New Technology Finds Clues In An Ongoing Scottish Paleontological Mystery Courthouse News Service
New Technology Finds Clues In An Ongoing Scottish Paleontological Mystery – Courthouse News Service https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/new-technology-finds-clues-in-an-ongoing-scottish-paleontological-mystery-courthouse-news-service/
Researchers used micro-computer tomographic scans to find in fossils what peels couldn’t – fossil deformation, synapomorphies, and hints at a common ancestor.
(CN) — When approaching the mystery of certain fossils unearthed over a century ago, researchers from the National Museums Scotland first tried the traditional methods. While that captured a general picture of what these fossils were, it failed to yield advanced details. Undeterred, the researchers used new technology to determine the extent of a suspected connection between the reptilian fossils and pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight.
Collected from the Lossiemouth East Quarry in Lossiemouth near Elgin (Moray, Scotland, UK), Scleromochlus taylori was a reptile no longer than 20 centimeters long with features such as a large head, slender body, and uncertain evolutionary history, according to the study published Wednesday in Nature. Initially, the poorly preserved remains did little to help scientists learn much beyond the idea that it potentially belonged in several different groups.
“The fossils from the Elgin area (collectively known as ‘Elgin reptiles’) are peculiar because in most specimens the fossilized bone is missing (dissolved or washed away by natural processes or sometimes mechanically removed to facilitate study,”) wrote the study’s corresponding author Davide Foffa via email. “However, the bones left spectacular impressions on the hard sandstone (moulds/holes/cavities.) These cavities are effectively negative impressions of the skeletons and have been studied using moulding techniques (filling the cavities with waxes or moulding material and making a ‘peel.’”)
Foffa explained that while the peels showed the general shape of the skeletons, micro-computer tomographic scans did more to uncover details that potentially confused the results of previous studies. This included how the rib cage of some specimens flattened, while others contained stacked ribs. However, Foffa went on to note that he considered the team lucky that the specimens were complete for the most part.
Additionally, the study said that this new tool revealed anatomical features that allowed researchers to classify Scleromochlus as a gracile, digitigrade ground-dwelling runner, as well as finding clues that connected the fossils to other species.
According to the study, Scleromochlus shares a minimum of eight unambiguous synapomorphies, or characteristics inherited exclusively from a common ancestor, with Pterosauromorpha. This group includes pterosaurs as well as lagerpetids, a group of small reptiles and Scleromochlus’ closest relatives.
As for what this common ancestor is, the answer is still unknown. Based on its unusual proportions and hindlimb morphology, the researchers suggest that the common ancestor of pterosaurs and lagerpetids was a tiny, probably digitigrade, grown-dwelling runner that was potentially bipedal. Meanwhile, the researchers used the available evidence to suggest that Scleromochlus have a closer relation to lagerpetids than pterosaurs, and that it lacked adaptations to fly or live in trees.
“The lack of flight-related adaptations in Scleromochlus and lagerpetids suggest that the evolution of the distinctive pterosaurian body plan remains to be found in the approximately 18 million years ago gap between the first pterosaurs and the origin of pterosauromorphs,” the study said.
Foffa credited the enthusiasm of the team and the detailed reconstruction of the scans with finding as much information as they did, and he hopes to find more paleontological evidence to solve this mystery.
“We still need more fossils to fit in the gaps between pterosaurs and their closest relatives to better understand how their body-plan came together,” Foffa wrote. “The specimens of Scleromochlus have been known for over 100 years, yet only recently we became equipped with the right tools to fully understand them, and to provide new data for controversies that have seen scientists discussing for decades.”
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Gamevice Flex Review: This Might Be The Best IPhone Gaming Controller Ever IMore
Gamevice Flex Review: This Might Be The Best IPhone Gaming Controller, Ever – IMore https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/gamevice-flex-review-this-might-be-the-best-iphone-gaming-controller-ever-imore/
Thanks to a smart, flexible design and ergonomic controls, the Gamevice Flex races up the list of our favorite iPhone gaming controllers. It’s just a pity the accompanying app isn’t more polished.
For
+ Superb design accommodates many phone and case sizes
+ Ergonomic controls suitable for long play sessions
+ Lightning port pass-through charging
Against
– Initial setup can be a little confusing
– App doesn’t work very well
– D-Pad a little spongy
Between Apple Arcade, Netflix Games, and the wide world of App Store titles, iPhone gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to titles to play on their smartphones. On top of that, the nascent rise of game streaming platforms is leading to an increasing number of controller and case manufacturers building out fully-fledged physical controllers to accompany an iPhone gaming session.
Pretty much all of them come with one frustrating, inconvenient flaw however. If like any sane person would, you have a protective case around your expensive iPhone, you’re almost certainly going to need to remove it in order to use these iPhone game controllers and gaming cases. Taking them on or off with any regularity is enough to make you give up on the whole thing entirely.
Enter then the Gamevice Flex, which pretty much comprehensively solves the problem. An extending, wrap-around case with all the sticks and inputs you’d expect from a modern console controller, it’s designed in such a way to accommodate almost any iPhone you throw at it — even if they’re wearing a protective case over the top of Apple’s slick hardware.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
And it rocks. Read on for why the Gamevice Flex may well be the only game controller your iPhone, be that mini or iPhone 14 Pro, will ever need.
[Note that there’s also a USB-C version of the Gameflex Vice designed for Android phones. It’s nearly identical, though we’ll be specifically looking at the Made for iPhone version of the Gamevice Flex, with our testing mostly carried out using an iPhone 13 Pro wearing a Mous hard case.]
Gamevice Flex: Price and availability
The Gamevice Flex is available for pre-order now, going on sale fully on October 25. The iPhone version costs $109.95, while the Android version is priced at $99.95, with both shipping with a month’s free trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (needed for Xbox game streaming), which can be activated by first-time subscribers.
That’s a fair price for a deceptively-complex product, being well built and compatible with such a range of devices. That’s just a tad more than you’ll pay for the Razer Kishi v2 or GameSir X3, which both follow a similar design philosophy, but lack the device flexibility of the Flex.
Gamevice Flex: What I love
If you’re familiar with the original Razer Kishi, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the Gamevice Flex — at first glance, they look near-identical, and that’s through no design espionage tactics: Gamevice was initially partnered with Razer for the original Kishi design. Going solo for the Flex, Gamevice has made some smart additions to make the controller concept it’s own.
The Gamevice Flex sees two halves of a controller attached by a small bungie clip on the back of the device. Release the clip, and you’re left with an expandable opening to slide your iPhone into. There’s a Lightning port to power the controller from your phone’s own battery (the power draw was so minimal as to be almost unnoticeable). The phone plugs in, and when once it is sitting snugly inside, the two halves of the shell clamp around your device as the expanding rubber connecting the two sections contracts.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
So far, so much like the Razer Kishi. But where the Gamevice Flex makes smart changes is in the size of its cavities for your iPhone. They’re considerably larger than similar devices, and this is by design. While initially, it may seem like your phone will slide around uncomfortably between the ends of the Gamevice Flex, also in the box is a selection of numbered inserts that clip into the inner crevasses of the controller, padding out any excess gaps between your phone and the Flex.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
There are dozens of these different inserts in the box and, along with a color coded fit-testing card, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit not only for your phone, but for your phone while it’s got a case attached too. We got everything up to an iPhone 14 Plus with a Casetify shell case into the Flex without issue — though cases with overly-large protective corner bumpers may be beyond its capacity. Gamevice has distinct inserts for when you’re using a protective case and just your phone too, with a non-abrasive plastic used to avoid scratches for when your nude phone is inserted into the shell.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
It’ll take a little bit of experimentation to get the perfect fit for your phone, but I managed to find the right combo for my setup within about 10 minutes. After that… I never had to take my protective case off to play games on my phone again. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it really ups the convenience of a fully-fledged mobile gaming session. It’s a genuine game-changer.
All this would be a bit pointless if the controller itself was rubbish, but for the most part, it is excellent. It features clickable asymmetrical thumb sticks with comfortable resistance and concave thumb tops, the Xbox layout of A, B, X, and Y buttons, analog triggers, and well-placed shoulder buttons. The area where you grip the controller is satisfyingly chunky and curved, making for a more comfortable gaming experience than even the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons, whose flat profile can make extended sessions uncomfortable. But with the Gamevice Flex, I happily played for several hours without issue. Collapsing down to a small 134 x 94 x 37 mm and weighing just 0.36 lbs without your phone, it’s perfectly travel-friendly, too.
Throw in a passthrough Lightning charging port on the right lower edge and a 3.5mm headphone jack (remember those, Apple?) on the left-hand lower edge, and it’s a near-perfect iPhone gaming companion.
Near perfect, though, remember…
Gamevice Flex: What I don’t love
For the most part, the Gamevice Flex does a great job, but there’s a few areas that let it down and stop it being a perfect device.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
Firstly, the D-Pad isn’t all that great. It’s too spongy for precision play, which will mean that pin-point platforming or special move attacks will be a bit difficult to pull off with the Gamevice Flex. Likewise, the ‘Home’ button on the controller didn’t seem to do… anything. It’d be good if that could be fixed via firmware to jump back to a user’s home screen without having to swipe at the screen. It took me a little while to realize that the screenshot button on the controller requires a double press to activate, too.
(Image credit: Gerald Lynch / Future)
But more problematic is the accompanying Gamevice Live app. As a directory for controller-compatible games, it works OK, highlighting the games and streaming services that work well with the Flex (and walking through set-up instructions for the latter). But it’s lacking polish — it doesn’t automatically collate your ready-to-play games already saved on your device, for instance, and some of the descriptions for apps are just plain wrong. Open the listing for battle royale fighter Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, for instance, and the description and trailer link is for the iOS remake of the Final Fantasy VII RPG. Close, but no cigar. You can set up favorites and search in the app, but it’s hard at this point to see why you’d use it over your own gaming folders and the App Store itself. Rival controller Backbone and its accompanying app pulls off the concept with much more success.
I’d also argue that the sizing chart and documentation could be a little clearer in terms of helping decide the best fit for your devices — though it admittedly didn’t take much trial and error to get it working how I’d like it.
Gamevice Flex: Competition
There’s an abundance of controllers out there for the would-be iPhone gamer, and though the Gamevice Flex is likely to remain my go-to option for the foreseeable future, there are plenty of solid alternatives to consider.
(Image credit: Joe Wituschek / iMore)
The pick of the bunch would be the Backbone One, pictured above. It’s a similarly lightweight and portable telescopic gaming clamp, using an extending plastic back to support your phone rather than the collapsible rubber banding of the Flex. I’d say its buttons and D-Pad are better than the Flex, but its sticks and ergonomics are worse by virtue of its overall flatter design.
It, too, is powered by a Lightning port, but it’s much more particular about the size of the devices it can hold and is best used without any case. However, its accompanying gaming hub app is far better than Gamevice’s, making for a more complete package overall. Still, it can’t fit a phone with a case in it, and that’s the key edge the Flex has. The new Razer Kishi V2, which we also liked, follows a similar design to the Backbone One.
For a completely different form factor, try the PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus. It’s essentially an Xbox controller with a cradle for your phone included in the box and should accommodate most phone sizes. It’s less comfortable, however, as you’re essentially balancing the weight of your phone on the controller you’re playing it with. The split-controller options above are better at distributing the weight — but the PowerA option will let you charge your phone from the controller and play wirelessly with an iPad or Apple TV too. So the form factor has its advantage...
Dutch Nitrogen Mediator Advises Buying Out Biggest Polluters 69News WFMZ-TV
Dutch Nitrogen Mediator Advises Buying Out Biggest Polluters – 69News WFMZ-TV https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/dutch-nitrogen-mediator-advises-buying-out-biggest-polluters-69news-wfmz-tv/
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An independent expert appointed to mediate in the bitter dispute between the Dutch government and the nation’s farmers over plans to drastically slash emissions of nitrogen and ammonia presented a report Wednesday that included a suggestion that the government buy out hundreds of the heaviest polluters.
The report could reignite protests by farmers who say their way of life is under threat and cause tensions in Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s four-party ruling coalition over how best to move forward. Two tractors parked in a peaceful protest outside the temporary home of the Dutch parliament as the report was unveiled.
Johan Remkes said in his 58-page report that he called “a line of thought, not a plan,” that “it is necessary in the very short term to emit much less nitrogen.”
If that doesn’t happen, “the Netherlands will be locked up because it will be legally almost impossible to issue permits. Not for houses, not for farms, not for roads.”
He added: “I write this with a heavy heart, but I see no other way.”
Remkes suggested the government buy out within a year 500-600 of the heaviest polluters — from the agricultural and business world.
He said by targeting the biggest farms only 1% of the farming community would be directly affected.
“I don’t expect the agricultural sector will be happy with this report,” Remkes wrote, but added that he believed it was important to present an “honest story.”
