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5 Reasons Why Shopping From Roposo Was Such A Pleasant Experience – ScoopWhoop https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/5-reasons-why-shopping-from-roposo-was-such-a-pleasant-experience-scoopwhoop/ In association with Roposo First things first, retail therapy is real. Sometimes just pampering yourself with something nice and new could feel so good. And it’s okay to invest in pieces for your wardrobe every once in a while. However, there are a bunch of issues that come with online shopping like tricky delivery dates and irrelevant products. Amidst all of this, I had been hearing about Roposo and wanted to try it out. It’s not easy to find so many unique collections under one roof, but Roposo took care of it.  And honestly, it was such a great experience. Here are 5 reasons why: 1. All the latest trends in one place? YES. Roposo has a lot of different quirky Indian brands like Darzi and Oxolloxo. They have a great collection of clothes and accessories. Darzi has been doing a great job with bringing the right touch of western outfits in the Indian climate, especially with their bodycon dresses and peasant-sleeved outfits, I mean look at this dress! 2. The interface was pretty fun to use! I didn’t have to endlessly scroll through hundreds of products to find the one that I like, it’s literally so boring. But not on Roposo. The best part about it was the product-tagged videos where you can shop the look across brands and categories like shoes, dresses, menswear, ethnic, etc. Unlike some other shopping sites where the clothes are all out of fashion and irrelevant in the current scenario, Roposo really kicked it up a notch by also having very cool influencer clothes that you can spot on their socials. 3. Versatility for the win. And lastly, the collection is very versatile. No matter what aesthetic, body type, occasion, or style you are looking for, you will find it on Roposo. It caters to all types of fashion items you can think of. From floral dresses, to cool unisex t-shirts and pretty handmade necklaces, they have EVERYTHING. Check out this lovely necklace I had my heart set on. You also find a bunch of other collections like gym wear, gadgets, and cool accessories. 4. And the hassle-free exchanges! I saw none of those threatening ‘no-return/exchange’ policies. I absolutely cannot shop from stores that don’t issue refunds or exchanges even if they send wrong or faulty items. Here you can also use the COD option, unlike most shopping sites these days. So it’s pretty safe to shop on Roposo. Also, a major perk is free shipping! The hefty shipping charges after you’ve already splurged make your wallet cry, and Roposo has taken care of that. Hence, free shipping! 5. It catered to my broke-ness. As satisfying as retail therapy can get, it’s also an expensive affair. But here, I found pretty good deals. The clothes were affordable and also had great discounts. Roposo also has a bunch of great home decor stuff which are listed at great prices. So you might wanna check that out too. Some of the pieces (like this one) were a total steal. Win-win. In all, I would recommend checking out the app if you like shopping and want a better all-round experience. Shop all the cool stuff here!

This Robot Choses Ethereum And 5 Altcoins For Massive Short Gains – Crypto News Flash https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/this-robot-choses-ethereum-and-5-altcoins-for-massive-short-gains-crypto-news-flash/ Traders say they would favor Bitcoin and four altcoins in their portfolios for the week. According to a survey, ETH, QNT, USDC, Binance, and Bitcoin were voted to be overweight this week. Popular for outperforming the markets, The Real Vision Bot has unveiled its latest weekly crypto portfolio allocations. The robot provides new algorithm portfolio assessments weekly from its interpretation of surveys of crypto-related metrics and market trends. Cryptocurrency-related metrics can be calculated using a wide range of tools, including market capitalizations and 24-hour trading volume. Others are funding rates, circulating supply, maximum supply market price, inflow, and so on.  The Real Vision Bot began as a research project that uses AI advancements to analyze the opinions of financial investment professionals. Also, the Bot conducts constant and intense analysis using its AI skills to provide great insights into the current market condition to its audience. Basically, the data-crunching Bot conducts two surveys on a weekly basis. They are “The Real Vision Exchange Macro Survey” and “The Real Vision Exchange Crypto Survey”. These surveys are the basis of the two portfolios reconstructed by Bot: Exchange Macro Portfolio and Hive Mind Crypto Portfolio.  Furthermore, the Real Vision Bot compares the data from the generated portfolios with its own portfolios, which are extracted from interviews, market trends, metrics of various different tokens, and surveys. Thereafter, it releases a current allocation and performance of both portfolios. The Real Vision Bot Highlights Bitcoin and 4 Altcoins as “Voted to Overweight” In a recent survey report, the automated Bot, which is reputedly known for outdoing BTC, has chosen notable altcoins ahead of the world’s first crypto coin. The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market cap, BTC occupies the fifth position on traders’ preference scale this week.  According to the release, the Bot has selected Ethereum coin (ETH), interoperable blockchain platform Quant (QNT), Circle-backed stablecoin USD coin (USDC), and crypto exchange Binance’s BNB ahead of BTC. Other altcoins listed are eco-friendly payments-focused Algorand (ALGO) and blockchain ecosystem Cosmos (ATOM).  Below is the hierarchical list of the top 5 coins and their respective percentage. The analysis result was released on the Bot’s official Twitter handle: Ethereum 58% QNT 33% USDC 26% Binance 22% Bitcoin 20% Major altcoins, including Algorand, Polygon, Cosmos, Solana, and XRP, plied behind BTC on the list. Every week, survey participants underweight/overweight tokens from a selected list of potential candidates. These participants can vote to remove or add new tokens to the list. Sometimes, the decision is left to the Bot.  The Bot has proven to be a functional financial oracle with its timely and accurate predictions. It was co-developed by Quant analyst and hedge fund CEO Moritz Seibert and statistician Moritz Heiden. The founder of Real Vision, Raoul Pal, has described the Bot’s historical performance as “astonishing”, mentioning that it outperforms an aggregated bucket of top 20 crypto assets on the market by more than 20 percent.

Who Should Make The U.S. Men’s National Team Roster For The 2022 World Cup In Qatar? Our Writers Give Their Wish Lists. – The Philadelphia Inquirer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/who-should-make-the-u-s-mens-national-team-roster-for-the-2022-world-cup-in-qatar-our-writers-give-their-wish-lists-the-philadelphia-inquirer/ Andrea Canales: Ugh. Well, that last match was dire, folks. I feel like the players who didn’t make this friendly roster and participate in these two doleful UMSNT matches might have been the ones who helped themselves the most. And Gio Reyna got hurt. I love Reyna’s playing style, love what he is capable of, but can we get past the notion that there’s any room on the World Cup roster for injured players who are there for moral support or one miracle play? In other words, Reyna should not be like his dad in 1994 or John O’Brien in 2006. Take players who can actually play without putting themselves and the team at risk in games. I don’t want to see Reyna or anyone else on the roster unless they’re capable of at least a full half of all-out game play. It’s bad enough watching Weston McKennie as a shadow of his former self because he’s still working his way back from injury. So now that the final friendlies are done, who do we think should make the USMNT’s 2022 World Cup roster? Jonathan Tannenwald: The most important thing I’ve seen so far is that we didn’t learn anything we didn’t already know. The only person whose stock went up is Matt Turner, and we’ll never know what would have happened if Zack Steffen had been healthy enough to travel. Then again, he played for Middlesbrough after being omitted supposedly because of injury. I don’t want to get suspicious about that, but I can’t help wondering.The number one thing we already knew is the limitations of Jesús Ferreira and Ricardo Pepi. Granting that Pepi barely got any service today, he didn’t do much to prove to me that he should be on the plane over Jordan Pefok. Ferreira once again got the U.S.’ best chance in a game, but shot it straight at Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Rubaie. I also was surprised that Josh Sargent didn’t play at all against Saudi Arabia. Gregg Berhalter seemed sort of remorseful in what was a pretty short and very terse postgame news conference. But it wasn’t anyone else’s choice to not give Sargent any run. If it was up to me, my three strikers on the plane would be Sargent, Pefok and Ferreira, from starter on down. It seems pretty clear that Berhalter will stick with Ferreira, Pepi and Sargent in that order. Canales: For the strikers, I’d pick Pepi, Pefok and Ferreira. My reasoning is that there’s room for a couple of redemption stories on the USMNT roster — Pepi and Pefok on the club level — though Sargent’s comeback is also inspiring. I agree completely with you, JT, that Berhalter should have given him a run out, but he didn’t. So it comes down to a personal consideration of valuing what the strikers have done for club and country. I lean more toward form than system, and if Berhalter leaves off Pefok because he prefers guys who are a better system fit, then I say Berhalter doesn’t deserve a second cycle even if the US advances from World Cup group play. Granted, I’m on record as being against renewing USMNT manager contracts in general, partly in order to keep perspectives on rosters and tactics fresh, not biased. In the midfield, I’ll posit that by his absence, Yunus Musah revealed the truth that he may be the most important player on the USMNT roster today. Sure, the team played better against Saudi Arabia than against Japan, partly because Christian Pulisic played, but it was an incremental improvement rather than a massive one. Another position where I learn toward form is with goalkeepers, and right now, I’d give the starting spot to Matt Turner based on that. Sure, I still think Zack Steffen can get the job done, but don’t believe he’s the best option at present. Tannenwald: I’m against second cycles on principle, too. As for Sargent, I think he’s simply a better player than Pepi and Ferreira. If Pepi goes off in the Netherlands over the next month, Ferreira would be my odd one out – he’s good, but the other three guys have better pedigrees. As important as all the other stuff a striker does can be, the most important thing is putting the ball in the net when the 90 minutes only give you one or two chances to do it. Gustav Elvin: For me, goalkeeper Matt Turner was the biggest winner among the players in camp, as he was excellent against Japan and really kept that 2-0 scoreline respectable. While he is unlikely to play regularly at Arsenal barring an injury to Aaron Ramsdale, Turner may have done enough here to earn the No. 1 shirt. Zack Steffen’s play has been uneven at Middlesbrough to say the least and it feels as if Turner has at least closed the gap in the competition to be the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper. I’ve long said Turner is the better shot-stopper and for the U.S., that should be the deciding factor heading into a World Cup. » READ MORE: Free Pefok? Debating the World Cup credentials of U.S. strikers Pefok was also a winner here, despite not being called in for the two tune-up friendlies. Controversial selection Ricardo Pepi failed to take his “last chance” against Saudi Arabia or produce anything that would indicate he should be included on the roster. Meanwhile, Jesus Ferreira failed to convince in front of goal again, including with one gilt-edged chance against Japan, while in-form Josh Sargent was only given 45 minutes by Gregg Berhalter vs. Japan during the window. Yunus Musah’s absence was also apparent during these two games, as the U.S. struggled in the middle of the park without his energy, tenacity and ability on the ball. Luca de la Torre was particularly poor against Japan, as was full-back Reggie Cannon, who was another who hurt his stock this window as he competes for a roster spot with the likes of DeAndre Yedlin and Joe Scally. Canales: Well, at least Mexico fans can commiserate with USA ones in terms of feeling frustration with a coach who won’t call an in-form striker even when it seems the team really needs it. Though I still think there’s a far better chance Gregg Berhalter comes around to adding Pefok than Tata Martino budges on refusing Chicharito. Here’s my final list: Goalkeepers — Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, Sean Johnson. Left backs — Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally Right backs — Sergiño Dest, DeAndre Yedlin, Reggie Cannon Centerbacks — Walker Zimmerman, Chris Richards, Erik Palmer-Brown, Mark McKenzie Defensive midfielders — Tyler Adams, Kellyn Acosta Attacking midfielders — Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Luca de la Torre, Malik Tillman. Left wingers — Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson. Right wingers — Gio Reyna (only if healthy), Tim Weah, Haji Wright Strikers — Jesús Ferreira, Jordan Pefok, Ricardo Pepi, Tannenwald: You mean U.S. fans in the present can commiserate with U.S. fans of the past about a coach sticking to personal principle about which strikers he brings? Maybe that can be our next roundtable… Here’s my final list, making it clear that it’s who I would take and not who I think Berhalter will take: Goalkeepers — Turner, Steffen, Johnson. Left backs — Robinson, Scally (who can play both flanks), Sam Vines Right backs — Dest, Yedlin Centerbacks — Zimmerman, Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Palmer-Brown (McKenzie is the first name out) Defensive midfielders — Adams, Acosta Attacking midfielders — Musah, McKennie, de la Torre, Tillman Left wingers — Pulisic, Aaronson Right wingers — Reyna (no disclaimers about health here), Weah, Paul Arriola (as a late-game defensive closer) Strikers — Pefok, Josh Sargent, Ferreira » READ MORE: Gregg Berhalter says the USMNT’s current strikers are more different than fans think Elvin: Here are my picks for the final roster list. Goalkeepers — Zack Steffen, Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath Center backs — Walker Zimmerman, Aaron Long, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Chris Richards, Tim Ream Left back — Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally Right back — Sergino Dest, DeAndre Yedlin, Reggie Cannon Defensive Midfielders — Tyler Adams, Kellyn Acosta Attacking Midfielders — Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre Wingers — Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, Paul Arriola Strikers — Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent, Jordan Pefok » READ MORE: Filling the World Cup — early predictions of the U.S. men’s national team roster

