Benton County News Now

Japanese Gaming Giant Konami To Launch Web3 And Metaverse Initiative – Cryptonews https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/japanese-gaming-giant-konami-to-launch-web3-and-metaverse-initiative-cryptonews/ Source: KONAMI Japanese video game giant Konami has announced plans to launch a marketplace for trading in-game NFTs, as well as a “wide range” of other Web3-related products and services.  The entertainment conglomerate also unveiled that it is looking to add new talent and will recruit a “wide range of talent for system construction and service development to provide new experiences such as Web3 and Metaverse,” Konami said in a Thursday blog post.  The gaming giant claimed that they have been researching how to integrate the latest innovations into games, adding that one of its main products will be a marketplace for trading in-game NFTs.  “We have been conducting research and development to incorporate the latest technology into games and contents, and plan to launch a service where players can trade their in-game NFTs (digital items) through a unique distribution platform using blockchain,” it stated. Konami mentioned that NFTs can be used for several purposes. While the innovation is primarily used to represent unique in-game items in entertainment, it can also represent fan tokens and tickets to events, allowing owners to interact with other services and communities.  Notably, this is not Konami’s first foray into the world of blockchain. Earlier this year, Konami celebrated the 35th anniversary of Castlevania by selling a collection of NFTs related to the franchise.  The majority of the collection was made up of GIFs of gameplay snippets from the first three Castlevania games on various home computers. The rest of the collection was renderings of in-game maps and art versions originally used in Castlevania: Circle of the Moon.  NFT Popularity At Record Lows It is worth noting that Konami’s bold bet on NFTs comes as the market for these digital tokens is experiencing its worst days ever. As reported, NFT trading volume has taken a major dive, plunging by nearly 100% from its all-time high in January this year. NFT trading volume dropped from $17 billion at the very beginning of the year to just $466 million in September, representing a drop of 97%. The plunge is in line with the broader market downturn and the global market rout, caused by the war in Europe, rising inflation, and poor central bank policies.  “The fading NFT mania is part of a wider, $2 trillion wipeout in the crypto sector as rapidly tightening monetary policy starves speculative assets of investment flows,” Bloomberg reported in late September.

Traders Divert Europe-Bound Diesel To The U.S. In Race To Re-Stock – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/traders-divert-europe-bound-diesel-to-the-u-s-in-race-to-re-stock-reuters/ LONDON, Oct 14 (Reuters) – Traders are diverting Europe-bound tankers carrying diesel to the U.S. East Coast as the two regions battle for supplies amid an acute shortage and soaring prices. At least two tankers carrying 90,000 tonnes of diesel and jet fuel are heading from Europe to the U.S. East Coast, according to traders and Refinitiv ship tracking data. The Thundercat, carrying a cargo of diesel from the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday changed its destination from the Dutch port of Rotterdam to the New York Harbour, according to shipping data. It is currently in the Mediterranean. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com And Proteus Jessica, currently in the Atlantic Ocean, has in recent days changed its destination to New York from the Southwald waiting area off the southeast coast of England. The 35,000 tonne tanker Hellas Tatiana has also been provisionally booked by Exxon Mobil to deliver diesel from France to the United States, according to shipping data. Diesel diversions Such diversions are rare as Europe, where refineries do not produce enough diesel to meet domestic demand, typically imports diesel from the United States as well as Asia and the Middle East. In recent weeks European diesel refining margins hit all-time highs amid weeks-long strikes at French refineries that have shut down over half of the country’s refining output and led to acute shortages at petrol stations. But at the same time, a sharp drop in U.S. diesel inventories has pushed prices and refining margins there higher, opening up opportunities, known as arbitrages, to import diesel from Europe to the U.S. East Coast. In the United States, political pressure is mounting for refiners to increase domestic inventories in the northeast, which are near multi-decade lows, ahead of winter. U.S exports of distillate fuel reached a record 1.76 million barrels in September, with more than 633,000 barrels of diesel sent to Northwestern Europe, according to Refinitiv data. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Ron Bousso; Editing by Kirsten Donovan Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Technological Innovation In Lisbon And Portugal – The Portugal News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/technological-innovation-in-lisbon-and-portugal-the-portugal-news/ Lisbon and the country of Portugal as a whole have become one of Europe’s biggest hubs in terms of tech companies and technological innovation. Some have made comparisons between Lisbon and Silicon Valley in California, USA. While there are some major differences between the two places, Lisbon is quickly becoming one of Europe’s major tech hubs. With such a vibrant and diverse startup scene, the city has become home to a growing number of talented people who are helping to shape the future. Why is Lisbon’s Tech Scene Booming? Lisbon’s tech scene really started to take off in 2016 when Web Summit moved from Dublin to Lisbon. The annual technology conference showcases some of the brightest minds in the industry and offers a place for people to learn more about the latest trends. While the decision to move from Dublin to Lisbon was originally a surprise to some, it showed that Lisbon is a city with a lot to offer. Tech startups were already commonplace in the city, but Web Summit helped bring more attention to Lisbon and Portugal as potential locations for growing businesses. Since then, many investors and business owners have been drawn to Lisbon, with the ideal climate, comparatively low cost of living and relaxed culture adding more reasons to set up here. In addition to this, English is a commonly spoken language, and there’s a wealth of talent already available to hire from. Many large corporations, including those in the fintech industry, have recently moved their offices to Portugal either completely or partially. Leading Portuguese fintech firms offer both innovative payment methods and online payment possibilities. One major example of this is Revolut, which launched a consumer operation in Lisbon in December 2021. More than 500,000 people in Portugal now use this banking service, and it shows the potential for Lisbon-based companies. Startup Support in Portugal Aside from being a very welcoming place to visit, Portugal also encourages entrepreneurship with a number of funds and startup support schemes. These initiatives have been set up to help develop the tech industry in Lisbon and Portugal, leading to greater job creation and a better economy. A 200 million euro fund was established by the Portuguese government in 2018 as an early-stage co-investment fund with venture capital funds. Another initiative for entrepreneurs is Startup Lisboa, which was established in 2011 by Bank Montepio, IAPMEI (the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), and the city of Lisbon. Businesses wishing to launch in Lisbon can get assistance from Startup Lisboa. The government also simplifies the taxes process for international investors. For instance, the non-habitual tax residency programme enables individuals who work in important businesses, such as the technology sector, to pay a flat tax rate of 20%. Additionally, those businesses are now excluded from paying taxes on their foreign-sourced income. Early-stage investments from angel investors and private capital funds are increasing as well. For instance, Portugal Ventures has made investments totalling €162 million since 2012. There is also Faber Ventures, which helps early-stage firms and tries to give entrepreneurs both financial support and operational and entrepreneurial expertise. The Next Stage of Tech in Lisbon With such a booming tech scene, Portugal could be home to some of Europe’s most exciting new tech companies in the next few years. Already, the country has seen the creation of several unicorn firms, whose valuation surpasses €1 billion. The world’s first market-leading, low-code software development system, OutSystems, was established in Lisbon in 2011 and was recently valued at $9.5 billion. Companies such as Might are helping Lisbon-based startups grow and expand their reach online using email and online marketing automation techniques. As the tech scene continues to develop, it offers new opportunities for other businesses based in Portugal and all over Europe.

How To Contact Your Local, State And National Legislators – Elizabethtown Bladen Journal https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/how-to-contact-your-local-state-and-national-legislators-elizabethtown-bladen-journal/ BLADEN COUNTY SCHOOLS Glenn C. McKoy, Board Member, District 1, 11680 Rosindale Road, Council, NC 28434. Gary Rhoda, Board Member, District 1, 615 South Hill Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 Roger Carroll, Board Member, District 2, 3656 Old Abbottsburg Road, Bladenboro, NC 28320. Curtis Timothy Benton, Board Member, District 2, P.O. Box 778, Bladenboro, NC 28320 Chris Clark, Board Member, District 3, 3036 Bull St., Garland, NC 28441. Dennis Edwards, Board Member, County-Wide. 25 Shell Dr., Elizabethtown, NC 28337 Vinston Rozier Sr., Board Chairman, County-Wide, 3006 NC Hwy 20, St. Pauls, 28384 BLADEN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Ray Britt, chairman, at-large, Phone: 910 862-5587, Cellphone: 910 876-1341. Email: bladencountycomissioner@yahoo.com . Rodney Hester, vice chairman, District 2, PO Box 925, Bladenboro, NC 28320, Email: krhester97@gmail.com, Phone: 910 876-7329 Charles Ray Peterson, immediate past chair, District 2, 18068 NC Hwy 242 S., Bladenboro, NC 28320. Email: cpeterson@bladenco.org, Phone: 910-648-4506, Cellphone: 910-876-0297, Mark Gillespie, commissioner, at-large, 302 Della St. Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Phone: 910-862-3098. Arthur A. Bullock. commissioner, District 1, 3295 Peanut Plant Road, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Email: abullock1951@gmail.com. Phone: 910-645-4995. Cellphone: 910-876-7905. G. Michael Cogdell, commissioner, at-large, 2990 Martin Luther King Dr., Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Email: mcogdell@bladenco.org. Phone: 910-645-6877. Cellphone: 910-874-7017. Dr. Danny Ellis, commissioner, District 3, 1710 Greenwood St. Elizabethtown, NC 28337, Email: dellis@bladenco.org. Phone: 910 876-0811. Cameron McGill, commissioner, District 3. 66 Azalea Lane, White Lake, NC 28337. Email: pastorcam74@gmail.com. Phone: 910 872-1726. Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins, commissioner, District 1. PO Box 265, Riegelwood, NC 28456. Email: munngoins@gmail.com. Phone: (910) 655-1611. Cellphone: (910) 549-8034. NC Representative Representative William Brisson, R-Dist. 22, 300 N. Salisbury St., Rm. 405. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925. Mailing Address: PO Box 531. Dublin, NC 28332. Phone: 919-733-5772. Email: William.Brisson@ncleg.gov. NC Senate Senator Bill Rabon. R- District 8. Mailing Address: 16 W. Jones Street, Rm. 2010, Raleigh, NC 27601. Office Phone: 919-733-5963. Member’s Email: Bill.Rabon@ncleg.gov. UNITED STATES U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, 310 New Bern Ave. Suite 122, Raleigh, NC 27601, 919-856-4630, or 113 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-6342 U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, 217 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-3154. U.S. Rep David Rouzer, R-North Carolina 7th District, 2333 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-2731. U.S. Pres. Joe Biden, Comments: 202-456-1111, Switchboard: 202-456-1414, e-mail: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/. The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20500.