Bart Kemp, leader of the Agractie farmers’ group, said that the report contained “positive things but also very worrying points.” He said that compulsory buying out of farms was out of the question for his organization.
Remkes held a series of meetings over the summer with farmers, government ministers, environmentalists and other sectors in a bid to soothe soaring tensions over the government’s plans to halve nitrogen emissions by 2030.
The government announcement in June that farmers and regional authorities had a year to draw up plans for the reductions unleashed a wave of protest by irate farmers who blocked roads with their tractors, dumped garbage — including in some cases asbestos — on highways and torched bales of hay. Around the nation, farmers and their supporters have hung Dutch flags upside down as a sign of their anger.
Remkes handed his report to the new Minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Piet Adema, and the minister responsible for nitrogen policy, Christianne van der Wal. She said the government would study the report and give a formal reaction on Oct. 14.
Adema said he wanted to visit rural areas to discuss the report’s contents with farmers.
Rutte tweeted his thanks to Remkes for the report and said the government would study it “and I hope that we, together with all parties — farmers, nature organizations, businesses and governments — can make progress because the urgency remains great.”
The government says emissions of nitrogen and ammonia produced by livestock, as well as by heavy industry and the transport sector, must be drastically reduced close to nature areas that are part of a network of protected habitats for endangered plants and wildlife stretching across the 27-nation European Union.
The government has earmarked billions of euros (dollars) to fund the transition.
Farmers say their very livelihoods are under threat and argue that they are being unfairly targeted while other polluters face less far-reaching rules.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
AARP And The State Of North Carolina Collaborate To Help People Age My Way AARP States
AARP And The State Of North Carolina Collaborate To Help People “Age My Way” – AARP States https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/aarp-and-the-state-of-north-carolina-collaborate-to-help-people-age-my-way-aarp-states/
RALEIGH, NC – Older North Carolinians, who now outnumber younger ones, love where they live. But a primary concern when it comes to aging, is having the ability to live independently for as long as possible according to a new AARP survey of adults ages 45 and older.
A collaborative effort between AARP and the State of North Carolina called, “Age My Way NC,” asked people how their communities, counties, and rural areas are meeting the needs of the state’s growing population of older adults.
Age My Way NC is an effort to identify and prioritize the needed changes to support what has become the state’s largest population group, older adults. The findings the group released today are based on a statewide survey of 3,209 residents. It was conducted between May 2, through August 26, 2022, and has a margin of error of 1.8 percent.
Governor Roy Cooper, who addressed the Age my Way NC Summit where the survey results are being examined said, “Our aging population strengthens our state and our communities. We’ll continue working to make North Carolina a place where seniors can live long lives of engagement and purpose.”
NC Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Kody H. Kinsley said, “We are committed to improving the health and well-being of everyone living in North Carolina across their lifespan. At NCDHHS, efforts in each of our top priorities — supporting behavioral health and resilience, strengthening child and family well-being, and building a strong and inclusive workforce – work together to ensure older adults can thrive.”
Age My Way NC collaborator Mary Penny Kelley, Executive Director of Hometown Strong, a Governor’s initiative helping react to the needs of rural communities said, “Supporting older adults is matter of common sense and dollars and cents. They account for 40 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 40 percent of our jobs.”
Director of the NC Division on Aging and Adult Services Joyce Massey-Smith said, “In just a few short years, there will be more people living in North Carolina over age 65 that under 17. Knowing how we can best support people at the community and state level is vital when it comes to healthy aging in the state.”
Age My Way NC Survey Findings:
While most said they want to stay in the current homes and communities as long as possible, there were several major factors for moving including: homes didn’t allow for independent living, social isolation’s negative impact on health, as well as expenses of needed services to maintain their homes.
Living Independently – Key Findings
99% of survey respondents said that it is important to live independently in their own home as they age.
76% of survey respondents rated their current community as an “excellent, very good or good” place to live as they age.
53% of survey respondents said they are likely to stay in their current home and never move, while 17% said they would relocate within their community and 30% said they would relocate elsewhere.
22% of survey respondents said they feel isolated from others and 31 percent said they have a lack of companionship.
Other significant factors for leaving their home were personal safety and security issues; desiring to live in an area with better health care facilities; relocating to be closer to family; requiring more access to public transportation; needing to live in an area with a lower cost of living; eager to live in a community with more opportunities for interaction.
Healthcare – Key Findings:
38% of respondents said that access to well-trained certified home health care providers was “excellent, very good or good,” and only 28% said that care is affordable. Also ranked low, was the availability of affordable home care services such as personal care and housekeeping.
Living independently also requires services including transportation options, homes designed for senior living, access to public spaces, availability to health care and home health, and being able to be a participant in community activities and not be isolated.
Mobility and access to public transportation – Key Findings:
Only 22% of respondents ranked access to public transportation as “excellent or very good.”
Only 26% ranked public transportation as affordable.
Respondents gave high ranking to easy-to-read traffic signs and low rankings to the availability of separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Age My Way NC Survey results were released during the Age My Way NC Summit sponsored by the Governor’s Initiative “Hometown Strong,” the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Service, and AARP North Carolina.
AARP North Carolina President Dr. Catherine Sevier concluded, “Like our partners here today, AARP supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”
More on this initiative and “age-friendly” information can be found at:
https://hometownstrong.nc.gov
Chelsea Vs. AC Milan Odds Picks How To Watch Live Stream: Oct. 5 2022 UEFA Champions League Predictions CBS Sports
Chelsea Vs. AC Milan Odds, Picks, How To Watch, Live Stream: Oct. 5, 2022 UEFA Champions League Predictions – CBS Sports https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/chelsea-vs-ac-milan-odds-picks-how-to-watch-live-stream-oct-5-2022-uefa-champions-league-predictions-cbs-sports/
European powers on opposite sides of the Group E 2022 UEFA Champions League table will meet up Wednesday when AC Milan and Chelsea battle on Paramount+. Chelsea are winless with one draw in Group E play thus far. Their one point puts them in the cellar of Group E. AC Milan are the group leaders with four points after one win and one draw. Both sides sit in fifth place in their respective domestic leagues. You can see what happens when you stream the match now on Paramount+.
Kickoff from Stamford Bridge is set for 3 p.m. ET. The latest Chelsea vs. AC Milan odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Chelsea as the -145 favorites (risk $145 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with AC Milan +390 underdogs. A draw is priced at +290 and the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. Wednesday’s match will be streamed live on Paramount+ with their must-have Premium plan.
Paramount+ is the only place to watch every minute of every UEFA Champions League match this season. Sign up now to get a 7-day free trial. A subscription also gives you access to other sports content including the UEFA Europa League, Italian Serie A, NWSL, NFL on CBS, and countless movies and shows. Get it all free for 7 days when you sign up here.
How to watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan
Chelsea vs. AC Milan date: Wednesday, Oct. 5
Chelsea vs. AC Milan time: 3 p.m. ET
Chelsea vs. AC Milan live stream: Paramount+
UEFA Champions League picks for AC Milan vs. Chelsea
Before tuning into Wednesday’s match, you need to see the UEFA Champions League picks from soccer insider Brandt Sutton. Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor for more than five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most-informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe. Sutton also has been on a roll with his soccer picks, going 130-95-1 in 2022, returning more than $2,000 for $100 bettors.
For Chelsea vs. AC Milan, Sutton is backing both teams to score at -120 odds. AC Milan have been involved in six straight matches in which both teams have found the back of the net, including both of their Champions League matches thus far. Three games during that span have resulted in four or more total goals, so the Italian side has shown a propensity to both score and concede on a regular basis.
Four of the last six Chelsea matches, meanwhile, have featured a goal from both sides, including a 1-1 draw in their last Champions League match against FC Salzburg.
“Chelsea have struggled to keep teams off the scoresheet this season and I don’t see that changing on Wednesday,” Sutton told SportsLine. “The Blues have conceded at least one goal in each of their last seven games across all competitions.”
How to watch, live stream UEFA Champions League on Paramount+
Now that you know what to pick, get ready to watch the UEFA Champions League. Visit Paramount+ now to see UEFA Champions League action, your live local CBS sporting events, some of the world’s top soccer matchups and much more.
Fidelity Launches Ethereum Index Fund Bitwise Offers Metaverse ETF Kitco NEWS
Fidelity Launches Ethereum Index Fund, Bitwise Offers Metaverse ETF – Kitco NEWS https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/fidelity-launches-ethereum-index-fund-bitwise-offers-metaverse-etf-kitco-news/
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(Kitco News) – Institutions continue to ramp up their cryptocurrency offerings as global regulators increasingly move towards establishing a working framework for dealing with the nascent asset class as adoption treks higher.
Most recently, Fidelity Investments has launched a new Ethereum Index Fund that will provide its clients with exposure to Ether (ETH), according to a document the firm filed with the SEC on Sept. 26.
The new fund accepts minimum outside investments of $50,000 and it has already seen more than $5 million in reported sales.
The multi-trillion dollar asset manager launched originally launched its crypto-focused institutional custody and trading platform Fidelity Digital Assets in 2018. The firm currently offers two exchange-traded crypto funds that are dedicated to the metaverse and digital payments.
This most recent development follows last month’s revelation that Fidelity Investments is mulling over the idea of letting all of its retail customers have access to trading Bitcoin (BTC) directly through the brokerage platform.
Fidelity Digital Assets is also part of a group of institutions that are backing the launch of EDX Markets (EDXM), “a first-of-its-kind exchange that will address latent demand for digital asset trading by enabling safe and compliant trading of digital assets through trusted intermediaries.”
Bitwise launches a Metaverse ETF
In other institutional news, crypto index fund manager Bitwise Asset Management has announced the launch of the Bitwise Web3 exchange-traded fund (ETF), which includes exposure to five categories of Web3 companies.
According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated Oct. 4, the Bitwise Web3 ETF (BWEB) is now listed and trading on NYSE Arca, an all-electronic, U.S.-based exchange for listing and trading ETFs.
The five categories of Web3 companies included in the BWEB are infrastructure providers, finance, metaverse and digital worlds, “web3-enabled creator economy” and development and governance.
The ETF offers exposure to up to 40 companies, with at least 85% of the portfolio “directly linked to business activities associated with one or more key areas of growth in web3,” Bitwise said on its website.
“With the Bitwise Web3 ETF, we’re excited to give investors the opportunity to capture one of the fastest-emerging themes in technology through a diverse mix of companies that we believe will lead the charge,” Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan said in the product announcement.
According to the ETFs product sheet, BWEB is based on the Bitwise Web3 Equities Index and has management fees equivalent to .85% of average daily net assets.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
The Best Dog Gifts For Dogs Dog Moms And Dads To Buy Before Prime Day USA TODAY
The Best Dog Gifts For Dogs, Dog Moms And Dads To Buy Before Prime Day – USA TODAY https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-best-dog-gifts-for-dogs-dog-moms-and-dads-to-buy-before-prime-day-usa-today/
Camryn Rabideau | Reviewed
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
If you consider your dog a member of the family, chances are you get them gifts for the holidays—we at Reviewed certainly do! Even if you just get your four-legged friend a new toy or bone, they’re sure to be excited to have a present waiting for them under the tree, and you’ll be excited to know many of these dog gifts are already on sale, ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day, the Prime Early Access sale.
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Whether you’re looking for something small and inexpensive or want to go all-out for your pup, we’ve got a wide range of amazing holiday gifts for dogs to choose from, including options for every type of dog—active, adventurous, couch potato and more. The following are 20 gifts to give your pet this year, including one of our top-rated dog cameras, a super-cozy dog bed and a delicious dog cookie subscription box!
1. For the dog who loves sleeping: Casper Dog Bed
If your dog loves nothing more than a good mid-day nap, treat them to the splurge-worthy Casper Dog Bed this holiday season. Our testers love that this dog bed is extremely supportive and well-made—not to mention comfortable for your pup! It comes in three sizes to fit any dog breed, and it comes in three colors to match your decor. The cover of the bed is easy to remove and wash if it ever gets dirty, and it can withstand years of rough play and digging.
$169 at Casper
2. For the dog who loves treats: Wufers Cookie Club
If you have to spell out C-O-O-K-I-E to prevent your dog from racing over to the treat jar, we know the perfect gift for them. The Wufers Cookie Club is a subscription box designed just for the special dog (or dogs) in your life, and each box contains an array of delicious gourmet dog cookies with a fun seasonal theme. You’ll get tasty pumpkin cookies in the fall, the brand’s signature advent cookie calendar during the holidays and so much more. You can choose a month-to-month subscription or to pay for a full year in advance, but either way, your dog will definitely thank you for this special treat!
$40/month at Wufers
3. For the adventurous dog: Fi Smart Dog Collar
If you and your dog frequently go hiking or camping together, we highly recommend the Fi Smart Dog Collar. This collar keeps track of your dog’s daily activity levels and sleep patterns, and it also doubles as a GPS tracker if your dog ever gets lost. When we tested this smart collar, we loved that it has a sleek, stylish design, and its battery also lasts much longer than other smart collars, only needing to be charged once every few months.
