Clark County News Now

People With Schizophrenia Are 2.5 Times More Likely Develop Dementia: Study – Bel Marra Health https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/people-with-schizophrenia-are-2-5-times-more-likely-develop-dementia-study-bel-marra-health/ A recent study has found that people with schizophrenia are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without mental illness. While the correlation between the two conditions has long been known, researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause. The study’s authors say that more research is needed to better understand the link between schizophrenia and dementia and to explore possible ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia in those with schizophrenia. However, researchers believe this new study’s outcome may help protect mental health throughout life, which could help prevent dementia. The study highlighted the direct correlation between psychotic disorders and dementia over other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. It was the first high-quality study to look at a range of psychotic disorders and their associations with dementia risk. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and social withdrawal. It is a complex disorder that is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many people also experience impairments in cognitive and functional skills. Schizophrenia can devastate individual and their families, but there is hope for recovery. With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Researchers pulled together evidence from 11 studies from nine countries on four continents for the study. It included close to 13 million participants in total. They found that across multiple different psychotic disorders, there was 2.5 times higher risk of dementia later in life. The study included those diagnosed with psychotic disorders as young adults and those diagnosed later in life. It was found that those diagnosed with psychotic disorders at a younger age were much more likely to be diagnosed with dementia while still in their 60s. Researchers were able to make these associations, but it is still unclear if it is because of the mental illness itself or because psychotic disorders increase the likelihood of conditions that may increase the risk of dementia. Dr. Orgeta said: “People with psychotic disorders are more likely to have other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or obesity, which can increase the risk of dementia, while they are also more likely to have a poor diet, smoke or use drugs, which may harm their health in ways that could increase their likelihood of developing dementia.” Enhancing Cognitive Function While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as we age, this study shows how those with certain psychotic disorders may be at a higher risk of brain health problems. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function. The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive skills.

Nailers Begin Training Camp | News, Sports, Jobs – Wheeling Intelligencer https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/nailers-begin-training-camp-news-sports-jobs-wheeling-intelligencer/ Photo by Derek Redd Wheeling Nailers head coach Derek Army, left, shouts instructions as players Felix Pare, center and Drayson Pears, right, participate in drills Monday during the Nailers’ first practice of the season on the WesBanco Arena ice. The Nailers will hold 10:30 a.m. practices today, Wednesday and Thursday with a 10 a.m. morning skate Friday prior to their preseason opener versus Fort Wayne at 7:10 p.m. Friday. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox I’m interested in (please check all that apply) Daily Newsletter Breaking News Obituaries Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? * Yes No WHEELING — Wheeling Park junior striker Merritt Delk matched the school record for goals in a career as the …

Solana-Based Metaverse Gaming Platform Star Atlas Closes $2M In Public Token Sale – CoinDesk https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/solana-based-metaverse-gaming-platform-star-atlas-closes-2m-in-public-token-sale-coindesk/ Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG .

Don’t Miss! Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Drops To $871 In Killer Prime Early Access Deal – Laptop Mag https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/dont-miss-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-drops-to-871-in-killer-prime-early-access-deal-laptop-mag/ Home News (Image credit: Future) Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale is kicking off, and the discounts are already pouring in. In fact, we’ve spotted a killer deal on the amazing Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, as it’s now down to its lowest price yet. Right now, You can pick up the foldable Galaxy Z Flip 4 for $871 on Amazon (opens in new tab). That’s down from a $1,059 price tag, and that’s not all. The model in this deal comes packed with 256GB of storage, meaning you’re getting even more bang for your buck. If you’re looking to check out one of the best foldables on the market, this deal is just for you. It’s one of the best Prime Early Access smartphone deals around.  What’s not love about this foldable gem? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with HDR10+ support, a slick 1.9-inch cover screen, the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for speedy performance, and fantastic cameras that include Flex Mode, allowing users to transform the foldable into a chair-like posture when taking photos. In our Galaxy Z Fold 4 review, we noted its beautifully engineered form factor, compact and pocketable design, and decent battery life stretching to over 8 hours. As a cherry on top, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 harkens back to the golden age of flip phones when we’d satisfyingly slam our clamshell devices shut with an air of “cool aggression.” What’s more, it’s a fairly pocketable device. Unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is 0.2 inches thick. Folded, it bulks up to 0.6 inches. It weighs 6.6 ounces. We’re fans of Samsung’s latest foldable, and if you’re in the mood to start flipping some phones (the right way), this Galaxy Z Fold 4 deal is just for you.  Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it’s connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.

Bitcoin Price And Ethereum – Fear & Greed Index Signals “Extreme Risk” – Cryptonews https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/bitcoin-price-and-ethereum-fear-greed-index-signals-extreme-risk-cryptonews/ Most cryptocurrencies were trading in the negative early on October 11, as the global crypto market cap fell 3.26% on the previous day to $916.30 billion. Over the last 24 hours, however, overall crypto market volume increased by 63.81% to $54.09 billion. The overall volume in DeFi was $3.64 billion, accounting for 6.73% of the total 24-hour volume in the crypto market. The overall volume of all stablecoins was $51.01 billion, accounting for 94.31% of the total 24-hour volume of the crypto market. During the Asian session, Bitcoin is trading slightly bearish, dropping 2.05% in 24 hours to trade at $19,061.16. Whereas the second leading cryptocurrency, Ethereum, is down 3.28% to trade at $1,279.64. Fear & Greed Index Signals “Extreme Risk” Investors in the volatile cryptocurrency industry often show extreme displays of emotion.  When the market rises, avarice can cause people to act in ways they later regret (fear of missing out). Also, the sight of red numbers often causes people to sell their coins for nonsensical reasons.  The Fear and Greed Index is here to protect you from making irrational decisions based on your own emotions. Fear & Greed Index – Source: alternative.me On Tuesday, the cryptocurrency market remained in a “risk-off” mode, with the fear & greed index indicating “extreme fear.” Typically, investors avoid risky assets and continue to invest in safe-haven assets such as the US dollar, gold, and government bonds.  Extreme fear can indicate that investors are overly concerned. That could be a good time to buy. Bitcoin Price The current Bitcoin price is $19,071.56, and the 24-hour trading volume is $2.9 billion. In the last 24 hours, Bitcoin has dropped 2.01%. CoinMarketCap currently ranks first, with a live market cap of $365 billion.    Paul Tudor’s Remarks Underpin Bitcoin Price Paul Tudor Jones, an investor worth a billion dollars and a prominent hedge fund manager, spoke with CNBC on Monday about Bitcoin and the state of the American economy. Jones established Tudor Investment Corporation. Forbes estimates his wealth at $7.5 billion at the moment. When asked whether he still has any Bitcoin in response to a query regarding its potential use as an inflation hedge, Jones said: I’ve always had a small allocation to it [bitcoin] … In a time where there’s too much money, to much fiscal spending, something like crypto, specifically bitcoin and ethereum, that will have value at some point. Moreover, We’re going to have to have fiscal retrenchment. When questioned if the crypto he referenced will be “at a price much higher than where we are now,” the millionaire said, “Oh yeah I think so.” Jones elaborated on his assessment of the American economy. When asked if the economy is in a downturn, he responded: I don’t know whether it started now or it started two months ago. We always find out and we are always surprised at when recession officially starts, but I’m assuming we are going to go into one. Hence, Paul Tudor Jones’ comments are benefiting Bitcoin and may help to support its price. Bitcoin Price Prediction & Technical Outlook Recalling my Bitcoin price prediction, the BTC/USD pair trading exactly in line with it and is falling toward an immediate support level of $18,970. The triple bottom pattern is likely to extend support here, and BTC may rebound if it can stay above this level. The BTC is still bearish, with the 50-day moving average (MA) providing significant resistance at $19,850. A break below $18,970 support, on the other hand, may push BTC to $18416.59 or $17,709 levels. A descending triangle pattern remains in place on the daily timeframe, and it is likely to keep BTC bearish until it breaks out of the $20,275 resistance level. Bitcoin has the potential to challenge the next resistance level of $21,905 or $22,760 if it rises above $20,475. Ethereum Price The current price of Ethereum is $1,280.18, with a 24-hour trading volume of $9.6 billion. In the last 24 hours, Ethereum has dropped 3.44%. CoinMarketCap currently ranks #2, with a live market cap of $157 billion.  Ethereum Supply Turns Deflationary Ethereum is confronting an inverse conundrum as the world’s banking institutions deal with unprecedented inflation. Ultrasound.money reports that since Saturday, the ether supply has decreased by nearly 4,000 tokens, but the price has not responded accordingly.  To date, the price of ETH has dropped 3.6% in the same time period, to $1,307 despite the shrinking quantity of ETH. For the first time since the Ethereum network made its historic switch to proof of stake in September, the network has entered a deflationary run, with more ETH being destroyed than created. A new token project, XEN Crypto, is to blame for the unexpected increase in Ethereum traffic and subsequent gas fee increase that caused ETH to deflate.  In the last 24 hours, XEN Crypto transactions consumed 40% of the total network gas, as reported by etherscan.io. Typically, a declining supply drives an uptrend in the coin, but for the time being, investors appear to be pricing in a stronger US dollar and Fed rate hike expectations, keeping ETH under pressure. Ethereum Price Prediction & Technical Outlook According to our previous Ethereum price prediction, the ETH/USD pair has broken through a choppy trading range of $1,300 to $1,400 on the bearish side, as well as a symmetrical triangle pattern. ETH has formed a bearish candlestick pattern, “three black crows,” on the 4-hour chart, which is likely to keep Ether under pressure. Furthermore, the RSI and MACD have crossed below 50 and 0, indicating a strong selling trend in ETH. The bearish breakout of the triangle pattern is expected to push ETH toward the $1262 immediate support level. Further down, ETH’s next level of support is at $1219. New Altcoin News Tamadoge, a meme coin, remains prominent amid its Ultra-rate NFTs, which are available on OpenSea, starting at 1 WITH. Tamadoge has risen to become the third most valuable meme coin in the cryptocurrency market and can be traded on multiple exchanges such as OKX, MEXC, BKEX, BitMart, and LBank.  The IMPT token, the project’s native currency, on the other hand, has performed admirably in its presale, raising $3.1 million since October 3. The presale is still open until November 25 or until it sells out. Find The Best Price to Buy/Sell Cryptocurrency:

Many U.S. Drivers Treat Partially Automated Cars As Self-Driving – Study – Reuters https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/many-u-s-drivers-treat-partially-automated-cars-as-self-driving-study-reuters/ A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives on autopilot along the 405 highway in Westminster, California, U.S., March 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) – Drivers using advanced driver assistance systems like Tesla (TSLA.O) Autopilot or General Motors (GM.N) Super Cruise often treat their vehicles as fully self-driving despite warnings, a new study has found. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an industry funded group that prods automakers to make safer vehicles, said on Tuesday a survey found regular users of Super Cruise, Nissan/Infiniti (7201.T) ProPILOT Assist and Tesla Autopilot “said they were more likely to perform non-driving-related activities like eating or texting while using their partial automation systems than while driving unassisted.” The IIHS study of 600 active users found 53% of Super Cruise, 42% of Autopilot and 12% of ProPILOT Assist owners “said that they were comfortable treating their vehicles as fully self-driving.” Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com About 40% of users of Autopilot and Super Cruise – two systems with lockout features for failing to pay attention – reported systems had at some point switched off while they were driving and would not reactivate. “The big-picture message here is that the early adopters of these systems still have a poor understanding of the technology’s limits,” said IIHS President David Harkey. The study comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is scrutinizing Autopilot crashes. Since 2016, the NHTSA has opened 37 special investigations involving 18 deaths in crashes involving Tesla vehicles and where systems like Autopilot were suspected of use. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Tesla says Autopilot does not make vehicles autonomous and is intended for use with a fully attentive driver who is prepared to take over. GM, which in August said owners could use Super Cruise on 400,000 miles (643,740 km) of North American roads and plans to offer Super Cruise on 22 models by the end of 2023, did not immediately comment. IIHS said advertisements for Super Cruise focus on hands-free capabilities while Autopilot evokes the name used in passenger airplanes and “implies Tesla’s system is more capable than it really is.” IIHS in contrast noted ProPILOT Assist “suggests that it’s an assistance feature, rather than a replacement for the driver.” NHTSA and automakers say none of the systems make vehicles autonomous. Nissan said its name “is clearly communicating ProPILOT Assist as a system to aid the driver, and it requires hands-on operation. The driver maintains control of the vehicle at all times.” Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Robert Birsel Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Head Of Xbox Teases Dedicated Cloud Gaming Hardware – The Indian Express https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/head-of-xbox-teases-dedicated-cloud-gaming-hardware-the-indian-express/ Last year, Microsoft announced that it was working on a dedicated Xbox streaming device optimised for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Now, Microsoft’s head of Xbox division, Phil Spencer, has revealed what the streaming device might look like. In a post on the popular social media platform Twitter, he congratulated Bethesda on Fallout’s 25th anniversary and shared a photo of the Vault Boy. But Spencer’s followers were quick to notice an unfamiliar device on top of the shelf. Codenamed Keystone, the streaming device looks like the Xbox Series S, but instead of running games natively, it streams them over Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Up until now, many thought that the Xbox streaming device will be more like a stick that would plug directly into the HDMI port but as it turns out, the box-like device will attach to the TV or monitor. In the tweet below, you can see that the white-coloured device rests on top of the shelf, just right to the Xbox controller and below the sword. Vault Boy left the shelter and stopped by my office to celebrate the #Fallout25 Anniversary. Congratulations to the @Fallout @Bethesda teams on this major milestone for an iconic franchise. pic.twitter.com/hGoN1sAQRK — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) October 10, 2022 Apart from being able to play games, the Xbox streaming device will reportedly also support video streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Videos. In case you are unaware, Microsoft had acknowledged the existence of codename Keystone earlier this year but according to a report from The Verge, Microsoft is still working on the Xbox streaming device. The official Xbox Twitter account commented on Spencer’s tweet and suggested that it is an older version of the Xbox streaming device.

No Injuries Reported In La Center House Fire – The Reflector https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/no-injuries-reported-in-la-center-house-fire-the-reflector/ The Reflector A residential structure at 3012 Northwest Eddy Rock Road in La Center was severely damaged by a fire in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 6. Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue was dispatched to the call at 12:30 a.m. after a caller reported a “whole house is engulfed in fire,” stated a news release.  The fire rescue’s engine 23 arrived nine minutes later. They reported the fire had extended through the roof of a small, single-story residence, stated the release.  CCFR confirmed the building was unoccupied at the time.  Battalion chief 21 requested a water tender from Cowlitz County Fire District 1 and an additional CCFR water tender.  A defensive fire attack from outside of the structure was initiated. Crews concentrated on protecting nearby structures and motor homes, stated the release. The fire was later declared under control at 1:26 a.m. “Surrounding structures and vehicles sustained some damage secondary to radiant heat,” stated the release. “The American Red Cross was dispatched to the scene to assist three adults who were displaced by the fire. One dog is accounted for and uninjured. There were no reported injuries at this incident.”  The cause of the fire has not been determined. It’s being investigated by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.  CCFR was assisted by responders from Cowlitz County Fire District 1, American Medical Response, the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The resources utilized included three fire engines, one ladder truck, two chief officers, two fire investigators, three water tenders, one AMR ambulance and one sheriff’s deputy. There were 21 personnel in all.

Disney Guests “Fear For Their Safety” After Latest Trip – Inside The Magic https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/disney-guests-fear-for-their-safety-after-latest-trip-inside-the-magic/ Inside the Magic was created in 2005. What started as a tiny central Florida based website and short weekly podcast that provided our audience the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World virtually has grown to the publishing company it is today. We focus on bringing you all things fun so you can plan your theme park vacation, enjoy Disney at home, and more. ITM now consists of multiple writers living near both Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks and around the world. This allows us to bring you the most interesting, entertaining, and unique entertainment experiences, covering theme parks, movies, TV, video games, special events and so much more.

AP Top Business News At 10:08 P.m. EDT – WTMJ https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/ap-top-business-news-at-1008-p-m-edt-wtmj/ Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

La Crosse Students Get A Taste Of Medical Field During ‘Wisconsin Science Festival’ Visit From Local Health Experts – News8000.com – WKBT https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/la-crosse-students-get-a-taste-of-medical-field-during-wisconsin-science-festival-visit-from-local-health-experts-news8000-com-wkbt/ October 10, 2022 8:37 PM Posted: October 10, 2022 8:37 PM LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – It’s Wisconsin Science Festival Week. Kids at Northside Elementary School got a taste of the medical field. Doctors, nurses, and other staff from Gundersen Health System taught students about germs, vaccines, and anatomy. Kids also got to go inside an ambulance and check out the St. Clare mobile clinic. Dr. Robyn Borge, the Chief of Medical/Clinical Staff at Gundersen Health System, hopes these experiences stick with the students. “We’re providing education on healthy eating, healthy living, good hand washing, even a little gross anatomy,” said Dr. Borge. “We hope to maybe inspire some of our young kids to consider fields of medicine down the road.” The group will be traveling to a few other schools during Wisconsin Science Fest Week. COPYRIGHT 2022 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

Chiefs-Raiders Roughing The Passer: Current, Former NFL Players React To Shocking Call On Chris Jones – CBS Sports https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/chiefs-raiders-roughing-the-passer-current-former-nfl-players-react-to-shocking-call-on-chris-jones-cbs-sports/ Throughout NFL history, there have been some very controversial roughing the passer calls. On Monday night, another one was added to the list of penalties that probably should not have been penalties. In the AFC West matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, a second-quarter call left fans in the stands booing and people at home, including NFL players, questioning how to properly tackle a quarterback, given the roughing the passer penalties getting called recently. Let’s first take a look at the play that everyone will be discussing tomorrow, especially if this game ends up being a close one. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones broke a tackle and found his way to the Raiders’ Derek Carr, sacking the quarterback and taking the ball from him all in one swift movement. Jones secured the ball as he went down, taking Carr to the ground with him. The strip sack looked clean to most everyone watching, but the referees made a controversial roughing the passer call that reversed the fumble and gave the Raiders a first down. Chiefs fans were visibly and audibly upset at the call, booing until the clock hit zero in the first half. The Raiders went on to score a field goal on the drive to go up 20-7. Immediately following the call, NFL Twitter shared their opinions, with current and former players giving their thoughts on what they just saw. NFL Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy acknowledged that the league needs to protect the quarterback, but as many have said, it is taking it too far.  “Terrible” is a word a lot of people have used to describe the call, including the legendary Lawrence Taylor. Sean Payton also weighed in: Richard Sherman noted that you cannot brace the fall with two hands when one is holding the football. Micah Parsons called the league “terrible” for the call. Former quarterback and current CBS Sports reporter Danny Kanell noted that the NFL Players Association needs to bring up the issue to make a change. Here are some more reactions from around the NFL:

Rimaunangis Token ($RXT) Showcases Metaverse Based On World Food Chain And Food Production Stability – StreetInsider.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/rimaunangis-token-rxt-showcases-metaverse-based-on-world-food-chain-and-food-production-stability-streetinsider-com/ Get instant alerts when news breaks on your stocks. Claim your 1-week free trial to StreetInsider Premium here. Dubai, United Arab Emirates–(Newsfile Corp. – October 10, 2022) – Rimaunangis Token ($RXT) was the Main Sponsor of the World’s largest Metaverse Event with Trescon. The world’s largest Metaverse event was held in Dubai by Trescon. Image 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/140047_94e8295784523a76_001full.jpg Image 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/140047_94e8295784523a76_002full.jpg The world’s largest metaverse event was held at one of the largest hotels in Dubai, namely the Address Dubai Marina Hotel. During the event, Rimaunangis ($RXT), the owner of the first world agricultural Metaverse in Malaysia, was present as a co-host sponsor. The company from Tbilisi – Georgia was very happy to be able to attend the event. Image 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/140047_94e8295784523a76_003full.jpg Image 4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/140047_94e8295784523a76_004full.jpg The number of metaverse developers, tokens, engines, governments, private companies, private equity, and venture capital made this event very extraordinary. On the occasion, Rimaunangis explained the importance of converting Metaverse into the real world, otherwise it would be just a game without proper monetization. With a vision to create a strong Food Chain in the World, Rimaunangis introduced a new concept of a real metaverse in Play to Earn. The game in a different world will make real money in the meta world and the real world. Image 5 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/140047_94e8295784523a76_005full.jpg In addition, Rimaunangis will be the main link in the distribution of food in the real world. Starting with livestock and agriculture businesses, now Rimaunangis is strengthening itself with a digital ecosystem that allows everyone to invest and invest in the world’s food chain. The ultimate goal is Food Security for the whole world, and connecting the whole world through real, affordable, and easily accessible food for everyone. To join Rimaunangis, visit: Website : https://www.rimaunangis.world Rimaunangis Token has been registered in : CoinMarketCap : https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/rimaunangis/ Coin Gecko: https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/rimaunangis Also currently undergoing the CERTIK Audit Process: https://www.certik.com/projects/rimaunangis-digital-llc Contact details: Rimaunangis Digital LLC Tbilisi – Georgia PIC : Dato Abdul Haadi Azhar (CEO) Email : [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140047

MediaTek Dimensity 1080 Vs 1050 Vs 920 Chipsets Compared – Another Confusing Addition To The MediaTek Line Up – Mighty Gadget https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/mediatek-dimensity-1080-vs-1050-vs-920-chipsets-compared-another-confusing-addition-to-the-mediatek-line-up-mighty-gadget/ I love that over the past few years, MediaTek has become a viable alternative to Qualcomm for mid-range and flagship chipsets. In my opinion, the Dimensity 8100 is one of the best chipsets this year, providing a good balance of price, performance and efficiency. However, MediaTek loves to churn out new iterations of their chipsets, and it can get a bit confusing. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is one of those. It is a fractional upgrade to the excellent mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 920, not an upgrade to the MediaTek Dimensity 1050. In short, the new MediaTek Dimensity 1080 bumps up the frequency of the ARM Cortex-A78 cores from 2.5GHz by just 4% to 2.6GHz. The chipset is then updated to support 200MP cameras, and the chipset can also do 4K HDR video processing. That’s it. That’s all the changes. As for the MediaTek Dimensity 1050, that’s built on the same fabrication process and has exactly the same CPU configuration as the Dimensity 920, but it uses a more modern Mali-G610 MC3 GPU. MediaTek Dimensity 1080 vs 1050 vs 920 Chipset Specification Full Press Release Faster Speeds, Bigger Pictures, Incredible 4K HDR Video for Streamers The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is designed to capture bigger pictures its advanced Imagiq camera technologies, powerful MiraVision 4K HDR video processing, and give gamers the edge with HyperEngine networking enhancements. With advanced 5G integrated into this 6nm chip, it lets you download faster and go further, all with exceptional power efficiency. Faster performance, smoother games The Arm Mali-G68 graphics engine and octa-core CPU featuring Arm Cortex-A78 speeds up to 2.6GHz provide exceptional performance, rapid App response, and smooth gameplay that lasts longer than ever. Exceptional power-efficiency Using an advanced 6nm-class chip production process enables the Dimensity 1080 to extend battery life, even for demanding users. This highly power-efficient design means device makers can create slim and light 5G smartphones with incredible performance. Catch the moment in more detail than ever With a 200MP camera at your fingertips, never miss a detail while capturing incredible photos. 4K HDR video capture engine Record or stream 4K HDR video in any lighting condition thanks to premium noise reduction technologies that let you simply point and shoot. The Dimensity 1080’s hardware-accelerated video recording engine is considerably more efficient, keeping the smartphone cooler and extending battery life while you stream all day. AI for next-gen experiences A dedicated, multi-core AI processing unit allows cool camera tricks like soft background (AI-bokeh) and selective focus from a single camera – ideal for selfie vlogs and streams. MediaTek Intelligent Refresh Rate Displays Use a display that reacts with super-fast refresh rates only when the game or app needs it. Get hands-on with a smoother display experience, without the hit on battery life. Power-efficient connectivity 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth and GNSS connectivity are all built directly into the Dimensity 1080 meaning they work far more power-efficiently than other multi-chip designs, extending your everyday battery life. Faster 5G with greater reach Smartphones powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1080 can combine 5G low and mid-bands for faster average speeds, greater reach and a seamless movement between 5G areas across a coverage layer, so your 5G experience never faulters. Dual 5G with premium voice call services The Dimensity 1080 provides dual 5G SIM (standalone), with support for premium VoNR call services from both connections. MediaTek HyperEngine 3.0 Networking Engine Keep on gaming even when you receive a call, and when you’re travelling. Tether a friend’s device and play together online for 33% longer than other chip designs. Game on SIM 1, Call on SIM 2 5G HSR mode for gaming Super Hotspot Power Saving

Crypto Giant Coinbase Gets Singapore Licence – Reuters https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/crypto-giant-coinbase-gets-singapore-licence-reuters/ SINGAPORE, Oct 11 (Reuters) – Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the United States, said it has received approval from Singapore’s central bank to offer payment services in the city-state. The in-principle approval, which the central bank started giving out to crypto firms last year, means individuals and institutions can use digital payment token services and the firms are regulated by the central bank under its Payment Services Act. Calling it a “significant milestone”, Coinbase said in a statement that it has been building up its presence in Singapore and currently had nearly 100 employees in the Southeast Asian state, with product engineers forming the largest bulk of hires. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “We see Singapore as a strategic market and a global hub for Web3 innovation,” said Hassan Ahmed, Coinbase’s regional director for Southeast Asia. About 180 crypto companies applied for a crypto payments licence to the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2020 under a new regime. Singapore has handed out 17 in-principle approvals and licences after an elaborate due diligence process that is still ongoing. Besides Coinbase, Crypto.com and DBS Vickers – the brokerage run by Singapore’s largest bank DBS (DBSM.SI) – are among those that have received licences. Singapore’s welcoming approach has helped the financial hub attract digital asset services-related firms from China, India and elsewhere in the last few years, making it a major centre in Asia. However, there have also been quite a few cases of crypto fall-outs taking place in the city state. Singapore-based crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital began liquidation in June after it was unable to meet hundreds of millions of dollars in obligations. The hedge fund had taken a hit from the collapse of cryptocurrencies Luna and TerraUSD in May. Both coins were developed by Terraform Labs, which was incorporated in Singapore. Terraform Lab’s founder Do Kwon is currently wanted by the South Korean police. The chief of the MAS has, however, sought to distance Singapore from these firms and said in July that companies like Three Arrows and Terraform Labs were “so-called Singapore-based” firms that had “little to do” with the city state’s crypto regulations. Singapore plans to roll out new regulations that will make it more difficult for retail investors to trade cryptocurrencies. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Xinghui Kok; Editing by Anshuman Daga and Ed Osmond Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Opinion | Putin Wanted To Terrorize Us With Kyiv Airstrikes. It Didn’t Work. – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/opinion-putin-wanted-to-terrorize-us-with-kyiv-airstrikes-it-didnt-work-the-washington-post/ Iuliia Mendel is a journalist, the author of “The Fight of Our Lives,” and a former press secretary for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It all started around 8 a.m. on Monday. My husband and I were going about our usual morning routine. I was making an omelet and coffee when we heard the first explosions. We rushed to the window, not able to believe this was happening again (even though the air-raid sirens had already been wailing for an hour and a half). When we opened the window, we heard rolling thunder, even though the sky in Kyiv was completely clear. The sound of exploding missiles always reminds me of the sounds of a storm, but it is far more menacing knowing that death is coming, not rain. I searched online to figure out what had happened, and whether my relatives and friends were okay. We realized we had to get dressed quickly and prepare to go to the shelter. Soon, there were more explosions. Only the cats remained calm. I ate the omelet quickly, despite my sour stomach. I got a call from my cousin Oleksandra Mendel, who is 24. She left her home in Kherson village back when the Russians came and, since then, she’s been living with my grandmother in downtown Kyiv. She told me that she’d been heading home from the train station in a cab when she heard the whistling of a missile. It hit about a block away with a tremendous explosion — and was soon followed by a second one. The driver stopped and they both jumped out, joining the frantic crowd of people on the street looking for a place to hide. “I couldn’t tell where the missile had hit,” she told me. “We didn’t know if the attack was over, if there would be other missiles.” In the end, she and her taxi driver got back in the car and drove away. She spent the next three hours in a bomb shelter. Despite the Kremlin’s efforts to terrorize our people, their reaction has been extraordinary. The citizens of Kyiv are scared, it’s true. You can’t not be scared. But at the same time, they haven’t given into hysteria. The German ambassador to Ukraine, who spent hours in bomb shelters on Monday, too, tweeted: “With hundreds of Kyivans in a shelter. I am amazed at the calm that prevails here while Russia is shelling playgrounds in the center of Kyiv.” Monday’s attacks gave some of us flashbacks to when the war started back in February. But this time, the situation feels very different. While we can’t get used to the fact that someone is trying to kill us just because of who we are — no one could ever get used to that — now we know we can fight back. We understand that our enemy is doing this because he is desperate. People are determined to go about their lives. When the invasion began, everything shut down. But today, many of the shops have stayed open. Grocery stores, coffee shops, even a beauty salon in my building — they all kept working. The city of Kyiv and the surrounding regions had blackouts on Monday, some for a few hours, others longer. Later in the day, when it seemed that the attacks were over, I visited a maternity hospital outside of town. My friend Maryna gave birth to a daughter there three days ago, and she is still there recovering. She was worried but still in a state of absolute happiness. She moved to the European Union when the war started but decided to come back to Ukraine to have her baby. Monday morning, she didn’t hear the explosions. When the doctors invited her to go downstairs to the bomb shelter, she declined. The elevators weren’t working because of the lack of power, and she didn’t have the energy to make the trek. So she and her baby girl just stayed in their room, hoping that everything would be all right. (The mayor of Kyiv said that at least five health-care buildings were damaged during Monday’s missile strikes.) Earlier in the day, I ran into two people who decided get out of Kyiv because of the attack. One person was talking on the phone near the entrance to my building; I heard him say “it’s time to leave.” Someone had piled up a bunch of luggage in the entryway. I got into the elevator with a neighbor, who said he was very angry and wanted to blow up the Kremlin. He told me that he and his family were leaving for the countryside for a few days, believing there would be more attacks soon. “The Russians are shelling residential buildings,” he said. “It’s terror!” He was right. The mood among civilians is that they want to put a stop to this terror — and the only way to do that is by stopping the war. Everything we have is under attack. Our loved ones have been killed, wounded and terrorized. Parts of our country have been occupied, subjected to lawlessness and state-orchestrated violence. Our very existence has been doubted and attacked. So people have good reason to be angry. They want all of this to stop. They are under incredible stress. But they are not hopeless or desperate. “We have to be patient,” is how my cousin Oleksandra put it to me. “This is [Vladimir] Putin’s final death agony and we are about to win. This is happening because we have successes on the battlefield, so we must be patient and believe in our army.” This morning, when the missile hit, she was returning from the southern front line on a train. Her husband serves in the military there. This is the atmosphere in Kyiv. People are angry, and they’re not going to give up.