How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Tulum, Mexico – HuffPost https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/how-to-take-the-ultimate-vacation-in-tulum-mexico-huffpost/ Take A Break is your ultimate guide to the perfect trips to recharge, rediscover yourself and your relationships, and reengage with the world. We’ll cover shopping stops, great bars, restaurants worth your money, photo opportunities, memorable drives and experiences, and other important details you need before you book. Below, we chat with Caroline Bologna, senior travel and culture reporter at HuffPost, about why you’ll want to put Tulum on your bucket list. What drew you to Tulum as a place to visit or explore? Tulum has become an extremely popular tourist destination over the past 10 or so years, so I was familiar with the lush green landscape and beautiful beaches from social media and travel publications. When a friend decided to celebrate his 30th birthday in Mexico and ultimately selected Tulum, I jumped at the opportunity to visit the Yucatán Peninsula’s famous Riviera Maya. I even flew down a couple of days early so that I could explore a bit on my own. What are the best times of year to visit? I went in early December, and it felt like the perfect time to visit. The weather was perfectly warm, not too hot, and other than one rainy afternoon, there was pure sunshine. I’ve read that late October through mid-December is an ideal time for visiting Tulum, as it’s less crowded just before peak season ― which runs from late December through March. Hurricane season runs from mid-summer until early fall, so you might want to avoid those months. What’s your best tip for getting there? How can you make the travel as stress-free as possible? Probably the most common way to reach Tulum from the United States is to fly to Cancun International Airport and then take a shuttle, taxi or rental car for a roughly one hour and 40-minute drive. Make sure you arrive with pesos to make the payment process simpler and avoid high exchange rates or ATM fees. I found the arrival process simple enough, though flying back out of the airport was a bit more chaotic. I recommend arriving with plenty of time before your departing flight so that you can navigate each step without any added stress. Caroline Bologna/HuffPost From left to right: the beach at sunset, Palma Central, view from the room at Aloft. Where do you recommend staying when you go? My trip was split between a rental property on the beach and Aloft Tulum near the city center. As much as I enjoyed the easy access to the water, the hotel portion was particularly nice because it was an easy walk or bike ride into town, and I loved exploring the local shops and eateries. Aloft also had its own rooftop bar, which was a nice way to close out the evenings. If you’re looking to stay by the beach, however, you’ve got ample options. In addition to rental properties, there are a number of hotels, including The Beach Tulum, Las Palmas Maya, Sanara Tulum, Mezzanine and Olas Tulum. What are your go-to restaurants or foods to eat while you’re there? Everything I ate in Tulum was delicious. The dining options range from casual roadside stands to more upscale restaurants like Hartwood and Arca. I tried delicious tacos at Taqueria Honorio, ceviche at El Camello Jr., burritos at Burrito Amor, smoothie bowls at Raw Love and pastries at Italdo Pasteleria. What bars or entertainment spots do you make sure to hit? What’s good to drink there or what else should people know? Tulum has a vibrant bar and club scene. I love trying new cocktails, so I went to Batey to try their famous mojitos. Other drink stops included El Grifo and Casa Jaguar. Gitano is another popular Tulum nightlife spot, and although I’d been to the one in New York, it was still nice to check out the original location. Caroline Bologna/HuffPost From left to right: a starter at Arca, ceviche at El Camello Jr. and tacos at Taqueria Honorio. What are your favorite shops and what do you look for when you’re there? I found wonderful souvenirs at Mixik, World by Hand, La Tiendita and Auras. People love Josa for dresses. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it’s nice to explore all the shops along the jungle-shaded road in the hotel zone. There are lots of wonderful handcrafted wares, apparel and more. What’s your single favorite spot to go for photos and why? My favorite spot to take photos was the Tulum archaeological zone. The Mayan ruins were tremendously impressive and interesting to walk around. And it’s hard to beat the beautiful coastal views there. What tourist attraction should people skip and what should they do instead? I’m always in favor of taking advantage of what is unique about a destination, so I try to avoid places that exist elsewhere. With that in mind, I’d recommend passing on chain clubs and restaurants like Bagatelle in favor of more local fare. Where do you feel the most relaxed, calm or happy? Maybe it’s cliché, but there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on a scenic beach, especially around sunrise or sunset. Tulum is a popular destination for beach yoga, so you can even amplify the relaxation factor during your beach time. What scenic spots do you recommend checking out? Tulum’s cenotes are world-famous for good reason. With their crystal clear water and limestone formations, these natural sinkholes are stunning places to swim, snorkel, dive or even just admire from dry footing. Additionally, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nature park just south of Tulum, which makes for a beautiful boating excursion one day during your visit. Caroline Bologna/HuffPost From left to right: Mayan ruins, Raw Love and Christmas decorations going up in the town center. What’s one thing you make sure to pack if you’re going and why? I recommend packing reef-friendly sunscreen. Tulum is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, and traditional chemical sunscreens have been shown to cause severe damage to coral reefs, so best to steer clear. Make sure to bring pesos so you’re prepared to pay in the local currency without being charged premium exchange rates. ATMs are not in abundant supply either. What are some specific planning tips to know before you go so you’re not stressed? It’s understandable if you want to visit Tulum during the summer for better hotel rates, fewer crowds, and better restaurant availability. But understand that you’ll be there during hurricane season. Try to make refundable bookings and be prepared for potential disruptions in plans. What surprised you about Tulum when you went the first time? I was surprised by the prices compared to other parts of Mexico. Tulum is not necessarily inexpensive. Taxis and certain restaurants and activities can be pricy. Consider renting a bike to get around for cheaper. Anything else visitors should know? Tulum has become a popular tourist destination, but don’t forget you’re on sacred and historic lands. Be considerate of the local community and environment by recycling, avoiding single-use plastics, respecting the wildlife and following all rules in place to preserve and protect the beauty of Tulum. %

How Can Property Investors Sidestep A Downturn? – Scottish Business News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/how-can-property-investors-sidestep-a-downturn-scottish-business-news/ THE latest research by Alliance Fund, the end-to-end real estate fund, has revealed that the nation’s property investors have benefitted substantially from the increasing value of new homes in the last decade, but with a potential market downturn looming, how can they safeguard against the uncertainty that lies ahead?  Alliance Fund analysed new-build property values over the last decade across the UK property market, as well as how the price of a new home compares to existing market stock.  The research shows that, even after adjusting for inflation, the average new-build property has increased by 22.1% in the last year, up 62.4% in the last decade.  The largest annual increase has been enjoyed across the South West, where new-build homes are now commanding 26.7% more than they were just a year ago. However, it’s the East of England that has seen the best new-build performance over the last 10 years, with the average new home commanding 82.6% more than it did in 2012 even after adjusting for inflation.  What’s more, while house prices have been increasing across the board, the research by Alliance Fund also shows that the price premium paid on new-build homes has also been increasing. A decade ago, the average new-build commanded a 21.2% house price premium versus the average cost of an existing property. Today, this new-build house price premium sits at 37.3%, meaning the gap has widened by 16.1% between the new-build and existing market when it comes to the market price achieved.  In fact, the price gap between the new and existing market has increased by 11.6% in the last year alone, demonstrating the continued strength of the new-build sector even when the market as a whole is performing well.  But with many forecasting a turbulent time ahead for the UK property market, will the new-build sector be standing as firmly over the coming months and what does it mean for those investing in the nation’s new housing stock?  CEO of Alliance Fund, Iain Crawford, commented: “With many mortgage lenders moving to reduce the level of products available to homebuyers, it certainly seems as though we’re seeing the first signs of a declining market and this is sure to dampen the high rates of house price growth seen across both the existing and new-build sectors.  For those investing in the delivery of new housing stock via the traditional model this is sure to come as quite a concern, as a reduction in buyer demand means less homes sold and those that do sell are likely to go for a lower market value.  This is the reality of operating in a cyclical market such as the new-build sector where property values are vulnerable to the wider economic landscape and can decline in uncertain times.  However, this is something we’ve looked to safeguard against at Alliance Fund, so that we aren’t adversely hit by a perceived deterioration in market health.  In a market where there are less buyers and more renters, we simply retain a larger proportion of our current portfolio and leverage it within the rental market. In doing so, we maintain a strong and consistent cash flow, avoid a hefty capital gains tax bill and we can access funds to redeem shareholders where needed.  This approach is not only more tax efficient, but in times of market instability we are also able to acquire at a lower cost. With rental values remaining robust, this also helps improve the yields we secure and the returns we can bring to our investors. So while the current outlook may be a worrying one for many within the property investment bubble, there’s certainly no reason that a market downturn should cause said bubble to burst, as there are plenty of opportunities to pivot with the changing face of the property market.”

FREE Support To Live A Healthier Life – North Somerset Council https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/free-support-to-live-a-healthier-life-north-somerset-council/ Free, personalised support to improve health and wellbeing is now available to adults living in Weston-super-Mare and nearby villages, thanks to a partnership between North Somerset Council and Pier Health Primary Care Network (PCN). Five new Healthy Lifestyle Advisors have recently been recruited by the council’s Public Health team, partly funded by Pier Health PCN. They are on hand to provide 12 weeks of free support to help people form healthier habits and reach healthy lifestyle goals, as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. Residents are being offered tailored support to get active, eat well, lose weight and stop smoking. Guidance provided to residents is personalised and follows evidence and best practice guidance from official health bodies. The 12-week support is client-focused, non-judgmental and free. It can be given in a one-to-one or group setting, face to face at the Town Hall, over the phone or via video call. It is available to anyone who is aged 18 and over, and who lives in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding villages. Residents in those areas can request support by completing the simple online health MOT available on the Better Health North Somerset website at www.betterhealthns.co.uk. Practitioners supporting local residents can also refer people for support via the practitioner page at www.betterhealthns.co.uk/practitioners. More than 400 people have already completed a health MOT since the website went live in the summer. The five new recruits join an existing team who already offer heathy lifestyle support to people across North Somerset. More information about the help available can be found on the Better Health North Somerset website which is full of advice, tips and real stories from other North Somerset residents who have been supported by the team. Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and executive member with responsibility for health, said: “We’re a council that cares and wants to empower people and communities to live healthy, happy lives. Our Healthy Lifestyle Advisors play a vital role in supporting people to make healthy choices and form new habits to improve both physical and mental health. “I’m delighted that with this part funding from Pier Health Primary Care Network, the team of advisors has grown and will be able to offer 12 weeks of free, tailored support to people living in and around Weston. This is such an important service, particularly at a time when cost of living is increasing, and people may be worried about how they can afford to live more healthily. “This support is free, it’s personalised and it’s there for you to use, so please visit the Better Health North Somerset website or get in touch with the team and find out how they can help you.” For help and support to lead a healthier lifestyle go to www.betterhealthns.co.uk People can also contact the Healthy Lifestyles team for support by calling 01934 427 661 or emailing healthylifestyles@n-somerset.gov.uk. The photograph shows Carmen, a Healthy Lifestyle Advisor who’s been helping North Somerset residents live healthier lifestyles for six years, welcoming the newest recruits who’ll be working in and around Weston. From left to right Aleks, Naomi, James, Carmen, Alexis and Lucilla.

Sports Look | News, Sports, Jobs – Marquette Mining Journal https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sports-look-news-sports-jobs-marquette-mining-journal-2/ Subject to change ——————- Today ——————- High school volleyball L’Anse at Dollar Bay, 6:30 p.m. ——————- High school football Iron Mountain at Ishpeming, 7 p.m. Midland at Marquette, 7 p.m. Bark River-Harris at Westwood, 7 p.m. West Iron County at Gwinn, 7 p.m. — CANCELED Negaunee at Houghton, 7 p.m. L’Anse at Manistique, 7 p.m. Munising at Cedarville, 7 p.m. Superior Central at Engadine, 7 p.m. Newberry at Pickford, 7 p.m. ——————- NMU sports Women’s soccer: vs. Purdue Northwest, NMU Soccer Field, 1 p.m. Men’s soccer: vs. Davenport, NMU Soccer Field, 3 p.m. Hockey: at Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., 7:30 p.m. Volleyball: at Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover, opponent, site & time TBA ——————- Saturday ——————- High school boys soccer Upper Peninsula Tournament, at Kaufman Sports Complex, Marquette: Houghton vs. Iron Mountain, 10 a.m.; Bayside Soccer Club (Escanaba) vs. Houghton JV, 10 a.m.; Negaunee Soccer Club vs. Copper Country Christian, 10 a.m.; Marquette vs. Houghton-IM winner, 11:30 a.m.; Sault Ste. Marie vs. Kingsford, 11:30 a.m.; other games at 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; championship games, 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. ——————- High school volleyball Negaunee, Ishpeming, Westwood, Gwinn, Houghton, Calumet, Hancock, West Iron County at West PAC Tournament, Iron Mountain, 10 a.m. EDT Manistique at Inland Lakes Tournament, Indian River, time TBA ——————- High school cross country Munising, Newberry, Manistique at Rudyard Autumn Classic, 10 or 11:30 a.m. ——————- NMU sports Football: at Michigan Tech, Houghton, 1 p.m. Volleyball: at Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover, opponent, site & time TBA Women’s & men’s golf: at Davenport Panther Invitational, at Davenport, Augusta, time TBA ——————- Sunday ——————- NMU sports Women’s soccer: vs. Wisconsin-Parkside, NMU Soccer Field, 1 p.m. Men’s soccer: vs. Purdue Northwest, NMU Soccer Field, 3 p.m. Hockey: at Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., 5 p.m. Women’s & men’s golf: at Davenport Panther Invitational, at Davenport, Augusta, time TBA ——————- Monday ——————- High school cross country Newberry at Eastern U.P. Conference meet #3, Pickford, 3 p.m. Negaunee, Ishpeming, Westwood, Gwinn, Manistique at Mid-Peninsula Conference Championships, at Al Quaal Recreation Area, Ishpeming, 4 p.m. Superior Central at North Central meet, time TBA ——————- High school volleyball Negaunee, Ishpeming, Westwood at WIN Meet, Westwood, 5 p.m. Gladstone at Manistique, 7 p.m. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Elizabeth Banks And Archer Roose Sort Of Experience New Bubbly Rosé In The Metaverse | LBBOnline – Little Black Book – LBBonline https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/elizabeth-banks-and-archer-roose-sort-of-experience-new-bubbly-rose-in-the-metaverse-lbbonline-little-black-book-lbbonline/ Tongue in cheek spot from Colossus sees Elizabeth experience the ‘metaverse’ through a pair of sunglasses While every brand is racing toward the new technological playground known as the metaverse, Archer Roose Wines has decided to take a different approach – one that embraces that many consumers are actually confused about what the metaverse actually is.  With the release of a new spot, co-owner and chief creative officer Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, etc.), attempts to experience Archer Roose’s new varietal, Bubbly Rosé, in the metaverse. But Elizabeth is confused and mistakes a pair of sunglasses for a VR headset, resulting in her experiencing nothing more than the real world – only at a slightly darker tint.  Created by Archer Roose’s agency of record, Colossus, this tongue-in-cheek video is designed to reinforce the notion that Archer Roose is a product best enjoyed in the real world with real-world people enjoying real-world experiences.  “You’re seeing every brand race to have a presence on the metaverse,” says Elizabeth, “but a lot of consumers don’t really understand what that means. As a brand, there’s an opportunity to connect and laugh with consumers and say, “Don’t worry, you’re not alone.” Archer Roose has poked fun at marketing conventions in the past, introducing their partnership with Elizabeth Banks with a video called ‘Uninvited Guest.’ In it, Elizabeth Banks simply showed up at the CEO’s house and wouldn’t leave, forcibly making herself the brand spokesperson. Archer Roose also launched a rewards program by offering free poisonous snakes to consumers, only to eventually replace the program with an actual, reptile-free one.  “We love technology and innovation. But as a wine brand, what we love is bringing people together,” says Marian Leitner, CEO of Archer Roose, “here in the real world, telling stories, eating great food and drinking delicious wine. So, having some fun with the metaverse was easy for us.”  “Plus,” says Greg Almeida, ECD at Colossus, “it’s pretty hard for your avatar to know how delicious this wine really is.”  Archer Roose is a women-owned and -operated company. For this production, Colossus continued the ‘girl gang’ approach using a largely female production crew, director and editor. view more – Creative Client Client: Archer Roose Title: “Into the Metaverse” Production ECD/Copywriter: Greg Almeida ECD/Art Director: Travis Robertson Art Director: Tyler Sugg, Armeen Shaidani Copywriter: Jillian Apatow Executive Producer: Nicole Hollis-Vitale Associate Producer: Samantha Derderian Managing Director: Jon Balck Account Director: Hayley Richards Account Coordinator: Sebastian Molina Production Company Production Company: Community Films Director: Nat Prisco Executive Producer: Carl Swan, Lizzie Schwartz Line Producer: Nessie Clarke DP: Don Davis Stills Photographer: Kim Newmoney Stills Production: RedEye Reps / Kim Newmoney Photography Line Producer: Lucia Tran Edit Edit: Forage Edit Editor: Kelly Hansen Finish Finishing: Zero VFX Colour Colour Correct: Company3 Colourist: Tim Masick Executive Producer: Ashley McKim Producer: Kevin Breheny Sound Mix and Sound Design: Mike Secher at Soundtrack Boston Genres: People, Comedy Categories: Wines, Alcoholic Beverages Sapka Communications, Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:45:38 GMT

