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Turkey Visa For Saudi, East Timor, Afghan And Bangladesh Citizens – Digital Journal https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/turkey-visa-for-saudi-east-timor-afghan-and-bangladesh-citizens-digital-journal/ Turkey Visa for Saudi Citizens Saudi citizens planning a trip to Turkey must apply for a Turkish visa from Saudi Arabia to enter the border. Citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa to travel to Turkey, even for short stays. You can now conveniently apply for a Turkey visa from Saudi Arabia online. The new electronic visa replaces the traditional “stamp” or “sticker” visa. A Turkey e-Visa allows citizens of Saudi Arabia to visit Turkey for up to 90 days. This is a multiple-entry permit and is valid for 180 days. Citizens of Saudi Arabia can vacation in Turkey or visit the country on a business trip with the e-Visa. What Is a Turkey e-Visa for Saudi Citizens? The Turkey e-Visa for Citizens of Saudi Arabia is an online visa that allows holders to travel to Turkey without having to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate. The Turkey e-Visa was launched in 2013 to improve the speed and convenience of the visa application process for visitors to Turkey. Citizens of eligible countries such as Saudi Arabia must use the e-Visa online application system to apply for an electronic travel visa. Visa Requirements for Citizens of Saudi Arabia A valid passport = your passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months after departing from Turkey. Email address to receive the necessary travel documentation. Payment methods = You can use a credit/debit card or a Paypal account. Turkey Visa for East Timor Citizens Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. And the good news is that the country is open to international travel. Millions of travellers come to this country every year, whether for tourism or business reasons or to simply to enjoy all that Turkey has to offer. East Timor is not on the list of visa-exempt countries to Turkey, therefore a Turkey visa is required. What is a Turkish electronic visa? The online Turkey e-Visa was launched in 2013 to replace the lengthy process of applying for a visa at an embassy or consulate. Visitors wishing to visit Turkey for other purposes such as working or studying must apply to a Turkish Embassy or Consulate in East Timor. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY? Copy of your passport with a passport validity of at least 6 months after your entry date. It also needs to be in good condition and have two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps. Valid email address to send you the confirmation and final travel documents. To pay the e-visa charge, you must have a valid payment method such as a debit or credit card. Turkey Visa from Afghanistan Turkish visa for Afghans is now available online. Turkey eVisa application is fast, efficient and electronic. If you are from Afghanistan, Turkey’s new visa for Afghans made visiting Turkey much quicker than before. Visiting the beautiful places of Turkey is just a click away from the Electronic Travel Authorization process that will issue you the Turkey e-Visa. Afghans can stay in Turkey for up to one month with an approved e-Visa. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY Afghanistan Citizens Passport: You will need a passport issued by the government of Afghanistan. The passport should not expire before 6 months of your arrival in Turkey. a valid credit or debit card or PayPal account to pay for the Turkey Visa Online.   a valid email address, to receive the Turkey eVisa in their inbox. Turkey Visa for Bangladesh Citizens The Turkey e-Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens is an e-Visa that allows visits to the Republic of Turkey for tourism or commercial purposes. It can be applied for quickly and easily online. the Turkish government created the Turkey e-Visa in 2013 to facilitate international tourism and visits. Thee-Visa replaces the former “Sticker Visa” and offers visitors to Bangladeshnumerous benefits with more competitive prices, online availability and faster processing times. WHAT IS A TURKEY EVISA FOR BANGLADESHI CITIZENS? The Turkey e-Visa is an electronic authorization system that has allowed around 100 countries around the world to enter Turkey since 2013. This process is easier than before when you had to go to an embassy to get it. TURKEY E-VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF BANGLADESH Valid passport with at least six months of validation. An e-mail address For payment methods, you can choose between a credit/debit card. Other requirements that you will need are a return ticket, a hotel reservation, and financial support for your trip. How Will Bangladeshis Receive their Turkey e-Visa? The Turkish government reviews all e-Visa applications and usually responds with a confirmation email within 24 hours. Bangladeshi applicants should submit their form at least 2-3 business days prior to travel to accommodate the busiest travel times. The electronic visa will be available via a downloadable link. Bangladeshis are advised to print a copy of their e-Visa and show it to the border control officers upon arrival in Turkey. Media Contact Company Name: TURKEY Official Contact Person: Anhdo Thomas Melisa Email: Send Email Phone: +84 28 3521 8100 Address:Lau 20,Toa nha Vincom, 47 Ly Tu Trong Country: Vietnam Website: www.turkey-visa-online.org/vi/visa/

Asian Stocks Follow Wall St Lower Amid Inflation Pressure – 69News WFMZ-TV https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/asian-stocks-follow-wall-st-lower-amid-inflation-pressure-69news-wfmz-tv/ BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets followed Wall Street lower on Friday after higher-than-expected U.S. inflation dashed hopes the Federal Reserve might ease off more interest rate hikes. Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney declined. Oil edged higher. Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index lost 1.1% on Thursday, adding to declines since this week’s release of government data showing inflation stayed near a four-decade high in August despite four interest rate hikes this year to slow the economy. On Thursday, U.S. government data showed unemployment claims last week declined while August consumer sales rose. That gives ammunition to Federal Reserve officials who say the economy can tolerate more rate hikes. Wall Street’s decline indicates “no sign of relief for risk sentiments” while the job market data “provided the go-ahead for further tightening” in monetary policy, Yeap Jun Rong of IG said in a report. The Shanghai Composite index lost 0.7% to 3,178.31 and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo sank 1.1% to 27,568.68. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong retreated 0.8% to 18,800.78. The Kospi in Seoul shed 0.6% to 2,386.81 and Sydney’s S&P-ASX 200 was 1.2% lower at 6,762.00. Singapore gained less than 0.1% while New Zealand and other Southeast Asian markets declined. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 declined to 3,901.35 after the Labor Department said the number of applications for unemployment benefits last week fell to a four-month low. The market benchmark is down 4.1% for the week following the biggest pullback in two years on Tuesday after the government reported U.S. consumer prices rose 8.3% from a year earlier and 0.1% compared with July. The overall figure was down from June’s 9.1% peak, but core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices to give a clearer picture of the trend, rose to 0.6% over the previous month, up from July’s 0.3% increase. Traders worry aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe and Asia to control price rises might derail global economic growth. Two of the Fed’s rate hikes this year have been by 0.75 percentage points, triple its usual margin, and traders expect a similar increase this month. Fed chair Jerome Powell said in August that rates would stay elevated for some time until the U.S. central bank is sure inflation is under control. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% to 30,961.82. The Nasdaq slid 1.4% to 11,552.36. Retail sales data gave a mixed view of how American consumers are coping with inflation. Sales rose by an unexpectedly strong 0.3% in August after falling 0.4% in July. Railroad operators mostly edged higher after a tentative labor agreement was reached, averting a disruptive strike. Union Pacific rose 0.2% and Norfolk Southern gained 0.3%. CSX fell 3.4%. In energy markets, benchmark U.S. crude rose 15 cents to $85.25 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell $3.38 on Thursday to $85.10. Brent crude, the price basis for international oil trading, gained 23 cents to $91.07 per barrel in London. It lost $3.26 the previous session to $90.84. The dollar edged down to 143.44 yen from Thursday’s 143.49 yen. The euro gained to 99.94 cents from 99.91 cents. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Self-Care Is Possible At SMDC: Mindfulness Coach Shares Experience Living In A Healthy Environment – INQUIRER.net https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/self-care-is-possible-at-smdc-mindfulness-coach-shares-experience-living-in-a-healthy-environment-inquirer-net/ One’s environment can affect one’s mental health. Your living space can either make you feel happy, or increase your stress levels.  For those who practice mindfulness, they find that it’s very important to live in a home that brings them joy and inspires them to pursue their passions. For 42-year-old mindfulness coach Sunshine Cariño, this place is at SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Berkeley Residences.  “I feel safe living here because everyone—from the management to the residents—take an active role in making this place a safe haven for everyone to live in. We can see how the security staff works hard to ensure a peaceful and safe community for us.” – Sunshine Excel Carino of Berkeley Residences “Berkeley Residences offers convenience and so much more. I can work outdoors when I want. I can use the student lounge if I need WiFi or study with others. There’s even a function room in case I need to hold an event or talk. Living here encouraged me to connect with others,” shares Sunshine. As a Yoli coach and an internationally-recognized certified mindfulness teacher from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Sunshine knows all too well that her living environment is crucial for her to deliver her job. And one of the best reasons of living in a community like SMDC is that the environment itself can help nurture a sound mind and body. “SMDC supports my business and my job because I can also work outdoors whenever I want. Berkeley Residences is a place where I know I feel safe and comfortable,” said mindfulness and wellness advocate Sunshine Carino. “I am definitely happy. It’s a place where I know I feel safe and comfortable. I have a relaxing view of the pool every day and I find that nourishing for my well-being,” asserts Sunshine. The mom of three has been living in SMDC’s Berkeley Residences for 10 years now and she’s been living her best life so far. Sunshine used to live and work in Baguio, and was planning on moving back to Manila when the opportunity of owning a unit in a condominium property in Katipunan presented itself to her at the most perfect time. After a long day, achieve that sense of peace and tranquility with the expansive pool of SMDC’s Berkeley Residences. “I grew up in Katipunan and I thought that having a real estate investment in the area would be great. Of course I wanted to make sure that the developer is trustworthy. There’s no doubt that SMDC is that kind of a company. I also chose to get a unit in Berkeley Residences because my kids and I study and work in the area, so I didn’t really see any disadvantage in the investment,” explains Sunshine. Located along Katipunan Avenue, SMDC’s Berkeley Residences is just right across Miriam College and Ateneo De Manila University. It is within walking distance to various specialty restaurants and shopping centers. The residential community has useful amenities like student lounge and swimming pools, suited for students looking to strike a balance between work and play. In this property, residents’ basic needs are made available within their reach. If there’s one thing that makes her life happy, it’s the conduciveness of the space that enables her to do well in her job. And that even if she lives in a condominium property, she doesn’t feel deprived of having access to self-care. “Taking self-care breaks in-between tasks allows me to be more focused and productive. My self-breaks include taking meditating walks, mindful eating, doing some qi gong exercises, and listening to music that makes me feel good. I have turned my 1-bedroom unit into my own meditation space or I call it my breathing space,” she furthers. SMDC’s Berkeley Residences lobby provides a perfect welcome to its residents and guests, and offers unique opportunities for relaxation and socialization. Sunshine also noted how well the management has been ensuring everyone’s safety. As for the cleanliness of the space, the lobbies, elevators, hallways, and even the parking spaces are well-maintained. “My life is better because I worry less since my basic needs in terms of accessibility, security and sanitation are always met. I think SMDC makes sure that we are comfortable 24/7. The efficient security and staff go the extra mile to assist me also when there’s need for repairs,” she adds. Living in SMDC has helped Sunshine and her kids adapt well to the ever-changing demands of life. The community makes her feel cared for, appreciated, and nurtured. Thanks to SMDC, the super momma can take care of herself and the people around her.  “I have committed myself to be of service to others by teaching a simple practice called mindfulness that can have strong ripple effects in the communities they belong to. SMDC has helped me achieve all these and more,” Sunshine ends. ADVT. Read more stories here: From BFFs to real estate investment partners Makerlab Electronics partners with DOST-AMCen Read Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000. For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS – Collision Repair Mag https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/technology-news-collision-repair-mag/ MORE TECH, MORE TROUBLES New vehicle technology comes with an understandable learning curve for drivers, though a recent J.D. Power report suggests these additions affect driver satisfaction in ways more nuanced than it may seem. In its 2022 Tech Experience Index (TXI) studies and Initial Quality Studies (IQS), J.D. Power measured vehicle quality via a problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) model. The company claims that, while the “notion that advanced technologies always lead to significant problems is a misconception,” certain pieces of technology have been found to be easier for drivers to adapt to than others. “Of the advanced technologies included in the 2022 TXI Study, 46 percent had at least one problem with a PP100 score higher than the most problematic attribute included in the 2022 IQS, with some exceeding it several times over,” said the report. In its most recent study, J.D. Power found there was significant variation in meeting user expectations between different pieces of advanced technology. For example, rear seat reminder technology had a range of problems from 1.9 PP100 to 26.2 PP100, demonstrating that tech can be developed with minimal owner complaints. On the other hand, fingerprint reading technology was identified as the most problematic technology in driver satisfaction, scoring a PP100 of 54.3. J.D. Power expressed that they do not want to see automakers discouraged from developing more advanced technology based solely on how initial satisfaction is affected by change. FACT, NOT FICTION Autonomous vehicles (AVs) may lead to safer roads—a challenge the collision repair industry will have to seriously consider. CEICA hosted a webinar on Aug. 25 led by Tara Andringa, executive director at Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), a non-profit organization promoting public education on AVs. When asked about how mass AV adoption will affect the collision repair industry, Andringa said collision repairers will need to join the conversation, given that this innovation has no real equivalents or historical precedents. She cites law enforcement as another industry that faces intense shakeups—police officers may have to pull over AVs or get information from an empty AV, while repairers need to learn about AV technology and prepare their industry for the shakeup. Given that AVs do not get tired, distracted and have more complete vision than the average driver, it is extremely likely this technology will make driving safer and accessible to more people. By the time it’s rolled out, truly autonomous AVs will be among the most vetted technologies in the world. NO KNOCK NEEDED According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region, four Dodge Ram 1500s were stolen on August 28 from the driveways of multiple residences, with relay attacks suspected. Unlike traditional entry methods, relay attacks use technology to duplicate key fob signals emanating from a nearby location. These duplicated signals, combined with a blank key fob, allows thieves to digitally copy the vehicle’s key. While earlier reports suggest that physical entry and mechanical breaches remain the most used technique, the rising prevalence of relay attacks in 2022 suggests that they are no longer as rare as initially believed. There is a simple defence against this technique though–faraday cages and key pouches can do the job for a considerable price, but a cookie tin will protect you just as well. A BITE OF THE APPLE Some high-tech nefariousness seems to be at play with the development of Apple’s mysterious autonomous vehicle, as a former engineer for the tech giant pleaded guilty to trade secret theft in U.S. federal court in August. Zhang Xiaolang was heading to the airport to catch a one-way flight to China in July 2018 when he was arrested under the charge of having downloaded a 25-page document to his wife’s laptop that included schematic drawings of a circuit board design for a portion of an autonomous vehicle. Zhang admitted to the accusation during a hearing in San Jose, Calif. Trade secret theft carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The former Apple engineer, who was hired on as a hardware engineer in the company’s autonomous vehicle division in 2015, was reportedly on his way to China to work with a startup company also operating in the electric and autonomous vehicles sector. THE MOD’ POD New research from the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) suggests that nearly half of all late-model pickup owners have modified their pickups—and these drivers are reportedly considering even more modifications in the future. The report found that pickup owners spent US$16 billion on specialty equipment parts in 2021, and that half of an estimated 29 million pickup trucks 2010 or newer are modified. SEMA also suggests that 62 percent of latemodel pickup accessorizers buy off-road parts, and that 84 percent of those accessorizers plan to make mods in the future. Further, SEMA says that 45 percent of specialty equipment business see electric pickup trucks as an “opportunity.”