Yes Bank Aligns Technology Initiatives For Business Growth – ETCIO https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/yes-bank-aligns-technology-initiatives-for-business-growth-etcio/ Given the complexities of operations, the banking industry has been at the forefront of leveraging digital technologies to enhance its business processes. Yes Bank has been one such bank, making a big-time shift towards digital adoption. Mahesh Ramamoorthy, CIO, Yes Bank, joined the Mumbai-headquartered firm in June last year, and in his short tenure, he has worked on several projects as the bank accelerates its digital transformation journey. While every project was significant, the one that Ramamoorthy found most critical was the bank’s datacenter migration. He even compared the activity to performing open heart surgery. This is because an organisation like Yes Bank performs large-scale operations including payment transactions, customer services, and running branches, and wanted to ensure minimal disruption while shifting datacenters to a brand new setup. “That’s very critical because one needs to plan a lot of activities–both small and large—of data movement in a secure way and ensure no service outages occur at the same time. We are now towards the final leg of this project,” Ramamoorthy says. Yes Bank is migrating to a Tier-4 colocation-based datacenter setup where all environments are isolated for the bank, and protected by its own security layers. “The move towards a next-gen datacenter setup also sets up the bank for future growth. Yes Bank is preparing its readiness of scale, security, and ensuring that it has the capability to service the growth expected for the next few years,” adds Ramamoorthy. Talking about banking organisations adopting public cloud, Ramamoorthy said, adopting cloud-native technologies is on Yes Bank’s roadmap. The adoption of Kubernetes or the Red Hat OpenShift platforms is something that’s in the pipeline. However, moving aggressively to the public cloud remains dependent on various factors including acceptance by the regulatory body as well as the data security offered by hosting service providers. “Having said that, we’ve not altered our journey. We currently have our own tenants from one of the CSPs and we have embarked on a very formative journey of moving into the cloud and adopting some of those cloud technologies for our growth. They may not be as yet any of the critical applications but we’re looking to push some of our non-critical workloads which probably can create on-demand capabilities for expansion, that we have started moving to the cloud but in our own tenant,” he avers. Currently, Yes Bank’s ten per cent workloads are present on the tenanted cloud. The bank has not gone beyond that because it wanted to ensure an interlock between risk management and acceptance from the regulator. “We have established our plans for movement towards the cloud over the next 12 to 18 months. Eventually, I think as even the CSPs become more mature, we become better mature in terms of cloud technologies, the ten per cent will start to aggressively move towards fifty to sixty per cent over the next two to three years,” remarks Ramamoorthy. Core banking in the cloud When asked about the future of core banking in the cloud, Ramamoorthy said, it is not just about hosting something on a cloud and depends upon many factors. Before moving the core systems of records (which includes PI data and critical payments data) to the cloud, it is imperative to create a robust security layer and ensure operational effectiveness. “That journey is most important, and to me, that journey as yet is not firmly locked in between the regulator, banking ecosystem partners as well as the CSPs and the OEMs. That journey will take some time, once that is very clear, you will start to see some of the systems of record starting to be moved on to the cloud,” says Ramamoorthy. He also explained that this journey won’t be completed overnight and is going to take at least three years. “But there’ll be bits and pieces of the core banking that will start to get moved on to the cloud. For example, some of the product layers can go to the cloud, whereas the data layer can continue probably to decide on premises so that you still have a balance between securities versus the service on demand,” he adds. Creating omnichannel experience Today, Yes Bank’s footprint of digital spans every aspect of business, whether it is retail, MSME or corporate servicing. We are at aggressive growth in excess of 60-70% of adoption from the customers’ perspective. “You will see even more adoption when omnichannel experiences are created and as we enhance our digital experiences, and expand our footprint into the rural areas or in other sub-businesses then we would see more adoption of our digital footprint over the coming years,” he says. Yes Bank’s target is to go in excess of above 90-95 per cent which Ramamoorthy feels the bank could achieve by taking constant feedback from customers about the digital channels and the bank’s ability to apply that feedback in enriching its digital capabilities. Cut the clutter, focus on what really matters As the banking landscape keeps evolving it becomes imperative for banks to keep a close eye on emerging technology trends which will be necessary for driving growth. According to Ramamoorthy, Yes Bank receives feedback from its consulting and OEM partners on a regular basis around emerging capabilities. Later, the business evaluates whether the shortlisted technologies fit the bill in terms of managing the risk better, growing the customer base or ensuring better servicing. “Now, the impact of that to our business, or to the current ecosystem that we have in India is obviously assessed by us along with our business colleagues. We assess what is required or not, and evaluate if we need to buy or build anything based on those capabilities that are required for our market. Now, we may hear a lot, but maybe just 2-3 per cent of what we hear makes sense for us to align and build it out for ourselves,” he explains. Better business prospecting using data A lot of Yes Bank’s servicing apps have been enabled to create journeys which enable cross-selling and upselling based on customer profiles. That profiling is done through a data lake ecosystem using which the bank tries to garner intelligence and then position those products accordingly. So we possibly have done that very effectively in some of our journeys, creating good experiences for them, especially in the front-end channels. Today, Yes Bank is among the leading players in the digital payments space. With a fair amount of data, the bank is able to analyse the data using AI/ML technologies, and then feed it into the front-end systems, providing real-time analytics for customers (based on their spend analysis) who are the right fit for more products. “The combination of using the data that we have, making an intelligent move on top of it and feeding that into the front-end channels with the right kind of feedback mechanisms has helped the bank to start its journey well in terms of how we increase our wallet share of the customer,” shares Ramamoorthy. Adopting ZeroOps Yes Bank has also embarked on a ZeroOps journey to eliminate unnecessary operational processes and costs. With ZeroOps, the bank aims to create instant customer gratification and customer experiences. “One is the onboarding journey of a customer, how can we create a more frictionless approach to a customer (do it yourself kind of an approach) and it goes end-to-end in a matter of few minutes, whether it is on the liability or the asset side, both of them are going to be near ZeroOps,” Ramamoorthy explains. The other aspect that Yes Bank is looking to transform with ZeroOps is reconciliation. Ramamoorthy believes that today, the reconciliation of a large payment ecosystem cannot be manual, It has to be automated. Last but not least is the management information reporting. The bank is trying to move towards ZeroOps in this area to reduce the overhead of manual intervention in creating these business dashboards, and regulatory reporting, which today occupies a large percentage of the operational activities. “We are working on creating zero operations in those areas and I’m confident as we expand our footprint in terms of improving our digital play, some of the other areas we should look at are offline payment transactions, and remittance transactions. Our mission is that can we do twice or even thrice our volumes with possibly either the same footprint or a reduced footprint of operations,” he shares.

Nekoma Complex Considered As Possible Natl. Historic Landmark – Knoxradio https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/nekoma-complex-considered-as-possible-natl-historic-landmark-knoxradio/ An abandoned Cold War-era military installation in Nekoma (ND) is being considered for possible designation as a National Historic Landmark. The Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard complex – known as “the Pyramid” — is among 24 properties deemed worthy of such consideration in a National Parks Service study titled “Protecting America: Cold-War Defensive Sites.” The anti-ballistic missile complex was operational for eight months in 1975. In October 1975, Congress voted to deactivate the complex… and missiles and equipment were removed. The Parks Service says that being included on the list does not mean that decisions have been made as to whether they meet requirements for National Historic Landmarks. This past July, Gov. Burgum said that crypto mining company Bitzero would develop the site into a secure center for high-performance computing and data processing. = = (National Parks Service release / Oct. 7: ) The National Park Service (NPS) today released a study identifying 24 properties with nationally significant connections to the Cold War worthy of National Historic Landmark consideration. The new theme study, Protecting America: Cold War Defensive Sites, was created in partnership with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and the Cold War Advisory Committee. The study covers the history and events between the 1945 Japanese surrender at the end of World War II and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, America’s principal adversary, in 1991. National Historic Landmarks represent outstanding aspects of American history and culture, possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States, and have a high degree of integrity of location, design, setting, material, workmanship, feeling, and association. Identifying eligibility is an initial step in nominating a property for designation. “As a former Cold War Veteran, I understand this study meets an urgent need to identify Cold War properties that are rapidly disappearing. The history of the Cold War is told in just a handful of our national parks and National Historic Landmarks, but there are many opportunities to learn about and discuss this complex and recent history. This study provides a framework for scholars, researchers, and educators to share a deeper history through the power of place,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “I’m grateful for the work of our staff, collaborative partners, and the members of the Cold War Advisory Committee for their tremendous efforts in compiling this study.” Generally, properties must be at least 50 years old or exceptionally important to be considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designation as a National Historic Landmark. Most properties associated with the Cold War today are fewer than 50 years old; many were demolished following their deactivation or altered enough from their historic character and no longer possess a high degree of integrity for designation or listing. Because of this and the recency of the Cold War era, relatively few properties have been designated or listed. In addition, many potential sites were demolished following their deactivation or altered enough that they lack sufficient integrity for designation or listing. Properties Identified for National Historic Landmark Consideration  The theme study identified the following sites for their associations with nationally significant topics within the Cold War context. Thorough studies of their relative significance and integrity will inform whether they appear to meet National Historic Landmark requirements and may be used to support future nominations. Inclusion on this list does not mean that conclusions have been made about whether the properties meet NHL requirements. Atlas ICBM Launch Facilities. (Facility 1788 Atlas D Gantry, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA; Atlas D Launch Facility 565th SMS Complex A, outside Cheyenne, WY; Atlas E Facility, in Weld County, CO) B-29 Serial No. 45-21847 (Heavy Bomber), Clark County, NV. Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site, Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean. Bush Compound, Kennebunkport, ME. Camp David, Catoctin Mountains, MD. La Casa Pacifica, San Clemente, CA. Cheyenne Mountain Complex, outside Colorado Springs, CO. Defense Early Warning (DEW) Line, across Alaska and Canada. Nike Missile Facilities (SF-88L Nike Site in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA; NM-69, Battery A Nike Site in Everglades National Park; Site Summit Nike Site, AK; Porter County Nike Site in IN; Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground in Monmouth County, NJ) General Purpose Laboratory (Building 9400), Camp Evans, Wall Township, NJ. Little White House, Key West Naval Base, Monroe County, FL. Nevada Test Site, Nye County, NV. USS New Jersey (BB-62), Camden, NJ. Office of Strategic Services (OSS)/Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Headquarters, Washington, DC. Pierce-Mill Barn, Rock Creek Park, DC. Presidential Bunkers for John F. Kennedy, Nantucket, MA and Peanut Island (Palm Beach), FL. Rancho del Cielo, near Santa Barbara, CA. Raven Rock (“Site R”), near Waynesboro, PA. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg’s Apartment, New York City, NY. Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard Anti-Ballistic Missile Complex, near Grand Forks, ND. Sedan Crater, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, NV. Strategic Air Command Ground Alert Facility, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Mountain Home, ID. Strategic Air Command Headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, NE. USS Turner Joy (DD-951), Bremerton, WA.