Grab Yourself This 8-In-1 Maglight Utility Flashlight With 33% Off And Live The Convenience – The Inventory https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/grab-yourself-this-8-in-1-maglight-utility-flashlight-with-33-off-and-live-the-convenience-the-inventory/ 8-In-1 Maglight Utility Flashlight | $20 | StackSocial If you, or someone you know, loves the kind of tool that has a multitude of uses in one little package, then you’ll be overjoyed to hear that this 8-In-1 Maglight Utility Flashlight is on sale today with 33% off, and it’s got some big old functions y’all. The 8-In-1 Maglight Utility Flashlight is, at its core, a super bright flashlight that provides 800 lumens at maximum power, has four light modes to fit whatever you want to do, has a built-in kickstand so it’s hands-free, has a carabiner, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, a bottle opener, and something called a mounting hole. It’s great for garages, outdoorsy types, and just people who like cool little gadgets.

South Korea’s Biggest Exchanges Pen Crypto Crime-Fighting Deal With Police – Cryptonews https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/south-koreas-biggest-exchanges-pen-crypto-crime-fighting-deal-with-police-cryptonews/ Source: Paegag/Adobe The five biggest crypto exchanges in South Korea have signed a “crypto crime-fighting” MOU deal with the nation’s police force – and will work with officers fighting crypto-powered money launderers and crypto scam artists. According to Fn News, the exchanges – the market-leading Upbit and Bithumb, as well as Korbit, Coinone, and Gopax – have agreed to work with police investigations into “crimes related to virtual assets” and “prevent damage” to investors. The police explained that the rate of crime “in the investment sector” was now on the rise and spoke of a fast-developing crypto and stock investment “craze.” Upbit trading volumes. (Source: CoinGecko) Officers also noted that the size of the domestic crypto market is continuing to rise – although the past few months have seen a slowdown with the onset of the bear market. But, they noted, more and more South Koreans are now becoming crypto investors.  And this, they stated, was leading to a rise in opportunistic crime, as scammers attempt to deceive the victim with promises of “guaranteed high-profit” crypto investments and crypto wallet hacking cases. They also claimed that some criminal groups were known to be using crypto to “launder illegal funds.” ‘Crypto Crime-fighting’ Deal – What Went on Behind the Scenes? Officers stated that the “need to cooperate with exchanges” has been growing, particularly during the investigation process, where police detectives often need to follow a trail of crypto transactions. The National Police Agency revealed that it has been “collaborating” with individual exchanges since April this year to establish a network of “hotlines” – allowing exchanges to relay relevant information to the police. The police also claim that they will continue to bolster cooperation by “sharing information” with exchanges on “cryptoasset-related crime investigations, damage prevention, the seizure of criminal proceeds, and money laundering prevention measures.” The five trading platforms are the only exchanges that are currently licensed to operate in the fiat KRW markets, and all five have commercial banking partners. Last month, the Chief Legal Officer at Dunamu, Upbit’s operator, welcomed talk of fresh regulations for the crypto sector.

INDIA RUPEE Rupee Seen Higher After Dollar’s Post U.S. Inflation Rally Fades – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/india-rupee-rupee-seen-higher-after-dollars-post-u-s-inflation-rally-fades-reuters/ MUMBAI, Oct 14 (Reuters) – The Indian rupee is tipped to strengthen versus the U.S. currency on Friday after the dollar’s rally following higher-than-expected U.S. inflation data proved short lived. The rupee is expected at around 82.20 in early trading, up from 82.3450 in the previous session. The dollar index dropped in Asia trading to 112.22 after having reached almost 114 immediately into the data. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com U.S headline consumer prices increased more than expected in September fuelling underlying inflation pressures, making it almost certain that the U.S. Federal Reserve will deliver another 75-basis-point rate increase at next month’s policy meeting. read more Further, the odds of an additional 75 bps rate hike in December climbed to 2-in-3, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. This probability was less than 10% a week back. More sustained core U.S. services pressure could see the Fed having to contemplate another 75 bps hike in December against our current base case of 50 bps, Morgan Stanley said in a note. The dollar advanced against its major peers soon after the data, while U.S. equity futures plunged and Treasury yields rose. However, U.S. equity futures and the dollar witnessed an intraday turnaround while Treasury yield came off highs. Analysts attributed the surprising turnaround to position adjustments and the possibility that decline in U.S. shares was overdone. The USD/INR 1-month non-deliverable forward jumped to 83 initially, but similar to the dollar index, retreated to near 82.50. The rupee will open at near its weekly high of around 82.15-82.17 and it “would not be a surprise” if the initial uptick does not sustain, a trader at a Mumbai-based bank said. The trader pointed to likely dollar buying interest from importers and to oil prices. Brent crude rose more than 2% on Thursday, inching higher in Asia to $94.70. read more KEY INDICATORS: ** One-month non-deliverable rupee forward at 82.50; onshore one-month forward premium at 22.5 paise ** USD/INR NSE October futures settled on Thursday at 82.42 ** USD/INR forward premium for current month at 9.5 paise ** Dollar index down at 112.30 ** Brent crude futures up at $94.7 per barrel ** Ten-year U.S. note yield at 3.92% ** SGX Nifty nearest-month futures up 2.0% at 17,296 ** As per NSDL data, foreign investors sold a net $43.4mln worth of Indian shares on Oct. 12 ** NSDL data shows foreign investors bought a net $13.8mln worth of Indian bonds on Oct. 12 Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Nimesh Vora; Editing by Dhanya Ann Thoppil Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

‘Asbestos Mountain’ Removed From Former Tech City Campus – Mid Hudson News Website https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/asbestos-mountain-removed-from-former-tech-city-campus-mid-hudson-news-website/ iPark87 asbestos piles have been removed TOWN OF ULSTER – The environmental cleanup of iPark87 at the former Tech City site in the Town of Ulster is moving forward as the “asbestos mountain” has been removed. “EPA has removed the last piles of asbestos-contaminated material from this site, reclaiming this area for new economic activity,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia. “This marks a milestone for the Town of Ulster, following a process that saw officials from New York State and Ulster County tax a prominent role in working with EPA to find a solution that clears the way for businesses to move forward with new construction and renovation projects. This collaborative work is a model for future cleanups.” U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said the “once-contaminated dumping ground is now a foundation for the Hudson Valley’s economic future.” Congressman Patrick Ryan, until recently Ulster County executive, said iPark87 “is poised to be a shining example of the Hudson Valley’s economic resurgence.” In June 2022, the EPA reached agreement with iPark87, LLC, the current developer of the former Tech City facility, to remove asbestos at the site. The agreement calls for the proper removal of asbestos from the interior of Building 1 and remove three large debris piles containing asbestos which will be disposed of off-site at an EPA-approved landfill. The abatement of asbestos in Building 1 is ongoing, and the off-site disposal of the three debris piles containing asbestos has been completed.

