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The Best Travel Tech Gadgets For A Cruise Ship Vacation – Royal Caribbean Blog https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-best-travel-tech-gadgets-for-a-cruise-ship-vacation-royal-caribbean-blog/ What tech can you buy for your cruise vacation that will enhance your trip? When I tried out Apple’s AirTags on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise, it opened my eyes to how certain gadgets can make the experience better. Whether it’s peace of mind like tracking luggage or just supplementing the fun you’re having, there are plenty of gadgets and add-ons to assist. Despite my overall geekiness, I’m the first person to be leery of bringing more tech for the sake of tech on a cruise. I try to keep the amount of bulk down, so if something is going to require additional baggage or more effort to bring onboard, it had better make a real difference. Please note that I linked to each item on Amazon which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but I make a small commission if you purchase it. With all of that in mind, here’s my top picks for the best tech travel gadgets you should consider bringing on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Portable charger For years I’ve brought a portable charger with me on a cruise to ensure my phone doesn’t run out of power. Because there’s such a greater need for phones to be used on a cruise, battery drainage seems to occur more quickly than ever before. Even compared to at home, I find myself using my phone more often. Part of the reason is Royal Caribbean’s shift to making its app far more critical than pre-2020. The other aspect is simply enjoying being online while lounging at the pool, or staying in contact with friends and family. With my oldest daughter reaching the age where she has the opportunity for limited “free roaming” during the day, staying in contact with her via text message also takes a hit on my phone’s battery usage. I’ve always been a fan of Anker’s product line for its svelte design, reasonable prices, and durable quality.  The Anker PowerCore 20 External Battery Pack provides enough power to charge an iPhone multiple times before it needs a charge. Noise-cancelling headphones Before I ever got noise-cancelling headphones, I foolishly thought there wasn’t that big of a difference compared to regular headphones. I especially did not think it mattered to have them on a cruise ship. I was very wrong. Not only are noise-cancelling headphones useful outside of an airplane, they make a tremendous difference in being able to enjoy “me time” onboard a ship. I really love putting them on when I’m on the pool deck so I can enjoy the breeze and sun while laying out in a lounger, without all the conversations, music, and noise you’d have to put up with around you. Then of course there’s the benefit these headphones have while travelling to and from your cruise. I just cannot imagine not having them these days. For years, I’ve used and recommended the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones for over-the-ear comfort and unbeatable noise cancellation. I know a lot of other people that prefer the Apple AirPods Pro because they offer noise cancelling without the heft and size. E-reader When my wife told me she needed an e-reader in addition to her iPad, I didn’t understand why until I saw the difference when we were on the pool deck. If you’re a reader, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is the best option to bring on a cruise so that you can read outdoors when the sun is shining overhead. Outlet extender I cannot imagine going on a cruise today without an outlet extender. Even if you cruise solo, the lack of outlets in a cabin is quite annoying. I recently tried the appropriately named “Cruise ship power strip” by Cruise On and was quite happy with how well it worked. Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked It takes up one outlet space and offers 3 new outlets along with 2 USB plugs. A few readers recommended getting an European Travel Plug Adapter instead or as well, since your cabin has those outlets too. AirTags or Bluetooth tracker Another item I’ve converted over to using are AirTags in my luggage. The AirTag is a small, button-shaped tracking device that can be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app. A single AirTag will cost $29 and a 4-pack costs $99. If you have an Android phone, the Tile Pro costs $92.99. While AirTags aren’t GPS trackers that provide precise location information, they work well-enough to have an idea where your luggage happens to be, especially if you’re playing the “is my luggage on the cruise ship yet” game. Just like noise-cancelling headphones, AirTags will benefit you beyond just the cruise.  Peace of mind that comes with being able to have an idea where your luggage is located is worth it. %

Center Moriches Retail Property Fetches $4.4M – Long Island Business News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/center-moriches-retail-property-fetches-4-4m-long-island-business-news/ Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications! 231 Wading River Road Center Moriches / Google Maps image By: David Winzelberg September 23, 2022 A retail property in Center Moriches has traded for $4.4 million.  231 Wading River Road LLC, an entity registered to a Port Jefferson-based real estate investor, purchased the 2,975-square-foot building on 1.5 acres at 231 Wading River Road. The acquisition was part of a 1031 tax exchange.  The Center Moriches property is net-leased to 7-Eleven, which operates a convenience store and gas station on the site.  The sale price equates to a 5 percent cap rate.  Jeff Dahlman of Select Real Equity Advisors represented the buyer, while Mark Walsh of Select Real Equity Advisors represented the seller, Donald Zucker Company, in the sales transaction.  × Enjoy This Free Article We Have 2 More For You All You Need To Do Is Register To Receive Your 2 Additional Free Articles

Life Time Unveils Nearly 148,000-Square-Foot Athletic Country Club In Lake Zurich On Friday, Sept. 23; Second Life Time To Open In Chicagoland In 2022 – PR Newswire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/life-time-unveils-nearly-148000-square-foot-athletic-country-club-in-lake-zurich-on-friday-sept-23-second-life-time-to-open-in-chicagoland-in-2022-pr-newswire/ New Life Time brings every healthy living amenity to community with pickleball, pools, dynamic personal training and more , /PRNewswire/ — On Friday, Sept. 23, Life Time ( NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier Healthy Way of Life brand, officially opens Life Time Lake Zurich, a one-of-a-kind athletic country club in the Village of Lake Zurich, Ill. The opening marks the 13th destination in Chicagoland and second to debut in 2022, following the company’s first downtown Chicago location in the One Chicago development in January. The new Life Time brings every healthy living amenity to the community with pickleball, pools, dynamic personal training and more. Covering nearly 148,000 square feet across three floors and an resort-like outdoor beach club, Life Time will serve members from nine months to 90+ years with a wide array of healthy living, healthy aging programs and services from children’s programming through active agers. “We have been anticipating this day since our groundbreaking in summer 2019 and couldn’t be more excited to bring our Life Time lifestyle to Lake County,” said Jeff Zwiefel, Life Time president and chief operating officer. “The Village of Lake Zurich represents a vibrant and active community and the perfect fit for our newest athletic country club as part of our mission to help people live healthy, happy lives.” Conveniently located off North Rand Road (400 North Rand Road), Life Time features unparalleled experiences and amenities, including : Ultimate boutique destination with dedicated studios for large group classes including barre, cardio and strength, indoor cycling, Pilates and yoga – more than 100 classes weekly. Hundreds of pieces of best-in-class equipment for cardio, strength and functional training. Dynamic Personal Training and Signature Group Training programming with specially designed spaces for 1:1, large and small group training programs GTX, Alpha and Ultra Fit. ARORA programming designed for active agers with customized classes, social events and seminars. Kids Academy featuring Kids programming with Studio classes, art, music, Spanish immersion, homework help and more (up to 2.5 hours daily). Indoor Aquatic area with a leisure pool and both adult and kids lap pools for lessons and open swim. Outdoor Beach Club with a zero-depth entry leisure pool and waterslide, lap pool, whirlpools, cabana and lounge seating. Indoor pickleball courts for premier pickleball experiences with open play and league play. LifeSpa offering full-service salon and spa services, including hair, nail, esthetician and massage. Full-service, fast casual LifeCafe, offering wholesome, real food with indoor and outdoor dining. LT Recovery featuring a dedicated space for athletic performance and recovery, featuring metabolic assessments, compression, massage and chiropractic services, and Luxury dressing rooms with whirlpool and cold plunge suites, along with saunas, steam rooms and high-end, complimentary toiletry products. Life Time Lake Zurich will be open Monday through Friday from 4:00am to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 5:00am to 10:00pm. More information is available by calling 847-719-9200 or visiting here.  About Life Time®, Inc. Life Time ( NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of nearly 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform. SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

Fantasy Baseball Today: Kyle Bradish Stands Out; Kolten Wong Triple Dong Night Gets Him To 15-15 – CBS Sports https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/fantasy-baseball-today-kyle-bradish-stands-out-kolten-wong-triple-dong-night-gets-him-to-15-15-cbs-sports/ By submitting my email I agree to receive the “Fantasy Baseball Today Newsletter” and other marketing and promotional emails from CBS Sports, which may include information from our affiliates and/or partners’ offers, products and services. For more information about our data practices consult our Privacy Policy Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error processing your subscription. Happy Friday, everyone! Thursday’s action was all about the youngsters putting together big-time performances led by Kyle Bradish — or as Cole Douglas Claybourn on Twitter referred to him as “Kyle good-ish” — he’ll be here all day ladies and gentlemen. Bradish was fantastic against the Astros on Thursday. He threw 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball and allowed just two hits, no walks and struck out 10 on 100 pitchers. His slider velocity was up as was his curveball velocity in this outing. Bradish made a conscious decision to all but abandon his fastball and the results were excellent.  Bradish has now racked up a 1.65 ERA over his last six starts, and no that is not a typo. He is 21% rostered. We’ll dive into more of the action from Thursday, but first make sure you’re all caught up on everything going over on the site. On the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast from Wednesday, Frank and Scott broke down the value of Aaron Judge moving forward specifically as it pertains to where he might get drafted in 2023 Fantasy drafts. So Scott decided to take that exercise a step further by predicting the first two rounds of your 2023 drafts and picking a spot for where Judge will land. You can find his analysis behind each pick here.  Judge comes off the board at No. 1 overall, per Scott: “He was already thought to be the best power hitter in the game, and the mushier baseballs have driven that point home, creating enough disparity to justify a pick this high. Durability would be the only other concern.” I also thought it was interesting to see how high Julio Rodriguez came off the board for Scott at No. 5 overall — he was truly the steal of the drafts in 2022 — the best value and breakout pick combined and alone: “He’s already producing 98th-percentile max exit velocities at age 21, and he’s clearly shown his willingness to run as the majors’ only 25/25 guy so far. This ranking bakes in continued improvement, but the risk seems fairly low.” Juan Soto still made Scott’s top-10 at No. 8 overall, but something tells me he’ll fall outside of the top 10 next spring. From Scott: “Another exceedingly difficult player to rank, Soto has had a career that would stack up to anyone’s through age 23 and was considered the best hitter in baseball at this time a year ago. There aren’t obvious red flags to explain his struggles.” Wong triple dong Kolten Wong went absolutely nuts on Thursday evening. Wong collected three hits and all three of them were home runs! He has now racked up a Roto-friendly 15 homers and 15 stolen bases this season. Thursday’s pitching standouts Jack Flaherty gets back on track with a quality start vs. the Padres. He threw six innings and allowed just two earned runs with nine strikeouts. His fastball velocity was up as was his slider and curveball velocity. Despite striking out nine, he induced just 10 swinging strikes. Brandon Woodruff dropped six innings of one run ball with three hits allowed and 11 strikeouts against the Reds on Thursday. He now has a 3.18 ERA on the season after turning things around fast. Justin Verlander threw in another quality start with six innings of two-run ball allowing just six hits and zero walks.  Best hitter matchups for next week 1. Mariners TEX3, OAK3, DET4 2. Angels OAK3, TEX3, @OAK3 3. Reds @PIT3, @CHC3, CHC3 4. Guardians TB3, KC6 5. Blue Jays NYY3, BOS3, @BAL3 Worst hitter matchups for next week 1. Rockies @SF3, @LAD6 2. Diamondbacks @HOU2, @SF3, @MIL3 3. Padres LAD3, CHW3, SF3 4. Braves @WAS3, NYM3, @MIA3 5. Rays @CLE3, @HOU3, @BOS3 Fantasy news, injuries and notes For a complete recap of every injury, update and more, make sure you’re locked into the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast where Frank, Scott and Chris dive deep into every player note. For the CliffsNotes version, we’ll recap the biggest news and notes you need to know right here: Julio Rodriguez exited Thursday’s game with that recurring lower-back injury. He’ll undergo an MRI Friday. Jarred Kelenic was recalled Wednesday and could see more playing time if Julio is out. He’s 28% rostered Ronald Acuña was scratched Thursday due to mid-back tightness. Trevor Story was finally placed on the IL with that left heel contusion, retroactive to Sept. 19.  Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the Yankees will go with a closer-by-committee approach. I would imagine that includes Aroldis Chapman, Scott Effross (just activated) and Clay Holmes.  Freddy Peralta could return this weekend against the Reds. He’s been out since Sept. 8 with shoulder fatigue. Santiago Espinal was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain. Brandon Nimmo was removed Wednesday with left quad tightness. The MRI came back clean. David Bednar was activated by the Pirates and could be available in shallow leagues. He’s 66% rostered.  Ryne Nelson was placed on the IL with right scapula inflammation. Andrew Benintendi is not expected to return before the playoffs. He’s on the IL with a broken hamate bone.  Seiya Suzuki is not expected back this weekend as he awaits the birth of his child.  Yandy Diaz has missed three straight with left shoulder soreness but he did receive a cortisone shot recently.  Drew Smyly will likely make his next start Tuesday or Wednesday against the Phillies. He was scratched this week with left shoulder fatigue.  Mike Soroka was placed on the minor-league IL with right elbow soreness and will be shut down for the rest of the season. We have not seen him pitch since August 3, 2020 mostly because of Achilles injuries. Trevor Rogers was officially placed on the IL with a left lat strain. He’ll miss the rest of the season.  Joey Wendle was placed on the IL with left hamstring tendinitis.