GMC Hummer EV Goes Gaming In Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Motor1 https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/gmc-hummer-ev-goes-gaming-in-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-ii-motor1/ An all-electric vehicle has joined Call of Duty for the first time. This is in the form of the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck, which has collaborated with the popular Activision first-person shooter video game franchise. Announced during the Call of Duty: Next event and teased by GMC a few days before, the Hummer EV pickup truck will be in two upcoming Call of Duty games. “The GMC Hummer EV Pickup is truly the world’s first all-electric supertruck. Now, it is entering the gaming world where it will define a new chapter of capability and bring players together across the globe,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “Bringing the supertruck into Call of Duty will allow players to elevate their experience and provide a new way to play, powered by a nearly quiet and fast-accelerating EV,” he added. The GMC Hummer EV will be appearing in the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. As mentioned, this is the first time that an EV has joined the Infinity Ward-developed video game. Moreover, the Hummer EV will also be a playable vehicle in the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Players will be able to use the truck to explore the massive play space of the online multiplayer vvideo game. “We’re excited to bring the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup into the fold for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0,” said William Gahagan, director of Global Partnerships at Activision. “There’s nothing like driving across Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 in an all-electric, 1,000 horsepower supertruck. I can’t wait for players to get their hands on it this fall.” The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will debut on October 28, 2022, while the Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 is coming this fall.

Giants First-Round Pick Kayvon Thibodeaux ‘really Confident’ About Making NFL Debut Vs. The Panthers – CBS Sports https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/giants-first-round-pick-kayvon-thibodeaux-really-confident-about-making-nfl-debut-vs-the-panthers-cbs-sports/ USA Today It’s good to be a New York Giants fan. Fresh off of their season-opening win over the Titans, rookie first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux expects to make his regular-season debut Sunday against the Panthers. Thibodeaux missed the opener after sustaining a sprained right MCL during the Giants’ second preseason game.  Thibodeaux was limited during Wednesday and Thursday’s practices. Giants coach Brian Daboll said that his rookie linebacker took part in team drills Wednesday and was a little more involved in practice on Thursday. Thibodeaux also did some extra cardio on his own.  “Getting close,” Thibodeaux said on Thursday, via ESPN. “Like I said, trying not to look too far — what is today? Today is Thursday — still have Friday, Saturday. I’m really confident in this Sunday.” The fifth overall pick in the draft, Thibodeaux racked up 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in 31 games with the Ducks. The first player in a dozen years to lead Oregon in sacks and tackles for loss in back-to-back seasons, Thibodeaux was also the first Ducks defensive lineman to earn All-America honors since Colts Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in 2015.  Assuming he plays on Sunday, Thibodeaux will look to help the Giants’ defense contain a Panthers offense that is led by former All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. New York’s defense played well in Week 1, allowing just 19 first downs and 93 rushing yards on 26 carries in the 21-20 win.  “We’ve been making great gains,” Thibodeaux said. “Ultimately it will come to how I feel on Friday and Saturday. But everything is going well and I’m optimistic about it.”

Nikko Unveils Metaverse ETF In Hong Kong – ETF Strategy https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/nikko-unveils-metaverse-etf-in-hong-kong-etf-strategy/ Nikko Asset Management has unveiled a thematic equity ETF in Hong Kong providing actively managed exposure to companies worldwide that are developing and enabling the metaverse. The metaverse is a hypothesized iteration of the internet, supporting persistent online 3-D virtual environments. The NikkoAM Metaverse Theme Active ETF is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in Hong Kong dollars (3091 HK) and US dollars (9091 HK) and has estimated ongoing charges of 1.25%. The fund has been created by revamping one of Nikko’s existing strategies, the NikkoAM E-Games Active ETF. The metaverse is a term used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe. Combining aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented & virtual reality, e-commerce, and blockchain technology, the metaverse is expected to influence many aspects of people’s lives including how they interact, socialize, learn, shop, work, and play virtually. While still in its infancy, the metaverse has already attracted billions of dollars of investment. Morgan Stanley analysts predict the metaverse has the potential to generate $8.3 trillion in total consumer expenditure in the US alone, depending on the level of disruption. Investment approach The ETF utilizes Nikko’s proprietary research to identify companies across several metaverse-related business categories. Hardware companies refer to those that are developing physical technologies such as augmented & virtual reality devices, mobile phones, and enterprise hardware that will allow individuals and businesses to interact in a virtual environment. Computing companies refer to those that are delivering computer power to support the operation of the metaverse. The category includes companies involved with semiconductors, data matching, and artificial intelligence. Connectivity companies refer to those that are providing high bandwidth or networks enabling data transmission on the metaverse. Eligible firms include cloud service providers and telecommunication companies providing fiber networks. Platform companies refer to those that are creating and operating immersive 3D worlds in the metaverse. Eligible firms include online gaming and social media platforms. Tools companies refer to those that are providing protocols such as Web 3.0 and the facilitation of 3D rendering. Payments companies refer to those that are facilitating transactions in the metaverse via fiat currency on-ramps, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens. Content companies refer to those that are facilitating the creation, storage, distribution, and protection of digital assets such as games, online avatars, and NFTs. Eligible firms include electronic game developers and companies that offer NFTs on underlying assets. There is one other ETF in Hong Kong targeting the global metaverse theme – the CSOP Metaverse Concept ETF (3034 HK) – which also adopts an actively managed approach. Its estimated ongoing charges are 2.00%. The Samsung Asia Pacific ex NZ Metaverse Theme ETF (3172 HK), meanwhile, targets metaverse-related companies specifically located in the Asia Pacific region, also utilizing an active approach. Its ongoing charges are 0.85%.

Gulf Shores City Schools Debuts New STEAM Collaborative Learning Center – Fox 10 News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/gulf-shores-city-schools-debuts-new-steam-collaborative-learning-center-fox-10-news/ GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – Gulf Shores City Schools debuted its newest addition, the STEAM Collaborative Learning Center at the elementary school, and it was full of gadgets. “You can’t find a dull moment in this building,” said one student. Students here get hands-on experience every day. STEAM stood for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and it gave kids a new opportunity to engineer robots, learn public speaking, and bring textbooks to life. “We believe that letting students experience as many different career paths as possible is the key to help them find their passion in life,” said Kevin Corcoran, school board president. The center officially debuted Thursday, though kids have been in class since the beginning of the school year. The $4.8 million facility has their every dream with six eye-catching and tech-savvy classrooms and two STEAM labs. A basketball court sat outside, and there were even aquariums in the hallway. “The kids in here were so excited,” said Noel Hand, public works director for the City of Gulf Shores. “The parents were so excited. We just love the excitement and energy that was in this building.” Students were really looking forward to learning there. “It’s cool how everything is put together so beautifully,” said one student. “This whole building is beautiful. I love the architecture. I love the fish tank. I love the map.” Another agreed. “This is something new we’ve never, ever had, and the new high school is going to be like this, and we’re going to be in that high school, so we are really excited,” she said. “It’s just awesome to see how this community built this whole entire school.” A new eight classroom addition is coming in fall of 2023. — Download the FOX10 Weather App. Get life-saving severe weather warnings and alerts for your location no matter where you are. Available free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Copyright 2022 WALA. All rights reserved.

HSBC’s CEO Explains Why Crypto Is Not In The Banking Giant’s Future – Finance Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/hsbcs-ceo-explains-why-crypto-is-not-in-the-banking-giants-future-finance-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Banking giant HSBC will not be offering crypto services, according to CEO Noel Quinn. Noting that HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks, the executive stressed: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto.” HSBC Will Not Get Into Crypto, CEO Says The chief executive of HSBC, Noel Quinn, talked about his bank’s cryptocurrency stance in an interview with CNBC-TV18 last week. He confirmed: As a bank, we’re not getting into the crypto world, crypto trading, crypto exchanges. Emphasizing that cryptocurrencies are too volatile, the HSBC chief said: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto and I have done for a while. I’m not going to predict where it will go in the future.” Quinn proceeded to explain why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. He stated: As a product, I questioned its suitability for many of the consumers in the marketplace today. So that’s why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. In May last year, Quinn told Reuters: “I view bitcoin as more of an asset class than a payments vehicle, with very difficult questions about how to value it on the balance sheet of clients because it is so volatile.” He added: “Given the volatility, we are not into bitcoin as an asset class … We are not promoting it as an asset class within our wealth management business.” As for stablecoins, Quinn said at the time: “For similar reasons, we’re not rushing into stablecoins.” He explained that stablecoins “do have some reserve backing behind them to address the stored value concerns, but it depends on who the sponsoring organization is, plus the structure and accessibility of the reserve.” In April last year, HSBC Canada notified clients that its crypto policy had changed, stating that it would not facilitate the buying or exchange of products related to virtual currencies. For example, clients could no longer buy shares of Microstrategy (MSTR-US) through HSBC Invest Direct. What do you think about the comments by HSBC CEO Noel Quinn about cryptocurrency? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

U.S. General Warns Of China’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/u-s-general-warns-of-chinas-expanding-nuclear-arsenal-the-washington-post/ President Biden’s nominee to take over the U.S. military’s nuclear arsenal and missile-defense operations warned on Thursday that China’s rise as a nuclear power poses historic threats and challenges requiring a reevaluation of current policies. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers reviewing his nomination to lead U.S. Strategic Command that the military’s assessment of China’s nuclear mettle had changed dramatically since 2018 when Beijing was judged as requiring “minimal nuclear deterrence.” At that time, the Pentagon’s nuclear posture review assessed China’s ambitions as being focused on “regional hegemony,” he explained. That impression started to shift in recent years, as China made concerted efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities, and stepped up its aggressive posture toward the United States and its regional allies. The Pentagon’s latest nuclear posture review was transmitted to Congress in March and has not yet been made public, but Cotton appeared to foreshadow some of its top-line findings during Thursday’s testimony. “We have seen the incredible expansiveness of what they’re doing with their nuclear force — which does not, in my opinion, reflect minimal deterrence. They have a bona fide triad now,” Cotton explained, meaning the Chinese military has nuclear-capable forces that operate on land, and in the air and sea. The nuclear threat posed by China, he added, cannot be sufficiently addressed by duplicating the approach the United States has taken toward Russia, whose nuclear aims are familiar to the United States and date back decades to the Cold War. Beijing and Moscow, the general said, “act differently, from a doctrine’s perspective.” After racing each other for years to build up their nuclear arsenals, the United States and the former Soviet Union struck several arms reduction pacts in the later part of the 20th century. Only one of those treaties — the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which applies to intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and nuclear capable bombers — remains in effect. Historically, Beijing did not possess the arsenal of the two major Cold War superpowers, nor were its nuclear ambitions regarded in Washington with the same intensity as Moscow’s. China was also never a party to the arms-control regimes that have defined the nuclear relationship between the United States and Russia — a fact that politicians and advocates insist must be remedied going forward. “We need to seriously consider that we are entering a new, trilateral nuclear competition era,” the committee chairman, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) told Cotton. “You will be responsible for continuing to ensure that the United States and its allies can deter not one, but two near-peer nuclear adversaries, something your predecessors did not face.” Cotton did not detail his plans for updating the military’s approach to China, but he acknowledged there was work to be done to correct the imbalance. “We understand Russian nuclear theory and nuclear doctrine,” Cotton said, citing President Vladimir Putin’s decision to put his nuclear forces on high alert days after the invasion of Ukraine — a move met largely with indifference by the Pentagon, and one that so far has not resulted in any direct assault on NATO. “We’re going to have to understand more deeply the Chinese nuclear strategy,” he added. Cotton was resolute, however, in assessing that “at the end of the day, Russia and China both understand that we have a strong, resilient nuclear force that is offering deterrence to ourselves and extended deterrence to our enemies.” But the United States must take seriously threats by Moscow or Beijing to use nuclear weapons, the general said — particularly when it comes to potential confrontation over Taiwan. “If you have a credible deterrent, it would make them think twice before engaging with us,” Cotton noted. Some senators challenged Cotton to say not only what he would do to expand and update the military’s portfolio of nuclear weapons, but how he would go about ensuring that U.S. proliferation won’t get out of hand. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked Cotton to say whether he agreed with the Biden administration’s recommendation to scrap the development of sea-launched low-yield nuclear cruise missiles over concerns about the program’s cost and efficiency. That position, which administration officials have said was informed by the most recent nuclear posture review, has inspired some controversy, with some fearing the program’s cancellation will negatively impact the U.S. military’s ability to compete with its adversaries’ nuclear capabilities. Earlier this year, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley publicly joined those criticizing Biden’s decision. When asked for his take Thursday, Cotton demurred, saying he wanted an opportunity to conduct a full review of the program after his expected confirmation. But when Hirono asked Cotton whether he believes the United States has a role to play in limiting the nuclear arms race, he answered: “I do.” “Whatever treaty that we could do to prevent proliferation is good, with a caveat: that it incorporates every aspect of what the signing agreement would be. Weapons that are currently not seen as strategic weapons need to be added to that calculus,” Cotton elaborated, before concluding: “Any treaty that would prevent proliferation across the globe, I am for.”