Legals For October, 13 2022 – Columbia Basin Herald https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/legals-for-october-13-2022-columbia-basin-herald/ CALL FOR BIDS CITY OF MATTAWA WWTF IMPROVEMENTS ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE $2,300,000 Sealed Proposals will be received by the undersigned at the City of Mattawa, 521 East Government Road, Mattawa, Washington 99349, up to 11:00 a.m.; local time on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, for furnishing the necessary labor, materials, equipment, tools, and guarantees thereof to construct the WWTF Improvements. The project’s scope of work includes the construction of new secondary clarifiers, carbon addition system, generator, non-potable water system and RAS, WAS and scum pump stations, and modifications to the headworks, existing clarifiers and SCADA system. The Work shall be substantially complete within 350 working days after the commencement date stated in the Notice to Proceed. All bidding and construction is to be performed in compliance with the Contract Provisions and Contract Plans for this project and any addenda issued thereto that are on file at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Washington. The Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud shortly after the time and date stated above. Proposals are to be submitted only on the form provided with the Bid Documents. All Proposals must be accompanied by a certified check, postal money order, cashiers check, or Proposal bond payable to the “City of Mattawa” and in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total Proposal amount. Bid Documents for this project are available free-of-charge at the following website: http://gobids.grayandosborne.com. Bidders are encouraged to register in order to receive automatic email notification of fut4833. Contract questions shall be directed only to the office of the Project Engineer. A Prebid Conference is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2022. The conference will begin at the City of Mattawa City Hall, 521 East Government Road, Mattawa, Washington at 11:00 a.m. (local time). Prospective bidders are encouraged to participate. Any other site visits shall be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and shall be coordinated through Warren Ledezma, of the City of Mattawa, by calling (509) 932-1547, at least 24 hours in advance of the visit. No unauthorized visits or unscheduled visits will be allowed. Financing of the Project has been provided by City of Mattawa, Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Neither the State of Washington nor any of its departments or employees are, or shall be, a party to this Contract or any subcontract resulting from this solicitation for bids. Buy American Iron and Steel provisions apply. The City of Mattawa expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive minor irregularities or informalities in any Proposal. The Successful bidder will be required to conform to the wage requirements prescribed by the federal Davis-Bacon and Relate Acts which requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors performing on contracts funded in whole or in part by SRF appropriations in excess of $2000 pay their laborers and mechanics not less than the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits, and determined by the Secretary of Labor, for corresponding classes of laborers and mechanics employed on similar projects in the area. (Signed) Anabel Martinez CITY CLERK #10018/565085 Pub: October 6, 13, 2022 Notice of Application – Date of Notice: October 13, 2022 – Notice is hereby given that a Short Subdivision application was received by Grant County on August 17, 2022 from Jennifer Lonas (Designated Contact: Columbia Northwest Engineering, 249 N Elder St, Moses Lake, WA 98837), was found to be technically complete on September 14, 2022. PROJECT: A Short Subdivision of one parcel totaling 10.60 acres to create two (2) lots. Lot 1 contains 5.3 acres and is vacant and has residential capacity that will be served by an exempt domestic well and septic system. Lot 2 is the balance of the parcel, contains 5.3 acres and contains and existing residence, accessory structures and is served by an existing exempt domestic well and septic system. The parcel is in the Rural Residential zoning district. Lots will have access off Road 7.5 NE, Moses Lake, WA. LOCATION: The project is known as the Lonas Short Plat and the subject parcel is Lot 3 Replat McConihe Heights SP 1-52, records of Grant County, Washington. (Parcel #31-1092-000). ZONING: Rural Residential. STUDIES REQUIRED: None. PUBLIC HEARING: None. CONSISTENCY STATEMENT: This proposal is subject to, and shall be consistent with, Grant County Code, International Building Code, and International Fire Code. Copies of application materials (File #P22-0323) are available from Jim Cook, Deputy Director, Grant County Development Services, 264 West Division Avenue, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823, (509) 754-2011, ext. 2522, jcook@grantcountywa.gov. Front Office hours: 8 am to 5 pm, M-F. Comments must be submitted to Development Services no later than 5pm on October 28, 2022. Comments should be as specific as possible and may be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered. All persons, agencies, or tribes have the right to comment, receive notice, participate hearings, request a copy of the final decision, and/or appeal the decision as provided by law and County Code. This may be the only opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned proposal and materials #10033/566085 Pub; October 13, 2022 Notice is hereby given that a Short Subdivision application was received by Grant County on September 2 2022 from Matt Stredwick (Designated Contact: Gil Alverado, GAJ Urban Pla ning), was found to be tec nically complete on October 10, 2022, Project: A Short Subdivision of one (1) parcel totaling approximately 153.60 acres. The short subdivision will create two(2) lots. Lot 1 will be a proximately 18.21 acres and contains an agricultural sto age building. Lot 2 will be 132.26 acres and contains a shop and residence, and irr gation agricultural production, Zoning is Agriculture. Location of Proposal: The site address of the subject property is 2239 Rd S SW Quincy, WA. The proposed division is located in the NW 1/4 of Section 13 Township 18 North, Range 23 East, W.M., and Grant County, WA. Parcel #20-1609-000. Studies Required: None. Public Hearing: None. Consistency Statement: This proposal is subject to, and shall be consistent with, Grant County Code, International Building Code, and International Fire Code. Copies of application materials (File #P 22-0337) are available from Kent Ziemer, Grant County Development Services, 264 West Division Avenue, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823, (509) 754-2011 ext. 2538, kziemer@grantcountywa.gov. Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, M-F. Comments must be submitted to Development Services no later than 5pm on October 29, 2022. Comments should be as specific as possible and may be mailed, e-mailed, or delivered via parcel services. Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, M-F. All persons, agencies, or tribes have the right to comment, receive notice, participate in hearings, request a copy of the final decision, and/or appeal the decision as provided by law and County Code. This may be the only opportunity to comment on the abovementioned proposal and materials. #10034/566123 Pub; October 13, 2022 Notice is hereby given that a Short Subdivision application was received by Grant County on September 6, 2022 from Jorge Ruiz (Designated Contact: Grant County Surveying PO Box 906 Ephrata, WA 98823), was found to be technically complete on October 10, 2022. Project: A Short Subdivision of one parcel totaling approximately 35.14 acres. The short subdivision will create 4 lots. Lot 1 will be approximately 5.05 acres and has an existing residence and utilities. Lot 2 will be 5.00 acres and is vacant. Lot 3 will be 5.00 acres and is vacant. Lot 4 will be 20.13 acres and is vacant. Zoning is Rural Residential 1 (RR1). Location of Proposal: The site address of the subject property is located at 7033 Rd 10 NW, Ephrata, WA. The proposed division is located in the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 Section14 Township 20 North, Range 25 East, W.M., and Grant County, WA. Parcel #15-1895-000. Studies Required: None. Public Hearing: None. Consistency Statement: This proposal is subject to, and shall be consistent with, Grant County Code, International Building Code, and International Fire Code. Copies of application materials (File #P 22-0342) are available from Kent Ziemer, Grant County Development Services, 264 West Division Avenue, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823, (509) 754-2011 ext. 2538, kziemer@grantcountywa.gov. Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, M-F. Comments must be submitted to Development Services no later than 5pm on October 29, 2022. Comments should be as specific as possible and may be mailed, e-mailed, or delivered in person. Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, M-F. All persons, agencies, or tribes have the right to comment, receive notice, participate in hearings, request a copy of the final decision, and/or appeal the decision as provided by law and County Code. This may be the only opportunity to comment on the abovementioned proposal and materials #10035/566174 Pub;Oct 13, 2022 NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, plainly marked “BID FOR 3-NE ROAD PHASE 3, CRP 21-03”, will be received by Grant County Department of Public Works located 124 Enterprise St. S.E., Ephrata, WA, 98823, until 1:00 P.M. Pacific Time, Tuesday, October 18, 2022 and will then and there be opened and publicly read. All bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or surety bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of such bid proposal. No conditional bid bond will be accepted. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish a satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the...

DAC7 Is Coming: Are You Sure That Your Business Is Not In Scope? – Lexology https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/dac7-is-coming-are-you-sure-that-your-business-is-not-in-scope-lexology/ European Union October 13 2022 The DAC7 rules, which apply as of 1 January 2023, impose new obligations on Platform Operators. Platform Operators will have to collect, validate, store and report certain information about (Relevant Activities of) the sellers using their platform. The definitions of Platform Operator and Relevant Activity are not clearcut and can result in a broad range of situations falling under DAC7. In this website article we have included practical examples to illustrate situations where DAC7 could apply. DAC7 requires Platform Operators to collect, validate, store and report certain information about (Relevant Activities of) the sellers using their platform. A Platform Operator for DAC7 purposes is an operator of a website, a mobile application or any type of software that allows sellers to be connected to other users for the purpose of carrying out a Relevant Activity. A Relevant Activity is any of the following: sale of (tangible) goods, rental of immovable property, rental of any mode of transport or provision of personal services. As the definitions of Platform Operator and Relevant Activity are not clearcut, we have included some practical examples to illustrate situations where DAC7 could apply. 1. Multi-sided businesses connecting sellers and users A Marketplace Y operates a website that allows Webshop Owner X to connect and sell its tangible goods to Business Client Z and others. Marketplace Y would be considered a Platform for DAC7. The website of Marketplace Y allows sellers (Webshop Owner X) to connect with customers (Client Z and others) for the sale of (tangible) goods. Jobs Platform B enables House Owner C to contract Gardener A to conduct gardening activities at his house. Jobs Platform B would be considered a Platform for DAC7. The website of Jobs Platform B allows seller (Gardener A) to be connected with a customer (House Owner C). Members of Fitness Club B can book personal training sessions with independent Personal Trainer A through the website of Fitness Club B.Fitness Club B would be considered a Platform Operator for DAC7. The website of Fitness Club A allows sellers (Personal Trainer A) to be connected with customers (Fitness Club Members). 2. Businesses ‘buying-in’ and re-selling services from third parties Taxi Operator B uses its website to on-sell taxi services supplied by Taxi Company A to Consumer CTaxi Operator B might have to be considered a Platform Operator for DAC7.The website of Taxi Operator B allows sellers (Taxi Company A) to be connected with customers (Client C). According to the OECD Model Rules, a Platform also exists whenever the Platform Operator first purchases the relevant services from the seller and then offers these services in its own name to the users.The DAC7 definition of a Platform seems to require that sellers are registered on the website as to be connected to users. In that case, if Taxi Company A is not required to register on the website of Taxi Operator B as to be connected to Consumer C, Taxi Operator B would not be a Platform under DAC7. 3. Entities within a group facilitating the sale of goods or services from/to third parties Group Company Y operates the global website of the group. Clients can order goods through this website. A Local Operating Company X of the group concludes the sales of the goods with the clients.It is unclear whether Group Company Y qualifies as a Platform Operator. This is because, to be deemed as a Platform, Group Company Y would need to allow Sellers to be connected to other users for the purpose of carrying out a “Relevant Activity”. Although activities “carried out by a seller acting as an employee of the Platform Operator or a related entity of the Platform Operator” are not regarded as a Relevant Activity under DAC7, it is not clear if all activities of a related entity or, rather, if merely activities of sellers who are employees of the related entities are excluded. A Procurement Company X within a multinational group operates software that allows third party service providers from all over Europe to register and offer their personal services to EU group entities.Depending on the interpretation of the DAC7 provision referred to in the previous example, The Procurement Company X could be considered a Platform for DAC7 as it allows sellers (third party contractors and service providers) to be connected with EU group entities. Company X operates the global website of a global Fast Food group. Clients can order their hamburgers through this website. The Local Franchise Companies conclude the sales of the fast food with the clients.Company X would be considered a Platform for DAC7, as the website of Company X allows third party sellers (Local Franchise Companies) to be connected with customers (Clients). 4. Businesses intermediating in the rental of immovable property Holiday Park Operator A provides vacation accommodation to Customers. Some of these dwellings are owned by Third Parties. Holiday Park Operator A facilitates the rental of these vacation accommodation owned by Third Parties to individual clients via its website.Holiday Park Operator A would be considered a Platform for DAC7 when it intermediates in the rental of accommodation. Pursuant to the OECD Model Rules, Holiday Park Operator A might also have to be considered a Platform for DAC7 when it on-sells the rental of vacation accommodation. 5. Businesses with mix activities and several service lines Bank A offers several financial services via an app. Through the same app Clients can buy goods from Merchants with loyalty points.Bank A is a Platform Operator for DAC7, as it connects the clients with the Merchants for sales of goods via its app. An Online Seller of consumer electronics sells its own goods via its website. At the checkout, it offers customers the possibility to buy an additional guarantee for the purchased goods from Insurance Company B.It is not clear if insurance services qualify as a Personal Service for DAC7. If this would be the case, the Online Seller would be a Platform Operator in respect of the guarantees sold by Insurance Company B. Travel Client A books his vacation, including flight and hotel accommodation offered by third parties, through the website of Travel Agent B.Travel Agent B would be considered a Platform Operator for DAC7. The website of Travel Agent B allows sellers (e.g. accommodation or tourist services providers) to be connected with Travel Client A for the provision of different Relevant Activities. Conclusion Besides online marketplaces and app stores, business in traditional industries can also fall within the scope of DAC7. This is the case if they connect third party sellers and users through their website for the performance of Relevant Activities. Companies will have to perform a DAC7 analysis of the business models and business lines applied. Loyens & Loeff can help you understand if your business is impacted by DAC7 and, if so, help you prepare to be compliant to the obligations imposed by DAC7. %

News Digest: UNCLE Credit Union Merger | County Offers Small Business Grants | ‘Hello, Merlot!’ – Pleasanton Weekly https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/news-digest-uncle-credit-union-merger-county-offers-small-business-grants-hello-merlot-pleasanton-weekly/ Small business grant The Alameda County Board of Supervisors have opened the application window for $11 million worth of small business recovery grants in Alameda County, with $1 million earmarked specifically for the unincorporated areas. The program is open to any business with between one and 25 employees that has not already received COVID-19-related relief funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. “Eligible businesses must be licensed for-profit entities in Alameda County that have experienced decreased revenue and/or increased costs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19,” county officials said. Grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 31, with funding to be provided by check no later than Dec. 30. Visit acbusiness.org. ‘Hello, Merlot!’ The Bankhead Theater this weekend is hosting “Hello, Merlot!”, a new one-of-a-kind tasting experience offering 10 Merlots produced by Livermore Valley winemakers. “While sipping on these different Merlots enjoy learning how each winemaker adds their own touch to this fantastic varietal,” organizers said. “We’re proud of our Merlots and can’t wait to share them with you.” The event runs from 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 15). For tickets, visit livermorearts.org/events/hello-merlot.

