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U.S. Cotton Boll Weevils Eradicated To last Frontier In Texas The Washington Post
U.S. Cotton Boll Weevils Eradicated To last Frontier In Texas The Washington Post
U.S. Cotton Boll Weevils Eradicated To ‘last Frontier’ In Texas – The Washington Post https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/u-s-cotton-boll-weevils-eradicated-to-last-frontier-in-texas-the-washington-post/ ROBSTOWN, Tex. — When Charles Niemann started farming in 1960, he knew the threat of the cotton boll weevil made his livelihood risky. He treated his fields in South Texas with pesticide every few days, up to 16 times in a season. Profits were spent spraying during the next season. To call the quarter-inch beetle a pest would be an understatement. It’s prolific and quickly destroys cotton once it enters a field. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates it cost the industry more than $100 billion in the 20th century, accounting for inflation. Niemann, 80, saw the impact firsthand. Two of the three cotton processing companies in Refugio County went out of business in the 1970s. The third was a co-op, and members chipped in to keep it running. “I got to where I was just barely planting cotton,” Niemann said. “I was just trying to keep the gin going so it wouldn’t go broke.” When the idea of a boll weevil eradication program was floated in Texas in the 1990s, Niemann and others griped about the cost. Farmers would have to foot more than 70 percent of the bill — about $23 an acre. But entomologists explained that working together to attack the beetle with its life cycle in mind would mean being on the offensive instead of the defensive. “It was the best money we ever spent,” Niemann said. “It put cotton back on the map.” Through the diligence of public-private partnerships like the one in Texas, the cotton boll weevil population has been whittled down and eradicated everywhere in the United States except on the “last frontier” of the Rio Grande Valley in the southern tip of Texas. And this year, the number of weevils trapped there is the lowest it has ever been. Officials are guardedly optimistic. “As far as the weevil population [goes], we’re in the best shape we’ve ever been in,” said Patrick Burson, chief administrative officer of the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. “I need to find a big piece of wood to knock on. It’s scary just because it’s new territory for us.” The foundation trapped 3.7 million weevils in the Rio Grande Valley in 2006. In 2018, the number was 96,000. As of Sept. 1 this year, they’d trapped just 147. “Back when we started, we’d catch so many weevils in a trap that we couldn’t count them,” said Lindy Patton, president and chief executive of the foundation. “We used a measuring cup and knew how many weevils per ounce or inch.” Cotton boll weevils, which originated in Mexico, were first identified in Beeville, Tex., in 1894. By 1915, they had spread across the Cotton Belt and wreaked havoc on the crop, leaving families destitute during the Great Depression. By the 1970s, one-third of all pesticides applied in the United States were used to fight the boll weevil, according to the USDA. “Instead of hearing flies buzzing around the field and other beneficial pests and seeing them, it was pretty much a sterile environment,” said Jimmy Dodson, a farmer in South Texas and former chairman of the National Cotton Council. The first of a patchwork of eradication programs started in parts of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi in 1971. It was successful, so efforts spread elsewhere. In the Lone Star State, boll weevil traps with pheromones are set up around fields and along roadsides. When the beetles are seen in the traps or on cotton in the field, the infestation is reported to the eradication foundation. Then targeted spraying begins. The beetles need cotton plants to feed and reproduce, so getting rid of the plant after the crop is harvested has been key to eradication. In most areas where cotton is grown, a hard winter freeze will kill off the plant, giving the bug nowhere to go. But the Rio Grande Valley has a tropical climate where freezes are rare. Cotton in that region must be harvested by Sept. 1. After that, all of the plants are destroyed. The eradication foundation sends employees out to search for errant cotton that may have fallen off trucks into a ditch, carried away by birds or spread by the winds of a tropical storm. They have to make sure there is nowhere for the boll weevil to live until cotton is planted again in late March. But even if South Texas does its part, there’s still the issue of boll weevils that come across the Rio Grande from Mexico. There has been a binational effort for farmers in the Tamaulipas region in northern Mexico to control the weevil population with the same tactics. “It’s been a long journey, and a difficult one, but it’s been highly rewarding,” Dodson said. “It’s kind of like eradicating smallpox or polio. It takes dramatic effort.” Dodson has seen his yields double since the program started and the eradication of the boll weevil has been fruitful for the state’s wider economy. Farmers are buying more equipment and other inputs for the actual production. When cotton is harvested, it goes to the gin, or processing plant, which employs dozens of seasonal workers. Then it’s off into the hands of textile workers and fashion designers. “There’s all this economic activity that centers around cotton once it comes off the stalk. Cotton is a really big economic driver in our area, but across Texas as well,” said Jeff Nunley, executive director of South Texas Cotton and Grain Association. “Having that stability in the crop, that’s been a big benefit.” As close as they are to eradicating the boll weevil completely, farmers and the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation aren’t in the clear just yet. When interviewed in mid-August, Patton was hesitant to even talk about how well they were doing, in the same way you don’t say “no hitter” before a game is over. “That’s kind of our fear right now,” Patton said. “Things are this good. What are we missing? What are we not doing that we need to be doing?” Then, in early September, boll weevils were found in a 62-acre field south of McAllen, just miles from the Mexico border. Within a few days, more than 500 beetles were counted. The foundation is still trying to figure out how the infestation started. Patton hoped the numbers would taper off because it was just one field out of more than 6,000 that are monitored in the Valley, but after a few more days, the season’s count jumped to 2,111 boll weevils. “While this was a big disappointment, it shows how fast weevils can multiply and why we have to be diligent about every detail,” Patton said.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
U.S. Cotton Boll Weevils Eradicated To last Frontier In Texas The Washington Post
Facebook Is Warning 1 Million Users About Stolen Usernames Passwords The Indian Express
Facebook Is Warning 1 Million Users About Stolen Usernames Passwords The Indian Express
Facebook Is Warning 1 Million Users About Stolen Usernames, Passwords – The Indian Express https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/facebook-is-warning-1-million-users-about-stolen-usernames-passwords-the-indian-express/ Meta Platforms Inc. said it would notify roughly 1 million Facebook users that their account credentials may have been compromised due to security issues with apps downloaded from Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s software stores. The company announced Friday that it identified more than 400 malicious Android and iOS apps this year that target internet users in order to steal their login information. Meta said it informed both Apple and Google about the issue in order to facilitate removal of the apps. The apps worked by disguising themselves as photo editors, mobile games or health trackers, Facebook said. Apple said 45 of the 400 problematic apps were on its App Store and have been removed. Google removed all the malicious apps in question, a spokesperson said. “Cybercriminals know how popular these types of apps are, and they’ll use similar themes to trick people and steal their accounts and information,” said David Agranovich, director of global threat disruption at Meta. “If an app is promising something too good to be true, like unreleased features for another platform or social media site, chances are that it has ulterior motives.” A typical scam would unfold, for example, after a user downloaded one of the malicious apps. The app would require a Facebook login to work beyond basic functionality, thus tricking the user into providing their username and password. Users could then, for example, upload an edited photo to their Facebook account. But in the process, they unknowingly compromised their account by giving the author of the app access. Meta said it would be sharing tips with potential victims on how they can avoid being “re-compromised” by learning how to better spot problematic apps that pilfer credentials, whether for Facebook or other accounts. The malicious activity occurred off Meta systems, Agranovich said, adding that not all 1 million people necessarily had their passwords compromised.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Facebook Is Warning 1 Million Users About Stolen Usernames Passwords The Indian Express
A Man And A Murder Remembered Dallas Voice
A Man And A Murder Remembered Dallas Voice
A Man — And A Murder — Remembered – Dallas Voice https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/a-man-and-a-murder-remembered-dallas-voice/ Michael Robert with Lady Bird Johnson (Screenshot from HoustonLGBTHistory.org) The 1996 slaying of Michael Robert is back in the news as the man who admitted killing him is released, then sent back to prison DAVID WEBB | Contributing Writer davidwaynewebb@yahoo.com The tragic murder of a prominent South Texas gay activist 26 years ago has been brought back to the forefront for relatives and friends of the murdered man because of his killer’s continued criminal activity. Sean Keith Fey, 55, pleaded guilty to the bloody slaying in 1996 of Texas Human Rights Foundation board member Michael O’Bannon Robert but served only 19 years of his 35-year sentence. Now, however, Fey has landed back in prison after violating his parole with illegal drug activity. Fey was convicted on May 25 this year of possession of a controlled substance after police found the drugs on him during an arrest in 2021 on suspicion of making a terroristic threat in Guadalupe County. Fey was held in jail on the parole violation charge after his arrest until his transport to the Garza West Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Beeville on July 29. He now must serve an additional five-year sentence on the drug conviction. A marker honoring Michael O’Bannon Robert in the Robert family plot in Prairie View Cemetery in Aransas Pass (Photo from FindAGrave.com) Unless Fey is granted parole again, his release date will be May 23, 2036, when he will be 69 years old. Fey, who also went by the name of Shawn McClure, was a 29-year-old drifter when he met Robert, the owner of the Seahorse Inn in Port Aransas. The two developed a friendship and “maybe something more,” according to Robert’s first cousin, Andrea Heaberlin of San Marcos. They reportedly met at an LGBTQ function. The Seahorse Inn, which Robert had inherited from his romantic partner, Jack Cobb, after Cobb’s death in the early 1990s, became a popular vacation site for LGBTQ people and groups before Robert’s death. It was advertised in This Week in Texas and other gay publications. Cobb, a Dallas native who lived most of his life in Port Aransas, was a flamboyant opera lover who traveled the world and collected art and antiques, including a grand piano. He and Robert, a Port Aransas native, lived together for many years, often throwing lavish parties, before Cobb died of a heart attack in 1985 in Longview while traveling, Heaberlin said. “If you were invited to the Seahorse,” she said, “you went.” Lead up to a murder Heaberlin said that Robert and Fey, who had a girlfriend at the time, had a “falling out” soon after their relationship started, reportedly over Fey stealing from Robert. She described Fey’s behavior as “erratic.” Then in 1994 Robert filed charges against Fey for unauthorized use of Robert’s 1990 Cadillac and the theft of other items from his home. “Michael got rid of him and wouldn’t let him near the place for a time,” Heaberlin said of the incident. An ad for the Seahorse Inn that ran in This Week in Texas in 1996 (Screenshot taken from HoustonLGBTHistory.com) But Robert apparently ran into Fey again in 1996 and again allowed him to visit his home, Heaberlin said. He reportedly had told friends that Fey was a troubled person whom he was trying to help. “That very day he killed Michael,” Heaberlin said. “It was tragic, wanton and uncalled for. Michael made a mistake.” Fey pleaded guilty in February 1997 without making a statement in court about the murder. His lawyer then told Robert’s friends and relatives that Fey wanted them to know the murder was not planned and that “things got out of hand.” “That’s all I ever got, just that things got out of hand,” said Heaberlin, who attended the court appearance with her husband. Heaberlin said that Robert’s sister — Judith Robert, who died in 1997 — approved of the guilty plea in connection with the capital murder charge against Fey. Robert had only one other sibling, a brother who could not be reached for comment. Out of prison, then back in Heaberlin said that she was notified in 2016 when Fey was released, and that it did not surprise her because it is “standard procedure” when someone has served more than half of a sentence. Still, she said, “I wouldn’t have voted for it, but I don’t get a vote.” Heaberlin said she was surprised to learn that Fey had violated his parole and had been returned to prison. “You would think that someone who had been in prison for almost 20 years and got out would know better,” she said. “It was incredibly stupid.” Fey was released to supervision by the parole department in Nueces County, according to court records. He lived in Corpus Christi and in Seguin before his incarceration in the Guadalupe County Jail in March of 2021, according to an online search of his whereabouts. His first sign of a possible parole violation occurred in October of 2020 when he was charged with alleged criminal trespass in Bexar County, but that charge was dismissed. The aftermath of murder Robert’s body was found by the manager of the Seahorse Inn when the manager reported to work on Aug. 8, 1996. His death was attributed to bleeding from neck wounds thought to have been inflicted the previous night. Fey was arrested by Texas Rangers on Aug. 14, 1996, on the 1994 charge of unauthorized use of Robert’s vehicle that apparently was never withdrawn. After Robert’s murder, Fey apparently again stole his car and yet more items, and the car was found abandoned in Brownsville, leading authorities to suspect Fey had fled to Mexico. Heaberlin said that she was the executor of Robert’s estate, and she ran the hotel for a year until all legal matters were settled. Heaberlin sold the Seahorse Inn a year after Robert’s death to two women who changed the name to Belle’s Sea Inn. Belle’s Sea Inn is still in operation. “After it was sold, I never set foot on the place again,” Heaberlin said. “I never went back. I never wanted to see it again. There was too much trauma and heartbreak.” A life cut short In the 1960s and 1970s, Robert worked as a teacher in California, then he lived in London, England, before returning home to the Corpus Christi Bay Area. He had a bachelor’s degree in theater with a minor in English from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Robert did volunteer work for the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation and served Thanksgiving dinner to AIDS patients. An avid Democrat, Robert served as Nueces County Precinct 19 chairman in the early 1990s, and he ran unsuccessfully for Nueces County justice of the peace in Port Aransas in 1992. He also worked in the campaigns of Gov. Ann Richards and President Bill Clinton. If Robert had lived, he would be 77 today. “Michael was a kind and generous man, concerned about people’s welfare,” Heaberlin said of her cousin. “He did a lot of good. He was my best friend in the world. I loved him more than anybody else.”