Innovation Influencers To Host Definitive ‘Cambridge Tech’ Podcast – Business Weekly https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/innovation-influencers-to-host-definitive-cambridge-tech-podcast-business-weekly/ An authoritative new podcast dedicated to ‘all things Cambridge Tech’ aims to become the definitive ‘tech talk show’ for Cambridge’s exciting innovation ecosystem. The weekly Cambridge Tech Podcast will be hosted every Sunday by James Parton and Faye Holland – and the inspired pairing of these two key influencers from within the Cambridge ecosystem will ensure a slew of high-profile guests, lively debate and exclusive news. As managing director of Cambridge’s premier tech hub, The Bradfield Centre, James Parton is well placed to talk tech in the fast-paced world of startups.  James Parton’s 25-year experience in tech has been in both corporates (BT, O2, Telefonica) and startups, highlighted by building Twilio’s EMEA business from scratch to their IPO on the NYSE in 2016. Since then, James has been focused on supporting the UK’s startup community via his work at The Bradfield Centre and as a co-founder of The Triple Chasm, a company which provides tools and training to help startups successfully scale.  He additionally runs his own advisory business helping companies figure out their Developer Relations strategies and had his first Developer Relations book published by Apress in 2021. Entrepreneur Faye Holland is a similarly well-known protagonist on the Cambridge tech circuit – as creator of the #21toWatch innovation awards, which spotlights and promotes the outstanding startup innovators, innovations and companies from the East of England, and as founder of multi-award-winning PR and strategic communications consultancy, cofinitive, which specialises in promoting disruptive early-stage tech startups and scale-ups.  After cutting her teeth at the UK’s first ISP, PIPEX on the Cambridge Science Park, Faye’s career in the tech space has spanned nearly three decades and includes working at IBM on numerous emerging technology projects and running the Europe and Asia Operations of a global media company. She has been quoted widely in the tech media, was recently featured in Forbes and appears regularly in the annual Computer Weekly ‘Most Influential Women in Tech’ listing. Spinning out of the ‘Inside the Bradfield Centre’ podcast, Cambridge Tech Podcast picks up an established audience of UK, US and overseas listeners.  The show will be published every Sunday on all the major podcasting platforms and via cambridgetechpodcast.com.  James said: “Cambridge is a hive of innovation and entrepreneurial activity radiating from a world-class University.  “There are so many stories to tell and inspirational people to meet, the possibilities of the show are almost endless. We have a great formula – but, ultimately, we’ll be led by the listeners and find our own way to share the stories in an accessible way. I can’t wait to get started!” Faye added: “Both James and I are immersed in Cambridge’s science and technology scene, from the earliest ventures to the largest companies – and we are delighted to be sharing their news and stories.  “As well as interacting with an audience from the larger Cambridge ecosystem, we are looking to use the podcast to attract potential entrants to the Cambridge market, promoting our city and its technological triumphs locally, nationally and internationally.” A huge cohort of interviews has already been scheduled – including special editions for entrepreneurial competitions and events. Mantle Spaces, Growth Works, Cambridge TV and Business Weekly are already signed up as launch partners, with more podcast supporter announcements in the pipeline. • Anyone interested in participating, or with a great tech story to tell, should submit a nomination to info [at] cambridgetechpodcast.com.

Best Neighborhood To Live In 2022 | Benton Park | People & Places | St. Louis – Riverfront Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/best-neighborhood-to-live-in-2022-benton-park-people-places-st-louis-riverfront-times/ State Representative Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) went viral this spring as the recipient of a blistering takedown from fellow Representative Ian Mackey (D-St. Louis County). The Missouri House was debating an amendment to an elections bill that would prevent transgender women from playing on all-female teams. Mackey told Basye he was “afraid of people like you growing up. I grew up in Hickory County, Missouri. I grew up in a school district that would vote tomorrow to put this in place.” The impassioned speech went viral on TikTok and Twitter. Rather than take his tongue-lashing like a man, Basye tried to save face by releasing a statement calling Mackey a “loudmouth crybaby.” On Facebook he wrote, “Ian is a man I think, but I’ll need to check on a few pronouns before I can certify!” When one Kansas City resident asked Basye about his homophobic language, the state rep doubled down. Basye phoned the resident and continued to spout asinine nonsense about transgender people. “I don’t get [transgender] people at all. Isn’t it great that they can live in America and do that kind of stuff? Where if they were in Iran or North Korea or Russia they’d be slaughtered.” But we may have heard the last of Basye, who is stepping down due to term limits after eight years in the House. Even without term limits, the former air-traffic controller, who once introduced a bill to make it legal to turn left on a red light, would face an uphill battle in his district, which was redrawn to be more favorable to Democrats. All the better for Missouri, we say. —Rosalind Early

Breakfast In, Shopping Out: Tourists To The U.S. Hit By Soaring Dollar – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/breakfast-in-shopping-out-tourists-to-the-u-s-hit-by-soaring-dollar-reuters/ SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK/LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) – In the weeks before heading to San Francisco for their vacation this month, Jeff Skipper and his wife Valerie, from the United Kingdom, watched helplessly as the U.S. dollar continued its meteoric rise against the British pound. The sterling/dollar exchange rate – which slumped to a record low this week – has reduced the affordability of the already pricey Golden Gate City for the couple, forcing them to economize on some holiday luxuries. “The exchange rate has been the biggest topic of conversation since we got here,” said Jeff Skipper, 50, an electrician. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “Everything is pretty expensive for us,” said Valerie, a 47-year old university administrator. “We’ve been buying food from grocery stores rather than having sit-down meals because when you change it to the British amount, it doesn’t seem worth it. It’s really a lot of money.” The pair are among droves of visitors to the United States feeling the pinch of the mighty greenback, which scaled two-decade highs this month driven partly by Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. read more For British tourists in the United States, the pain of the rampant dollar has been amplified by the collapse of the pound, which entered a near free fall on Monday after the British government announced unfunded tax cuts that sent investors fleeing. read more Sterling hit a record low of $1.0327 on Monday, having plummeted 20% against the dollar this year. It was trading just above that on Wednesday at $1.0888. “Now it’s one dollar to the pound…It’s really hit us,” said Colin Taylor, a retired telecoms engineer from the United Kingdom who was also visiting San Francisco with his wife. “We have breakfast and it’s cost us 50 quid, 50 pounds, you know. And if this were at home it would be 20 or 25 pounds. So it’s a big, big jump for us.” ‘TOO HIGH’ While the pound has experienced some of the most violent gyrations in recent days, currency markets across the board have seen huge swings amid increased geopolitical tensions and central bank rate hikes to tame soaring inflation. The relative strength of the U.S. economy has allowed the Fed to raise rates more aggressively than its peers, however, pushing the dollar up against the British pound, the euro and Japanese yen, as well as a slew of smaller currencies. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a currency basket, hit a fresh 20-year high of 114.78 on Wednesday. read more “The dollar is too high. So we are spending, but not the way we would like,” said Jose Alvado, a 48-year old public accountant from Argentina who was visiting New York with his wife and two daughters. “We are going to cheaper restaurants … We go to the Disney store and we don’t pick everything. We just take a look and then we go.” Still, with COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted, international inbound U.S. leisure travel spending – adjusted for inflation – is forecast to reach $87 billion this year compared with $33 billion in 2020 and 2021, and $145 billion in 2019, the U.S. Travel Association said in June. And some tourists say they will not let the dollar’s strength spoil their fun. “I have to enjoy New York,” said Gilles Nolorgues, 48, an app designer from Paris. ‘MONOPOLY MONEY’ For travelers outside the United States with dollars in their pocket, the spending is easy. With the dollar and the euro reaching parity for the first time in 20 years in July, American tourists have been splurging on luxury goods in Paris as well as enjoying cheaper treats in London’s West End, Reuters has reported. read more read more Americans are spending 11% more on domestic and overseas travel in 2022 compared with 2019, according to consumer survey data gathered by the American Society of Travel Advisors, a trade organization. “It feels like we’re spending Monopoly money,” said Ike Armstrong, 26, from California, speaking near London’s Trafalgar Square. In Bali, Indonesia, 39-year old Johnny Follin from Los Angeles, California, said the strong dollar had allowed him to indulge more on good food, drinks and massages than he would have otherwise. The U.S. dollar has risen about 7% on the Indonesian rupiah this year. “(For) bringing U.S. dollars here, it’s the best time in ages,” said Paul Spight from behind the counter of his currency exchange in Wollongong, south of Sydney, Australia. The U.S. dollar is up about 10% on the Aussie this year. “That really helps the spending power coming in,” Spight added. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Noel Randewich in San Francisco, John McCrank in New York, Alun John in London, Ananda Teresia in Jakarta and Tom Westbrook in Sydney; writing and additional reporting by Michelle Price; editing by Deepa Babington Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. %

LIVE: India Reports 4,272 New Covid Cases; Active Caseload At 40,750 – Hindustan Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/live-india-reports-4272-new-covid-cases-active-caseload-at-40750-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Sep 29, 2022 11:05 AM IST Breaking news September 29, 2022: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. Follow all the updates here: Sep 29, 2022 10:59 AM IST Forceful pregnancy of a married woman can be treated as rape forabortion purposes, rules SC Sexual assault by husbands can take form of rape, & the meaning of rape must include the meaning of marital rape under the MTP Act and Rules for the purposes of abortion, rules the Supreme Court. Read more Sep 29, 2022 10:06 AM IST Two injured in explosions on passenger buses in J&K’s Udhampur A screenshot of a now-deleted tweet by Pakistan’s Canadian Embassy which was a reply to a tweet of the Popular Front of India is doing the rounds on social media. Read more Sep 29, 2022 09:24 AM IST India reports 4,272 new Covid cases; active caseload at 40,750 4,272 new Covid infections reported in a day, pushing India’s Covid-19 case tally to 4,45,83,360; death toll reaches 5,28,611. Sep 29, 2022 08:49 AM IST Can Lalu Yadav say he’s a PFI member? BJP on call for RSS ban Reacting to the demand for a similar ban on RSS as that has been imposed on the Popular Front of India, BJP leaders said the difference is that they can call themselves ‘proud RSS workers’. But can the opposition leaders who are raising the demand to ban RSS say that they are PFI members, the BJP leaders asked. Read more Sep 29, 2022 07:24 AM IST Jaishankar on ties with China: ‘Continue to strive for relationship built on…’ Foreign minister S Jaishankar has said India will maintain a relationship with China that is based on “mutual” sensitivity, respect, and interest. His remarks came during a media briefing on Wednesday as he responded to a question on the relationship between the two countries. Also read Sep 29, 2022 05:44 AM IST New CDS a border expert, collector of masks, keen golfer The country’s new chief of defence staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan (retd), is known to be an authority on border-related issues, has one of the best collections of masks from around the world in the armed forces, and has a solid golf swing, according to people who have known him from his younger days. Read more Sep 29, 2022 05:42 AM IST Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions expected within days Moscow was poised on Wednesday to annex a swath of Ukraine, releasing what it called vote tallies showing support in four partially occupied provinces to join Russia, after what Kyiv and the West denounced as illegal sham referendums held at gunpoint. Read more Subscribe to our best newsletters Unmarried woman can undergo abortion up to 24 weeks: Supreme Court Published on Sep 29, 2022 11:02 AM IST The artificial distinction between married and unmarried women cannot be sustained. Women must have the autonomy to have free exercise of these rights, the Supreme Court said. Forceful pregnancy of a married woman can be treated as rape: Supreme Court Plea to debar persons with criminal record from contesting polls: SC seeks reply Published on Sep 29, 2022 10:56 AM IST A bench of justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay Veteran Congress leader Jayanti Patnaik passes away at 90 in Bhubaneswar Published on Sep 29, 2022 10:43 AM IST The wife of former Odisha CM and ex-governor of Assam JB Patnaik, Jayanti was rushed to a private hospital at around 8pm after she developed complications Gehlot likely to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi today Published on Sep 29, 2022 10:40 AM IST The meeting is expected as former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh has emerged as a possible contender to become the next Congress president South and central India to witness rainfall activity in coming week: IMD Published on Sep 29, 2022 10:32 AM IST Scattered to widespread, light/moderate rainfall with isolated heavy falls is also very likely over Odisha on September 29 and October 1,2 India records 4,272 Covid cases in a day; death toll rises to 5,28,611 Published on Sep 29, 2022 10:12 AM IST The death toll has reached 5,28,611 with 27 more deaths, including 16 fatalities reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. On UNSC reform, Biden has offered most explicit American backing: Jaishankar Updated on Sep 29, 2022 10:22 AM IST Saying Biden’s backing for reform of the United Nations was ‘most explicit and specific’, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said Security Council reforms will be one of the themes discussed during India’s presidency of the body in December. Pakistani officials tweeted in support of PFI, day before 5-year ban: Reports Published on Sep 29, 2022 09:50 AM IST A day before the PFI was banned, the organisation took to Twitter to gather support against the crackdown on PFI. According to a viral screenshot, Pakistan Consulate General Vancouver replied to the tweet. IAS officer in tears after seeing injured child at hospital: ‘He can’t move’ Published on Sep 29, 2022 08:35 AM IST Lakhimpur Kheri bus accident: Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob can be heard asking the authorities whether a doctor can be called in there instead of referring the patient since the family cannot afford the cost. Story Saved New Delhi 0C Thursday, September 29, 2022