AFD, NBA Africa Expand Basketball Experience Programme In Nigeria – THISDAY Newspapers https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/afd-nba-africa-expand-basketball-experience-programme-in-nigeria-thisday-newspapers/ NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) on Thursday announced the official launch of the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience programme in Lagos. The flagship initiative, which was introduced in Lagos in November 2021 as a pilot programme, aims to use basketball as a platform to promote social inclusion and support secondary school children to become changemakers in their local communities.   The programme’s weekly basketball and life skills sessions will educate youth participants about issues including physical wellbeing, mental health, life skills and healthy living. As part of the initiative, with the support of new partners, including the Lagos State Sports Commission, the collaboration will also support the renovation of outdoor basketball courts in Lagos and scale-up the programme to reach more youth across the city. The announcement was made at an official ceremony in the presence of H.E. French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann; AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron; NBA Africa Vice President & Country Head of Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; Dream Sports Africa’s (DSA) Nigeria Country Director, Michael Anejo and representatives of the Lagos State Government. “This programme demonstrates AFD and NBA Africa’s shared vision of using sport as a tool to foster gender inclusion, sustainable development and social cohesion in Nigeria,” said Muron.  “After the successful first steps in Lagos, we look forward to continuing to work with NBA Africa and engaging with the Lagos State Government to expand the initiative to other parts of the city.” “The benefits and values that come from playing basketball extend far beyond the court, which is why we are committed to making the game more accessible to Nigerian youth,” said Abudu.  “Nigeria has a strong basketball tradition, and through the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience programme, we are able to create more places where youth can learn the game and develop as players and leaders.” This flagship initiative, which is part of AFD and NBA Africa’s larger collaboration to support basketball infrastructure in youth development across the continent, builds on the inaugural Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience launched in Zenata, Morocco in 2019.   In November 2021, AFD and NBA Africa initiated a pilot phase in Lagos implemented by international non-governmental organization DSA.  To date, the pilot phase has reached more than 21,000 boys and girls ages 12-17 years from 55 public and private schools in Lagos State.

Cambria Vets Office To Meet Today | News, Sports, Jobs – Altoona Mirror https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/cambria-vets-office-to-meet-today-news-sports-jobs-altoona-mirror/ Event is second of four offered Cambria County Veterans Services Office will have a veteran information meeting at 1 p.m. today at the Patton Library, 444 Magee Ave., Patton. This is the second of four meetings scheduled in Cambria County. The department will hold similar meetings for veterans and their families at: — 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at South Fork Library, 320 Main St., South Fork — 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Portage Library, 704 Main St., Portage. Discussion topics will include benefit claims, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune water and survivor benefits, followed by a question and answer session. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

What Marketers Must Know About The Metaverse: Alvin Wang Graylin Of HTC Leads Panel Oct. 20 – MarTech Series https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/what-marketers-must-know-about-the-metaverse-alvin-wang-graylin-of-htc-leads-panel-oct-20-martech-series/ What is the Metaverse? And how will marketers compete in it? Don’t miss this American Marketing Association panel when Alvin Wang Graylin, China President at HTC, and other leaders in Metaverse technology forecast the future of communications and marketing. The thought-leadership panel will be moderated by Ben Kunz of Mediassociates and held via Zoom at 7 p.m. Eastern U.S. time Thursday, Oct. 20, sponsored by the American Marketing Association and Mediassociates. Metaverse marketing explained by Alvin Wang Graylin of HTC in AMA Panel Marketing Technology News: Unstoppable Domains Integrates With Fantom to Deliver Simplified Crypto Transactions Panelists will include Alvin Wang Graylin, lead panelist. Alvin Wang Graylin has been China President at HTC, leading all aspects of HTC VIVE VR and smartphone businesses from 2016 and this year just added the role of Global VP of Corporate Development, driving key partnership engagements for the company. He is also currently Vice-Chairman of the Industry of Virtual Reality Alliance with 300+ company members, president of the $18B Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance and oversees the VIVE X VR Accelerator program in Beijing, Shenzhen and Tel Aviv. Under his leadership, HTC has been voted top VR company in China at the World VR Industry Conference for three of the last four years, and Graylin has been recognized as the most influential person in XR in China the last five years. Ely Santos, Founder Metavertising. Santos produces and hosts one of the leading podcasts on Metaverse technology and Web3 development, and is founder of the strategy communications firm Metavertising out of São Paulo, Brazil. Adam Ragsdale, CEO and Co-founder of Voca and the Zero Gravity Club. A visionary in the Metaverse space, Ragsdale created the Zero Gravity Club to tell stories in virtual reality with a community involved in a science-fiction odyssey. Ben Kunz, moderator, EVP of Strategy at Mediassociates, a leading media planning, media buying and analytics agency. Marketing Technology News: MarTech Interview with Alexa Kilroy, Head of Brand at Triple Whale PR Newswire, a Cision company, is the premier global provider of multimedia platforms and distribution that marketers, corporate communicators, sustainability officers, public affairs and investor relations officers leverage to engage key audiences. Having pioneered the commercial news distribution industry over 60 years ago, PR Newswire today provides end-to- end solutions to produce, optimize and target content — and then distribute and measure results. Combining the world’s largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimization network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire powers the stories of organizations around the world. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.

10 Cool New Gadgets To Keep On Your Radar – Gear Patrol https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/10-cool-new-gadgets-to-keep-on-your-radar-gear-patrol/ For more of the latest and greatest product releases, check out our full collection of the best new gear. A lot happened this week. Amazon had its second annual Prime Day — and there are many gadgets still on sale. Microsoft held its big Surface event this week where it announced its next-gen computers (you can read more on those below). And Kodak apparently can’t keep up with the demand for film. There were a bunch of new other products announced, too. Here’s what you need to know. KEF Mu7 Courtesy KEF announced its first pair of wireless headphones with active noise-cancellation — the Mu7 — and at $300, they’re designed and priced to compete with other flagship noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Mu7 sport custom 40mm drivers and support for aptX HD for high-end sound. They get their unique industrial design (made out of aluminum) thanks to partnership with Ross Lovegrove, who has helped KEF design a number of its super expensive loudspeakers. Available in two different shades of grey: silver or charcoal. Price: $400 LEARN MORE Beyerdynamic Xelento Courtesy Beyerdynamic announced second-generation models of its Xelento Remote (pictured, $999) and Xelento Wireless ($1,199), which are wired and wireless (neckband-style) in-ear headphones, respectively. And they don’t come cheap. The two models pack the same 11mm dynamic drivers, gold-plated connectors and silver-plated cables. The Xelento Wireless support Bluetooth 5.2 and promise 14 hours of playtime. Price: $999 (Remote); $1,199 (Wireless) LEARN MORE Microsoft Surface Studio 2 Plus Courtesy The Surface Studio 2 Plus is an updated version of its fancy all-in-one desktop, which is notable for its 28-inch touchscreen display that can also fold nearly flat on your desk (so it’s easier to draw on). This new version has updated chipsets (both CPU and GPU), which Microsoft claims doubles its performance, and it has three Thunderbolt 4 ports on its back. And no, it doesn’t come cheap. It’ll be available on October 25. Price: $4,300 LEARN MORE Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 Courtesy The Surface Laptop 5 is pretty modest update over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 5, as Microsoft has given it new Intel processors — although there’s no option for AMD chip like before —and USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 4. You’ll be able to order it in either 13.5- or 15-inch models. And it’ll be available on October 25. Price: $999+ Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Courtesy The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft’s newest 2-in-1 tablet. It’s very similar to the Surface Pro 8, but it packs newer Intel (12-gen) or ARM chipsets and can be purchased with in color aluminum finishes; previously with the Surface Pro 8, you could spruce it up with a colorful keyboard and other accessories. It has the same 13-inch display as its predecessor. It’ll be available on October 25. Price: $1,000+ LEARN MORE Acer Swift Edge Courtesy Acer is claiming that its Swift Edge is the lightest 16-inch OLED laptop in the world; it weighs 2.58 pounds, which is actually lighter than Apple’s newest 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, which weighs 2.73 pounds — and that’s pretty nuts. The most notable thing on the inside is that the Swift Edge packs a new AMD Ryzen processor, which is supposed to be more energy efficient than Intel’s latest processors, and it’s going to need that efficiency to power such big and bright OLED display. Price: $1,500 LEARN MORE Meta Quest Pro Courtesy The Quest Pro is the company’s highest-end and most expensive virtual reality headset to date. Compared to the $399 Quest 2, the Quest Pro is better in just about every way — better display, better processor, more memory and it comes with significantly improved controllers— but it’s also being positioned as more of a productivity device than for gaming. It has a new full-color passthrough feature for mixed reality experiences, so you can see the real world with real-time graphics, alerts and notifications. Price: $1,499 LEARN MORE Roku Smart Home Courtesy Roku has announced its own ecosystem of smart home devices to compete with likes of Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa and Apple HomeKit. It’s called the Roku Smart Home and it consists of indoor and outdoor security cameras, a video doorbell, smart lights and smart plugs. All these devices will work with Roku’s voice assistant, Roku Voice, and be compatible with Roku’s new Smart Home app. They will be compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, as well, so buying into Roku’s ecosystem doesn’t completely lock you in either. Price: Depends on the device LEARN MORE Acer Chromebook 516 GE Courtesy The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is really the first Chromebook that’s designed for gaming. It has a 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a RGB keyboard because, well, it’s a gaming laptop. It lacks the souped up processor and graphics card of real gaming laptops, however, and instead depends on a fast internet connection (supports Wi-Fi 6E) for cloud gaming. Price: $650 LEARN MORE Sony ZV-1F Courtesy The Sony ZV-1F is the company’s newest compact camera for vlogging. It’s just $500, which is its cheapest option to date, and it’s designed for entry-level vloggers looking to upgrade from their smartphone. The Sony ZV-1F is essentially a more budget-friendly option to the Sony ZV-1 ($748); it has a similar 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, but has 20mm f/2 lens, which is less versatile than the ZV-1’s 24-70mm lens. Price: $500 LEARN MORE

Web3 Devs ‘more Active Than Ever’ Amid Crypto Winter: Report – Cointelegraph https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/web3-devs-more-active-than-ever-amid-crypto-winter-report-cointelegraph/ Consecutive all-time-high smart contract deployments and surging usage of Web3 script libraries mean that Web3 devs are still busy working despite the prolonged market downturn. 968 Total views 24 Total shares Web3 developers don’t appear to be fazed by the crypto bear market, with one Web3 platform suggesting they’re “more active than ever” — particularly on the Ethereum network. In a new Q3 2022 report on Oct. 13 by Web3 development platform Alchemy, the company said that 2022 could be the “biggest year yet” for Web3 developers. Around 36% of all smart contracts ever deployed and verified on the blockchain have been in 2022, a count of nearly 118,000 compared to the over 323,700 ever deployed, according to the report. This is despite the price of Ether (ETH) falling by nearly 66% since the start of the year and the total value locked in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols falling around 70% year-to-date, according to DappRadar. Nonfungible token (NFT) trading volumes have also taken a beating, decreasing by 98% since late January. Alchemy states the deployment of smart contracts increased by 40% from the first quarter of the year with consecutive all-time highs hit every month over the third quarter peaking at 17,376 in September alone. Monthly verified smart contracts in Q3 2022. Image: Alchemy The data also shows smart contract deployments increased by 143% compared to the third quarter of 2021, reaching over 48,500 for the third quarter of 2022. Alchemy noted that in the two weeks following Ethereum’s Merge — when the blockchain moved from a proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus — smart contract deployment increased by 14%, suggesting some developers may have been waiting for the event to launch their projects. The company also analyzed the usage of two Web3 script libraries, Ethers.js and Web3.js, which allow developers to read blockchain data and build Web3 products. The team found the number of developers installing either library had increased by three times that of Q3 2021 to over 1.5 million downloads on average per week. Related: Demand for talent in crypto less dependent on market as industry matures Although some have claimed this current crypto bear market is a good time to build products in Web3 that hasn’t always been the case in previous cycles. As evidenced in Alchemy’s data, the 2017 to 2020 bear market saw a 45% decline in smart contract deployments in the middle of the cycle, from 2018 to 2019, although so far that metric has increased by 50% this year from 2021.