$149 at Fi
4. For the dog who hates being alone: Eufy Pet Camera
We’ve tested several of the best smart pet cameras available today, and our favorite is the Eufy Pet Camera. This gadget allows you to see what your pet is up to at any time of the day, streaming 1080p video right to your smartphone, and we love that it has a 170-degree wide-angle view and can rotate up to 270 degrees, letting you see the whole room. The camera is equipped with two-way audio and is able to toss treats to your pet, and unlike many other options, there’s no monthly subscription fee.
$200 at Amazon
5. For the dog who loves balls: KONG Jumblr
Your dog is sure to go crazy for this cool ball-in-a-ball toy. The KONG Jumblr is made up of a large outer ball with a tennis ball that rattles around inside. The outer shell has handles on each side, making it easy for your pup to pick up and carry around, and it even squeaks when squeezed to keep your dog engaged for longer. The unique design is sure to provide hours of entertainment for your pup, and it might even become their new favorite toy.
$15 at Tractor Supply
6. For the dog that always needs a bath: A personalized dog robe
Every pampered pooch deserves a custom robe for bath time! The WhiskersWorld Personalized Dog Robe is available in three sizes and a wide range of colors to match your dog’s style, and it’s made from an absorbent polyester-microfiber blend with velcro closures that wrap around your dog’s chest and stomach. You can have the robe embroidered with your dog’s name for a sweet personal touch, and they’ll love running around in it after their at-home spa session.
$28 at Etsy
7. For the dog who was extra good this year: Goody Box
Did your dog make it onto Santa’s “Nice List” this year? If so, your good boy or girl definitely deserves a Goody Box! These curated boxes from Chewy get two paws up from our reviewers, as they’re packed full of top-rated toys and treats from the brand. Each box contains five or more items at a discounted price, and Chewy frequently introduces fun seasonal boxes for both large and small dogs, as well as puppies.
$25+ at Chewy
8. For the dog who loves puzzles: Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
You can make mealtime more interesting for your dog with the help of the Nina Ottosson Interactive Treat Puzzle Toy. These top-rated puzzles are a must-have for smart pups, as they’ll keep your pet stimulated and help to tire them out. While there are a wide variety of puzzles available from the brand, this particular design is a ball that your dog has to roll around to dispense treats or food. It’s a great brain-buster for rainy days, and who can resist the reasonable price?
$10 at Amazon
9. For the super-smart dog: FluentPet Talking Buttons
If you’re on Instagram or TikTok, you may have seen Bunny, the super-smart sheepadoodle who uses a set of buttons to communicate with her parents. Sounds cool? You can talk to your dog, too, with the FluentPet Dog Talking Button Kit—the exact buttons that Bunny uses! This starter set includes two non-slip floor tiles and two buttons that you can use to record words you want to teach your pup. The buttons are suitable for dogs of all sizes, and the floor tiles have extra slots to add more buttons in the future, if you choose.
$35 at Amazon
10. For the athletic dog: Agility equipment set
The Better Sporting Dogs Deluxe Agility Equipment Set is the perfect activity for any dog who has endless amounts of energy. The at-home agility kit includes two bar jumps, a tire jump, six weave poles, a 10-foot-long tunnel, a chute tunnel and a pause box, allowing you to set up a full obstacle course for your pet. The components break down into compact, easy-to-store forms, complete with carrying cases, and the set will provide hours of entertainment as you teach your pup how to navigate each task.
$185 at Amazon
11. For the dog who likes homemade treats: Dash Dog Treat Maker
With the Dash Dog Treat Maker, it’s quick and easy to whip up homemade treats for your spoiled dog. This gadget works just like a waffle iron—you simply pour in batter, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll have eight bone-shaped treats to entice your pup. We love that this treat maker comes with recipes that are easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and we’re betting your dog will give the homemade treats two big paws up.
$25 at Amazon
12. For the dog in training: A custom treat jar
If your pup is still learning good behaviors, the Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware Pet Treat Canister is a great spot to stash their favorite treats. The jar is available in white or black finishes, and it comes with a tight-fitting acacia wood lid. The sleek design has a little bone shape on the side, and we love that you can even have it personalized with your dog’s name. It will look adorable sitting on your kitchen counter, and your pet will quickly learn that good behavior = a trip to the cookie jar!
$40 at Pottery Barn
13. For the dog who wanders: Apple Airtag + Airtag case
Does your dog tend to wander off when you’re not looking? If so, you can give yourself peace of mind with an Apple Airtag and the FuniteStore Dog Airtag Case. The Airtag pairs up with your iPhone, allowing you to quickly pinpoint its location and locate your missing pup, and the special Airtage case is designed to attach right to your dog’s collar. You can even have the case customized with your dog’s name and your phone number to ensure your dog will always find their way home.
$29 at Best Buy
$9 at Etsy
14. For the dog who loves camping: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Is your dog your faithful camping companion? Then they deserve their very own sleeping bag for your outdoor adventures. The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag is designed specifically for pets, with a circular shape that your dog can curl up in on cold nights. It has a padded bottom to provide cushioning against the hard ground, and the shell is water-resistant and quick-drying. Plus, the sleeping bag comes with a convenient compression sack that makes it easy for you to carry as you hike.
$100 at REI
15. For the city dog: Fable Carrier Bag
For those with small dogs—we’re talking 15 pounds or less—you’ve got to get them the chic Fable Carrier Bag. This attractive leather tote bag might look like your average handbag, but it’s actually designed for carrying around dogs, featuring a cushioned nylon interior, inner tether, and reinforced straps. The stylish bag is handcrafted in Spain, and it comes in three colors to match your dog’s style.
$225 at Fable
16. For the dog who loves being part of the family: A personalized holiday ornament
Get your dog involved in the festivities this holiday season with a HowlinTag Personalized Dog Ornament. These adorable ornaments are made from a piece of walnut wood cut into the shape of a bone, and they’re personalized with your dog’s name. We love that you can choose from ...
Terra Luna Classic Price Prediction Can It Reach $1 By 2023? Cryptonews
Terra Luna Classic Price Prediction – Can It Reach $1 By 2023? – Cryptonews https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/terra-luna-classic-price-prediction-can-it-reach-1-by-2023-cryptonews/
Terra Classic (LUNC) continues to show extreme volatility in the market on a massive amount of trading volume.
The coin – often referred to as Terra Luna Classic – is down 4% over 24hrs but remained in the top 10 by trading volume in the same time period with $440 million of LUNC traded.
Despite its extreme volatility, LUNC remains 7% up in the past seven days at the time of writing and more than 30,000% up from its May low following the de-pegging and collapse of the original Terra Luna coin and UST stablecoin.
Price Prediction – Can LUNC Reach $1 by 2023?
Terra Classic is now a community-led coin with very little real-world utility.
While the voracious community has driven incredible gains over the last six months, the possibility of LUNC reaching $1 appears slim without drastic action and change.
Trillions of new coins were created when the protocol spiraled out of control and the current supply of LUNC stands at more than 6 trillion (6,000,000,000,000) – a mind-boggling number that currently makes it near-impossible for LUNC to ever reach $1 in its current state.
For context, the market cap of the entire crypto space is currently less than $1 trillion and, effectively, to reach $1 every single cent in every single crypto coin would have to be redirected to LUNC – and then multiplied by more than six.
However, there are some reasons for cautious optimism.
Staking has been live for a number of weeks with millions of coins taken off exchanges by the community.
Thanks to community efforts and feedback the world’s largest exchange, Binance, is now burning all trading fees collected from LUNC trading.
The burn started on September 21 and, according to the exchange, nearly 5.6 billion LUNC tokens – equating to approximately $1.8 million – were sent to a burn address.
The burn will be ongoing with a weekly report released every Tuesday and there is hope other exchanges will follow Binance’s lead.
The LUNC community is currently pushing another exchange, KuCoin, to adopt a burn mechanism and asking Coinbase to list the token, given its huge volume.
It was also reported that Lithosphere developers Kaj Labs will burn 2.5 trillion LUNC in their new Finesse series of games and have facilitated $50 to $100 million to facilitate the burn.
If true, that burn would drastically slash the supply of LUNC and drive up its price.
However, the news was met with a mixed reaction by the LUNC community, with one prominent member, LUNCDAO, claiming the press release was “dishonest marketing to get viral engagement”.
Terra Luna Classic reaching $1 still seems a very long way off and from its current price would mean growth of more than 300,000%.
That is not to say that it will not continue to make investors good gains in the short, medium and long terms, but without a significant slashing of the supply soon, it appears unlikely to see that kind of growth in the next 12 months.
Further, LUNC’s lack of utility makes it more open to volatility and attractive to speculative traders – pumps are open to being followed by dumps as investors take profits rather than hold as there is little long-term value in the project.
One alternative project that offers a lot of real-world utility is IMPT, a new green project that wants to help solve the climate crisis by offsetting users’ carbon footprints – $500,000 has been raised in the first 48 hours of the presale.
Diversity Visa 2024: Open From October 5 To November 8 2022 U.S. Embassy & Consulate In Greece US Embassy In Greece USEmbassy.gov
Diversity Visa 2024: Open From October 5 To November 8, 2022 – U.S. Embassy & Consulate In Greece – US Embassy In Greece – USEmbassy.gov https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/diversity-visa-2024-open-from-october-5-to-november-8-2022-u-s-embassy-consulate-in-greece-us-embassy-in-greece-usembassy-gov/
The Immigration Act of 1990 established the Diversity Visa (DV) program, which makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available through random selection. The program allows those from countries with low immigration rates to the United States; to enter for a chance to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa.
To apply for this visa, follow the steps on the Diversity Visa Program website. Please also click on DV Instructions for specific and updated guidance.
1. Submit an entry. Eligible individuals may submit an entry at dvprogram.state.gov during the specified registration period in October/November of each year.
2. Check your DV application status. In early May, entrants may check their DV application status and see if they were selected using the Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. Entrants must have their confirmation number to access information through Entry Status Check. This is the ONLY website where Diversity Visa entrants are notified of their selection, provided instructions on how to proceed with their application, and notified of their immigrant visa interview appointment date and time. Please be aware, the U.S. Department of State is unable to provide results to DV entrants or provide your confirmation number.
3. Receive notice of your visa interview appointment. The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) will inform DV selectees of their scheduled interview via email with instructions on what to do next. Please click here for additional information on the notification and scheduling process.
4. Prepare. DV selectees must bring all required documents to their interview, so please be prepared.
5. Review local instructions. Please review all local instructions for the interview on our website. Please note that some of the information included in these instructions may apply to immigrant visa classifications other than diversity visas. If you have questions about the country-specific information included here, please contact the embassy, consulate, or office providing consular services where you will apply for your visa.
6. Schedule a medical examination. Schedule a medical examination with the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or office providing consular services approved physician at least 15 days before your visa interview. Please locate the list of approved physicians on our website.
7. Follow post-interview instructions. Please click here for general information on the “after the interview” process. Please send any questions to the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or office providing consular services at which you interviewed.
Additional Notices to Applicant:
All entries must be submitted electronically during the specified registration period in the DV Instructions. No late entries or paper entries are accepted. The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. If you submit more than one entry you will be disqualified.
Beware of fraud and scams. Some websites and emails attempt to mislead customers, posing as providers of official U.S. government information. Read our Fraud Warning for more information.
Complete your own application. The online entry application is easy and free.
By U.S. Embassy in Athens | 5 October, 2022 | Topics: Consular Affairs, Immigrant Visas, U.S. & Greece | Tags: Diversity Visas 2024, DV2024
Experts: Russia Finding New Ways To Spread Propaganda Videos The Associated Press En Español
Experts: Russia Finding New Ways To Spread Propaganda Videos – The Associated Press – En Español https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/experts-russia-finding-new-ways-to-spread-propaganda-videos-the-associated-press-en-espanol/
Russia has devised yet another way to spread disinformation about its invasion of Ukraine, using digital tricks that allow its war propaganda videos to evade restrictions imposed by governments and tech companies.
Accounts linked to Russian state-controlled media have used the new method to spread dozens of videos in 18 different languages, all without leaving telltale signs that would give away the source, researchers at Nisos, a U.S.-based intelligence firm that tracks disinformation and other cyber threats, said in a report released Wednesday.
The videos push Kremlin conspiracy theories blaming Ukraine for civilian casualties as well as claims that residents of areas forcibly annexed by Russia have welcomed their occupiers.
English-language versions of the Russian propaganda videos are now circulating on Twitter and lesser-known platforms popular with American conservatives, including Gab and Truth Social, created by former President Donald Trump, giving Russia a direct conduit to millions of people.