Manufacturers Will Collaborate In The Metaverse In 2030 – Verdict https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/manufacturers-will-collaborate-in-the-metaverse-in-2030-verdict/ Credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock. Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics, the metaverse, AI, industrial internet, 3D printing, and more have the capacity to disrupt the entire manufacturing value chain, streamlining it, and increasing collaboration, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. However, manufacturing companies have been traditionally slow to adopt new technologies. The metaverse will overhaul ways of working. Roy Amara, an American researcher and scientist, said “we tend to overestimate technology’s potential in the short term and underestimate it in the long term.” This will be true of investment in the metaverse in manufacturing. GlobalData predicts that the metaverse will be a $600-plus billion opportunity by 2030 and will revolutionize the manufacturing industry. The metaverse is still largely conceptual The hype around the metaverse is largely focused on consumer applications, but enterprises will lead the charge by 2030. Many enterprises in the manufacturing sector are transitioning to the metaverse with investments in technologies like digital twins, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Manufacturing enterprises will realize a range of benefits from the metaverse, including remote collaboration for workplace training, the 3D visualization of factory floors for operational efficiency, and also numerous marketing opportunities. With that said, many of these use cases are only prototypes now. But the maturity of the metaverse and its use cases will disrupt the manufacturing sector by 2030, with companies like retail, automotive, and beverages being some of the first to experience it. Management and monitoring in the metaverse The management and monitoring of factories themselves will become much more data-driven. IoT sensors and the industrial internet will help the infrastructure to collect business and operational data will be used to create insights at every level of operation. Running a factory in the metaverse will enable executives to have visual access to every facility in operation with a full range of business and operational data. Leaders will be able to view their business holistically, allowing for new modes of exploration into operational insights at every level of operation, including employee and machine management. Engineers will also be able to monitor performance, spot issues, and repair problems remotely. Early use cases are emerging AR, VR, and digital twins are key technologies driving the metaverse. Some companies are investing in these technologies to improve manufacturing, but there is no widespread adoption yet. Automakers such as Bentley and BMW are already using NVIDIA’s Omniverse to create digital twins of their vehicle manufacturing facilities. BMW claims this initiative has reduced production planning time substantially. Likewise, Boeing is reportedly working with Microsoft to use the metaverse to design aircraft, improve aircraft engineering, and prevent manufacturing issues. While large enterprises legitimize the metaverse, developing use cases will allow more small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the theme by 2030.

5 Public Rhode Island Libraries Worth ‘Checking Out’ – Rhode Island Monthly https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/5-public-rhode-island-libraries-worth-checking-out-rhode-island-monthly/ Educator Cynde McInnis brought her Whalemobile to Cumberland Public Library in July. Photograph courtesy of the Cumberland Public Library. When’s the last time you visited a public library?  If you’re book lovers like most of us here at Rhode Island Monthly, then your last visit may have been just a few days ago. (If overdue fines were involved, well, no worries — we don’t judge.) But if you’re like most folks, it’s likely been a while. Throughout the digital age libraries have adapted and grown with the times, in many cases serving as de facto community centers instead of just the book-lending institutions of yore. Most branches now offer audio and electronic books, movies via streaming services, museum passes, music and more. Many also have a library of things, where you can check out cool gadgets like video game systems, metal detectors, musical instruments, telescopes and Cricut machines. There are discounted passes that can save you tons of money at local museums and attractions, maker spaces, book clubs and 3-D printers. You can learn a new language, search for a job, browse the internet and print out documents. In short, today’s libraries offer up a smorgasbord of services, with the lucky public ready to sample the tasty literary feast. There are seventy-one public libraries in the Library of Rhode Island system (not including academic, school and special libraries), each with creative offerings. We’ve chosen five we think have a great combination of books, goodies, programs, quiet spaces and outdoor spots to explore.  But nothing’s stopping you from visiting them all. Every branch is listed on the state’s website: olis.ri.gov. Go take a bookish road trip and see what goodies you can discover at your local library. A note: Some library hours and programs change with the seasons; make sure to call or visit a library’s website for the most up-to-date information. NORTH Cumberland Public Library Children check out the Whalemobile at the Cumberland Public Library. Photograph courtesy of the Cumberland Public Library. Tucked away into the leafy enclave of the town’s Monastery property, the Cumberland Public Library is housed in what remains of a Trappist monk monastery first constructed in 1902. Scenic walking trails, Nine Men’s Misery — a stone memorial to nine Colonists killed during King Philip’s War — and a playground round out the bucolic atmosphere. Inside the gothic structure, you’ll find a break from history: The library recently switched from the Dewey Decimal System to a method that mimics the bookstore browsing experience (not everyone’s a fan … but we’re getting used to it, we promise!) and removed dusty reference books a few years back to make room for a cozy snack and puzzle nook. A robust teen center comes to life with video games and craft and manga book club meetings, while downstairs in the colorful children’s section, favorite book series and topics are categorized into bins (think Maurice Sendak and Peppa Pig) and chicks from Saunderstown’s Casey Farm hatch every April in a nesting box.  “We’re a little more like a community center,” says Liz Gotauco, the library’s children’s services coordinator. “We’re really lucky — we have a really big library that the community loves and supports.” HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun. (Oct.-May) 1-4 p.m. LOCATION: 1464 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, 333-2552, cumberlandlibrary.org Photography by Dana Laverty Providence Public Library The main branch of the Providence Public Library, on Empire Street, recently reopened in 2020 after a $26 million renovation of its circa-1900 structure and 1954 addition. The results are spectacular — a mixture of turn-of-the-century architecture and sleek spaces greets book lovers, along with new features like a three-story atrium, tech labs, a teen loft, gleaming exhibition space and a renovated auditorium. Free tours of the new space are held Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; visit provlib.org/calendar to reserve a spot. The library has a robust educational component, holding everything from coding classes for teens, ESL and workforce training for adults, and STEM, music and art classes for the littles. The library also houses a wide-ranging Rhode Island Collection, an online archive of the Providence Journal from 1981-on and several historical photograph collections. You can even rent those pesky things you only need once in a while, like drills, tape measures, bike pumps and even tennis rackets, thanks to a partnership with the Providence Library of Things.   HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. LOCATION: 150 Empire St., Providence, 455-8000, provlib.org Get Carded September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month. Head to your local library or visit oslri.org/application to fill out a digital application. Anyone who lives in or pays property taxes in Rhode Island is eligible to receive a library card. Libraries of Things Some unexpected gadgets and gizmos you can borrow from your local library. Barrington Public Library Hiking poles, tarot cards, GoPro camera, VCR, Nintendo NES system, games, Sega Genesis video game console, metal detector. Coventry Public Library Ghost hunting kit, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga set, fishing poles, pickleball set, bird-watching kit, cake pans (twenty-four!!), ukuleles, wildlife camera. Providence Public Library Drills, tennis rackets, loaf pans, hammers, power strip, seeds, staple gun, wrench. Newport Public Library Board games, card games, backyard archaeology set, ring light, sewing machine, record player, microscope, telescope. Weaver Public Library, East Providence Cornhole set, CD player, Cricut cutting machine, power washer, popcorn machine, cake pans, crochet hooks. SOUTH Coventry Public Library Photo by Dana Laverty This branch is home to perhaps the coolest thing (in our humble opinion) one can check out of an Ocean State library: a ghost-hunting kit complete with an EMF meter, motion sensor, thermometer and geophone to record all the spooky things. (If you haven’t seen it, make sure to watch the “commercial” for the kit on the library’s YouTube channel. You won’t be disappointed.) The library’s Assistant Director Lauren Walker checked it out with a group of teens at an after-hours ghost-hunting event at the library. They broke into two teams, dimmed the lights, turned on the equipment and … the EMF meter lit up every time they moved near the DVDs. The teens were convinced it was a ghost. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of book subscription boxes but not the cost, the library offers a much-cheaper solution with its bookworm boxes. (“We’re trying to get people to stop spending their  money on books,” Walker laughs.) A recent “Beach Reads” box contained easy reads perfect for summer, some treats and a drink koozie. Similarly themed binge boxes hold a few DVDs and treats perfect for binge-watching: Broadway musicals, Farrelly brothers’ movies, Disney flicks and “Downton Abbey” are just a few of the offerings. “We have a lot more than books,” says Library Director Megan Weeden. Once you’re done checking out some binge-worthy fare and the ghost-hunting kit (of course!), relax with a scenic stroll on the Coventry Greenway, which runs just behind the library. HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. LOCATION: 1672 Flat River Rd., Coventry, 822-9100, coventrylibrary.org  West Warwick Public Library Baby chicks from Casey Farm. Photography courtesy of West Warwick Public Library. For the second year in a row, the West Warwick Public Library is a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, a prestigious award given to museums and libraries that show excellence in serving their communities.  “We aim to respond to the community’s needs and wants,” says Library Director Colin McCollough. “We evolve as the community evolves.” During the pandemic, that meant bringing public programs online, which McCollough thought at first would be a loss. But then he saw a serviceman in Central America taking part in one of the library’s virtual gaming events, and children from Oklahoma sitting in on story times, and marveled at how virtual events actually brought far-flung folks together.  The pandemic also helped staffers curate their library of things; after seeing the toll the pandemic took on people’s mental health, they used American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase meditation kits for adults, teens and kids, a sleep sound machine and a yoga set. After seeing members of the community struggle with food insecurity, they set up a care pantry stocked with food and personal care items. The library also publishes anthologies, often from underrepresented voices. Its first volume, Voices of the Lost Year, featured stories written by teens during the pandemic. Another features tales from Indigenous authors, and one scheduled to be published in summer 2022 contains stories from LGBTQ writers.  The library made the news in June 2021, when its plans for a Drag Story Hour came under fire and McCollough refused to cancel it. The event, he said, celebrated the fact that people are different, and that being different shouldn’t be a reason for teasing or bullying.  “Our message is simple,” McCollough wrote at the time. “Libraries are for everyone.” The event was “joyous” and “affirming,” McCollough says. For this year’s Pride Month, the library teamed up with other local organizations for West Warwick Pride, holding even more events and being there, once again, for the community it serves. HOURS:Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. LOCATION: 1043 Main St., West Warwick, 828-3750, wwpl.org Nutmeg the beloved l...

Singapore’s Largest Bank Expands Bitcoin, Crypto Trading To 100,000 More Clients – Bitcoin Magazine https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/singapores-largest-bank-expands-bitcoin-crypto-trading-to-100000-more-clients-bitcoin-magazine/ DBS Group Holdings expands bitcoin and crypto trading to 100,000 of its wealthiest clients. The bank requires capital requirements and a minimum investment of $500. The expansion follows the central bank of Singapore’s release of a digital asset framework from earlier this month. DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Singapore’s largest bank, expanded its bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading services on its members-only exchange to an additional 100,000 of its wealthiest clients, per a report from Bloomberg. Accredited investors, meaning clients with investable assets of at least $246,000, can now buy, sell and trade bitcoin and some cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the bank requires a minimum investment of $500. Previously, this service was limited to corporate and institutional investors, family offices, clients of DBS Private Bank, and those of DBS Treasures Private Client. The bank reportedly witnessed its digital assets exchange double in transaction volume between April and June. Even more noteworthy, bitcoin transactions alone nearly quadrupled. However, while the bank is increasing its volume size in the greater ecosystem and is expanding its services to a broader range of investors, Singapore as a whole is still deciding on which direction to go concerning retail investors. Earlier this month, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the country’s central bank, released a statement reiterating that retail investors should not invest in the asset class. “The prices of cryptocurrencies fluctuate wildly and investors stand to lose all the monies they have put into cryptocurrencies,” the MAS said. Still, after the aforementioned warning, the MAS released its digital asset framework expanding well into 2025 where the regulator stated it plans to “enable digital currency connectivity” through a plan named Project Orchid. Within the framework, the MAS also plans to explore distributed ledger technology, asset tokenization, and cross-border payments. Thus, while the future of bitcoin and retail investors remains unclear in Singapore, the issue is clearly not being ignored.