Raj Chetty Discusses Inequalities In U.S. – Inside Higher Ed https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/raj-chetty-discusses-inequalities-in-u-s-inside-higher-ed/ The United States’ innovation rate would quadruple if universities could deliver societywide equity in education, Harvard University economist Raj Chetty has calculated. Chetty, a professor of public economics at Harvard known for his data-driven examinations of societal inequity, opened the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit with a look at how the sector is contributing to the problem. Examples covered by his presentation included a variety of ways that societal advantages—in wealth, race and gender—still play out in career success in the U.S., such as students being more than twice as likely to become a patent-holding inventor if their family was in the top fifth of incomes than if it was not. More generally, Chetty said, students born to the wealthiest U.S. families have a nearly 100 percent likelihood of going to college. Those born to the poorest families have about a 30 percent chance. “Higher education is actually not on net a great engine of economic opportunity,” said the professor, one of the youngest tenured faculty in the history of Harvard’s department of economics. “It’s actually serving to stratify society.” During its three days, Times Higher Education’s chief annual gathering, hosted this year by New York University, featured worldwide academic leaders exploring the ability of the sector to meet rising societal demands in the aftermath of COVID-19. Chetty led it off with some stark reminders, particularly for the sector’s more elite institutions, about their overall shortfalls on equity, noting that advantages conveyed through education have major persistence across generations. He listed leading potential solutions for universities to consider, such as programs that encourage low-income students to apply, revisiting the practice of favoritism in admissions for children of alumni and increasing student financial aid. Another analysis showed that among students scoring at least 1500 on the SAT, most have about a 20 percent chance of gaining acceptance from an “Ivy-plus” institution. Those odds, however, jump rapidly for students from families in the top one-fifth of incomes, reaching about 50 percent odds of entry for students from the highest-income families. That kind of inequity, Chetty said, can be addressed by institutions in their admissions processes. Chetty also held out successful examples, with one list showing the top U.S. colleges as measured by the percentage of students who come from families in the nation’s bottom fifth by income who ended up in the top fifth. Topping that list by a wide margin is California State University, Los Angeles, with about 10 percent of its students making that leap. Even that perspective got some pushback at the summit, over questions of the wisdom of promoting income-based measures of student success. “It will inevitably privilege those careers that give you access to the 1 percent,” Gabrielle Starr, the president of Pomona College, said in recalling Chetty’s analysis at a subsequent session of the conference. In response, Chetty told THE that he agreed with Starr “that money is not the only yardstick for success” for students. “But other outcomes of interest—health, innovation, etc.—are often correlated with money,” he said, “and at least at the lower end of the income distribution, achieving a better life in terms of living standards is often a priority for students attending college.”

Is This Company Working With Alien Technology In Nevada? – KLAS – 8 News Now https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/is-this-company-working-with-alien-technology-in-nevada-klas-8-news-now/ LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Radiance Technologies has quietly become a major player in developing cutting-edge weapons and systems for the Pentagon, with 20 offices established in 17 states. When it comes to unidentified flying objects or alien technology, the company doesn’t duck the topic formerly considered taboo or fringe. But if somebody possessed a UFO, and asked scientists from Radiance to take it apart to figure out how it works, would they take that contract? Tim Tinsley, president of Radiance Technology, says yes. “Why not,” he says. “I’m waiting for one of those.” Tinsley is an engineer who spent two decades working on missile defense systems before joining Radiance. Unlike Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman, the Huntsville, Alabama-based company is owned entirely by its employees. “Whether we’re in Las Vegas or San Antonio, Dayton, Ohio, or Huntsville, it doesn’t matter,” Tinsley explains. “The idea is we have a core set of values that runs through the company.” But what exactly does Radiance Technology do with the 105,000 square feet of laboratory space? The company’s website hints at involvement in exotic defense technologies including direct energy weapons, hypersonic missiles, and systems to defend against cyber warfare among other projects reminiscent of science fiction. But what’s happening at Nellis Air Force Base? “I can’t tell you a lot,” Tinsley says. “I can tell is you is we’ve supported the Las Vegas community, Nellis Air Force Base, for over 20 years.” He says the work is mainly for the Air Force in research and development, test and evaluation spectrum. For more than three decades Nellis Air Force Base has been rumored to be the home of mysterious materials of unknown origin. The story, dismissed as folklore by military agencies and defense contractors, goes that a super-secret program housed in or near Nevada’s Area 51 military base has been attempting to reverse engineer alien technology. Now it seems there may be some truth to the folklore, as key congressional committees have received closed-door briefings alleging that the rumors are true, and legislation is pending to encourage whistleblowers to step forward and share what they know about crashed saucers. Radiance Technology isn’t able to confirm the allegations, but the company has positioned itself just in case. Months ago it announced the hiring of a reverse engineering specialist, longtime Navy intelligence official Jay Stratton, who was formerly the head of the Pentagon’s unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAP, task force. Stratton urged Radiance to hire Dr. Travis Taylor, who worked with him as the chief scientist for the UAP task force. When Radiance announced the hiring of two veterans of UFO research, the news releases didn’t hide the connection, pointedly mentioning their UFO credentials. But is the company worried about the perception they might be reverse engineering UFOs? “No, we provide customer solutions,” Tinsley explains. “Whatever our customers want us to work on and support, then that’s what we’ll do.” Taylor, for his part, isn’t saying what he and Stratton are working on but makes it clear what they’re hoping to tackle. “Jay and I are working on growing the capabilities, doing reverse engineering of foreign materials,” Taylor explains. “If we were to get something to reverse engineer, we would absolutely want to do that.”

State Qualifying Meet Assignments Announced For Cross Country – Cedar Valley Daily Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/state-qualifying-meet-assignments-announced-for-cross-country-cedar-valley-daily-times/ While cross county programs have known about what sites are available for State Qualifying Meets since August, teams learned on Tuesday where they will be competing and against whom. In Class 3A, the three area WaMaC schools will each travel to a different site on Wednesday. Vinton-Shellsburg will travel to Manchester, their boys team currently ranked 16th in Class 3A and are one of four ranked boys teams. Benton will travel to Pella and have junior Jaida Lyons currently ranked 29th individually. Center Point-Urbana will travel to Washington and has both its girls and boys teams ranked (ninth and 15th respectively). In Class 2A, Union will travel to Pella Christian on Thursday. The girls team is currently ranked 15th in 2A and are one of four ranked teams at the meet. The top 15 individual placings and top three teams for girls and boys will qualify for the State Cross Country Meet at Fort Dodge on Friday, Oct. 28 (Class 2A, 2:00 pm) and Saturday, Oct. 29 (Class 3A, 10:30 am).

Qatar World Cup 2022 To Recreate ‘Expo Effect’ For UAE Hotels – The National https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/qatar-world-cup-2022-to-recreate-expo-effect-for-uae-hotels-the-national/ Hospitality sector in the Emirates expects near or full occupancy during the mega sporting event in November The Jumeirah Beach Residence area in Dubai. The Qatar World Cup is set to drive a massive influx of visitors into neighbouring transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, boosting demand for air travel and accommodation. AFP Beta V.1.0 – Powered by automated translation The first Fifa World Cup to be held in the Middle East promises booming business for UAE hotels in the last quarter of 2022 as thousands of fans flock to the Gulf country due to limited accommodation in neighbouring host country Qatar. The UAE’s major local and international hotel chains expect to be at or near full capacity during the four-week football tournament, amid strong forward bookings for November and December, top hospitality executives said. Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi expect occupancy levels ranging between 80 per cent to 100 per cent, with strong demand trends similar to those recorded during the peak period of Expo 2020 Dubai, they said. “We are expecting our occupancy in the mid to high 90s across Dubai and we are expecting performance in Dubai in the fourth quarter to be the same as the performance [in the] fourth quarter in 2021 when we had the Expo,” said Guy Hutchinson, president and chief executive of UAE-based hotel operator Rotana. The UAE, the Gulf region’s popular travel and tourism centre, is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the mega sporting event, which begins on November 20, according to hospitality industry reports. ____________ Watch: How people attending Qatar World Cup can apply for UAE’s multiple-entry tourist visa The World Cup is set to drive a massive influx of visitors into neighbouring transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, boosting demand for international air travel and accommodation. It is expected to draw 1.2 million tourists to Qatar, pushing the country’s hotel supply pipeline for 2022 alone to about 13,300 rooms, with 80 per cent of these falling under the four or five-star hotel category, according to a report by Alpen Capital. With hotels in Qatar fully booked in the run-up to the game, hotels in the UAE are expected to record a rise in demand for accommodation of up to 40 per cent, according to a report by online travel agency Musafir.com. Shuttle flights operated by regional airlines from Gulf cities on match days and multiple-entry tourist visas for fans attending the matches will support the movement of visitors. Jan Hanak, the Radisson Hotel Group’s managing director for UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, said the region was “buzzing” with travellers coming from Europe and the Middle East to watch the event. “We have already started seeing incredibly positive performance across our hotels and we are certain there will be a multi-destination travel trend that will be seen across the region this winter,” he said. Radisson expects occupancy rates to exceed 80 per cent across its hotels in the fourth quarter of 2022. “We expect Q4 [the fourth quarter] to be extremely busy in the UAE and the region. As we welcome the cooler winter months, we envision high occupancy rates across rooms and F&B [food and beverage] outlets,” Mr Hanak said. Co-operation between government entities and private operators on logistics — ranging from shuttle flights to visas for fans — is expected to deliver a “seamless” travel experience for visitors across the Gulf, he said. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which recently opened the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach, is also scheduled to open the Ramada by Wyndham Doha Old Town before the World Cup starts. 11 new hotels opening in Qatar — in pictures The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar. Photo: St Regis “We are expecting all our properties in Qatar and the neighbouring countries to be operating at nearly full occupancy in the lead up, during and after the World Cup,” said Michel Augier, regional director for Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. “The upcoming World Cup will have a positive ripple effect on the hospitality industry across the region as football fans are expected to use neighbouring countries as a base for the event, especially the UAE as the flight time is just one hour.” Currently, the group’s hotels and resorts in the region have reported a “significant increase” in revenue, with Dubai properties up 30 per cent this year from 2021 and Abu Dhabi properties up 13.9 per cent annually, indicating a “healthy position” for forward bookings, he said. The World Cup will also coincide with the traditionally busy winter season in the UAE, year-end holidays and the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, further boosting business for UAE hotels. “We are expecting our properties to be very busy as November and December is the start of the peak season in the region,” Mr Augier said. ____________ Watch: Inside the stadium that will host the Fifa World cup final in Qatar World Cup ticket holders will be staying in surrounding countries for the tournament and flying in and out of Qatar for matches, especially during the group stages, an arrangement that will simultaneously benefit the regional hospitality industry and help to alleviate accommodation pressure in Doha, he said. “A particular group of tourists who will benefit from regular flights and easy visa access are tourist families, who are already interested in exploring the UAE and also have members who are football fans,” Mr Augier said. “So, we can expect the fans to fly to Qatar to watch the matches while their family members stay and vacation in the UAE. At the end of the tournament, they might even extend their stay to enjoy their holiday in the country.” These logistical arrangements, along with cooler weather, are expected to drive an increase in hotel bookings of 15 per cent to 20 per cent in November and December, he said. Marriott International plans to nearly double its presence in Qatar, with 10 hotels planned over the next 15 months, six of which are scheduled to open before the World Cup. Quote We can expect the fans to fly to Qatar to watch the matches while their family members stay and vacation in the UAE Michel Augier, regional director for Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts “There is a huge growth story for us. It is kind of linked to the World Cup but we are looking at it long term,” said Sandeep Walia, chief operating officer of Marriott International in the Middle East. “The spillover will be good too,” he said, pointing to neighbouring Gulf cities such as Dubai. InterContinental Hotels Group, which operates the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands, expects average occupancy of 80 per cent in Doha and the UAE during the World Cup. Revenue per available room, an important performance metric for the hospitality industry, is expected to increase by 10 per cent to 15 per cent annually in November and December, said Haitham Mattar, managing director for India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Updated: October 14, 2022, 5:16 AM %