GOP Governor Nominee Says He’ll Fight US Abortion Ban – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/gop-governor-nominee-says-hell-fight-us-abortion-ban-the-washington-post/ RENO, Nev. — Nevada’s GOP governor nominee said Thursday he would fight against a national abortion ban if congress were to pass one. “It’s the vote of the people within the state of Nevada, and I will support that,” Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who is anti-abortion, said in a press gaggle next to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin after the two spent the day campaigning across the state. “That is an issue that doesn’t need to be in politics.” Nevada voters codified the right to abortion up to 24 weeks into law in a 1990 referendum vote. Any order to place more restrictions on abortion would have to come from a vote of the people, not the state legislature, unlike in many other states. Earlier this week, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham proposed a near-total abortion ban after 15 weeks. The legislation undermined many GOP candidates’ arguments this summer that the future of abortion rights in the U.S. would be decided by individual states. Lombardo maintained that the decision should be up to Nevada voters, not politicians. He has long campaigned as an anti-abortion governor who would respect the state’s 1990 referendum vote. “I’m Catholic and pro-life. But in Nevada, the right to an abortion is codified in law, and only Nevada voters can change that,” he has said in previous statements. Still, a nationwide abortion ban would supersede Nevada law. It is unclear what avenues Lombardo would take to fight against the congressional mandate if it were to happen. Lombardo’s announcement came in contrast to some Republicans who have shied away or supported Sen. Lindsay Graham’s proposed 15-week ban. Republican Congressional candidate April Becker, from Nevada’s 3rd congressional district, is pro-life except for instances of rape and incest. But she told NBC News this week that she would vote against a nationwide abortion ban, calling it unconstitutional for Congress to regulate abortion. Also on Thursday, New Mexico’s Republican governor nominee proposed a statewide referendum that could place new limitations on abortion access. In the days following the Supreme Court’s decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade, Nevada Gov. Sisolak signed an executive order saying that Nevada will not assist other states that try to prosecute residents who travel to Nevada for abortions. It also ensures medical boards and commissions that oversee medical licenses do not discipline or disqualify doctors who provide abortions. Though he has stepped back from when he said he would overturn the executive order, Lombardo has maintained that he would “look at it from the lens of being a pro-life governor.” Lombardo and Youngkin spent the day holding events in both Las Vegas and Reno, where the Virginia governor evoked his own high-profile victory a year ago at events in both Reno and Las Vegas. Lombardo attacked Nevada’s Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak on education, crime and his closing of nonessential businesses during COVID-19. He talked of further diversifying Nevada’s economy, more power for school decision-making to parents and expanding charter schools. “This was a movement,” Youngkin said of his victory later on. “And that movement is here now. It’s your turn.” ___ Stern is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Stern on Twitter @gabestern326

Tech ‘capitulation’: BofA Top Banker Rick Sherlund Predicts Breakout In Mergers Due To Troubled Economy – CNBC https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/tech-capitulation-bofa-top-banker-rick-sherlund-predicts-breakout-in-mergers-due-to-troubled-economy-cnbc/ Mergers in software may be about to break out. Top investment banker Rick Sherlund of Bank of America sees a wave of struggling companies putting themselves up for sale at cheaper prices due to the economic downturn. related investing news “You do need to see greater capitulation,” the firm’s vice chair of technology investment banking told CNBC’s “Fast Money” on Thursday. “Companies will have their valuation expectations soften, and that will combine with more fully functional financial markets. I think it will accelerate the pace of M&A [mergers and acquisitions].” His broad analysis comes on the heels of Adobe‘s $20 billion dollar deal Thursday for design platform Figma. Adobe failed to generate excitement on Wall Street. Its shares plunged 17% due to questions about the price tag. Sherlund, a former software analyst who hit No. 1 on Institutional Investor’s all-star analyst list 17 times in a row, worked at Goldman Sachs during the 2000 tech bubble. He believes the Street is now in the beginning stages of a difficult market cycle. “You need to get through third quarter earnings reports to feel confident that maybe the bad news is largely out into the market because companies will be reporting lengthening of sales cycles,” he said. “We need to reset expectations for 2023.” Read more about tech and crypto from CNBC Pro Sherlund and his team are very active in the M&A market. “You have private equity with a boatload of cash, and they need functioning debt markets for leverage to do deals,” Sherlund noted. “They’re very eager and actively looking at this sector … It suggests that [for] M&A, in absence of an IPO market, we’re just going to see a lot more consolidation coming in the sector.” He notes the IPO has been hurt in connection with rising interest rate headwinds and inflation. “[The IPO market] is not open. But when the window does open back up, you are going to see a lot of companies going public,” he added. The long-term prospects for software are extremely attractive, according to Sherlund. “You’ve got to be very bullish on the long-term fundamentals of the sector,” Sherlund said. “Every company is becoming a digital enterprise.” Disclaimer

The Biggest Gaming News For September 15, 2022 – TheGamer https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-biggest-gaming-news-for-september-15-2022-thegamer/ Tokyo Games Show is in full swing and has already delivered lots of exciting reveals, but it’s Kojima that has everyone talking as he has shared a new tease for an upcoming project. Other big announcements made today include the release date of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 and Elden Ring has picked up the first of what will likely be many, many Game of the Year awards. Read on for more info. Kojima Teases New Game With Cryptic Poster, Fans Suspect Jordan Peele And Elle Fanning Involved Kojima is partial to teasing his fans whenever he has a new project on the horizon, and he’s doing it yet again with a cryptic image shared to the Kojima Productions website which depicts the silhouette of a woman’s head with the words “Who Am I?” over the top. Internet sleuths have already figured out that Elle Fanning is likely the woman responsible for the silhouette, prompting fans to think that she’ll be involved in a Kojima title that will be announced shortly. Call of Duty Warzone 2.0 Launches November 16 Infinity Ward made an appearance during this year’s Call of Duty Next showcase, giving fans the release date for Warzone 2.0 as well as a look at new map Al Mazrah. Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 will launch as a free to play title for all platforms on November 16 later this year, with the game set to introduce proximity chat as well as a new Tarkov-inspired game mode called DMZ. via FromSoftware Elden Ring Wins Game Of The Year At The Japan Game Awards We’re rapidly approaching awards season soon as I’m sure many of you will already be thinking about what game’s you’d place in your top ten lists. One game that is likely to dominate this year is Elden Ring, as the title has already managed to pick up one Game of the Year award during the Japan Game Awards, an event that takes place during Tokyo Game Show. That’s one in the bag already, as more awards are likely to follow the closer we get to the end of the year. via Blizzard Overwatch 2’s Kiriko Confirmed, First New Healer In Almost 3 Years Activision Blizzard has finally confirmed the existence of its new Overwatch 2 hero today, despite several leaks having already given us a look at the character as well as her cinematic. Kiriko was officially unveiled during Xbox’s showcase at Tokyo Game Show and will be the first healer added to the series in almost three years. Street Fighter 6 Confirms Character Creator And Shows Off More Of Its Open World Finally, Capcom also had a showcase during Tokyo Game Show in which it revealed some of the big titles it has in development. One of these titles was Street Fighter 6, as it has now been confirmed that the game will feature a character creator that will let you make the most messed up fighter the franchise has ever seen. We also got a good look at more of the game’s open world, as Street Fighter 6 promises to be a lot deeper than past titles. Next: Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage Going To Bring Back Double-A Games?

Travel Platform Amadeus Teams With Uplift To Offer BNPL To US, Canada – PYMNTS.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/travel-platform-amadeus-teams-with-uplift-to-offer-bnpl-to-us-canada-pymnts-com/ Buy now, pay later (BNPL) company Uplift is partnering with travel platform Amadeus for customers in the U.S. and Canada, a press release said Thursday (Sept. 15). It comes as 68% of travelers surveyed by Amadeus have said they’d spend more on travel if BNPL was an option. Forty-nine percent of those surveyed said they’d be more likely to buy airline ancillary services. Travel is often a big purchase for customers, particularly for those planning bigger trips. There have been more options in recent years for BNPL, especially as customers have had to tighten their belts due to the economy. Amadeus will bring BNPL services to its Amadeus Xchange Payment Platform (XPP), which is used by airlines and travel companies for everything from fraud prevention to payment acceptance. Travelers will be able to choose to pay in installments over six, nine or 12 months. “The growth of BNPL across all sectors has been remarkable and the message from travelers is clear – they want the choice to pay for the trip in installments,” said Beatrice Bouju, head of partnerships, payments at Amadeus. “Such payment options will help travel’s recovery by facilitating pent-up demand for higher value holidays as travel restrictions are lifted.” Uplift Chief Commercial Officer Tom Botts said travelers seem to enjoy paying in installments because of its potential to alleviate stress. “Now, travel providers that rely on the Amadeus Xchange Payment Platform can add Uplift’s flexible payments quickly and simply, immediately benefiting from stronger customer loyalty and increased bookings,” he said. BNPL services surged 226% in the second quarter, and with summer vacations it could be said that the payment style was helping to boost travel. Uplift was among those partnering with various airlines and travel agencies. Read more: Summer Vacation’s Back, and Buy Now, Pay Later Along for the Ride “This new payment offering provides customers the benefit of reserving cruise experiences by spreading the cost over easy monthly payments,” Uplift said earlier in the year about a cruise-related partnership. “Additionally, through Uplift’s pay-over-time option, customers can easily upgrade to a larger cabin class, add on-board amenities or shore excursions for only a few extra dollars a month.” Sign up for our daily newsletter. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors. Learn More https://www.pymnts.com/buy-now-pay-later/2022/bnpl-provider-tabby-expands-egypt-serve-growing-ecommerce-market/partial/

Florida, Texas Escalate Flights, Buses To Move Migrants – Fredericksburg.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/florida-texas-escalate-flights-buses-to-move-migrants-fredericksburg-com/ By RODRIQUE NGOWI – Associated Press EDGARTOWN, Mass. (AP) — Republican governors are escalating their partisan tactic of sending migrants to Democratic strongholds without advance warning, including a wealthy summer enclave in Massachusetts and the home of Vice President Kamala Harris, to taunt leaders of immigrant-friendly “sanctuary” cities and stoke opposition to Biden administration border policies. The governors of Texas and Arizona have sent thousands of migrants on buses to New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., in recent months. But the latest surprise moves — which included two flights to Martha’s Vineyard Wednesday paid for by Florida — reached a new level of political theater that critics derided as inhumane. Upon arrival in Martha’s Vineyard, where former President Barack Obama has a home, the migrants who are predominantly from Venezuela were provided with meals, shelter, health care and information about where to find work. The vacation island south of Boston, whose year-round residents include many blue-collar workers, appeared to absorb the dozens of arrivals without a major hitch. Elizabeth Folcarelli, chief executive of the nonprofit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, was wrapping up work when she saw 48 Venezuelans with luggage and backpacks approach her office. They carried red folders with brochures for her organization. “They were told that they would have a job. and they would have housing,” said Folcarelli, who described the scramble for shelter as a “huge challenge.” Migrants played soccer and hung out in small groups on the porch of their temporary shelter Thursday while meeting visiting attorneys who gave free advice and other service providers. Well-wishers dropped off donations, and volunteers signed up to provide whatever help the could offer. There were no signs of protest. The president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, Domingo Garcia, said that some of the migrants sent on buses from Texas to Washington, D.C. were “tricked” — an allegation that The Associated Press has not confirmed and that officials in Texas and Arizona have denied. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the flights to Martha’s Vineyard were part of an effort to “transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.” The Florida Legislature has earmarked $12 million to transport “unauthorized aliens” out of state. DeSantis’ office didn’t answer questions about where migrants boarded planes and how they were coaxed into making the trip. Massachusetts state Sen. Julian Cyr told The Vineyard Gazette that one plane originated in San Antonio, raising questions about whether migrants ever set foot in Florida. Flight tracking data shows a flight originated in San Antonio, stopped in Crestview, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, before landing in Martha’s Vineyard. The two buses of migrants from Texas that arrived early Thursday outside Harris’ residence at the United States Naval Observatory carried more than 100 migrants from Colombia, Cuba, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. “The Biden-Harris administration continues ignoring and denying the historic crisis at our southern border, which has endangered and overwhelmed Texas communities for almost two years,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has poured billions of taxpayer dollars into making border security a signature issue. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has publicly feuded with DeSantis and Abbot over their conservative policies, on Thursday asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether transporting migrants across state lines as “political props” broke the law. “Transporting families, including children, across state lines under false pretenses is morally reprehensible, but it may also be illegal,” Newsom wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that he also posted on his Twitter account. Without mentioning DeSantis or Abbot by name, Newsom suggested the federal government could bring charges of kidnapping and “civil rights conspiracy” because the migrants were targeted because of their national origin. After migrants seeking asylum cross the U.S.-Mexico border, they spend time in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility along the border until they are generally released into the U.S. to wait out their cases. Republicans say Biden’s policies encourage migrants to vanish into the U.S.; Democrats argue the Trump-era policy of forcing migrants to wait out their asylum cases in Mexico was inhumane. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that federal officials were not told in advance by the Republican governors who sent the migrants to Massachusetts and Washington. “We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families who were promised a home, promised a job, put on a bus and driven to a place that they do not know,” said Jean-Pierre, who called the governors’ actions a “cruel, premeditated political stunt.” Abbott has bused 7,900 migrants to Washington since April, later sending 2,200 to New York and 300 to Chicago. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has bused more than 1,800 migrants to Washington since May. Passengers must sign waivers that the free trips are voluntary. DeSantis appears to be taking the strategy to a new level by using planes and choosing Martha’s Vineyard, whose harbor towns that are home to about 15,000 people are far less prepared than New York or Washington for large influxes of migrants. Texas and Florida have infuriated officials in destination cities by failing to provide passenger rosters, estimated times of arrival and other information that would make it easier to prepare. In contrast, Arizona has coordinated with officials in other cities. President Joe Biden is facing the same challenges that dogged his predecessor, former President Donald Trump: a dysfunctional asylum system in the United States, and economic and social conditions that are prompting people from dozens of countries to flee. U.S. authorities stopped migrants crossing from Mexico about 2 million times from October through July, up nearly 50% from the same period a year earlier. Many are released in the United States to pursue their immigration cases because U.S. authorities have struggled to expel them to their countries under a pandemic-era rule that denies them a chance to seek asylum. Some Republicans celebrated the latest delivery of migrants from border states. “Welcome to being a state on the Southern border, Massachusetts,” tweeted DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern. Stephen Miller, a chief architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said bringing “a few million” migrants to Martha’s Vineyard should transform the island of about 15,000 people into “a modern Eden.” Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist said DeSantis is treating the migrants inhumanely. “It’s amazing to me what he’s willing to do for sheer political gain,” Crist said. Talia Inlender, deputy director of UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, said the flights to Martha’s Vineyard appear to violate Florida law that they be limited to “unauthorized aliens.” “These folks are not unauthorized,” she said. “They aren’t flying under the radar in any way.” Associated Press writers Steve LeBlanc in Boston, Seung Min Kim in Washington, Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee, Florida, Gisela Salomon in Miami, Anita Snow in Phoenix and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily.