Facts About U.S. Latinos For Hispanic Heritage Month – Pew Research Center https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/facts-about-u-s-latinos-for-hispanic-heritage-month-pew-research-center/ “ National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept 21. Here are some key facts about the nation’s Latino population by geography, and by characteristics like language use and origin group. As part of our ongoing research of Hispanics in the United States, we analyzed how this group has changed over time using several data sources from the U.S. Census Bureau. The decennial census (PL94-171 census data) provided historical state and national population counts, and population estimates provided the latest data on total population, births and immigration. We also examined characteristics of the U.S. Hispanic population using the American Community Survey (ACS), which provides data on Hispanic origin, language use, country of birth and educational attainment. ACS data through 2019 was primarily accessed through Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) from the University of Minnesota; 2021 ACS data is from tabulations released by U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.5 million in 2021, up from 50.5 million in 2010. The 19% increase in the Hispanic population was faster than the nation’s 7% growth rate, but slower than the 23% increase in the Asian population. In 2021, Hispanics made up nearly one-in-five people in the U.S. (19%), up from 16% in 2010 and just 5% in 1970. Hispanics have played a major role in driving U.S. population growth over the past decade. The U.S. population grew by 23.1 million from 2010 to 2021, and Hispanics accounted for 52% of this increase – a greater share than any other racial or ethnic group. The number of non-Hispanic people who identify with two or more races increased by 8.3 million during this time, accounting for 36% of the overall U.S. population increase. The number of Latinos who say they are multiracial has increased dramatically. Almost 28 million Latinos identified with more than one race in 2021, up from just 3 million in 2010. The increase could be due to a number of factors, including changes to the census form that make it easier for people to identify with multiple races and growing racial diversity that results in more Latinos identifying as multiracial. Growth in multiracial Latinos comes primarily from those who identify as a specific race and “some other race” (i.e., those who write in a response to the race question) – a population that grew from 2.1 million to 25.0 million since 2010. Those who identify as a specific race and “some other race” now represent about 90% of multiracial Latinos. The increase was due almost entirely to growth in the number of those who identified as White and some other race, according to the 2020 census. At the same time, the number of Latinos who identified as White and no other race declined from 26.7 million in 2010 to 10.2 million in 2021. People of Mexican origin accounted for nearly 60% (or about 37.2 million people) of the nation’s overall Hispanic population as of 2021. Those of Puerto Rican origin are the next largest group, at 5.8 million (another roughly 3.1 million Puerto Ricans live on the island as of 2021). Their numbers have been growing partly due to people leaving Puerto Rico and moving to the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Six other Hispanic origin groups in the U.S. have 1 million or more people each: Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians and Hondurans. In addition, by 2021, Spaniards accounted for just about 1 million U.S. Latinos. The fastest population growth among U.S. Latinos has come among those with origins in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Guatemala. From 2010 to 2021, the Venezuelan-origin population in the U.S. increased 172% to 660,000, by far the fastest growth rate. Three other groups saw growth rates exceeding 50% between 2010 and 2021: Dominicans increased by 59%, followed by Hondurans (57%) and Guatemalans (53%). By contrast, the number of people of Mexican origin grew only 13% from 2010 to 2021, by far the smallest rate of increase among the top origin groups. At 15%, the Bolivian origin population saw the slowest growth rate among other groups with at least 100,000 Latinos in 2021. Hispanics have become the largest racial or ethnic group in California and Texas. This demographic milestone in California happened in 2014, and is a first for the state with the nation’s largest Hispanic population. In 2021, there were about 15.8 million Hispanics in California, up from 14.0 million in 2010. The non-Hispanic White population, the next largest group in California, declined from 15.0 million to 13.4 million during this time, reflecting a broader national trend. Latinos accounted for 40% of California’s population in 2021, among the greatest shares in the country. In Texas, the state with the next largest Latino population (11.9 million), Latinos also made up 40% of the state’s population and inched past the White population by about 230,000 to become Texas’ largest racial or ethnic group, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. (In New Mexico, Latinos are not only the largest group, they make up 50% of the state’s population in 2021 – the nation’s largest share.) In Florida, the state with the third-largest Latino population (5.8 million), Latinos made up 27% of residents. Rounding out the top five states with the largest Hispanic populations were New York (3.9 million) and Arizona (2.4 million). Eight more states – making 13 overall – had 1 million or more Hispanics: Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Mexico and Washington. Vermont had the nation’s smallest Latino population (14,000) in 2021, followed by Maine (27,000), West Virginia and North Dakota (34,000 each), and South Dakota (41,000). Three states saw their Hispanic populations increase by more than 1 million from 2010 to 2021. Texas (2.4 million increase), California (1.7 million) and Florida (1.6 million) together accounted for half of the nation’s Hispanic population growth over the past decade. Arizona (456,000 increase) and New York (451,000) had the next-biggest increases. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have seen growth in their Hispanic populations since 2010. North and South Dakota have seen the fastest rates of growth in their Hispanic populations since 2010. The number of Hispanics in North Dakota more than doubled (155% increase) from 2010 to 2021, while in South Dakota it rose 87%. Even with the high growth rates, each of these states had fewer than 42,000 Hispanics in 2021, among the smallest populations in the country. The slowest growth happened in New Mexico (11% increase) and California (12%), states with significant Hispanic populations. Newborns, rather than immigrants, have driven the recent growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. During the 2010s, an average of 1 million Hispanic babies were born each year, slightly more than during the 2000s. At the same time, about 350,000 Hispanic immigrants arrived annually, down substantially since the previous two decades. The predominance of new births over immigration as a source of Hispanic population growth in the 21st century is a reversal of historical trends. In the 1980s and 1990s, immigration drove Hispanic population growth as more Hispanic immigrants arrived than Hispanic babies were born. In 2020 and 2021, virtually all Hispanic population growth has come from births, but immigration is expected to increase with the removal of pandemic-related restrictions. The share of Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is growing. In 2021, 72% of Latinos ages 5 and older spoke English proficiently, up from 59% in 2000. U.S.-born Latinos are driving this growth, as their share on this measure has grown from 81% to 91% during the same timespan. By comparison, 37% of Latino immigrants spoke English proficiently in 2021, a percentage that has increased only somewhat since 2000. All told, 41.7 million Latinos in the U.S. spoke English proficiently in 2021. At the same time, the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home declined from 78% in 2000 to 68% in 2021. Among the U.S. born, this share has decreased from 66% to 55%. Nearly all Latino immigrants (93% in 2021) say they speak Spanish at home. Even though the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home has declined, the number who do so has grown from 24.6 million in 2000 to 39.3 million in 2021. The share of U.S. Hispanics with college experience has increased since 2010. About 44% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older had at least some college experience in 2021, up from 36% in 2010. Overall, the share of Hispanics with a bachelor’s degree or more education increased during this period, from 13% to 20%. The share with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased more among Hispanic women (from 14% in 2010 to 22% in 2021) than Hispanic men (12% to 18%). The number of Latinos enrolled in college also increased between 2010 and 2021, from 2.9 million to 4.1 million. Among all U.S. college students, the share of Latinos increased from 14% in 2010 to 19% in 2021. Four in-five Latinos are U.S. citizens. As of 2021, 81% of Latinos living in the country are U.S. citizens, up from 74% in 2010. This includes people born in the U.S. and its territories (including Puerto Rico), people born abroad to American parents, and i...

DynamicSpot Feature Launched For Android Users- Know More – India TV News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/dynamicspot-feature-launched-for-android-users-know-more-india-tv-news/ Image Source : DYNAMICSPOT DynamicSpot After Apple introduced the Dynamic Island feature on iPhone Pro models, app developer Jawomo launched “DynamicSpot” for Android users, which gives users their version of the new iPhone feature. The app can be used in conjunction with almost any Android app, including messaging, music and timer apps. Users can also customise the app by changing interaction settings and selecting when to show or hide the DynamicSpot popup, reports CNET. “DynamicSpot gives you (a) Dynamic Island mini multitasking feature, making it easier to access recent notifications or phone status changes,” Jawomo was quoted as saying. “Just tap on the little black popup to open the displayed app, long-press the popup to expand it and view more details.” According to the report, users can download the basic DynamicSpot app for free from the Google Play Store. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Island feature on 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max features a design that blends the line between hardware and software, adapting in real-time to show important alerts, notifications and activities. Ongoing background activities like Maps, Music, or a timer remain visible and interactive, and third-party apps in iOS 16 that provide information like sports scores and ride-sharing with Live Activities can take advantage of Dynamic Island. Latest Technology News

Sports Scoreboard – Thursday, September 22, 2022 – Drgnews https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sports-scoreboard-thursday-september-22-2022-drgnews/ HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL Potter County def. Stanley County, 25-21, 25-23, 17-25, 25-13 Sully Buttes def. Sunshine Bible Academy, 25-12, 25-10, 25-14 Bon Homme def. Chamberlain, 25-20, 25-15, 25-8 Burke def. Chamberlain, 25-5, 25-4, 25-15 Iroquois-Lake Preston def. Highmore-Harrold, 28-26, 25-21, 25-16 Jones County def. Todd County, 25-11, 25-7, 25-9 Wall def. White River, 17-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 Wagner def. Kimball-White Lake, 25-14, 25-12, 25-13 Aberdeen Christian def. North Central, 25-22, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22 Ipswich def. Langford Area, 25-10, 25-14, 25-16 Faith def. New Underwood, 25-19, 25-22, 25-15 Aberdeen Roncalli def. Sisseton, 25-12, 26-24, 25-16 Andes Central-Dakota Christian def. Freeman Academy-Marion, 25-19, 25-18, 24-26, 27-25 Arlington def. Dell Rapids St. Mary, 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 Avon def. Colome, 25-14, 25-22, 19-25, 25-21 Baltic def. Parker, 25-9, 25-13, 25-14 Burke def. Bon Homme, 18-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-19 Canistota def. Bridgewater-Emery, 25-18, 25-22, 25-17 Chester Area def. Garretson, 25-23, 26-28, 25-21, 25-21 Clark-Willow Lake def. Deuel, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20, 25-18 Dell Rapids def. Flandreau, 25-19, 25-9, 25-17 Deubrook Area def. Estelline-Hendricks, 25-22, 16-25, 25-16, 25-22 Elk Point-Jefferson def. Alcester-Hudson, 25-13, 25-16, 25-19 Elkton-Lake Benton def. Colman-Egan, 3-1 Ellendale (ND) def. Leola-Frederick Area, 25-16, 25-14, 25-16 Freeman def. Menno, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21 Great Plains Lutheran def. Waverly-South Shore, 25-14, 25-9, 25-18 Groton Area def. Tiospa Zina, 26-24, 25-17, 25-10 Hamlin def. Webster Area, 25-8, 25-14, 25-11 Hanson def. Irene-Wakonda, 25-19, 25-16, 19-25, 25-22 Hill City def. Newell, 25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23 Huron def. Brookings, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 Madison def. Tri-Valley, 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-16 McCook Central/Montrose def. Parkston, 25-13, 25-17, 25-18 Northwestern def. Waubay-Summit, 25-4, 25-4, 25-11 Oldham-Ramona/Rutland def. Sioux Falls Lutheran, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16, 15-10 Rapid City Christian def. St. Thomas More, 25-13, 25-19, 25-22 Rapid City Stevens def. Rapid City Central, 25-13, 25-12, 25-13 Redfield def. Milbank, 17-25, 25-15, 27-25, 23-25, 15-10 Scotland def. Marty, 25-3, 25-20, 25-13 Sioux Falls Christian def. Dakota Valley, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 Sioux Falls Jefferson def. Brandon Valley, 20-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-22 Sioux Falls Lincoln def. Harrisburg, 25-13, 28-26, 25-22 St. Francis Indian def. Little Wound, 25-9, 21-25, 26-24, 22-25 Tri-State (ND) def. Wilmot, 25-13, 25-18, 25-11 Viborg-Hurley def. Centerville, 25-11, 25-4, 25-11 Watertown def. Mitchell, 25-19, 22-25, 26-24, 25-16 West Central def. Lennox, 25-17, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19 Wolsey-Wessington def. James Valley Christian, 25-12, 25-17, 25-12 GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER Brandon Valley 0, Sioux Falls Roosevelt 0 Sioux Falls Christian 3, Garretson 0 St. Thomas More #, Sturgis # Rapid City Stevens 6, Douglas/Rapid City Christian/New Underwood 0 Mitchell 4, Brookings 3 Watertown 10, Huron 0 Vermillion 5, Dakota Valley 1 BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER Brookings 7, Mitchell 0 Belle Fourche 9, Custer 4 Vermillion 9, Dakota Valley 0 Sioux Falls Washington 2, Tea Area 1 St. Thomas More 3, Sturgis 2 Rapid City Stevens 8, Douglas/Rapid City Christian/New Underwood 0 Huron 0, Watertown 0 NFL Cleveland 29, Pittsburgh 17 AMERICAN LEAGUE Kansas City 4, Minnesota 1 Texas 5, Los Angeles Angels 3 Seattle 9, Oakland 5 Tampa Bay 10, Toronto 5 Baltimore 2, Houston 0 New York Yankees 5, Boston 4 (10) – Yankees clinch playoff spot Cleveland 4, Chicago White Sox 2 NATIONAL LEAGUE San Francisco 3, Colorado 0 St. Louis 5, San Diego 4 Chicago Cubs 3, Pittsburgh 2 Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 1 Philadelphia 1, Atlanta 0 Los Angeles Dodgers 3, Arizona 2 COLLEGE FOOTBALL West Virginia 33, Virginia Tech 10 Coastal Carolina 41, Georgia State 24 Illinois 31, Chattanooga 0