Medical Assistants Play A Key Role In Keeping Vital Signs Healthy At BHS – Berkshire Eagle https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/medical-assistants-play-a-key-role-in-keeping-vital-signs-healthy-at-bhs-berkshire-eagle/ Generating a steady pool of specially qualified medical assistants to support providers and patients at Berkshire Health Systems and its regional network of primary care and specialty medicine offices, is one of the key goals of a workforce development training program that has been launched by BHS, the largest employer in the region. Hospital and medical offices nationwide are experiencing high staff vacancy and turnover rates, especially in the continuing shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. BHS is addressing the challenge by investing substantial resources – about $7 million – in developing career pipeline programs in high-need clinical areas. Tailored for people who are just starting out or looking for more meaningful work, the goal of the pipeline programs is to create a straight career path from education and training to full-time employment. It’s a strategy aimed at recruiting new employees and alleviating the burden on existing staff. The program is creating new career paths for hundreds of Berkshire County residents in the field of health care. Nowhere is the need for talented new staff greater than in the role of medical assistants. “Medical assistants are a vital bridge between our patients and our providers,” said Chris Camillo, BHS’s vice president overseeing the medical group network of primary and specialty care offices throughout Berkshire County. “Because they interact personally with each patient who comes to the office for an appointment, they can make them feel comfortable and in good, caring hands. They also are able to share important information and observations with the attending provider. They’re an essential link.” Medical assistants perform both administrative duties, such as greeting patients and their families and filing and updating medical records as well as clinical duties like taking vital signs, verifying medications, and generally preparing the patient for examination by the doctor or nurse practitioner. Participants in the BHS Medical Assistant Training Program receive six months of intensive, on-the-job training from an expert team of medical educators and are eligible to receive full-time medical assistant wages, starting at $18 an hour, as soon as they begin the program. At the conclusion of their training, medical assistants are guaranteed full-time caregiving positions within the BHS network of offices. They receive a complete benefits package, including health, dental and vision. New training classes are offered every quarter. To apply for the Medical Assistant Training Program or learn more about this and other BHS pipeline programs, please visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/careerpipeline. Ken Pooley wickednifty.com The months of intensive clinical and administrative training Steffany Vargas received as part of the BHS program for medical assistants prepared her well for a role at Hillcrest Family Health in Pittsfield, but at the end of the day, (and the start of it, too) nothing is more important than wearing a friendly smile and showing a face of genuine kindness to each and every patient who comes to the office for medical care. “I go to work every morning with my happy face,” said Steffany. “They’re not always ready to laugh because you know patients have problems like we all do. But I want to show I’m a happy person, trying to do my best work, trying to help patients the best I can.” Growing up in Cali, Colombia, Steffany had an early interest in the medical profession since the age of 15, but it wasn’t until she settled in the Berkshires and learned about career opportunities through BMC that she was able to pursue that dream. Steffany had just completed her training as a Certified Nursing Assistant at BMC when she heard about the medical assistant training program. She was drawn by the idea of working in a doctor’s office, welcoming patients, taking their vital signs, asking them about the medications they’re taking, the reason for their visit today and in other ways preparing them for the doctor or nurse practitioner. It’s a brief, but important, interaction, and Steffany is mindful that her demeanor and professionalism, her kindness and compassion, goes a long way to making the patient experience a positive one. She also takes great pride in her knowledge of medications and values the moments she spends with Hillcrest Family Health providers going over patient-related details. “I’m really happy what I’m doing. I really love where I am right now,” said Steffany, who shares with anyone who will listen how the BHS training programs have changed her life. Ken Pooley wickednifty.com Luis Herrera believes his own experience as a Mexico City native who came to America and the Berkshires in search of a better life for himself and his family is living proof that “anything, everything is possible,” but only if you’re willing to seize the opportunities that come your way. One of the first graduates of the newly instituted training program for medical assistants at BHS, Luis is now proudly assisting the doctors and patients at Cardiology Professional Services of BMC. “I am one of those [people] who came here with no English, knew nothing about the American culture, nothing about medical skills, and look where I am,” said Luis. “BHS made it possible for me. They believed in my skills and believed in the person I am.” Like all immigrants to the U.S. who face social and economic barriers to success, Luis worked very hard over many years to make a living for himself and his family, taking whatever jobs he could find. He lived a couple of years in California before moving to the Berkshires in 2020 after visiting a cousin and uncle who lived here and encouraged him to relocate. After several years working kitchen and custodial jobs in the area, his first of many jobs at BMC was in housekeeping, starting in 2008. From there, taking advantage of a series of training opportunities, he became an orderly in critical care at the hospital and later a technician at the BMC Dialysis Center in Pittsfield. No one at BMC who knows Luis was surprised when he became one of the first graduates of the medical assistant program a year ago. His goal is to become a nurse. “I’ve been feeling so proud to show my kids, even though I’m a little older, that the opportunity is always there, that you never need to give up, that you always need to pursue your dreams,” said Luis. “Opportunities only come once in a while in your life, and if you don’t take them, they are probably never coming again. You have to grab it while it’s there.”

Golden Cougars Avenge Earlier Loss To Eagles | News, Sports, Jobs – Jamestown Post Journal https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/golden-cougars-avenge-earlier-loss-to-eagles-news-sports-jobs-jamestown-post-journal/ Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s Ethyn Gilbert heads the ball in front of Ellicottville’s Owen Doherty during Wednesday’s CCAA East Division game at Bill Race Field in Falconer. P-J photo by Matt Spielman FALCONER — As the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association East Division’s boys soccer schedule enters the home stretch, four teams have a shot at the league title. One of those teams, Falconer/Cassadaga Valley, entered Wednesday’s home game against Ellicottville at Bill Race Field, having already lost to the Eagles earlier this season. If the Golden Cougars were to fall behind any further, their dreams of a division crown would likely be gone. So Coach Nick Quattrone’s team flipped the script. Junior Ethyn Gilbert and Adam Dossey scored first-half goals and the Falconer/Cassadaga Valley defense limited Ellicottville’s chances for the entire 80 minutes en route to a 2-0 victory. Ellicottville’s EJ Doherty and Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s Finley Pavlock battle for possession during Wednesday’s CCAA East Division game at Bill Race Field in Falconer. P-J photo by Matt Spielman “It’s just a confidence thing with our team,” Quattrone said, “letting them know we can hang with any team here.” The Golden Cougars improved to 6-5-1 overall and, more importantly, 4-2-1 in the East Division with the win. Falconer/Cassadaga Valley closes its league schedule home against Gowanda/Pine Valley and at Randolph next week before a home game against Salamanca/Cattaraugus-Little Valley on Oct. 12. Ellicottville fell to 6-3-1 overall and 5-2-0 in the league with the loss. The Eagles will host Salamanca/Cattaraugus-Little Valley and Portville next week before closing their league schedule at Randolph on Oct. 12. “They came out, they hustled like crazy and they possessed the ball so much better,” Ellicottville head coach Matt Finn said was the difference from the teams’ first meeting. “We had pressure on us all day. They are a very good team.” Portville’s 4-0 victory over Salamanca/Cattaraugus-Little Valley on Wednesday vaulted the Panthers into sole possession of first place while Randolph is now tied with Ellicottville after beating Gowanda/Pine Valley 6-0. “We just all slug it out all year long,” Finn said. “Whoever survives at the end will end up being league champion.” The first time Falconer/Cassadaga Valley and Ellicottville met Sept. 12, it was the Eagles scoring twice in the first half before going on to win 2-1. On Wednesday, the Golden Cougars jumped on top with 27:12 remaining in the first half when Alex Reynolds passed to Gilbert, whose long shot glanced off the hand of Ellicottville goalkeeper Evan Bauer into a high corner of the goal. It was Reynolds’ sixth assist and Gilbert’s third goal of the season. “He’s incredibly elusive. He’s just an incredible offensive talent,” Quattrone said of Gilbert. “He’s so unpredictable. Defenses really have to be on their toes when they play against him.” Just over 12 minutes later, Falconer/Cassadaga Valley created some breathing room. Bauer misplayed a ball in the 18-yard box and Dossey blocked a clearing attempt. The senior midfielder then calmly dribbled away from Bauer and calmly tucked a low shot into the net from a bad angle to make it 2-0 with his first goal of the season. “Adam Dossey is just a hard worker up and down the field at all times,” Quattrone said. “He’s relentless on the ball and that’s why he was rewarded.” Juniors Austin Main and Finley Pavlock anchored a Golden Cougars defense that included seniors Alex Hudson, Coleson Barber and Max Comstock, and junior Calvin Hilliker. The group limited Ellicottville inside the 18-yard box for the entire evening. “Our defense was hard to play against. They didn’t get a lot of balls into our 18,” Quattrone said. “There was a lot of communication out of the back, which resonated across the entire field.” The Eagles’ best shots came off free kicks with Falconer/Cassadaga Valley senior keeper Carson Olson needing to make two tough saves. “We couldn’t connect,” Finn said. “At halftime, I said we should start attacking the outside … we didn’t exactly do what we wanted to do.” Ellicottville’s best scoring chance came with just over 32 minutes remaining when sophomore Owen Doherty connected on a pass to Sam Edwards, but the junior’s pass through the 6-yard box could not find a teammates’ foot and rolled harmlessly out of bounds. “Our defense was incredibly aggressive today,” Quattrone said. ” … There were no easy balls in and everything was cleared out.” Now, if the Golden Cougars are able to take care of business Monday against Gowanda/Pine Valley, Wednesday’s matchup with the Cardinals in Randolph will go a long way toward deciding a league champion. “It’s a push to the playoffs,” Quattrone said. ” … No nights off.” Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

UAE Ministry Of Economy Opens Up New Headquarters In The Metaverse – Cointelegraph https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/uae-ministry-of-economy-opens-up-new-headquarters-in-the-metaverse-cointelegraph/ The UAE Ministry of Economy continues its push into the Metaverse with the announcement of a “third address” located in a virtual world. 178 Total views 8 Total shares The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy has announced a new headquarters located where anyone in the world can visit — the Metaverse.  According to Gulf News, the announcement was made on Sept. 28 by UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri during the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, with the minister stating “this is not a proof of concept, this is our third address” before giving a live tour of the virtual headquarters. The headquarters will feature a multiple story building, each serving a different purpose. Visitors will be able to take a ticket, which will prompt a “customer happiness center employee” to join the Metaverse and interact with the visitor. Footage from the Dubai Metaverse Assembly. Source: Gulf News The new headquarters will complement the ministry’s two existing offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, allowing the ministry to make digital services a bigger part of its operations following directives to do so from UAE leadership. Related: From the valley to oasis: Swiss and Dubai crypto associations team up Visitors to the virtual headquarters will be able to sign legally binding documents, which eliminates the need for signatories to visit one of their physical locations in order to provide their signatures. The headquarters also contains an auditorium that can facilitate virtual conferences and other events and meeting rooms that allow users to share a screen. The announcement follows Dubai’s government’s Metaverse strategy revealed on Jul. 18, which aims to create virtual 40,000 jobs by 2030 and support the government’s vision of increasing the number of blockchain companies to five times the current number.

Deals: Stand-O-Matic Fast Wireless Charger And Multi-Stand, Save 61% – Geeky Gadgets https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/deals-stand-o-matic-fast-wireless-charger-and-multi-stand-save-61-geeky-gadgets/ 7:00 am September 29, 2022 By Roland Hutchinson We have an awesome deal for our readers on the Stand-O-Matic Fast Wireless Charger and Multi-Stand in the Geeky Gadgets Deals store this week. The Stand-O-Matic Fast Wireless Charger and Multi-Stand is available in our deals store for just $49.99 it normally costs $129. Stand-O-Matic Fast Wireless Charger and Multi-Stand is a built-in magnetic charger and a magnetic stand that folds and disappears making it a breeze to charge and carry on the conversation totally hands-free. This charger can charge your apple phone 100% which can come in handy when you are in a middle of a call with low power. The magnetic charger clings to the phone for Apple models 12 and above and can charge any phone with a cable if do not have magnetic support. Easy to carry and recharge hundreds of times making it a very useful tool for any smartphone owner. Strong magnetic absorption. Snaps magnetically into place to make wireless charging fast & convenient 10000mAh battery capacity. Provides 2 time wireless mag-safe charging & longer charging time for cables Foldable. Keeps your phones upright for a comfortable viewing angle Easy to carry. Great for using at concerts, sporting events, or any situations You can find out more details about this great deal on the Stand-O-Matic Fast Wireless Charger and Multi-Stand over at our deals store at the link below. Get this deal Filed Under: Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals

French Central Banker Warns Complex Crypto Regulations Could Create ‘Uneven Playing Field’ – Regulation Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/french-central-banker-warns-complex-crypto-regulations-could-create-uneven-playing-field-regulation-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ The governor of France’s central bank, François Villeroy de Galhau, has urged EU regulators to “avoid adopting diverging or contradictory regulations, or regulating too late.” He warned that “To do so would be to create an uneven playing field, risking arbitrage and cherry picking.” French Central Bank Governor Warns About Adopting ‘Unduly Complex’ Crypto Regulations Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau talked about cryptocurrency regulation at a conference on digital finance in Paris Tuesday. The French central banker stressed: We should be extremely mindful to avoid adopting diverging or contradictory regulations, or regulating too late. To do so would be to create an uneven playing field, risking arbitrage and cherry picking. Villeroy de Galhau added that “unduly complex” crypto regulations could fall short of investor protection and money laundering prevention. The European Commission introduced the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) bill in September 2020 as part of its digital finance strategy to bring crypto assets, issuers, and service providers across the EU under one regulatory framework. The European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on the MiCA bill on June 30, but MiCA is not expected to be implemented until 2024. The European Central Bank (ECB) outlined in August its plan to harmonize the regulatory framework governing crypto activities and services in the EU. “There is currently no harmonized regulatory framework governing crypto-asset activities and services in the EU,” the regulator explained, adding that banks are increasingly considering whether to offer crypto products and services, and it is the ECB’s role to “ensure they do so safely and soundly.” The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s top securities markets regulator, warned in May that soaring inflation may drive retail investors into cryptocurrencies. ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said Monday that eurozone inflation is becoming increasingly broad while growth is weakening. “We are seeing that in the third and fourth quarters there is a significant slowdown and we may find ourselves with growth rates close to zero,” he detailed. Tags in this story Banque de France, Banque de France bitcoin, Banque de France crypto, Banque de France cryptocurrency, Banque de France Governor, eu crypto regulation, France, François Villeroy de Galhau, François Villeroy de Galhau crypto, François Villeroy de Galhau cryptocurrency, french central bank What do you think about the comments by Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