The List’s Exclusive Survey Reveals How Many Vitamins And Supplements People Take Every Day – The List https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-lists-exclusive-survey-reveals-how-many-vitamins-and-supplements-people-take-every-day-the-list/ Oldesign/Shutterstock By Erin Metz/Sept. 15, 2022 7:59 pm EDT Living a healthy lifestyle is a common goal for a majority of people, but for many it becomes hard to maintain. It can be difficult to find time for work, a social life, and responsibilities at home and with family — all while sustaining your physical and mental health. Most people don’t have time to visit the gym after work or cook that nutritious meal recipe they saw on TikTok, even if they really want to. That’s why it’s hard to pass up a pill that promises to cure all ailments. The vitamin and supplement industry markets to our desire for healthy living and convenience, selling health in a convenient little pill. According to The Washington Post, the United States spends $35 billion each year on “vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.” Vitamins are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but how often should you actually be adding supplemental vitamins to your diet? To find out if people actually use these miracle pills, The List conducted a survey asking 573 people, “How many vitamins and supplements do you typically take per day?” Vitamins and supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years Galina Zhigalova/Shutterstock According to The List’s survey, 25.13% of people take two vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. 21.82% take only one vitamin or supplement each day, and over 20% of voters admitted to not taking any. Over 16% of people add three vitamins and supplements to their diet, while another 7.33% say four is the magic number. 9.60% of people who responded to The List’s survey take five or more vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. A study conducted by the American Osteopathic Association revealed that 86% of Americans add at least one vitamin or supplement to their diet, but only 24% of them have a “nutritional deficiency” that requires additional vitamins. The question then becomes: are the other 62% of people still benefiting from taking supplements, or is there such a thing as too many vitamins? Are they just wasting their money on placebos? Are vitamins and supplements actually worth the money? Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock In 2019, the Council for Responsible Nutrition conducted a survey that identified the most popular dietary supplements purchased in the United States. In order, consumers most frequently purchased “multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, protein, calcium, vitamin B or vitamin B complex, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, magnesium, probiotics, iron, vitamin E, and turmeric.” (Via National Library of Medicine). While all of these elements are beneficial for the body, there are only a few vitamins your body needs on a daily basis. With the exception of specific medical cases, most nutrient-rich foods contain the necessary vitamins needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, per LiveScience. According to scientists at Northwestern Medicine, over-the-counter vitamins and supplements are unnecessary “because there isn’t enough evidence they help prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer.” Scientists have not found much evidence that vitamin supplements provide more benefits than maintaining a well-balanced diet, deciding that most are simply a waste of money. It could also be potentially dangerous. According to the AMA Journal of Ethics, there are plenty of unregulated vitamins on the market that promise health benefits without scientific backing — and could contain harmful additives. So before you invest in a year’s worth of supplements or a personalized vitamin subscription, consider looking up which foods you can snack on that contain the vitamins you need.

Regulators Worry About Sports Betting False Start – WBUR News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/regulators-worry-about-sports-betting-false-start-wbur-news/ Bettors and sports fans are eager for legal sports betting to get up and running in Massachusetts. But regulators said Thursday that a quirk in the new law is preventing the state’s Gaming Commission from laying out a timeline for its start. The sports betting law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in early August allows the Gaming Commission to issue sports betting licenses for the state’s slots parlor, casinos and simulcast centers to take in-person bets. The law also allows those facilities to partner with mobile operators and for licenses to go to as many as seven other independent companies for mobile sports betting apps. The law further indicates temporary licenses may be issued for sports wagering operations. While untethered mobile licenses are capped at seven, the Legislature did not include a limit on the number of temporary licenses. With at least 30 operators expected to apply for those seven licenses, commission officials worry what will happen to dozens of operators that may qualify for temporary licenses. Those would last up to a year and cost the companies a $1 million fee each. After taking bets in Massachusetts, the companies would likely have to shut down once the seven official mobile-only licensees are chosen. Executive Director Karen Wells said that as many as 76% of temporary license holders ultimately could be required to end their businesses in the state. “This structure, and this disconnect, poses complications for both the regulator and the licensee themselves, and it also presents consumer protection concerns for the public,” Wells said. On the consumer protection front, Wells said there would be “inevitable confusion in the marketplace” if or when betting platforms with temporary licenses suddenly cease operations. She highlighted other possible issues: How could the commission ensure players get any money left in their accounts returned? What would happen if an operator is shut down before the outcome of a bet it accepted is known? Should companies be required to put up a bond to ensure they can pay out all wagers if they don’t secure a final license? “The idea of having to issue notices to honorably operating businesses that just didn’t happen to make our final cut of up to seven is just untenable to me,” Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein said. Judd-Stein hopes to get more information next Thursday when the commission holds a roundtable discussion with potential mobile-only applicants at the State House. “Next Thursday, when we will hear from every interested operator on these matters, might shed some light, might shed some consensus and also may come up with a solution we’re not thinking about. And I’m crossing my fingers on that front,” Judd-Stein said. Some commissioners hope next week’s roundtable will get them closer to an answer to the question on bettors’ lips: “When can I place a legal bet?” Judd-Stein and Commissioner Eileen O’Brien both said they think the commission could have already produced a timeline for the start of legal wagering if it was not for the questions around temporary licensure.

Sustainable Outback Opal Miners Take On The Metaverse With Plans For Virtual Industry – ABC News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/sustainable-outback-opal-miners-take-on-the-metaverse-with-plans-for-virtual-industry-abc-news/ Opal miners in the outback have long been considered just beyond the edge of “normal” society — remote and slightly secretive, with their own traditions and superstitions.  But two young miners in Yowah, in south-west Queensland, are looking to revolutionise the conservative industry, bringing opal mining into the 21st century and the virtual world.  It’s beautiful opals like this one that miners spend their days digging for.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) Josiah Kotzur, 33, and his friend Lisa van Heijningen, 25, spend most of their days descending into the earth, with handheld jackhammers and shovels, digging at fault lines in the sandstone, hoping to strike “colour”. Yowah is about 1,000 kilometres west of Brisbane, and a world away from their previous lives in Sydney and Spain.  When he’s not digging for precious gems, Mr Kotzur spends his time working on his computer replicating the scenery around him in a virtual reality so that people anywhere in the world can see it, and opals they’ve mined, in the metaverse.  Off-the-grid mining Mining isn’t an industry considered particularly “green”.  This pair is set up differently to other mining operations though, with both the underground mine and Mr Kotzur’s home base, a repurposed bus, powered by solar panels.  “It allows us to run our mining operation completely on renewable energy,” Mr Kotzur said.  Unlike other opal mines in Australia that use diesel generators for power, this mine in Yowah has recycled solar panels that also run Mr Kotzur’s home.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) They also set up veggie gardens, to live more self-sufficiently.  “It’s good to have them, because out here it can be quite hard to get food from the shop,” Ms van Heijningen said. “[Being so remote] means you can’t just walk to Woolies and get whatever you want.” Mr Kotzur moved to Yowah from Sydney when the pandemic started, to try something new. Loading Instagram content Ms van Heijningen also fell into the industry, travelling the ten hours inland to buy a motorbike off Mr Kotzur, but liking the region so much she decided to stay.  Virtual opals Beyond trying to become a sustainable operation, they are working to make opals more accessible, through the rapidly growing virtual reality.  The metaverse is a burgeoning shared digital or virtual environment anyone can access via the internet. While it is still in its relative infancy, metaverse expert and mentor Laurel Papworth believes it will one day become a big part of people’s lives.  “Typically what happens is this is something that friends of friends know about, and then it’s dropped in your lap,” Ms Papworth said.  A long way from nowhere, the potential for the metaverse is front-of-mind for Mr Kotzur and Ms van Heijningen  They are slowly building their mine site into the metaverse, so anyone with a digital avatar — or virtual profile — can explore the site in 3D, and eventually even purchase from their haul of opal treasures.  “We’ve scanned this opal and put it into the metaverse, so it’s got its digital twin,” Mr Kotzur said.  Creating a 3D model of opals means potential buyers know exactly what they get — and they can own the rights to the online version, too.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) The scanned opal is considered an online asset with a unique identification code.  “We’re engaging with different forms of technology — block chain, crypto currency and NFTs,” he said. NFT stands for non-fungible token, which is a unique collectible virtual asset tied to, for example, a piece of digital artwork or in this case a digital opal.  “We’re digitising the opal so its digital twin can be traded in this virtual setting,” Mr Kotsur said.   “Shopping in a virtual space would allow the real-world asset to be purchased in a virtual space and then delivered to your doorstep.” Beyond opals The seemingly endless market possibilities within the metaverse have already been seized upon by global companies.  A recent report by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company said the metaverse had the potential to generate up to $5 trillion USD (nearly $7.5 trillion AUD) in value by 2030.  But Ms Papworth said small businesses should also take part — and will.  Mr Kotzur and Ms van Heijningen climb 10 metres into the earth to dig for opals in their underground mine.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) “This is the democratisation of those trading platforms,” Ms Papworth said.  “If you remember the early days of the internet, the only people who had websites were the big companies, the Coca-Colas of the world, or the governments of the world.” Similarly to online shopping, using the online reality means the potential to reach more people is greater.  “You could have millions of people [from around the world] in a virtual shopping mall,” Mr Kotzur said. Mr Kotzur digs around fault lines in the earth, where water settling millions of years ago, mixed with silicon dioxide, created opals.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) “Whereas you’d have engineering problems if you put millions of people in a conventional real-world mall.” It’s something the tech-savvy opal miners are also keen to explore from their outback base.  “We’re currently building this platform to allow trade to happen,” Mr Kotzur said.  “What I’m hoping to do is allow smaller companies to get that same exposure the big brands have.”

10 Gadgets Spider-Man Has But Never Uses Anymore – CBR – Comic Book Resources https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/10-gadgets-spider-man-has-but-never-uses-anymore-cbr-comic-book-resources/ Since his first appearance back in 1962, Spider-Man has become one of Marvel Comics’ most popular heroes. With his cool superpowers, wise guy persona, and determination to do the right thing, Spider-Man has become a staple in pop culture. However, Peter Parker doesn’t just use his powers to solve every situation. Using his genius intellect, he can find simple solutions to save lives and take down his many foes. One way Sider-Man accomplishes this is through his many inventions over the years. While some tools, such as his web shooters, have become synonymous with the character, there are a few that have managed to fall to the wayside. From being used sparingly to gimmicks solving one particular issue, there are a few products of Parker that will continue to collect dust for a while. 10 The Spider Signal Stopped Shining First appearing in Amazing Spider-Man #3 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the Spider Signal was one of Parker’s first gadgets used in his crime-fighting career. This device was part of his utility belt, which shined a bright red light reflecting his face on whoever came across it. While readers could detect that the signal shared a similar approach to a certain hero in Gotham City, they do have a difference. While Batman has the Bat Signal to alert him of a crime, Spider-man uses his to alert criminals of his arrival. However, over time, the Signal began to be used on and off again, depending on the creative teams of the series. Though the light may have been diminished, it still remains a fan favorite for long-time readers. 9 Many Alternate Suits, But Only One Use Not every situation can be handled the same, and no one knows that better than Spider-Man. With each new foe with an unforeseen power comes the need for scientific invention. And there have been none as awesome (or as silly) as Peter’s need to don a new wardrobe to fight particular threats. From wearing an Electro-proof suit to stop Electro, to wearing a full suit made of steel, Peter has worn them all. Sadly though, after each villain encounter, these clothes tend to either be destroyed or retired. Though fans enjoy a return of some fan favorites, there is no doubt that the red and blue is still the most beloved. 8 Impact Webbing: Webs By Another Spider It’s no surprise that Spider-Man has used his intelligence to create different types of webbing for different uses. However, unlike most tools, this one has a different owner. Impact webbing was made popular in part to Ben Reilly, or as some would come to know him, the Scarlet Spider. Impact Webbing dealt with normal web fluid, now shaped into little spheres that could be launched at rapid speed, growing around an opponent when in contact. This form of webbing was used mostly during Reilly’s run as Spider-Man, going with him after he left. Though not used as much by Peter, it still shows up from time to time, including in the PS4 video game. 7 WebWare Was Cool, But Had To Be Destroyed During Peters’ time as CEO of Parker Industries, his company would create Web Ware, a device similar to current-day smartwatches. The users could access the internet and call from their wrists simply by pressing the pad. For, Peter, the device served another function. Connected to his Spider Armor, the devices gave Spider-Man unlimited access to all users and to track their locations. At first, Web Ware proved popular and resourceful in stopping crimes. Unfortunately, Peter would be forced to hack and destroy each one after they were infected by the Carrion Virus, ending his company. 6 The Spider Tracer Tracker Was Useful, But Irrelevant Later On Spider Tracers have been one of Peter’s long-lasting inventions, useful for tracking criminals who get away. However, sometimes in order to find these bugs, there needs to be a tracer for the tracer. Introduced in Amazing Spider-Man # 11 by Lee and Ditko, Peter sought to use the device in order to track down a now freed Doctor Octopus. Spider-Man would go back to using the device a few more times in other situations. However, by advancing his technology to respond with his own Spider-Sense, the tracer seemed redundant at best. The tracker has since been used sparingly, such as Peter losing his Spider Sense or tracking his former sidekick, Alpha. 5 Waldoes/Tentacles Reminded Peter Of His Past Misfortunes During Civil War, by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven, Iron Man blessed Peter with a gift: a mechanized Spider-Man suit filled with many gizmos and cool features. However, one standout was the Waldoes, four mechanical arms that increased mobility and offensive attacks. While the suit was a cool addition, Peter abandoned it when he betrayed Tony during the series. However, a new incarnation would arise thanks to Otto Octavius during his possession over Peter’s body in Superior Spider-Man, by Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman. Unlike before, the arms resembled pincers, and allowed for better, faster attacks. These too would be abandoned once Peter regained control of his body. 4 The Arachnaughts Were Overkill Established during Superior Spider-Man, Octavius’s takeover of Peter’s body would bring Otto’s own expertise to the Spider name. One such creation would be the Spiderlings, armed mercenaries who would serve as his enforcers around New York City. And on patrol, they would bring heavy artillery in the form of the Arachnaughts. With these giant spider-like robots, Otto was able to bring militia style combat to the field, each robot equipped with huge lasers and video surveillance. However, just like Otto’s career as a hero, all the Arachnaughts were destroyed once Peter regained consciousness of his body, blowing up Otto’s base. And due to the damage Octavius caused (as well as poor funds), Peter has never sought to revive them. 3 The Belt Camera, Useful For Photographers Only After getting picked up by J Jonah Jameson for The Daily Bugle, Peter would attach a micro camera to his utility belt. With this, he managed to obtain photos of his battles as Spider-Man and later submit them as Peter to the Bugle. At first, this device was one of Peter’s mainstays, serving as a tool for both of Peter’s professions. However, once Peter left the company, it served him no purpose to keep the camera. Even so, with that old Parker luck usually forcing him to go back to the Bugle, the camera may not stay as dormant. 2 The Web Wings Were A Design Choice Appearing back in Amazing Fantasy #15 by Lee and Ditko, One of the features that Steve Ditko drew on the character was webbing under his armpits. This unique feature originally served as a way to convince readers that Peter could fly, using them to glide down. While an interesting choice, this feature would be later implemented with another hero, Spider-Woman. Even so, the webbing has since become a choice between writers and artists on whether to use it. Some prefer the classic design, while others feel they get in the way. Although used in later Spider-Man films, the webbing still remains a debatable option. 1 The Spider Mobile Never Caught On In 1974, Spider-Man had to face his greatest foe in all history: car promoters. Appearing in Amazing Spider-Man #126 by Gerry Conway and John Romita Sr, Corona Motors begged for Spider-Man to promote their non-polluting engine, which required a car. Although he thought it ridiculous due to never needing a car in the city, Spider-Man would later rope the Human Torch into helping him construct a car aptly themed around the webhead. Spider-Man and his vehicle would go on a few strange adventures, from battling Hammerhead to the Tinkerer after he gave the car an evil makeover. However, the vehicle was scrapped due to the concept still coming across as ridiculous. The car has since served as an Easter egg among fans, who look upon and go, ‘Oh yeah, that was a thing.’ NEXT: Marvel: The 10 Most Useless Gadgets Used In The Comics