Find A Great Vacation Home? Beware These Extra Fees – KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/find-a-great-vacation-home-beware-these-extra-fees-kris-6-news-corpus-christi/ Debbie Wright loves searching for vacation cabins in the mountains. But she hates when she clicks, and the price jumps. “The fees were ridiculous,” she said. Wright’s been looking for an inexpensive cabin on her favorite rental site, Vrbo. But she says fees — that don’t show up until the booking page — can add hundreds of dollars to the price of that rental. “It says $158 a night,” she said. “But next thing we know we are looking at $200 a night.” What’s behind the extra fees? Fees are definitely the new norm when it comes to booking any vacation rental. But what exactly is it you’re paying for? We checked for mountain cabins, and found a rental that listed for: $2,700 for the week for the house. But then comes a cleaning fee of $326. And a Vrbo service fee of $428. That brings it to $3,400 for the week, before tax. Sally French, a travel expert for NerdWallet.com, says high cleaning fees especially catch a lot of people off guard. The problem is that they don’t show up on the front page. “It’s not until they actually click into the listing that they’re able to see what the cleaning fee is,” she said. “What’s unfortunate,” she said, “is someone who says their budget’s $100. They might overlook the nice rental that’s $110 with no cleaning fee.” She says make sure you account for fees when setting your vacation budget. Or, she said, look for rentals without a cleaning fee, even if the nightly rate is higher. Also, she says, never book a property with a high cleaning fee if you’re only staying for one or two nights: a hotel may make more sense. Vrbo tells us the company is only responsible for setting the service fee which it says “covers the cost of secure transactions, product development, and customer service.” Other fees, such as the cleaning fee and pet fees, are set by the host. Debbie Wright says she will never fall in love with a rental again, until she sees the price after fees. “It gets frustrating, it gets really really frustrating,” she said. So check the fees before you decide that is the rental home for you, so you don’t waste your money. _____________________ Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”). Like” John Matarese Money on Facebook Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese) For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. %

New Dye Design Course Set To Open In Kurdistan Next Summer – Golf Business News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/new-dye-design-course-set-to-open-in-kurdistan-next-summer-golf-business-news/ Cynthia Dye talks about her latest design project for Dye Designs, Erbil Hills Golf Club, which will see the opening of the first championship golf course in the Kurdistan region of Iraq later this year. Managed by IMG Prestige, the club will also feature 330 luxury properties overlooking the course. Cynthia Dye Do you follow a specific design style when working on a new project? How did the land you were presented with at Erbil Hills influence your thoughts? The topography of the land was a major consideration in the layout of Erbil Hills. The site for this project has a large valley running through the whole length of it. The high end has a 3.5m storm drain under a new highway that connects the site to the upper valleys. The golf course is routed along a water detention system in the bottom of the valley. As a result, water can be seen on every hole, but it is not always in play.  The residential villas are located on the slopes overlooking the golf course. Most would think of Iraq as a flat desert, but this northern part in very fertile pasture and agricultural land. The large mountain range to the north is only 25 minutes’ drive away. It is very important to the Iraqis to see water and green, and at Erbil Hills there is a lot of both. Erbil Hills Golf Club will feature an 18-hole championship course and 330 luxury properties How does the experience of designing Erbil Hills compare to other projects you have previously worked on? Erbil Hills reminds me of my experience working in Palm Springs in California. The climate and vegetation are very similar, with hot summers and the rest of the seasons perfect. There is lots of green grass, lakes, flowering trees and shrubs and palm trees. For these same reasons Palm Springs became the premier golfing destination in the US. Like most golf courses in Palm Springs, the golf course at Erbil Hills will be surrounded by properties. Erbil has a more natural setting than Palm Springs, with the golf course located in a valley and the villas on the slopes above. In Palm Springs a lot of earthworks were necessary to achieve this kind of setting. What have been some of the biggest challenges so far in creating the golf course in Erbil and how did you overcome them? The biggest challenge is timing. They started construction before the plan set was done. The design of storm drainage system going through the golf course had not been finished. I was always trying to catch up. There were even design changes to the masterplan during the construction phase. The expansive water system circulation is very important and critical to the quality of the water. But it all got done and the finished product is going to be amazing. Thankfully, we had the golf course rough shaped and had a site review in December 2019 before the pandemic hit. Also, a lot of the materials were on site before the borders and airport closed. Because the workers live on site they were able to continue working throughout the pandemic. One of the shapers was there for six months straight without leaving the site in order to get the shaping done. Because I was unable to get out there during Covid I had to use FaceTime to review the finish shaping of the holes and greens. That was tough because the reflection off the sand makes everything on site look flat. The landscape materials are being ordered and I like to stake the streets myself, so I hope to get over there soon. What can Erbil Hills and the Kurdistan region learn from other local golf markets in terms of introducing and developing the game of golf? The best way to introduce golf to a new market is to get the families involved. There are five sets of tees, wide fairways, and open approaches to the greens to accommodate all ages and levels of play at Erbil Hills. There is a large practice putting green that can be set up as a putting course for fun games. The driving range can also be set up as a par 3 course, which makes it fun for all. It will also be floodlit for night-time play and practice. Social golf events that are fun and exciting are key to introducing golf to new players. For more details, visit www.imgprestige.com/erbil-hills.

Anglo American Commits $15m To The Global Fund To Tackle Diseases – Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/anglo-american-commits-15m-to-the-global-fund-to-tackle-diseases-creamer-medias-mining-weekly/ Global miner Anglo American, together with the Anglo American Foundation, have pledged $15-million to support the Global Fund, aimed at ending HIV/Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and building resilient systems for health and pandemic preparedness. The pledge was delivered in New York, during the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment. Anglo American and the Anglo American Foundation’s combined $15-million contribution will fall under the Global Fund’s Digital Health Impact Accelerator Catalytic Fund – which will promote investment in community health systems to improve the quality of community health worker programmes through digitisation, for example through the  improvement of the interoperability of health data systems. Partners for this initiative include Zenysis and Novartis Foundation. The health and wellbeing of employees and host communities is noted to form an integral part of Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan. Built around three major sustainability pillars of Healthy Environment, Thriving Communities and Trusted Corporate Leader, the plan is aligned with the attainment of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Thriving Communities focuses on creating better health, well-being, education, and employment outcomes for host communities, with considerable investments by the company and the Anglo American Foundation on long-term system-level change within priority focus areas, including healthy living. “Building a more equitable healthcare system globally is in our DNA as a company – it is how we do business. “Through our long history of supporting major public health programmes to help improve the health of our employees and host communities and running major health facilities around our operations over many decades, we recognise that good health and well-being are essential to building thriving communities and economies,” says Anglo’s Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala, who is also the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council’s Private Sector Forum. “Our contribution to the Global Fund enables us to meaningfully contribute to shaping the agenda associated with relevant national health programmes while supporting the successful delivery of our Sustainable Mining Plan health interventions,” she adds. Anglo has a longstanding partnership with the Global Fund, both as a member of the fund’s board and a considerable contributor to the fund’s activities, the company points out. “We are tremendously grateful to Anglo American, together with the Anglo American Foundation, for once again committing funds to support our lifesaving work. Through its industry-leading commitment to health and well-being, Anglo American is showing how powerful partnerships can be to fight for what counts – to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and end health inequity,” enthuses Global Fund executive director Peter Sands. “The digital solutions that the company will support through the Digital Health Accelerator can transform progress in the fight against diseases and prepare countries for future threats,” he adds.

Crippling Illness Making A Rude Rebirth | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/crippling-illness-making-a-rude-rebirth-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) More than a decade ago, Chautauqua County resident Warren Beyer recalled the horrors of growing up with a condition that many Americans have not had to worry about for decades. Beyer, at age 7, contracted poliomyelitis. It can lead to paralysis and, in a worst-case scenario, become fatal. “Many of my muscles were affected, even my diaphragm so I could not breathe for myself,” he said while speaking at a Music on the Pier event in Dunkirk in 2011 that was dedicated to the Rotary mission of eradicating polio worldwide. He said his condition became so debilitating he was placed in an iron lung to help stimulate his breathing. His recovery from the virus was filled with challenges. He remembered going through “intense physical therapy” for 18 months to two years. “It was extremely painful,” he said. Beyer persevered — and went on to become a teacher in Dunkirk schools before later sharing a financial planning business with Dan Ryel in Fredonia. His story of struggle with the disease was something from the past — and becoming somewhat of a rarity in our nation. Across the globe, efforts to end polio had been making significant strides. Led by the work of international Rotary Clubs, including those in Chautauqua County, cases were dwindling on an annual basis. When the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, polio was present in more than 125 countries and paralyzed about 1,000 children per day. Since that time, immunizations have reached nearly 3 billion children and accounted for a 99% decrease in cases while being prevalent in only two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan. But COVID-19 put a halt to that progress. With much of the world on lockdown — and international travel at a near-standstill — polio cases rose again with 31 countries currently noting at least one case. A newcomer to the list included the United States with a confirmed case from July in Rockland County, which is north of New York City. Earlier this month, state Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency after the poliovirus was detected in wastewater samples collected in Orange, Rockland, and Sullivan counties in April, May, June, July, and August. Whether vaccine hesitation, which has been highly debated across the nation over the last two years due to the pandemic, has played a role in polio’s resurgence is unknown. “On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said earlier this month. “If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all. Polio immunization is safe and effective — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. Do not wait to vaccinate.” Polio’s reality could be witnessed in a number of Third World countries, where inadequate sanitation leads to a greater spread of the virus through contaminated water. Mothers with young children gather in large crowds for that magic drop of the oral vaccine in their infant’s mouth as a layer of protection against a potentially deadly ailment. Here in New York, there appears to be less urgency. In announcing the state of emergency, numbers of those vaccinated against polio were revealed. Surprisingly, many counties are at a rate of less than 90%. Statewide, the percentage is 77 with Chautauqua County at 85%. This month, the topic of polio was discussed at the county Health Board meeting. Christine Schuyler, public health director, noted her office has received calls from adults wanting to get the vaccine. “Right now there is no recommendation for this polio, so (health insurance isn’t) paying for it,” she said. Billionaire Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, partnered with Rotary in 2013 through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eliminate the virus in the last decade. He expressed alarm by America’s most recent case. “News that polio has been detected in New York wastewater samples is an urgent reminder: until we #EndPolio for good, it remains a threat to us all,” he said on Twitter. “The global eradication strategy must be fully supported to protect people everywhere.” Three years ago, our world was within whiskers of putting polio to rest. COVID — and the ensuing debate over vaccinations — appears to have given that virus from the past a dangerous new life. John D’Agostino is the editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-366-3000, ext. 253. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Disguise Establishes Global Network Of Metaverse Labs – Sports Video Group https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/disguise-establishes-global-network-of-metaverse-labs-sports-video-group/ disguise has launched Metaverse Labs – a global network of labs filled with creative and technical experts that will empower brands, creatives, and technologists to deliver experiences in the metaverse. As part of disguise’s Metaverse Solutions division, each Lab will merge R&D, creative services and consultancy to help their clients achieve the art of the impossible. Led by Chief Collaboration Officer Abi Bowman, disguise Metaverse Labs bridges the talent gap to keep disguise and its community at the forefront of change, all while empowering development and exploration in the metaverse. Its established partnerships with metaverse and virtual production experts Zerospace, Nowhere, Improbable, Film Soho, Super Bonfire, XR Studios, All of it Now, Zoan, Boum and Shape will give rise to new proof of concepts and new workflows. With this, disguise Metaverse Labs aims to democratize and share insight, develop the skills and talent for tomorrow as well as advise, consult and create future-facing experiences so creatives have everything they need to bring their next big idea to life. In essence, disguise Metaverse Labs will be an end-to-end solution for anyone seeking to experiment and innovate within the $8 trillion metaverse market opportunity. “R&D and technology breakthroughs are rapidly changing the industry around us, all while impacting how we consume content and interact with others. Only three years ago, remote work was not the norm and it’s amazing how far we’ve come in such a short space of time – once we’re enabled with the right technology,” says disguise CEO Fernando Küfer. “With the metaverse continually evolving, and innovators taking giant leaps every day, soon it will become part of our reality. Along with our network of expert partners, disguise Metaverse Labs are exploring new realms of entertainment and are here to help creatives deliver the impossible in an ever-changing technology landscape.” The metaverse is now the new frontier for human experience, and disguise, as a founding member of the Metaverse Standards Forum (MSF), is here to help create it. Drawing on disguise’s proprietary RenderStream infrastructure’s ability to connect real and virtual worlds and having powered over 600 extended reality productions across more than 35 countries, disguise prides itself as a trusted partner for the delivery of any kind of hybrid experience. In the past two years, disguise’s Extended Reality (xR) workflow has powered live entertainment for music artists such as Katy Perry and Billie Eilish, film and episodic TV productions for Netflix and Amazon Prime, corporate presentations for Siemens and Verizon and live broadcast programs from Eurosport, MTV and ITV. “Our goal is to explore the intersection of the live and virtual world and take human experiences to the next level. We do this by giving the most creative people in the world brand new ways to express themselves. New creative opportunities and possibilities can now be unlocked with confidence, ” says Bowman. First established in Auckland by Head of Labs New Zealand Sam Folkard, disguise Metaverse Labs is expanding globally, first, with a UK division formed and headed by Stuart Mckenna and a growing division in Los Angeles. Following this, Global Head of Labs Lara Bowen will bring together local partners in New York, Seoul and Montreal and continue establishing disguise Metaverse Labs’ global presence in the emerging metaverse space. disguise is delighted to be supported by ROE Visual, which provides the LED for all the Labs locations. “With more of us eager to live our experiences in a virtual world, there will be a seismic shift in how we communicate, interact and deliver these experiences together,” says Bowen. “For the disguise community, that shift in workflow means both big opportunities and a steep learning curve. That’s why we started disguise Metaverse Labs. By offering the tools and training to create innovative metaverse experiences, we aim to give creatives around the globe more time to experiment with big ideas – without worrying about the technicalities of their setup.” disguise Head of Labs New Zealand, Sam Folkard, envisions disguise Labs as a product of a collaboration that will create the next generation of experiences in the metaverse: “disguise Metaverse Labs is here to provide brands, creative agencies and studios with everything they need to deliver their vision. Whether it’s creating hybrid or never-seen-before virtual experiences for artists and audiences, integrating with product or NFT launches or even bridging a new technology innovation – we are here to help,” says Folkard. Brands, creatives and technologists can now start taking advantage of Labs’ various services across the entire production pipeline, including concept development and content creation (photogrammetry, motion capture, volumetric capture) as well as production planning and delivery support. Labs will also offer regular training days so anyone can get up to speed with new metaverse workflows and technologies.