The Festive Story Behind National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Looper https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-festive-story-behind-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-looper/ × Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More. Warner Bros. Out of the thousands of Christmas movies produced, only a handful have become so beloved that an annual viewing becomes part of the winter holiday traditions people celebrate every year. Of those few movies, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is probably the funniest and the most realistic depiction of the modern Christmas holiday season. Chevy Chase reprises his role as ultra-dad Clark Griswold from two travel-centric “Vacation” films. This time, he’s dead-set on and obsessed with the idea of staging the perfect family Christmas for his wife, Ellen, kids Audrey and Rusty, and their various, perpetually unimpressed in-laws and cousins. “Christmas Vacation” pokes holes in the fantasy of that special time of cheer, where it’s not always so full of cheer as it is stress, turmoil, tension, and destruction. “Christmas Vacation” is so funny and so popular because it’s just so relatable. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a modern movie classic and an iconic screen comedy, but making the film was as long and difficult of a journey as the Christmas season is for Clark Griswold. So put on that Santa hat, string up 25,000 twinkle lights, grab a moose-shaped cup of eggnog, and unwrap the festive story behind “Christmas Vacation.” Why Christmas Vacation is a National Lampoon movie Warner Bros. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” was such a massive hit upon its release in 1983 — it out-earned “Superman III” — that Warner Bros. quickly and logically ordered a sequel, and “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” arrived in 1985. That was a strictly made-for-the-movies story, as opposed to the original “Vacation” and 1989’s “National Lampoon’ Christmas Vacation,” which were both based on short, fictional, very lightly autobiographical, comedic stories authored by screenwriter John Hughes and published in the titular National Lampoon humor magazine many years prior.  A story titled “Vacation ’58,” concerning a hilariously nightmarish road trip, ran in the publication in 1979, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A year later, per BrainstemBob, the Lampoon printed a holiday-themed sequel, “Christmas ’59.” It was the magazine’s publisher, Matty Simmons, who convinced Warner Bros. to not only make a third “Vacation,” but a Christmas-themed one based on Hughes’ sequel story, according to Rolling Stone. It took a while for Christmas Vacation to find a director Et Canada/Getty Images John Hughes was the producer, screenwriter, and author of the source material for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” but he wasn’t interested in directing as he’d done with many of his other ’80s-era scripts. In 1988, he sent the screenplay and an offer to direct to filmmaker Chris Columbus, with whom he shared an agent, according to “John Hughes: A Life in FIlm.” Columbus was thrilled to take the job since he thought the script was funny, and he enjoyed Christmas movies. But after a couple of pre-production meetings with star Chevy Chase, Columbus realized that their personalities clashed. “It was fraught with pain and tension with Chevy Chase, but I needed the job desperately,” Columbus told Insider. “So it took everything in my power to convince myself to resign from ‘Christmas Vacation’ because I couldn’t make the movie with Chevy Chase.” Two weeks later, Hughes offered Columbus a directing gig on another Christmas movie, which he accepted: “Home Alone.”  As for “Christmas Vacation,” the director job eventually went to Jeremiah Chechik, marking his first feature film after working in commercials and music videos. According to The Flashback Files, Chechik landed the deal at Warner Bros. following a recommendation from legendary filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick, who said he liked Chechik’s beer commercials.  Christmas Vacation, not starring Leonardo DiCaprio or Christie Brinkley Getty Images/Getty, Warner Bros. Each of the four initial “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movies were filmed so far apart that filmmakers had to cast different teenage actors virtually every time they needed a Rusty and Audrey Griswold. Johnny Galecki inherited the role from Jason Lively and Anthony Michael Hall, but he wasn’t necessarily the filmmakers’ first choice for the role of the Griswolds’ younger child. A just-starting-out Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned to play Rusty. “I remember very vividly feeling that this kid was really special,” casting director Heidi Levitt told the American Film Institute. “He just immediately captivated you, but he wasn’t, like, goofy enough. He was very thoughtful.” Another big casting could’ve been Christie Brinkley. The iconic 1980s supermodel made her film debut in the original “National Lampoon’s Vacation” in 1983 as “The Girl in the Ferrari.” She plays Clark Griswold’s dream woman that he keeps crossing paths with on the road trip. She passed on a role offered in “Christmas Vacation” upon the advice of her father. “He said, ‘Gee, I would hate to see you get typecast in that kind of ingenue role. You have so much more depth. I don’t think you should do it,'” Brinkley told Us Weekly of her decision, which she came to regret. “Of course, I should’ve because it’s so much fun to hang around with comedians.” Not much of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was improvised Warner Bros. According to “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” director Jeremiah Chechik, John Hughes’ screenplay didn’t require a lot of on-set embellishment. “Very little” of the movie was improvised, he told The Flashback Files, adding that cue cards were strategically placed to help Chase nail his ranting monologue of insults directed toward his boss. Beverly D’Angelo (Ellen Griswold) told The Dinner Party Download that the scene was set up so that Chase could riff on the scripted material. “It was blocked in a way that would allow each of us to have around our necks a piece of rope that was attached to a big cue card,” D’Angelo said. “So we didn’t have the lines in order exactly.” Later in that same scene, when police break into the Griswold home in search of Clark’s kidnapped boss, everybody freezes and Ellen places her hand on her husband’s crotch. “I did that spur of the moment and told Chevy, just to see if anyone on set noticed,” D’Angelo told Rolling Stone. “No one mentioned it.” Some of the other brief, notably funny bits in “Christmas Vacation” were conceived by the actors. Diane Ladd, as Clark’s mother, did her “knock knock, who’s there” bit at her audition and it was added to the movie. And Randy Quaid, who plays Cousin Eddie, improvised the part when he carelessly drops a giant bag of dog food onto a box of light bulbs while in Walmart with Clark.  Chevy Chase was injured while filming a pivotal scene Warner Bros. In one of the most famous scenes in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) thinks he’s finally got his home’s power grid-draining Christmas lights and decorations up and running, only for a snafu over plugs and switches to make him think he’s failed. This sends him into a comically vicious tailspin, kicking over and punching various plastic lawn decorations.  The retaliation on the Christmas lights fiasco wasn’t planned. In the midst of the chaos, Chase kicked and smacked his hand on the decorations. “That wasn’t in the script, but I was so angry I did it,” Chase told the Asbury Park Press. He connected with such force that he broke his pinky finger. “I thought it might melt or something, but no, it was a good, hard plastic.” According to Whosay, the take used in the final cut of the film, in which Clark punches a Santa Claus ornament, is the one on which he broke his finger. And then he kept on filming the scene, never breaking character. “I had to keep kicking. Because it hurt so much,” he said. The squirrel sequence was tough to film Warner Bros. In a movie full of wild and zany sequences, the wildest and zaniest part in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” might be when a squirrel shows up in the Griswolds’ outdoor-cut Christmas tree and runs all over the place, terrifying humans, agitating Cousin Eddie’s giant dog, and leading to lots of messes and property damage. Filming that scene was almost as chaotic as the scene itself. As “Christmas Vacation” was produced in the late 1980s, CGI technology wasn’t yet readily available, so filmmakers had to film the scene John Hughes wrote with a real, albeit trained, squirrel. According to The Ultimate Rabbit, director Jeremiah Chechik and his crew intensely planned out and storyboarded the squirrel scene several days in advance. Meanwhile, the movie’s animal trainer worked with the squirrel to teach the animal its cues. But on the day the scene was supposed to shoot, Chechik learned that the squirrel had died overnight. On a tight schedule, they still had to film the scene that day and brought in a brand-new, totally unprepared squirrel performer who was lured into hitting its marks with treats. Chechik improvised the blocking and filming to make the scene happen. Filmmakers had to work hard to keep the electrocution scene Warner Bros. John Hughes wrote the screenplay for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and served as a producer. He also used his significant clout in Hollywood, and within the Warner Bros. studio, to preserve material that he wrote and director Jeremiah Chechik shot that executives were insistent on deleting from the final cut of the movie. The most shocking scene in “Christmas Vacation,” literally, is when the pet cat that senile Aunt Bethany brings as a gift to the Griswold home chews on a tree light wire and violently, graphically, electrocutes itself to death. “The studio was really against electrifying the cat,” Ch...