First Mover Asia: Ether Tumbles Below $1.5K; Ethereum Merge May Ding Demand For Chips, But Semiconductor Stocks Could Still Be A Good Buy – CoinDesk https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/first-mover-asia-ether-tumbles-below-1-5k-ethereum-merge-may-ding-demand-for-chips-but-semiconductor-stocks-could-still-be-a-good-buy-coindesk/ Good morning. Here’s what’s happening: Prices: Ether plummets in the hours after the Merge; bitcoin declines. Insights: The Ethereum Merge could lessen the need for chips powering GPUs, but semiconductor stocks could still be a good buy. Catch the latest episodes of CoinDesk TV for insightful interviews with crypto industry leaders and analysis. And sign up for First Mover, our daily newsletter putting the latest moves in crypto markets in context. ● Bitcoin (BTC): $19,708 −2.7% ● Ether (ETH): $1,474 −9.8% ● CoinDesk Market Index (CMI): $981 −4.4% ● S&P 500 daily close: 3,901.35 −1.1% ● Gold: $1,671 per troy ounce −1.5% ● Ten-year Treasury yield daily close: 3.46% +0.05 Bitcoin, ether and gold prices are taken at approximately 4pm New York time. Bitcoin is the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index (XBX); Ether is the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX); Gold is the COMEX spot price. Information about CoinDesk Indices can be found at coindesk.com/indices. Ether Plummets Post-Merge; Bitcoin Sees Red as Well After holding steady in the hours immediately following the Ethereum Merge on Thursday, ether and other major cryptos tumbled. Ether was recently trading below $1,500, a roughly 10% dive over the past 24 hours, and its largest, daily drop since late August. The second biggest cryptocurrency by market capitalization had topped $2,000 earlier that month largely on Merge euphoria. The technological overhaul that has changed the Ethereum blockchain to a more energy efficient proof-of-work protocol went seamlessly, and data from crypto futures markets on Thursday showed that many investors seemed to have closed out hedged positions in the ensuing hours. The trend signaled that they were wrapping up trades they had made during the previous month or past few weeks to bet on possible outcomes of the event, including the possibility of a revolt by crypto miners wanting to continue operating in the PoW system. “We’ve seen that there was bullish positioning into the Merge, and as an industry we’re already looking for what’s next,” Jon Campagna, Partner, head of trading and capital markets at crypto investment firm CoinFund, wrote in an email to CoinDesk. Campagna noted ether and other cryptos’ recent tendency to track stocks, and riskier assets ongoing vulnerability to wider uncertainties. “We’re at the throes of challenging macroeconomic factors, which seem to persist,” he wrote. “It’s unclear if we will see enough idiosyncratic performance in the asset class to materially deviate from equities at this time.” Bitcoin fell below the psychologically important $20,000 barrier for the first time since Sept. 8, a nearly 3% drop from the previous day. The largest crypto in market value has tended to underperform ether in recent weeks. Other cryptocurrencies from the CoinDesk top 20 by market cap stood firmly in a red swamp with popular meme coins DOGE and SHIB and ADA recently off more than 3%. Equity markets also had their problems with the tech-focused Nasdaq and the S&P 500, which has a strong technology component, both declining more than a percentage point, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) losing about 0.5%. Investors remain skittish about inflation and the looming robustness of the U.S. central bank’s next interest rate hike at its Federal Open Reserve Committee meeting in less than a week. Observers of monetary policy widely expect a third, consecutive 75 basis point increase, although the odds of a 100 basis point rise ticked higher on Wednesday. Among the latest data in a week of key economic reports, retail sales kicked higher by 0.3%, reflecting consumers continued buying strength and an about-face from July when sales declined 0.4%. But rates for 30-year fixed, residential mortgages hit 6% on Thursday for the first time in nearly 15 years, another blow to a weakening housing market. Merge issues dominated crypto news. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said the event had lowered the world’s energy consumption by 0.2%, marking what may be one of the single biggest decarbonization efforts in history. And U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler said that staked cryptocurrencies may be subject to federal securities regulations, repeating a pro-oversight stance in the wake of Ethereum’s transition to just such a method. CoinFund’s Campagna suggested that ether’s price drop could be temporary, highlighting its fluctuations after the Ethereum network’s last major upgrade in August 2021. “It spent the following days slowly trading down 5% to $3060, before rallying 30% in two weeks, closing at $3940 on September 3rd,” he said. “Granted, the macro environment has shifted during that time.” “Could we see the pattern repeat?” Biggest Gainers Biggest Losers An Inconvenient Merge, but Semiconductor Stocks Could Still Be a Good Buy Chipmakers Nvidia and AMD, which once provided the brains to ether mining farms worldwide, are having a rough year. Their struggles are not entirely because of crypto, yet Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake might provide an interesting opportunity for investors. Despite an exciting few moments where record-setting exchange inflows of ether signaled a potential sell-off, ether traded flat in the hours following the Merge and then dropped more than 9% at one point during the following U.S. trading day.. Ethereum Classic was recently  up 1% as proof-of-work fans stage a protest vote with their trading accounts. As a result of this, Graphics Processing Unit  prices are in freefall, and data from analyst house John Peddie Research shows that channel supply (distributors) is bulging. Nvidia, never a fan of crypto mining, will always downplay things. Nvidia CFO Colette Kress’ line is that the company has “limited visibility into how much this impacts our overall GPU demand” and is “unable to accurately quantify the extent to which reduced cryptocurrency mining contributed to the decline in Gaming demand.” Perhaps these non-answers have resulted from Nvidia’s settlement with the SEC for failing to disclose that crypto mining was a major contributor to its 2018 revenue. It would be reasonable to assume that Nvidia’s stock is being driven down because of the glut of GPUs on the market. But that’s not entirely the case. Nvidia does not only sell GPUs on the retail level but also to organizations using data centers and high-performance computers that crunch large stacks of numbers for research purposes. The ability of these chips to address massive amounts of information and make CPUs more efficient through what’s called parallel computing, makes them a considerable asset worldwide. Thus, data center is the company’s largest segment. China has been a large buyer of these data center chips during the last decade, as the country’s industries double down on artificial intelligence and its universities catch up to their American counterparts in research. Within these companies and universities data centers are Nvidia’s chips. This demand is why Nvidia’s stock tumbled when Washington announced an export ban on its most advanced AI chips to China, alongside AMD which also designs similar products.  Nvidia said the new ban could mean the loss of up to $400 million in revenue; AMD didn’t disclose its loss but it’s expected to also be large. This scenario has precedent. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce banned the export of Intel’s Xeon chips, used in data centers, to some of China’s largest universities, including China’s National University of Defense Technology, which was at the time developing the world’s fastest supercomputer. The rationale given was that these universities were engaged in nuclear weapons research. Intel’s stock was unaffected by the news. In contrast, Nvidia’s dropped nearly 10% on the news of its export ban, compounding losses throughout the year as tech stocks have struggled. Nvidia has lost nearly half its value, putting it back to where it was in October 2020. Could this all be an overreaction, and the market acting irrationally? Maybe, says one analyst. “We view the 8% selloff in the stock yesterday (vs 2% SOX) as an overreaction, and view the recent weakness as a particular buying opportunity,” Jeffries analyst Mark Lipacis was quoted as saying. Lipacis notes that most of Nvidia’s business in China goes to tech giants not the government which would make it easier for the company to get an export license, insulating its loss potential. Analysts polled by Dow Jones seem to agree that there’s a value buy here, 27 give it a buy rating, 11 say it’s best to hold, and one says it’s a sell. The decline of mining has likely already been priced into the stock too. As early as February, when the company closed its fiscal fourth quarter, the mining market was beginning to bottom out. Of course, other proof-of-work tokens like Ethereum Classic. But Etherem Classic’s post-Merge jump in hashrate is frivolous: It’s only at 142 TH/s, which is a fraction of the roughly 950-1000 TH/s with which Ethereum finished its last quarter. Nvidia is going to fight against a nearly 13% decline of PC sales year-over-year and glut in the channel. Meanwhile,, the gaming market is expected to cross $200 billion this year – which gives Nvidia plenty of room to move past Ethereum. 10 a.m. HKT/SGT(2 a.m. UTC): China industrial production (Aug./YoY) 10 a.m. HKT/SGT(2 a.m. UTC): China retail sales (Aug./YoY) 10 a.m. HKT/SGT(2 a.m. UTC): U.K. retail sales (Aug./YoY) In case you missed it, here is the most recent episode of “First Mover” on CoinDesk TV: Special Ethereum Merge coverage included a look at the historic transition from...

U.S. Limits Export Of Fentanyl To Russia, Calling It A Potential Weapon – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/u-s-limits-export-of-fentanyl-to-russia-calling-it-a-potential-weapon-the-washington-post/ The United States on Thursday strictly limited the export of fentanyl and related chemicals to Russia, saying that they “may be useful” as chemical weapons to support Russia’s “military aggression.” The Commerce Department said sales to Russia of the powerful opiate will now require a U.S. government license. The rule also applies to exports to Belarus, whose leadership supports Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fentanyl is widely known in the United States as an illicit street drug that has caused thousands of overdose deaths in recent years. But it also has legal uses as a prescription painkiller. It is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Commerce Department didn’t respond to questions about why it took the step. But the move brings the United States in line with the European Union, which controlled fentanyl and related drug exports to Russia in June, saying that the substances “have been used as toxic chemicals … in the past by Russia.” In 2002, Russian special forces used a gaseous form of fentanyl as a knockout agent before storming a theater where hostages were being held. The gas allowed the agents to enter and kill the Chechen militants who had taken hundreds of people hostage, but the powerful narcotic also killed more than 100 of the hostages. Russian officials at the time wouldn’t identify the type of gas used, saying only that it was a nonlethal anesthetic. But U.S. officials said that tests done by U.S. Embassy doctors on Americans present during the hostage-taking indicated that the gas was fentanyl. The new U.S. export controls also apply to the precursor chemicals needed to make fentanyl, and to a group of compounds closely related to fentanyl. The measure was one of a list of additional sanctions and export controls the United States adopted on Thursday in relation to Russia. It slapped new controls on the export of quantum computing technology to Russia. It also sanctioned additional executives in Russia’s financial sector. And it adopted new sanctions on people it accused of supporting Putin’s war in Ukraine and committing human rights abuses, including Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov; a Russian neo-Nazi militia allegedly fighting in Ukraine, and a Russian official who the United States said has “led Russia’s efforts to deport tens of thousands of Ukrainian children.” War in Ukraine: What you need to know The latest: Grain shipments from Ukraine are gathering pace under the agreement hammered out by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations in July. Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports had sent food prices soaring and raised fears of more hunger in the Middle East and Africa. At least 18 ships, including loads of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, have departed. The fight: The conflict on the ground grinds on as Russia uses its advantage in heavy artillery to pummel Ukrainian forces, which have sometimes been able to put up stiff resistance. In the south, Ukrainian hopes rest on liberating the Russia-occupied Kherson region, and ultimately Crimea, seized by Russia in 2014. Fears of a disaster at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station remain as both sides accuse each other of shelling it. The weapons: Western supplies of weapons are helping Ukraine slow Russian advances. U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) allow Ukrainian forces to strike farther behind Russian lines against Russian artillery. Russia has used an array of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground from the very beginning of the war — here’s some of their most powerful work. How you can help: Here are ways those in the U.S. can help support the Ukrainian people as well as what people around the world have been donating. Read our full coverage of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.