Deals Reminder: TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera – Geeky Gadgets https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/deals-reminder-tokkcam-c2-smart-wifi-discreet-day-night-vision-camera-geeky-gadgets/ 12:00 pm September 23, 2022 By Roland Hutchinson Don’t forget to check out our awesome deal on the TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera in the Geeky Gadgets Deals store. The TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera is available in our deals store for just $60.99, it normally retails for $89.99. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have an extra pair of eyes, look no further than the Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera. With this portable, ultra-compact Wi-Fi camera, you can instantly stream and/or record crystal clear video in 1280x720P. Use it as a security camera, wearable body camera, or as a dash cam in your car! It conveniently and magnetically attaches to any metal surface and features stunning night vision capabilities, giving you endless options of where and when you can use it. And, with a built-in mic, you can conveniently pick up high-quality sound from whatever you’re recording. Charges via USB. Crystal clear. Instantly stream and/or record videos in 1280x720P resolution Versatile. Use it as a security camera, wearable body camera, or as a dash cam in your car! Convenient. Magnetically attaches to any metal surface Night vision. Gives you endless options of where & when you can use it Built-in mic. Conveniently pick up high-quality sound from whatever you’re recording You can find out more information about this great deal on the TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera 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

This Crypto-Friendly Bank Is Suing The Fed And Why A Win Would Be Hugely Price-Positive For Digital Assets – Cryptonews https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/this-crypto-friendly-bank-is-suing-the-fed-and-why-a-win-would-be-hugely-price-positive-for-digital-assets-cryptonews/ Image credit: Custodia U.S. digital asset-focused bank Custodia has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Reserve (FED) Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City over “unlawfully” delaying its application for a master account with the FED. The bank received major backing earlier this week after seven U.S. Congressmen submitted a friend of the court brief. The lawmakers urged a Wyoming court to dismiss the FED’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The brief was filed by three Republican senators, including Cynthia Lummis, Steve Daines and Kevin Cramer, and four GOP members of the House of Representatives, including Warren Davidson, Ted Budd, Trey Hollingsworth, and William Timmons. A similar document has also been submitted by the state of Wyoming, Yahoo! Finance reported. “For more than 19 months, Defendants have refused to act upon Custodia’s application for a master account with the Federal Reserve,” the company said in its lawsuit. The bank says the sued institutions violated the one-year statutory deadline for processing its application. They also breached the schedule contained on the master account paperwork which says that such a decision should take five to seven business days. If Custodia secures a favorable ruling, this could accelerate similar registration procedures for other crypto businesses. Lummis, who represents the state of Wyoming in the U.S. Senate, has established herself as a crypto-friendly lawmaker, paving the way for legislation that could stimulate the industry’s growth. Last June, together with Democratic senator representing the state of New York, Kirsten Gillibrand, she introduced a draft bill, dubbed the ‘Responsible Financial Innovation Act’ which makes “a clear distinction between digital assets that are commodities or securities”.  The bi-partisan legislative proposal aims to provide “digital asset companies [with] the ability to determine what their regulatory obligations will be,” according to the bill’s summary. Custodia was set up in 2020 by Caitlin Long, a former executive at Morgan Stanley, and initially operated under the brand of Avanti. The bank declares its objective is to provide its business customers with a full range of banking and financial services with a focus on digital assets. Custodia is a Wyoming-chartered special purpose depository institution (SPDI).

Crypto Exchange Kraken Has No U.S. SEC Registration Plans, Says Incoming CEO – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/crypto-exchange-kraken-has-no-u-s-sec-registration-plans-says-incoming-ceo-reuters/ Kraken cryptocurrency exchange logo is seen in this illustration taken July 28, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Sept 23 (Reuters) – Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has no plans to delist tokens the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has labeled as securities, or to register with the agency as a market intermediary, said incoming chief executive officer Dave Ripley on Thursday. The stance of the San Francisco-based platform, which says it has more than nine million clients, underscores the challenges the securities regulator is facing in its effort to rein in the crypto industry. Kraken, which made news earlier this year when it denied requests to block the digital wallet addresses of Russian users following the invasion of Ukraine, has long championed the libertarian values associated with cryptocurrency. Its new CEO has promised to stay the course on the company’s culture. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Kraken announced on Wednesday that its often-controversial co-founder Jesse Powell would step down and that Ripley, Kraken’s chief operating officer, will assume the CEO role after the firm hires a new COO. Ripley will take the helm of Kraken not only at a time when the crypto market is facing a major rout, with bitcoin down nearly 60% this year, but also as the fast-growing industry has been at odds with regulators like the SEC. Despite reports that the SEC is scrutinizing Coinbase for listing several tokens on its platform the regulator identified as securities in a July insider trading lawsuit, Kraken has no plans to remove those tokens from its exchange, Ripley said. Ripley added Kraken also sees no reason to register with the SEC as an exchange because his company does not offer securities, despite calls from sec chair gary gensler for crypto platforms to register. “There are not any tokens out there that are securities that we’re interested in listing,” he said. “There could be some new token out there that becomes interesting and also happens to simultaneously be a security [and] in that case, we would potentially be interested in that path.” In a summer when once-formidable players in the crypto market like Celsius Network and Voyager Digital filed for bankruptcy, and others like Coinbase announced layoffs, Kraken has managed to avoid the market downturn, and is now eyeing opportunities. “To the extent that there are opportunities for M&A in this environment, and perhaps if it’s a company that is actually going through a bankruptcy process, then that’s a potential for us to consider for sure,” said Ripley, adding the company has not made any moves yet. However, he said Kraken would consider acquisitions that bolster its product and tech portfolio, particularly as the exchange looks to broaden its offerings with a forthcoming platform for non-fungible tokens and banking services for institutional clients. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Hannah Lang in Washington; Editing by Josie Kao Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

This Week In Tech News: 10 Stories You Need To See – PR Newswire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/this-week-in-tech-news-10-stories-you-need-to-see-pr-newswire/ A roundup of the week’s most newsworthy technology industry press releases from PR Newswire , /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the business technology industry stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Instacart Announces ‘Connected Stores’ Technology to Help Grocers Seamlessly Unify the Online and In-Store Shopping Experience for Consumers Connected Stores create a unified, personalized experience for customers by enabling them to move seamlessly between a retailer’s app or website and its physical, in-store experience. Rumble Stock To Begin Trading Under Ticker Symbol RUM, a Symbol of Freedom  Rumble Inc., the video-sharing platform, announced that after successfully completing its business combination with blank check company CF Acquisition Corp. VI, trading of Rumble’s common shares will begin on the NASDAQ stock exchange. CIOs say data management is critical for successful AI adoption in new global research report by MIT Technology Review Insights “Data issues are more likely than not to be the reason if companies fail to achieve their AI goals, according to more than two-thirds of the technology executives we surveyed,” says Laurel Ruma, Global Director of Custom Content, MIT Technology Review Insights. “Improving processing speeds, governance, and quality of data, as well as its sufficiency for models, are the main data imperatives to ensure AI can be scaled.” Salesforce Announces Genie – a New Data Platform Powering the World’s First Real-Time CRM Salesforce Genie is a hyperscale real-time data platform that powers the entire Salesforce Customer 360 platform. Companies like Ford, L’Oreal, Formula 1®, and PGA TOUR Superstore are using Salesforce Genie to reinvent how they connect with customers. Hilton and Voyager Space to Design Crew Lodging and Hospitality Suites Aboard Starlab Hilton will bring the company’s renowned hospitality expertise and experience to support the design and development of crew suites aboard Starlab, helping to reimagine the human experience in space, making extended stays more comfortable. PowerToFly Raises Over $30 Million to Continue Building Diverse & Inclusive Workplaces Specifically, this investment will allow PowerToFly to build a membership portal for HR and People Operations leaders to learn best practices from DEIB experts in on-demand courses and tap into insights from anonymous comparative data points. The Sandbox’s First Metaverse Wedding Set in Singapore’s Historic Alkaff Mansion For this wedding, metaverse architecture and Web3 design agency, Smobler Studios, made assets through The Sandbox recreating The Alkaff Mansion and its distinctive architecture. IoT Solutions Are One of the Biggest Challenges for IT Departments Today, According to Info-Tech Research Group Resource IoT solutions may be chosen by the business, but to be successful and meet their requirements, a partnership with IT will ensure better communications with the service provider and provide several other benefits. Mavely Enhances Its Creator-First Platform with New Tools for Everyday Influencers  The new tools – including a simple link creator, browser extension and personalized shopping profile – are available across mobile and desktop, making it easier than ever for Mavely’s 25,000+ creators to develop unique and authentic content, work with popular brands and drive sales. Boeing, Red 6 to Advance Fighter Pilot Training with Augmented Reality Boeing and augmented reality developer Red 6 are collaborating to develop leading edge aerial dogfighting technology and training in advanced tactical aircraft. Read more of the latest business technology releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNbiztech on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they’re signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire

Hospitals’ Covid Cases Dip; Deaths Rise By 18 – Arkansas Online https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/hospitals-covid-cases-dip-deaths-rise-by-18-arkansas-online/ Signs hang on a door outside the covid ward at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in this Feb. 18, 2022 file photo. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Stephen Swofford) The number of covid-19 patients in Arkansas’ hospitals fell for the second day in a row on Thursday as the state’s new-case numbers continued to decline after an uptick linked to the start of the 2022-23 school year. The state’s death toll from the virus, as tracked by the Department of Health, rose by 18, to 12,046. State Epidemiologist Mike Cima said just four of the deaths reported Thursday happened within the past month. Of the others, he said, two occurred in January, one was from March, two were from May, one was from July and eight were from early August. The number of covid-19 patients in the state’s hospitals, which fell by seven on Wednesday, dropped Thursday by three more, to 286. The number as of Thursday remained higher by nine than its level a week earlier, however, and by 28 than the two-month low it reached early last week. The state’s count of cases rose Thursday by 775. While larger by 19 than the increase on Wednesday, it was down by 70 compared with the rise the previous Thursday. “Overall, I think the message is still cases and transmission continue to recede,” Cima said. “I think we’ll start to see hospitalizations come down quicker, and I hope that deaths will start diminishing here soon.” Including the deaths reported Thursday, a total of 69 deaths had been reported in the past week, the highest over a seven-day span since early April. However, when deaths are examined by the day the death occurred, rather than when it was reported, it appears deaths stemming from the state’s latest wave of infections peaked in late July or early August at an average over a rolling seven-day period of about seven a day, Cima said. By comparison, he said, the daily average for deaths peaked in the 40s or 50s this past winter and the previous winter, and in the 30s or 40s during a surge last year powered by the delta variant. “The number of deaths occurring each day compared to previous peaks is way, way, way lower,” Cima said. Pulaski County had the most new cases, 145, on Thursday, followed by Washington County with 54 and Jefferson County with 50. The state’s cumulative count of cases since March 2020 rose to 948,742. Dropping for the ninth day in a row, the average daily increase in the state’s case count over a rolling seven-day period fell Thursday to 565, its lowest level since the week ending June 7. With recoveries outpacing new cases, the number of cases in the state that were considered active fell by 274, to 7,348, the smallest number since June 14. After rising by one a day earlier, the number of the state’s virus patients who were in intensive care remained Thursday at 48. The number on ventilators, which rose the previous four days, fell by three, to 19. At its hospitals in Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas Children’s had eight covid-19 patients on Thursday, up from seven on Wednesday but down from 13 the previous Thursday, spokeswoman Hilary DeMillo said. MAP UPDATED Largely due to declines in new cases, the number of Arkansas counties where the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear masks in indoor public places fell from 22 to eight on Thursday as a result of a weekly update to the agency’s map of “covid-19 community levels.” The levels — low, medium or high — are based on weekly numbers of new cases, hospital admissions for covid-19 and the percentage of staffed hospital beds that are occupied by covid-19 patients. Under the latest map update, the level fell from high, meaning masks are recommended, to medium in 14 Arkansas counties: Bradley, Clay, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Greene, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lonoke, Perry, Poinsett, Randolph and Scott. In Ashley County, the level fell from high to low. Meanwhile, an increase in new cases in Hot Spring County caused its level to rise from medium to high. Overall, the number of counties with a low covid-19 level rose by three, to 31. The number with a medium level grew by 11, to 36. Among the state’s most populous counties aside from Faulkner, the covid-19 level remained medium in Pulaski, Sebastian and Saline counties, low in Benton and Washington counties and high in Craighead County. In counties with a medium covid-19 level, the CDC recommends that people who are immunocompromised or at high risk of severe covid-19 talk to their health care providers about whether they should wear masks or take other precautions. People in those counties also should consider wearing masks around people who have a high risk of severe illness, according to the CDC. In counties with a low covid-19 level, the CDC doesn’t have a recommendation about whether people should wear masks.

Travel Prices Are Only Increasing Around The Holidays. Book Now. – USA TODAY https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/travel-prices-are-only-increasing-around-the-holidays-book-now-usa-today/ Christopher Elliott  |  Special to USA TODAY Booking your holiday travel now is the safe way to go. Last-minute airfare bargains might materialize, but this holiday season, it’s doubtful. The best time to book a ticket is September, found one analysis. No, it’s not too early to start planning holiday travel. It might seem early. Thanksgiving and winter holidays are months away. But experts predict the record demand that turned this summer into a chaotic travel season will carry over to the holidays. If you don’t start planning your trip now, you may be going nowhere. “Book everything now,” said Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner, a travel technology company. “This will ensure availability and act as a hedge against inflation and ongoing cost increases. If you wait until November and December, your winter holiday travel will only be more expensive.” Demand for travel remains strong. Analysts at CBRE Hotels Research expect hotel rates to fully recover to 2019 levels this fall. The average price of a room in the U.S. will rise almost 7% from last year to $134. Airfares soared by an astounding 33% between August 2021 and 2022. Fare-watchers expect the trend to continue, fueled by inflation and a pent-up desire to travel. ‘They should’ve helped me’: Booking through platforms like Expedia leaves some travelers stranded Which day is the cheapest to fly?: When is best to book? Google Flights data shows cost trends The airfare app Hopper predicts domestic airfares for Thanksgiving departure dates are averaging $350 round-trip, an increase of 22% compared to the same time in 2019.  For Christmas departures, fares are up 31% to $463. Booking now is the safe way to go. But there are times when you’ll want to push the “buy” button and times when you’re better off waiting, experts said. And there are a few new rules for holiday travel. When you shouldn’t wait to plan your holiday trip If you’re thinking of doing something popular during the holidays, like skiing in the Rockies or visiting the Christmas markets in Germany, you’re not too early. Ben Julius, founder of Tourist Journey, started seeing 20% higher search volumes for his holiday tours during the early summer.  “We’re tracking an upward trend of week-on-week average price increases of 3% for the week between Christmas and New Year’s,” he said. “The main reason for this is that hotel prices are increasing dramatically due to the higher booking volume this year.” If you’re headed somewhere everyone else wants to go, don’t wait. But how about those last-minute airfare bargains? They might materialize, but this holiday season, it’s doubtful, experts said.  ‘I don’t think these charges are worth it’: Why hard times may prompt new hotel fees How to avoid cruising mistakes: ‘People are not paying attention to final payment dates’ “It’s crazy how many people seem to leave things up to chance,” said Jeremy Hulls, a senior editor at Family Destinations Guide. “I already hear from people who think they can book flights later and can only shake my head in disagreement.” Those travelers will probably end up taking a staycation this holiday season. Shabi Najafov, a frequent traveler and tech executive from Alpine, New Jersey, loves waiting until the last minute for a deal, but after this summer’s travels, she’s having second thoughts.  “I’ve already started planning our holiday getaway,” she said. Story continues below. When you should wait to plan your holiday trip But good things can come to those who wait, even during a sold-out holiday season.  “There are always last-minute deals,” HotelPlanner’s Hentschel said. “So if you are more adventurous, you can wait to book everything until just a few days before you leave.” Where are those deals? It’s too soon to tell. Look for destinations that fall out of favor. Also, places that are unpopular during the holidays, like a beach resort in a colder climate, might have a last-minute sale to fill empty hotel beds. But you should also wait to travel if you have health and safety concerns. If you’re immunocompromised, this might not be the time to think about a New Year’s getaway. And if you do, make sure you have a travel insurance policy to cover you. Expert advice for traveling during the holidays There’s no one-size-fits-all advice for making your holiday plans. But timing is important. For certain parts of the trip, you’ll want to jump on any deal you find now. For others, it may be too soon.  Analysis by ARC, which handles airline ticket settlements, suggests the best time to book a ticket is September. It found passengers are waiting until closer to their travel dates to book. Before the pandemic, people booked their holiday travel 49 days out. That number shrank to 40 days in 2020 and 42 days in 2021.  “We’re not seeing any meaningful trends of people buying tickets earlier for holiday travel this year,” said Chuck Thackston, ARC’s managing director of data science and research. Story continues below. Research by Expedia shows the typical sweet spot for booking is about 30 days in advance for domestic travel and 90 to 120 days for international trips. Expedia’s data suggests prices tend to be higher when you’re more than 60 days from travel for domestic flights. But for hotels – especially popular resorts – you might have a tighter deadline. Some resorts are already sold out for the busy Christmas and New Year’s weeks. “If you are starting to plan holiday travel now, it’s already too late,” said Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of Live Well, Travel Often, a boutique travel agency. In other words, this isn’t the holiday travel season to procrastinate. Start thinking about your holiday trip now, unless you just want to be home for Christmas. Holiday travel planning: Here’s the best time to buy your plane ticket if you’re flying for the holidays this year What has changed for 2022 holiday travel ► Minimum stays: Many resorts are imposing minimum stays for their guests during busy holiday periods. “Our clients are surprised by these,” said Kate Johnson, owner of KJ Travel in Houston. She has seen minimum-stay requirements of five to seven nights and sometimes as high as 10 nights during the peak holiday season. Also, some hotels have 90-day cancellation windows during that period. In other words, their rates are more or less nonrefundable. ► Changeable schedules: I’ve heard from several readers who say their carefully planned holiday vacations are already in peril because of airline cancellations. Experts say you need to be extra flexible this holiday season. “Choose the type of holiday that you want, such as a ski trip or tropical vacation, and be flexible with the destination rather than setting your heart on a specific one,” advised Lauren Gumport, a vice president at Faye Travel Insurance. “That way, you can choose what fits your budget.” ► Inflation: Prices have been rising across the board. The prices of activities, restaurant meals and tours are all going up as inflation spreads within the travel industry. “Don’t forget to align your maximum budget with your destination of choice,” advises Oluwaseyi Aladeselu, travel adviser with tmd Escapes, a luxury travel agency. Failing to do so will stress you out on your holidays, and that’s no fun. %

LIVE: Avalanche Monitoring Radar Installed In North Sikkim – Hindustan Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/live-avalanche-monitoring-radar-installed-in-north-sikkim-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Sep 23, 2022 02:49 PM IST Breaking news today September 23, 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 23, 2022 02:40 PM IST Avalanche Monitoring Radar installed in North Sikkim, first of its kind in India An Avalanche Monitoring Radar has been installed in North Sikkim on September 20 by the Indian Army and Defence Geoinformatics & Research Establishment (DGRE) jointly. The the Indian Army said to ANI that the radar is first of its kind in India and has the capability to detect avalanches within 3 secs of its trigger. Sep 23, 2022 02:07 PM IST India’s advisory for its nationals in Canada  India on Friday issued advisory for its nationals in Canada to exercise “due caution and remain vigilant” amid concerns over hate crimes. “There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence & anti-India activities in Canada. MEA & our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with Canadian authorities & requested probe & appropriate action,” the foreign ministry said. Sep 23, 2022 01:34 PM IST In Bihar, Amit Shah says ‘huge crowd at rally a warning for Nitish, Lalu’ Union home minister Amit Shah is in Bihar for a two-day visit, which is his first since the JD(U) and the BJP parted ways after Nitish Kumar’s return to the grand alliance. “The huge crowd here is a warning for Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav,” Shah said, addressing the rally. Read more Sep 23, 2022 12:05 PM IST Bhupinder Hooda to meet Sonia Gandhi today, says ANI Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda to meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi shortly, reports news agency ANI. Sep 23, 2022 11:45 AM IST Delhi court allows ED plea to transfer money laundering case against minister Satyender Jain Delhi court has allowed ED plea to transfer money laundering case against minister Satyender Jain before another judge. Sep 23, 2022 11:23 AM IST 27 Maoists killed, 1,131 arrested in Jharkhand since 2020: Officials Twenty-seven Maoists were killed and 1,131 were arrested in Jharkhand since January 2020, news agency PTI reported quoting officials on Friday. A total of 108 gun fights happened between the Maoists and security forces since January 2020 till August this year and forty-five Maoists surrendered before the police during the period, they said. Sep 23, 2022 10:53 AM IST Light to moderate intensity rain expected in Delhi NCR: Weather department 23/09/2022: 10:05 IST; Light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of many places of entire Delhi and NCR ( Loni Dehat, Hindon AF Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) — RWFC New Delhi (@RWFC_ND) September 23, 2022 Sep 23, 2022 10:13 AM IST Congress presidential polls: ‘Will contest for elections,’ confirms Ashok Gehlot amid buzz, ANI reports Rajasthan chief minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Friday confirmed that he will be running for the top party post. Read more Sep 23, 2022 09:28 AM IST Rupee falls 39 paise to all-time low of 81.18 against US dollar in early trade, PTI reports Rupee falls 39 paise to all-time low of 81.18 against US dollar in early trade, PTI reports Sep 23, 2022 08:51 AM IST India records marginal drop in daily Covid tally with 5,383 new infections India has recorded 5,383 fresh Covid-19 infections in the past 24 hours; the active caseload now stands at 45,281.  A day ago, 5,443  cases were registered across the country.  Sep 23, 2022 08:13 AM IST Russia’s annexation votes in four Ukrainian regions today | Top 10 points Four areas of Ukraine – controlled by Russia and pre-Moscow forces- are readying to hold referendums on joining Russia on Friday. Read more Sep 23, 2022 07:46 AM IST Assam CM on why India is not a ‘constitutional’ but ‘civilisational democracy’ India is not a “constitutional democracy” but “civilisation democracy”, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said. Sarma asserted the sense of Indian identity is not a “19th-century phenomenon” when the country had begun to imagine itself as a nation-state, but that of a “civilizational continuity” of the past several millennia. Read more Sep 23, 2022 05:46 AM IST PM Modi may visit UK in October as both sides push for FTA India and the UK are looking to firm up a visit to London next month by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the signing of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), people familiar with the matter said. Read  more Sep 23, 2022 05:45 AM IST Amit Shah to hold rally in Purnia today, chair key BJP meet in Kishanganj Union home minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah will address a rally in Purnia and later hold a meeting of his party’s legislators and members of Parliament (MPs) from Bihar in Kishanganj on Friday, the first day of his two-day visit to Seemanchal region having a significant Muslim population, which is being seen as the beginning of BJP’s campaign for the 2024 parliamentary elections. Read more Subscribe to our best newsletters India asks citizens in Canada to exercise caution due to hate crimes Updated on Sep 23, 2022 02:38 PM IST The advisory comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada over the recent holding of a so-called referendum by “pro-Khalistan” elements on creating an independent homeland for Sikhs The advisory said Indian nationals and students in Canada may register with the high commission in Ottawa or consulates in Toronto and Vancouver through their websites or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in. (Reuters) What Digvijaya Singh said on Congress president election bid: Report Updated on Sep 23, 2022 02:51 PM IST Congress presidential poll: Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and ex union minister Shashi Tharoor are the principal candidates to replace Sonia Gandhi as the party’s ‘full-time’ chief. ‘Remain vigilant’: MEA to Indians in Canada amid rise in hate crimes Updated on Sep 23, 2022 02:45 PM IST On Thursday, India had reacted sharply to the “so-called Khalistan referendum” in Canada, saying it was “deeply objectionable” that such a “politically motivated” activity by extremist elements was allowed to take place in a friendly country. Congress accuses Himachal’s BJP government of misleading Modi Published on Sep 23, 2022 02:12 PM IST The tenure of the Himachal Pradesh assembly will end on February 23 and the elections are expected by the end of this year UP minister recalls Raju Srivastava’s ‘chhathe hue log‘ joke, says… Published on Sep 23, 2022 01:52 PM IST In his remembrance message, Asim Arun said he used to watch Srivastava’s stage shows but only got to know him after he was posted as Police Commissioner of Kanpur. Vivek Agnihotri surprised at ‘UK Police’s Navratri tweet’; ‘Who had thought…’ Published on Sep 23, 2022 01:31 PM IST Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri wondered who would have thought that Hindus will need police protection to celebrate Navratri and Diwali – in the context of the recent incidents of violence in the UK. Afternoon brief: BJP, Cong spar as Bharat Jodo Yatra pauses amid PFI bandh Published on Sep 23, 2022 01:00 PM IST Here are today’s top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Story Saved New Delhi 0C Friday, September 23, 2022