After Sharp Right Turn, U.S. Supreme Court Conservatives Step On The Gas – Reuters.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/after-sharp-right-turn-u-s-supreme-court-conservatives-step-on-the-gas-reuters-com/ Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh poses during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, April 23, 2021. Erin Schaff/Pool Sept 28 (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court last March rebuffed an emergency request by North Carolina Republicans to allow the use in November’s congressional elections of an electoral map they drew that a lower court invalidated for unlawfully disadvantaging Democrats. It was a short-term setback for the North Carolina Republicans, but they soon will get a chance to claim a bigger legal victory. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested at the time that the justices take up the underlying legal dispute, one that could provide state legislators around the country the ability to enact election policies with less judicial oversight – a Republican goal. The Supreme Court in June announced it would hear the case in its new term, which begins on Monday. This showed the increasing willingness of its 6-3 conservative majority take on divisive issues as it steers the court on a rightward path. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Following a term when its conservatives delivered blockbuster rulings curtailing abortion access and widening gun rights, the court returns from a summer recess ready to tackle more major cases. Potential rulings in upcoming cases could end affirmative action policies used by colleges and universities to increase campus racial diversity, hobble a federal law called the Voting Rights Act and make it easier for businesses to refuse service to LGBT people based on free-speech rights. “The justices are taking things that are causing real conflicts around the country, they’re taking issues even if there’s a lot of media attention, even if it’s a hot-button issue – and they’re going to decide it anyway,” said Megan Wold, an attorney and former law clerk to conservative Justice Samuel Alito. The addition of three justices appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump – Neil Gorsuch in 2017, Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 and Amy Coney Barrett in 2020 – gave the court its current conservative supermajority. According to Irv Gornstein, executive director of Georgetown University Law Center’s Supreme Court Institute, Kavanaugh now wields outsized influence over the speed and limits of the court’s rightward shift. Gornstein called Kavanaugh the “median justice.” He does not appear as far to the right as Justices Clarence Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Barrett, while Chief Justice John Roberts – an incrementalist conservative – and liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson are to Kavanaugh’s left. Gornstein noted during a recent panel discussion in Washington that Kavanaugh has taken to opining on the limits of the majority’s rulings. In the abortion decision, for instance, he issued a separate opinion stating that interstate travel to obtain the procedure is constitutional. “Make no mistake, for now and for the foreseeable future, this is Justice Kavanaugh’s court,” Gornstein said. In its most recent term, there were 14 rulings decided on a 6-3 tally with the conservative justices on one side and the liberals on the other. That is up from 10 on strictly ideological lines the previous term, according to legal scholar Adam Feldman, who tracks court data at a website called “Empirical Scotus.” In the abortion decision, the court ruled 6-3 to uphold the restrictive Mississippi law at issue, though Roberts opposed outright overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade precedent. Similarly decided on 6-3 votes were the gun rights expansion, cases from Maine and Washington state favoring religious rights and another case that made it harder for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue rules addressing climate change. The court appears likely to continue to take up cases particularly important to conservatives, Feldman said. “They can look for cases that are going to be more ideological because even the weakest link on the right is still pretty far to the right,” Feldman added. MORE TRANSFORMATION Further transformation in U.S. law appears likely this term. Two cases could have profound implications for elections in 2024 and beyond. In the North Carolina case involving the Republican-drawn map of the state’s 14 U.S. House of Representatives districts, Republican lawmakers are advocating for a legal theory gaining popularity among conservatives that could restrict the power of state courts to review actions by state legislatures concerning federal elections. Endorsing the theory would undermine democratic norms, according to critics, even as Republicans at the state level pursue restrictive voting policies and electoral maps skewed in their favor. Alabama in another case is defending its Republican-drawn map of the state’s seven U.S. House districts that a lower court struck down as discriminatory against Black voters in violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Also closely watched are cases involving race-conscious student admissions programs used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina to foster campus racial diversity. A group led by an anti-affirmative action activist challenged those policies as unlawfully discriminatory against Asian American and white applicants. The court will hear an evangelical Christian web designer’s free speech claim that she cannot be forced under a Colorado anti-discrimination law to produce websites for same-sex marriages. The court did not resolve that issue in a 2018 ruling in favor of a Christian Denver-area baker who refused on religious grounds to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Other important cases could make it easier to build on property deemed wetlands without needing a permit under the federal Clean Water Act, or, in a case involving Taser-maker Axon Enterprise Inc (AXON.O), to challenge the authority of federal regulatory agencies without first undergoing an enforcement action. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Amazon.com Unveils Device That Tracks Breath While Sleeping – Dunya News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/amazon-com-unveils-device-that-tracks-breath-while-sleeping-dunya-news/ Technology Amazon.com unveils device that tracks breath while sleeping The online retailer said its $139.99 sleep gadget tracks room temperature, humidity and light. 29 September,2022 10:13 am (Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc on Wednesday announced a contactless gadget that can monitor people’s sleep, along with updates to its lineup of voice-controlled devices and e-readers. The online retailer said its $139.99 sleep gadget, known as Halo Rise, tracks room temperature, humidity and light, plus the breathing patterns of the person closest to it. The goal is to provide insight to users on why they may or may not feel well-rested when they wake up. Like peers Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google, Amazon has invested in health-tracking technology for consumers, at times drawing regulatory scrutiny for sensitive information it aimed to collect, like body fat percentage via its fitness wristband called Halo. Amazon has said privacy is foundational to its work. The sleep device will encrypt health data and has no camera or microphone. The retailer is exploring health more broadly as well, announcing in July it would buy primary care provider One Medical (ONEM.O) for $3.5 billion. The Halo Rise is not a medical device and not FDA-approved, Amazon said. Beyond the bet on health, Amazon announced at its virtual devices showcase a new Kindle e-reader with a pen for annotating books digitally. The company also announced updated versions of its in-home and in-car speakers with voice control and new internet connectivity devices, among other gadgets.   ‘ ; r_text[1] = ‘ ‘ ; r_text[2] = ‘ ‘ ; r_text[3] = ‘ ‘ ; r_text[4] = ‘ ‘ ; r_text[5] = ‘ ‘ ; r_text[6] = ‘ ‘ ; var i = Math.floor(r_text.length * Math.random()); document.write(r_text[i]);

Best Politician 2022 | Cori Bush | People & Places | St. Louis – Riverfront Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/best-politician-2022-cori-bush-people-places-st-louis-riverfront-times/ State Representative Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) went viral this spring as the recipient of a blistering takedown from fellow Representative Ian Mackey (D-St. Louis County). The Missouri House was debating an amendment to an elections bill that would prevent transgender women from playing on all-female teams. Mackey told Basye he was “afraid of people like you growing up. I grew up in Hickory County, Missouri. I grew up in a school district that would vote tomorrow to put this in place.” The impassioned speech went viral on TikTok and Twitter. Rather than take his tongue-lashing like a man, Basye tried to save face by releasing a statement calling Mackey a “loudmouth crybaby.” On Facebook he wrote, “Ian is a man I think, but I’ll need to check on a few pronouns before I can certify!” When one Kansas City resident asked Basye about his homophobic language, the state rep doubled down. Basye phoned the resident and continued to spout asinine nonsense about transgender people. “I don’t get [transgender] people at all. Isn’t it great that they can live in America and do that kind of stuff? Where if they were in Iran or North Korea or Russia they’d be slaughtered.” But we may have heard the last of Basye, who is stepping down due to term limits after eight years in the House. Even without term limits, the former air-traffic controller, who once introduced a bill to make it legal to turn left on a red light, would face an uphill battle in his district, which was redrawn to be more favorable to Democrats. All the better for Missouri, we say. —Rosalind Early

Columbia Man Describes “frantic” Trip Through FL Airport Amid Hurricane Ian – WLTX.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/columbia-man-describes-frantic-trip-through-fl-airport-amid-hurricane-ian-wltx-com/ A relaxing vacation turned to one of stress for a Columbia man traveling from the Caribbean through Florida amid Hurricane Ian. COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane Ian is creating travel chaos for those looking to get out of the Sunshine State. On Wednesday alone, FlightAware, a tracking service, said more than 900 flights were cancelled in Florida. Among those making the trip was Robert Reese, a Lower Richland native. He left South Carolina for vacation in the Dominican Republic, first facing Hurricane Fiona. “Really, I was just thinking the trip was going to get cancelled,” Reese said, “but I stayed in contact with my uncle who was already there and he was like, ‘Oh, no. We just got some heavy rain. So, come on.” After five days on the island, it was the trip back that left him wondering if they would make it home safely. “You get text updates from the airlines,” Reese said, “and so they sent me a text message saying the storm was expected to hit and this was your first travel alert.” Miami was one stop in his trip home. More than 170 flights were delayed there the day he traveled through, according to FlightAware. “It was frantic. The flight out was delayed, and it was fully packed, and people there were trying to get on,” Reese said. “The actual plane flight was very turbulent…. It was just bad weather the whole ride.” His uncle, scheduled for a later flight, was unable to fly into Florida and had to be rerouted to an airport in New York. Reese, settling in at home, said he’s feeling thankful. “This was an opportunity for me to get away and to recalibrate. You know?,” Reese said. “It did that, even though the hurricane came.” As of September 28, Ian is expected to bring strong wind and rain to South Carolina, after it leaves Florida. %

VIETNAM BUSINESS NEWS SEPTEMBER 29 – VietNamNet https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/vietnam-business-news-september-29-vietnamnet/ Vietnam may become a “new tiger” in Asia, commented Italy’s La Repubblica daily after the World Bank raised the Southeast Asian country’s growth forecast. The journal cited data from the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update showing that the region may record growth of 3.2% this year and 4.6% next year. Vietnam is predicted to lead the region with growth of 7.2%, higher that the bank’s earlier forecast of 5.3%. The bank also gave growth forecast for other regional countries, including Malaysia (6.4%), the Philippines (6.5%), Indonesia (5.1%), and Cambodia (4.8%). Basing on this statistics, La Republica held that the new Asian tiger in 2022 will be Vietnam. Analysts asserted that factors promoting the growth of Asia, except China, include the ending of restriction measures to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of borders, and the resumption of consumption and industrial production. At the same time, the rise in commodity prices due to the global energy crisis also has a role to play in boosting the region’s export-dependent economies, they said. Deputy PM Le Minh Khai appointed as Head of Steering Committee for Enterprise Innovation and Develop Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 27 signed Decision No.1140/QD-TTg, to set up members of the Steering Committee for Enterprises Innovation and Development, with Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai assigned as the Head of the Steering Committee. The deputy heads include Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son (Permanent Deputy Head), Nguyen Hong Long, and Nguyen Canh Viet. This Decision replaces Decisions No. 1694/QD-TTg, dated November 26, 2019, and 2028/QD-TTg dated December 9, 2020 on the appointment of members of the Steering Committee for Enterprise Innovation and Development. The Steering Committee has the function to assist the Prime Minister in researching, directing, and inspecting the innovation of state-owned enterprises and other enterprises operating under the Enterprise Law. The Steering Committee also has the task of assisting the Prime Minister in formulating programmes and plans for reforming enterprises nationwide and monitoring the implementation of such plans after being approved. Customs clearance at Quang Ninh border gate again suspended Customs clearance was again suspended on September 28 at the Bac Phong Sinh border gate in Quang Ninh’s Hai Ha district that pairs with Li He border gate in China’s Dongxingcity, due to China’s COVID-19 control measures. Import-export activities at the pairs of border gates just resumed two days ago, on September 26, after seven months of suspension. During the two days September 26 and 27, only two trucks carrying imports from China went through the border gate. Besides, the week-long National Day holiday in China is starting soon. The Chinese side has announced that it will re-open the border gate on October 8. Minor improvements seen in the transparency of provincial budgets The average ranking of budget transparency for localities in 2021 was 69.53 points out of 100, a rise of just 0.44 points compared to 2020. The numbers suggest that most localities have not fully disclosed information about their finances to the public. The data was published in the 2021 Provincial Open Budget Index (POBI), announced at a ceremony in Hanoi on September 28 by the Budget Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (BTAP) Alliance, the Centre for Development and Integration (CDI), and the Vietnam Centre for Economic and Strategic Studies (VESS). Ba Ria – Vung Tau remained at the top of the rankings with 98.59 points. Quang Binh, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh are the three most improved localities in the rankings, while Ninh Binh, Tay Ninh and Lam Dong’s performances dropped significantly. POBI is based on three principles: budget transparency, accountability of provincial organisations, and public participation in the budget-building process. The index aims to encourage greater transparency, accountability and management of public finance; create positive competition between provinces; and ensure public trust in provincial public budget management. Particularly in the criteria of public participation, POBI has shown that provinces mostly did not allow citizens to join in the budget-building process. The average score of public participation for all 63 localities is just 41.8/100. Da Nang still tops the leaderboard in the criteria, whereas Dak Nong has the worst record with only 8.3 points. In the accountability criteria, the average score of all 63 localities is 48.2 out of 100, with 41 localities (65.08%) publicising their plan to assess and manage the budget. The report also perceived that most localities that have good budget practices tend to continue these good habits, such as Vung Tau, Vinh Long, Da Nang, Cao Bang, and Lai Chau. Transport Ministry proposes licensing cargo airline The Ministry of Transport has proposed the prime minister issue an air cargo transport license to IPP Air Cargo JSC, whose chairman is billionaire Johnathan Hanh Nguyen. The ministry garnered sufficient feedback on the establishment of the cargo airline from relevant agencies, saying that the airline’s documentation meets all business requirements and prevailing regulations, the local media reported. The local market has five air carriers specializing in transporting both passengers and cargo, while there is no air carrier specializing in cargo transport, said the ministry. Meanwhile, under the 2020 transport service development strategy with a vision toward 2030 approved by the prime minister, Vietnam would have a fleet of 8-10 aircraft for cargo transport in 2020. The number of aircraft will increase to 15-20 by 2030. The launch of IPP Air Cargo is aimed at providing customers with specialized cargo transport services and boosting the nation’s logistics growth, said Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan. Processing – manufacturing, real estate top FDI attraction in nine months Processing – manufacturing and real estate are the biggest magnets for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first nine months of 2022, statistics showed. As of September 20, registered FDI totalled 18.7 billion USD, down 15.3% year on year, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). The figure includes 7.12 billion USD poured into 1,355 new projects, respectively falling 43% and rising 11.8%. More than 8.3 billion USD was poured into 769 existing projects, up 29.9% and 13.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, foreign investors spent over 3.28 billion USD on purchasing shares in Vietnamese companies, up 1.9%. The processing and manufacturing sector continued to take the lead with over 12.1 billion USD in FDI, accounting for 64.6% of total registered capital. It was followed by real estate with over 3.5 billion USD, or nearly 19%. The MPI said though newly registered investment has yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts and recent global uncertainties, the capital added to existing projects and spent on share purchases have been on the rise. In the first nine months, Vietnam recorded investment from 97 countries and territories. Singapore was the largest source of FDI during the period with more than 4.75 billion USD (equivalent to 25.3% of the total but still down 24.3% from a year earlier). The Republic of Korea ranked second (3.8 billion USD, equivalent to 20.3%, down 2.38%) and Japan third (1.9 billion USD, equivalent to 10.2%). Ho Chi Minh City was the biggest FDI destination with over 2.96 billion USD registered, making up 15.8% of the total and rising 26.2%. It was followed by southern Binh Duong province (2.7 billion USD, equivalent to 14.4%, up 58%) and northern Bac Ninh province (1.78 billion USD, equivalent to 9.5%, and increasing 2.1-fold). As of September 20, Vietnam was home to 35,725 valid FDI projects worth more than 431.5 billion USD. Many firms suspend raising capital from stock market Many enterprises have either stopped mobilizing capital or changed their capital-raising plans on the stock market amid existing uncertainties and disadvantages. The key interest rate hike by the State Bank of Vietnam following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s move has taken a toll on the stock market. Specifically, the central bank’s decision to raise interest rate caps on short-term deposits has prompted commercial banks to increase savings rates. The move would lead to capital flow into the stock market dwindling. Sao Mai Group, under the code ASM, on September 22 announced to cancel its plan to issue over 168 million shares due to the bearish market. ASM closed the session on the same day at VND17,250, down 32% against its highest price in late March. Similarly, Louis Capital JSC on September 23 held an extraordinary meeting to announce that it would stop issuing some 55 million shares, explaining that the current situation did not back the plan. Despite keeping its share issue intact, Development Investment Construction JSC, with the code DIG, has lowered the selling price and volume twice. Thai Nguyen International Hospital JSC is set to announce changes to its plans to issue shares to its shareholders at its extraordinary shareholders meeting on October 10. Under its new capital mobilization plan, the hospital will issue some 26 million shares to its current shareholders at VND20,000 per share, half the price on bourse. In addition, Kien Giang Construction Investment Consultancy Group has decided to ditch its plan to sell 13.4 million CKG shares. The Vietnamese stock market is forecast to remain choppy for the rest of the year due to China’s zero-Covid policy, global inflation, a potential economic recession facing the United States and the European Union and the rapid pace in inter...