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
A Man And A Murder Remembered Dallas Voice
Shining The Spotlight On Walt Disney Worlds Obscure Characters The DIS
Shining The Spotlight On Walt Disney Worlds Obscure Characters The DIS
Shining The Spotlight On Walt Disney World’s Obscure Characters – The DIS https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/shining-the-spotlight-on-walt-disney-worlds-obscure-characters-the-dis/ Disney parks have always been known for their legendary storytelling. Imagineers take every opportunity to sprinkle an extra dash of Disney magic in their work, whether Maximus’s hoofprints on the pavement, a whiff of banana rum on Pirates of the Caribbean, or a cast of fantastical characters inhabiting the Most Magical Place on Earth. These characters immerse us in magical stories and represent the wonder of Disney. While most of us are familiar with park icons like Figment or Orange Bird, there are many ensemble characters we often cast aside. These are a few of my favorite forgotten stars of Disney lore. Soarin’ Around the World is an attraction unlike any other. The invigorating fragrances and inspirational symphony make this attraction unique. Just as memorable is the ride’s sole character Patrick, who presents the most amusing safety spiel in all of Disney World; his speech is an integral, not to mention insanely quotable, part of the ride experience. Patrick Warburton plays this iconic character makes him all the more fun. Who wouldn’t want Kronk to be their chief flight attendant? Patrick is beloved in niche super-fan groups, but I still consider him an obscure character because he is noticeably absent from any Epcot branding or merchandise. I can only hope our favorite flight attendant gets his moment in the sun.  Splash Mountain is home to myriad whimsical creatures, ranging from a dapper roadrunner to sassy opossums. The gophers are my absolute favorite of all the critters who inhabit the Laughing Place. Although they are nameless, they never fail to make me smile. I especially love the gopher who pops out of the ceiling and squeals, “FSU!” which is not only a neat Easter egg for those who boast this university as their alma mater but also a hidden surprise for intrepid Disney fans to discover. Hopefully, Imagineers will find a clever way to incorporate these loveable creatures into the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.   Country Bear Jamboree always promises a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time with our favorite musical bruins. However, it is not Teddy Beara or Big Al I am recognizing today, but Sammy, the singing raccoon who lives in Henry’s top hat and happens to be my mom’s favorite character in the show. Although Sammy only boasts a single solo line at the show’s end, his endearing soprano and fluffy, striped tail add a sprinkle of whimsy to Country Bear Jamboree.   Speaking of classic Magic Kingdom shows, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is home to a flock of vibrant, talented birds and two comical macaws. Clyde and Claude, the parrots who welcome guests to the tropical serenade, don’t receive much praise, as their crooning counterparts overshadow them. However, their preshow is among the best in all four parks, and their fun banter guarantees a laugh, which is necessary on boiling days after hours of trudging in merciless humidity. Claude and Clyde, birdbrains though they may be, are the real stars of the Sunshine Pavilion.  Even though Spaceship Earth is among the more jaded attractions at Disney World, I still return to this attraction, again and again, to travel through the history of communication with Dame Judi Dench. Time travelers encounter many ancient figures who shaped our present on the journey, including a lute and violin player in the Renaissance’s midst. They may not be as legendary as the Phoenicians, but they deserve more than a passing glance. These aren’t any old animatronics; they are John and Patty from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress! Disney often recycles animatronic molds, which is how this pair came from their great, big, beautiful tomorrow to the vibrant past. The next time you ride Spaceship Earth, look for these musicians as they embrace the Renaissance spirit of art and progress. While these characters are easy to ignore, they deserve our appreciation nonetheless, for they help to create a foundation for the stories we love. What are your favorite obscure characters?
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Shining The Spotlight On Walt Disney Worlds Obscure Characters The DIS
US Hiring Stayed Solid In September As Employers Add 263000 69News WFMZ-TV
US Hiring Stayed Solid In September As Employers Add 263000 69News WFMZ-TV
US Hiring Stayed Solid In September As Employers Add 263000 – 69News WFMZ-TV https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/us-hiring-stayed-solid-in-september-as-employers-add-263000-69news-wfmz-tv/ WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers slowed their hiring in September but still added a solid 263,000 jobs — a dose of encouraging news that may mean the Federal Reserve’s drive to cool the job market and ease inflation is starting to make progress. Friday’s government report showed that last month’s job growth was down from 315,000 in August and that the unemployment rate fell from 3.7% to 3.5%, matching a half-century low. Keep scrolling to see 8 charts tracking the U.S. economy September’s slightly more moderate pace of hiring may be welcomed by the Fed, which is trying to restrain the economy enough to tame the worst inflation in four decades without causing a recession. Slower job growth would mean less pressure on employers to raise pay and pass those costs on to their customers through price increases — a recipe for high inflation. The US is expected to show an addition of 255,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7%, as investors await the latest payrolls report for clues on the Federal Reserve’s monetary-policy path. Michael McKee has a preview on Bloomberg Television. The public anxiety that has arisen over high prices and the prospect of a recession is also carrying political consequences as President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party struggles to maintain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. In its epic battle to rein in inflation, the Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate five times this year. It is aiming to slow economic growth enough to reduce annual price increases back toward its 2% target. It has a long way to go. In August, one key measure of year-over-year inflation, the consumer price index, amounted to 8.3%. And for now, consumer spending – the primary driver of the U.S. economy – is showing some resilience. In August, consumers spent a bit more than in July, a sign that the economy was holding up despite rising borrowing rates, violent swings in the stock market and inflated prices for food, rent and other essentials. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has warned bluntly that the inflation fight will “bring some pain,” notably in the form of layoffs and higher unemployment. Some economists remain hopeful that despite the persistent inflation pressures, the Fed will still manage to achieve a so-called soft landing: Slowing growth enough to tame inflation, without going so far as to tip the economy into recession. It’s a notoriously difficult task. And the Fed is trying to accomplish it at a perilous time. The global economy, weakened by food shortages and surging energy prices resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine, may be on the brink of recession. Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, warned Thursday that the IMF is downgrading its estimates for world economic growth by $4 trillion through 2026 and that “things are more likely to get worse before it gets better.” Powell and his colleagues on the Fed’s policymaking committee want to see signs that the abundance of available jobs — there’s currently an average of 1.7 openings for every unemployed American — will steadily decline. Some encouraging news came this week, when the Labor Department reported that job openings fell by 1.1 million in August to 10.1 million, the fewest since June 2021. Nick Bunker, head of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab, suggested that among the items on “the soft-landing flight checklist” is “a decline in job openings without a spike in the unemployment rate, and that’s what we’ve seen the last few months.” On the other hand, by any standard of history, openings remain extraordinarily high: In records dating to 2000, they had never topped 10 million in a month until last year. Economist Daniel Zhao of the jobs website Glassdoor argued that a single-minded focus on the job market might be overdone. Regardless of what happens with jobs and wages, Zhao suggested, the Fed’s policymakers won’t likely let up on their rate-hike campaign until they see proof that they’re actually hitting their target. “They want to see inflation slowing down,” he said. 8 charts tracking the US economy Interactive: U.S. unemployment rate Updated 10 min ago Interactive: Total U.S. job openings Updated Oct 4, 2022 Interactive: Change in consumer costs Updated Sep 13, 2022 Interactive: Change in Consumer Price Index Updated Sep 13, 2022 Interactive: Effective federal funds rate Updated Aug 5, 2022 Interactive: Change in number of U.S. workers Updated 10 min ago Interactive: Change in Personal Consumption Expenditures price index Updated Sep 30, 2022 Interactive: Change in retail sales Updated Sep 15, 2022
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
US Hiring Stayed Solid In September As Employers Add 263000 69News WFMZ-TV
Decrease In Physical Activity Linked With Increase In Sleep During The Retirement Transition Bel Marra Health
Decrease In Physical Activity Linked With Increase In Sleep During The Retirement Transition Bel Marra Health
Decrease In Physical Activity Linked With Increase In Sleep During The Retirement Transition – Bel Marra Health https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/decrease-in-physical-activity-linked-with-increase-in-sleep-during-the-retirement-transition-bel-marra-health/ Although retirement is often associated with newfound freedoms and opportunities, a recent study has shown that many retirees actually experience a significant decrease in physical activity and an increase in sleep. While there may be various reasons for this shift, it’s important to be mindful of the potential health implications. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle during retirement, it’s important to find ways to stay active and engaged. As we all know, there are only so many hours a day. So, when researchers from the University of Turku, Finland, began a study looking at behaviors in retirees, they found that increasing the time spent on one activity during the day inevitable lead to a decrease in at least one other. Their study used sensitive accelerometers and Compositional Data Analysis to study the simultaneous changes in daily behaviors. Activity behaviors were divided into different sections: sleeping, sedentary time, light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. When looking at people who retired, their sleep and sedentary behavior increased in relation to their physical activity and sedentary time. This change was found to be stronger in women than in men. “The decrease in the amount of physical activity is probably explained by the absence of activity related to work duties and commute to and from work when a person retires. These are replaced to some extent by sleep and, in the case manual workers, also sedentary time,” said primary author of the research article, Kristin Suorsa. Previous research has shown that replacing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with any other movement behavior may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Based on this new study, researchers believe that retiring people should aim to increase their amount of physical activity, particularly moderate-to-vigorous activity. Long periods of sedentary time should also be avoided, and sitting should be divided into shorter periods, with walking breaks taken frequently. Overall, it is vital to have a healthy balance of physical activity and good-quality sleep. In retirement, this ratio can get thrown off, so it is important to keep active and have a healthy sleep schedule. Promoting Optimal Sleep Sleep Sure Plus is an excellent way to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Decrease In Physical Activity Linked With Increase In Sleep During The Retirement Transition Bel Marra Health
Emergency Sports Betting Meeting Set For Friday NBC10 Boston
Emergency Sports Betting Meeting Set For Friday NBC10 Boston
Emergency Sports Betting Meeting Set For Friday – NBC10 Boston https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/emergency-sports-betting-meeting-set-for-friday-nbc10-boston/ The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is set to hold an emergency meeting Friday, after the group failed to come up with an agreement during a meeting Thursday that went on for more than eight hours. As of now, the start of sports betting in the Bay State is still very much in the air. The commission couldn’t come up with a timetable as to when sports betting would be rolled out during Thursday’s conversations. The Bay State’s gaming commission is meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday with a lengthy agenda. One of the ideas tossed around was having in-person betting launch before the Super Bowl, and mobile betting by the March Madness tournament. But nothing has been agreed or voted on yet. “This should be done in a responsible way, that gets us to the patrons but also maximizes the benefit but minimizes the harm,” Eileen O’Brien with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said. “I’m concerned about and I will say aggressive because I think this is an aggressive timeline.” The commission is under pressure to get legal sports betting up and running after the Legislature slow-walked the issue for years, but regulators have run into hurdles that have complicated their efforts in the nearly two months since Gov. Charlie Baker signed the betting law. Eager bettors are clamoring for action, and the commissioners have said they want to implement legal sports betting here without unnecessary delay but also without sacrificing their commitment to consumer protection and gaming integrity. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts. Local In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Commissioner Nakisha Skinner asked repeatedly why the commission was pursuing an “aggressive” timeline and indicated that she was not comfortable with compressing the process in the interest of time. “If this compressed timeline makes sense and it’s responsible, I’m all for it,” Skinner said. “I just need to understand the rationale for why there is being this compressed timeline advanced as opposed to a reasonable timeline by which the team can get this done.” Friday’s meeting is scheduled for noontime. State House News Service Contributed to This Report
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Emergency Sports Betting Meeting Set For Friday NBC10 Boston
Whats Deepfake Bruce Willis Doing In My Metaverse? WIRED
Whats Deepfake Bruce Willis Doing In My Metaverse? WIRED
What’s Deepfake Bruce Willis Doing In My Metaverse? – WIRED https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/whats-deepfake-bruce-willis-doing-in-my-metaverse-wired/ Hi, everyone. So now Elon wants to buy Twitter, allegedly to help him build X, “the everything” app. Sweet of him to name it after his kid. The Plain View For a couple days in late September, no one seemed clear on who owned Bruce Willis. The British newspaper The Telegraph claimed that the actor, who has retired because he suffers from aphasia, had digitally reincarnated his career by selling performance rights to a company called Deepcake, which used artificial intelligence technology to map Willis’ face onto another actor. Not long after, representatives of Willis said that the star of Die Hard had done no such thing and had no relationship with Deepcake, even though the company’s website had a complimentary quote from the star. The episode raises a lot of questions, not least the meaning of identity at a time when one’s image can be so easily faked. So I went to the source and spoke to Deepcake’s founders. The two-year-old startup from the former Soviet state of Georgia is the project of Ukrainian-born CEO Maria Chmir, a marketing executive, and head of machine learning Alex Notchenko, who has a doctorate in AI. Chmir told me that the company never claimed to own Willis’ future rights, but had a previous and mutually satisfying arrangement where Deepcake digitized his appearance in a 2021 ad for Megafon, a Russian cell network. The Willis ad is part of Deepcake’s game plan to serve customers who want to digitally clone humans. “We are one of the first on the market to be commercially successful in the field of legal deepfakes,” says Chmir. “But we don’t like this word. These are sort of replicas, or digital twins.” (I wondered why, if she wasn’t fond of the word, she named her company on a variation of it, but whatever.) How good is that technology? Let’s go to the tape. In the Megafon commercial, a person who is unmistakably Willis, even if you know it really is not, is among two hostages tied to a ship mast, next to a digital clock ticking down seconds before a bomb goes off. While the figure has Willis’ face, it doesn’t quite convey his trademark insouciance. And for some reason, this Willis has a different voice—a gruff bark that speaks Russian. Still, it looks like Willis—digitized and generated, Chmir says, by algorithms trained on 34,000 images from his earlier films. Chmir says that Willis was deepfaked because he wasn’t available to travel, but the process makes economic sense as well. While leasing an actor’s rights might be about 30 percent less than the usual appearance fee, she says, still bigger savings come from the lower costs of filming a cheap actor-double instead of a superstar, who requires first-class travel, a big trailer, and ridiculous demands in contract riders. But Deepcake isn’t just faking superstars. They recently did a job for an agricultural firm that wanted to make educational videos starring its in-house expert, a busy person not comfortable in front of a camera. With the subject’s permission, Deepcake converted video of an understudy in an exact duplicate. “We also cloned the voice for full similarity, of course,” Chmir says.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Whats Deepfake Bruce Willis Doing In My Metaverse? WIRED
App Army Assemble: Automatoys Does This Puzzler Recreate The Feeling Of Playing With Toy Mazes? Pocket Gamer
App Army Assemble: Automatoys Does This Puzzler Recreate The Feeling Of Playing With Toy Mazes? Pocket Gamer