In an indication of the Kremlin’s ambitions and the sprawling reach of its disinformation operations, versions of the videos were also created in Spanish, Italian, German and more than a dozen other languages.
“The genius of this approach is that the videos can be downloaded directly from Telegram and it erases the trail that researchers try to follow,” Nisos’ senior intelligence analyst Patricia Bailey told The Associated Press. “They are creative and adaptable. And they are analyzing their audience.”
The European Union moved to ban RT and Sputnik, two of Russia’s leading state-run media outlets, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. Tech companies such as Google’s YouTube and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram also announced they would ban content from the outlets within the 27-nation EU, undermining Russia’s ability to spread its propaganda.
Russian attempts to get around the new rules began almost immediately. New websites were created to host videos that make debunked claims about the war. Russian diplomats took on some of the work.
The latest effort revealed by analysts at Nisos involved uploading propaganda videos to Telegram, a loosely moderated platform that is broadly popular in Eastern Europe and used by many conservatives in the United States. In some cases, watermarks identifying the video as RT’s were removed in a further attempt to disguise their source.
Once on Telegram, the videos were downloaded and reposted on platforms including Twitter without indications that the video was produced by Russian state media. Hundreds of accounts that later posted or reposted the videos were linked by Nisos researchers to the Russian military, embassies or state media.
Some of the accounts appeared to use fake profile photos or posted content in strange ways that suggested they were inauthentic.
One example: a Twitter account supposedly run by a woman living in Japan that had a singular interest in Russian propaganda. Instead of posting about a variety of topics such as entertainment, food, travel or family, the account user only posted Russian propaganda videos — and not just in Japanese, but also in Farsi, Polish, Spanish and Russian.
The account also cited or reposted content from Russian embassies hundreds of times, researchers found, showing again the close relationship between Russian diplomats and the country’s propaganda work.
When it comes to Russia’s overall disinformation capabilities, Bailey said, the network is “just one piece of a puzzle that is quite large.”
Last week, Russia sought to spread a baseless conspiracy theory blaming the U.S. for sabotage to the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
The same week, Meta announced the discovery of a sprawling Russian disinformation network that created websites designed to look like major European news outlets. Instead of news, the websites carried propaganda intended to drive a wedge between Ukraine and its western allies.
That operation was the largest of its kind to originate in Russia since the war began, researchers concluded.
“The network exhibited an overarching pattern of targeting Europe with anti-Ukraine narratives and expressions of support for Russian interests,” according to a report from the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, which helped identify the network disabled by Meta.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Gaming CEOs cautiously Optimistic About Future Business Climate Despite Economic Concerns AGA Survey Finds Yogonet International
Gaming CEOs “cautiously Optimistic” About Future Business Climate Despite Economic Concerns, AGA Survey Finds – Yogonet International https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/gaming-ceos-cautiously-optimistic-about-future-business-climate-despite-economic-concerns-aga-survey-finds-yogonet-international/
The American Gaming Association released Tuesday its Gaming Industry Outlook, which shows CEOs in the sector remain positive about the industry’s current business situation. Additionally, many further expressed confidence about future conditions despite persistent concerns about today’s economic environment. However, the association says that, following a period of exceptionally strong growth, economic activity in the industry could ease moderately over the next six months.
The Gaming Industry Outlook is presented in partnership with Fitch Ratings. A majority of executives surveyed indicated that the present business situation is good (68%) or satisfactory (28%), and most (92%) expect these conditions to continue or improve over the next three to six months. More than one-third (38%) indicated they expect future conditions to be better, compared to only 8% that thought conditions would worsen.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller analyzed these results and stated the industry “remains cautiously optimistic, and has weathered this volatile economy, because of resilient consumer demand.” He added that, looking ahead, future consumer confidence and spending “remain an outstanding question for our continued growth.”
However, despite strong annual revenue numbers to date, macroeconomic factors are tempering the future outlook for the gaming industry, AGA notes. Two-thirds of gaming CEOs named supply chain issues as a factor limiting operations (65%), followed by inflation and interest rate concerns (62%). Half of the executives also identified the uncertainty of the economic environment (50%) and shortage of labor (50%) as impediments to business growth.
The Gaming Industry Outlook includes two separate indices: the Current Conditions Index and the Future Conditions Index. The Current Conditions Index measures activity in the U.S. casino gaming industry during the most recent quarter. It is based on three components: gaming revenue, employment, and wages and salaries. Meanwhile, the Current Conditions Index reflects the composite growth of the three components, on an annualized basis. Index values above 100 indicate activity expanded during the quarter, while index values below 100 indicate a contraction.
The Current Conditions Index of 99.5 shows real gaming-related economic activity is relatively stable compared to the second quarter of 2022, when the industry set a new quarterly revenue record, further notes AGA. The Index indicates that gaming-related economic activity has grown at an annualized pace of approximately 4.9% over the last three quarters, “reflecting real underlying growth, controlled for the effects of inflation.”
As for the Future Conditions Index, it currently stands at 95.3, indicating that real gaming-related economic activity is expected to decrease moderately over the next six months at a 4.7 percent annualized rate. While the growth expectations of the Gaming Executive Panel – which consists of senior-level AGA member executives selected to represent the breadth of the casino gaming sector- remain positive, the Future Conditions Index is dampened by the current Oxford Economic outlook, which anticipates a mild recession in the first half of 2023, notes the association.
Other findings include that about three in four CEOs surveyed (72%) expect the pace of wage and benefit growth to continue to increase over the next three to six months, although there was a slowdown in expectations around the pace of hiring compared to earlier this year. Strong inflation in the third quarter contributed to a weaker measure of economic activity as gaming revenue and employee wages are adjusted for inflation in the Current Conditions Index.
Gaming CEO Growth expectations remain positive but have softened relative to six months ago, according to the Gaming Executive Panel—a major input in the Future Conditions Index. In aggregate, across a set of outlook questions, the share of positive responses on measures such as future business conditions outweighed negative responses by 24.7% points, down from 40.3% points in Q1.
For gaming operators, future customer activity is a major question mark with expectations evenly split between expansion and contraction. Among gaming suppliers, half expect the sales of both new and replacement units to increase over the next two quarters, while none expected a decrease in sales.
The strong growth over the past two years has positioned the industry well despite future uncertainty, highlights AGA. While respondents noted a significant deterioration in the credit environment, nearly half expected balance sheet health to improve over the next six months.
Tourism Receipts Rise For Spa City Arkansas Online
Tourism Receipts Rise For Spa City – Arkansas Online https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/tourism-receipts-rise-for-spa-city-arkansas-online/
A duck boat is shown near the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum Tuesday. Visit Hot Springs released its annual tourism and economic impact report Tuesday, which showed a 2.4% increase in the local economy in 2021 over pre-pandemic numbers. – Photo by Andrew Mobley of The Sentinel-Record
Revenue from tourism in Garland County increased 2.4% from pre-pandemic levels, according to an annual report released Tuesday by Visit Hot Springs.
Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said the report was not done for 2020 due to the effect the covid-19 pandemic had on the economy.
“We do an annual report,” he said. “The only year we didn’t do it was ’20, which was the year of covid. … It not only helps us sort of gauge how the industry is doing, but it really helps us with people that want to bring a hospitality business in.
“It’s something really you can send to hotel developers, restaurateurs, people with attractions they want to bring in, so it’s sort of a two-fold report. And we usually wait and release it after the state comes out with their numbers, so we can include those in there, as well.”
InVeritas, a Little Rock-based company, researches and compiles the data, Arrison said.
“They pull their own numbers. They pull numbers from the state. They pull numbers from all our [businesses] like Garvan [Woodland] Gardens is in there, Oaklawn [Racing Casino Resort]’s in there. They get in touch with them and get all their information, and they put it in a package together for us.”
While the pandemic did have an effect on the economy in Garland County, Arrison said it was much less devastating than it was for other places.
“All in all … it was a very good year,” he said. “I mean, we’ve recovered from covid. It really didn’t hurt us as badly as it hurt a lot of other places.”
There was only an 11% decrease from 2019 to 2020, Arrison said, despite the Hot Springs Convention Center remaining closed throughout the majority of the year.
“It was pretty incredible,” he said. “We were up for the last six months of the year. And that was with zero meeting business because, if you remember correctly, the convention center was pretty well shut down.”
The report said the tourism industry garnered $63.1 million in tax revenue for state and local governments and supported nearly $161 million in wages for 6,400 travel-related jobs, an increase of 30% from 2019, when the last local report was compiled. The report noted $8 billion was spent on tourism-related industries statewide in 2021 with $1.1 billion generated in local, state and federal tax revenue.
“I think the number that really jumps out at me is that 10% of the Arkansas tourism tax that’s paid around the whole state, 10% of that comes from Garland County,” Arrison said.
“So you know, we’re the number one tourism destination in the state, and I always get in an argument with Little Rock. ‘Well, we collect more money than you do.’ ‘Well, you’ve got government; you have corporate. You have all that other stuff.’ Pretty much … we’re a tourism-based economy here,” he said.
Five counties account for more than half of the state’s income from travel-based industry — Pulaski, Benton, Garland, Washington and Sebastian. Of those, Garland County ranks third in the five categories used in the report — travel expenditures, travel-generated payroll, travel-generated employment, travel-generated state tax, and travel-generated local tax.
“We don’t have corporate headquarters,” Arrison said. “We don’t have Walmart. We don’t have the state Capitol. … I think it’s incredible that we do what we do. I think it’s a testament to our restaurants and hoteliers that … even through these tough times — I mean, their numbers are good, but some of them still aren’t open as many days as they used to be.
“They’ve changed their menus. They’ve adapted to the new environment where you have some days [where] you can’t get this kind of meat or the chicken that you’ve always served, or you’ve got to change your operating hours. I think it’s incredible.”
The report shows the hospitality tax collections in 2020 dropped from $6,964,879.41 to $6,181,700.08, but 2020 collections increased to $8,041,374.84, a 14.5% increase over 2019 and 30.1% increase over 2020.
The city’s hospitality tax from lodging increased 28.1% over 2019 to $2,079,379.94 (56.99% increase over 2020). Restaurant collections increased 23% from 2020 to $5,961,994.90 (12% increase over 2019).
Arrison said the current year looks to end on a positive note as well.
“Our meetings, it’s incredible,” he said. “We have one meeting after the other after the other, and not only is that great, but it’s like Spa-Con, the best attendance they’ve had … in almost the six years of it, I think.
“All of our meetings, their attendance is up. People want to meet; people love to come to Hot Springs. There’s other great meeting places within the state, within the region, but they love to come here because there’s so much not only for them to do, but for their family to do while they’re in the city.”
4 Great Scenic Train Rides Across The US The Points Guy
4 Great Scenic Train Rides Across The US – The Points Guy https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/4-great-scenic-train-rides-across-the-us-the-points-guy/
Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There’s no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.
During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that’s worth the extra transit time.
Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.
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Whether you’re new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.
Tips for cross-country train travel
Amtrak train. JIM SUGAR/GETTY IMAGES
While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.
Browse routes by region
AMTRAK
A good first step to take when looking for a route that’s right for you is to search Amtrak’s “Browse by Region” menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.
Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.
Explore Amtrak Vacations
AMTRAK
Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks, sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like “Fall Foliage” and “Multiple National Parks.”
Amtrak’s set of “Most Scenic Journeys” vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions. Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.
You can click on each option’s details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that’s left to do is book your rail vacation.
Consider famous routes
AMTRAK
A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on “Famous Rail Routes.” This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.
For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you’ve chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.
Weigh your accommodation options
Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you’ll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak’s long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.
The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak’s seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you’ll find in an airline’s business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.
Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you’ll enjoy access to a separate dining car.
Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.
4 scenic train trips to take in the US
Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you’ll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.
California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago
AMTRAK
Amtrak’s California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.
The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver. You’ll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.
This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you’ll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.
One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.
Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago
AMTRAK
The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train’s viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana‘s Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park, the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota’s towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.
Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there’s an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.
One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.
Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago
AMTRAK
Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.
For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66. However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won’t find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.
The train’s main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak’s vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.
Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.
Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.
Crescent: New York City to New Orleans
New Orleans automobile and railroad bridge. JW LOUISIANA/GETTY IMAGES
See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans. Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., among other destinations.
Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.
Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.
Bottom line
Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.
The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak’s many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak’s website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Experience The Trades Expo Draws Record High Attendance Greater Milwaukee Today | GMToday.com
Experience The Trades Expo Draws Record High Attendance – Greater Milwaukee Today | GMToday.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/experience-the-trades-expo-draws-record-high-attendance-greater-milwaukee-today-gmtoday-com/
WAUKESHA — A record turnout of 1,500 middle and high school students in Waukesha Country attended the inaugural Experience the Trades Expo Tuesday, getting hands-on experience through exhibits that highlighted careers in construction and manufacturing.