Health Network To Offer Range Of Free Workshops During October – Kennebec Journal And Morning Sentinel https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/health-network-to-offer-range-of-free-workshops-during-october-kennebec-journal-and-morning-sentinel/ The Healthy Living for ME network plans to host free workshops scheduled to start up across the state in October. Topics addressed by the workshops include managing chronic conditions and chronic pain, improving fitness and balance, and managing diabetes. Healthy Living for ME welcomes referrals from healthcare providers. The network’s evidence-based programming can help patients manage and prevent conditions before they become more serious or result in emergency situations. “Our October workshops include a few being offered by two new partners in the network, Catholic Charities of Maine and Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital. We’re so pleased to be able to continue to expand our network and provide more access to free and low-cost resources that help Mainers improve their health and wellness,” said Maija Dyke, business manager of Healthy Living for ME, in a news release. The workshops starting in October: A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This workshop is being offered in person in Presque Isle by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins on Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Oct. 31. Living Well for Better Health helps participants deal with ongoing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Topics covered include handling frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and evaluating new treatments. There are two in person sessions and one online session that will be offered by network partners. Cary Medical Center is offering this workshop in person in Caribou. The workshop begins on Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 14. Catholic Charities of Maine is offering this workshop in person at 66 Western Ave. in Fairfield. The workshop begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10. Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is offering this workshop online. The workshop begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10. Bingocize combines a bingo-like game with exercise and health education with the goal of increasing older adults’ functional fitness, health knowledge, and social engagement. This workshop is being offered online by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins Monday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 12. Better Health Now with Pain is designed for those who experience long-term pain; their friends, family, and/or caregivers are also welcome to join. Participants in this workshop receive a toolkit in the mail and work with a leader either by themselves or in small groups. Topics covered include pacing and planning, medication management, and the Moving Easy Program. This workshop is being offered over the phone by network partner Spectrum Generations. The workshop begins Thursday, Oct. 6, and will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 10. Living Well with Chronic Pain is designed for people who are dealing with persistent pain such as back pain, post-surgical pain, headaches, and other ongoing pain. Topics covered include: dealing with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; pacing activity and rest; and evaluating new treatments. This workshop is being offered online by network partner Aroostook Agency on Aging. The workshop begins on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 15. Better Health Now is designed to help those living with chronic conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or other conditions. Participants in this workshop receive a toolkit in the mail and work with a leader either by themselves or in small groups. Topics covered during the workshop include: techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments. This workshop is being offered by phone by network partner MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center. The workshop begins on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 16. Living Well with Diabetes is designed to help people with type 2 diabetes learn how to live well. Topics include: techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear and frustration; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating, appropriate use of medication; and working with healthcare providers. This workshop is being offered in person in Augusta by network partner MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center, 35 Medical Center Parkway. The workshop begins Monday, Oct. 17 and will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 21. Though the workshops are free for participants, registration is required. Family, friends, caregivers, and supports of participants are also welcome to register and participate. For more information, locations, addresses and to register, contact Healthy Living for ME at 800-620-6036 or [email protected]. To find a workshop near you, visit healthylivingforme.org/programs-workshops. Check out other upcoming area events!

What Is Your Prediction For Penn State In October? – Altoona Mirror https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/what-is-your-prediction-for-penn-state-in-october-altoona-mirror/ Feels like Lions are better, seeing 3-1 over next four By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Sean Clifford said earlier this month the Nittany Lions “want to win every game this season.” While that may be obvious, it was also a surprising disclosure considering the team’s 11-11 record of the last previous two years — with Clifford at the helm. Penn State is not in an unusual position. For the fifth time in the last six seasons — 2020 being the lone outlier — the Nittany Lions have started 4-0 or better. And now that the appetite has been whet, everyone is pointing to October and a season-defining gauntlet of at Michigan, vs. Minnesota (whiteout) and vs. Ohio State. Northwestern will bat first this Saturday, but based on the odds (25.5), the Wildcats wouldn’t be favored to win the Mid-American Conference, let alone threaten the upper echelon of the Big Ten. Almost nobody expects the Lions to run the October table. Then again, few thought they’d win at both Purdue and Auburn — maybe one but not both, even though neither has met their own expectations this year. Which brings me back to today’s question. I picked Penn State 8-4, and I must fall on my sword. The Nits are better than I anticipated, and I think they have a decent chance to go 3-1 in October. That means splitting with Michigan or Ohio State and beating Minnesota. James Franklin is 2-2 in Ann Arbor, winning 18-13 in his first season and 27-17 on his last trip, 2020 (Covid year, when the Wolverines were even less interested than PSU). The middle two games have not been kind — 49-10 in 2016 and 42-7 in 2018. Credit Michigan for dismantling Ohio State last year and then finally winning its first Big Ten championship game. Whether the Wolverines are as tough this year is hard to say. Their non-conference schedule of Colorado State, Hawaii and UConn is no indication. Last weekend’s home struggle with Maryland may be. Either way, Penn State should go in 5-0 and rested from a bye week. Presuming an improved performance from what the Lions showed vs. Central Michigan, the oddsmakers will see this as a field-goal spread — likely with Michigan favored. It will come down to being able to hang in with Michigan physically. But the Lions are probably faster and have enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to win the game. Whether it’s the humble pie Franklin was served in 2020 and ’21, or some adjustments he made in prioritizing depth, or Manny Diaz’s new style — nothing against Brent Pry, who did a solid job — or an improving offensive line, whatever it is, this year feels different. It feels like the Lions are better, and it feels like Franklin will mercifully improve on his 7-17 record against Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State, especially with the Spartans limping. Regardless of the outcome at the Big House, Minnesota is rising, and you can be sure offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarracca — who was unfairly fired after one year at PSU — and the Gophers will be ready. It was Ciarracca’s work that carved up the Lions’ secondary back in 2019 and dealt Penn State its first loss after an 8-0 start. And who was Minnesota’s quarterback that day? Tanner Morgan, who — like Clifford — is still around. With Purdue and Illinois up next, it’s highly probable the Gophers will arrive on Oct. 22 unbeaten, and regardless of what happens at Michigan the week before, this will be a game Franklin cannot afford to lose. Oh, his contract says otherwise, but the court of public opinion won’t. That brings us to Ohio State on Oct. 29, and if you’ve seen much of the Buckeyes, they’re on another level, but Beaver Stadium will be ready — particularly if the Lions are 3-0 in October at that point. Which is very possible. Rudel can be reached at 814-946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com. Still not sold on PSU beating OSU, Michigan By Cory Giger sports@altoonamirror.com Penn State has a good team. I am convinced of that.But I’m still not at all convinced the Nittany Lions have a really good team, the kind that can go into the Big House and beat Michigan on Oct. 15. Still chalking that one up as a loss on my end. And since I don’t see Penn State beating Ohio State on Oct. 29 either, I can’t predict anything better than a 2-2 record for October. To be honest, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if the Lions end up going 1-3 for the month, if history repeats itself. I’ll get to why I’ll be picking Michigan to beat Penn State in a bit. First, there’s this tidbit about James Franklin: His record after a loss as a head coach is 15-28-1, which ranks in the bottom five among all coaches in FBS. One of the biggest warts of Franklin’s coaching career is that, once his team loses a game, he’s had a tough time getting everybody to regroup for the next game. So, if my pick of Michigan is indeed correct, we’ll have to take a good, hard look at Penn State’s next game after that — a visit by Minnesota on Oct. 22. That’s the whiteout game. There is no way right now I’m picking Penn State to lose that, because of the program’s success in whiteout contests. But even though I won’t be picking Minnesota, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to Lion fans if the Gophers come into Beaver Stadium and win that one. Minnesota is good. The Gophers just clobbered Michigan State on the road last week, 34-7, and have Purdue at home this week, then a trip to Illinois. They should be 6-0 and overflowing with confidence when they visit Penn State, and will be a very difficult opponent. Alrighty, so you can see how it is feasible — despite a lot of things going well for Penn State right now — that the Lions could in fact end up 1-3 in October. That’s not just me being negative about this Penn State team, which I’m sure some fans will think. It’s about respecting the fact that Michigan is a road game, Ohio State is a far better team and the possibility of that tricky Minnesota game coming after a potential first loss. OK, so why don’t I think PSU will beat Michigan? The same old, same old, really: Sean Clifford’s inconsistency and lingering questions about the running game. Yes, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been outstanding so far, and it is going to be very exciting to see those guys develop throughout their carers. But I’m still not sold on Penn State going into Michigan and running the ball very effectively. If the Lions don’t run great, then it will put more pressure on Clifford to have to win the game by himself. I have very little confidence he can pull that off at Michigan. The 4-0 start has been great, and the PSU players have a whole lot of confidence right now. But I can see a situation where they lose to Michigan, everyone is deflated — especially the young players — and the loss lingers with the team more than it should. And hey, even if they do beat Minnesota the following week, the Buckeyes will end the Lions’ College Football Playoff hopes at the end of the month. Cory Giger covers Penn State for DK Pittsburgh Sports and hosts “Sports Central” weekdays from 4-5 on WRTA. He can be reached at cgsports12@gmail.com. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

How The Covid-19 Pandemic Lifted Designer Vivienne Tam Into The Metaverse – Forbes https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-lifted-designer-vivienne-tam-into-the-metaverse-forbes/ VIvienne Tam The metaverse has captured imaginations worldwide with its portrayal of new vistas. The title of a new best-selling book this year summarizes the buzz: “The Metaverse” promises to explain “How It Will Revolutionize Everything.” One enthusiast from the fashion world: Vivienne Tam. Tam’s life is rooted in Hong Kong, where she moved at age three from the mainland China city of Guangzhou. Yet she has expanded her influence and bridged cultures around the world over the years. Tam, a naturalized American citizen, struck it big in New York in the 1990s, launching her own fashion lines and collections that today are part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg. Her gowns have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Gong Li, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton and Jill Biden. Since 2020, the pandemic has been a catalyst for new thinking. Stores closed, upending the way people shop for fashion wares. “What is the future of my business?” Tam wondered aloud in an interview in New York this month. Lifestyles have changed, she said. And so has technology. NFTs, once viewed skeptically, have become more popular, in part because they allow for consumers to lock in personalized items. “We all laughed at NFTs,” said Jenny Johnson, president of Franklin Templeton at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore this week. “But if you take intellectual property and validate its usage, think about what that opens up,” she said. “I think it could be very interesting going forward.” For her part, Tam was back in New York this month for the New York Fashion Week, the city’s big twice-a-year fashion gathering that in September featured more than 100 designers. More than 200 people attended Tam’s event last Wednesday. Vivienne Tam What they largely saw from Tam were more prominent figures from NFT collections that she incorporated into her cuts and accessories. Characters came from the Yuga Labs groups such as Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks, along with others from CyberKongz and Awkward Astronauts. Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT sales have reported exceeded $1 billion globally and attracted celebrity buyers including Jimmy Fallon and Snoop Dog. Tam believes the newly emerging group of figures has wide appeal across age groups and gender. “There are endless possibilities in the digital world that in the physical world I cannot do,” Tam said. “The stories and communities inspire me so much in what they do and how they can come up with all these individual concepts,” she said. “I have many friends that bought them, and then they tell me the story of why they buy them.” The reason, she said, is “related to personality. It’s quite interesting. So I thought, ‘Why don’t I bring all these beautiful images to the physical world?’ People can enjoy even more expression of their concepts in another dimension. Buyers choose images that reflect their own personality, just as in the physical world, but in a more flexible digital format.” The motivation to buy digitally can be the same as in the physical world, she said. “Maybe I want to use my atavar to dress for a boyfriend or girlfriend,” Tam said. “I want to encourage that customization.” Times and technology change, but the wish to feel good about life doesn’t, Tam said. “Everybody wants something special and to feel good about it.” The metaverse, she believes, will open more vistas for that pleasure. See related posts: Fashion Icon Vivienne Tam Raises Money To Help Fight Cancer After Partner’s Death World Will Have Nearly 40% More Millionaires By 2026: Credit Suisse China Business Risks Will Continue To Rise After Party Congress, Scholar Says @rflannerychina