LIVE: India Sees Marginal Dip In Daily Covid Count With 2,678 Fresh Cases – Hindustan Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/live-india-sees-marginal-dip-in-daily-covid-count-with-2678-fresh-cases-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Oct 14, 2022 09:38 AM IST Breaking news October 14, 2022, live updates: 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 14, 2022 09:30 AM IST BSF guns down drone at India-Pak border in Amritsar, The BSF personnel on Friday shot down a drone that entered the Indian territory near the Ramsas village in Amritsar, Punjab. Following the incident, which happened at around 4pm, the personnel found a rope attached to the drone. The area is being searched by a heavy BSF and Punjab Police forces under the DIG’s investigation. Read more. Oct 14, 2022 09:02 AM IST India’s Covid tally sees slight dip with 2,678 new infections India on Friday logged as many as 2,678 new Covid-19 cases, a marginal dip from 2,786 the day before, the health ministry’s morning bulletin revealed. The active case count now stands at 26,583, accounting for 0.06 per cent of the cumulative tally of 44,623,997. Oct 14, 2022 08:03 AM IST Delhi Police gets bomb call on Moscow-Delhi flight, probe on after aircraft lands safely & everyone deboarded Delhi Police on Friday said that a call about a bomb on a flight coming to the capital from Moscow was received last night. They added that the flight landed in Delhi at around 3.20am, after which all passengers and crew members were deboarded safely and now the aircraft is being checked and a probe into the matter is underway, ANI reported. Read more. Oct 14, 2022 07:05 AM IST Earthquake of 4.8 magnitude hits Chhattisgarh region early Friday An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 happened today at around 5.28 am 65km WNW of Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, the National Center for Seismology said. “The depth of the earthquake was 10km below the ground,” it added. Oct 14, 2022 05:52 AM IST Elon Musk probed by US authorities over his Twitter buyout deal Tesla CEO Elon Musk is under a federal investigation by United States authorities over his $44 billion buyout deal of social media giant Twitter, the company said in a court filing made public on Thursday. Twitter said it had requested Musk’s advocates for months to produce their communications with federal authorities, but they had not complied, and so they asked a Delaware judge to order the attorneys to provide the documents. Read more. Subscribe to our best newsletters Ahead of Congress prez polls, endorsement by G-23’s Tewari, Gehlot for Kharge Updated on Oct 14, 2022 09:23 AM IST Congress leader Manish Tewari has decided to back party veteran Mallikarjun Kharge instead of Shashi Tharoor, a fellow member of the so-called G-23 that, in 2020, wrote to interim party president Sonia Gandhi asking for changes in the way the party functions. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor BSF shoots down drone at India-Pakistan border in Amritsar Published on Oct 14, 2022 09:09 AM IST The jawans of 73 Batalion posted in the area of responsibility of Shahpur border out post (BoP) brought down the drone NDPP denies reports of Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio’s alleged grilling by ED Published on Oct 14, 2022 08:58 AM IST The NDPP, to which Rio belongs, in a statement issued on Thursday night termed the news report as “false” and “malicious” Morning brief: Order allowing Adani to acquire 34 acres set aside Published on Oct 14, 2022 08:58 AM IST Here are today’s top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. UP: Man thrashed after wife catches him shopping with girlfriend on Karwa Chauth Updated on Oct 14, 2022 09:05 AM IST According to reports, the wife was staying with her parents after a fight with her husband. On Karwa Chauth, when she had gone shopping with her mother, she found her husband with someone else. Bomb threat on Delhi-bound flight, probe underway: Police Updated on Oct 14, 2022 09:31 AM IST This comes days after the Indian Air Force (IAF) had to scramble Su-30MKI fighter jets to shadow an Iranian Mahan Air flight following inputs from Lahore’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) about a possible bomb threat, which turned out to be false. Monsoon withdrawal from parts of southwest India to continue: IMD Updated on Oct 14, 2022 07:54 AM IST IMD released new monsoon onset and withdrawal dates in 2020 factoring in the likely impact of climate change, which has altered the way the southwest monsoon progresses 4.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur Published on Oct 14, 2022 07:05 AM IST The earthquake occurred 65km west nothwest of Ambikapur at around 5.28am. Kerala black magic case: Killer a haiku poet, reveal Facebook posts Updated on Oct 14, 2022 07:07 AM IST Bhagaval Singh who claimed to be a traditional medical practitioner also had a passion for poetry. He posted two haikus on October 6, days before the Kerala human sacrifice case came to the fore. After Shah blames Nehru for J&K issue, Jairam steps in: ‘Super-spreader of lies’ Published on Oct 14, 2022 06:39 AM IST Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, participated in discussions before including Article 370 in Indian Constitution as opposed to the time when demonitisation happened. India’s 5G is indigenous; can provide to other countries: Sitharaman Updated on Oct 14, 2022 07:12 AM IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 5G technology earlier this month at India Mobile Congress 2022 in New Delhi. Smriti Irani calls Gopal Italia ‘gutter mouth’; ‘Kejriwal…with your blessings’ Updated on Oct 14, 2022 06:01 AM IST Union minister Smriti Irani said Gujarat AAP chief Gopal Italia also ‘abused’ PM Modi’s mother. “I profer no outrage, I don’t want to show how indignant Gujaratis are but know this you have been judged,” she said addressing AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. LIVE: India sees marginal dip in daily Covid count with 2,678 fresh cases Updated on Oct 14, 2022 09:38 AM IST Breaking news October 14, 2022, live updates: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Story Saved New Delhi 0C Friday, October 14, 2022

Study Finds Association Between Hot Flashes And Heart Health Among Menopausal Women – Bel Marra Health https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/study-finds-association-between-hot-flashes-and-heart-health-among-menopausal-women-bel-marra-health/ Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, but did you know that there is also an association between hot flashes and heart health? Recent studies have shown that experiencing hot flashes is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. If you’re going through menopause, it’s important to be aware of this link and take steps to protect your heart. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and previous research has shown that it accelerates in midlife during the menopause transition. Approximately 70% of women experience hot flashes during the menopause transition, so more studies are needed to understand the full complexity of this transition in life. It has already been found that women with more frequent hot flashes have poorer cardiovascular risk factor profiles, including insulin resistance (or diabetes), elevated blood pressure (hypertension), dyslipidemia, and a greater risk of underlying atherosclerosis. Persistent hot flashes have additionally been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Menopause has also been associated with mental health concerns. Researchers will be presenting this week at the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting, highlighting concerns linking hot flashes with heart health. Dr. Rebecca Thurston from the University of Pittsburgh will lead the presentation and explore potential underlying physiologic mechanisms that could link vasomotor symptoms to cardiovascular risk. “Hot flashes are regarded as symptoms with implications for quality of life but not necessarily physical health. Accumulating research has called this long-held clinical wisdom into question and underscores that frequent or severe hot flashes may signal women who are at increased cardiovascular disease risk at midlife and beyond,” says Dr. Thurston. Maintaining Heart Health Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10. The omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cardiovascular function, while CoQ10 is involved in energy production at the cellular level. These two heart superstars are supported by five other ingredients that can help to promote and support cardiovascular function as you age. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Garfield, Brookfield Set For Hard-Hitting, Scrappy Matchup – Warren Tribune Chronicle https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/garfield-brookfield-set-for-hard-hitting-scrappy-matchup-warren-tribune-chronicle/ Staff file photo / Brian Yauger Garfield’s Deacon Sommer runs for a gain earlier this season against Warren JFK as Keegan Sell (34) leads the way with a block. The Gray Tier of the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference has two teams remaining with records over .500. Both Brookfield and Garfield sit at 7-1 and square off tonight in a game with clear league title implications. Each team suffered early-season losses, but have since gone on streaks to reach this point. Garfield suffered a last-second defeat to Kennedy in Week 3 and Brookfield fell to Ursuline in Week 1. Both teams have piled on the points since their losses. Despite boasting a young offense, the G-Men have put up at least 34 points in each of their last five games. Most recently, Garfield tallied 62 points in a 40-point win over Crestview. What’s really helped the G-Men according to coach Mike Moser, is experience. With a young offense like Garfield has, getting that time to gel has been very effective. “You can practice and practice and practice but you’ve got to get out there under the lights and play,” Moser said. “They’ve got to make mistakes and they’ve got to learn from them and keep grinding and keep getting better and that’s what they’ve done.” Despite the massive implications of tonight’s game, for the G-Men, the showdown with Brookfield is just another game. “I think our kids are really good at one week at a time,” Moser said. “You’ve put yourself in a position to play in a big game at your place, taking on a really good team. It’s going to be a big challenge. Just enjoy the moment. We don’t get all wound up about wins and losses and those types of things. We just come out, play well and play hard and let the chips fall where they may.” There’s a big challenge in game-planning for a team like Garfield. It’s been said time and time again, but the Moser offense is unique, and as past results show, hard to counter. “They’re very well-coached and what they do, they do very well. We all know that,” Warriors coach Randy Clark said. “They run an offense that we play against once a year. It’s very hard to duplicate that offense during a week of practice with the scout team. They’ve got some good skill, two good running backs, I think they throw the ball more than they normally do, and defensively their linebackers want to make plays. They’re a good team.” Both teams have a reputation of being scrappy and are hard to play against. In addition to maintaining possession, which both coaches preached, keeping a level head could potentially be the big difference-maker tonight. “Anytime you get into big games, you think about some of the things that are out of your control a little bit,” Moser said. “Turnovers, penalties, special teams, all those types of things. You hope you’re solid in all those areas.” This marks the Warriors’ first trip to JAG Field, something the team is anticipating. More than anything, the team is excited to hit the field. “They’re excited,” Clark said. “We’ve had a great week of practice the first three days. They’re excited, they know what’s on the line. They know what kind of computer points, they know the league is on the line. They’re excited. We’re excited. We’ve never been to Garrettsville but we’re making the trip (now).” Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Garrettsville. “It’s going to be a hard-hitting game,” Clark said. “It’s going to be very, very physical. We’ve just got to take care of the ball and the team that takes care of the ball will probably come up victorious.” Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Lawyers Zoom In On The Metaverse – Financial Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/lawyers-zoom-in-on-the-metaverse-financial-times/ Antti Innanen regularly meets clients from all over the world in his office, which overlooks snow-capped mountain ranges and has a huge wraparound balcony. It is, however, a virtual space. “It’s nicer than our actual office in Helsinki,” jokes the chief executive of Dot, a Finnish legal design consultancy. His business is one of a number of law firms and legal technology companies setting up offices in the metaverse — an immersive virtual world where workers are represented by 3D avatars, and which many regard as the next generation of the internet. The legal industry is notoriously conservative, but some forward-thinking lawyers are testing out metaverses such as Decentraland or The Sandbox, which allow users to connect up, as well as run businesses, buy parcels of “land” to build virtual office space, host virtual meetings and buy and sell digital assets. They are not alone. In recent months, big companies as well as smaller start-ups have rushed to stake a place in the metaverse. HSBC, for example, has purchased digital real estate in The Sandbox, which is expected to become a stadium to host virtual sporting events. And where clients go, law firms typically follow. So lawyers are opening offices in virtual worlds as a way of connecting with technology clients and entrepreneurs who are increasingly doing business there. Rodrigo González Ruiz, partner in digital law at Deloitte Legal in Madrid, says the firm is developing its own virtual office, which will enable team members based there and in Barcelona and London to meet clients. It will also be used to train lawyers and includes features such as a virtual blackboard — an online space dedicated to learning. “We were thinking about new ways to interact with our clients and to attract the interests of clients,” says González Ruiz, who began exploring new ways of working online during the Covid-19 pandemic. He wanted more than the existing flat screens and Teams calls. “Younger clients are very used to using these kinds of tools,” he says, adding that the way companies are interacting with the law firm is also changing. “Instead of having a report of evidence that is 100 pages, clients now want quick advice and effective advice. Younger clients are very, very digital.” Dot, which redesigns legal processes and documents, has set up in the metaverse using a program called Spatial. It made the move after its staff across Europe spent months of remote working during the coronavirus pandemic and after Innanen relocated to Spain from Finland last year. At a time when employers and employees are debating hybrid and remote working, Innanen says the law firm started thinking about its big office space and meeting rooms and whether they were really necessary. “On the other hand, the work that we do is very collaborative,” he explains. “Teams and Zoom are very convenient but, sometimes, they lack a sense of connection . . . We have all our weekly meetings at our metaverse office. It is a good way of connecting and, as we are all present in avatars, it gives you a feeling of being together.” There are many other advantages. Dot staff based in Spain, Berlin and Helsinki can interact as avatars using the virtual office and there are no constraints on visitor numbers. “We get a lot of requests from student organisations [to say] they would like to visit our offices. But, unfortunately, our office in Helsinki is tiny. Inviting students to the metaverse office is a fun way to present our way of working and our cases to the students,” says Innanen. US law firms are increasingly active in the metaverse. Grungo Colarulo, a US law firm specialising in personal injury, entered the metaverse with an office in Decentraland last December, with help from the 11-year-old daughter of founding partner Richard Grungo Jr, who used her experience of online gaming worlds such as Minecraft. German law firm Gleiss Lutz opened an office in the metaverse in July. Some more sceptical law firms point out that it is still expensive to “buy” office space in the metaverse, and there are also concerns about cyber security and protection for sensitive client data. Innanen highlights some practical problems. Clients can easily get lost when navigating virtual spaces without a host avatar to guide them. There can be technological glitches and some visitors pay less attention than in real life. “I might be giving a seminar in the metaverse and there will often be one or two people running around like crazy or doing something like creating a massive cartoon of a cat,” he says. Opening an office in the metaverse is only one way in which law firms are embracing new technologies, though. They increasingly deal with clients that use blockchain and cryptocurrency, and some have started to accept cryptocurrency as payment for legal services. I met a Swiss lawyer in our metaverse office today and I felt I got to know them better than if we had spoken on a Zoom call US firms such as Steptoe & Johnson, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, and Perkins Coie are now accepting currencies such as bitcoin in exchange for legal services. Gunnercooke became one of the first UK law firms to do the same when it said in February that it would accept payment in currencies including bitcoin and Ethereum. Partner James Burnie says: “We have three or four clients a month paying in crypto. Some clients do fundraisings and receive crypto and are very keen to do this.” The decision by law firms to accept thee digital assets means that smaller businesses that have raised start-up funding in a cryptocurrency, can now buy vital early-stagelegal advice that they otherwise would not have been able to pay for. However, many mainstream law firms have steered clear of being paid in cryptocurrency because of swings in its value. Bitcoin’s price dropped from above $67,000 in November 2021 to below $19,000 in September, for example. US regulators have also urged caution because of concerns that volatility in cryptocurrencies could breach professional conduct rules that prohibit the country’s lawyers from charging unreasonable fees to clients. The Nebraska Ethics Advisory Opinion for Lawyers was one of the first by a US state ethics body to address bitcoin payments. It advised that lawyers should swiftly convert any cryptocurrency received into US dollars to comply with professional conduct rules. Aside from these questions over payments, lawyers such as Innanen are convinced that becoming early adopters of new technology will give them a vital edge. “I met a Swiss lawyer in our metaverse office today and I felt I got to know them better than if we had spoken on a Zoom call because we were effectively in the same place,” he says. Case studies in best practiceResearched, compiled and ranked by RSGI. ‘Winner’ indicates the organisation won an FT Innovative Lawyers 2022 award. Digital legal services Winner: Norton Rose Fulbright Originality: 8 Leadership: 8 Impact: 8 — Total 24 The firm created a service that provides generic legal opinions for financial institutions looking to meet capital requirement regulations. Financial institutions would previously have obtained these opinions on a case-by-case basis, but this service allows them to assemble opinions from a range of up-to-date options, saving time and money. The service is used by 10 of Europe’s largest investment banks. Standout Bird & Bird O: 7 L: 9 I: 7 — Total 23 Since September 2021, personal data sent to any country outside the EU and European Economic Area that does not normally require protection of that data according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) directives must be accompanied by a standard contractual clause (SCC). So the firm has created a tool that automates production of SCCs, and now has 4,500 unique users each month. Commended: Gabriel Voisin Hogan Lovells O: 8 L: 8 I: 7 — Total 23 The firm, alongside bank BNP Paribas and tech company Integra Ledger, has developed an automation product that extracts data from any document. Metadata is inserted into documents on their creation and stored using blockchain technology. The tool cuts time spent on reviewing information and reduces human error. © Benoit Tessier/Reuters DLA Piper O: 7 L: 7 I: 8 — Total 22 The firm’s employment law and knowledge teams collaborated on an online tool for clients to assess their diversity and inclusion strategies. The tool assesses approaches to training and leadership and other feedback. It then compares the results against wider benchmarks to produce scores. The tool identifies where clients are performing well and where they may be opening themselves up to legal risk. Commended: Katie Davies and Gurpreet Duhra Watson Farley & WilliamsO: 6 L: 8 I: 8 — Total 22 The firm developed a Global Aviation Restructuring Index as a free online tool that compares restructuring procedures across the sector worldwide. Users can choose the best option based on benchmarks such as speed and cost of restructurings and treatment of creditors and debtors. Commended Cuatrecasas O: 7 L: 7 I: 7 — Total 21 The firm structured the first investment round in Realfevr, a start-up issuing football videos and collectibles as non-fungible tokens, through contributions consisting of crypto assets. Ellex O: 6 L: 7 I: 7 — Total 20 In collaboration with consulting firm Gooliver, the firm launched a digital tool in 2022 to help handle annual assessments of money laundering and terrorism financing risk required by Lithuanian regulators. Fragomen O: 5 L: 7 I: 7 — Total 19 The firm rolled out a tool, Nomadic, that stores documentation and automates business visa applications to ensure compliance with complex immigration rules for travellers. © Getty Images Sayenko Kharenko O: 7 L: 5 I: 7 — Total 19 The white-collar criminal de...