Professor Emeritus Flynt Embarking On Signing Tour To Promote Newest Book About Harper Lee – Office Of Communications And Marketing https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/professor-emeritus-flynt-embarking-on-signing-tour-to-promote-newest-book-about-harper-lee-office-of-communications-and-marketing/ Notice body Auburn University Professor Emeritus of History Wayne Flynt will soon begin a multi-state signing tour to promote his newest book about his longtime friend and literature icon Harper Lee. Flynt, who taught history at Auburn for nearly 30 years, will kick off an eight-month tour by signing copies of his new book, “Afternoons With Harper Lee” at the Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham on Sept. 22. That signing will begin a circuit that will stretch into late April for the two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee. “Afternoons With Harper Lee” is Flynt’s second book about the famed Alabama author and chronicles the 12-year friendship he and his late wife, Dartie, shared with Lee. It is a follow-up to his 2017 book “Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship with Harper Lee” and shares stories the friends exchanged during the latter years of Lee’s life. It is available for pre-order and will be released by the University of Georgia Press’ NewSouth Books on Oct. 1. Flynt, who performed the eulogy at Lee’s funeral in 2016, will perform 40 signings in 10 states between September and April to promote the book. 2022-23 book tour dates, locations Sept. 22: Alabama Booksmith, Homewood, Alabama Oct. 14: Nashville Public Library, Nashville Oct. 15: Landmark Books Franklin, Tennessee Oct. 18: Clark County Library, Athens, Georgia Oct. 19: Story on the Square, McDonough, Georgia Oct. 20: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, Atlanta Oct. 25: Pebble Hill, Auburn, Alabama Oct. 26: Boykin Community Center, Auburn, Alabama Oct. 26: Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers, Auburn, Alabama Oct. 27:  Selma-Dallas County Library, Selma, Alabama Nov. 1: Highland Book Club, Birmingham, Alabama Nov. 3: Gadsden Public Library, Gadsden, Alabama Nov. 4: Oneonta High School, Oneonta, Alabama Nov. 5: Rock School, Pinson, Alabama Nov. 6: Avondale Branch, Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham, Alabama Nov. 9: Dothan Public Library, Dothan, Alabama Nov. 10: Page & Palette, Fairhope, Alabama Nov. 11: Haunted Books, Mobile, Alabama Nov. 15: Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama Nov. 16: Pell City Public Library, Alabama Nov. 17: Jesse Owens Library, Alabama Nov. 17: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, Alabama Nov. 18: Gardendale Public Library, Gardendale, Alabama Dec. 1: Ernst and Hadley Bookstore, Tuscaloosa, Alabama Dec. 13: Charleston Library Society, Charleston, S.C. Jan. 9: Public Library, St. Francisville, Louisiana Jan. 10: Garden District Books, New Orleans, Louisiana Jan. 12: Pass Christian Books, Pass Christian, Mississippi Jan. 24: Anniston, Public Library, Anniston, Alabama Jan. 26: Chambers County Public Library, Valley, Alabama Feb. 14: Gulf Shores Public Library, Gulf Shores, Alabama, 11 a.m. March 20: Hub City Books, Spartanburg, S.C.  March 21: McIntyre Bookshop, Chapel Hill, N.C. March 22: Fountain Books, Richmond, Virginia March 23: Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C. March 28: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson, Mississippi April 11:  Righton Books, St. Simons Island, Georgia April 12: E. Shaver Bookseller, Savannah, Georgia April 20: 92YMCA, New York City April 28: Monroeville, County Courthouse Museum, Monroeville, Alabama

California 1st With Law Protecting Children’s Online Privacy – Independent Record https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/california-1st-with-law-protecting-childrens-online-privacy-independent-record/ 1 of 3 FILE – Facebook’s Meta logo sign is seen at the company headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on, Oct. 28, 2021. California will be the first state to require companies that provide online services attractive to children to put the child’s interest first, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. FILE— Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, a Democrat, and her daughter, Josephine, 2, look up to the Assembly Gallery during the legislative session on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. California will be the first state to require companies that provide online services attractive to children to put the child’s interest first, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. FILE – Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, gets assistance on one of the Assembly computers from her daughter Elly, 11 months, during the Assembly session at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, July 15, 2021. California will be the first state to require companies that provide online services attractive to children to put the child’s interest first, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. By DON THOMPSON – Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will be the first state to require online companies to put kids’ safety first by barring them from profiling children or using personal information in ways that could harm children physically or mentally, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday. “We’re taking aggressive action in California to protect the health and wellbeing of our kids,” Newsom said in a statement announcing that he had signed the bill. He noted that as a father of four, “I’m familiar with the real issues our children are experiencing online.” The bill requires tech companies that provide online services attractive to children to follow age-appropriate design code principles aimed at keeping children safe. Companies will eventually have to submit a “data protection impact assessment” to the state’s attorney general before offering new online services, products, or features attractive to children. Facebook parent company Meta said it has concerns about some of law’s provisions but shares lawmakers’ goal of keeping children safe online. “We believe young people should have consistent protections across all apps and online services they use, which is why we support clear industry standards in this area,” the social media giant said. It called the law “an important development towards establishing these standards.” The bill is modeled after a similar measure in the United Kingdom. In the year since that law took effect, some of the U.S.’s most valuable technology companies “have begun to redesign their products in children’s best interests,” said Democratic Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, a co-author of the law. “Now we can ensure they do the same for California youth — and hopefully young people across the country,” Wicks said. The law was opposed by a coalition including the Entertainment Software Association that said it includes “an over-inclusive standard and would capture far more websites and platforms than necessary.” It’s the second groundbreaking online protections bill signed by Newsom this week. The earlier measure requires social media companies to provide details on how and when they remove disturbing content including hate speech. But a third proposal failed to pass the state Legislature this year. It would have banned social media companies from adopting features it knows can cause children to become addicted. Still, Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that advocates for children, said the bill Newsom signed on Thursday is “a necessary and positive steps forward in standing up to Big Tech.” The challenge of protecting children online resonated personally with Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and Wicks, who are both mothers of young children. “I am terrified of the effects technology addiction and saturation are having on our children and their mental health,” Siebel Newsom said in supporting the bill, though she acknowledged that “social media and the internet are integral to the way we as a global community connect and communicate.” Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Sony Knows It Won’t Lose Call Of Duty To Xbox Exclusivity. Here’s What It’s Really About. – Windows Central https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/sony-knows-it-wont-lose-call-of-duty-to-xbox-exclusivity-heres-what-its-really-about-windows-central/ (Image credit: Future) Sony is once again pleading with regulators to block the Activision-Blizzard deal from Microsoft, which would see the Xbox and Windows firm gain control over major franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo.  Naturally, Xbox is Sony’s biggest competitor in the console space, with PlayStation remaining the dominant platform in virtually every major market, if not all of them. Xbox has aggressively fought back, using high-value offerings like the more affordable Xbox Series S, and the all-you-can-eat subscription gaming service Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft also seeks to compete with Amazon and other cloud companies in the nascent cloud gaming space, by bringing Xbox games to phones, tablets, and the web via streaming.  The deal for Activision-Blizzard is one of the largest and most ambitious in history, let alone the gaming industry, and any deal of this size which involves the lives of thousands of employees should of course be scrutinized. However, the arguments from its biggest detractor ring hollow when you cast even a cursory glance over the reality of the situation, and Sony may not like what regulators find.  Sony’s goal is to reduce and hinder competition (Image credit: Source: Trish Tunney/GDC) This week, the UK competition regulator (known as the CMA) announced its intention to move ahead with a deeper investigation into the $70 billion Activision-Blizzard deal, which would see Microsoft gain ownership of franchises like World of Warcraft, Candy Crush, and Call of Duty. The latter of the list here being the most contentious.  Call of Duty remains one of, if not the most profitable video game franchise in the world. Its retail sales year in, year out amount to a commerce ritual, selling millions of units without fail, and then millions more microtransactions on top. The free to play version Call of Duty Warzone is also a huge driver of revenue, and competes up there with the likes of Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends.  Sony has signalled its displeasure with the deal to different sets of regulators, including Brazil and most recently the UK, with a showdown likely to take place in the European Union soon as well. In a statement (via Eurogamer), Sony implied that the deal would “harm gamers,” which is ironic given its focus on buying up exclusivity deals across mountains of other games in recent years, but we’ll get into that later.  “By giving Microsoft control of Activision games like Call of Duty, this deal would have major negative implications for gamers and the future of the gaming industry. We want to guarantee PlayStation gamers continue to have the highest quality gaming experience and we appreciate the CMA’s focus on protecting gamers.” Obviously, “gamers” in this context refers only to PlayStation users, yet the cynical and emotional framing here seems to imply that only their users matter, and that gamers on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PC aren’t relevant in the debate somehow. But I digress. Either way, Sony’s arguments are vague here, and in previous comments, they seemed to imply that Microsoft would limit or remove access to Call of Duty from PlayStation platforms. Microsoft has supported Minecraft on PlayStation to the same extent and degree as it has supported Minecraft on Xbox and Windows. Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online get updates and expansion parity day one on PlayStation as well. It’s Sony who has become notorious for removing content from the Xbox versions of multiplatform games. It’s Sony who led the jacking up of console games to $70 and even more in other territories. And it’s Sony who arbitrarily slapped a price hike on PlayStation consoles outside of the U.S. recently — so who exactly is harming gamers here? But again, I digress. This is a business, and Sony is merely protecting its interests. But to suggest its interests are somehow to the benefit of “the gaming industry” and “gamers” goes beyond bad faith, it’s simply a lie. Sony isn’t losing Call of Duty, it’s losing its ability to obfuscate (Image credit: Activision) In another statement to Eurogamer, Microsoft responded to Sony’s “concerns” with what is painstakingly obvious: “It makes zero business sense for Microsoft to remove Call of Duty from PlayStation given its market leading console position.” Sony knows this.  We all know this. The UK regulator may be too dumb to know this. Thankfully, Microsoft will presumably have the opportunity to pull out some crayons and very slowly try to explain it to them — and Sony may not like what could happen if it gets to that point.  It could be argued that, given what we learned from the hilarious Epic Games vs. Apple court case a while ago, that regulators find that it is in fact, Sony, who is anti-competitive and bad for the games industry. From its exclusivity deals that keep games away from Windows PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch to its developer-hostile practice of charging a tax for games that dare to allow connectivity with competing platforms.  Sony’s business strategy has long revolved around killing Xbox, but the company has ramped up on that even further in recent years, deploying subtle and not-so-subtle strategies to obfuscate the Xbox platform, and seed doubt in Microsoft’s operation. Games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake were listed with timed exclusivity periods when they were announced, but they still remain locked away from Xbox to the confusion of fans who may have been waiting for it. Games like the upcoming Harry Potter title Hogwarts Legacy will have exclusive content for PlayStation, and we all remember the notorious situation with Destiny, where entire missions were cut from the Xbox version, essentially making the Xbox version less valuable. Sony has been cornering an entire genre with fighting games exclusivity since it bought up Street Fighter V, while also restricting cross-play on games that weren’t exclusive. How is that good for the industry exactly? Final Fantasy 7 Remake is still absent from Xbox.  (Image credit: Square Enix) And sure, all of this is just business. Microsoft has done it in the past, especially during the Xbox 360 era. The outcry in the media for Microsoft’s exclusivity deal for Rise of the Tomb Raider was thick and fast and has since seen Microsoft to shy away almost entirely from major AAA exclusivity deals to Sony’s benefit. But herein lies the truth of Sony’s fears revolving around Call of Duty. Sony isn’t afraid of losing Call of Duty exclusivity. They aren’t even afraid of losing occasional pieces of content to Call of Duty. What they’re afraid of is gamers getting better value with Xbox Game Pass. They’re afraid of losing the ability to dictate the rules over how gaming operates. Epic Games has shown itself to wield its userbase as a weapon in arguing against taxes like Sony’s cross-play fee for developers. Is there a world where Epic Games and Microsoft band together to try and force Sony to remove the walls to cross-play all together? Surely it would only benefit gamers if I don’t have to check and double check whether or not I can play online with my friends, regardless of platform. Nintendo doesn’t block cross-play, Steam and Xbox don’t block cross-play — it’s Sony who blocks cross-play, and they do it to make it harder for users to choose anything other than the biggest platform. You know, limiting consumer choice per what regulators are supposed to, erm, regulate. The hard truth is that the Activision-Blizzard deal is not just good for Xbox. It’s quite literally the opposite of what Sony says: it’s going to be good for all gamers, and the industry as a whole. The Activision deal is good for ALL gamers, not just Xbox (Image credit: Microsoft) Sony’s arguments are in bad faith. They know they’re not going to lose Call of Duty. They know they’re not going to lose games like Overwatch or Diablo, which rely on large player bases. We know from how Microsoft has handled Minecraft, Elder Scrolls Online, and Fallout 76 how they’ll handle Call of Duty on PlayStation, and Sony knows it more than anyone. If Call of Duty is so important, how does Nintendo function without it? The only people who lose out in this equation are Sony’s execs and their millionaire shareholder class, who will see PlayStation’s clout to dictate prices and anti-competitive practices like cross-play blocking diminished.  I’m often accused of having Xbox bias for wanting this deal to go through — but the truth is pretty simple for me, this has nothing to do with Xbox. I barely play Call of Duty, for me, I couldn’t care less if Call of Duty went exclusive to PlayStation forever. My biases lie only in what is good for Activision’s developers, the games they make, and the people who play those games. It’s my belief that games like Diablo Immortal would be far less user-hostile under Microsoft. It’s my belief that World of Warcraft will see new investment to grow under Microsoft, and Xbox lead Phil Spencer essentially hinted as much in a previous interview. I believe franchises like Heroes of the Storm and Starcraft could see revived player bases with Xbox Game Pass perks. I could see dormant franchises like Prototype or Spyro being revived under Microsoft. The additional studios and expertise could help revive Microsoft IPs like Banjo Kazooie. I can see Call of Duty coming to Nintendo Switch under Microsoft, either via the cloud or natively in a lighter-weight version. We’ll also get better value, with all of these titles under Xbox Game Pass, which is available quite literally everywhere and anywhere. Even if you don’t own a gaming PC to play these titles natively, an Xbox Series S is incredibly affordable, and Microsoft may even opt to return the PlayStation versions back to ...

Travel + Leisure Co. Provides Update On Strong Momentum In Third Quarter Prior To Conference Presentations – Business Wire https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/travel-leisure-co-provides-update-on-strong-momentum-in-third-quarter-prior-to-conference-presentations-business-wire/ ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL), the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, provided an update on its third quarter results and outlook for the remainder of 2022 in advance of presentations at several conferences in September. Travel + Leisure Co. will be attending NYSE’s 3rd Annual Investor Access Consumer Day on September 20, 2022, Deutsche Bank’s 30th annual Leveraged Finance Conference on September 20, and Wells Fargo’s Consumer Conference on September 21. A link to the company’s updated Fall 2022 investor relations presentation is available online at travelandleisureco.com/investors. Third Quarter Update The company is reiterating the third quarter and full year outlook provided on July 28, 2022, in its earnings press release, including the following measures1: Third quarter adjusted EBITDA of $230 million to $240 million Full year adjusted EBITDA of $860 million to $880 million “The strong momentum we saw in the second quarter continued through August as our vacation ownership business continues to draw families prioritizing their vacations. Through the end of the year, booking pace at our vacation ownership resorts remains strong with room nights on our books 8 percent above 2019,” said Michael D. Brown, president and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co. About Travel + Leisure Co. Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with nearly 20 travel brands across its resort, travel club, and lifestyle portfolio. The company provides outstanding vacation experiences and travel inspiration to millions of owners, members, and subscribers every year through its products and services: Wyndham Destinations, the largest vacation ownership company with more than 245 vacation club resort locations across the globe; Panorama, the world’s foremost membership travel business that includes the largest vacation exchange company and subscription travel brands; and Travel + Leisure Group, featuring top travel content and travel services including the brand’s eponymous travel club. At Travel + Leisure Co., our global team of associates brings hospitality to millions each year, turning vacation inspiration into exceptional travel experiences. We put the world on vacation. Learn more at travelandleisureco.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “should,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “future,” “intends” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of Travel + Leisure Co. and its subsidiaries (“Travel + Leisure Co.” or “we”) to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, risks associated with: the acquisition of the Travel + Leisure brand and the future prospects and plans for Travel + Leisure Co., including our ability to execute our strategies to grow our cornerstone timeshare and exchange businesses and expand into the broader leisure travel industry through new business extensions; our ability to compete in the highly competitive timeshare and leisure travel industries; uncertainties related to acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions; the health of the travel industry and declines or disruptions caused by adverse economic conditions, unemployment rates and consumer sentiment, terrorism or acts of gun violence, political strife, war, including hostilities in Ukraine, pandemics, and severe weather events and other natural disasters; adverse changes in consumer travel and vacation patterns, consumer preferences and demand for our products; increased or unanticipated operating costs and other inherent business risks; our ability to comply with financial and restrictive covenants under our indebtedness and our ability to access capital markets on reasonable terms, at a reasonable cost or at all; maintaining the integrity of internal or customer data and protecting our systems from cyber-attacks; uncertainty with respect to the scope, impact and duration of the novel coronavirus global pandemic (“COVID-19”), including resurgences, the pace of recovery, distribution and adoption of vaccines and treatments, and actions in response to the evolving pandemic by governments, businesses and individuals; the timing and amount of future dividends and share repurchases, if any; and those other factors disclosed as risks under “Risk Factors” in documents we have filed with the SEC, including in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2022. We caution readers that any such statements are based on currently available operational, financial and competitive information, and they should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur. 1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. This guidance is presented only on a non-GAAP basis because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is available without unreasonable effort, primarily due to uncertainties relating to the occurrence or amount of these adjustments that may arise in the future. Where one or more of the currently unavailable items is applicable, such items could be material, individually or in the aggregate, to GAAP reported results.