Beginner Tips For Watch Dogs 2 – TheGamer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/beginner-tips-for-watch-dogs-2-thegamer/ With a brighter and more vibrant lick of paint, Watch Dogs 2 leaves Watch Dog’s Chicago behind and sees the likable Marcus Holloway join the underground hacking group DedSec in California’s Golden Gate City. It’s a great representation of the Bay Area and is chocked full of side activities, gang hideouts and all the Easter eggs you would expect out of an Ubisoft open-world game. With roughly 20-30 hours of hacking-based activism to get stuck into, it can be difficult to know where to start to get the ball rolling. Here are some handy tips that will likely help you take your first steps in Watch Dogs 2’s sunny San Francisco. 10 Start With The Trickster Skill Tree First The Ghost, Aggressor and the Trickster are the three main play styles in Watch Dogs 2 that each bring their own unique mechanics to the table. While Aggressors and Ghosts cover your destructive gunplay and stealth needs, the Trickster is where you’ll want to pay particular attention, as it will give you the best of both worlds. Following the Trickster path will unleash your inner hacker by giving you the option of controlling various gadgets and drones to do all the dirty work for you. It’s the best all-rounder for those unsure where to dump their points into first and gives you access to some really helpful skills early on. 9 Prioritise These Skills There are many skills to experiment with in the game, but there are a select few that you should prioritise. At least a few points should be put into Botnet upgrades, as this will allow you to perform a greater number of hacks at any given time. For more exploration options, the Environmental RC skill is very useful, as it allows you to activate lifts that will give you access to previously blocked-off areas. This just might give you an edge in combat, or lead you to a hidden collectable. The Vehicle Hacking skill can is an essential tool that can let you control vehicles from a distance, and is particularly good for solving puzzles in the open world. Hijacking gives you the ability to hack into any car remotely without having their alarms go off, which is pretty essential due to the overwhelming amount of vehicles you will be stealing. 8 Unlock And Upgrade The Quadcopter As Soon As You Can The Quadcopter is one of the first items you’ll be able to access at DeadSec’s 3D printing station. It’s a nifty little drone that you can use to scout out enemy bases in the air and hack into various cameras dotted around the city. It really is a great tool for getting a lay of the land before heading in for the attack. Upgrading it will improve it even further by lowering its cooldown, so you can use it more frequently – definitely something you’ll want to do. We recommend not spending your hard-earned cash until you’ve unlocked it, as it comes in at a pricey $67,000 to craft. 7 Hack Literally Everyone – Stealing Without Risk All those cool gadgets and upgrades aren’t cheap, and it will likely take a while before you get to try them all out. Luckily, you are part of an elite underground hacking squad that can delve into the personal bank accounts of everyone you come across, all in the name of activism. You have the ability to hack any civilian at any time to skim a little of their income, with absolutely no repercussions. Although it doesn’t make the most logical sense to hack oncoming traffic whilst zooming down the Golden Gate Bridge, we’ll just assume Marcus is exceptionally good at multitasking. 6 Use The Cameras In Watch Dogs, surveillance cameras will always be a hacker’s best friend. Every single CCTV camera within sight can be hacked into, allowing Marcus to get a birds-eye view to solve puzzles and scout out gang hideouts. You can tag any enemies that are in your line of sight, and it’s a great way to plan a route through a gang-infested warehouse. More than just allowing you to scout an area, you can also hack objects through the cameras themselves, setting traps for enemies and watching them explode from multiple angles from a safe distance. 5 Focus On Playing Stealthily Despite being able to play the game in a variety of different ways, it’s clear that it was designed with stealth in mind. This favours a more tactical and non-lethal play style, where you can plan the best way to attack ahead of time. Taking a quieter approach allows you to take a step back and experiment with all the gadgets and tech you have at your disposal. It feels great to hop around an enemy base with your RC Jumper, and using your Quadcopter to drop some well-placed explosives on your foes is a blast. If you like, you barely have to engage with your enemies in any real physical capacity, as you can distract and trick them into doing your bidding before they realise what happened. 4 You Can Create Your Own Music Playlists One of the most important features of any open-world GTA clone is its in-game music, and thankfully, Watch Dogs 2’s soundtrack does not disappoint. What’s more, you have the ability to create your own playlists, giving you greater freedom in what tunes to listen to when hacking and stun-gunning your way through the city. Sort of like Ubisoft’s version of Shazam, the SongSneak app on your phone allows you to add any nearby music you hear in the world to a self-curated playlist you can rock out to at any given time. It’s a small but much-appreciated feature that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the world around you. 3 Use Your Phone To Download Apps More than just a simple GPS or a way to communicate with other DeadSec members, Marcus’ smartphone contains a lot of helpful applications that offer a surprising amount of gameplay options. You can order any vehicle to your location with Car On Demand, which will be handy when taking on the role of a glorified Uber driver after downloading the Driver SF ride-share app to your phone. Scout X rewards you for taking pictures of tourist locations, encouraging you to explore the world as much as you can. Each will help DeadSec by significantly increasing their followers, which is needed in order to progress through the game. 2 Turn Off Hacker Invasions For A Smoother Single-Player Experience When you’re out and about minding your own business cruising around San Francisco, you will occasionally receive a notification that a real-life player is attempting to hack into your network and steal some of your precious data. As fun as it is to engage in a chase of hacking-related cat and mouse, sometimes you just want to be left alone to roam around at your own pace. Thankfully, you have the option to turn off any unwanted invasions in your game by heading into your phone’s options menu and toggling the multiplayer preferences. 1 Multiplayer Can Be Very Rewarding If playing with others is more your thing, there are plenty of multiplayer options available in Watch Dogs 2. This time around co-op has been revamped, allowing you to tackle a bunch of randomly generated missions with a partner. If causing aimless acts of chaos around the city is more your bag, you can free-roam with a buddy to complete activities and pick up collectables as you go. If you’re feeling up to it, you can engage in the game’s interesting bounty system, where naughty DedSec members from other game worlds have racked up enough notoriety to be targeted and hunted down. Eliminating your real-player targets will net you a nice reward, which will help you purchase and upgrade the various gear, gadgets and weapons in the game. Next: Best Games Set In California

Google Web3 Lead Says Google Cloud Is A ‘Layer Zero’ For Crypto – Decrypt https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/google-web3-lead-says-google-cloud-is-a-layer-zero-for-crypto-decrypt/ Google has set its sights on becoming the backbone of Web3. While it might come as a surprise to Web3 natives, Richard Widmann—Google’s head of strategy, Web3, and cloud—sees the Web2 giant as ideologically aligned with many of crypto’s core values, including open-source development and decentralization.  Prior to jumping headfirst into Google’s crypto initiatives, Widmann worked as legal counsel for the trillion-dollar tech company and also has a background in securities law. At the Mainnet conference in New York City, he told Decrypt in an interview that he’s working to “build a giant bridge” between Web3 companies and blockchain by offering node services via Google Cloud. Nodes, which run code for crypto networks, can be imagined as foundational building blocks for Web3. “The Cloud provision—we’re a layer zero,” Widmann said. The lawyer-turned strategist stressed that Google’s nodes have to be decentralized and global enough to be resilient to things like internet outages and political unrest because each node is a single point of failure.  And if one or two big tech companies like Amazon or Google end up controlling the overwhelming majority of blockchain nodes, that defeats the purpose of decentralized technology. “If everything is running on Google, I will be the first to say that is a problem, frankly,” Widmann said of Web3’s future. But decentralization isn’t a black or white issue. While Widmann sees decentralization as essential to Google’s Web3 strategy, not everything can or should be as decentralized as possible. “If you tried to build a data center with a group of DAO participants—I’m sure you could raise the capital, but I don’t really know if you could coordinate around that kind of resourcing to build that,” he said.  If decentralization is feasible, should everything eventually be on the blockchain? Widmann doesn’t think so. “There are some things where a censorship resistant, distributed source of truth makes sense,” Widmann said, but added that “there are [also] a lot of things that don’t require immutable ledgers.” Google Cloud is chain-agnostic and wants to let layer one protocols build on top of Cloud and compete against one another or fulfill different niches, he said. Widmann differentiated Google’s vision from that of Avalanche Network, which he said is a layer one blockchain and not a layer zero for crypto like some might think. He acknowledged, however, that the label is a “rhetorical issue.”  “Any layer one protocol is running compute containers, generally on a cloud of some kind,” Widmann said. “Avalanche doesn’t have a cloud business. They run on data centers, just like every other layer one.” “They try and set themselves as that foundational layer, but ultimately, it’s all running on top of a compute container hosted somewhere, and that’s where the cloud providers come in.” Stay on top of crypto news, get daily updates in your inbox.

U.S. VP Harris To Slam North Korea Missile Test, Visit DMZ – Reuters.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/u-s-vp-harris-to-slam-north-korea-missile-test-visit-dmz-reuters-com/ US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on September 29, 2022. Jung Yeon-je/Pool via REUTERS SEOUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) – U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to condemn North Korea’s weapons tests in Seoul ahead of her first visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the Koreas on Thursday, just hours after the isolated country test-fired missiles. Harris landed in the South Korean capital early on Thursday and will condemn North Korea’s latest missile launch during talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, a White House official said. She will also discuss Seoul’s concerns over changes in U.S. electric vehicle subsidies, trilateral relations involving Japan, and China’s action in the Taiwan Strait, the official said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Harris touted the alliance as a “linchpin” of security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific, and expressed hopes to further bolster ties. “I’m here to reinforce the strength of our alliance and strengthen our work together,” she told Yoon at the start of their meeting. Yoon also vowed to boost the alliance, saying Harris’ visit following U.S. President Joe President Biden’s trip last May will be “another turning point” to achieve that goal. Aides said Harris’ visit to DMZ is intended to show unwavering U.S. commitment to South Korea’s security but took on new urgency after the two short-range ballistic missiles were shot off North Korea’s east coast on Wednesday. Biden’s aides have been shoring up alliances to manage China in the region, including over Taiwan. But South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told CNN in an interview aired on Sunday that in a conflict over Taiwan, North Korea would be more likely to stage a provocation and that the alliance should focus on that concern first. The missile test is the second since Sunday and comes two days after South Korea and U.S. forces conducted a military drill in waters off South Korea’s east coast involving an aircraft carrier. read more South Korea’s navy said it will stage trilateral anti-submarine exercises with U.S. and Japanese forces on Friday, designed to improve their capability to counter evolving North Korean threats, including its submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The drills will bring together warships including the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, the USS Chancellorsville guided-missile cruiser, the USS Barry guided missile destroyer, South Korea’s Munmu the Great destroyer and Japan’s Asahi tanker. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has said it is developing nuclear weapons and missiles to defend against U.S. threats. Following a stop at a military base in Japan, Harris called recent missile launches part of an “illicit weapons programme which threatens regional stability and violates multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.” Harris’ visit to the DMZ is the first by a senior Biden administration official and is expected to come later on Thursday. Several former U.S. presidents, and Biden himself before he became president, have visited the DMZ, but former President Donald Trump became the first to have met a North Korean leader there when he held a third meeting with Kim Jong Un in 2019 as part of his unsuccessful effort to persuade Kim to give up his nuclear and missile programs. The DMZ is often described as the world’s last Cold War frontier and has existed since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a armistice rather than a peace treaty. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Stephen Coates Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Aussie Cricket’s $2m Problem Finally Fixed – News.com.au https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/aussie-crickets-2m-problem-finally-fixed-news-com-au/ After years of begging and pleading, Australian cricket fans finally got their wish. Cricket Australia has confirmed that DRS technology will be available for every Big Bash League match this summer, along with 24 games in the women’s competition. Each team will receive one unsuccessful review per innings during the popular T20 competition, with the fielding captain or batter allocated 15 seconds to call for a review. Ultra Edge, commonly referred to as Snicko, and ball-tracking will be available to the third umpire, but not Hotspot technology. Catch the T20 World Cup Live on Kayo. Don’t Risk Missing All Your Teams’ Matches. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now Meanwhile, the Bash Boost point and X-Factor substitution rules, which divided cricket fans after their introduction in 2020, have been scrapped. The Power Surge innovation, where batting sides can take a two-over Powerplay after the 10th over, has been retained and make its debut in the Women’s Big Bash League this season. Also, fielding teams in the men’s competition will now be put on a countdown clock to ensure they start the final over of the innings within 79 minutes. If they fail to do so, only four fielders will be permitted outside the inner ring for the remainder of the innings. “Implementing DRS has been a challenging task for the BBL, which is the most logistically complex T20 league in the world,” Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson said in a statement. “That, plus the impact of the pandemic on travel and movement, have meant the technology has not been possible to introduce until this season. “Additionally, the League is pleased with the outcomes of the wider Playing Conditions review process, with the introduction of the Power Surge to WBBL and the BBL innings clock both major wins for fans. “We retain a clear desire to innovate and drive our Leagues forward but are also willing to review decisions that have not realised the intended positive impact, such as the Bash Boost point and X-Factor substitution.” Due to logistical and financial complications, partly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, CA has been reluctant to introduce the DRS, which has become commonplace in international cricket and overseas tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and The Hundred. The BBL will be played across 14 venues this season, and ensuring the review system is available for all 61 matches is a huge logistical challenge to CA — transporting equipment and operators from state to state was practically impossible last summer due to border restrictions. Taking the full suite of technologies to regional venues is particularly costly — it’s estimated that having Snicko and ball-tracking available for the entire competition could cost up to $2 million. “This game is moving forward quicker than a lot of people realise,” England batter Laurie Evans, who was retained by the Perth Scorchers at the Big Bash League Draft, told reporters last month. “There’s a lot on the line for a lot of people … just an individual decision can change a career. “A competition of this magnitude needs to have everything available to it, and be played at the highest possible level. “DRS is one of those things we’re getting used to now as players around the T20 circuit, so it’s a great decision to have it.” The late Shane Warne was also an outspoken advocate for DRS technology in the Big Bash, telling Fox Cricket in 2020: “Enough is enough. If we want to take this competition seriously, we’ve got to have DRS. “Cricket Australia just have to pay for it. We can’t have these decisions.” The 12th edition of the Big Bash League gets underway on Tuesday, December 13, while the women’s competition kicks off on Thursday, October 13.