Home Office Game Changer Items You Never Knew You Needed – House Digest https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/home-office-game-changer-items-you-never-knew-you-needed-house-digest/ Fizkes/Shutterstock A woman working from home told a joke on a Zoom conference call, but no one laughed. Turns out she wasn’t remotely funny. (Wink-wink!) Oh come now, that was clever, you have to admit! Seriously speaking, according to Global Workplace Analytics, before the pandemic, about 80% of employees already had the desire to work from home, at least part-time, and over a third were willing to accept less money just to have that option. Now that the coronavirus has forced the issue for many businesses, employees are beginning to demand that employers change their policies to match. And although most businesses have still not quite caught up to the current trends, they’re under tremendous pressure to do so. Slowly they’re realizing remote work has advantages for them, too, not the least of which includes saving money on office space! A Great Place to Work says before the pandemic, 5% of people worked remotely, whereas 60% were remote by May of 2020. Their own study involved 800,000 Fortune 500 employees over two years’ time, and definitely indicated that productivity improved over time, with employees who experienced a positive work culture and strong leadership in particular. Overall, the results prove that if companies give their employees the proper support and guidance for working remotely, productivity actually increases. The reality is, there are many professions that have the potential to be done at least partly remotely, and there’s a large percentage of Americans setting up shop at home, so they can do just that. Here are some items to consider for your home office space that you might not even know existed. Desk Board Buddy The first item on our list is called the Desk Board Buddy, and it is unbelievably handy. The gadget fits right above your keyboard as you work, and is made with a tempered glass front, a convenient dry-erase whiteboard to jot notes in a hurry. Lift the lid to find the hidden organizer beneath! Additionally, on the top rear of the Desk Board Buddy are slots that hold a cell phone, a tablet, and a dry-erase marker. The message board face is made with scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, premium tempered glass. Utilize the Desk Board Buddy when you have a terrific idea you don’t want to forget, are on a call and need to write something down quickly, think of something you want to remind yourself of, write a list of daily tasks, or copy a daily quote or a positive affirmation for each day. You can choose either black or white for the best match for your home office decor. You can also use it as a keyboard tray, which will angle it towards you for even easier access and typing. It fits snugly between your monitor and your keyboard, or next to the keyboard on your laptop. You can purchase these directly from the manufacturer for $69.99. Or, Amazon has one by TOWON that has everything the Desk Board Buddy has, plus a calculator, for $36.58. Amazon’s item comes in black and gray, and has great reviews on their website with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, from 110 global customer ratings. You may not know you need this, but once you have it, you won’t want to be without it! Freewrite Alpha Distraction-Free Portable Typewriter/Writing Device Jackmac34/Pixabay If you work from home, there’s a good chance a large part of what you do is writing (typing). Additionally, if you’re an author or a poet, this gadget is perfect for first-draft, distraction-free writing, no matter where you are. Free from device notifications and internet distractions, this handy device will improve your daily word count and boost productivity. The Freewrite Alpha Distraction-Free Typewriter is lightweight and portable, and has a small LCD screen showing just a few lines at a time. It really has some terrific features, such as its full-size mechanical keyboard (QWERTY), and the ability to type in more than 30 different languages. Additionally, the device has internal storage that automatically saves up to one million pages of text in the device itself, and wi-fi capabilities for syncing with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote, or simply use the Alpha cloud service that comes with the device to save files to your other devices. The Alpha also boasts a 100-hour battery life, and charges with a USB-C port. It has an integrated palm rest for maximum comfort, there is no blue light emitting from the LCD screen, and there is a hidden kickstand that allows for a 15-degree angle. According to Liliputing, the LCD screen is reflective, so it can be used in bright light or outside in the sun and still be visible. Gadget Flow has this product for just $249, which is $100 off the retail price from Freewrite. There are reviews here as well, with a score of 9.0 out of 10 stars, an excellent product rating. If you’re writing a book, or can do a lot of your writing without constantly fact-checking yourself via the internet, this helpful tool won’t disappoint. Something to think about, certainly, especially if you’ve ever experienced writer’s block! Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Cancelling Smart Headphones Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock Everyone knows a critical piece of equipment in your home office setup is a pair of headphones with a mic, for handling phone calls professionally. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise Cancelling Smart Headphones are the only pair you’ll ever need for your home office, and they come in several colors for whatever your style or design: classic black, midnight blue, white smoke, and eclipse gray. This item retails from the manufacturer for $329, but they do offer a price match if you find a lower retail price elsewhere. The Bose name is well known for its impeccable high-quality speakers and state-of-the-art sound technology, and the QuietComfort 45 headphones are no different. First of all, these are lightweight and made for comfort; with padded, over-the-ear style. Wireless of course, with Bluetooth for dependable connection. High fidelity sound, as expected when purchasing the Bose brand, and these headphones come complete with a built-in equalizer, too. But probably the best feature is the Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology; the culmination of over five decades of study and research by the manufacturer. An opposite signal is used to cancel outside noise, and here’s the game changer: You can choose between Quiet Mode or Aware Mode, depending on what you’re doing at the moment. For example, if you’re on a business call, you’d choose Quiet Mode for full noise canceling. But working from home often means kids or spouses are at home, and you need to keep “one ear open.” In these cases, choose Aware Mode to balance what you’re listening to through the headphones with the surrounding noises outside. Reviews on Google rate the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones at a 4.5 out of 5 stars, with some complaints regarding music sound quality, but most people are very happy with this product. Logitech MX ERGO Advanced Wireless Trackball Mouse Syafiq Adnan/Shutterstock Next on the list of essentials for your home office, we have the Logitech MX ERGO Advanced Wireless Trackball Mouse. Now I know what you’re thinking; you already have a mouse that works fine, right? Or you’re thinking, a mouse is a mouse, what could possibly make this one so special? This mouse is different in so many ways, starting with its unique ergonomic design and thumb-controlled side trackball. This eliminates the need to move the mouse, at all, which could reduce fatigue and hand pain. The design has a 0 to 20-degree tilt for the best hand and wrist placement angle to avoid fatigue, and it’s able to tilt left or tilt right for right or left- handed users. You can buy this gadget from Logitech for $99. This mouse actually holds a full charge for up to 120 days. Not only that; just a one minute charge gets you 24 hours of work time! But everything terrific so far is just the cake; the frosting is about to come. The really unique and valuable feature of the Logitech MX ERGO is that you can use it to control two different devices at the same time. Not only that, but it even works between macOS and Windows, or an android and an iOS smart device. The mouse has a button on the top to easily switch between two devices, saving individual settings for each, and enabling you to transfer or copy files, pictures, and text from one computer or device to another, while actively interacting with both screens. This makes this item truly a game changer, and a piece of technology you can use to dramatically increase productivity. Reviews on their website give this product a 4.0 out of 5-stars possible, and customers seem genuinely impressed. Shop around for a better price, like $79 at Mercari. Ergonomic Reclining Massaging Office Chair with Breathable Fabric Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock HomRest has this amazing chair in light gray for the decent price of $208.99. For these kinds of features, this is a great deal that takes all the worries out of sitting in a desk chair for hours. It’s ergonomically designed with an extra padded backrest and can hold up to 300 lbs. comfortably. The chair is made with high-resilience foam and features a timer for either 15 or 30 minutes of massage. There are a lot of desk chairs out there that can really get expensive, but this one seems to have everything at a very reasonable price. The reviews on the website give it a 5 out of 5-stars rating. The chair has a thick, wide headrest for cervical support and extra padding in the lumbar area, as well as padded armrests. It features rolling wheels and an extensible footrest. Additionally, it has a 360-degree swivel function and remote control for the 8 different modes of massage you can choose from. People reviewing the chair say that it works great and takes about 20 minutes to assembl...