Exxon Mobil In Talks To Buy Oil & Gas Producer Denbury -Bloomberg News – Reuters https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/exxon-mobil-in-talks-to-buy-oil-gas-producer-denbury-bloomberg-news-reuters/ Oct 10 (Reuters) – Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) is considering a takeover of oil and gas producer Denbury Inc (DEN.N) and the talks are at a preliminary stage, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Plano, Texas-based energy company Denbury jumped as much as 12% earlier on Monday, before paring some gains to close up about 7%, giving it a market value of about $5 billion. Denbury is expected to be fetch a significant premium if it proceeds with the sale, making it a potentially sizable transaction. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Denbury has been exploring options and is working with an advisor on a potential sale, sources familiar with the matter have previously told Reuters. Other potential buyers could include oil majors such as Chevron Corp (CVX.N), the sources said. The company specializes in using carbon dioxide to extract oil from old wells and thus is seen as an attractive asset for oil majors and other large-cap energy companies that are starting to make bigger bets on the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategy. Denbury emerged from bankruptcy in 2020 and its stock has performed strongly since then, thus providing an exit opportunity for its creditors who became shareholders in the company. Denbury’s pipelines and storage potential on the Gulf Coast are also seen as attractive features for potential buyers. Exxon declined to comment and Denbury did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru and David French in New York; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli and Chris Reese Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Laredo Health Department To Receive $125K To Monitor Health Factors – Laredo Morning Times https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/laredo-health-department-to-receive-125k-to-monitor-health-factors-laredo-morning-times/ Rep. Henry Cuellar will hold a press conference Tuesday to officially announce $125,000 in federal funding for the Laredo Health Department in its focus on social determinants of health in the community. A media advisory states that the health department will use the funds to develop a plan for the city to address social determinants of health. This will include a focus on disease prevention, education, disease management and social connectedness. Laredo has been deemed medically underserved for decades and with the pandemic highlighting the issues, some steps have been taken to address the situation. Earlier this year, the city hired a consulting service to help find solutions to the health care needs of the community. Some issues including the difficulty of retaining health staff and the high number of uninsured residents in the community. The funding to the health department using federal fund may help develop a stronger response by the city in the immediate and distant future. The release added that the goal is for the Laredo Health Department to reinforce existing cross-sector partnerships to improve mental and physical health outcomes for individuals in Webb County and Laredo, Texas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. They state that mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States with over 50% of U.S. residents expected to be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at one point in their lifetime. Furthermore, 1 in 25 U.S. residents live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. An example given is the effect of stress on both the mind and the body that may increase health risks. “For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness,” the CDC states. To help residents, the city health department has its Good Life-Buena Vida Program, that focuses on early detection of chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other chronic diseases to help prevent future complications and live a healthier life. This is compounded by the department’s Healthy Living-Viviendo Mejor Program that helps resident learn more about diseases and self-management. The program provides free access to certified evidence-based curriculum developed by the University of Illinois at Chicago known as the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program. Topics discussed include: Understanding the Human Body. Understanding Diabetes and its Risk Factors. Monitoring your Body. Health Management through Meal Planning. Diabetes and Physical Activity. Diabetes Complications, Identification and Prevention. Learning about Medications and Medical Care. Living with Diabetes by Mobilizing Family and Friends. At the county, in 2021, a Webb County clinic was opened for employees and their dependents that would be an affordable option to circumvent costly visits to hospitals and clinics for minor issues. Beyond that, county employees had a dedicated and accessible COVID testing site, physicals, flu shots, a diabetes check and more for free. The services have no out-of-pocket expense for any employee or their families.

Small Business Group Files Suit Over Biden Student Loan Plan – Warren Tribune Chronicle https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/small-business-group-files-suit-over-biden-student-loan-plan-warren-tribune-chronicle/ President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in August in Washington. A small business advocacy group has filed a new lawsuit seeking to block the Biden administration’s efforts to forgive student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — A small-business advocacy group has filed a new lawsuit seeking to block the Biden administration’s efforts to forgive student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans — the latest legal challenge to the program. The suit, filed today by the Job Creators Network Foundation, argues the Biden administration violated federal procedures by failing to seek public input on the program. It’s one of a handful of lawsuits that have been filed by conservative business groups, attorneys and Republican lawmakers in recent weeks as the Biden administration tries to push forward with its plan to cancel billions in debt before November’s midterm elections. Elaine Parker, president of Job Creators Network Foundation, slammed the program as executive overreach and complained that it does nothing to address the root cause of rising debt: the “outrageous increase in college tuition that outpaces inflation every single year.” “This bailout is going to affect everyone in this country because of the mass size of the program,” she said. “And everyone should have the opportunity to provide their views to the government.” She added: “These universities need to be held accountable for this student debt crisis.” The Job Creators Network Foundation has previously turned to the courts to try to to block the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on businesses. It also sued Major League Baseball in 2021 for moving the All-Star game out of Atlanta over objections to changes to Georgia’s voting laws. That lawsuit, which cited losses to local businesses, was later dropped. The new lawsuit is one of a growing number of legal challenges trying to halt the proposal laid out by President Joe Biden in late August to cancel up to $20,000 in debt for certain borrowers. Six Republican-led states filed suit late last month, accusing the Biden administration of overstepping its executive powers, as did the Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento, California, legal advocacy group. Their lawsuit, filed in federal court in Indiana, calls the plan an illegal overreach that would increase state tax burdens for some Americans who get their debt forgiven. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Wisconsin last week dismissed a lawsuit from a local taxpayers group, the Brown County Taxpayers Association, that sought to block the program, ruling that the group didn’t have standing to bring the lawsuit. The group had argued that Biden’s order unlawfully circumvented Congress’ power over spending and said the plan was discriminatory because it sought to give particular help to borrowers of color. The latest lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against the U.S. Education Department and its secretary, Miguel Cardona, takes issue with how the plan was developed. It alleges the Biden administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act’s notice-and-comment procedures. It also challenges the administration’s legal justification for the program. The suit includes two plaintiffs: one who does not qualify for debt forgiveness because the plan excludes commercially held loans that are not in default, and one who did not receive a Pell grant and is therefore entitled to less debt forgiveness under the plan. “Behind closed doors, the Department promulgated a new Debt Forgiveness Program that will affect tens of millions of Americans and cost hundreds of billions of dollars,” the lawsuit reads. “Instead of providing notice and seeking comment from the public, the Department hammered out the critical details of the Program in secret and with an eye toward securing debt forgiveness in time for the November election.” It also alleges the department “made numerous arbitrary decisions about the Program, including which individuals will receive debt forgiveness, how much of their debt will be forgiven, and which types of debt will qualify for the Program.” “The result of this arbitrariness is predictable: some will benefit handsomely, some will be shortchanged, and others will be left out entirely,” it reads. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, who most notably ruled in 2018 that the Affordable Care Act was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court reversed that decision last year. O’Connor, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, also has ruled against other policies pursued by Democratic administrations. Last month, he ruled that an ACA provision that required coverage of an HIV prevention drug violates a Texas employer’s religious beliefs. Civil lawsuits filed in the federal court in Fort Worth have a 90% chance of going either to O’Connor or Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, according to a 2020 order of the court. White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan responded with a statement defending the loan forgiveness program. “While opponents of our plan are siding with special interests and trying every which way to keep millions of middle-class Americans in debt, the President and his Administration are fighting to lawfully give middle-class families some breathing room as they recover from the pandemic and prepare to resume loan payments in January,” he said in a statement. The Biden debt forgiveness program will cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for individuals making less than $125,000 a year or households making less than $250,000. Pell grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will be eligible for an additional $10,000. The Biden administration used an act passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as legal justification for the program. The law gives the administration “sweeping authority” to reduce or eliminate student debt during times of national emergency, the Justice Department said in an August legal opinion. The administration cited the COVID-19 pandemic as its emergency. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the program will cost taxpayers $400 billion over the next three decades. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

NBCU’s Shopping Push Takes Bravo To Metaverse And Beyond – Yahoo Life https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/nbcus-shopping-push-takes-bravo-to-metaverse-and-beyond-yahoo-life/ NBCUniversal’s “One Platform” shoppable TV initiative plans to take Bravo beyond mere commerce and television. On Monday, the company revealed that this week’s BravoCon 2022 in New York will traverse multiple consumer experiences in the real, digital and virtual worlds. This year’s Bravo Bazaar will offer fans of “Real Housewives,” “Top Chef,” “Below Deck” and other shows more than 60 brands at its on-site event, with transactions powered by NBCUniversal checkout, while others explore an “enhanced” metaverse version. Staged with recreations of sets from favorite shows and studded with shoppable products, the virtual event, which launched last year, will be four times larger this time. TRESemmé, a featured brand partner, will also sponsor a real-world salon with products that people can shop in-person and online. More from WWD Scenes from Decentraland’s Metaverse Fashion Week 2020 Holiday Gift Ideas: Google’s Top Searched Beauty, Home and Tech Gifts Inside the Jacquard by Google Exhibit in Paris “NBCUniversal has a keen pulse on the wants and needs of the Bravo fandom,” said Evan Moore, senior vice president of commerce partnerships at NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships division. “By embedding shoppable experiences within key moments where fans are living out the Bravo life — whether it’s at BravoCon, online across our properties, or in the metaverse with the enhanced Bravo Bazaar — we can drive genuine connection and impact for our partners that transcend the screen and the shows.” The list of Bravo-approved brands includes Lashaholics, Literie Candles and Verishop brands, plus others spurred by the network’s stars such as Sewing Down South, LoverBoy and CaraGala. Products and services span retail, beauty, apparel and home decor, among other categories. At TRESemmé’s BravoCon Salon, event attendees can “achieve Bravolebrity-styled hair,” according to Jessica Grigoriou, the hair care brand’s head of beauty marketing and Salon & Masstige portfolio director. The salon and shopping opportunity goes beyond the Con as well. “We’re excited to extend these shoppable experiences to Bravo fans around the world using QR code technology on-site within the salon and on-air utilizing a Live Look In on Bravo and a branded bar on ‘Watch What Happens Live,’” she explained. Altogether, according to NBCU, “Bravoholics” everywhere will be able to shop for their favorite looks and styles. It’s an ambitious move, but the company has plenty of reason to be optimistic. In previous research the company noted that consumers engaged with its Commercial Innovations were 88 percent more likely to remember relevant brands, and 79 percent were less likely to change channels. Shopping activations, specifically, showed twice the efficacy of traditional advertisements. The media giant, apparently emboldened by the numbers, seems to be doubling down on shopping and expanding it even beyond the initiative’s original premise. Introduced in 2019, the company’s shoppable TV initiative began with QR codes on TV screens to funnel viewers into its e-commerce storefront. Over time it added to its lineup of shows, sporting events and products, eventually turning its attention to the metaverse. Last year’s virtual Bravo Bazaar preceded other announcements — most recently, it introduced new augmented reality features for immersive ad experiences and partnerships with virtual platforms such as Shop the Scenes, which will launch a “Today” show holiday pop-up. NBCU is betting on its passionate TV fan base to power it all. Indeed, fan communities have become a major priority for commerce platforms in general, especially given their propensity to drive activity and shopping in the virtual world. However, the metaverse is only one facet of BravoCon. Indeed, the multiplatform effort blends broadcast TV with real world, online and immersive virtual experiences, comprising a strategy that’s akin to an amplified version of omnichannel retail. But instead of merely fusing physical and digital platforms, the quadruple play adds more literal dimensionality to the equation. The takeaway: While some platforms and brands may still struggle with omnichannel retail or mull over their place in the metaverse, there’s a multiverse of shopping that’s already underway. Click here to read the full article.