Lincoln’s B&R Stores Buys Small Missouri Chain | Local Business News | Journalstar.com – Lincoln Journal Star https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/lincolns-br-stores-buys-small-missouri-chain-local-business-news-journalstar-com-lincoln-journal-star/ Lincoln’s B&R Stores has completed its largest-ever acquisition and expanded into a new state. The owner of Super Saver, Russ’s Markets and other brands bought C&R Market, a chain of 10 rural grocery stores in central Missouri. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. C&R Market co-owner Mark Thomas told the NEMOnews Media Group earlier this month that B&R Stores approached him about buying the stores, which had been owned by his family for 65 years. Marty Jarvis, B&R marketing director, said he didn’t know the exact details of the company’s interest in C&R Markets, but CEO Pat Raybould “has always been interested in looking for opportunities to grow the company.” For most of its existence, B&R Stores concentrated on expanding its footprint with new stores, mostly in Lincoln, but over the past several years, it has purchased small grocery stores in smaller towns, including Waverly, Beatrice and Glenwood, Iowa. The C&R Market purchase grows B&R Stores’ footprint from 22 stores in Nebraska and Iowa to 32 stores in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. Top Journal Star Photos for September Sam Simpson on Friday walks through a field of U.S. flags set up in memory of those who died on 9/11, Friday, Sept. 9. Volunteers placed 2,977 flags at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and wrote thank you cards for local firefighters, law enforcement and residents at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System. KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star A Nebraska fan reacts to a missed field goal as time expired in the Huskers’ 45-42 loss to Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. NOAH RIFFE Journal Star Nebraska wide receiver Trey Palmer (3) can’t pull in a pass against Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. NOAH RIFFE Journal Star Lincoln Southwest’s Jack Baptista (3) dives for the pylon against Lincoln East on Friday, Sept. 9, at Seacrest Field. NOAH RIFFE Journal Star Lincoln North Star’s Dylan Hallett (3) tackles Kearney’s Kole Throckmorton (91) on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Seacrest Field. NOAH RIFFE Journal Star Aurora’s Carlos Collazo (left) is tackled by Ashland-Greenwood’s Logan Sobota (center) and Thomas Spears (right) during a run in the second quarter Friday, Sept. 9, in Ashland. KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star Ashland-Greenwood’s Dane Jacobsen practices throws during warmups before the Bluejays’ game against Aurora on Friday, Sept. 9, in Ashland. KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star A look at Nebraska’s light show after the third quarter of the Georgia Southern game Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Scott Frost enters a truck to exit Memorial Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 11, after he was fired as Nebraska’s head football coach. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Eli Soell of Lincoln (right) celebrates a Nebraska touchdown against Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Georgia Southern’s Kyle Vantrease leaps over Nebraska’s Ernest Hausmann (bottom left) and Luke Reimer (bottom center) to score the game-winning touchdown on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Nebraska’s Kaitlyn Hord celebrates after scoring a point against Long Beach State on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Devaney Sports Center. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook (left) talks with Tyler Hildebrand, Long Beach State’s head coach and a former assistant at Nebraska under Cook, on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Devaney Sports Center. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star S-E-M’s Creyton Line (left) grabs the helmet of Parkview Christian’s Alex Rohrbaugh on Friday, Sept. 9, at Larry and Carol Frost Field. JUSTIN WAN Journal Star Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks off the field after the Huskers lost to Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. NOAH RIFFE Journal Star Nebraska’s bench reacts to a play during the match against Creighton on Wednesday at CHI Health Center Omaha. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause (22) hits a ball past Creighton defenders on Wednesday at CHI Health Center Omaha. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star A airman walks along the wing of now retired WC-135C/W, during a retirement ceremony for the final “nuke sniffer” aircraft used by The Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth at the Lincoln Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Lincoln, NE. The WC-135 Constant Phoenix is a special-purpose aircraft derived from the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter and used by the United States Air Force. Its mission is to collect samples from the atmosphere for the purpose of detecting and identifying nuclear explosions. It is also informally referred to as the “weather bird” or “the sniffer” by workers on the program and international media respectively. The 55th Wing will retired one of it jets and welcomed its latest during a 1 p.m. ceremony at the Lincoln Airport. The Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth officially retired the WC-135C/W and officially welcomed WC-135R tail number 4836 to its fleet. Tail 4836 is the first of three WC-135R deliveries to the wing, while tail 2667 is the last of the old WC-135C/W fleet to be retired. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Shawna Fosket holds a Super Punch, a punch needle tool she’s worked to develop. A Kickstarter campaign has raised almost $6,000. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Lincoln High’s Faith Van Eck (left) attempts to block Lincoln Northeast’s Genna LeMay in the second set at Lincoln Northeast on Tuesday. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska’s Nicklin Hames (center) reacts after a serve by Lexi Rodriguez (right) won the second set for the Huskers at the Devaney Sports Center on Saturday. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska’s Bekka Allick (left) and Nicklin Hames celebrate after a Husker kill against Mississippi in the second set at the Devaney Sports Center on Saturday. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska linebacker Ernest Hausmann takes the field before the game against North Dakota on Saturday. Hausmann, a true freshman, played 40 snaps in the game. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska edge rusher Garrett Nelson walks off the field after the Huskers’ win against North Dakota on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Nebraska running back Ajay Allen celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown against North Dakota on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star A first-quarter moon rises over Memorial Stadium toward the end of the Nebraska-North Dakota game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (left) tries to break loose from North Dakota’s Marcus Vaughn-Jones (9) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks with North Dakota coach Bubba Schweigert before Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Fans arrive at Memorial Stadium before the North Dakota game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Nebraska head coach Scott Frost high-fives a young fan before the North Dakota game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Lincoln High players Adonis Hutchinson (2), Javon Leuty (22) and Beni Ngoyi (8) walk out of the tunnel before taking on Omaha Northwest on Friday at Beechner Complex.  NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Lincoln Southeast’s Henry Woods (top) is brought down by Lincoln East’s Carter Tempelmeyer on Friday at Seacrest Field. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Mario Garcia of Lincoln, a passenger on the first flight to Houston early Friday, picks up souvenirs at Lincoln Airport’s first flight ceremony. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Lincoln North Star’s Jace Coleman (14) is tackled by Lincoln Northeast on Thursday at Seacrest Field. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Lincoln North Star players celebrate after winning a softball game against Lincoln Pius X Thursday at Doris Bair Softball Complex. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (center left) and Madi Kubik (top right) celebrate with their team Kubik’s match-ending kill against Loyola Marymount on Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (top left) reacts after a kill by teammate Lindsay Krause (center) against Loyola Marymount on Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star Danish artist Julie Sass works Wednesday to assemble her show, “IMAGE: temporary constellation,” at Fiendish Plots at 2130 Magnum Circle. NOAH RIFFE, Journal Star Construction of the new football training complex has progressed to the point that fans will be able to access the northeast corner of Memorial Stadium this season. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Videos On Healthy Eating Can Help Obese Children Lose Weight, Study Finds – The Guardian https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/videos-on-healthy-eating-can-help-obese-children-lose-weight-study-finds-the-guardian/ Watching videos about how to cook, eat less and choose healthier foods can help obese children lose weight, reduce their risk of diabetes and become happier, a study has found. The doctor behind the findings believes they can help in treating childhood obesity because they show that online healthcare can be just as effective as face-to-face appointments. A team of researchers led by Dr Felix Reschke, of the children’s hospital in Hanover, Germany, studied 108 children who followed the video-based weight loss programme while the country was in its second Covid-19 lockdown in late 2020. The trial resulted in many participants eating much more fruit and vegetables and far fewer sugary treat foods such as sweets, snacks and soft drinks. In addition, they reduced the number of meals they ate each day, though they still averaged 4.1 meals, as a result of “video-based structured education”. Overall, two-thirds lost weight and generally displayed better health. The yearlong programme consisted of the young people watching educational videos about good food choices, the amount they should be eating at mealtimes and the benefits of being physically active. Participants ranged from eight to 17 years old and their average age was 12. All were already enrolled in the KiCK outpatient healthy living programme for under-18s who were overweight or obese. It was remodelled owing to Covid to become online-only. It also included educational seminars and workshops, as well as online cooking sessions and discussions about difficult subjects such as “emotional eating” and the health consequences of obesity, which can include diabetes and a higher risk of heart, breathing and joint problems. Participants displayed “significant improvements” in five key measures of their health. They had a lower body-mass index, reduced risk of developing diabetes, less cholesterol in their bloodstream, better results in a six-minute test of their walking speed, and improved mental welfare. “Successful treatment of childhood obesity is challenging work, but we have demonstrated that adolescents with pre-existing obesity may be helped through video-based training,” Reschke said. “Participants showed improvements in their dietary choices, appetite control and portion sizes, which was reflected in better measures of their metabolic health and quality of life.” The results proved that virtual care could help patients as much as in-person consultations, he added. “Our results are very hopeful that this approach may be a useful and cost-effective model for treating obesity in children. It eliminates the need for regular face-to-face contact, which may be of particular use for those who have difficulty attending appointments. Although we must take care not to unnecessarily increase the amount of screen time used by children. It may be a fine line, but our data suggest this approach is worthwhile.”

LeBron’s Bold Plan To Play Alongside ‘Chosen Sons’ Detailed In Sports Illustrated Magazine – Business Wire https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/lebrons-bold-plan-to-play-alongside-chosen-sons-detailed-in-sports-illustrated-magazine-business-wire/ September 15, 2022 05:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LeBron James has a grand plan to play in the NBA with his 17-year-old son Bronny… and maybe 15-year-old son Bryce too. The trio was shot exclusively in LeBron’s Akron, Ohio high school gym and broke records as the most viewed Sports Illustrated Daily Cover this summer. The King explained his audacious plan with Chris Ballard, adding that they don’t give a damn what anyone thinks of that dream, in the October Sports Illustrated issue on newsstands and at SI.com/issues today, with additional features below. October Issue Features Their Decision: LeBron James isn’t done dreaming: Chris Ballard takes us inside LeBron’s plan to end his career by playing alongside his son (or sons?) in the NBA. Aaron Judge: According to Tom Verducci, the easy narrative is that Aaron Judge bet big on himself when he rejected a mammoth contract offer from the Yankees before this season. But maybe it’s not a gamble if, after years of work and study, he’s a hitting master coming into his own at just the right time. He Plays For Sean: It’s been 15 years since Washington Commanders safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed by burglars in his home, a tragedy that sparked an outpouring of support across the country. Now his younger brother Gabriel is honoring Sean’s football legacy—and creating his own as a defensive back at Rice University according to Alex Prewitt. New York Mets: New York’s other team is poised to play in October, thanks to a turnaround project by new Mets owner Steve Cohen’s efforts to transform a bumbling franchise. Stephanie Apstein investigates if one competent season erases decades of dysfunction. Roll With It: More than a decade ago, an avid cyclist named Ian Mackay was paralyzed in a horrific bike crash. Now he finds happiness and inspires others by getting back on the road—as a record-setting endurance wheelchair racer, by Joseph Bien-Kahn. Also in this issue: As four iconic female athletes retire this fall, SI says goodbye with a photo tribute to Serena Williams, Sue Bird, Allyson Felix and Sylvia Fowles. Longtime SI writer/editor Jerry Kirshenbaum remembers a momentous Munich night 50 years ago: his dinner with Mark Spitz hours after the swimmer won his seventh gold medal of the Olympics, and hours before a brutal terrorist attack that changed the Games forever. SI Gameplan: Mark Bechtel on a new collection of football photos from longtime photographer Michael Zagaris. Richard Johnson on five college coaches sitting on the hot seat this fall. Point after: Shohei Ohtani’s incredible two-way encore performance. Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter @SInow, Instagram @sportsillustrated, or Facebook. Subscribe to Sports Illustrated today or purchase single issues at SI.com. About Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. SI’s award-winning media enterprise brings powerful storytelling to life across platforms ranging from Emmy-winning video to the monthly print magazine with a 67-year heritage. Get in-depth features, probing profiles, and iconic and beloved photography from the best writers and photojournalists in the game at SI.com. About The Arena Group The Arena Group creates robust digital destinations that delight consumers with powerful journalism and news about the things they love – their favorite sports teams, advice on investing, the inside scoop on personal finance, and the latest on lifestyle essentials. With powerful technology, editorial expertise, data management and marketing savvy, the transformative company enables brands like Sports Illustrated, TheStreet and Parade to deliver highly relevant content and experiences that consumers love. To learn more, visit www.thearenagroup.net.