More than 40 skilled trade companies attended the event at the Waukesha County Expo — Forum Building, 1000 Northview Road, to provide interactive activities for the students including virtual welding, using an imitation grinder, buffing the hood of a car, building a secure structure, surveying with a robotic station and more.
It’s all about excitement, engagement and awareness, according to Senior Vice President for Public Policy of the Waukesha County Business Alliance Amanda Payne.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest Waukesha County news with a subscription: Click here
“Workforce is the number one challenge for most of our businesses here in Waukesha County,” said Payne. “And that’s especially true in manufacturing and construction industries.”
Manufacturing is starting to come back, according to President and CEO of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Richard Barnhouse. As times have changed over the past 40 years, the industry has more become advanced and needs workers with highly technical skills.
“The ultimate key though, is that students in high school right now are entering into a world that’s about to change radically with robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Barnhouse. “We like to partner with WCBA to get the message out to students who are coming through high school that they’ve got this unbelievable fabric of opportunities.”
‘The earlier the better’
In Waukesha County, dual enrollment is a successful program that is growing, according to Payne. Students have the opportunity to enroll in their local high schools as well as WCTC.
“I think the earlier the better,” said Barnhouse, adding that in some cases, by the time a student hits eighth grade, they are already being shepherded down one path. “I think it’s important for students in middle school to have their eyes opened up.”
The WCBA hopes to expose students to a career path that they hadn’t considered before as part of their strategy to build on a strong talent pipeline for industries in Waukesha County.
By allowing students to engage with the business community, Payne and the WCBA hope students will gain awareness of the local companies that surround them and are actively providing job opportunities for a growing industry.
Hands on
The event ran from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., giving students plenty of time to try all the activities. Businesses with exhibits provided a number of handson experiences, training and guidance, allowing the students to take charge and explore the skill on their own.
Brent Kostrzewa with the Walbec Group, an umbrella group of smaller companies the produce high-quality construction materials, felt the event was primarily about outreach and sparking interest in the youth.
The Walbec Group exhibit welcomed students to sit on top of a roller, a construction machine. Helping students up and watching them smile with joy is part of the experience.
“It just gets them thinking,” said Kostrzewa. “Even just sitting on equipment like this, maybe they’ll remember that, or they’ll see this on the road and equate that to what we do.”
Cameron Walsh, a seventh-grade student in Hartland, sat on top of the roller and learned how to terminate a jack at another station. Walsh told The Freeman that his favorite part was the hands-on element.
“Instead of having someone talking, it’s fun to actually do it,” said Walsh, adding that he likes to build stuff around the house and potentially sees himself taking up a career like this one day.
“It’s an industry that we absolutely need students to be a part of,” said Katherine Rose, associate recruiter at Milwaukee Tool.
Sam Hoffman, associate talent manager at Milwaukee Tool, said he saw a lot of smiles throughout the day. “It’s just one of those things where they see their parents use it, then they try it for the first time and it’s just kind of a thrill,” said Hoffman.
Students Olyvia Hall and Haylee Smukowski said their favorite part was hammering a nail into a block of wood.
“It was helpful. I learned how to hammer a nail faster,” said Smukowski, adding that even though she wants to go into marine biology, she felt the skill will help her in the future when it comes to building and repairing things on her own.
“The earlier you get a student with multiple points of view towards what their career can be, the better off they are and the better off we are in Waukesha County,” said Barnhouse.
Improve Your Nutrition And Workouts With Coaching From This Pair Of Freeletics Apps MUO MakeUseOf
Improve Your Nutrition And Workouts With Coaching From This Pair Of Freeletics Apps – MUO – MakeUseOf https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/improve-your-nutrition-and-workouts-with-coaching-from-this-pair-of-freeletics-apps-muo-makeuseof/
In life, two things are essential: your health and fitness. Staying physically active and eating well have a number of fantastic benefits, and with smartphone apps, living, feeling, and looking better have never been easier. Here’s why you should download and use the Freeletics Fitness and Freeletics Nutrition apps to help you become the best version of yourself.
What Is Freeletics Fitness?
Using Freeletics Fitness is like exercising with a personal trainer on your phone when you can’t afford a real one. Forget about going to the gym or buying expensive equipment—Freeletics Fitness works around what you have access to and what your personal goals are.
The app learns and adapts according to your progress as you work toward your fitness goal. If you want to use all the features on the app such as the AI-powered personal trainer and mindset sessions, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription. But the app does feature some workouts and audio sessions so that you can get a feel for it before you pay.
Download: Freeletics Fitness for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Working out with like-minded people can help you stay motivated and consistent. That’s why the Community feed and challenges are such great features of the Freeletics Fitness app. The Community tab is where you can freely share your accomplishments with the community, comment on posts, and find new friends to follow.
It’s important to continuously challenge yourself. Otherwise, how can you push yourself and improve? Athletes create the challenges in the Freeletics Fitness app, but you also have the option to create your own unique challenge. All you have to do is pick between a consistency or repetition challenge, choose the workout or exercise, select the dates, and get to work.
Coaching Sessions on Freeletics Fitness
The standout feature of the Freeletics Fitness app is the customized training sessions. Your digital coach creates your training program based on your preferences, and you can make changes to them at any time if need be. There are several training journeys you can participate in, each with a different goal.
For instance, the Get Started training program is ideal for beginners while the Get Running training program is better for those who want to run and burn calories. Every time you complete a workout session, you have the option to give your coach some feedback on how well you did, and then your training plan is adapted accordingly.
Even better, you can tap Adapt session to let your coach know what your preferences are for the day, such as if you don’t have much time or don’t have access to equipment. Moreover, each exercise features a demonstration video from various angles, along with a breakdown of which exercises are included, the leaderboard, and the targeted muscle groups.
Exercise Achievements & Progress
On the Freeletics Fitness app, you can earn various badges as you hit milestones and master new skills. You can view the badges you’ve recently claimed and what else needs to be collected by tapping Achievements. Based on your personal training journey you can get badges for skill progressions, weekly streaks, and more.
On the other hand, you can track your various progressions when you tap Progress. These include which milestones you’ve reached for certain exercises, like knee jumps or pushups. Be aware that your coach may block some more of the difficult milestones for safety reasons.
The Freeletics Nutrition App
Like Freeletics Fitness, Freeletics Nutrition is like having a professional nutrition coach by your side. The app features tons of delicious recipes, an individualized meal plan, and a convenient grocery shopping list.
Based on what your goal is, whether you want to lose weight or gain weight in a healthy way, your Freeletics Nutrition coach does all the planning for you. To gain access to all the features on the app—including the nutrition coach—you need to sign up for a subscription.
Download: Freeletics Nutrition for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Freeletics Nutrition Coach
The key feature of the Freeletics Nutrition app is the digital nutritional coach. Simply answer a couple of questions to receive your personalized, balanced meal plan. A few of the questions include your goal, activity level, and food restrictions. Once you’ve completed the assessment, you’re ready to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey.
Your tailored meal plan includes typically includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack. If you feel like eating something different or don’t have the right ingredients, you can swap out each recipe for another equally delicious one. Additionally, you can enter your training activity for the day and your digital coach will recommend a post-workout snack.
Freeletics Nutrition Recipes
With over 300 recipes available in the recipe library, you’re bound to find something you love. Take your cooking skills to the next level with an advanced vegan meal or take it easy with a 15-minute dinner recipe. You can filter your recipe search based on your diet, budget, how much time you have, and other criteria.
Every recipe on the app includes an overview of the total calories, protein, carbs, and fat as well as helpful ingredient substitutes. All recipes are accompanied by a stunning photo as well as instructions that are easy to follow. Plus, you can switch to cooking mode to keep your device’s screen awake and make sure there are no interruptions during your cooking process.
Shopping List in Freeletics Nutrition
Another great feature of the Freeletics Nutrition app is the integrated shopping list. Having a convenient list on hand for each recipe is the best way to save time and avoid wandering around the grocery store aimlessly. Tap Add to Shopping List or tap the shopping basket icon on a recipe to add the ingredients to your list.
Once you’ve added all your recipes for the week you can check off items as you shop or delete any recipes you’re not making anymore. So throw away that crumpled piece of paper that you call a grocery list and use Freeletics Nutrition’s shopping list to simplify your grocery shopping.
What the Freeletics Fitness and Freeletics Nutrition Apps Can Do for You
Freeletics Fitness is the ultimate workout app if you can’t go to the gym or just don’t want to. And Freeletics Nutrition is an excellent app to help you make healthier food choices. While you don’t have to pay to download and use the Freeletics Nutrition and Freeletics Fitness apps, their free content is limited. To access all the key features, including coaching, you have to pay for a subscription.
However, for what you get on each app, the subscription price is certainly worth it. Moreover, you can try a free trial of the apps before you fully commit to a subscription. Overall, Freeletics Fitness and Freeletics Nutrition are two apps that pair perfectly together to help you prioritize healthy eating and good exercise habits.
Prep Boys Soccer Top 10 (Oct. 5 2022) | Sports | News-Gazette.com News-Gazette
Prep Boys’ Soccer Top 10 (Oct. 5, 2022) | Sports | News-Gazette.com – News-Gazette https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/prep-boys-soccer-top-10-oct-5-2022-sports-news-gazette-com-news-gazette/
RK., SCHOOL REC. PREV. COMMENT
1. Champaign Central 16-1-2 1 Maroons haven’t lost in their last eight matches, including Tuesday’s against Danville. A big tilt with Normal West awaits.
2. Urbana 13-2-2 2 Tigers haven’t allowed a goal in five-match win streak. They’ll get tested Thursday when Peoria Notre Dame pays a visit.
3. Mahomet-Seymour 13-4-2 4 Bulldogs took one-goal losses to Urbana and Champaign Central last week, knocked off Mattoon on Tuesday in league play.
4. Monticello 16-4 3 Sages suffered a shutout loss to Illini Prairie rival St. Joseph-Ogden on Tuesday, their first defeat in their last six outings.
5. St. Thomas More 12-4-1 5 Sabers have won just once in their previous five matches, cap their regular season Wednesday at home versus Unity.
6. Fisher/GCMS 16-4-1 8 Bunnies are in the midst of a five-match run of success that they hope stretches to six on Wednesday versus Blue Ridge.
7. Oakwood/Salt Fork 18-4-2 6 Comets were winners of five consecutive matches before being unable to find the net in Tuesday’s loss to Fisher/GCMS.
8. St. Joseph-Ogden 15-4-1 9 Spartans grabbed a huge victory over Monticello, close the regular season against Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond.
9. Uni High 8-5-4 7 Illineks dropped Cornerstone on Tuesday for a third win in a row. Major test upcoming at Bloomington Central Catholic.
10. Centennial 6-6-3 10 Chargers tied Normal Community on Tuesday to start a week that includes home matches against Peoria and Rantoul.
More boys’ soccer coverage inside: SJ-O boys’ soccer team’s impressive victory among the highlights from a busy Tuesday night of action — C-2
Colin Likas is the preps coordinator at The News-Gazette. He can be reached at clikas@news-gazette.com, or on Twitter at @clikasNG.
The Future Of E-Commerce Payments In The Metaverse E-Commerce Times
The Future Of E-Commerce Payments In The Metaverse – E-Commerce Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-future-of-e-commerce-payments-in-the-metaverse-e-commerce-times/
The metaverse is the latest buzzword everyone is talking about. However, is it an effective sales channel for retailers? The answer at the present time for most is no. To succeed, there are obstacles to get beyond. Payment processing is one of them.
In reality, all payments — aside from exchanging cash at the point of sale — are now virtual. Even though a business may believe it must accept alternative payment methods in the virtual world — such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin — using cryptocurrencies for payment transactions in the metaverse is fraught with difficulties. Why?
Crypto and Other Digital Currencies for Payments
Working with cryptocurrencies can be trickier for businesses than with conventional payments. With cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the value changes. Additionally, they are unregulated; and many customers do not prefer using these as a form of payment because they are not widely utilized or trusted by consumers.
Digital currencies in the category of stablecoins have less volatility through backing with fiat currencies (although even this is questionable), but still no regulation, yet.
While many countries are developing central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and they currently appear to have the most trust of these types of payments, the Federal Reserve has not yet decided on whether to pursue or implement a CDBC.
Another digital currency that can be considered for the metaverse is a closed loop payment. These are payments by “coins” or “tokens” that would only work in this specific environment. The same principle exists in clubs and vacation locations, but, in the digital realm, they are also currently used in online games like Fortnite, where you can buy “currency” upfront and spend it only in this environment.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Closed loop payments are mostly offered to distract the user from the awareness of spending real money. This takes place in games where the user can buy gear and pay with game-only “currency.” While this payment is simple, it contradicts the general idea of the metaverse because it is only valid in special shops, not in the whole sphere.