Beyond Local: Only Vet In Northern Alberta Town Retiring After Almost 50 Years – Airdrie Today https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/beyond-local-only-vet-in-northern-alberta-town-retiring-after-almost-50-years-airdrie-today/ Dr. Rob Ostrander has been treating animals in Boyle since opening his practice back in 1976. BOYLE — It’s a hard blow to the rural community of Boyle as well as the many people who travelled from as far as away as Fort McMurray and Edmonton, but the only veterinarian in town is closing his doors.  It’s not without some heartache and sleepless nights, knowing the community they love, the pets they’ve treated from newborn, as well as the many large livestock in need will be without nearby help, but it’s time, said Liz Ostrander, clinic manager and wife to Dr. Rob Ostrander.  “I think the thing that I’m not looking forward to the most is the difficulty of knowing that people will still need, more than ever before, veterinary service,” said Liz in an Oct. 6 interview. “And yet, here we are right now, bowing out.”  It’s been 48 years and six months since Rob graduated from veterinary school, most of which he spent working in the Boyle area, but for the young man from Picton, Ontario, he was a fixture in town every summer for five years as he went through vet school, working at Amisk Lake Estates, which was owned by his father.  “I drove an old red truck and I guess the community figured out who I was and that I was a vet student,” he said.  The elder Ostrander, Dean, was a pilot, moving from military to commercial, and while flying for Wardair Canada he frequently flew over Amisk Lake before buying the property. It was also Dean who introduced his son to Liz.  “His father thought he was maybe too shy to get a date on his own, so he asked all the stewardesses if they’d go on a date with him,” recalled Liz, who was a head stewardess for Wardair at the time. “They all said no, and I think I was the last one he asked, and I thought, ‘Why not, I like to go out.’”  And while the first date went well, it was a while before she heard from Rob again, but when she did, it was the end of flying to exotic locales and the start of looking after exotic animals like cattle and dogs.  Rob graduated from the Guelph, Ontario vet school in April 1974 and the two were married at the end of August then set off to Edson for his first job as a vet and Liz became the receptionist but Boyle never forgot the young man in the red truck and a group of farmers formed a cooperative to buy a building to entice him to come.  “We were looking at Hanna, but it boiled down to Boyle,” said Liz, adding they opened the doors on Sept. 7, 1976.  It was Eric “Alf” Stromberg who made sure the Ostranders had everything they needed at the clinic, building everything from gadgets to furniture for them.  “He was a saint,” said Rob. “We wouldn’t have survived without him.”  The couple was on a shoestring budget, eventually growing their family with four children, so it took a while to find success, but it was Stromberg who made a small plaque with a miniature Dutch wooden shoe and a leather string tied around it for luck and the words, “From a shoestring to a success” emblazoned on it.  “We ran the clinic out of our home for the first eight years,” said Liz.  Small animals, even swine, came to the house, larger animals were done on the farms and Rob travelled between Slave Lake and Boyle under a government program to offer veterinary services in remote locations.  “We had the opportunity to buy the Thorhild clinic,” Liz said. “We spent 10 years in Thorhild, two days a week.”  Then they expanded to Lac La Biche in 1995, so Rob was working in Thorhild, Boyle, and Lac La Biche, as well as any farm calls he had to make. Eventually they sold the other two clinics and as of 2007 were in Boyle full time.  “There were different people that would drive for me so I could catch some winks,” he said. “A lot of the time you’re doing those calvings out in barns and at that time of year it’s cool, so you get out in the cool air, and it helps wake you up.”  And over the years he’s expanded his skills by working on bison, alpacas, a fawn, a coyote, and even a snake.  “This young man came in with a box with a snake in it,” Liz recalled. “He kind of chucked the box at me and asked if we could fix his snake’s eye.”  However, it’s Betsy, a little Calico cat, who is living proof of his dedication to caring for creatures great and small, as she mews for attention from her kennel in the back of the clinic.  “She was dropped off at the door in a box and I took one look and thought, ‘Dr. O is going to have to euthanize her,’” Liz said.  The kitten had a badly broken jaw and other injuries, but the good doctor methodically helped her recover and after three surgeries there is no sign of her previous trauma. It’s something to be proud of but it’s also wistful, knowing there won’t be anyone to help the next kitten.  “We advertised for eight years,” Liz said, adding several people kicked the tires, but no one wanted to take it over.  What can be returned is being packed up and what can be sold to other clinics, like x-ray machines, is sold and the doors will be locked for the last time Oct. 13.  “It’s just a chapter in our life that we need to close,” she said. “But we’re looking forward to other things. I’d like to volunteer, get involved and see more of our grandchildren.”  Clients who need their animals’ files sent to another vet can call 780-213-9213 or e-mail boylevet@telus.net.  hstocking@athabasca.greatwest.ca

Crypto Receives Some Bad News From Friendly Portugal – TheStreet https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/crypto-receives-some-bad-news-from-friendly-portugal-thestreet/ The crypto industry is looking for good news much like the rest of the asset classes in these times of concern about the health of the economy.  For a long time, cryptocurrency evangelists have claimed that bitcoin (BTC), the largest digital currency, can be used to hedge against inflation, since you know exactly what the supply is.  But the current economic downturn has just erased that argument.  Indeed, soaring prices for goods and services have never been so high in 40 years but BTC fails to take advantage of it. Since January, BTC has lost 72.1% of its value compared to its all-time high of $69,044.77 set on Nov. 10, according to data firm CoinGecko.  BTC is currently trading around $19,250. The Talents Are Leaving Overall the crypto market has lost over $2 trillion since its November highs. Cryptocurrencies, which are the public face of the crypto industry that wants to disrupt the traditional financial services sector, are now increasingly considered risky assets in the same way as the shares of technology groups. Basically, when there are doubts about economic growth, investors liquidate those assets that are bets on the future. The craze around non-fungible tokens (NFTs), another side of the crypto industry, has also died down. The metaverse, the third element of the crypto trifecta, still fails to convince skeptics. This new situation has completely upset the sector in recent months. The liquidity crisis which has also affected crypto lenders, hedge funds and exchanges has also revealed that transparency is still far from a principle in crypto.  All these problems weigh heavily on the sector which has recently recorded serial bankruptcies – Celsius Network, Voyager Digital, Three Arrows Capital -.  Many firms have also laid off hundreds of employees and frozen hiring. Since then, we have also witnessed a change of guard with the departure of founders of firms such as Michael Saylor, who is no longer CEO of MicroStrategy  (MSTR) , or Jesse Powell who just handed over the reins at crypto exchange Kraken. The hemorrhage of talents continues.  Brian Roberts, CFO of OpenSea, the Amazon of NFTs, has just announced that he has stepped down. “Well it is time for me to come ashore from the ‘open seas’,” Roberts wrote in a post on LinkedIn on Oct. 7. “I remain incredibly bullish on web3 and especially OpenSea. The company is heads down building and I assure you, the best is yet to come.” Big Slap from Portugal Roberts, a former CFO of Lyft  (LYFT) , didn’t even last a year in his job. He had been appointed in December 2021. He does not give the reasons for this departure. In addition to talent departures, the industry is also in the crosshairs of regulators around the world.  The latest news is particularly bad.  Portugal, often seen as crypto-friendly, plans to start taxing gains from digital currencies purchased for less than a year. Basically, the country will tax the earnings made by anyone holding digital currencies for less than a year. The tax rate is 28% according to a proposal that is part of the 2023 budget. It was unveiled on Oct. 10.  Crypto assets held for more than a year will remain tax-free.  Until now, the Portuguese government did not tax crypto gains unless they were made by professionals and companies.  You can read the draft of this proposal here. It’s in Portuguese. The government also wants to create a 10% tax on crypto transfers and a 4% tax on commissions charged by brokers.  The proposals have yet to be approved, but it is a huge change that should thwart many industry players who were considering moving to the country for its pro-crypto politics. Indeed, in recent years, the country has welcomed crypto firms eager to take advantage of an absence of regulation. In addition, the country, which wants to attract investors, offers a special program, known as the non-habitual resident (NHR) tax regime. The NHR provides a flat 20% tax on foreign residents’ income and full tax exemptions after 10 years of residence.