Statue Of Harry Truman To Be Unveiled, Dedicated In U.S. Capitol Rotunda – Joplin Globe https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/statue-of-harry-truman-to-be-unveiled-dedicated-in-u-s-capitol-rotunda-joplin-globe/ Lamar-born Harry S. Truman will become just the 10th U.S. president to be represented in the U.S. Capitol rotunda after the unveiling and dedication Thursday of a bronze statue of his likeness. The 33rd president is often remembered for his contributions to end World War II, the desegregation of the armed forces and the establishment of the United Nations, NATO and the National Security Council, so it’s fitting that he finally return to Washington, D.C., to be honored, say experts and officials who promote Truman’s legacy. “President Truman may be remembered largely in black and white, but he is a 21st-century standard for presidential leadership and public service. His story is our story, America’s story,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute, in a statement. “Inheriting a global catastrophe after World War II, Truman shouldered the burden of leadership in a rudderless world with remarkable courage, integrity and humility. That’s why it’s a tremendous honor to lead this effort to bring Truman back to Washington more than 75 years since he boldly led our nation through some of the most dramatic and consequential chapters in America’s history.” Truman was born in Lamar, where his birthplace remains a state historic site, and grew up in Independence. He was a farmer, small-businessman, Army veteran, county commissioner, U.S. senator and politician. He assumed the presidency April 12, 1945, after just 82 days of serving as vice president under Franklin D. Roosevelt. According to the Truman Library Institute, Truman as president led the country through difficult and world-defining decisions, including: • Ending World War II. • Forming the United Nations and NATO. • Desegregating the U.S. armed forces and federal workforce. • Enacting the National Security Act of 1947 to create the National Security Council, Central Intelligence Agency, U.S. Air Force and Joint Chiefs of Staff. • Recognizing the newly formed state of Israel. • Resisting communist expansion and establishing global alliances that resulted in a historic era of peace and prosperity. ‘Admired’ by Missourians In a follow-up interview with the Globe, Burden said Truman, a Democrat, continues to have a strong bipartisan appeal. As a senator and president, Truman regularly worked both sides of the aisle and maintained good relationships with many Republicans, he said. “That ability to cross the aisle and put party aside … is a rare ingredient to find in a politician these days, but I think most people recognize that’s important,” he said. Even today, Truman is revered by politicians of all stripes. Missouri’s entire congressional delegation and state leaders, who are heavily Republican, were significant supporters of the statue project, Burden said. “President Truman’s tenacity, character and courage to confront difficult problems are values admired by his fellow Missourians and people who study our history,” said Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, a Republican who played a crucial role in steering the project, in a statement. “No president faced more crucial decisions than those President Truman confronted in the first nine months of his presidency. It’s been an honor to work in the same Russell Senate offices he used for the last 12 years.” Truman also endears himself to people in the 21st century because he was honest and spoke plainly, he failed in several business ventures before going into politics, and he pushed for civil rights and desegregation, Burden said. “His character, I think, has an enduring appeal to people; the way he conducted his life and his business and his politics is without reproach,” he said. “I think he’s a political role model we can point to as an example of how we all want our elected officials to behave and comport themselves.” Lest anyone think a president of the 1940s is no longer relevant, in many ways we’re still living in Truman’s world decades later, Burden said. NATO, one of his creations, has reemerged on the international front because of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Years of relative peace in Western countries arose as a result of the Marshall Plan and Truman’s desire to see countries defeated in WWII restored as democracies. Many of his priorities, such as national health care and strong foreign policy, are still sought by political parties today. “I think we’re all benefiting from living in almost eight decades of peace and prosperity of the world order that Truman put in place in the late 1940s,” Burden said. About the statue The statue of Truman, standing 7.5 feet tall atop a 3-foot inscribed pedestal, will be installed in the Capitol rotunda, joining statues of presidents George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, Andrew Jackson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. The project was spearheaded by the Truman Library Institute, which was founded by Truman himself as the nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. The nonprofit collected $400,000 in donations from across the country for the project and also recently led a $30 million renovation of the Truman Library in Independence. Artist and sculptor Tom Corbin said in a statement that Truman was a president “who seemed to always be in motion.” As such, his statue portrays Truman walking down a set of steps “with a confident, open and welcoming quality” rather than standing still, as many other Capitol statues depict. Corbin and others involved in the project also spent a lot of time reviewing portraits, photographs, videos and personal items from Truman’s presidential years in order to get his likeness just right, said Cassie Pikarsky, director of strategic initiatives for the Truman Library Institute and project lead for the statue. “We also worked with members of Truman’s family to make sure to get every detail correct — from his World War I lapel pin and pocket square fold in his signature double-breasted suit to his Masonic ring with the number 33 that he always wore and his signature glasses,” she said in a statement. To make room for Truman, the statue of Alexander Hamilton will be relocated from the rotunda to the Hall of Columns. Additional statues in the rotunda are a bust of Martin Luther King Jr. and a portrait monument to Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Truman’s statue also will become part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, which consists of 100 total statues, or two representing each of the 50 states. It will replace a marble statue of Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. senator from Missouri and great-great-uncle of the Neosho-born painter of the same name. The Benton statue will be relocated to the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia.

Why Some Prefer To Holiday Overseas Instead Of Staying Local – MalaysiaNow https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/why-some-prefer-to-holiday-overseas-instead-of-staying-local-malaysianow/ Fadzil Faez and his family spent the long weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day enjoying a much anticipated break from the hustle and bustle of work – but, despite the national nature of the holiday, nowhere within the country itself.  Instead, he and his wife took their two young children across the border to Hatyai in Thailand where they spent three days shopping and sampling the food.  It was the first time they had left the country since the reopening of the borders, and Fadzil said they enjoyed themselves tremendously.  “The buffet is cheaper there,” he said, recalling the vacation.  “A steamboat buffet is only 300 baht per head while children below 90cm in height can eat for free.”  And at tourist hotspots in the country, he said, they were even allowed to enter free of charge.  Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Fadzil said he had decided to go to Thailand as he did not want to get stuck in Malaysia’s infamous traffic.  He added that getting to popular tourist spots in the country was not as easy as it used to be.  “In Langkawi, for instance, there are fewer ferry trips now,” he said.  “Sometimes we buy tickets there but we can’t get any to come back.” The prices at local tourist destinations were also enough to make him think twice.  “A trip on the Langkawi cable car costs RM50,” he said. “And if you want to go on the Skybridge, you have to pay an additional fee.”  For Fadzil, the trip to Thailand was still worth it even though the ringgit exchange rate was not as strong as it used to be.  He said it was also easy to avoid the crowds at the border by entering at a point other than Bukit Kayu Hitam.  The trend of travelling to Thailand recently made waves with some expressing annoyance about the ringgit value which they said had been affected by such decisions.  Norain Othman from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s hotel and tourism management faculty said Thailand was more diverse in terms of tourist attractions.  “And in terms of hospitality services, they are more customer friendly, from the taxi drivers to the vendors, right down to the hotel workers,” she said.  In any case, she added, Thai food had always been a hit with Malaysians.  “Prices there are cheap, and the food is very fresh, especially the seafood,” she said.  Further south, Indonesia has also been working to advertise its secondary provinces and develop unique local attractions that reflect its identity as a country, putting out tourism campaigns for seasons and festivals.  From the domestic tourism point of view, Norain said, even Thai travellers were once mostly unaware of efforts to promote high-end tourism in their country.  She said it took campaigns such as the “Thais travel in Thailand” push to increase their awareness and perception of domestic vacations.  “The Thai government also recently implemented tax incentives to boost domestic tourism, and this has shown positive results,” she said.  Referring to the local tourism sector, Norain said there appeared to be a lack of high-end theme park operators as well as facilities that cater to those with special needs.  “Tourists are also averse to unfriendly vendors and they don’t like the lack of high-end products,” she said.  The local tourism industry has also been struggling with issues such as expensive transportation fees and room prices, in addition to poor customer service and high service tax.  Norain said the attitude of travellers also differed according to generation.  She said the baby boomers preferred popular spots and sites of religious importance, as well as agro-tourism products. Travellers from the so-called Generation X meanwhile appeared to have stronger local tastes and the desire to experience nature and the culture within their own country.  “They will choose places that are worth the price, and locations with good food and beverages,” she said.  “Gen Y is more focused on escapism, cultural diversity and historical places,” she said.  “They will visit national parks and wildlife refuges, and shop for branded products.” As for Gen Z, she said, their attitude to travel tends towards social status, new experiences and shopping.  “They focus on challenging places, health treatment and sports activities,” she said.  %

California Governor Approves Farmworker Unionization Law | Business News | Wfmz.com – 69News WFMZ-TV https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/california-governor-approves-farmworker-unionization-law-business-news-wfmz-com-69news-wfmz-tv/ SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A broadly smiling California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined about two dozen jubilant, cheering farmworkers camped outside the state Capitol Wednesday to sign one of the most contentious bills before him this year, reversing course on a measure to help farmworkers unionize after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris supported it. The White House support pinned Newsom in a difficult political position after his office announced before Democratic lawmakers sent him the bill that he would not sign it. But Newsom approved the bill only after he, the United Farm Workers and the California Labor Federation agreed on clarifying language to be considered during next year’s legislative session to address his concerns around implementation and voting integrity. The new law gives California farmworkers, who harvest much of the nation’s fruit and vegetables, new ways to vote in union elections beyond physical polling places on farm property. Proponents say that would help protect workers from union busting and other intimidation, while owners say such a system lacks necessary safeguards to prevent fraud. The agreement includes a cap on the number of unionization petitions over the next five years and will allow state regulators to better protect worker confidentiality and safety, Newsom’s office said. It would do away with an option for workers to unionize through mail-in voting that is contained in the current language, but keeps a “card check” election process. “Sí, se puede,” the farmworkers chanted as Newsom signed the bill, echoing the UFW’s longtime slogan — roughly, “Yes, we can” in Spanish. The union led a weekslong summer march up the state to Sacramento, where farmworkers and their supporters rallied outside the Capitol, some camping outside through September in an effort to win Newsom’s support. “The vigil and the march were all worth it, because he came out and signed for us,” farmworker Teresa Maldonado said through a translator. The march cost Xochilt Nunez her fruit-picking job, several toenails and left her with blistered feet. But she was on the verge of tears after Newsom signed the legislation, plus an extra copy for Nunez to keep. “California’s farmworkers are the lifeblood of our state, and they have the fundamental right to unionize and advocate for themselves in the workplace,” Newsom said in a statement after signing the bill. Newsom vetoed similar legislation last year, as did his two most recent predecessors. One of his stated concerns centered on security concerns about mail-in elections, an option that would be eliminated in the clean up language agreed to by the union. The revised law would keep the card check option, which would still give farmworkers a chance to “vote from home or anywhere else they feel comfortable” and limit chances for employer intimidation, said Giev Kashkooli, legislative and political director for the United Farm Workers. Under such a system, a union is formed if more than half of workers sign the authorization card. The California Farm Bureau said it was “deeply disappointed” in Newsom’s decision to sign the bill, though the group’s statement focused primarily on the mail-in balloting system. The union did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment about the language to remove that option. Democratic Assemblyman Mark Stone added provisions to this year’s version that would let the law expire after five years unless it is renewed by lawmakers, and requiring the Agricultural Labor Relations Board to handle the ballots. Newsom has been positioning himself for months as a leading national Democratic voice calling out red state governors, fueling speculation that he has presidential ambitions despite his repeated denials. Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist in California who specializes in Latino voting trends, read Biden’s Labor Day statement strongly supporting the legislation as an effort to take Newsom down a notch. “I think it’s impossible to avoid the reality that there’s a little bit of tension between these two politicians because of Gavin’s posture in leaning into this presidential rumor mill,” Madrid said. “It’s basically just a reminder of who the sheriff is.” Biden has long supported the union. He keeps a bust of union co-founder Cesar Chavez in the Oval Office and Chavez’ granddaughter, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is Biden’s director of intergovernmental affairs. “In the state with the largest population of farmworkers, the least we owe them is an easier path to make a free and fair choice to organize a union,” Biden said in his statement. Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College, said Biden seemed to be reflecting his longstanding support for unions, while Newsom had the more delicate task of balancing labor relations against an agricultural industry that also is struggling. Adding to the pressure, the struggling UFW recently rejoined the umbrella California Labor Federation. The issue of farmworker unionization became more critical to labor in 2020 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that union organizers had no right to access farmers’ properties to talk to their workers. Newsom signed a different union-backed bill on Labor Day, creating a Fast Food Council empowered to set minimum standards for wages, hours and working conditions in California. The restaurant industry moved to block it a day later. Associated Press Writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed to this story. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