App Army Assemble: Automatoys – “Does This Puzzler Recreate The Feeling Of Playing With Toy Mazes?” – Pocket Gamer https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/app-army-assemble-automatoys-does-this-puzzler-recreate-the-feeling-of-playing-with-toy-mazes-pocket-gamer/ Automatoys is a puzzle game that aims to emulate those mechanical toys where you navigate a ball around a series of traps. While it’s sure to create feelings of nostalgia in players of a certain age, does it manage to recreate the tactile side of enjoying this kind of toy? We handed the game over to our App Army to find out. Here’s what they said: Brian Wigington I have always loved gadgets and puzzle-y toys with multiple moving parts and such as well as mazes. Automatoys is a pretty good game with a neat, simple design for like-minded gamers. Your task is simple and straightforward. Get the little ball through various physical puzzles to the final destination without losing it. The controls are quite simple thankfully as most actions simply involve tapping the screen or tapping and holding to time things correctly. The levels are designed with a colourful palette filled with stairs, moving platforms, tilting puzzles, and almost pinball-like launching mechanisms. At first, I was a bit stressed since you are timed on how quickly you complete the level which I assume contributes to your stars earned. However, I learned to relax and simply get a feel for how the puzzles worked and the “flow” of each level. The game offers a decent but not too difficult challenge and I hope the developer adds more levels to make the game longer. The sounds and music and unobtrusive and decent if not stellar. If you like physics puzzlers then I say it is worth a try as I found myself completing 6 or 7 levels before making myself put it down to finish doing household chores. Oksana Ryan How to sum up this game? Great fun. I love puzzle games and this one didn’t disappoint. From the colourful graphics to the twisting, turning, and jumping, making this just a tad more difficult gameplay, it was a joy to play. It was perfect to just pick up and play and the controls were easy to master. There were occasions when timing was key but there has to be a challenge to make it worth playing. And no need to worry if things go awry because you can start over with the reset button. I don’t think there’s anything else to say about this game except that I’d definitely recommend it. Robert Maines Automatoys is a very well-presented puzzler where you guide your ball through an isometric maze to the exit. Of course, it’s more complicated than that as the path to the exit is full of obstacles that you must guide your ball past, some that will send you back to the beginning of the level if you mess up or make you start with a new ball. This is where the touch controls make the game frustrating at times as some obstacles are very finicky to get past using the touch screen. Not many levels, but getting three stars on every level is going to take time, gets a thumbs up from me. Bruno Ramalho Like going to a fair and finding one of those machines where you insert a coin, and then have to use a joystick to manipulate all kinds of levers and ramps to get the ball to the end, and win a prize. It really looks and feels real, and you just want to put another coin in the machine to get that ball to the end. Brilliant design, lovely graphics, a relaxing soundtrack, and 13 stress-free puzzles where you have to get the timing right and learn where the next trap is. The one which will send you back to the beginning. You can do it at your own pace, but if you want all three stars, you will have to be fast. And that’s something very exciting to get, try, again and again, not only to get to the end but to get there on the first run, not waiting one second for some platform or lever to turn. You can try the first 3 machines for free, but I’m sure you’ll want to try the other 10 for sure Jason Rosner The App Store is home to some of not only the best games on the market today, but also some of the most interesting, innovative, and creative ones. Take Automatoys for example. It’s a new puzzler with these imaginatively designed mechanical machines that you push, pull, twist, and turn to get a ball from start to finish. It all took me back to my childhood, reminding me of field trips to the museum of science. The challenge here is created by various obstacles that try their best to slow you down preventing you from getting a perfect 3 stars. However, there’s no real penalty for failing with the ability to instantly restart, which makes for a very enjoyable, stress-free experience. Automatoys seem purposefully designed for everyone to be able to enjoy. The graphics have nice bold colours which almost pop on screen with a very clean look, and the music fits the relaxed mood-changing tacks with each stage. While the game’s rather short, it’s all so lovingly crafted that it never takes anything away besides wanting more. I’d love to see the developer continue to add to what’s already here, something like a level editor where you could create and share would fit this perfectly. Mark Abukoff This is a very cool puzzle game, involving manoeuvring a little ball through all sorts of puzzles and devices to reach the goal, the end of the level. I really liked this game for its wonderfully inventive machines. It has a very real physical sense to it. It’s easy to be pulled into the idea that you’re manipulating a real puzzle. I was very pleased with that. I did find the controls sometimes not quite as sensitive as I wanted. I found myself having to swipe with a bit of force. But I generally made out pretty well, and if the controls were more sensitive, then precision (which is a must in this game) would have suffered. And I’ll admit to a bit of frustration a few times as a barely missed opening sent me back to the start. But that only gave me greater satisfaction in the end. All in all a very positive experience and a charming and inventive (if rather short) game. Kudos to the developer. Try the sample and get ready to download the full game. Sangeet Shukla Incredible representation of simple puzzle ideas and seeing how things are happening on the screen makes me feel like a small child. The puzzles are also sufficiently challenging where the game is too short, but give a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that you’ll remember for a long time. What is the App Army? The App Army is Pocket Gamer’s lovely community of mobile game experts. As often as possible, we ask them for their thoughts on the latest games and share them with you. To join, simply head over to either our Discord Channel or Facebook Group and request access by answering the three questions. We’ll then get you in right away.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
App Army Assemble: Automatoys Does This Puzzler Recreate The Feeling Of Playing With Toy Mazes? Pocket Gamer
First Mover Americas: Its Payrolls Day Again And Bitcoin Holds Tight Near $20K CoinDesk
First Mover Americas: Its Payrolls Day Again And Bitcoin Holds Tight Near $20K CoinDesk
First Mover Americas: It’s Payrolls Day Again, And Bitcoin Holds Tight Near $20K – CoinDesk https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/first-mover-americas-its-payrolls-day-again-and-bitcoin-holds-tight-near-20k-coindesk/ Lyllah Ledesma is a CoinDesk Markets reporter currently based in Europe. She holds bitcoin, ether and small amounts of other crypto assets. Omkar Godbole was a senior reporter on CoinDesk’s Markets team. This article originally appeared in First Mover, CoinDesk’s daily newsletter putting the latest moves in crypto markets in context. Subscribe to get it in your inbox every day. Bitcoin (BTC) dipped below the $20,000 mark Friday, down almost 1% on the day, as traders in both crypto and stock markets awaited September’s jobs report in the U.S. The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value has spent the last four months hovering around the $20,000 mark with little movement either side. “This could be really important for bitcoin that it has found a base around $20,000 that traders are seemingly comfortable with in these turbulent times,” wrote Craig Erlam, an analyst at OANDA, in a morning note. “It now looks like a very strong region of support that’s been reinforced with every test below.” Erlam said there could well be a case for this level forming a bottom for the cryptocurrency, but of course, another risk-off panic could put this theory to test. Ether (ETH) was also trading down on the day slightly, but has been slowly making its way back up after the post-Merge drop. A blockchain linked to the big crypto exchange Binance ordered a suspension on Thursday, after an estimated $100 million to $110 million in assets were moved off chain. BNB Chain, composed of BNB Beacon Chain and BNB Smart Chain, tweeted the suspension on BSC from its official account, later confirming that the activity stemmed from a “potential exploit.” Some $7 million of the total crypto has already been frozen. In the news, Citigroup’s director of blockchain and digital assets is leaving the U.S. bank to take a role at Six Digital Exchange, according to his LinkedIn page. A report from Morgan Stanley said the market for cryptocurrency exchange products continues to grow, a sign that institutional interest in the digital assets sector remains strong despite concerns of a crypto winter. Crypto lender Celsius’ top executives withdrew a little over $17 million in cryptocurrency between May and June 2022, right before the company suspended withdrawals and filed for bankruptcy, new court records show. Biggest Gainers Biggest Losers Sector classifications are provided via the Digital Asset Classification Standard (DACS), developed by CoinDesk Indices to provide a reliable, comprehensive and standardized classification system for digital assets. The CoinDesk Market Index (CMI) is a broad-based index designed to measure the market capitalization weighted performance of the digital asset market subject to minimum trading and exchange eligibility requirements. US Wage Growth May Be The Most Important Figure for Risk Assets An expected slowdown in the headline nonfarm payrolls (NFP) report may do little to bring relief to risk unless accompanied by a meaningful deceleration in the average hourly earnings. Sign up for First Mover, our daily newsletter putting the latest moves in crypto markets in context. By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk product updates, events and marketing and you agree to our terms of services and privacy policy. DISCLOSURE Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG . Lyllah Ledesma is a CoinDesk Markets reporter currently based in Europe. She holds bitcoin, ether and small amounts of other crypto assets. Omkar Godbole was a senior reporter on CoinDesk’s Markets team. Lyllah Ledesma is a CoinDesk Markets reporter currently based in Europe. She holds bitcoin, ether and small amounts of other crypto assets. Omkar Godbole was a senior reporter on CoinDesk’s Markets team.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
First Mover Americas: Its Payrolls Day Again And Bitcoin Holds Tight Near $20K CoinDesk
U.S. Accounting Rulemakers Pressed Overseas About Feds View Of Crypto Project Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting
U.S. Accounting Rulemakers Pressed Overseas About Feds View Of Crypto Project Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting
U.S. Accounting Rulemakers Pressed Overseas About Feds’ View Of Crypto Project – Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/u-s-accounting-rulemakers-pressed-overseas-about-feds-view-of-crypto-project-thomson-reuters-tax-accounting/ The FASB was asked during a joint discussion with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) whether the board “touched base” with the U.S. Federal Reserve about its project on cryptocurrencies, and “if not why.” “If you have, what was their reaction to [the FASB’s] project?” IASB member Bertrand Perrin asked at the Sept. 30, 2022, discussions. “Speaking of a large organization like the Fed – we didn’t to all of them but we certainly talked to our regular contacts and the office of the chief accountant is well aware of our project,” FASB Chair Richard Jones replied. “And we solicited their feedback as part of our project just like we do any stakeholder,” he said. “Our primary regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, is well aware of our project, our agenda outreach and the direction we’re heading.” And “the Feds, how did they react to the fact that you will address digital assets?” Perrin pressed. The FASB’s project is narrowly scoped purely to cryptocurrencies which would not include any fiat currencies effectively that were digitized, Jones explained. “But we have not gotten an official response from them in any way, that’s the benefit of our exposure draft – to the extent they feel strongly they’ll be able to provide us with a response,” he said. The question comes amid talks by the Federal Reserve about whether to pursue or implement a central bank digital currency, or CBDC, and its issuance of a related discussion paper in January for public comment. The Fed’s project however poses a different ballgame than cryptos because a CBDC would change the U.S. monetary system, a highly controversial topic. Cryptos on the other hand focus on Bitcoin, Ethereum and other tokens that may or may not be utilized. But some people have been confusing both. In May, the FASB added a project to its agenda to address the accounting for and disclosure of digital assets, but in August changed the project’s name to focus only on cryptocurrencies. Further, the board ruled that it will scope the guidance to address only fungible tokens, deemed to be intangible assets, secured by cryptography on a blockchain or distributed ledger, and do not provide the asset holder “with enforceable rights to or claims on underlying goods, services, or other assets.” (See New FASB Crypto Accounting Rules Will Tackle Certain Fungible Tokens Deemed ‘Intangible Assets’ in the Sept. 1, 2022, edition of Accounting & Compliance Alert.) The goal is to provide rules that better reflect the underlying economics of cryptos, enabling them to be reported at fair value so that both losses and gains can be recognized. The guidance is being developed in light of huge growth of the crypto market which bounced to nearly $1.7 trillion in late February 2022 from $338 billion in late October 2020, according to the discussions. Specifically, 801 filers were identified that used crypto terms in their filings, compared with 104 filers in 2020, a FASB staff member told the boards. Further, 515 distinct corporations and individuals filed disclosures about digital assets with the SEC between 2020 and 2022, compared to 74 filers in October 2020. “These actions generally suggest that the adoption of crypto assets by entities and individuals has expanded and is likely to continue to do so,” staff said. On the contrary, the IASB’s research held different findings and in April the board voted against adding a project, stressing that cryptocurrencies are not being pervasively used by most of the 140 jurisdictions that use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). (See IASB Votes Against Project on Crypto, Moving Instead on Intangibles, Cash Flows, Climate Risk in the April 28, 2022, edition of ACA.) A majority of the IASB said a project would still be too early, rules already exist under IFRS, and they do not want to get ahead of public policy about crypto as that is still unfolding. “I think the area for us is really ‘is there a deficiency at the moment?’ and we’ve come to the conclusion ‘no there isn’t,’” IASB Chair Andreas Barckow said. “We also did the pervasiveness exercise and we know that obviously in some jurisdictions the issue is of growing importance or has become pervasive, but on a global scale so far it hasn’t,” he said. Barckow said he was also mindful of what is happening in the regulatory space as the topic has been on “high alert” for the Financial Stability Board for the last three years. “So public policy is looking into this and the last thing I want to do is send out conflicting guidance with that – complementary of course is helpful but conflicting would be very, very dangerous,’ he said. “I realize – to Bertrand [Perrin]’s question – the remit of public policy is different to private policy but I think the two should obviously link up and should not be in conflict.” The IASB plans to study crypto rules under its broader research projects including the one on intangibles, which the board plans to take up in two years. “It might rightly fall into one of our two big projects,” said Barckow. “Because you could say this is an intangible asset for all the reasons you align in your paper, but it can also say it has areas of it’s like cash – it’s not fiat currency but it is used as if it was cash, it could be similar to cash, it’s electronic, it’s token whatever it is,” he said. “So I think that just shows we have to be clear as to what it is that we’re talking about and are all of these things meeting the same definition or not.” This article originally appeared in the October 5, 2022 edition of Accounting & Compliance Alert, available on Checkpoint. Get all the latest tax, accounting, audit, and corporate finance news with Checkpoint Edge. Sign up for a free 7-day trial today.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
U.S. Accounting Rulemakers Pressed Overseas About Feds View Of Crypto Project Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting
Binance-Linked Blockchain Hit By $570 Million Crypto Hack The Indian Express
Binance-Linked Blockchain Hit By $570 Million Crypto Hack The Indian Express
Binance-Linked Blockchain Hit By $570 Million Crypto Hack – The Indian Express https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/binance-linked-blockchain-hit-by-570-million-crypto-hack-the-indian-express/ A blockchain linked to Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has been hit by a $570 million hack, a Binance spokesperson said on Friday, the latest in a series of hacks to hit the crypto sector this year.Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said in a tweet that tokens were stolen from a blockchain “bridge” used in the BNB Chain, which was known as Binance Smart Chain until February. Blockchain bridges are tools used to transfer cryptocurrencies between different applications. Zhao said the hackers stole around $100 million worth of crypto. BNB Chain later said in a blog post that a total of 2 million of the cryptocurrency BNB – worth around $570 million – was withdrawn by the hacker. The Binance spokesperson said in emailed comments that “the majority” of the BNB remained in the hacker’s digital wallet address, while about $100 million worth was “unrecovered”. Blockchain bridges have increasingly become the target of thefts, which have long plagued the crypto sector. BNB Chain supports the BNB cryptocurrency, formerly known as Binance Coin, which is the world’s fifth-largest token with a market value of some $46 billion, according to CoinGecko data. Some $2 billion worth of cryptocurrency has been stolen in 13 different bridge hacks, mostly this year, crypto analytics firm Chainalysis said in August. In March, hackers stole around $615 million from Ronin Bridge, used to transfer crypto in and out of the game Axie Infinity, in one of the largest crypto heists on record. The United States linked North Korean hackers to the theft. BNB Chain suspended its blockchain for several hours before resuming at around 0630 GMT, it said in a tweet. It said in its blog post that BNB Chain was “able to stop the incident from spreading” by contacting the blockchain’s “validators,” – entities or individuals who verify blockchain transactions. BNB Chain said there are 44 validators across several different time zones, without giving further details. BNB Chain said it would introduce a new “governance mechanism” to counter future hacks, as well as to expand the number of validators. On the Binance website, BNB Chain is described as a “community-driven, open-sourced and decentralized ecosystem”.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Binance-Linked Blockchain Hit By $570 Million Crypto Hack The Indian Express
Former Prisoners Offer Training To Youth On How To End Hostilities On The Streets Post News Group
Former Prisoners Offer Training To Youth On How To End Hostilities On The Streets Post News Group