Further, to make gamers spend more, typically there is a significant discount scale based on the amount someone buys. For example, spend $100 to get $1,000 worth in digital offerings. This won’t work in the case of real-world items being purchased in the metaverse because it is not feasible for merchants to offer these kinds of major discounts.
Traditional Payment Methods With Biometrics
When it comes to payments in the metaverse, traditional payment methods are a good option. Additionally, in this virtual environment, biometrics can be used to authenticate these payment methods.
By 2025, about 1.4 billion people are expected to use facial recognition technology to authenticate a payment, more than twice as many individuals who did so in 2020, according to Juniper Research. There are several good reasons why it makes sense to deploy biometrics technology, especially in the context of the metaverse.
In a virtual environment it is far simpler for consumers to pay with their voice than to determine how to type long passwords. Consumers value speed and convenience, and retailers want to satisfy their needs while facilitating secure payment transactions to reduce the risk of fraud. Therefore, it is clear that biometrics should play a significant role in facilitating payments in the metaverse.
What should retailers consider? Consumers will need to be able to complete payments easily and seamlessly. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
The payments platform underpinning the payments process should be able to recognize devices consumers are using in the virtual world.
Include payment methods with a straightforward user interface, such as Click-to-Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Examine payment options that let users authenticate with voice recognition, eye scans, or both (once 3D goggles support this).
Consider payment options and providers that support delegated authentication. With this, retailers can take over the authentication process and inform the issuers that the authentication has been executed so they do not have to do it again. This can make it easier for merchants to handle the authentication somewhere else in the customer journey and not necessarily in the sensitive checkout process.
What Does the Future Hold?
Investments in this virtual world are growing. Mastercard recently announced that it is testing new technology that is intended to operate in the metaverse and allows customers to make biometric payments using their face or hand. Capital One’s recent announcement that it will enter the metaverse with virtual credit cards and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) further supports this.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Additionally, Meta has changed the name of its Facebook Pay service to Meta Pay, most probably with the intention of dominating the metaverse’s payment system. However, this could be combatted with companies like Mastercard being a member of the Metaverse Standards Forum, where many organizations are gathering to set the standards, not leaving them only with Meta.
With all this activity, vendors of payment solutions will undoubtedly travel the route to the metaverse as well. While it is conceivable to accept payments to increase the effectiveness of the metaverse as a sales channel, careful planning and implementation are required that are ultimately centered on the user experience — and biometrics will likely be a key factor in that.
Businessman And Artist David McCune Of Fayetteville Has Died The Fayetteville Observer
Businessman And Artist David McCune Of Fayetteville Has Died – The Fayetteville Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/businessman-and-artist-david-mccune-of-fayetteville-has-died-the-fayetteville-observer/
David McCune, who spent most of his life in Fayetteville, died Sunday. The founder of McCune Technology was prominent in business and the arts.
In his 68 years, sculptor, author, businessman and entrepreneur David McCune left his mark on Fayetteville and elsewhere through his art, his hard work, his wit, his philanthropy and his many friendships.
McCune’s early work adorned sports cars in the 1970s — he made and sold metal louvers by mail order for their rear windows. Today McCune’s artwork is displayed in homes, businesses and public spaces around the city, around the state, and, he said in 2021, around the world.
Methodist University’s art gallery, which became Fayetteville’s de facto art museum after the Fayetteville Museum of Art shut down, bears his name.
McCune unexpectedly died of a heart attack on Sunday at home in St. Marys, Georgia, said his son, David McCune Jr. The senior McCune retired in Georgia several years ago after the sale of McCune Technology-Fayetteville Steel.
“He went peacefully,” David McCune Jr. said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the McCune family was still making funeral arrangements.
Numerous friends were posting to his Facebook page how much they will miss him.
A young inventor who flew mice on model rockets
David McCune Sr. was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He came to Fayetteville with his family when his chemical engineer father got a job at DuPont’s then-new factory, which opened in 1971, the younger McCune said. He graduated from Terry Sanford High School and taught himself how to work with metal, his son said.
McCune’s biography on Amazon.com, where he has seven books published, says that when McCune was a boy, he “was always building or inventing some kind of new gadget.” This included flying model rockets with mice in them.
In the ensuing decades, according to David McCune Jr. and news clippings:
In 1974, 20-year-old McCune designed, made, marketed and sold rear window louvers to owners of the Datsun 240Z and Bricklin sports cars who were eager to add panache to their whips along with shade to keep the interiors cool. His apartment was his factory.
In 1985, when McCune was 30, McCune Technology-Fayetteville Steel metal fabrication became the first tenant in Cumberland County’s then-new industrial park on Tom Starling Road. The company moved its operations from across town and McCune announced it would expand from 12 employees to 24. The company cut and manufactured steel parts and equipment for businesses and Fort Bragg.
In the 1990s, McCune was named Cumberland County’s entrepreneur of the year, had an unsuccessful run for the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, and was among a group of investors who bought and rehabbed the Prince Charles Hotel downtown. Further, McCune’s company was the subcontractor that fabricated and built Fayetteville’s “Ghost Tower,” a 35-foot-tall sculpture along the Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway that marks the location of the old Fayetteville Arsenal.
Into the 21st century, McCune made more public art and other sculptures. He built a social media following for his dog, Rufus. He wrote novels and books about his life and Rufus. And in 2010, Methodist University opened the David McCune International Art Gallery.
In addition to showcasing Methodist’s art students, the art gallery has brought to Fayetteville the works of Rembrandt, Rodin, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, the university’s website says. David McCune Jr. said his father had developed a relationship with Methodist University because he took classes there when he was in his 30s.
Finally, McCune Technology was sold in 2015 and McCune retired.
A modern-day Renaissance man who cultivated friendships
Downtown businesswoman Molly Arnold and Fayetteville Technical Community College President Larry Keen said on Tuesday they treasure their friendships with McCune.
He used to live in a downtown townhouse, Arnold said, and frequented her Rude Awakening coffee shop. Her shop is one of the businesses that helped bring life back to Fayetteville’s then-struggling downtown.
“We met about when Rude opened, because — you know he’s always been interested in downtown, sat on a lot of boards and commissions.
“And in the early years, when I was the night shift, I didn’t so much have customers as I had some people that would come in just to have a cup of coffee and talk, right? So David tended — tended to be one of those people.”
Arnold found him intelligent and well-read, she said.
“So there’s a myriad of topics to try to tackle, and problems to try to solve,” she said, laughing at the memories.
They didn’t agree politically, as Arnold swung left and McCune to the right. But they didn’t let their differences foul up their friendship, she said.
Now, one of McCune’s metal sculptures, Umbrella Man, stands in the corner of Rude Awakening’s courtyard. He also made signs for Arnold’s shop and designed and built a stand for her granita Italian ice machine.
“He took measurements, and I’m telling you, it fit to a T” in the confined space behind the counter, she said.
McCune served on the Board of Trustees at Fayetteville Tech from 2008 to 2016. Keen, the Fayetteville Tech president, said he knew McCune long before then from their work together on Cumberland County Workforce Development Board.
“Some people might call him a modern-day Renaissance man, in that he always looked for new opportunity and new horizons and new relationships,” Keen said. He always had what Keen called “a creative spark.”
This manifested in 2012 when Fayetteville Tech celebrated its 50th anniversary. McCune built a sculpture to mark the school’s history. Fifty steel pipes, some short, some long, symbolize the school’s growth over the years. It’s in front of the Tony Rand Student Center.
In retirement, McCune continued to create.
In 2021 he posted on Facebook photos of himself in his garage as he was using a machine called an English wheel to form a piece of metal for a piece of art.
Less than a month ago, on Sept. 11, the town of Sunset Beach on the North Carolina coast unveiled a monument that McCune made in memory of the terror attacks of September 2001.
David McCune Sr. is survived by his son, David McCune Jr., daughter Sarah Valentine and her husband, two grandchildren, his brother Robert McCune and Robert’s wife, and his former wife Sonya.
Senior North Carolina reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at 910-261-4710 and pwoolverton@gannett.com.
South Korean Prosecutors Freeze $39.6M In Crypto Owned By Terraforms Do Kwon: Report CoinDesk
South Korean Prosecutors Freeze $39.6M In Crypto Owned By Terraform’s Do Kwon: Report – CoinDesk https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/south-korean-prosecutors-freeze-39-6m-in-crypto-owned-by-terraforms-do-kwon-report-coindesk/
Ian Allison is an award-winning senior reporter at CoinDesk. He holds ETH.
Prosecutors in South Korea have frozen $39.66 million of cryptocurrency assets belonging to Kwon Do-hyung, more commonly known as Do Kwon, the CEO of Terraform Labs, the firm behind the failed Luna stablecoin project, according to Korean media outlet News1.
Late last month, authorities in South Korea requested crypto exchanges OKX and KuCoin to freeze some 3,313 bitcoin (BTC), worth around $67 million, tied to Do Kwon.
The move follows a recent issuance by Interpol of a Red Notice for Do Kwon, a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.
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Ian Allison is an award-winning senior reporter at CoinDesk. He holds ETH.
Ian Allison is an award-winning senior reporter at CoinDesk. He holds ETH.
OPEC Heads For Deep Supply Cuts Clash With U.S. Reuters.com
OPEC+ Heads For Deep Supply Cuts, Clash With U.S. – Reuters.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/opec-heads-for-deep-supply-cuts-clash-with-u-s-reuters-com/
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud and OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais shake hands at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) headquarters in Vienna, Austria October 5, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
VIENNA/LONDON, Oct 5 (Reuters) – OPEC+ looks set for deep cuts to its oil output targets when it meets on Wednesday, curbing supply in an already tight market despite pressure from the United States and others to pump more.
The potential OPEC+ cut could spur a recovery in oil prices that have dropped to about $90 from $120 three months ago due to fears of a global economic recession, rising U.S. interest rates and a stronger dollar.
OPEC+, which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia, is working on cuts of 1-2 million barrels per day, sources told Reuters, with several sources saying cuts could be closer to 2 million.
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The United States is pushing OPEC not to proceed with the cuts arguing that fundamentals don’t support them, a source familiar with the matter said. read more
Sources said it remained unclear if cuts could include additional voluntary reductions by members such as Saudi Arabia or if cuts could include existing under-production by the group.
OPEC+ fell about 3.6 million bpd short of its output target in August.
WASHINGTON REACTION
“Higher oil prices, if driven by sizeable production cuts,
would likely irritate the Biden Administration ahead of U.S. mid-term elections,” Citi analysts said in a note.
“There could be further political reactions from the U.S., including additional releases of strategic stocks along with some wildcards including further fostering of a NOPEC bill,” Citi said, referring to a U.S. anti-trust bill against OPEC.
JP Morgan also said it expected Washington to put in place countermeasures by releasing more oil stocks.
Saudi Arabia and other members of OPEC+ – which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers including Russia – have said they seek to prevent volatility rather than to target a particular oil price. read more
Benchmark Brent crude traded flat at below $92 per barrel on Wednesday after rising on Tuesday.
The West has accused Russia of weaponising energy, creating a crisis in Europe that could trigger gas and power rationing this winter.
Moscow accuses the West of weaponising the dollar and financial systems such as SWIFT in retaliation for Russia sending troops into Ukraine in February. The West accuses Moscow of invading Ukraine while Russia calls it a special military operation.
Part of the reason Washington wants lower oil prices is to deprive Moscow of oil revenue while Saudi Arabia has not condemned Moscow’s actions.
Relations have been strained between the kingdom and the administration of Biden, who travelled to Riyadh this year but failed to secure any firm cooperation commitments on energy.
“The decision is technical, not political,” United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui told reporters.
“We will not use it as a political organisation,” he said, adding that concerns about a global recession would be one of the key topics.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who was put on the U.S. special designated nationals sanctions list last week, also arrived in Vienna. He is not under EU sanctions.
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Editing by David Gregorio, Jason Neely and Louise Heavens
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
STEER Technologies Inc. Receives TSXV Approval To Finalize Corporate Name Change Business Wire
STEER Technologies Inc. Receives TSXV Approval To Finalize Corporate Name Change – Business Wire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/steer-technologies-inc-receives-tsxv-approval-to-finalize-corporate-name-change-business-wire/
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Facedrive Inc. (“STEER” or “the Company”) (TSXV: FD) (OTCQX: FDVRF), an integrated ESG technology platform, is pleased to announce it has received TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) approval for its corporate name change from “Facedrive Inc.” to “STEER Technologies Inc.” and its related stock symbol change to “STER”. This announcement follows on the Company’s news release dated April 20, 2022, announcing its overall rebranding efforts to “STEER” and the approval of its shareholders to a corporate name change on July 12, 2022. Trading on the TSXV in the Company’s common shares under the new ticker symbol “STER” will commence at market opening on October 11, 2022. Contemporaneously, it is anticipated that the Company’s common shares on the OTCQX will begin trading under the new stock symbol “STEEF”.