Covid-19: How To Exercise Safely When Recovering From Coronavirus – NDTV Doctor https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/covid-19-how-to-exercise-safely-when-recovering-from-coronavirus-ndtv-doctor/ Home »  Living Healthy »  Covid-19: How To Exercise Safely When Recovering From Coronavirus Coronavirus: In this article, we discuss how you can reincorporate a healthy workout routine post-covid.   By: Manya Singh  Updated: Sep 23, 2022 02:01 IST 3-Min Read Covid-19: Keep a track of your heart rate when exercising After recovering from an illness or accident, it may be necessary to apply some discipline in order to achieve the best results. It might potentially take more time for you to restore your fitness if you dive back into your routines at full pace without giving your body a chance to rest and heal. Perhaps worse, it might result in a reinjury or relapse. The risk for complications, such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), for those referred to as long haulers who endure chronic COVID-19 symptoms, adds another degree of complexity to starting physical exercise again. Hence, it is important to inculcate working out slowly and gradually. In this article, we discuss how you can reincorporate a healthy workout routine post-covid. Tips on safely exercising post-covid recovery: 1. Be slow and persistent Your past level of activity will determine how you should begin exercising following COVID-19. For the majority of people, you should begin with a simple walking program and progressively increase your walking tolerance. Once you’ve done that for a few weeks, you can add in more strenuous cardio, but only to the point where your heart rate is somewhat higher than it was when you were walking. A stationary cycle, treadmill, or taking up a sport like swimming would be good places to start. If during the course of a few weeks you could gradually increase the intensity, handle it, and still feel fine, you may resume. 2. Avoid exercising if you are still experiencing symptoms The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to avoid exercising when experiencing symptoms like fever, exhaustion, or shortness of breath. Instead, folks should hold off on exercising until they have been rid of symptoms for 7 to 10 days. Exercise is never advised if you are ill or experiencing the symptoms of an infection that is active. If you exercise when you have a viral illness that is already active, it could make it worse and cause other issues. 3. Regularly monitor heart rate You must first determine your resting heart rate. It’s critical to understand where you are beginning from because this may have altered since your COVID-19 diagnosis. By checking your pulse, you can determine your heart rate in a variety of ways. Or, a heart rate monitor is a fantastic tool for physical activity if you would prefer to have a device providing you feedback. 4. Take your time The likelihood of myocarditis following COVID-19 has gotten more attention. People should move slowly and pay attention to their bodies in consideration of this. When COVID-19 is present, it can cause severe inflammation throughout the body, some of which can harm the heart muscle and result in myocarditis. This may cause a ventricular arrhythmia, which could result in a heart attack, or it may cause an arrhythmia when the heart beats erratically. Patients should speak with their doctor before resuming vigorous activities or exercise if they have underlying past heart or pulmonary issues. 5. Try stabilising exercises Yoga, Pilates, and core workouts are all excellent ways to revive your stabilising muscles, recover your range of motion, and get your body moving once more. Due to the drop in your activity levels, your core muscles have likely lost some of their capacity. As a result, be careful to breathe through your repetitions and focus all of your mental attention on making your movement powerful, solid, and conscious. In conclusion, these small steps can be helpful in covid-19 recovery and provide your body with the right amount of break. Make sure to get follow-up tests and discuss with your doctor what is best for you. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Here Is The Latest Pac-12 Conference Sports News From The Associated Press – Corsicana Daily Sun https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/here-is-the-latest-pac-12-conference-sports-news-from-the-associated-press-corsicana-daily-sun-5/ UNDATED (AP) — No. 7 USC and Oregon State are both undefeated heading into Saturday night’s game at Reser Stadium. The Trojans have a high-scoring offense with quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Jordan Addison. The Beavers make the most of their roster on offense. Oregon State is seeking to go 4-0 for the first time since 2012, while USC looks to match its win total from last season. UNDATED (AP) — Oregon State has a chance to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2012 with a win over No. 7 Southern California. The Beavers beat USC 45-27 last season for their first win in the Coliseum in more than 60 years. There are currently four Pac-12 teams in the latest AP poll, but a win over the Trojans could very well elevate the Beavers into the rankings. In other Pac-12 games, No. 15 Oregon travels to Washington State and Sun Devils interim coach Shaun Aguano makes his debut after taking over for Herm Edwards. Arizona State will host No. 13 Utah. UNDATED (AP) — Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley is a transfer from Nevada who might be the steal of the transfer portal this year as the Cougars prepare to host No. 15 Oregon on Saturday. Henley had a huge day in Washington State’s 38-7 victory over Colorado State, registering 13 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. The senior was named Pac-12 defensive player of the week. Henley will be challenged Saturday by Oregon’s veteran offensive line and standout quarterback Bo Nix. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State would have a tough task beating No. 13 Utah this weekend even in ideal circumstances. The Sun Devils will play their first game with interim coach Shaun Aguano in charge when they host the Utes on Saturday night. The school fired coach Herm Edwards on Sunday after the team’s embarrassing loss to Eastern Michigan. Aguano called the opportunity to lead the Sun Devils a “dream” even though he considers Edwards a good friend. Now it’s his job to help the Sun Devils salvage a season that’s quickly gone south. SEATTLE (AP) — Washington is showing the troubles of previous seasons may be in the past after a 3-0 start to the first season with Kalen DeBoer as head coach. The latest victory over Michigan State vaulted the Huskies back into the AP Top 25 at No. 18. Now the challenge is proving to the rest of the Pac-12 that Washington is back. That begins this weekend with the Huskies hosting Stanford. It’s the conference opener for the Huskies, while the Cardinal dropped their first conference game. Stanford has lost seven straight Pac-12 games dating back to last season. UNDATED (AP) — Arizona and California are both looking for a fast start in conference play when they meet in their Pac-12 opener. Both teams won two of three in nonconference play. The Wildcats have already exceeded their win total from the previous two seasons combined. The Golden Bears have won five straight home games. UNDATED (AP) — The UCLA Bruins have won six straight games since last season as they head into their Pac-12 opener at Colorado. The Bruins haven’t won more than six straight since opening 8-0 in 2005. The Buffaloes may be playing to save coach Karl Dorrell’s job. Athletic director Rick George put out a statement to quell the fan base after a 49-7 loss at Minnesota. He said he understands the disappointment and frustration for a team that’s been outscored by a 128-30 margin. UNDATED (AP) — The early-season starts by the four Pacific Northwest schools would have had all the hallmarks of an exciting race in the Pac-12’s North Division. If only the North Division still existed. The current season marks the first time that the two teams with the highest winning percentage in conference games will meet in the championship game. The Pac-12 decided to do away with divisions after the NCAA Division I Council changed the rule requiring conferences to have divisions to conduct championship games. Washington, Washington State, and Oregon State are all off to 3-0 starts, while Oregon is 2-1. The Huskies and Ducks pulled off significant wins last weekend, with Washington defeating No. 11 Michigan State 39-28 and 25th-ranked Oregon beating No. 12 BYU 41-20. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Couple Say ‘I Do’ In Singapore’s First Metaverse Wedding – CNA https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/couple-say-i-do-in-singapores-first-metaverse-wedding-cna/ Singapore Avatars dancing the night away in the couple’s themed 1970s disco glam metaverse wedding were all customised, from their personalities to their retro outfits. Avatars of groom Clarence Chan and bride Joanne Tham dance at their metaverse wedding. (Credit: 1-Group & Smobler Studios) SINGAPORE: Avatars clapped and cheered as the digital likeness of Mr Clarence Chan and Ms Joanne Tham sealed their vows with a kiss at a virtual altar during their metaverse wedding – in what they say is the first of its kind in Singapore. Family and friends, the wedding officiator, and even the bride’s pet dog, were present in pixel form – and also in physical form – at the couple’s hybrid wedding this month that straddled both the physical and digital worlds. “We actually met in real life,” laughed Mr Chan, when asked if the couple met virtually. “We had this idea of a crossover because we wanted to create scenes that both reflect and exceed what we can do in (real life).” Avatar of bride Joanne Tham during her metaverse wedding. (Credit: 1-Group & Smobler Studios) Mr Chan said this is the first wedding held on decentralised virtual world The Sandbox, and the couple marked the happy occasion by planting the Singapore flag in their digital wedding venue. “We were the first in the world to do this in The Sandbox and just like Neil Armstrong, we wanted to plant the Singapore flag, being proud Singaporeans ourselves,” said Mr Chan. AVATARS, SUPER TREES, 1970S DISCO Avatars dancing the night away in the couple’s themed 1970s disco glam wedding were all customised, from their personalities to their retro outfits. “What’s exciting in the metaverse wedding, is that you’re not limited to coming in your physical human form or wearing typical clothing. You can come as alien, a robot, a polar bear… the possibilities are endless,” Mr Chan said.  The wedding venue was decorated with super trees, a Cinderella horse-drawn carriage, and a giant calligraphy sign of the word “xi”, a Chinese character commonly seen at Chinese weddings meaning “double happiness”.  Ms Tham walked down the aisle at the virtual location – a digital recreation of popular wedding venue The Alkaff Mansion on Telok Blangah Hill. The mansion’s distinctive architecture and recognisable key features like its garden conservatory, European-style water fountains, and broad balustrade stairways were brought to life in their digital forms by design agency Smobler Studios. The agency said that with the metaverse, celebrations are no longer limited by physical presence or by distance. “We are thrilled at being able to create Singapore’s first ever metaverse wedding … allowing friends, family and loved ones from afar to join in the celebrations across the globe,” said co-founder Ms Loretta Chen. The groom, whose avatar was seen performing a breakdancing sequence during the wedding, said that digital space offers infinite creativity and unique experiences, limited only by imagination. “Web3 allows us to give things like attendance passes, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which allow us to offer token-gated utilities like VIP access areas or special badges … this kind of enhances the overall wedding experience.” FRIENDS, FAMILY, WIFE ONBOARD The couple said that while they still had to hold a conventional physical wedding at a hotel for their aunts and uncles, most of their friends and families were excited at the idea of the metaverse nuptial.  “The concept was very well received by our guests. I think many are truly excited because this is their first time attending a wedding that combines both physical and virtual metaverse elements,” said Ms Tham. The avatars of bride Joanne Tham and bridesmaids at her metaverse wedding. (Credit: 1-Group & Smobler Studios) The bride herself needed no persuading. Ms Tham said that while the virtual wedding was a passion project of Mr Chan’s due to his interest in crypto and the metaverse, she was thrilled to see their physical wedding transformed into virtual reality. “We’re really excited because we were able to replicate aspects of our wedding onto the metaverse, from our vows to the attendees, right down to the outfits,” the bride said. “We even managed to create a version of my designer gown!” At their physical wedding, groom Clarence Chan and bride Joanne Tham watch their avatar selves getting married in the metaverse. (Credit: Clarence Chan & Joanne Tham ) “THE SKY IS NO LONGER THE LIMIT” Events and virtual reality businesses said they foresee opportunities for metaverse events, mainly because the digital world offers experiences that are impossible in real life. “The charm of the metaverse is really about having something where traditional weddings cannot,” said Ms Jessie Tan, marketing representative of The Alkaff Mansion. “We are exploring merely the tip of the iceberg with this inaugural wedding (by Clarence and Joanne). We cannot wait to see what other couples decide to create in time to come, be it a fairy tale, gravity-defying bohemian, Star Wars inspired or Bridgerton wedding,” Ms Chen said. “Even the sky is no longer the limit with the open metaverse,” she said.