Former Prisoners Offer Training To Youth On How To End Hostilities On The Streets – Post News Group https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/former-prisoners-offer-training-to-youth-on-how-to-end-hostilities-on-the-streets-post-news-group/ By Ben Jealous There is always a new low for Trump Republicans. And that is pretty frightening. Take the latest exercise in lawlessness, dishonesty, and cruelty from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He chartered a plane to send dozens of mostly Venezuelan asylum seekers from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, an island community off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. He clearly was gleeful about the idea of sticking it to liberals and gloating about it on right-wing media. It wasn’t even an original idea. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had already been putting migrants on buses to cities like Wash., D.C., where they have been dropped off in front of Fox News and outside the Vice President’s residence—a giveaway that the purpose is publicity. The news of the DeSantis flight made it clear that he was exploiting vulnerable people for his own political advantage. And the more we learn, the worse it gets. A lawsuit filed on behalf of people deceived into taking the flight says the migrants were approached in San Antonio by people pretending to offer humanitarian assistance. They were promised that jobs, housing, and other assistance were waiting for them if they were willing to get on a plane. None of it was true. These vulnerable people were reportedly told lies about where they were going and given brochures with false information about help that would be waiting for them. Even worse, they may have unknowingly threatened their asylum claims by making it likely that they would miss court appointments scheduled far from where they had been flown. DeSantis and his henchmen hadn’t contacted government officials or nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts. It was a photo op. It was definitely political. And it was possibly illegal. The sheriff in Bexar County, Texas, has opened a criminal investigation into the false pretenses under which people were lured onto the planes. A lawsuit has been filed on the migrants’ behalf. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed DeSantis for “alerting Fox News and not city or state officials about a plan to abandon children fleeing communism,” calling it “a cruel, premeditated political stunt.” Of course, it’s not the first time that dishonorable politicians have exploited vulnerable people. In fact, racist white southerners who were resisting segregation in the early 1960s did almost the same thing to Black Americans 60 years ago. The Washington Post recently highlighted that history. A group of segregationists organized “Reverse Freedom Rides” in 1962 as retaliation for the Freedom Rides that carried civil rights activists throughout the South in 1961. According to the Post, “The plot was organized by white supremacist Citizens’ Councils in Arkansas, who bought radio ads and made fliers advertising the ‘opportunity’ to African Americans.” One Arkansas woman and nine of her children were dropped off on Cape Cod near the Kennedy family’s compound because she had been falsely told that Kennedy was going to greet them. Sounds awfully familiar, doesn’t it? Last year, journalist Adam Serwer published a book called “The Cruelty is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump’s America.” Serwer has made the point that Trump is a symptom, not the cause, of a cruel streak in American politics. There is a long history of backlash against progress, going back to the post-Reconstruction period in which white supremacists used violence to reverse the enfranchisement of Black people. DeSantis’s scheme to deceive, manipulate, and harm vulnerable people seeking asylum in our country is evidence that the cruelty wielded by Trump and embraced by so many of his followers will continue to poison our politics if Trump or DeSantis or someone of their ilk is the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. Recognizing this truth is important to understanding the work we have ahead of us. We must also recognize that the cruelty in our past and our present is not our whole story. Our story also includes good people in Hyannis in the 1960s and in Martha’s Vineyard this year who responded by mobilizing to welcome and support the arrivals. It includes the people of all colors and faiths who have repeatedly built movements to expand civil rights and promote human dignity, and who have given their time and treasure to elect political leaders who appeal to our national ideals rather than trash them. We should be outraged at the cruelty displayed by some of our leaders. Let us also be motivated, and optimistic, that we can out-organize and overcome them. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. A New York Times best-selling author, his next book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free”will be published by Harper Collins in December 2022.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Former Prisoners Offer Training To Youth On How To End Hostilities On The Streets Post News Group
These Are The 10 Best Hotels In The World According To Millions Of Tripadvisor Reviews PureWow
These Are The 10 Best Hotels In The World According To Millions Of Tripadvisor Reviews PureWow
These Are The 10 Best Hotels In The World, According To Millions Of Tripadvisor Reviews – PureWow https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/these-are-the-10-best-hotels-in-the-world-according-to-millions-of-tripadvisor-reviews-purewow/ These Are the 10 Best Hotels in the World, According to Millions of Tripadvisor Reviews PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here. We all love going on vacation. But with an onslaught of hotel options, deciding where to hunker down can damper the excitement of what promises to be an awesome trip. So how do you know what stays are worth your hard-earned OOO days (and dollars)? Turn to Tripadvisor. The online booking platform aggregates millions of current traveler ratings and reviews to come up with its annual list of the best hotels. Keep reading to see which properties, from family-friendly resorts to romantic retreats, around the world nabbed the top spots this year. Hotel Colline de France 2. Hotel Colline de France (Gramado, Brazil) Why Travelers Love It: romantic, family-friendly, warm hospitality Nightly Rate: from $245 Don’t let the name confuse you, the 34-key Hotel Colline de France is located in Brazil. Though, it certainly brings plenty of French charm and elegance to the lovely mountain town of Gramado in the country’s southernmost state. Suites are decked out with ornate furniture, crystal chandeliers, glimmering gold details, and L’Occitane toiletries. Guests rave about the personalized service and food at Bistrot L’Escoffier. It’s also well situated to take advantage of all the mountainside attractions  Ikos Aria 3. Ikos Aria (Kefalos, Greece) Why Travelers Love It:  white sand beach, family-friendly, warm hospitality  Nightly Rate: from $277 Some travelers love all-inclusive, while others loathe the all-your-can-eat atmosphere. Beloved for its mix of traditional Greek hospitality and polished, contemporary style, Ikos Aria promises to change your mind (or solidify your favoritism). Set on a stunning white sand beach overlooking crystal-clear water on the southwest coast of the Dodecanese island of Kos, the resort has three pools, seven restaurants and spacious suites. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine, go for a swim and savor delicious food. Romance Istanbul Hotel 4. Romance Istanbul Hotel (Istanbul, Turkey) Why Travelers Love It: romantic, warm hospitality, walkability Nightly Rate: from $170 Romance flourishes at the aptly named Romance Istanbul Hotel. Nestled in the wonderfully walkable heart of the old city, this beloved boutique gem is close to many historic landmarks, shops and cafés. Visitors report falling for the opulent Ottoman design that extends from the restaurant to the rooms, which feature comfy beds and glass-enclosed bathrooms. Guests also love the intimate boutique ambiance, complimentary breakfast buffet and personalized service. While the luxurious spa offers massages, hammam rituals and an indoor pool. The Omnia 5. The Omnia (Zermatt, Switzerland) Why Travelers Love It: spa, outdoor activities, mountain views, luxury  Nightly Rate: from $531 Built into the side of a mountain in the swish Swiss Alps destination of Zermatt, The Omnia—a high-altitude escape that exceeds every expectation—dazzles guests with its peerless views of snow-capped peaks, distinctly modern design and omnipresent sense of luxury. From the Bond-like cave entrance and welcome drinks to Michelin-class meals and blankets for the Matterhorn sunrise, every last detail is finished to perfection. There’s also an amazing wellness area with an indoor-outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, caldarium, whirlpool, and Aesop spa treatments.  Six Senses Laamu 7. Six Senses Laamu (Olhuveli Island, Maldives) Why Travelers Love It: luxury, beach, excellent service, snorkeling  Nightly Rate: Inquire for rates Six Senses Laamu embodies Maldivian barefoot luxury. The entire pristine Laamu Atoll property looks like a flawlessly filtered social media post with overwater bungalows, bright white sand and turquoise ocean (though, of course, it’s totally real). Guests are actually encouraged to go sans shoes to feel connected to the earth. The abundance of five-star restaurants and activities—from pampering treatments at the spa to snorkeling in the crystalline water teeming with marine life—truly can’t be beat.  Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort 8. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort (Hopkins, Belize) Why Travelers Love It: excellent service, outdoor activities, eco-concious  Nightly Rates: Inquire for rates Belize is a paradise for fans of outdoor activities and natural scenery. The eco-friendly Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort presents the ideal opportunity to experience the adventurous side of things in a wildly beautiful place with stellar service. Past guests really enjoyed getting certified at the PADI dive center and going on excursions to rainforest waterfalls. It’s also a superb setting for relaxation, whether that’s unwinding in your colorfully decorated private treehouse, wandering through the lush gardens or sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool.  Padma Resort Ubud 9. Padma Resort Ubud (Payangan, Indonesia) Why Travelers Love It: warm hospitality, jungle views, luxury  Nightly Rates: from $172 Tucked away in a verdant river valley overlooking the real-life version of the bamboo forests you’ve no doubt seen plastered all over social media, Padma Resort Ubud sets the bar really, really, really high. Rooms flaunt soaking tubs and balconies with jaw-dropping views of the lush landscape. The endlessly photogenic infinity swimming pool and yoga shala are true showstoppers. Despite it feeling like a remote gateway to Eden, you can hop on a motorbike and be in Bali’s cultural hub in half an hour.  Bless Hotel Madrid 10. Bless Hotel Madrid (Madrid, Spain) Why Travelers Love It: central location, walkability, luxury, design Nightly Rates: from $635 An upscale refuge amidst fashionable shops along the Golden Mile, Bless Hotel Madrid delights even the most discerning travelers (not an easy feat) with its privileged address in the posh Salamanca district and design that looks destined for the pages of a glossy magazine. Rooms are adorned with herringbone wood floors, velvet upholstered sofas and clawfoot tubs. Travelers also remark about the first-rate service and fantastic food. The rooftop with a pool, cabanas, cocktails and sweeps of the city is a whole vibe.  More Stories You’ll Love
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
These Are The 10 Best Hotels In The World According To Millions Of Tripadvisor Reviews PureWow
LIVE: Varanasi Court Asks Muslim Side To File Response By Oct 11 In Gyanvapi Row Hindustan Times
LIVE: Varanasi Court Asks Muslim Side To File Response By Oct 11 In Gyanvapi Row Hindustan Times
LIVE: Varanasi Court Asks Muslim Side To File Response By Oct 11 In Gyanvapi Row – Hindustan Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/live-varanasi-court-asks-muslim-side-to-file-response-by-oct-11-in-gyanvapi-row-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Oct 07, 2022 04:39 PM IST Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. Follow all the updates here: Oct 07, 2022 04:32 PM IST Delhi HC reserves order on AAP MLA Amanatullah’s plea challenging Delhi police order  Delhi High Court on Friday reserved order on the plea of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan challenging the Delhi police order declaring him a bad character, according to news agency ANI. Oct 07, 2022 04:13 PM IST RBI says e-rupee will bolster India’s digital economy, pilot launch soon Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday issued concept paper on digital currency and said will soon launch pilot e-rupee for specific use cases, according to news agency PTI.  Oct 07, 2022 04:09 PM IST Areas in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district receive fresh snowfall Nabi & Kuti villages and other areas along Om Parvat & Adi Kailash Yatra route in  Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh receive fresh snowfall. Oct 07, 2022 03:27 PM IST Uttarkashi Avalanche: 26 bodies recovered till now, search operation under for the remaining 3 trainees Totally, 26 bodies have been recovered till now in the Uttarkashi Avalanche that hit a team of mountaineering trainees and instructors from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) on Tuesday. The institute said in a statement that search and rescue operation is in progress for the remaining three trainees. Oct 07, 2022 02:45 PM IST Gyanvapi row: On plea over ‘carbon dating of Shivling’, Varanasi court asks Muslim side to file response by Oct 1 1 Gyanvapi mosque row: On plea over ‘carbon dating of Shivling’, Varanasi court asks Muslim side to file response by Oct 11 when matter would be heard next. Oct 07, 2022 02:35 PM IST Nobel Peace Prize 2022 awarded to Belarus human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski, and organisations from Russia, Ukraine amid war The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize to human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organisation Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties. Oct 07, 2022 02:19 PM IST 2 soldiers killed, 1 injured in T-90 tank barrel burst near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh; probe ordered 2 soldiers killed, 1 injured in T-90 tank barrel burst near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh; probe ordered Oct 07, 2022 01:59 PM IST 10-year-old from Gujarat youngest Mallakhamb player in National Games 2022 Oct 07, 2022 01:31 PM IST India’s ranks 34th in WEF’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index: Govt Oct 07, 2022 12:51 PM IST Sri Lanka crisis: Top court allows proceedings against former President Rajapaksa, others Sri Lanka’s top court has granted permission for proceedings against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, its former finance minister and two of its former central bank governors, the rights group – which filed the case seeking accountability for the island nation’s worst financial crisis in over 70 years said in a statement on Friday, as per Reuters. Oct 07, 2022 12:14 PM IST Maha govt allocates ₹513 cr for Diwali package scheme for 1.5 cr ration card holders Maharashtra government has issued a government resolution and allocated ₹513 crores for the Diwali package scheme for 1.5 crore ration card holders of the state, reported news agency ANI. Oct 07, 2022 11:39 AM IST Centre forms 9-member task force to monitor cheetahs introduced in Kuno National Park Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constitutes a 9-member task force for monitoring Cheetah introduction in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh and other suitable designated areas. Read more Oct 07, 2022 11:09 AM IST Stalker sets Jharkhand woman on fire for refusing to marry him A 19-year-old woman was battling for her life after a stalker allegedly barged into her home and set her afire in Jharkhand’s Dumka district late on Thursday for refusing to marry him, police said on Friday. Read more. Oct 07, 2022 10:41 AM IST Chief Justice of India UU Lalit asked by govt to name his successor: Sources The government has written to Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit to name his successor, sources said on Friday. Read more. Oct 07, 2022 10:21 AM IST MP principal suspended for construction of ‘mazar-like platform’ on campus A school principal has been suspended in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha over the alleged illegal construction of a “mazar-like platform” on campus, refusal to allow an idol of goddess Saraswati and stopping students from singing the national song and anthem. Read more. Oct 07, 2022 09:43 AM IST Rupee opens at record low against US dollar of 82.20/$ for the first time Rupee on Friday opened at a record low against US dollar of 82.20/$ for the first time. Oct 07, 2022 09:15 AM IST Excise policy case: ED raids in Delhi, Punjab In Delhi excise policy case, raids by Enforcement Directorate being carried out in national capital, Punjab, reports ANI. Read more. Oct 07, 2022 09:04 AM IST With 1,997 Covid fresh infections in last 24 hours, India’s daily tally down by 22% in a day India reported 1,997 fresh Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours taking the total registered cases to 4,46,06,460.  Oct 07, 2022 08:43 AM IST NCB seizes drugs worth ₹120 cr in international market from Mumbai godown: Reports Narcotics Control Bureau seized 50 kg mephedrone worth ₹120 cr in international market from Mumbai godown and has arrested two including former Air India pilot, reported news agency PTI quoting official. Oct 07, 2022 08:08 AM IST Karnataka: 9 booked for allegedly trespassing into madrasa and performing puja Karnataka’s Bidar police booked nine people for allegedly trespassing into Mahmud Gawan madrasa, a heritage site and performing puja during Dussehra festivities on Thursday. Members of Muslim community staged a protest. “The situation is under control,” Additional SP Mahesh Meghannavar told news agency ANI. Oct 07, 2022 07:34 AM IST Uttarkashi avalanche update: Death toll rises to 19 A total of 19 bodies have been recovered from the crevice and efforts will be made to bring the bodies to Matli helipad by Advanced Light Helicopter on Friday. Total 30 rescue teams have been deployed at the site, reported news agency ANI quoting Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar. Oct 07, 2022 07:06 AM IST Railways running 179 pairs of special trains till Chhath Puja to meet demand Easing festive travel for the passengers! To ensure convenience of the travellers & clear extra rush, Railways is running 2,269 trips of 179 special trains (in pairs) till Chhath Puja. Special Trains have been planned to connect major destinations across the country. pic.twitter.com/dXmmeAMx0T — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 5, 2022 Oct 07, 2022 06:37 AM IST National Lok Adalat to be held on November 12 National Lok Adalat will be held on November 12 across the country to dispose of pending cases through settlement, said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Oct 07, 2022 06:07 AM IST US President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession United States President Joe Biden has announced pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of marijuana possession under federal law – a step towards decriminalising the drug…read more. Oct 07, 2022 05:36 AM IST First native American woman reaches space as part of NASA’s Crew-5 mission Subscribe to our best newsletters ‘Drunk, abusive, harassed me’: Woman on MP train files FIR against 2 Cong MLAs Updated on Oct 07, 2022 04:25 PM IST In her complaint, the woman said the two, Satna MLA Sidharth Kushwaha and Kotma MLA, Suneel Saraf, were drunk, continuously used abusive language and one touched my shoulder and offered food. ‘They again touched me’ Satna MLA Sidharth Kushwah said the woman was travelling with a baby and he even offered his seat to her, and later their food. “I don’t know why she complained’, (File Image/Representative) Minor held for suspected role in May 9 Mohali rocket attack Published on Oct 07, 2022 03:33 PM IST On May 13, Punjab Police chief V K Bhawra blamed Babbar Khalsa International, local gangsters, and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence for the attack on Punjab Police’s intelligence wing headquarters ‘Misleading’: Centre rejects claims of National Health Accounts ‘inaccuracies’ Published on Oct 07, 2022 03:33 PM IST The government said such criticism is based on ‘flawed juxtaposition’ and ‘selective picking’ of data to further spacious argument. It added that formulations like ‘seems problematic/seems unlikely’ as the basis of a claim is nothing if not hypothetical disagreement. 2 army personnel killed, 1 hurt in T-90 tank barrel burst near Jhansi Updated on Oct 07, 2022 03:08 PM IST “During the Annual Firing at Babina Field Firing Ranges on 06 Oct 2022, a tank barrel burst took place. The tank was manned by a crew of three personnel. The crew was provided immediate medical aid and evacuated to Military Hospital Babina,” read an official statement issued on Friday. Chhattisgarh Armed Force constable dies by suicide Published on Oct 07, 2022 01:59 PM IST Bijapur SP Anjaneya Vaishnav said the constable was from Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and did not leave a note Gyanvapi row: Muslim side told to reply on shivling-carbon dating plea by Oct 11 Updated on Oct 07, 2022 03:33 PM IST Gyanvapi mosque row: The Varanasi...
