of its customers. “We are not a ship manager,” Jensen emphasizes. “Our focus is to be the HR (human resources) partner for our clients, who are typically shipowning companies with their own in-house technical management but with a fleet size that does not have the economies of scale to have their own recruitment offices, screening, logistics and training. We are their extended arm or department.” Today, the company has eight offices in six countries and a network of more than 350,000 officers and ratings. It has long been recruiting in the Philippines, India and Indonesia. While looking to open more offices, the pandemic put further expansion plans on hold. But it did open an office in Batumi, Georgia recently and – in addition to transferring much of the Odesa operation to Limassol – has partnered with a crewing company in the Philippines.   Blue Water Crisis When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, more than 2,000 seafarers were stranded on 94 vessels at Ukrainian ports. The IMO and several governments insisted that the Russian Federation honor the “blue safe maritime corridor” in the high-risk areas of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russia deferred, saying it would establish a humanitarian corridor once ships were outside Ukraine’s territorial waters. Today, Ukrainian ports are at MARSEC (maritime security) level 3, which means the ports will remain closed for entry and exit or that ships sail at their own peril. Sea mines have been laid at port approaches and ports blocked with sunken barges and cranes. Many ships in the region no longer have sufficient crew onboard to sail. “We still have about 1,000 Ukrainians, mainly senior officers, deployed now,” Jensen says. “There are still Danica employees and crew in distress in Ukraine, many of whom have lost their properties and possessions. Meanwhile, our company supports these employees and their families, even those who have escaped to other countries.” While the Russians have signed an accord to allow grain ships to sail from Ukraine and through the Black Sea, there is massive congestion of vessels near Sulina and Bystre, south of Snake Island, trying to transit through Romania to the Danube. Officials estimate it will take months to get ships moving again. Meanwhile, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and international aid organizations have been trying to reprovision ships, which need vital supplies for stranded seafarers in the Black Sea region. A Time of Courage There are currently around 75,000 commercial ships in the world trading fleet totaling 2,095 million deadweight tons, which has doubled since 2007. By 2025, the world fleet will exceed 80,000 ships, and the demand for licensed mariners will continue to increase. Added to the war in Ukraine and the ongoing pandemic, that presents a real challenge for companies like Danica. Where will the seafarers come from? “That’s a very valid question,” he says, “and it worries me a lot. Seafaring has been an attractive career for decades in the main sourcing countries. A career at sea offers challenging jobs, great responsibility, and a steady and relatively high income – indeed for senior ranks in some countries even an extremely high salary. However, IT companies and big engineering companies are also in the market to recruit the same young talent, also offeri...

Lancaster Business Owner Helps Raise Money For Hurricane Ian Victims – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/lancaster-business-owner-helps-raise-money-for-hurricane-ian-victims-nbc-5-dallas-fort-worth/ Massive cleanup efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Across Florida, volunteers and organizations from North Texas are on the ground in Florida. At home, a local business owner has raised thousands of dollars for hurricane victims.    Leon Brown of Lancaster is the driving force behind a social media mission to help victims of Hurricane Ian.   “If you look around my shop, shelves are empty, and the racks don’t have clothes on them. People have been coming through,” said Brown, Founder of We Are the Help.  His nearly 90,000 Instagram followers have helped raise $10,000 for 100 Florida families.    “One family, Bree and Marcus Smith stopped by from Fort Myers, Florida. They were heading to El Paso, and they were able to stop inside here and get some clothes. That’s the family we were able to bless with $500,” said Brown.  Bree and Marcus Smith spoke to NBC5 about the generosity they experienced on their drive from Florida to Texas, where they’re now staying with family friends.   Local The latest news from around North Texas. “That was a blessing. We were able to get down to El Paso, and that was able to cover food and gas for us,” said Bree Smith.   Their Fort Myers home is flooded, and they don’t yet know the extent of the damage.  The couple is grateful they could reach out online, and receive help from Leon – just when they needed it most.  “My message is: Allow people to help. Put your pride aside, because this is the time that we all need to lean on each other,” said Bree Smith.  If you’d like to drop off clothing for Hurricane Ian victims stopping by – or the consignment shop’s year-round mission to help local families, you’re asked first to call Leon Brown at the store to schedule a drop-off time and day: (510) 754-8880