The Company’s common shares have a new CUSIP number of 858335102 and ISIN number of CA8583351025. The transfer agent of the Company continues to be Odyssey Trust Company. There is no change in the capitalization of the Company in connection with the change of name and new trading symbols. No action is required by existing security holders of the Company with respect to the name change and new trading symbols. Outstanding common shares certificates or DRS notices do not need to be exchanged. If registered shareholders have any questions or wish to receive an updated DRS statement or share certificate, they can contact the Company’s transfer agent, Odyssey Trust by calling toll free 1 (587) 885-0960, or by email at shareholders@odysseytrust.com or by visiting www.odysseycontact.com.
“We are extremely excited to take this final step in repositioning our brand as “STEER” and get all final approvals to start trading under the updated symbol. We feel the new name and logo truly encapsulate the entirety of STEER’s value proposition as a means to steer the world towards eco-friendliness and social responsibility in a nimble and agile manner. Market response and acceptance of the new name and logo have been positive since the launch of the rebranding campaign, and we believe that the strong new brand we are creating will continue to drive growth and steer us to be a global leader of on-demand and subscription-based mobility services,” said Suman Pushparajah, CEO of the Company.
About the Company
STEER is an integrated ESG technology platform that moves people and delivers things through subscription and on-demand services. The Company’s goal is to build a one-of-a-kind system that aggregates conscientious users, through a series of connected offerings, and enables them to buy, sell, or invest with the same platform, STEER. The Company’s offerings generally fall into two categories: subscription-based offerings led by its flagship electric vehicle subscription business, STEER EV, and on-demand services incorporating delivery, B2B marketplace, Delivery-as-a-Service (DaaS) and rideshare businesses. The Company’s platform is also powered by EcoCRED, its big data, analytics and machine learning engine which seeks to capture, analyze, parse and report on key data points in ways that measure the Company’s impact on carbon reductions and offsets.
For more about the Company, visit www.steeresg.com.
Suman Pushparajah, CEO
suman@steeresg.com
STEER
100 Consilium Pl, Unit 400
Scarborough, ON
Canada M1H 3E3
www.steeresg.com
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information, including with respect to the Company’s business, operations and condition, management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, and the company’s forward plans to scale up its electric vehicle fleet. This information is based on management’s reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events (for example, the success of the Company’s rebranding campaigns with its new name) may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
See “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) for the year ended December 31, 2021 (filed on SEDAR on May 2, 2022) and its interim MD&A for the periods ended March 31, 2022 (filed on SEDAR on May 30, 2022) and June 30, 2022 (filed on SEDAR on August 29, 2022) for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements and other risks. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation and regulatory requirements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Swarmio Media Adds Echo A New Communication Solution For Gamers To Its Ember Gaming And Esports Platform Canada NewsWire
Swarmio Media Adds ‘Echo’, A New Communication Solution For Gamers, To Its Ember Gaming And Esports Platform – Canada NewsWire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/swarmio-media-adds-echo-a-new-communication-solution-for-gamers-to-its-ember-gaming-and-esports-platform-canada-newswire/
Echo Allows Ember Users to Earn Points that can be Exchanged for Voice and Data Credits from Participating Telecom Operators
Echo is the latest monetization solution added to Swarmio’s proprietary Ember gaming and esports platform, which is being deployed to large gaming audiences in Africa, the Middle East, LATAM, and Asia via Swarmio’s telecom operator (“telco”) partners.
Swarmio will bundle the Echo gamer communication solution with Ember’s existing subscription services and promote it via the Ember Store to 100+ million captive telco users.
Echo is one of many unique features Swarmio is introducing to monetize Ember users, and builds on the success of Swarmio’s previously announced ‘Lagless’ latency-optimizing solution, also available to Ember subscribers.
, /CNW/ – Swarmio Media Holdings Inc. (CSE: SWRM) (OTC: SWMIF) (GR: U5U) (“Swarmio” or “the Company”), a technology company focused on the global deployment of its proprietary subscription-based gaming and esports platform, announces the launch of Echo, a communication system that allows gamers to earn ‘Ember’ points that can be redeemed for voice and data credits with Swarmio’s telecom operator (“telco”) partners. Echo is the latest monetization service to be added to Swarmio’s Ember gaming and esports platform, which is being deployed to gamers across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and LATAM via Swarmio’s partnerships with telecom operators (“telcos”).
Swarmio will bundle the Echo communication solution with Ember’s premium membership and make it available for users in the Ember store. Swarmio will also leverage its gamification engine, platform events, influencer network and its partner telco marketing channels to promote and market the Echo solution to 100+ million captive telco customers in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and LATAM.
“Echo is one of a host of exclusive new services and features Swarmio will add to the Ember platform to give gamers the best possible gaming experience,” said Vijai Karthigesu, CEO of Swarmio. “The Echo communication system is a unique product that allows gamers to reach and interact with the platform and their fellow gamers through many different gamified channels.”
All revenues generated by Echo subscriptions inside the Ember platform will be subject to a revenue share agreement between Swarmio and its telecom operator partners.
Swarmio’s Ember gaming and esports platform was launched in 2021 as a SaaS product that telcos can add to their bundle packages in order to attract and retain customers and increase ARPU (Average Revenue Per User). Subscribers to the Ember platform enjoy exclusive features such as an ultra-low-latency playing experience, access to exclusive competitive challenges and tournaments, unique gaming content, managed communities, gamer communication system, gamification and points system, online store, and gamer e-wallet.
Ember also enables game publishers and developers to reach, engage and monetize the 2 billion gamers in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, where credit card penetration is relatively low and access to bank accounts is limited. By partnering with telecom operators, Swarmio enables gamers to purchase Ember’s exclusive services, solutions and in-game items and content using telco payment channels such as digital wallets and Direct Carrier Billing.
To learn more, visit any of our Ember partner sites:
Globe Telecom (Philippines): https://globe.emberhub.gg/
Ooredoo (Tunisia): https://ooredoo.emberhub.gg/
SLTmobitel (Sri Lanka): https://esports.slt.lk/
About Ember by Swarmio:
Swarmio’s fully managed, plug-and-play Ember platform can be quickly and seamlessly integrated with major telco operations, allowing telcos to engage and monetize gaming subscribers and gain immediate and meaningful access to the US$200 billion gaming market.
Ember provides a proprietary digital hub for gaming communities, allowing gamers to access an ultra-low-latency playing experience, competitive challenges and tournaments, exclusive gaming content, managed communities, gamification and points system, online store (Swarmio Store), gamer e-wallet (Swarmio Pay), and customized digital content.
About Swarmio Media:
Swarmio Media (CSE: SWRM; OTC: SWMIF; GR: U5U) is a technology company focused on deploying its proprietary end-to-end gaming and esports platform, Ember, which enables telcos to monetize their gaming customers. Swarmio has engaged with several telcos that have launched Ember as an add-on service, allowing subscribers to access tournaments, engage in a localized gaming community, challenge friends and influencers, and earn points that can be used to purchase gaming content. Ember is powered by Swarmio’s patented Latency-Optimized Edge Cloud (‘LEC’) technology, which reduces lag and allows gamers to enjoy an optimized gaming experience.
For more information please visit:
Swarmio Investor Website (https://swarmio.media/investors)
Swarmio on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/swarmiomedia)
Swarmio on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SwarmioMedia)
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, and “intend”, statements that an action or event “may”, “might”, “could”, “should”, or “will” be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation: statements about the Company’s growth, the Company’s ability to capitalize on the major global opportunity in the gaming and esports market, anticipated benefits to the Company’s partners and their customers from using the Company’s products, ongoing discussions with potential new customers or partners and the possibility that such discussions may result in additional contracts or revenue for the Company, the Company’s future plans, its goals and expectations, including but not limited to, the Company’s continuing ability to enter into agreements to deploy its products with international telecommunications companies and game publishers and its ability to monetize these agreements through generating SaaS-based revenues are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks identified in the Companies long-form prospectus dated November 10, 2021 (which can be accessed through the Company’s profile onwww.sedar.com). Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the respective companies undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Swarmio Media Holdings Inc.
For further information: For media-related enquiries, please contact: Josh Stanbury, [email protected]; For investor-related enquiries, please contact: Sean Peasgood, [email protected], Investor’s Direct Line: 437-253-9222
Property Transfers: Ottawa County The News-Messenger
Property Transfers: Ottawa County – The News-Messenger https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/property-transfers-ottawa-county-the-news-messenger-2/
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Spirit Airlines To Debut At Norfolk Airport In March Offer Daily Flights To South Florida Daily Press
Spirit Airlines To Debut At Norfolk Airport In March, Offer Daily Flights To South Florida – Daily Press https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/spirit-airlines-to-debut-at-norfolk-airport-in-march-offer-daily-flights-to-south-florida-daily-press/
Hampton Roads will have more convenient access to vacation destinations in Florida for less than $100 starting in March with the addition of Spirit Airlines at Norfolk International Airport.
Spirit, with its signature yellow planes, will offer daily, nonstop flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The airline will also offer options for connecting flights to Puerto Rico, Latin America and the Caribbean, the company announced Tuesday.
The flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will be available starting March 8. A one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale will cost $86, while a one-way ticket to Orlando will be $66.
No other airline offers daily, nonstop flights from Norfolk to Fort Lauderdale, according to Spirit.
“Spirit Airlines’ decision to enter southeastern Virginia via Norfolk International Airport is a sign of confidence in our region,” said Norfolk Airport Authority President and CEO Mark Perryman in a news release. “Passenger demand hit all-time records this summer and 2022 is on a path to be the highest year in the airport’s 84-year history. Spirit’s new service from Norfolk to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, two of our largest markets, will be very well received within the community and we anticipate robust growth.”
The move into Norfolk comes after Spirit first began operating in Virginia in 2018 with flights out of Richmond.
The low-cost airline Breeze Airways launched service from Norfolk International Airport June 2021. The airline has since expanded nonstop service offerings to airports across the country.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginimedia.com
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How Technology Is Helping Truck Drivers IoT Business News
How Technology Is Helping Truck Drivers – IoT Business News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/how-technology-is-helping-truck-drivers-iot-business-news/
Introduction
The heavy transportation and trucking industry walk a fine balance to not only maintain client relations but profit. Often this fine line can be tricky at best to navigate successfully, fortunately, the adoption of specific technologies is helping business owners and their employees find success in a stressful industry.
Real-Time Location Tracking
In 2021, there were over 21,000 supply chain disruptions globally which placed a massive amount of stress on logistics companies in general, let alone trucking companies, and sadly resulted in some of them folding. Being able to see potential disruptions then has become a priority for the industry. One overlooked technology that has enabled this is real-time location tracking.
This is done by providing fleet managers the ability to see where each truck is at any given time. This information can then be used to provide customers with real-time updates so all parties involved can make better near-term decisions an asset for any CDL job. For those about to enter a truck driver job, the technology will help plan better routes and driver behaviors that will help them succeed in their new profession.
Predictive Maintenance
With the combination of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) the trucking industry now can better predict when vehicles need maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns. IoT sensors in the vehicle can provide information to fleet managers. The collected data can then be combined with predictive AI algorithms to generate predictive models and set up better maintenance routines.
This can be leveraged to better use a mechanic’s time and with trucking forecasts for 2022 not inspiring confidence and further staffing shortages expected, your staff’s time and how it’s used is more important than ever. It also almost goes without saying that preventing costly breakdowns has an incredibly positive effect on the bottom line.
Driver Safety Monitoring
The current workforce shortages alluded to above, and the forecasts that predict it’s only going to get worse, are a crisis for the trucking industry waiting to happen. Any leveraging of technology to improve personnel safety and work conditions can then be seen as mission critical. Again, IoT sensors can provide important information that can be used to improve driver security and behavior for the better.
Typical information that can be provided to fleet managers comprises instances of harsh braking, taking corners too quickly, and speeding. Curbing these behaviors is not only important for driver safety but also for the load being delivered. Over the years, ignition locks relying on a successful breathalyzer test and an onboard camera to check safety measures like seatbelts are adhered to have all been proven in preventing accidents and more importantly fatal accidents. In the coming years, AI will better refine these technologies.
Conclusion
To overcome both the current and future challenges facing the trucking industry, advanced technologies will need to be adopted. These technologies can be leveraged to improve all facets of the business, from keeping staff and loads safe to the continued efficient use of the fleet. Ultimately, these technologies will keep companies competitive in a crowded market. While technology often requires a significant capital outlay in the three instances listed above, that outlay will provide a return on investment and improve the overall profitability of the company. In this sense, IoT tech and future AI improvements are an investment rather than an expense.
HEALTHY LIVING: How To Improve Bone Health NWAOnline
HEALTHY LIVING: How To Improve Bone Health – NWAOnline https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/healthy-living-how-to-improve-bone-health-nwaonline/
We try to build muscle and cut fat when we work out, but we often don’t think about our bone health. It’s often forgotten that bones, like muscles, can be strengthened with proper diet and exercise.