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
LIVE: Varanasi Court Asks Muslim Side To File Response By Oct 11 In Gyanvapi Row Hindustan Times
Prevent Tuberculosis Through Clean And Healthy Lifestyle: Ministry ANTARA English
Prevent Tuberculosis Through Clean And Healthy Lifestyle: Ministry ANTARA English
Prevent Tuberculosis Through Clean And Healthy Lifestyle: Ministry – ANTARA English https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/prevent-tuberculosis-through-clean-and-healthy-lifestyle-ministry-antara-english/ Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture called on the public to prevent tuberculosis (TB) by practicing clean and healthy living behavior. “People need to implement clean and healthy living behavior to prevent various diseases, including tuberculosis,” the ministry’s deputy of coordination for health quality improvement and population development, Agus Suprapto, stated in Jakarta on Friday. Suprapto remarked that at this time, the government continued to intensify the TB control program through the find and treat until cured (TOSS) movement. “The TOSS TB movement is a form of campaign that aims to work together to find cases of tuberculosis,” he stated. Through this movement, the government continues to find as many TB cases as possible through active screening in the community to the correctional facility, he remarked. In addition, passive screening was conducted on those seeking treatment at health care facilities, he stated. Related news: Support WHO initiative to develop new TB vaccine: Indonesia “We hope that in future, the coverage will continue to be expanded through workplace screening and educational facilities,” Suprapto remarked. He noted that the TOSS movement also focused on handling people having come in close contact with TB sufferers. “After a TB case is found through screening and diagnosis, the next activity conducted in the TOSS movement is to take treatment until the patient recovers,” he remarked. Suprapto said the ministry also urges the entire community to play an active role in the success of the TOSS movement to accelerate the TB control program in the country. “In addition, we will continue to remind the public to always strengthen clean and healthy living behavior to reduce the risk of the TB disease spreading and transmitting. Please always maintain body immunity by eating healthy food and exercising regularly,” he affirmed. Related news: Ministry encouraging tuberculosis control acceleration
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Prevent Tuberculosis Through Clean And Healthy Lifestyle: Ministry ANTARA English
Expresso National And International Sports News Update At 1:30 Pm 7th October 2022 The Indian Express
Expresso National And International Sports News Update At 1:30 Pm 7th October 2022 The Indian Express
Expresso National And International Sports News Update At 1:30 Pm 7th October, 2022 – The Indian Express https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/expresso-national-and-international-sports-news-update-at-130-pm-7th-october-2022-the-indian-express/ Expresso National and International Sports News Update at 1:30 pm on 7th October, 2022 You are listening to the Expresso Sports Update. Here is the latest news from the world on Indian and International Sports brought to you by The Indian Express. “We begin today’s bulletin with news on cricket. From the clutches of defeat, Sanju Samson almost scripted a famous heist over South Africa. His 63-ball-86 not out, one of crisp shot-making, dragged India from a crevasse and filled them with hopes of a victory that had seemed beyond them for most of their chase. But just when it was his hour to seize the night, destiny turned cruel on him and he slipped into the night as a tragic hero, in a bizarrely thrilling match that South Africa bagged by nine runs. As gorgeous as his knock was, Sanju would reflect on this night with a tinge of regret. “ “Meanwhile, ​​India captain Shikhar Dhawan admitted that his team leaked too many runs in the death overs and fielded poorly, leading to the nine-run defeat to South Africa in the rain-hit first ODI. Opting to bowl in the rain-curtailed 40-over-a-side game, India had reduced South Africa to 110 for 4 in 22.4 overs but David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen powered the visitors to 249 for 4. While the Indian bowlers conceded 54 runs in the last five overs, the hosts were also guilty of dropping as many as four catches in the outfield. Dhawan said in the post-match presentation, “I thought 250 was too many runs. We leaked a few runs but this was a good learning experience for us” “ “Moving onto some news from football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is planning to hold the knock-out stages of the Santosh Trophy National Championships in Saudi Arabia early next year. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their Saudi Arabian counterparts to “study the possibility to stage the final stages of the Santosh Trophy” in the West Asian country in February 2023″. The AIFF said in a release, “The idea is to host the knockout phase of Santosh Trophy in select cities of Saudi to encourage State level players to dream big and also to connect the large Indian community in Saudi with Indian football” “ “In other news, Qatar has ordered most government employees to work from home during next month’s soccer World Cup while schools will have reduced hours two weeks before the tournament before shutting as the country prepares for a big influx of visitors. Qatar is the first Middle East country to stage the World Cup which kicks off on Nov. 20 with the final set for Dec. 18. It hopes the tournament will attract roughly 1.2 million visitors, or almost half of the conservative country’s population, posing a logistical and policing challenge. For this reason, the government said late on Wednesday that 80% of its workforce would be working from home between Nov. 1 and Dec. 19. “ “In some significant news, Megan Rapinoe said on Thursday she and her fellow U.S. women’s national team members are angry and exhausted in the wake of a scathing report into allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The independent investigation revealed player abuse within women’s professional soccer in the United States was systemic and that the NWSL and governing U.S. Soccer body failed to adequately protect players. Rapinoe said at Wembley Stadium, “It’s really sad to say, but in a way, I think we are used to having to deal with one thing or another,” The twice World Cup winner also singled out Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler.” “Next up, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi said in a conversation with Sebastián Vignolo that the 2022 Qatar World Cup will be his last. Messi said in the conversation, “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made,” He added, “I’m counting down the days until the World Cup. “The truth is, there’s a little anxiety, saying: ‘Well, we’re here, what’s going to happen? It’s my last one, how’s it going to go?’. On one hand, I can’t wait for it to arrive but I’m also desperate for it to go well,” “ “We end this bulletin with news from basketball, LeBron James made his post-retirement goals clear: He wants to own an NBA team, and he wants it in Las Vegas. James said, “I would love to bring a team here at some point,” addressing the reporters after scoring 23 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Phoenix Suns in a preseason game played Wednesday night in Las Vegas. And he addressed commissioner Adam Silver, who was not in Las Vegas, directly. He added, “He probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players, so I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.”” “You were listening to the Expresso Sports Update by The Indian Express. Ask your digital assistant device to play the latest sports news from the Indian Express to stay up to date with the most accurate and reliable updates in the world of Sports.” Click here to listen to yesterday’s sports update
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Expresso National And International Sports News Update At 1:30 Pm 7th October 2022 The Indian Express
How To Spot Someone From Deutsche Bank In The Metaverse EFinancialCareers
How To Spot Someone From Deutsche Bank In The Metaverse EFinancialCareers
How To Spot Someone From Deutsche Bank In The Metaverse – EFinancialCareers https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/how-to-spot-someone-from-deutsche-bank-in-the-metaverse-efinancialcareers/ If you have so far steered clear of the metaverse in the belief that it mostly appeals to teenagers in virtual reality headsets or middle-aged men masquerading as nubile young women, you might want to give it another go. Since you last looked, the metaverse has become quite the thing: companies are out there hiring chief metaverse officers and based on the average of the esteemed reckonings of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey & Co and Citi, the new digital playground will be worth $8 trillion in eight years’ time. Given that the metaverse is a bit like reality, but in a pixelated form without the full suite of sensory stimuli, it will inevitably contain bankers. How will you know them? Fortunately, Deutsche Bank’s newish report on the metaverse and its myriad market opportunities offers some pointers. The authors of the DB report have included the following helpful headshots of themselves IRL alongside their selves in the metaverse. There are definite similarities (hair colour), but for the most part, the metaverse selves are younger, fresher, cooler versions of their originals. While it might be difficult to extrapolate from this and assume that any young, cool, shiny-faced person in the metaverse is from Deutsche Bank’s digital assets team, it does seem reasonable to conceive that the metaverse will be a cool place for bankers to hang out because they’ll get to inhabit some hip alter egos. That’s not all. The authors of the Deutsche Bank report predict that people will be able to spend NFTs in the metaverse in a way that triggers purchases in reality (as per the example below). Financial intermediaries will be needed in the metaverse (PayPal, American Express and and Mastercard are there already). The metaverse is a “gamechanger” declared Deutsche Bank. M&A deals may one day be hatched there too, presumably by the cool guy in shades standing by the giant pixelated sneaker.   Click here to create a profile on eFinancialCareers. Make yourself visible to recruiters hiring for jobs where you can inhabit an alternate reality.  Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: sbutcher@efinancialcareers.com in the first instance. Whatsapp/Signal/Telegram also available (Telegram: @SarahButcher) Bear with us if you leave a comment at the bottom of this article: all our comments are moderated by human beings. Sometimes these humans might be asleep, or away from their desks, so it may take a while for your comment to appear. Eventually it will – unless it’s offensive or libelous (in which case it won’t.)