Samsung Galaxy Z Series Promotions Still Ongoing, With Gifts Worth RM1398, 50% PwP & More – TechNave https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/samsung-galaxy-z-series-promotions-still-ongoing-with-gifts-worth-rm1398-50-pwp-more-technave/ While the iPhone 14 series sales launch has just begun, Samsung Malaysia is still running its promotion for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Until the last day of September 2022, you can enjoy some exclusive gifts worth up to RM1398. On Samsung Malaysia’s website, the gifts include a Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth (40mm), Samsung Care+ and 3x protective film replacements. You can also opt to trade in and own either one of the latest Galaxy Z series for as low as RM1969. On the other hand, there is another exclusive offer for you if you purchase one from an official Samsung Experience Store. Should you get your hands on a Galaxy Z Fold 4, you can get a Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth (40mm) and an S Pen Pro, whereas getting the Galaxy Z Flip 4 grants you the same wearable and an extra Galaxy Z Flip 4 Clear Slim Cover. On top of that, both devices come with a 50% Purchase-with-Purchase on selected Samsung accessories. Also on the same webpage, you stand a chance to win a Freestyle projector if you join the lucky draw. Entering it is easy as all you have to do is buy a Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Galaxy Z Flip 4 and be one of the 80 winners weekly. Moreover, if you join the VIP Referral Program, you can get a RM150 e-voucher too. For more information, you can visit the promotional webpage here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Specs & Price Tags: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 announce, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Malaysia launch, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Malaysia release date, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 specs, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Malaysia price, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Malaysia, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 pre-order, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Malaysia pre-order, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 harga, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 price Malaysia

IRS To Summon Users Who Don’t Report And Pay Tax On Crypto Transactions – Cointelegraph https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/irs-to-summon-users-who-dont-report-and-pay-tax-on-crypto-transactions-cointelegraph/ The summons requires M.Y. Safra Bank to submit information about taxpayers who failed to report and pay their taxes on crypto. 413 Total views 18 Total shares With the crypto community growing bigger and as trading volumes reach new highs, the United States is also making more effort to ensure that its Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could properly collect cryptocurrency tax.  U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Hubbert and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig announced that U.S. judge Paul Gardephe authorized the IRS to issue a “John Doe summons,” a term used when the IRS investigates unknown taxpayers. The summons compels the New York-based M.Y. Safra Bank to submit information about taxpayers that might have failed to report and pay taxes on their crypto transactions. According to the announcement, the IRS is specifically looking at users of the crypto exchange SFOX. The IRS believes that even though crypto users are required to report profits and losses, there’s a significant lack of compliance from taxpayers when it comes to digital assets. According to Williams, the government will use all of its tools to identify taxpayers and make sure that everyone pays their taxes. He explained that: “Taxpayers are required to truthfully report their tax liabilities on their returns, and liabilities that arise from cryptocurrency transactions are not exempt.” On the other hand, Rettig said that the authorization of the John Doe summons supports their efforts to ensure that taxpayers dabbling in crypto “pays their fair share.” Related: Tax expert says buying crypto is not a taxable event Meanwhile, crypto analytics firm Coincub recently released a study that shows which countries are the worst in terms of crypto taxation. Belgium ranked on top for its 33% tax on capital gains and withholding 50% from income on trades. Runner-ups include Iceland, Israel, the Philippines and Japan.  On Sept. 6, the Australian government consulted the public in terms of a new law that excludes crypto from being regarded as foreign currency when it comes to taxation. The government gave the public 25 days to share their opinion on the proposal. If signed into law, the definition of digital currency in the countries’ Goods and Services Tax Act will be revised.

Steve Hanke Says The Chance Of A U.S. Recession Just Shot Up To 80% – CNBC https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/steve-hanke-says-the-chance-of-a-u-s-recession-just-shot-up-to-80-cnbc/ There’s an 80% chance of the U.S. falling into a recession — much higher than previously predicted, according to Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University. According to CNBC’s September Fed survey of economists, fund managers and strategists, those surveyed said there’s a 52% chance that U.S. could enter into recession over the next 12 months. “The probability of recession, I think it’s much higher than 50% — I think it’s about 80%. Maybe even higher than 80%,” Hanke told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Friday. “If they continue the quantitative tightening and move that growth rate and M2 (money supply) into negative territory, it’ll be severe.” They have really been searching for inflation and the causes of inflation in all the wrong places. They’re looking at everything under the sun, but the money supply. Steve Hanke Professor of applied economics, Johns Hopkins University. Hanke was critical, and has been in the past, of the Federal Reserve’s failure to manage inflation through keeping an eye on the large supply of money sloshing around in the U.S. economy. “They have really been searching for inflation and the causes of inflation in all the wrong places. They’re looking at everything under the sun, but the money supply,” Hanke said. “And in fact, they’ve doubled and tripled down on the argument that money has no relationship to economic activity or not a reliable relationship to economic activity and inflation.” A customer shops at a supermarket in Oregon. There’s an 80% chance of the U.S. falling into a recession — much higher than previously predicted, according to Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University. Wang Ying | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images He blamed the U.S. central bank for rising inflation. “The reason for that is because the Fed exploded the money supply, starting early 2020 at an unprecedented rate and they don’t want this length to be visible between the money supply and inflation.” “Because if it is, the noose around their neck, and that’s the real problem.” An increase in money supply drives up prices as consumers are willing to pay more for goods. Classical economics, as put forward by Milton Friedman and others, have pointed to money supply as the culprit for out-of-control inflation, Hanke added.  The Fed flooded the U.S. economy with large amounts of stimulus and liquidity to keep it afloat during the pandemic, but did not focus on carefully reducing that money supply over time, the professor said.  The M2 supply of money, a broad measure of money supply which includes cash and deposits, has been growing by double digits in the past three years.  Now the growth of M2 money supply is slowing too quickly and that could send the economy into a recession, Hanke warned.  “They are not addressing it correctly,” he said. “In the five months, we’ve seen broad money major in the United States flatline. It’s not growing at all. Stock picks and investing trends from CNBC Pro: “And now they’re going to introduce quantitative tightening and what that’s going to do that will drive the money supply down, that will drive it down into negative territory if they keep this up.” Hanke said the right economic move would be to keep money supply growing at a “golden growth rate” of 5% to 6% to get inflation to about 2%. “Now it’s zero. And it will probably go negative,” the professor said. “And that’s that’s why we will see a recession in 2023.”

Robot Sleeves For Kids With Cerebral Palsy – UC Riverside https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/robot-sleeves-for-kids-with-cerebral-palsy-uc-riverside/ UC Riverside engineers are developing low-cost, robotic “clothing” to help children with cerebral palsy gain control over their arm movements.  Concept image of proposed assistive device. (Jonathan Realmuto/UCR) Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of serious physical disability in childhood, and the devices envisioned for this project are meant to offer long-term daily assistance for those living with it. However, traditional robots are rigid and not comfortable on the human body. Enabled by a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, this project is taking the novel approach of building devices from soft textiles, which will also facilitate more natural limb functioning.   “Hard materials don’t interact well with humans,” said Jonathan Realmuto, UCR assistant professor of mechanical engineering and project lead. “What we’re going for by using materials like nylon and elastic are essentially robotic garments.” These garments will contain sealed, airtight regions that can inflate, making them temporarily rigid, and providing the force for movement.  “Let’s say you want to flex the elbow for a bicep curl. We can inject air into specially designed bladders embedded in the fabric that would propel the arm forward,” Realmuto said. The project will focus not only on constructing the robot, but also on developing the algorithms that teach the machine to predict movements the wearer wants to execute.  Experimental setup for earlier iteration of the proposed robot sleeves. (Jonathan Realmuto/UCR) “One of the critical challenges in providing movements assistance is interpreting a person’s intention. We want a “volitional controller,” so the robot behaves in terms of what the human wants to do,” Realmuto said. The project team also includes UCR mechanical engineering assistant professor Jun Sheng.  One aspect of such a controller is using a variety of small sensors on the sleeves to detect small voltages generated by muscles when they contract. These sensors will feed the voltage data into an algorithm that will be trained to extract the wearer’s intention from them. Using widely available textiles, rather than traditional, rigid materials will likely keep the cost of the sleeves low. In addition, the team intends to minimize the use of sophisticated electronics, which will also help reduce overall costs for patients. This project is being conducted in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where patients from a pediatric movement disorder clinic will help test and refine the prototypes.  Starting from the left the actuator is in an unpressurized state and moving towards inflation at increasing pressures. (Jonathan Realmuto/UCR) Additionally, the research team will hold annual meetings at the hospital for each of the four years of the project. These meetings will include the patients and their families, as well as occupational therapists, and elicit their feedback on the technology as it develops.  “By centering stakeholders in our design process, we hope to develop a product that truly works for them,” Realmuto said.  The development team views this work as enhancing independence not only for the pediatric patients themselves, but also for entire communities.  “If we can help kids brush their own teeth, pour water or open doors, actions that others take for granted, it’s a huge win for them,” Realmuto said. “But it’s also a win for their families and caretakers.” Although this project is focused on children with movement disorders, the technology can eventually be used for other applications and populations, including geriatric patients and other adults with movement issues.  “Our technology is universal,” Realmuto said. (Cover image: shorrocks/iStock/Getty)

Kennewick Fire Spreads From Structure To Vegetation Off U.S. 395 Near Southridge – YakTriNews KAPP-KVEW https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/kennewick-fire-spreads-from-structure-to-vegetation-off-u-s-395-near-southridge-yaktrinews-kapp-kvew/ September 22, 2022 5:41 PM Posted: September 22, 2022 5:41 PM Updated: September 22, 2022 7:22 PM NEW DETAILS at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 22: Heavy winds are making firefighting efforts difficult near U.S. 395 in the Southridge area, threatening homes near 40th and 41st Avenues. According to fire officials at the scene, the blaze has grown to roughly 70 acres of natural land. The initial structure where the fire is believed to have started is through its second full hour of burning. Despite the circumstances, no homes have been damaged and no injuries have been reported up to this point. Although evacuations have been lifted, residents are still being asked to remain inside. ONGOING: Walla Walla street closed to public, law enforcement official may have been shot KENNEWICK, Wash. — A structure fire spread to vegetation located off U.S. 395 near Southridge Blvd, sending large plumes of smoke while threatening nearby homes. KAPP-KVEW’s Rylee Fitzgerald is at the scene, where a large-scale firefighting response includes crews from across the Kennewick Fire Department and Benton County Fire Districts. Police are also at the scene to assist with the efforts and aid community members whose homes might be in danger. RECENT: Walla Walla firefighters prevent flames from spreading inside home from deck The fire is located close to the Brinkley Industrial Park, eyewitnesses say. Commuters are asked to avoid the area with southbound lanes of U.S. 395 closed to thru traffic. Chief Lonnie Click of Benton County Fire District No. 1 told KAPP-KVEW that the fire started on Interstate 82 and jumper the highway. The cause of the fire is unclear at this stage. Crews from Walla Walla Fire District No. 5 have also rushed to the scene to assist with fire containment efforts. This is a developing news story. An update and/or follow-up will be issued if further details are announced. TOP HEADLINES FROM THE KAPP-KVEW NEWS STAFF: Ellensburg security camera shows vehicle fleeing from a hit-and-run Kennewick gunshot victim dies at hospital as KPD suspects homicide City of Yakima launches free shuttles to Central Washington State Fair Tri-Cities Airport training drill adjusts the day after fiery crash landing Yakima County sheriff’s deputies fatally shoot suspect in Wapato corn field READ: No evidence of foul play in case of missing Yakima 4-year-old despite online rumors COPYRIGHT 2022 BY YAKTRINEWS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.