Victoria University & Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Funded By Movember’s Scaling What Works – Mirage News https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/victoria-university-western-bulldogs-community-foundation-funded-by-movembers-scaling-what-works-mirage-news/ In 2021 Movember launched Scaling What Works, an AUD $10.38 million mental health funding program that aims to supercharge mental health initiatives that have shown real promise in improving mental health and wellbeing for young boys and men, across community or workplace settings. With a focus on prevention and early intervention, each of the successful recipients receives between AUD $250,000 and $500,000 of funding over the next two years, allowing them to scale their reach and impact, in an effort to fast-track mental health outcomes in local communities. One of the successful global recipients of Movember’s global Scaling What Works Program is Victoria University’s collaboration with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) Sons of the West program, which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of men in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with interactive presentations, physical activities, and events. The free, ten-week health program supports mental health and wellbeing outcomes for men aged 18 years and over, with face-to-face literacy programs that build knowledge about a range of topics including nutrition, gender equity, masculinity and mental health. Since 2016, Victoria University has been an active partner of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, working collaboratively to: support programs through student placements and projects gather research and conduct evaluation facilitate advocacy for diverse communities of the west. Movember’s support will see Victoria University and WBCF build on the successful pilot program run in 2021/22 as part the VU RISE Promoting Healthy and Active Living: Innovation in Engaging CALD Communities. Tin Nguyen, a graduate from the 2022 pilot program said “Sons of the West gave me a chance to gain more knowledge about healthy living as well as sharing what I know to other people. For me, the most meaningful thing that Sons of the West brought is the inspiration of challenging myself to become better every day.” /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).View in full here.

Padres-Mets: Explaining Joe Musgrove’s Bizarre Ear Check During Postseason Elimination Game – CBS Sports https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/padres-mets-explaining-joe-musgroves-bizarre-ear-check-during-postseason-elimination-game-cbs-sports/ In the bottom of the sixth inning of the win-or-go-home Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove was checked by the umpiring crew for a possible illegal substance. Mets manager Buck Showalter had a quick conference with the umpires before they chatted together and then checked Musgrove.  Musgrove had been dealing up to that point. Through five innings of scoreless ball, he had allowed only one hit and struck out four with no walks.  Here’s a look at the check: Per MLB rule: “Any pitcher who possesses or applies foreign substances will be subject to immediate ejection from the game and suspended automatically in accordance with the rules. If a player other than the pitcher is found to have applied a foreign substance to the ball, both the position player and pitcher will be ejected.”  After the check, the umpires cleared Musgrove of any wrongdoing and he stayed in the game.  Musgrove then induced a groundout before striking out the next hitter and staring down the Mets’ dugout — likely Showalter — and then ended the inning by getting a deep flyout. It then appeared that Musgrove had an exchange with the Mets dugout as he walked off the field.  Early in the game, fan conspiracies started circling social media regarding Musgrove’s ears looking red and shiny. There’s obviously nothing illegal about having red and shiny ears, as ridiculous as it sounds to even utter such a phrase, and veteran big leaguer Andrew McCutchen weighed in:  Somewhat sparse chants of “cheater” could be heard in Citi Field after the check, which was odd timing considering the umpires had already checked and cleared Musgrove, but it’s a high-intensity, elimination game.  Musgrove’s velocity and spin rate — things that could increase drastically with the use of certain foreign substances — were up ever-so-slightly on Sunday, but not to levels that would indicate something funky is going on. And, hey, it’s an elimination game. He’s probably fired up and throwing harder due to the adrenaline.  Musgrove won a World Series ring with the 2017 Astros — purveyors of the sign-stealing scandal — and has recently said he wants to win a “true” championship and he doesn’t “feel great” wearing that ring.