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
How To Spot Someone From Deutsche Bank In The Metaverse EFinancialCareers
What Is A Water-Cooled Computer And Should You Buy Or Build One? Gadget Bridge
What Is A Water-Cooled Computer And Should You Buy Or Build One? Gadget Bridge
What Is A Water-Cooled Computer And Should You Buy Or Build One? – Gadget Bridge https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/what-is-a-water-cooled-computer-and-should-you-buy-or-build-one-gadget-bridge/ Ensuring that your PC does not overheat is pivotal in maintaining its longevity and keeps the integral components free from the risk of permanent damage. Most computers come with multiple fans integrated within the cabinet and it is generally advised to place your PC in an area which is well-ventilated. Even though internal fans do a decent job of cooling down a PC, the processor still heats up while carrying out heavy tasks. A water-cooled PC is a great solution to this problem. Using water as a coolant, a water-cooled computer is able to dissipate a greater amount of heat fairly quickly and makes sure your PC can handle even the most rigorous tasks with relative ease. In this article, we explain what a water-cooled computer is, how it works, and whether you should build one.  Read Also: Amazing technology that is changing entertainment What is a Water-Cooled computer and how does it work? – Advertisement – A water-cooled computer or PC replaces the internal fans in a traditional PC with cooling pipes that use water to bring down the internal temperature of the computer. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than air, which means it is able to absorb a greater amount of heat. A water-cooled computer works similar to the cooling system within a car. Water runs through the cooling pipes across the components, absorbing heat along the way. The conduction of heat in a water-cooled PC takes place through water blocks made out of aluminium or copper. Much like a car, a water-cooled PC requires a liquid cooling pump to move the water within the cooling tubes. After that, the heated-up water ends up in a radiator where it is allowed to cool off before being pumped back in, forming a loop. Should you build a Water-Cooled PC? – Advertisement – While water-cooled computers are efficient in handling the high internal temperatures of a PC, they are also very appealing visually. The water blocks make a great sight, and the whole process looks amazing. Unsurprisingly, water-cooled computers take a lot of time, money, and effort to assemble. So, is it worth building? If you’re a casual to moderate PC user and do not demand an exorbitant level of performance from your PC, a water-cooled computer is not for you. Most air-cooled PCs do a decent job of cooling down the core components. If your computer is placed in a well-ventilated area, then you’re probably not going to face any major issues with overheating.  However, if you’re someone that puts their PC to the task by pushing its boundaries and getting the most out of its performance, you may want to look into a water-cooling unit for your machine. Not only will you be able to reduce overheating by a major factor, but a water-cooling unit will also get rid of the annoying noise that the internal fans create. Putting together a water-cooled computer can be an intensive task, requiring you to be extra careful while installing the cooling tubes. Any leaks can prove to be detrimental, and you need to make sure that the water does not come in direct contact with any PC component.  Read Also: What Do the Android Status Bar Symbols Mean? A full guide Conclusion Even though a water-cooled PC is bound to provide more efficient cooling, it may not outweigh the effort of putting it all together. With every passing year, air cooling solutions are getting better, and you may want to look into what the latest internal fans have to offer. However, if you’re a PC enthusiast and want to try out something new that looks appealing as well, building a water-cooled PC should definitely be on your list. – Advertisement –
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
What Is A Water-Cooled Computer And Should You Buy Or Build One? Gadget Bridge
XRP Price Prediction Can XRP Reach $10 By 2024? Cryptonews
XRP Price Prediction Can XRP Reach $10 By 2024? Cryptonews
XRP Price Prediction – Can XRP Reach $10 By 2024? – Cryptonews https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/xrp-price-prediction-can-xrp-reach-10-by-2024-cryptonews/ XRP continues to be a favorite for investors and traders and continues to be among the most traded coins by volume. Although volume in the last 24hrs was down 25% compared to the 24hrs before, XRP trails only Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the three-largest stablecoins (USDT, USDC, BUSD) with $1.7 billion in volume. Its short-term prospects could see the coin go as high as $0.60-$0.70 – as CryptoNews reported on Thursday – but it’s the coin’s long-term potential that has investors excited. As everyone in the crypto space knows, XRP’s parent company Ripple has been locked in a near two-year battle with the US Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC). Despite the long court case, XRP has remained in the top 10 by market cap given the strength of its underlying technical fundamentals. If Ripple wins its court case, it appears primed to be adopted on a mass scale at an institutional level – not only by businesses but even by central banks and governments.  A win in court would not only trigger mass adoption but mass investment into XRP that would see the coin go parabolic and likely beat its January 2018 all-time high of $3.84. Ripple winning SEC Court Case? It is impossible to know how the Ripple vs SEC court case will actually turn out, but there have been several hints in recent weeks and months that hint the case is going their way. At the end of September, a US District Judge, Analisa Torres, allowed Ripple to use comments made by former senior SEC employee William Hinman to be used in their case.  Hinman’s comments, made via email in 2018 while he was employed as the Corporation Finance Division Director, allegedly describe ether (ETH) as not a security as, like Bitcoin, it is “sufficiently decentralized.”  The SEC previously objected to the documents being used, citing that they are irrelevant to the case as they were made by a former employee and did not necessarily represent the views of the entire organization. Additionally, they asserted attorney-client privilege that protects internal speech communications.  The emails are a cornerstone of Ripple’s defense and critical evidence in their case to prove that XRP, like ETH, is not a security.  The judge allowing Ripple to use them was seen as a huge win for the crypto firm. The case is also edging closer to the finish line after both sides agreed to a summary judgment, meaning a verdict could be reached almost at any time – and almost certainly in the next 12 months. In mid-September Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also gave an interview to CNBC and appeared confident the judgment would go in his favor. He said: “You have to remember that 99.9% of XRP trading has nothing to do with Ripple the company. So when you talk about, okay XRP is a security, I go back to something I said years ago when they started: ‘A security of what company? Who is the owner?’  “I think it’s very clear there is no investment contract. If you get past the investment contract, which I think is hard, across the Howey Test, you have to meet all three prongs, and in the case of the XRP case, you can’t meet all three prongs for sure.  “And so we think that the judge will see that the law is very clear, we think that the facts are clear and that this is just a gross overreach of the SEC trying to wrest control of that uncertainty that has existed.” Garlinghouse added that future court cases will later come to be known as having to pass the ‘Ripple Test’, given this is the first of its kind and destined to be a landmark ruling on crypto regulation. “I think the ‘Ripple Test’ may be what we look at in the future. There are a lot of facts and circumstances that can be unique, but for Ripple, and what the SEC is trying to do, I do think it’s just the SEC trying to overreach the statute.” This week Ripple’s lawyers also blasted the SEC’s opposition to the I-Remit and TapJets motions to file amicus briefs.  Their motion read: “If the SEC cannot evaluate the veracity of such claims, then it had no business bringing this litigation in the first place.” Elon Musk Twitter Deal Good for XRP? Elon Musk reigniting his $44 billion Twitter deal is also seen as good news for XRP’s price by some. It is believed that Musk, a known crypto fan and the world’s richest man, will add tipping and payment functions to the social media site should he complete the landmark takeover. Dogecoin is expected to be the biggest beneficiary, given Musk’s long history with the meme coin, but some are predicting coins such as XRP will also benefit. CBDCs and Binance Support As Reuters reported on Thursday, financial messaging system SWIFT finished their eight months of testing for a global central bank digital currency (CBDC). SWIFT tested a number of different protocols that were unnamed, but XRP and its Ledger was considered to be one of them given its stature as a high-profile CBDC solution. Binance, the world’s largest centralized exchange, has continued to show support for XRP, with many taking that as a hint that Binance believes Ripple will win the court case. The exchange added XRP to its ‘Learn & Earn’ section and has also offered the token to its users as a Dual Investment. XRP Price Prediction Whether XRP ever reaches $1 or $10 is all dependent on the verdict of the court case vs the SEC. If Ripple loses it could almost signal the end of the protocol as a legitimate investment. However, should it win – and there are strong hints that it could – the price will see massive gains. Not only will a court win see retail investors and crypto enthusiasts flock to buy the coin, Ripple is also one of the best-placed projects to secure mass institutional adoption due to its underlying technical solutions. A court win not only secures that adoption because of Ripple’s fundamentals but also makes it the first crypto asset that is fully regulated by the US government and court system. That will only attract further investment from institutions who have previously shied away from adopting blockchain and Web3 technologies. A court case win means any price is on the table for XRP and it will certainly test all-time highs in the coming years. While XRP is a hugely appealing coin, diversification in any portfolio is key. Another project that will offer carbon credits and looks set for big gains in the coming months is IMPT, having secured more than $1 million of investment in just three days of presale.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
XRP Price Prediction Can XRP Reach $10 By 2024? Cryptonews
European Markets Mixed Ahead Of Key U.S. Jobs Report CNBC
European Markets Mixed Ahead Of Key U.S. Jobs Report CNBC
European Markets Mixed Ahead Of Key U.S. Jobs Report – CNBC https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/european-markets-mixed-ahead-of-key-u-s-jobs-report-cnbc/ European markets were mixed on Friday to round out a volatile week, as global investors await a key monthly jobs report out of the United States. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was fractionally higher by noon, with tech stocks falling 1.4% while oil and gas stocks gained 0.9%. The jobs report due at 1:30 p.m. London time is expected to show an increase in payrolls of 275,000 in September, with unemployment projected to remain steady at 3.7%, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones. The reading will likely influence the U.S. Federal Reserve‘s monetary policy decision in November. Markets in Asia-Pacific retreated on Friday, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index leading losses, while U.S. stock futures also pulled back slightly in early premarket trade. Major U.S. averages closed lower during regular trading on Thursday but are still on course for their best week since June 24. The Kremlin behaved ‘like a drug dealer’ over gas supplies, Polish PM says The Kremlin behaved “like a drug dealer,” Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told CNBC’s Charlotte Reed in an exclusive interview. “Initially the gas [from Russia] was supposed to be very cheap, but the real price of the gas we now know. The real price of the gas is also the blood of soldiers and people, children and women in Ukraine and the real price of gas is the current harsh winter coming in Europe,” he said. The Polish leader made the comments in Prague as 44 European leaders met to discuss the war in Ukraine and Europe’s energy crisis. It is the first meeting of a new group called the European Political Community. — Hannah Ward-Glenton Stocks on the move: Renault up 4%, AMS-Osram down 4% Renault shares gained 4.1% in early trade to lead the Stoxx 600, while at the bottom of the index, electronics company ams Osram fell 4.7%. – Elliot Smith CNBC Pro: Fund manager says oil is in a multi-year bull market – and names 3 stocks to cash in Oil is in a bull market that’s going to last for at least six years, according to fund manager Eric Nuttall. The partner and senior portfolio manager at Ninepoint Partners, which manages more than $8 billion in assets, named three stocks for investors to cash in. Pro subscribers can read more here. — Zavier Ong German industrial production falls in August German industrial output declined in August, the country’s Federal Statistical Office revealed Friday, as supply bottlenecks persisted due to the war in Ukraine and lingering pandemic-related distortions. Industrial production dropped by 0.8% month-on-month, below expectations for a 0.5% decline among analysts polled by Reuters. However, July’s monthly figure was revised up to 0% from its previous -0.3%. – Elliot Smith Credit Suisse to buy back $3 billion in debt, sell landmark hotel as credit fears persist One of the biggest challenges for Credit Suisse this quarter was litigation costs. Thi My Lien Nguyen | Bloomberg | Getty Images Troubled bank Credit Suisse offered to buy back up to 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.03 billion) of debt securities Friday, as it navigates a plunging share price and a rise in bets against its debt. The Swiss lender also confirmed that it is selling its famous Savoy Hotel in Zurich’s financial district, prompting some speculation that it is scrambling for liquidity. In a statement Friday regarding the offer to repurchase debt securities, Credit Suisse said: “The transactions are consistent with our proactive approach to managing our overall liability composition and optimizing interest expense and allow us to take advantage of market conditions to repurchase debt at attractive prices.” Read the full story here. Here are the opening calls Britain’s FTSE 100 is seen around 20 points lower at 6,977, Germany’s DAX is set to shed around 64 points to 12,407 and France’s CAC 40 is set to slip by around 18 points to 5,918. — Elliot Smith
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European Markets Mixed Ahead Of Key U.S. Jobs Report CNBC
Third Informal Focused Consultation In Relation To A New International Instrument On Pandemic Prevention Preparedness And Response: Intellectual Property Production And Transfer Of Technology And Know-How World Health Organization
Third Informal Focused Consultation In Relation To A New International Instrument On Pandemic Prevention Preparedness And Response: Intellectual Property Production And Transfer Of Technology And Know-How World Health Organization
Third Informal, Focused Consultation In Relation To A New International Instrument On Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness And Response: Intellectual Property, Production And Transfer Of Technology And Know-How – World Health Organization https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/third-informal-focused-consultation-in-relation-to-a-new-international-instrument-on-pandemic-prevention-preparedness-and-response-intellectual-property-production-and-transfer-of-technology-and-k/ Home/ Newsroom/ Events/ Detail/ Third informal, focused consultation in relation to a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response: intellectual property, production and transfer of technology and know-how At its second meeting, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (INB) decided that the INB Bureau would conduct informal, focused consultations (IFCs) with experts, open to all WHO Member States and relevant stakeholders, on selected key issues. All IFCs will be fully virtual, with interpretation in all WHO official languages. Each will be chaired by an INB Bureau Co-chair and will have two parts: an interactive, moderated roundtable between independent experts during which the moderator will ask questions and stimulate input from and dialogue between the experts; and a discussion and reflection session, for Member States and relevant stakeholders, where questions and reflections may be sent through email or the meeting “chat” function. Four IFCs have been scheduled. The third will focus on intellectual property, production and transfer of technology and know-how. Time and date: 14:00-17:00, 7 October 2022. Topics to be covered Research and development Patents and access to technology, including related know-how The role of TRIPS, compulsory licensing and IP waivers Production capacity and supply chain considerations Regulatory approvals during emergencies Chairs: Ms Precious Matsoso, INB Bureau Co-Chair and Mr Roland Driece, INB Bureau Co-Chair Moderator: Ms Emma Ross, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland   Participating experts External Richard Hatchett, CEO, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Carlos Correa, Executive Director of South Centre Padmashree Gehl Sampath, Fellow and Senior Advisor, Global Access in Action Program, Berkman Klein Center, Harvard University and Chair Person, Technical Advisory Group of COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (CTAP) Ellen ‘t Hoen, Director, Medicines Law & Policy / Global Health Law Fellow Law Faculty, University of Groningen, Netherlands Mojisera Adeyeye, Director-General National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Nigeria (NAFDAC), Nigeria Martin Harvey Allchurch, Head of International Affairs, European Medicines Agency WHO Secretariat Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant Director-General, Access to Medicines and Health Products Additional information Mindful of the informal nature of the IFCs and the goal of stimulating full and frank discussion, the following will apply to all IFC sessions: discussions at IFC sessions, including among participating experts, will in no way prejudice the positions of Member States or any other session participants; no comment or question presented by session participants, including Member States, during the IFCs, will imply a view or position of Member States or other session participants; and expert presentations will be provided solely for the consideration of Member States and will not themselves be sources of input to the Conceptual zero draft.