Meta: More Than Just A Story (Upside Beyond The Metaverse) – Seeking Alpha https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/meta-more-than-just-a-story-upside-beyond-the-metaverse-seeking-alpha/ Fritz Jorgensen I have written an article on Meta (NASDAQ:META) that illustrates an opportunity for a huge rally in the second half of 2022. While the focus on Meta has understandably been more on the metaverse, I think that the opportunity for Meta in the near term lies beyond the metaverse. The real near-term opportunity and catalyst is in its Family of Apps and more importantly, Reels. As we look to Meta’s experience and learnings from monetizing and ramping up Stories, I am of the view that the opportunity for Reels in terms of engagement and monetization is much more. This article aims to explain this and provide an update on my investment case for Meta. Reels improving engagement With Reels, I think the message that management has been wanting to bring across is that it is growing rather quickly, and perhaps faster than they would have anticipated. As mentioned in my earlier article, Reels took up about 20% of the total time spent on Instagram, which to me, was rather encouraging given that Reels is in its early days. In the current quarter, this time spent increased by more than 30% on both Instagram and Facebook, implying that about 26% of total time spent on Instagram was in Reels. While most of these gains in the early days are likely driven by advances Meta has made in its artificial intelligence, I also think that this proves the point of the importance of Reels and short-form videos for Meta as a social media company today. An example of AI improving time spent on Reels was that there was an increase of 15% in time spent on Reels in Facebook after the addition of a recommendations AI model. In my view, there is without a doubt that the company will need to continue to make improvements and add new AI models to, over time, increase engagement and time spent of Reels across its platforms. In building Reels, it is becoming clear that Mark and the team have a vision for it based on the past experience in building social media products for consumers. The focus is on connecting people as a social media company and this involves creating a flywheel effect through its network. As such, the important thing is for consumers to comment on and interact on these platforms. As such, I think that Reels is headed the right way as more than half of the content that consumers have been sharing on Instagram is Reels. This implies to me that Reels is helping improve engagement on Instagram and helping elevate the platform through better interactions and ultimately create a strong moat for Meta in Instagram. With regards to how Reels could add to time spent on Meta’s platforms, I get the sense that Reels could result in some form of cannibalistic effect on the overall company. However, management has reiterated that while there will be some form of cannibalistic impact from rolling out reels, there are incremental benefits to time spent on the company’s platform. Put it in another way, I am of the view that Reels, while having some cannibalistic impact, will see a net positive effect as short-form videos like Reels are the way to go moving forward to improve engagement in the long run. As such, it would be beneficial for Meta in the long run to focus its efforts on Reels to boost engagement of its platform. Reels monetization shows huge potential I think that the Meta team is doing good work in the monetization progress for Reels, given that Reels ads have officially reached the $1 billion annual revenue run rate. The progress that has been made for Reels at this point in time is actually faster than the monetization progress and pace for Stories a couple of years ago. As such, I am of the view that while we cannot hurry the monetization process for Reels as much as investors would really like to, the current progress made thus far has been really decent, especially when benchmarking it to Stories. While Reels is currently at a faster pace of monetization in a similar time frame compared to Stories, I think we have to be patient with the monetization process for Reels. A successful strategy does not happen overnight. For Stories, the monetization journey really began in 2018 and in 2022, and the company just reached parity on it. As such, I would expect Reels to take a multi-year process to fine-tune and optimize monetization in a way that works best for the businesses, consumers and Meta. While Meta reached a $1 billion run rate faster for Reels than for Stories, I think that the optimism that this brings should be put into perspective. This faster monetization was a result of Meta having a familiar playbook it could rely on where it has been successful in making products that its users love, and to integrate advertisement formats that works for its customers. As a result of its experience and lessons learnt from Stories, this $1 billion run rate was achieved faster than Stories. However, there are still challenges Meta faces in its monetization of Reels. One example of a challenge includes the video format of Reels being more difficult for small businesses that are more used to static photos as an advertisement format. As a result, some form of adjustment is necessary for Meta to take to drive further monetization results from Reels. So, what is next for Reels monetization? It is really about improving the performance and ramping up of Reels ad load. The use of AI will be crucial to ensure that the relevant videos are being pushed to consumers while the relevant ads are used to target these consumers. Meta gave an example where Wild Alaskan Company’s use and testing of ads on Reels resulted in 36% return on their spend as well as 26% decrease in cost per new subscriber. Second quarter results While there were fears about headwinds from a weakening demand for digital advertising, Meta reported 2Q22 advertising revenues that were better than expected, rising +3% year on year. However, operating margins disappointed as there were pressures from both Family of Apps and Reality labs. This came as management was spending more in 2Q22 than expected as they invested heavily into core business investments of AI and machine learning, needing to spend and invest in talent and infrastructure. In addition, Meta continued with its share buybacks in 2Q22, with a total of $5.2 billion worth of shares being bought back. Meta announced further reductions to its guidance for expenses from by about 3% to 4%, with the mid-range being around $89.5 billion. This lowering of expenses is part of management’s continued efforts to align the expectations and cadence for investments with its growth in revenues and margin profile. Weakening demand for digital advertising a near-term headwind Although 2Q22 beat on revenues and missed on operating margins, management’s commentary suggests that the opposite will be true in the next few quarters. This is due to more uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment while the company focuses on streamlining its costs structure in the next few quarters. While Mark’s commentary that we are seemingly about to move into an economic downturn is no surprise given the latest news about the economy, it is still pertinent to take this into account given that Mark did comment that he views the current macroeconomic environment as worse than 1 quarter ago. This will have an impact on the whole digital advertising industry and thus, if prolonged, could have a material and severe impact on Meta’s business. As such, the company’s guidance for 3Q22 implied a negative 10% to negative 2% growth for the quarter, which was lower than my initial expectations. This weakness was driven by the current sentiment on weakening demand for advertising as well as headwinds from foreign exchange. The metaverse As elaborated by Mark several times, Meta will, over the next decade, be building a platform for the metaverse across use cases including work and gaming. The focus on developing these platforms comes as Meta will then have the freedom to develop experiences in ways it wants without any external constraints. As this will be an expensive project that will take up heavy capital expenditures in the years to come, the metaverse project is a work in progress and provides the upside to Meta as it works towards being ahead of its competition. I firmly believe that the company’s near-term catalysts are unlikely to be the metaverse, and the metaverse then is likely to be a medium to longer-term project. However, as updated in the second quarter, Meta is looking to expand its metaverse platform, Horizon, as well as make improvements to its Avatars platform. These efforts will help to improve the user experience and user engagement in the metaverse to achieve its end goal. With regards to hardware of the metaverse opportunity, Mark has committed to releasing Project Cambria later in the year. This hardware will be focused on professionals, and it is expected to be a high-end device. As highlighted earlier, the main focus right now is more on its Family of Apps rather than on the metaverse opportunity, although the company is and intends to invest into the metaverse for the long term. What it has announced so far is only the beginning in a rather long-term opportunity, and this project requires patience in the near term. Valuation The negative sentiment around Meta has caused its P/E multiple to contract significantly from more than 1 year ago as concerns about increasing competition, weakening advertising demand and significant spending on the metaverse weighed on the company. Meta is now trading at 11.9x 2023F P/E and 10x 2024F P/E based on my estimates. Multiple expansion is very much in the cards given that it is trading at a discount to its peer group. Applying a 15x P/E multiple on 2024F EPS, I derive a target price of $225 for M...

Home Screen Customization Just Got Even Better For IPhone With 15 Important New Features – Gadget Hacks https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/home-screen-customization-just-got-even-better-for-iphone-with-15-important-new-features-gadget-hacks/ The home screen is the most important part of your iPhone when it comes to customization, and Apple just gave us even more options to personalize it. On iOS 15, you could already hide apps and even entire pages from your home screen. You could also change the icons of apps that offered alternatives or switch out any app icon using Shortcuts. And you could set wallpapers to automatically change based on the time, the current dark or light theme, and other triggers. You still have all of those options on iOS 16, but you can customize even more features on your iPhone’s home screen now — and there are a few significant changes you’ll want to know about. Don’t Miss: All 350+ New iOS 16 Features for Your iPhone 1. Spotlight Search Takes Over Your Page Dots The iOS 16 update replaces the page dots above the dock on your home screen with a new Spotlight Search bubble. Tapping it does the same as swiping down on a home screen page. And like page dots, you can swipe left or right on the Search bubble to speed scroll through your other home screen pages. Long-pressing the bubble or tapping on it in the home screen editor will still open up the page selection tool to show or hide pages. 2. You Can Bring Back the Page Dots If you like the old page dots and prefer swiping down the Spotlight Search tool or using Back Tap, you can bring back the dots. Go to Settings – Home Screen, then toggle off the new “Show on Home Screen” switch in the Search section. 3. Spotlight’s Search Bar Is Above the Keyboard Following in Safari’s footsteps, the search bar is directly above the keyboard every time you open the Spotlight Search tool on your home screen, so your eyes don’t have to stray as far to see what you’re typing. When you scroll through the results, the bar moves to the bottom of the screen when the keyboard hides. 4. There’s Finally a Books Widget For some reason, Apple never made a widget for its Books app — until now. On iOS 16, you can add the new Books widget to your home screen or Today View. The small widget shows the current book you’re reading and your daily goal. The medium one also shows the percentage completed. And the large also shows the days of the week. Don’t Miss: Apple Books Just Got Its Biggest iPhone Update in Years 5. Wallpapers Auto-Match Your Lock Screen One of the most prominent features on iOS 16 lets you customize your lock screen with a different background for each occasion. With each lock screen wallpaper, you can choose between a font type, select a color theme, and add widgets. When you add a new lock screen wallpaper to your arsenal from the lock screen or via Settings – Wallpaper – Add New Wallpaper, you’ll be asked if you want to “Set as Wallpaper Pair,” meaning the home screen wallpaper will automatically match the lock screen one. Don’t Miss: Customize Your iPhone’s Lock Screen with These 27 Killer New Features on iOS 16 6. There Are Emoji and Cool Colors for Wallpapers When changing the lock screen wallpaper, you can choose a repeating emoji or group of emoji in different grid styles. Plus, the “Color” option lets you pick any solid color or apply a gradient effect such as Bright, Vapor, Deep, Tone, and Vibrant. Since you can match the home and lock screen wallpaper, you can also use any of these emoji and color options for your home screen background. 7. There Are Automated Wallpapers Too To make your iPhone automatically change wallpapers on iOS 15, you would have to set up an automation in the Shortcuts app. That’s no longer required if you want to shuffle through weather conditions, astronomy updates, or your photos. You can set these up when selecting a lock screen wallpaper, and they’ll also be your home screen background unless you change it manually in Settings – Wallpaper. 8. You Can Change Associated Wallpapers You don’t have to have to match the lock screen and home screen wallpapers. When you first set up a lock screen wallpaper, instead of “Set as Wallpaper Pair,” choose “Customize Home Screen” instead. If you set the lock and home screen wallpapers to match each other or just want to change your home screen wallpaper, go to Settings – Wallpaper, tap “Customize” under the home screen image, and choose another option, such as a color shade, color gradient, or photo. After you hit “Done,” that wallpaper is associated with the lock screen wallpaper that’s currently active. So when you switch lock screen wallpapers, it will also use the home screen wallpaper you set for it. 9. There’s a Legibility Blur for Apple Wallpapers When using one of Apple’s wallpapers for your home screen background, you’ll see an option in the wallpaper editor called “Blur.” By default, it’s off, but when you turn it on, the wallpaper blurs to bring more focus and legibility to the apps, folders, widgets, and other content on your home screen pages. 10. You Can Choose a Solid Color Wallpaper Fill While Apple had a few solid color wallpapers from time to time, you always had to find your own image to use if you wanted a solid color background on your home screen. Not anymore. The solid color fill is the second option from the left in the home screen wallpaper editor. Tap “Color,” then tap it again to bring up the color picker, where you can choose a color and its strength. Tip: If you want the same solid color on your home screen and lock screen, select “Color” from the lock screen wallpaper picker, choose your color, and then swipe to the “Solid” option. 11. Or a Gradient Wallpaper Fill If you like more of a fading color than a solid one, the third option from the left in the home screen wallpaper editor lets you choose a gradient. Tap “Gradient,” then tap it again to bring up the gradient picker, where you can select a gradient color and its strength. Tip: If you want the same solid gradient on your home screen and lock screen, choose “Color” from the lock screen wallpaper picker, select your color, and then swipe to the Vibrant gradient option. More gradient styles are available from the lock screen wallpaper editor, so if you want a Bright, Vapor, Deep, or Tone gradient on your home screen, it’ll have to match your lock screen wallpaper. 12. Photo Wallpapers Can Be B&W, Duotone, or Color Wash If you select a photo for your home screen’s background, you can now choose to keep it as is (“Natural”) in the wallpaper editor or make it “Black & White,” “Duotone,” or “Color Wash” instead. Swipe left or right on the screen to switch between the options. 13. You Can Change Duotone and Color Wash Colors If you choose a photo wallpaper using Duotone or Color Wash, tap the ellipsis (•••) in the editor and select “Style Color” to switch the shade to a different color. 14. Focus Lets You Choose Focused Home Pages There are a lot of changes to Apple’s Focus tool for iPhone, and one of them gives you home page suggestions when setting up the focus. Tap “Choose” for the home screen in the new Customize Screens section, and you may see page suggestions that remove apps and widgets unrelated to that focus. For example, a work focus may only keep apps related to emails, tasks, contacts, automation, stocks, utilities, etc. If none of the suggestions work for you — or if you don’t see any suggestions — toggle the current home screen pages that you want for the focus. Only the home screen pages you chose during the focus setup will appear on your iPhone whenever the focus is active. If you didn’t select any during the focus setup, your home screen would remain the same as before. 15. You Can See the Battery Percentage Always Apple added a feature for most Face ID-equipped iPhone models that finally lets us view the remaining power left in the battery as a percentage in the status bar. Touch ID models could already do this before, but now most Face ID models* can too, albeit with a major visual change: the numbers are inside the battery icon instead of a separate status bar icon. It’s a system-wide option, but you’ll see it every time you’re on your home screen if you choose to enable it. More Info: Finally! Permanently View Battery Percentage in Your iPhone’s Status Bar Instead of Battery Levels * Not available on iPhone XR, 11, 12 mini, and 13 mini. What’s Missing? We’ve wanted it for a long time, but Apple still has not delivered a way to remove app, folder, and widget names from the home screen. There are workarounds you can use to accomplish it, but we wanted Apple to include an option on iOS 16 to change icon and widget names. Other features that would be cool on the home screen include a way to space out app icons and hide the dock, but these didn’t show up on iOS 16 either. Keep Your Connection Secure Without a Monthly Bill. Get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for all your devices with a one-time purchase from the new Gadget Hacks Shop, and watch Hulu or Netflix without regional restrictions, increase security when browsing on public networks, and more. Buy Now (80% off) Other worthwhile deals to check out: 41% off a home Wi-Fi analyzer 98% off a learn to code bundle 98% off an accounting bootcamp 59% off the XSplit VCam video background editor Cover photo, screenshots, and GIF by Justin Meyers/Gadget Hacks