A Healthy Lifestyle Is Positively Associated With Mental Health And Well-Being And Core Markers In Ageing – BMC Medicine – BMC Medicine https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/a-healthy-lifestyle-is-positively-associated-with-mental-health-and-well-being-and-core-markers-in-ageing-bmc-medicine-bmc-medicine/ Research article Open Access Published: 29 September 2022 BMC Medicine volume 20, Article number: 328 (2022) Cite this article Abstract Background Studies often evaluate mental health and well-being in association with individual health behaviours although evaluating multiple health behaviours that co-occur in real life may reveal important insights into the overall association. Also, the underlying pathways of how lifestyle might affect our health are still under debate. Here, we studied the mediation of different health behaviours or lifestyle factors on mental health and its effect on core markers of ageing: telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc). Methods In this study, 6054 adults from the 2018 Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS) were included. Mental health and well-being outcomes included psychological and severe psychological distress, vitality, life satisfaction, self-perceived health, depressive and generalised anxiety disorder and suicidal ideation. A lifestyle score integrating diet, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption and BMI was created and validated. On a subset of 739 participants, leucocyte TL and mtDNAc were assessed using qPCR. Generalised linear mixed models were used while adjusting for a priori chosen covariates. Results The average age (SD) of the study population was 49.9 (17.5) years, and 48.8% were men. A one-point increment in the lifestyle score was associated with lower odds (ranging from 0.56 to 0.74) for all studied mental health outcomes and with a 1.74% (95% CI: 0.11, 3.40%) longer TL and 4.07% (95% CI: 2.01, 6.17%) higher mtDNAc. Psychological distress and suicidal ideation were associated with a lower mtDNAc of − 4.62% (95% CI: − 8.85, − 0.20%) and − 7.83% (95% CI: − 14.77, − 0.34%), respectively. No associations were found between mental health and TL. Conclusions In this large-scale study, we showed the positive association between a healthy lifestyle and both biological ageing and different dimensions of mental health and well-being. We also indicated that living a healthy lifestyle contributes to more favourable biological ageing. Peer Review reports Background According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy lifestyle is defined as “a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early” [1]. Public health authorities emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle, but despite this, many individuals worldwide still live an unhealthy lifestyle [2]. In Europe, 26% of adults smoke [3], nearly half (46%) never exercise [4], 8.4% drink alcohol on a daily basis [5] and over half (51%) are overweight [5]. These unhealthy behaviours have been associated with adverse health outcomes like cardiovascular diseases [6,7,8], respiratory diseases [9], musculoskeletal diseases [10] and, to a lesser extent, mental disorders [11, 12]. Even though the association between lifestyle and health outcomes has been extensively investigated, biological mechanisms explaining these observed associations are not yet fully understood. One potential mechanism that can be suggested is biological ageing. Both telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc) are known biomarkers of ageing. Telomeres are the end caps of chromosomes and consist of multiple TTAGGG sequence repeats. They protect chromosomes from degradation and shorten with every cell division because of the “end-replication problem” [13]. Mitochondria are crucial to the cell as they are responsible for apoptosis, the control of cytosolic calcium levels and cell signalling [14]. Living a healthy lifestyle can be linked with healthy ageing as both TL and mtDNAc have been associated with health behaviours like obesity [15], diet [16], smoking [17] and alcohol abuse [18]. Furthermore, as biomarkers of ageing, both TL and mtDNAc have been associated with age-related diseases like Parkinson’s disease [19], coronary heart disease [20], atherosclerosis [21] and early mortality [22]. Also, early mortality and higher risks for the aforementioned age-related diseases are observed in psychiatric illnesses, and it is suggested that advanced biological ageing underlies these observations [23]. Multiple studies evaluated individual health behaviours, but research on the combination of these health behaviours is limited. As they often co-occur and may cause synergistic effects, assessing them in combination with each other rather than independently might better reflect the real-life situation [24, 25]. Therefore, in a general adult population, we combined five commonly studied health behaviours including diet, smoking status, alcohol consumption, BMI and physical activity into one healthy lifestyle score to evaluate its association with mental health and well-being and biological ageing. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between the markers of biological ageing and mental health and well-being. We hypothesise that individuals living a healthy lifestyle have a better mental health status, a longer TL and a higher mtDNAc and that these biomarkers are positively associated with mental health and well-being. Methods Study population In 2018, 11611 Belgian residents participated in the 2018 Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS). The sampling frame of the BHIS was the Belgian National Register, and participants were selected based on a multistage stratified sampling design including a geographical stratification and a selection of municipalities within provinces, of households within municipalities and of respondents within households [26]. The study population for this cross-sectional study included 6054 BHIS participants (see flowchart in Additional file 1: Fig. S1) [27,28,29,30,31]. Minors (� 18 years) and participants not eligible to complete the mental health modules (participants who participated through a proxy respondent, i.e. a person of confidence filled out the survey) were excluded (n = 2172 and n = 846, respectively). Furthermore, of the 8593 eligible participants, those with missing information to create the mental health indicators, the lifestyle score or the covariates used in this study were excluded (n = 1642, 788 and 109, respectively). For the first time in 2018, a subset of 1184 BHIS participants contributed to the 2018 Belgian Health Examination Survey (BELHES). All BHIS participants were invited to participate except for minors (� 18 years), BHIS participants who participated through a proxy respondent and residents of the German Community of Belgium, the latter representing 1% of the Belgian population. Participants were recruited on a voluntary basis until the regional quotas were reached (450, 300 and 350 in respectively Flanders, Brussels Capital Region and Wallonia). These participants underwent a health examination, including anthropological measurements and completed an additional questionnaire. Also, blood and urine samples were collected. Of the 6054 included BHIS participants, 909 participated in the BELHES. Participants for whom we could not calculate both TL and mtDNAc were excluded (n = 170). More specifically, participants were excluded because they did not provide a blood sample (n = 91) or because they did not provide permission for DNA research (n = 32). Twenty samples were excluded from DNA extraction because either total blood volume was too low (n = 7), samples were clothed (n = 1) or tubes were broken due to freezing conditions (n = 12). Twenty-seven samples were excluded because they did not meet the biomarker quality control criteria (high technical variation in qPCR triplicates). This was not met for 3 TL samples, 20 mtDNAc samples and 4 samples for both biomarkers. For this subset, we ended up with a final number of 739 participants. Further in this paper, we refer to “the BHIS subset” for the BHIS participants (n = 6054) and the “BELHES subset” for the BELHES participants (n = 739). As part of the BELHES, this project was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Ghent (registration number B670201834895). The project was carried out in line with the recommendations of the Belgian Privacy Commission. All participants have signed a consent form that was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee. Health interview survey The BHIS is a comprehensive survey which aims to gain insight into the health status of the Belgian population. The questions on the different dimensions of mental health and well-being were based on international standardised and validated questionnaires [32], and this resulted in eight mental health outcomes that were used in this study. Detailed information on each indicator score and its use is addressed in Additional file 1: Table. S1. Firstly, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) provides the prevalence of psychological and severe psychological distress in the population [27]. On the total GHQ score, cut-off points of + 2 and + 4 were used to identify respectively psychological and severe psychological distress. Secondly, we used two indicators for the positive dimensions of mental health: vitality and life satisfaction. Four questions of the short form health survey (SF-36) indicate the participant’s vital energy level [28, 33]. We used a cut-off point to identify participants with an optimal vitality score, which is a score equal to or above one standard deviation above the mean, as used in previous studies [34, 35]. Life satisfaction was measured by the Cantril Scale, which ranges from 0 to 10 [29]. A cut-off point of + 6 was used to indicate participants with high or medium life satisfaction versus low life satisfaction. Thirdly, the question ...

Aaron Judge’s 61st Home Run Ties American League, Yankee Records – USA TODAY https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/aaron-judges-61st-home-run-ties-american-league-yankee-records-usa-today/ TORONTO – In his “season for the ages,” New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge reached a magical home run milestone Wednesday night, indoors at the Rogers Centre. Batting in the seventh inning, Judge launched his 61st home run of the year, a go-ahead, two-run shot to left off Blue Jays’ lefty reliever Tim Mayza. In game No. 155, Judge moved past Babe Ruth and into a tie with Roger Maris, who set the single-season franchise record with 61 home runs in 1961. With Roger Maris Jr. in attendance, Judge joined the late Maris for a share of the all-time American League record for homers in a season. Between home run No. 60 on Sept. 20, at Yankee Stadium, tying Ruth’s mark in 1927, and No. 61, Judge made 34 plate appearances, going 5-for-21 (.238) with three doubles, 13 walks (one intentional), eight strikeouts and one 404-foot flyout to center. Judge walked, flied out and grounded out in his first three plate appearances Wednesday night. He walked four times in Tuesday’s 5-2 Yankees win, which clinched the AL East title. In Monday’s series opener, the Rogers Centre crowd initially greeted Judge with a healthy mix of cheers, and there has been a considerable amount of booing after each of his six walks this series – including one intentional pass. But the atmosphere was nothing like the electric current that charged through Yankee Stadium last week. During every Judge at-bat in the Bronx, fans stood during his entire plate appearance, aiming cellphone cameras toward home plate and chanting “M-V-P” but going eerily silent just before each pitch. “Everyone’s on the edge of their seat (with) all their focus and energy” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said then of the crowd’s hush. “And that’s shown up in silence (by) 40-plus thousand people. Because you don’t want to miss something.” BEST YEAR EVER? Aaron Judge chases Triple Crown with 60+ home runs NEWSLETTER:  Get the latest sports news straight to your inbox In 1961, Maris vaulted past Ruth for the Major League single-season record, which now belongs to Barry Bonds. During his pressure-packed run toward Ruth’s mark, Maris was subjected to critics who pointed to Ruth having set the MLB mark of 60 homers in a 154-game season as opposed to the modern 162-game schedule. Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were superstars during MLB’s so-called Steroid Era, linked to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.  Now, Judge and Maris rank seventh for the most homers in single season. The list: Bonds: 73 (2001) McGwire: 70 (1998) Sosa: 66 (1998) McGwire: 65 (1999) Sosa: 64 (2001) Sosa: 63 (1999) Maris, Judge: 61 (1961, 2022) “I don’t think about the numbers,’’ Judge said recently. “And when you talk about Ruth and Maris and (Mickey) Mantle and all these Yankees greats that did so many great things in this game, you never imagine as a kid getting mentioned with them. “But it’s an incredible honor. It’s something I don’t take lightly. But we’re not done.’’ Judge was speaking solely about the Yankees’ clinching an AL East title with a win Tuesday night and advancing toward the club’s first pennant since 2009. The 6-foot-7, 282-pound Judge is also in direct pursuit of an American League Triple Crown, last accomplished by Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012 and achieved just twice in Yankees history, by Lou Gehrig in 1934 and Mantle in 1956. Judge entered Tuesday night’s game leading the AL with a .314 batting average, just ahead of Boston’s Xander Bogaerts and Minnesota’s Luis Arraez at .313. “It’s his season,” said Anthony Rizzo, among several Yankees who believe Judge is the clear-cut AL MVP choice over the Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, having another incredible year as a two-way All-Star, but on a team hopelessly out of contention. “(Judge) is just having a special season.” Since Aug. 5, Judge has played in every Yankees game, and he has batted leadoff in each of the last 17 games. “It started out as a need,” Boone said of placing Judge atop a compromised lineup, due to injuries. “But as we’ve gotten whole here, it’s continued to make sense.” Boone recently dubbed Judge as having “a season for the ages,” and the best offensive season the Yankees manager has personally witnessed. “He’s handled it perfectly,” Boone said of the attention as Judge chased Maris’ mark, in a free agent walk year that began with the slugger turning down a $213.5 million, seven-year contract extension. “(Being) a great teammate” and going “out there and trying to win” have been Judge’s stated goals all year. “When that’s your sincere focus, it helps keep the game simple,” Boone said. “And he does a great job at that.”

AXA Enters Metaverse With The Sandbox To Offer Interactive Space For Customers – Marketing Interactive https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/axa-enters-metaverse-with-the-sandbox-to-offer-interactive-space-for-customers-marketing-interactive/ AXA has partnered with The Sandbox, a decentralised gaming virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, to enter the metaverse. The insurer has acquired a 3×3 LAND where it will provide an innovative interactive space for its customers. Through its LAND, AXA Hong Kong will endeavour to provide fresh digital experiences to its customers, partnering to co-create the future of insurance in the metaverse. Gary Ho, chief technology officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said: “I’m honoured to announce that AXA has partnered with The Sandbox to expand our digital presence by setting foot in the metaverse. This collaboration has reflected AXA’s vision and interest to create the insurance of the future by bringing immersive experiences around sustainability, wellness, healthcare, and so much more. Stepping into the metaverse, we are thrilled to discover more captivating capabilities and use cases for AXA’s customers and the communities.” JH Tang, digital transformation & strategy director, AXA Asia, said: “We are proud to be the pioneer in the Hong Kong insurance industry to partner with The Sandbox. AXA Hong Kong is dedicated to connecting the world by unfolding all kinds of inventive digital experiences. Stepping into the metaverse opens the door for cultural synergy and creates unlimited opportunities for us to explore the unknowns. Through our partnership, we aim to revolutionise the wellness and healthcare experiences for our customers and our markets in the broader regions by continuously driving innovation and technological development.” Sebastien Borget, COO and co-founder of The Sandbox, said: “AXA’s milestone as the first insurance company in Hong Kong1 to join The Sandbox is another step toward our vision of the open metaverse as a new digital economy where industries, brands, and cultures from around the world interact with players and creators for mutual benefit. We’re glad to support AXA’s commitment to being a force for good and look forward to creating shared value for our communities.” AXA has joined over 400 partners who have entered The Sandbox, including Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, The Rabbids, Tony Hawk, Gucci Vault, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Adidas, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Smurfs, Care Bears, Atari, ZEPETO, and CryptoKitties, all following The Sandbox team’s vision of empowering players to create their own experiences using both original and well-known characters and worlds Related articles: AXA debunks health and wealth myths with new playful campaign AXA brings me-time to sandwich generation in Asia