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Third Informal Focused Consultation In Relation To A New International Instrument On Pandemic Prevention Preparedness And Response: Intellectual Property Production And Transfer Of Technology And Know-How World Health Organization
Former Wrestler Sara Lee WWE Tough Enough Winner Dead At 30 KIRO Seattle
Former Wrestler Sara Lee WWE Tough Enough Winner Dead At 30 KIRO Seattle
Former Wrestler Sara Lee, WWE ‘Tough Enough’ Winner, Dead At 30 – KIRO Seattle https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/former-wrestler-sara-lee-wwe-tough-enough-winner-dead-at-30-kiro-seattle/ Sara Lee, who won a World Wrestling Entertainment reality series in 2015, has died, according to a statement from the former professional wrestler’s mother. She was 30. Read more trending news Lee’s mother, Teri Lee, shared the news of her daughter’s death in a Facebook post. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office in southern Texas also confirmed her death, E! Online reported. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our Sarah Weston has gone to be with Jesus,” Teri Lee wrote. “We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn.” No cause of death has been released. Lee, whose married name was Sara Ann Weston, won the WWE’s “Tough Enough Series.” The reality series run by the pro wrestling promotion determined who would receive a contract from the WWE, Fox News reported. She won the event with Bronson Matthews, whose real name is Josh Bredl. Sara Lee was married to former WWE wrestler Westin Blake, whose real name is Cory Weston, in 2017, E! Online reported. They are parents to two children. “I think my fans can kind of relate to me because I’m a normal girl,” Lee told the Midland Daily News newspaper in Midland, Michigan, after winning the competition, CNN reported. “I’ve just been myself.” According to the Daily News, Lee, who was born and raised in Hope, Michigan, was a 2010 graduate of Meridian High School in Sanford, where she competed on the track team. She also was a powerlifter, according to CNN. Lee initially wrestled under the name “Hope” before changing back to her real name, Fox News reported. She was assigned to NXT and trained at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. She wrestled in NXT until she was released in 2016. CNN has reached out to WWE for comment. “No tweet or amount of words can bring back this beautiful human, but all of my heart goes out to @TheWestinBlake & their family. Sara Lee will be missed greatly,” wrestler Chelsea Green tweeted. “The photo on the left is how I will always remember her — laughing, smiling, carefree.” No tweet or amount of words can bring back this beautiful human, but all of my heart goes out to @TheWestinBlake & their family. Sara Lee will be missed greatly. The photo on the left is how I will always remember her – laughing, smiling, carefree. pic.twitter.com/XLlLFXDOcF — CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) October 6, 2022 You were so good in so many ways. You loved your family and friends so much. you were so giving, warm and selfless. You made me giggle. No matter how long we went without seeing each other, we would always pick up right where we left. I love you Sara. pic.twitter.com/3VvySbd2AH — Nikki A.S.H (@WWENikkiASH) October 6, 2022 Heartbroken for the Weston Family. Sara Lee was one of the sweetest people I’ve met and her smile lit up a room. My love and hope for strength goes to Cory, and their three beautiful children. If able, please donate below. https://t.co/jxMH5KpPEj — Shawn Bennett (@BennettWWE) October 6, 2022 A GoFundMe page has been established for Lee’s family. ©2022 Cox Media Group
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Former Wrestler Sara Lee WWE Tough Enough Winner Dead At 30 KIRO Seattle
Sometimes You Have To Leave A Cruise: What To Know In Those Cases USA TODAY
Sometimes You Have To Leave A Cruise: What To Know In Those Cases USA TODAY
Sometimes You Have To Leave A Cruise: What To Know In Those Cases – USA TODAY https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/sometimes-you-have-to-leave-a-cruise-what-to-know-in-those-cases-usa-today/ Christopher Elliott  |  Special to USA TODAY Elaine Chan never had a choice about leaving her Holland America cruise early. She says the captain summoned her husband and her to his office while their ship was docked in Helsinki and accused them of assaulting a crew member.  “The captain gave us an envelope with tickets back to San Francisco,” remembers Chan, an accountant from San Jose. “He forced us to leave the cruise by 10 a.m. to catch our flight. If we did not leave on time, he said we would miss our flight. So we had no time to plead our case.” Chan says it was a case of mistaken identity. While they were disembarking the ship in St. Petersburg, Florid, she says another group of passengers argued with the crewmembers. But they weren’t part of the group.  Passengers leave cruises for all kinds of reasons – some voluntarily, some not. But with cruise season just getting started, it’s a good time to ask: Should I leave my cruise early? Also, what are my rights if someone makes you (forgive me!) walk the plank? Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn’t want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don’t tell anyone! Holland America would not talk about Chan’s case. But in an email to the couple, the cruise line said it had looked into her claim and found no reason to change its decision to expel them. It regretted that the outcome of its investigation “could not be more favorable.” It added, “We do hope you will continue to include Holland America Line in your travel plans.” I doubt they will. What demanding customers want: ‘Travelers have sky-high expectations for the trips’ Finding love on a cruise: These passengers took their vacation romances ashore Do lines have the right to kick you off a cruise? Let’s start with involuntary disembarkations like Chan’s. It turns out a cruise line has the right to kick you off a cruise, at least according to its ticket contract, the legal agreement between the passenger and cruise line. I have more details on your cruise rights in my free guide to taking a cruise. Holland America’s contract says the carrier may “disembark or refuse to embark you, confine you in a stateroom, quarantine you, restrain you …” Well, you get the idea.  Other cruise lines have similar policies. They basically give the company a broad right to remove you from a cruise any time and for any reason. They don’t even have to present you with any evidence of wrongdoing, which is what Chan said happened to her. Story continues below. I’ve dealt with dozens of other involuntary disembarkation cases as a consumer advocate. They are just as painful as Chan’s situation. I remember one woman who experienced kidney pain shortly after boarding a cruise to Mexico. Carnival asked her to leave the ship in Long Beach, California. Another woman was ejected from her Holland America cruise after her brain-damaged husband urinated into the swimming pool. True story. In each of these cases, the cruise line failed to refund the cruise until I asked about them. And that raises the most important issue when it comes to leaving a cruise: You probably won’t get any of your money back, even if you ask, and maybe – maybe! – if I ask. Book your tickets now: This isn’t the holiday travel season to procrastinate ‘Was it worth the risk? I don’t think so’: What it’s like to cruise with fewer COVID rules What to do when you leave a cruise early Before you get off the boat, talk to your cruise line. There are restrictions on transporting passengers under the Passenger Vessel Services Act that may result in fines to your cruise line. Also, it’s the polite thing to let a cruise line know you’re exiting your vacation early. So when should you consider leaving? ► When someone tells you. The Chans had to comply with the captain’s request. Plus, the cruise contract was clear about their obligation. Right or wrong, they had to leave the ship. ► When the service is sub-par. Ben Taylor and his wife exited their cruise in Barcelona, at its first port of call, after a series of misunderstandings. First, a casino employee claimed Taylor had been given too much money by the cashier, provoking a stressful and lengthy dispute. “Then we returned to our cabin to find it full of sewage water – not good at all but especially undesirable for my wife, who was pregnant at the time,” said Taylor, who writes a blog about working from home. NCL offered the couple a cruise credit, which they never used. “It was our first cruise and probably our last,” he added. ► When you have an emergency. That’s what Holly Haskins’ husband, Ben, did. She’d fallen ill just before the Royal Caribbean cruise but urged him to go on the planned vacation with his extended family anyway. “I became increasingly ill,” remembered Haskins, a grant writer from Lansdale, Pennsylvania. “He decided to leave the cruise on day four, in St. Thomas, and fly home. He told ship staff what was going on and they assisted him in disembarking and scheduling a flight. They were very helpful and kind.” ► If there’s a disruption of essential services. Under the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights, adopted by the major cruise lines, you have the right to disembark a docked ship if “essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard.” There are exceptions for safety and immigration requirements of the port. ► Some cruises are not meant to be finished. If you think you’re on one, remember to follow the laws and crewmember instructions. If the cruise line tries to push you off the ship, you can always fight for a refund once you’re on dry land. How to avoid an early cruise exit ► Ask yourself: Is a cruise right for you? If you’re prone to motion sickness or don’t like being confined to a vessel for days at a time, you might try an all-inclusive vacation on land instead. You’ll never have to worry about voluntarily leaving a cruise early – or being kicked off one. ► Research your cruise carefully. Cruises come in all shapes and sizes. Choose your floating vacation with care. For example, your average octogenarian might prefer the Caribbean to the Antarctic. And some theme cruises aren’t welcoming to younger guests. Shop around carefully. ► Hire an expert. A travel agent can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to the perfect cruise. Check the CLIA.org site for a qualified travel agent. Note: Agents take a commission, so they work for you. That means you can call or email your travel agent at any time for advice on leaving your cruise early. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
Sometimes You Have To Leave A Cruise: What To Know In Those Cases USA TODAY
AP Top Business News At 4:42 A.m. EDT WNYT NewsChannel 13
AP Top Business News At 4:42 A.m. EDT WNYT NewsChannel 13
AP Top Business News At 4:42 A.m. EDT – WNYT NewsChannel 13 https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-442-a-m-edt-wnyt-newschannel-13/ The station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public file is Maryann Ryan. She can be contacted at maryan@wnyt.com or 518-207-4880. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. © WNYT-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
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AP Top Business News At 4:42 A.m. EDT WNYT NewsChannel 13
6 Things Every Health Conscious Person Can Relate To ScoopWhoop
6 Things Every Health Conscious Person Can Relate To ScoopWhoop
6 Things Every Health Conscious Person Can Relate To – ScoopWhoop https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/6-things-every-health-conscious-person-can-relate-to-scoopwhoop/ In association with Coca-Cola India Trying to lead a healthy life is just a nightmare, especially if you’re living on your own. How can you expect me to say goodbye to my Monday momos and Tuesday tacos. And once you become health conscious you see the world differently. But while we have all been bidding goodbyes left right and centre, it’s not time yet to say goodbye to great taste! When it comes to conscious beverages, Coke Zero has literally been the OG for sometime now. And boy, are we thankful! The fitness journey is a tough journey, mate. We’ve all been there, or at least tried to get there. So crack open a health conscious beverage, (wink wink) and check out these 6 things every person health conscious will relate to.  1. Your sleep schedule is supposed to be Timotheé Chalamet! Perfect, I meant perfect! Your sleep schedule is the ultimate definition of perfection when you choose to live a fitter life. However, all the drama, parties, binge watching, and aimless scrolling seem too enticing to be missed. Wait, did you just miss another two hours of rest thinking about fixing your sleep? (It’s okay, really…)  2. You ask for Coke Zero everywhere you go.  To you, self indulgence is a trap to test your self control. Be it a cheesecake or a cornchip, you just struggle not go overboard with indulgence. (And your friends play the lead role in ruining your diet.) But with Coke Zero, you can indulge all you want in the great taste without a second thought and thus, that is all you ask for wherever you go.  3. All your math skills come from counting calories. Your friends might call you obsessed at this point and that’s okay. You spend an ungodly span of time calculating nutrition values. You’re slightly tired of it, aren’t you? The only thing you’re getting out of this, is the math skill. Because, well, everything is cake and you love it too much to resist.  4. You tend to try balancing your meals more than your life! A balanced diet is the key to a fit lifestyle and you know it. It gets really difficult when one has to practice eating healthy all the time though. It seems like you put all your energy into healthy eating and end up ordering a pizza for dinner. Well, at least there’s always a good old can of Coke Zero to balance the cheese out…  5. Movie night is a piece of ca…Kale chip for you! Recreation and snacks go hand in hand. But you just feel out of place with your sad pack of kale chips. So, while your friends gobble up tubs of cheese popcorn and milkshakes, you’re stuck with your pack of green goodness. (Life and its struggles get us big time, don’t they?)  6. Cheat day guilt is killing you. Do you run to your “effortlessly fit” friend everytime you cheat? Really, cheat day guilt is the worst nightmare and there’s no way out of it (except for ice-cream). And so, the loop of stressing over cheat days and cheating again to cope with stress proves to be the ultimate obstacle to you. (Hang in there bud, you’ve got this.)  Well, it takes quite a bit of effort to choose fitness over great food. All we can say is kudos to you for trying. Successful or not, your little steps towards fitness deserve a treat. And what better to give yourself a pat on the back than a refreshing can of Coke Zero? So health freak or not, you’ll always have the great taste of Coke Zero to sit back and enjoy!
·bexarcountynewsonline.com·
6 Things Every Health Conscious Person Can Relate To ScoopWhoop
Todays Birthdays | News Sports Jobs The Steubenville Herald-Star
Todays Birthdays | News Sports Jobs The Steubenville Herald-Star
Today’s Birthdays | News, Sports, Jobs – The Steubenville Herald-Star https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/todays-birthdays-news-sports-jobs-the-steubenville-herald-star-2/ Mary Clegg, Wheeling. Kristy Minor, Mingo Junction. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox Steubenville Police Stands out: A Maxwell Avenue resident told police she has a protection order against a woman … Mary Clegg, Wheeling. Kristy Minor, Mingo Junction. Brooke County Sheriff Arrested: Kevin L. Abbott, 50, 25 Etta Lane, Colliers, third-offense driving under the … The following marriages have been recorded in Jefferson County: Robert Michael Dyer and Karla Jean Riddle, both … Oct. 2 Robert Kendle, Smithfield. Oct. 3 Rita Bates, Brilliant. Oct. 6 Jennifer Jenkins, 40, Colliers. Brooke County Sheriff Arrested: Justin R. Bartley, 28, 1013 Third Ave., New Cumberland, driving while suspended …
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Todays Birthdays | News Sports Jobs The Steubenville Herald-Star
24 Hours In The Metaverse Version Of Facebook Was Surprisingly Fun The New York Times
24 Hours In The Metaverse Version Of Facebook Was Surprisingly Fun The New York Times
24 Hours In The Metaverse Version Of Facebook Was Surprisingly Fun – The New York Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/24-hours-in-the-metaverse-version-of-facebook-was-surprisingly-fun-the-new-york-times/ My two young daughters are both crying as I tell my husband that he’s on his own because I’m going to the metaverse. Shutting myself in my home office at 7 p.m. on a Friday, I put on Meta’s $399 virtual-reality headset: the Quest 2, a bulky, white visor loaded with all manner of cameras, microphones, speakers, eye displays and sensors. When I power it up, the cries of “I want Mama to do bedtime” fade away, replaced by the sounds of a gentle breeze and birds chirping. I am transported to a mountainside villa. I turn my head to gaze at a distant river and a golden sky dotted with hot-air balloons. This breathtaking spot (which I can change, like desktop wallpaper) is a glorified lobby, where I choose an app to load. I could meditate, cardio box or kill zombies, but I am here for Horizon Worlds, Meta’s V.R.-based social network, where at least 300,000 people hang out as cartoon versions of themselves, building virtual mansions, nightclubs, gardens and theaters — known as worlds. Video I choose a world with a four-story comedy club under a starry sky. When I enter, a man in a gray hoodie comes up to me. “Hello,” I say. He stares at me in reply, so I float away. Another avatar approaches me. He has a beard and a man bun, and wears a collared shirt unbuttoned to reveal a generous portion of his digital chest. “Kash Hill,” he says, reading the white card hanging above my head. “Can you speak French?” “I do not speak French,” I say. He shrugs and floats away. A baseball-capped avatar takes the stage and picks up the mic. “Want to hear a story about my school?” he asks in a youthful voice that suggests a tale of sixth-grade woes. “I do not want to hear this,” says someone who sounds as though he’s standing to my left, though I’m alone in my office. Horizon is “Meta’s universe in the metaverse,” said Vishal Shah, the executive in charge of “the spatial co-present version of the internet” that the company formerly known as Facebook has staked its future on. Meta has an impressive track record, fundamentally changing the way its nearly three billion users socialize, share information and waste time. Meta is estimated to have sold nearly 15 million metaverse-enabled headsets, and yet people remain skeptical of an immersive internet. Since Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive, announced last year that he planned to spend billions of dollars bringing the metaverse to the masses, the company’s stock price has plummeted. There is no shortage of skeptics mocking Meta’s plans, but how many of them have actually experienced the metaverse? I decided to try it out, defining, for my purposes, the metaverse as Horizon, Meta’s virtual platform for events, business meetings and user-constructed spaces. My goal was to visit at every hour of the day and night, all 24 of them at least once, to learn the ebbs and flows of Horizon and to meet the metaverse’s earliest adopters. I gave up television, books and a lot of sleep over the past few months to spend dozens of hours as an animated, floating, legless version of myself. I wanted to understand who was currently there and why, and whether the rest of us would ever want to join them. My Tribe: Parents With Young Kids One Saturday morning, my dog woke me up at a painfully early hour, whimpering to go outside. The rest of the family was sound asleep, so I pulled my headset on with hands that were out-of-control itchy thanks to a poisonous plant I had touched while weeding in the real-verse. I traveled to the Plaza, the social network’s brightly colored, central gathering place, where one can shoot hoops on a basketball court, climb treehouses, throw paper airplanes and play a floor piano’s rainbow keys — somewhat odd options for an app supposedly reserved for those 18 and older. Perhaps because I am not a gamer, the first thing that always struck me as I traveled from world to world in Horizon was the sound of other people: a child complaining about being made to eat, say, or someone coughing, which made me flinch even though the real-world germs were very far away. I moved around using a joystick on my hand controller. The first time I did this, I got motion sick and nearly fell over. I quickly realized that the metaverse was, with the exception of its games and exercise apps, best experienced sitting down. I chatted with some Brits who had only just been able to join Horizon. Meta released the social network in the United States and Canada last December and is slowly rolling it out to the rest of the world, much as Facebook did with college campuses in its early days. I met Shy Boogie, a gregarious single mom from Southern California, who was part of a big tribe in Horizon: parents who had once enjoyed going out but were now stuck at home with young kids. Shy Boogie got her headset in January and now visits Horizon regularly, where, she says, she’s met “cool people.” The only problem, she added, is the number of children who show up disrupting her time with other adults. As we spoke, avatars with childish voices kept interrupting us. “I’m using my mom’s headset,” one volunteered. Shy Boogie kept making other users uncomfortable by asking for too many details about their real-world lives. “Where you from?” she said to a mustachioed 17-year-old in a suit. “Oregon,” he said, after a pause. “Yeah, but what town?” she pressed. Meta forces Horizon users to design avatars that look like real people — no giant bananas or huge robots — and many people choose to look as they do in real life, but pseudonymity is still part of the appeal. 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. I, however, did use my real name and told people that I was a New York Times reporter who was recording my experience with a tool built into my headset. This P.O.V. camera was a little creepy, because it didn’t notify others when it was turned on. When I revealed I was recording, people would sometimes shout, “She’s a fed!” and run away. When Shy Boogie floated off for a private tête-à-tête with a male avatar who’d been flirting with her, I realized that my itchiness had disappeared. I knew that virtual reality therapy had been used to treat serious conditions, like trauma and chronic pain. In my case, the metaverse was far more effective than hydrocortisone cream. Night Owls Image Sam Ferrer, 25, an illustrator based in the New York metropolitan area, wears golden, owl-like spectacles just like her avatar, Lil Nihilist. She told me that the metaverse had helped her through a difficult time in her life. “If I never picked up a V.R. headset when I did, I might be dead now,” she said one night in the Plaza. Ms. Ferrer graduated from college at the beginning of the pandemic and moved across the country to where she had no friends. In December 2020, isolated and lonely, she walked into an Amazon 4-Star store and spontaneously bought a Quest 2. She started social networking in virtual reality almost every night, first on the apps AltSpace and vTime before moving to Horizon. “I like from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.,” she said, of when the metaverse is at its peak. She lies under a weighted blanket in her bed, with a snack and a drink, spending hours chatting with friends in Horizon. She plugs her headset into a wall outlet so that the battery doesn’t run out, ending the session when she is too tired to continue. This pattern is extremely common among the metaverse’s early adopters, who don’t want to be limited to the two hours allowed by the headset’s built-in battery. The World Health Organization says electromagnetic fields emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones do not pose a health risk. A Meta representative said the headset was safe to use while plugged in. Though I am not a night owl, and had to significantly alter my sleep schedule to go to the metaverse in the wee hours, that is when I had the most interesting conversations, with artists and technologists from across a wide sweep of time zones. Many of them were there for long hours at a time. A beret-wearing avatar named I Love My Cat expressed concern about how long people wore their headsets. She was a “community guide,” one of the many moderators hired by Meta to hang out in the Plaza, answer questions and enforce the company’s code of conduct. She took a break every hour or so during her eight-hour shift. “I was talking to someone once who had been on for more than 12 hours,” she told me. “I don’t know how they do it.” It’s easy to lose track of time in Horizon. Like a casino, there are no clocks on the walls. Ms. Ferrer said it was what she did now instead of watching TV or scrolling TikTok. Horizon’s cartoonish graphics have been widely mocked, but Ms. Ferrer likes the visual simplicity. Allowing users to shed the distractions of the physical world, Horizon offers a meeting of the minds, Ms. Ferrer said, and conversations get deep quickly. “It’s extremely refreshing to be talked to and to be seen for who I am versus how I look,” she said. “I’m mentally cautious about not making my whole life about it. I still go out to bars or whatever and meet people, but I always have this to come back to.” Horizon Worlds reminded me of the AOL chat rooms from my earliest days on the internet, in the 1990s — except h...