Typically, bones grow and get stronger until you reach your late 20s. But by 40, bones may start to deteriorate slowly. If bones weaken too quickly, you could develop osteoporosis. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 44 million people have low bone density.
Half of adults 50 and older are at risk for breaking a bone because of falling or something as simple as bumping into their furniture. It’s so common that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will break a bone in their lifetimes – making it more likely than a heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined for women.
Osteoporosis-caused fractures can be a life-altering event because it affects mobility. Some hip fracture patients are unable to walk unassisted for six months after a fracture, others have had to move to assisted living facilities and about half don’t regain their previous function.
Risk factors
Many factors can weaken bones. Here are things to avoid if you wish to sustain strong bones.
• Alcohol – Daily consumption of two to three ounces of alcohol can make you more prone to bone loss. Alcohol also increases the chance of falling – increasing the risk of fractures.
• Medications – Some medications can contribute to bone loss. Ask your primary care provider what options are best for you. The providers at Siloam Springs Internal Medicine are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment online, visit NW-Physicians.com today.
• Smoking – Not only is smoking bad for your heart and lungs, but it can also impede your body’s ability to absorb calcium from your diet.
Solutions
Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can keep your bones strong such as:
• Your Diet – Bones need calcium and vitamin D to get and stay strong. Numerous studies have linked low calcium intake with low bone mass, rapid bone loss and high fracture rates. Vitamin D plays a vital role in helping the body absorb calcium. While milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, you can also get calcium from almonds, cereal, orange juice, bread, yogurt, cheese, egg yolks, liver and saltwater fish. Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and bok choy are also good sources of these nutrients.
• Weight-Bearing Exercises – Both bones and muscles become stronger with exercise. However, while muscles might grow from low-impact workouts like swimming, biking and elliptical machines, bones benefit from weight-bearing activities such as climbing stairs, jogging, jump rope, walking and weight training.
• Enjoy the Sunshine – Your body can make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Your body can manufacture all the vitamin D you need if you spend about 30 to 45 minutes each week in the sun. While it’s true that drinking milk is an excellent way to build stronger bones, it’s not the only way to protect yourself from osteoporosis.
Sally (McClelland) Sweatman | News Sports Jobs Evening Observer
Sally (McClelland) Sweatman | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sally-mcclelland-sweatman-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/
Sally (McClelland) Sweatman
Sally (McClelland) Sweatman, 75, of Tampa, Fla., passed away on June 29, 2022, at home surrounded by family.
She was born May 7, 1947, in Dunkirk, N.Y. Residing in Tampa, Fla., since 1983, she worked for decades in the accounting industry. Sally was a thoughtful and loyal friend that was always up for do-ing anything with her friends and family.
Daughter of the late William “Pete” and Margaret “Marge” (Drake) McClelland, she was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Sweatman; and sister, Susan (McClelland) Sinare.
Sally is survived by her daughter, Shannon Sweatman; her brother, Fred McClelland; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, from 10-11a.m., at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, N.Y., where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Willowbrook Cemetery.
Sally was a passionate reader and the family asks that memorial donation be made in the form of a book to your library.
Online condolences may be made at larson timkofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler.
Translucia Joins Sunovatech India To Build $3 Bn Worth Metaverse Ecosystem The Statesman
Translucia Joins Sunovatech India To Build $3 Bn Worth Metaverse Ecosystem – The Statesman https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/translucia-joins-sunovatech-india-to-build-3-bn-worth-metaverse-ecosystem-the-statesman/
Translucia, a subsidiary of T&B Media Global (Thailand) on Wednesday partnered with immersive and Extended reality company Sunovatech India, along with other global partners, to build a metaverse ecosystem worth $3 billion.
Specializing in 3D modeling and rendering design, Sunovatech will act as a production hub for building 3D assets, environments and modules of the metaverse.
“Sunovatech contribution is critical as the talent from India will bring in quality, speed of production, cost efficiency, and commitment,” said Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, Founder and CEO of T&B Media Global and Founder of Translucia.
Sunovatech focuses on virtual and augmented reality applications and content development and has a portfolio of successfully delivering over 650 projects across the world.
“We will bring in production speed, finest processes of the metaverse with harmonised international standards and a managed production base in India,” said Rishi Ahuja, Founder, Sunovatech.
In this global alliance, other partners include Sygnum world’s first digital asset bank and the first to offer secure “custody” digital banking, Two Bulls, a Metaverse R&D Centre in Melbourne and Black flame.
Sunovatech will design a 3D virtual reality experience for Translucia.
Translucia aims to develop an ‘infinite universe’ capable of interconnectivity with other metaverses leveraging Web 3.0 capabilities.
The Translucia universe will have shared infrastructure, utilities, technologies, hardware and software.
“Early next year, we’ll reveal Translucia’s uniqueness in our virtual experience launch, letting interested parties get a glimpse of Translucia for the first time,” said Ahriyavraromp.
Cost Of Living: The People Using Solar Panels And Turbines To Reduce Bills BBC
Cost Of Living: The People Using Solar Panels And Turbines To Reduce Bills – BBC https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/cost-of-living-the-people-using-solar-panels-and-turbines-to-reduce-bills-bbc/
Image caption,
Richard Sanders is one of just four permanent residents at the Othona Community
By Laurence Cawley
BBC News, East
At the eastern edge of England, where the River Blackwater meets the North Sea, a small community whose size oscillates with the seasons lives without any connection to the National Grid.
The Othona Community at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex has just four permanent residents, including wardens Richard Sanders and his wife, Debbie.
Mr Sanders describes the 20-acre (8-hectare) Othona site as a “Christian community that is open to all faiths and none”.
“We have a mixture of people who have been coming since the ’50s or ’60s and people coming along for the first time,” he said.
“The ethos is worship, study and play, and people here get to meet others that they might not normally come across.”
Image caption,
As a location off both the electricity and gas grids, the Othona Community is in a tiny minority
During the busier summer months, the retreat can have up to 60 people living there.
As a location off both the electricity and gas grids, the Othona Community is in a tiny minority.
Figures from the energy regulator Ofgem suggest the number of fully off-grid households across the UK could be between just 500 and 2,000.
So how is Othona powered?
BBC
Powering Othona
25kwSolar array plus a second, older, 5kw array and solar thermal tubes which help heat the water.
5kwWind turbine with plans lodged for a newer 25kw turbine on site.
Source: Richard Sanders
“We’re right on the edge of nowhere,” Mr Sanders said.
“So we’ve just developed from a place with no electricity, to a place with some generators, to a place with a wind turbine and solar panels.
“We’ve always been a place where people have to think about their use of resources. In the earlier days we used to have to tell people not to use two hairdryers at once or it would collapse the system.
“My feeling is that going on the grid would kill this being the sort of place where you think about energy rather than take it for granted.
“Being off-grid is an opportunity for people to think about alternatives and the fact that there are alternatives.”
Image caption,
There remains one hair dryer at the community – a quirky reminder that not long ago two hairdryers in use at the same time would collapse the retreat’s electrical system
The vast, commercial-style kitchen now runs on electricity rather than gas.
Not having to pay the current price of gas is a relief to Mr Sanders.
“I wouldn’t like to be paying the kinds of prices there are for gas now for the amount we use,” he said.
“I mean, we still use the diesel [for the back-up generator] and that’s gone up, but not as much as the gas.
“Even the price of the wood pellets that we use for the boiler have gone up – I suspect because people are using that if they can as an alternative to gas.”
The centre is hoping to add a second wind turbine capable of 25kw in the near future, meaning they can do away with the back-up generator altogether.
And while the centre is connected to the water mains, it also has its own sewage system dating back to the 1980s in which fluid waste is filtered through reed beds and into a pond, which doubles as the centre’s fire hydrant [solid waste is taken away by tanker].
Image caption,
The half-tonne (79-stone) hot water tank at the centre gets heated with wood pellets
The centre also has a small orchard and a group of hens that lays a handful of eggs daily.
“People enjoy what is grown on site – so tomatoes and cucumbers in the summer, and we’ve got a lot of squashes at the moment and a few varieties of potato.
“There was, in the 1970s, an attempt to become fully self-sufficient and they had cows, more chickens and a pig and ploughed the fields, but it turned out people were spending more time looking after animals than looking after people, and primarily we are about looking after people.”
Image caption,
Dr John Packman and his wife Caroline did not originally plan to self-build an eco home
About 90 miles (145km) north of Bradwell-on-Sea, Dr John Packman and his wife Caroline live in their self-built home near Southwold in Suffolk.
The couple did not set out to self-build an eco home. Rather, their hands were forced by circumstance – in this case, buying a house so rotten and damaged it proved to be unsalvageable.
“What I’ve learned from building something new and from scratch is that the fundamentals are so simple, really,” said Dr Packman.
“The key thing is orienting the house with the sun,” he said. “We’ve got a big roof on the south side and it is glazed on the south side with a big overhang which helps keep us cool in the summer, but on a winter’s day, when the sun is low, you can get up to 20C (68F) because of the solar gain.”
Image caption,
Both Dr Packman and Stephen West use a Tesla Powerwall to manage the storage of their solar-powered electricity
On the roof of the Packman home are 20 solar panels which, rather than being placed on top of the roof, were installed instead of tiles. Together they produce 4kw of power and feed into a Tesla battery system which, when it senses a coming storm, can fill up on energy from the grid if needed.
The couple live in an area overseen by UK Power Networks, which covers London, the East and South East. The energy operator said about 150,000 of its household customers (less than 2% of the total) fed electricity back into the grid, primarily from solar panels.
Dr Packman said new builds made it much easier to be more self-sufficient.
The floor of the couple’s timber-framed home has been insulated with specially treated recycled paper and the water is heated using an air source heat pump.
The toilets of their home are flushed using rainwater harvested from the roof.
“Doing stuff with the existing housing stock is difficult,” said Dr Packman. “It is expensive and difficult and needs government initiatives and support.”
Image caption,
Peter Chisnall, a trustee of environmental charity En-form, said people were wasteful when it came to energy
Demand for photovoltaic (PV) panels is rampant, according to Peter Chisnall, a trustee at the Colchester environmental charity En-form.
Suffolk County Council is just one of the local authorities that runs a Solar Together scheme, which buys solar panels in bulk for interested residents.
“They announced the latest round recently and they had about 7,000 people register, which is phenomenal,” Mr Chisnall said. “People are thinking about this now.”
And yet, he said, perhaps the first step towards greater self-sufficiency is not putting up solar panels or harnessing the power of the wind, but simply using less energy in the first place.
Image caption,
Mr Chisnall said although worthwhile, making existing homes more energy efficient could prove costly and disruptive
“The one good thing about the cost of living crisis, perhaps, is that it is making us think about our energy use,” said Mr Chisnall, whose home has a 4kw PV system that has generated about 30,000kwh of energy in the past 10 years. “We are very profligate.
“If you think of your energy bills, 80% of what you pay usually is on heating and the other 20% is your lights, your gadgets and all of those other things.
“If you want to reduce that as much as you can then you want to look at super insulating your house, reducing thermal bridges and making it as airtight as possible.”
An advocate for Passive House standards, which result in ultra-low energy buildings, Mr Chisnall said making existing homes more energy efficient could prove costly and disruptive.
For a typical three bedroom semi-detached home, he said, the cost of adding various energy saving measures could cost £25,000 – £30,000. There are various grants available, however, to help meet those costs.
“Ideally it should be a whole-house retrofit, even if staged over several years,” he said. “But even if some of the measures can be installed it will help.”
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Stephen West’s 1980s home in Hethersett, Norfolk, has solar panels but he is still reliant on gas
Stephen West’s 1980s home in Hethersett, Norfolk, is an example of the type of successful retrofit Mr Chisnall mentions.
He installed two sets of solar panels seven years ago and, in 2019, connected the panels to a Tesla Powerwall – a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
“It was about not spending as much money as well as not using as much power from the grid,” he said. “This last year they have paid for themselves, so from now until 2035 it is all profit and that profit increases depending on energy prices.”
He has had low-emission windows installed, super-insulated wherever possible, replaced the gas oven with an electric one and bought an electric car. He had wanted an air source heat pump but was told his radiators were too small to work in his home.
“It is the practicalities of it because the house is just not designed for it,” he said. “I would love to get off gas. There are systems I could use, but I can’t fit them in.”
Image caption,
Mr West can monitor the energy production and use within his home via mobile devices
The solar panels have saved Mr West about £12,500 during the last seven years.
However, he still faces an increase in energy costs. The cost of gas is about to rise from 7p to 10p per kilowatt hour (kWh).
And he continues to pay the electricity standing charge despite the fact that during the brighter months he is not using any electricity from the grid.
“I would love to start again with a Passive House, I would love to do that.”
Photography: Laurence Cawley
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