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24 Hours In The Metaverse Version Of Facebook Was Surprisingly Fun The New York Times
Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: Get As Much As 71% Off On Boys T-Shirts Hindustan Times
Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: Get As Much As 71% Off On Boys T-Shirts Hindustan Times
Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: Get As Much As 71% Off On Boys’ T-Shirts – Hindustan Times https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-t-shirts-hindustan-times/ Summary: Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: If you have young boys at home, you would know the pain (and the cost) of buying clothes every six-seven months as they outgrow them soon. Reason why you must check out this sale’s apparel section. Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: Time to buy t-shirts for your boys in bulk.  Young children outgrow clothes really fast. Ask a young parent what it is to see a perfectly decent garment grow short and tight and you will know what disappointment means. But that is the reality – children grow up fast and clothes don’t fit anymore. Hence, it is important to have fresh and lively and inexpensive options for parents to consider in the kids wear section. If you are a young parent, it is time to explore Amazon to get over this problem. Why? That’s because the e-commerce platform is holding to mega sale – Great Indian Festival Sale 2022. A whole host of products are part of the sale from gadgets and washing machines to clothes for men, women and children. We have curated a list of t-shirts for boys which, we think, you will find very interesting. These are colourful, made from skin-friendly fabric and affordable. Many of them come in packs of three and five. Take a look. Marvel By Kidsville Boys’ T-Shirt This is a pack of three and contains three colourful t-shirts in blue, black and red. These t-shirts for boys is available in 11 different colour and print combinations. You will find popular cartoon and fantasy themes on the t-shirt like Spiderman and Avengers. Made from 100% cotton fabric, it features ‘character prints’. They all have round neck. They have half sleeves and can be hand washed. You get a 55% discount on them. art-Fashiontiled-1Fashion’,’fashionMarvel By Kidsville Boys- T-Shirt Pack of 3 MC001_Multicolor_3-4 Years’,’1′), clickEventCDPAnalytics(‘https://www.hindustantimes.com/shop-now/fashion/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-tshirts-101665064945966.html’, ‘OFFERS’, ‘fashion’, ‘Marvel By Kidsville Boys T-Shirt Pack of 3 MC001_Multicolor_3-4 Years’, ‘809’, ‘B07XQV2XSY’)” rel=”sponsored” target=”_blank” Marvel By Kidsville Boys’ T-Shirt (Pack of 3) (MC001_Multicolor_3-4 Years) 55% off ₹ 809 ₹ 1,799 Max Boy’s Regular T-Shirt This is a pack of five t-shirts, meant for boys from the age group of two to three years and going up to seven to eight years. This set of five t-shirts is available in a six colour combinations. All are printed t-shirts and have attractive prints and slogans. These regular fit t-shirts come in gentle pastel colours while two of the lot are in primary colours of black and white. These t-shirts are 100% cotton garments. You get to save a cool 42%. art-Fashiontiled-2Fashion’,’fashionMax Boy-s Regular T-Shirt M21DBTAMZ3MULTI_Multi 3 4 Years’,’2′), clickEventCDPAnalytics(‘https://www.hindustantimes.com/shop-now/fashion/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-tshirts-101665064945966.html’, ‘OFFERS’, ‘fashion’, ‘Max Boys Regular T-Shirt M21DBTAMZ3MULTI_Multi 3 4 Years’, ‘554’, ‘B09C6BWT2B’)” rel=”sponsored” target=”_blank” Max Boy’s Regular T-Shirt (M21DBTAMZ3MULTI_Multi 3 4 Years) 42% off ₹ 554 ₹ 949 Allen Solly Junior Boys Polo This polo neck t-shirt is available in vast range of sizes, starting from two-three years and going up to 15 to 16 years. These t-shirts come in solid colours and you get a huge range in colours too – three shades of blue, orange, red, black, green, yellow and pink. These regular fit t-shirts can easily be machine washed. This garment is available at a discount of 39%. art-Fashiontiled-3Fashion’,’fashionAllen Solly Junior Boys- Plain Regular Fit T-Shirt AKBTS5182132_Blue_5-6 Years’,’3′), clickEventCDPAnalytics(‘https://www.hindustantimes.com/shop-now/fashion/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-tshirts-101665064945966.html’, ‘OFFERS’, ‘fashion’, ‘Allen Solly Junior Boys Plain Regular Fit T-Shirt AKBTS5182132_Blue_5-6 Years’, ‘588’, ‘B07HJRV1SS’)” rel=”sponsored” target=”_blank” Allen Solly Junior Boys’ Plain Regular Fit T-Shirt (AKBTS5182132_Blue_5-6 Years) 26% off ₹ 588 ₹ 799 T2F Boy’s Solid Regular fit T-Shirt Here’s a charming set of five t-shirts meant for boys starting from the age group of two to three years and going up to nine to 10 years. These t-shits are available in a range of dark and bright colours with sweet prints like stars, cactus, pineapples etc. This is a 100% cotton t-shirt and can easily be machine washed. It has a round neck and can easily be slipped in to. You get a 71% off on this product. art-Fashiontiled-4Fashion’,’fashionT2F Boy-s T-Shirt Pack of 5 TSRT5P02_Multicolor 1_3-4 Years’,’4′), clickEventCDPAnalytics(‘https://www.hindustantimes.com/shop-now/fashion/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-tshirts-101665064945966.html’, ‘OFFERS’, ‘fashion’, ‘T2F Boys T-Shirt Pack of 5 TSRT5P02_Multicolor 1_3-4 Years’, ‘529’, ‘B07TMMXP4L’)” rel=”sponsored” target=”_blank” T2F Boy’s T-Shirt (Pack of 5) (TSRT5P02_Multicolor 1_3-4 Years) 71% off ₹ 529 ₹ 1,800 T2F Boy’s Regular Fit T-Shirt Here’s another set of five t-shirts with fun prints on them. This set is available in five different colour combinations. These are half sleeves t-shirts and made using 100% cotton fabric. They are available for kids starting from the age group of two to three and go up to 13-14 years. These are fuss-free garments and can easily be machine washed. This set is available at a 36% discount. art-Fashiontiled-5Fashion’,’fashionT2F Boy-s Solid Regular Fit T-Shirt BYS-TSRT-02_Multicolor 2 5-6 Years’,’5′), clickEventCDPAnalytics(‘https://www.hindustantimes.com/shop-now/fashion/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-2022-get-as-much-as-71-off-on-boys-tshirts-101665064945966.html’, ‘OFFERS’, ‘fashion’, ‘T2F Boys Solid Regular Fit T-Shirt BYS-TSRT-02_Multicolor 2 5-6 Years’, ‘768’, ‘B08R7QMLVN’)” rel=”sponsored” target=”_blank” T2F Boy’s Solid Regular Fit T-Shirt (BYS-TSRT-02_Multicolor 2 5-6 Years) 36% off ₹ 768 ₹ 1,200 Price of t-shirts for boys at a glance: Product Price Marvel By Kidsville Boys’ T-Shirt ₹1,799.00 Max Boys Boys Printed Crew Neck T-Shirt ₹949.00 Allen Solly Junior Boys Polo ₹799.00 T2F Boy’s Solid Regular fit T-Shirt ₹1,800.00 T2F Boy’s Regular Fit T-Shirt ₹1,200.00 At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase.
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Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2022: Get As Much As 71% Off On Boys T-Shirts Hindustan Times
Victims Of Crypto And NFT Fraud Can Take Theft Loss Deductions Bloomberg Tax
Victims Of Crypto And NFT Fraud Can Take Theft Loss Deductions Bloomberg Tax
Victims Of Crypto And NFT Fraud Can Take Theft Loss Deductions – Bloomberg Tax https://bexarcountynewsonline.com/victims-of-crypto-and-nft-fraud-can-take-theft-loss-deductions-bloomberg-tax/ Bitcoin became a news sensation in 2017, when its value skyrocketed almost overnight to $20,000 per coin. A few years later, the non-fungible token also gained notoriety. Promoters of NFTs claimed that their uniqueness would turn them into collectibles, creating demand that would lead to a profit if they were later sold. Despite the potential and promises, many cryptocurrencies and NFTs have gone bust in recent months, with swaths of investors losing most, if not all, of the value. In some cases, the creators and promoters were simply unable to achieve the goals they promised. But others were scams in which the creators had no intention of repaying their investors and would disappear after taking the investors’ money, also known as rug pulls. While most crypto and NFT fraud victims will not get their investments back, they may be able to take advantage of tax benefits due to their losses. The most beneficial is the theft loss deduction, which can be used to offset ordinary income, although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has limited its use for personal losses. The IRS’ definitive guidance concerning the US tax treatment of cryptocurrency is in Notice 2014-21. It states that, in general, such currency is treated like property, so the price paid for the cryptocurrency becomes the cost basis. If it is later sold, there is a capital gain or loss on the transaction. This notice is likely to apply to NFT transactions as well. Unfortunately, some taxpayers will not be happy with taking a capital loss, as they may not have capital gains to offset the losses. They also may prefer to deduct the loss against their ordinary income, particularly if they are in a high tax bracket. Prior to 2018, losses due to theft could be deducted as an itemized deduction, but the TCJA limited the theft loss deduction to losses attributable to a federally declared disaster until 2025. Since cryptocurrencies have not been connected to a federally declared disaster, a taxpayer will not be able to claim a personal theft loss. There is a special exception for victims of Ponzi-type investment schemes. In 2009, the IRS published Revenue Ruling 2009-9 to provide tax relief to the victims of Bernie Madoff’s $64 billion Ponzi scheme. In this ruling, the IRS stated that if any money put into an investment account with the expectation of profit and is found to be fraudulent, any loss is considered a business theft loss and not a personal theft loss. Therefore, the personal theft loss limitation stated above does not apply. Finally, if the losses exceed the taxpayer’s income for the year, they are considered net operating losses and either can be carried forward to offset future income or carried back, which allows the taxpayer to claim a refund. To claim this special theft loss, the taxpayer can claim the theft loss as they normally would, as long as they meet the requirements of above revenue ruling. Alternatively, the taxpayer can use an optional safe harbor procedure outlined in Revenue Procedure 2009-20, which was released concurrently with the revenue ruling. To meet the safe harbor, the lead figure in the investment scheme must be charged (but not convicted) with criminal fraud, theft, or embezzlement, and the taxpayer must claim the theft loss on the year the criminal charges are filed. The losses claimed are limited to 95% of the losses if the taxpayer is not pursuing third-party recovery or 75% of the losses if they are pursuing third-party recovery. The loss amount is further deducted by any amounts actually recovered and reasonably likely to be recovered in the future. While the tax benefits can somewhat ease the financial pain of rug pull victims, not everyone will be able to claim the theft loss. Because the loss is an itemized deduction, the taxpayer must first ensure that their total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction for the year. For example, someone who has no large medical expenses, pays little state and local taxes, has no mortgage interest payments, and does not give to charity is not likely to be able to claim the theft loss. Assuming the taxpayer qualifies for the itemized deduction, the next question is whether they suffered a deductible theft loss. Theft is clear if the perpetrators are criminally charged with fraud or embezzlement, but was the taxpayer expecting a profit on their crypto or NFT transaction? And what about NFTs or cryptocurrencies that simply did not achieve the market value that the investor was expecting, even when the expected value was promised by the promoters? In Revenue Ruling 77-17, the IRS held that a theft loss deduction cannot be taken on the worthlessness or disposition of stock, even if the decline was due to fraudulent activities of the corporation’s officers and directors, because they did not have the specific intent to deprive the shareholder of money and property. A theft loss could be denied for the loss in value of a cryptocurrency or NFTs under similar circumstances. While the IRS’ theft loss guidance in 2009 applied mainly to the Madoff Ponzi scheme victims, it hasn’t been withdrawn. If the taxpayer purchased an NFT or cryptocurrency with an expectation of a profit in the future, they should be entitled to take the theft loss without the limitations imposed by the TCJA. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners. Author Information Steven Chung is a tax attorney in Los Angeles. He is also a weekly columnist at the legal blog Above the Law, where he writes about taxes, solo and small law firm practice, and managing student loans. We’d love to hear your smart, original take: Write for Us
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Victims Of Crypto And NFT Fraud Can Take Theft Loss Deductions Bloomberg Tax