Analysis | What Todd Akin And Roy Moore Can Tell Us About Herschel Walker – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/analysis-what-todd-akin-and-roy-moore-can-tell-us-about-herschel-walker-the-washington-post/ It’s a situation Republicans have confronted way too many times for Mitch McConnell’s liking over the past decade or so: A candidate running in a closely watched, competitive race is suddenly enmeshed in a personal scandal late in the campaign. This time, it’s Herschel Walker. And as always the question is: Will it matter? A more apt question is will it matter enough. It’s tempting to say these things no longer matter at all, especially after Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016 despite the “Access Hollywood” tape. Trump initially was left for dead by many in his party, but then he pulled a massive political shocker. Trump recently contended that the electorate’s view of personal moral failings has shifted so substantially that Walker’s problems aren’t the dealbreaker they once were — at least before Walker was accused of paying for an abortion. That might still be true. But a look at recent history suggests that these things have almost always mattered at least somewhat. Just how much depends on many variables, including: what the alleged offense is how vital the election is/whether it’s federal when the alleged offense occurred/was revealed how people felt about the politician before that Perhaps the most clear-cut and fairly recent example of a scandal instantly and unambiguously sinking a politician was Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.). Before his comments about “legitimate rape” in August 2012, he had led Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) in the seven most recent polls of their race. But within days of the remark, the same pollsters showed McCaskill overtaking him. And her ultimate 16-point margin of victory was bigger than in any of the polls. Late that same election cycle, Indiana GOP Senate candidate Richard Mourdock decided to offer his own thoughts on pregnancy resulting from rape. He said that when it happens, it’s “something that God intended.” The race had been polling tight before those Oct. 23 comments, but Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) quickly overtook Mourdock and won by six points. Given that the GOP won Missouri and Indiana by nine and 10 points, respectively, in the presidential race that year, there’s little doubt that these comments inflicted substantial damage. The other key example of a controversy apparently costing the GOP a Senate seat is the 2017 race in Alabama. This time, though, the scandal concerned the candidate’s personal conduct: The Washington Post reported that GOP candidate Roy Moore had pursued teenage girls decades earlier while he was in his 30s — including two who alleged sexual abuse. Moore’s Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, hadn’t led in any polls of the race to that point, but suddenly a Fox News poll showed him up eight points, and a Washington Post-Schar School poll showed him up three. Jones won by 1.5 points — in deep-red Alabama. Other examples are a little more difficult to parse but carry some lessons. In 2007, Sen. David Vitter’s prostitution scandal didn’t appear to have much political impact; a poll conducted the next month showed two-thirds of Louisianans still approved of him. And Vitter (R-La.) was reelected three years later by a whopping 19 points. But he did ultimately lose a 2015 governor’s race in which the prostitution issue was raised extensively — again, in a red state. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) was revealed to have had an extramarital affair in 2009, and there were some signs of voters souring on him a bit (one poll showed 50 percent wanted him to resign). But he opted to stay in office and maintained a strong approval rating. He was also elected to Congress just four years after the scandal broke — albeit by only nine points in a district Mitt Romney had carried by 18 points the year before. Perhaps the most analogous situation to Walker’s is the one Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.) found himself in, at the tail end of the 2012 campaign. DesJarlais was revealed to have urged a mistress to have an abortion — among other messy problems. As you might have heard, DesJarlais is still in Congress a decade later. But there are real signs that it hurt; his margin of victory that year was just 12 points, despite Romney carrying the heavily conservative district by 32 points the same day. And DesJarlais won his primary two years later by just 38 votes. Indeed, if DesJarlais had been dealing with an electorate like the others on this list, it’s quite possible he would’ve lost. The final key example we’ll cite is one my colleague Paul Kane broached this weekend. Democrat Cal Cunningham, like Walker, was someone his party was counting on to help it retake the Senate in 2020. Then he was revealed to have engaged in an extramarital affair. The impact here is less obvious — Kane notes that Cunningham led both before and after the disclosure in nearly every poll — but his lead narrowed to the point where it was anyone’s ballgame on Election Day. And Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was reelected by two points. Why did that apparently have less impact? As the Sanford and Vitter examples suggest, it’s probably in part because of the perceived severity of the offense — an affair versus advocating an abortion or expressing extreme views on rape and pregnancy. (Sanford and Vitter also likely benefited from not having to face voters until years later.) It was also a federal race in which voters might be more concerned about losing 1 of 100 votes for their preferred side. Both of these factors also probably accrued to Trump’s benefit — the importance of the presidency and Trump’s conduct being about what he argued was mere “locker room talk.” Walker’s situation presents a whole host of variables that make it difficult to directly compare. The details are similar to what happened with DesJarlais: Both men espoused strongly antiabortion views; this time, too, the alleged abortion is also merely the latest in a series of ugly personal revelations about the candidate’s personal life. (For Walker, this includes reports about his having multiple children with different women he had not previously spoken about publicly.) Walker is also an obviously bad candidate, even aside from his personal issues — giving incoherent answers in interviews, and previewing his performance at an upcoming debate by saying, “I’m not that smart” and predicting that his opponent would “embarrass” him. It’s possible that the fallout from this latest scandal could be a death-by-a-thousand-cuts-type situation. But the evidence of the alleged abortion is less cut-and-dried — in DeJarlais’s case, there was a transcript of the congressman talking about the abortion — and Walker had already managed to remain competitive despite the previous revelations. (Walker denies paying for the abortion.) His race is also arguably more pivotal to control of the Senate than Akin’s and Mourdock’s races were in 2012, when Democrats went into Election Day with a six-seat majority. And Walker surely benefits from goodwill left over from his time as a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Georgia. The question seems to be less about Walker suffering the same kind of collapse as Akin and Mourdock and more about whether it costs him enough to lose an already tight race, ala Cunningham. Of course, unlike in the pre-Trump era, Republicans now appear more willing to tolerate candidates behaving immorally than Democrats — if they even believe the incidents happened in the first place.

Government Announces Farming Technology Funding Boost | BusinessGreen News – Www.businessgreen.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/government-announces-farming-technology-funding-boost-businessgreen-news-www-businessgreen-com/ The government has today announced plans for a further £12.5m of funding awards for automation and robotics projects through its Farming Innovation Programme, as part of a renewed push to expand the UK’s horticulture sector. Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena will today announce the funding will be made available in addition to the more than £70m already invested in industry-led research and development through the programme.  The new fund is now set to open in January with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency and will match-fund projects that can demonstrate how they will drive economic growth, boost food security, and deliver on environmental commitments, the government said. Previous projects supported through the programme have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters, and new types of fertiliser, all of which are designed to boost yields and reduce environmental impacts. “We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment,” said Jayawardena. “Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further. We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production, which is why I am bringing in expert advice and match-funding robotics and automation projects. “Technology offers huge opportunities to make farming greener and more productive, so we should harness it to help grow the economy, create jobs and improve food security too.” The announcement comes after Jayawardena last week visited the Netherlands to learn more about high-tech greenhouse and vertical growing approaches, touring a robotics institute and a glasshouse business which uses artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, and water neutral systems to grow produce. He also announced plans to appoint an industry expert to work with the government to build a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities faced by the Controlled Environment Horticulture sector. The new advisor, who is expected to be appointed later this year, will then be tasked with producing a set of recommendations and policy interventions that the government can implement to help boost the nascent industry.  Defra added that it was already exploring a number of potential reforms to help drive investment in the sector, including reviewing planning permission process to support new developments and considering plans to incentivise horticulture firms to make more use of surplus heat and CO2 from industrial processes, as well as renewable energy sources, to help drive down costs and emissions. The news comes as Jayawardena continues to face fierce criticism from environmental and renewable energy groups, following reports the government is reviewing proposed farming subsidy reforms, rules governing solar farm development, and a raft of planning regulations. The moves have been branded as an “attack on nature” by environmental campaigners who remain unconvinced by the government’s assurances that it is still committed to delivering on its net zero and environmental goals.

Oregon Breweries Take 18 Medals At Prestigious GABF Competition; Washington Nabs 19 – OregonLive https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/oregon-breweries-take-18-medals-at-prestigious-gabf-competition-washington-nabs-19-oregonlive/ Oregon breweries won 18 medals and Washington breweries won 19 at Saturday’s awards ceremony at the Great American Beer Festival, the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the United States. Seven golds, seven silvers and four bronzes came home with Oregon’s breweries after the three-day festival, held Oct. 6-8 in Denver. Leading the contingent was Deschutes Brewery and perennial winner Breakside Brewery, which both took three awards, including one gold each, and 10 Barrel Brewing, which had two medals, including a gold. Other gold-medal winners included Little Beast Brewing, Sunriver Brewing, pFriem Family Brewers and Great Notion Brewing. Von Ebert Brewing took silver in the coveted German-Style Pilsener category. Of Washington’s medals, Grains of Wrath Brewing of Camas, which has a taproom in North Portland, was the only Clark County brewery to medal, winning bronze in the Light Lager category for its Wrath Premium American Lager. Chuckanut Brewery of Burlington, which has its P. Nut Beer Hall in Southeast Portland, won gold in Light Lager for its Chuckanut Chuck Light. The coveted American Style India Pale Ale category was the most entered, with 423 entries, and Comrade Brewing of Denver won gold with its More Dodge Less RAM. Comrade Brewing of Denver won silver with Dankster Squad, and Riip Beer of Huntington Beach, California, won bronze with Hop-Fu! The Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category was the second-highest entered, with 375 beers. Flatland Brewing of Elk Grove, California, won gold for Anhyzer Kush. The Austin Beer Garden Brewing of Austin, Texas, won gold in German-Style Pilsener, the third-highest entered with 233 beers, for its beer Industry. About 40,000 people attended the 40th annual festival, which returned to Denver, its long-time home, after going virtual the past two years because of the pandemic. The first GABF in 1982 featured 24 breweries and 47 beers, a number that has grown to this year include 500 attending breweries from 46 states plus Washington, D.C., with more than 2,000 different beers poured for attendees. The competition portion was held for the 36th year, awarding 300 medals in 98 categories covering 177 beer styles. About 10,000 beers were submitted for the competition from more than 2,000 breweries. Next year’s festival will be held Sept. 21 to 23. Oregon medals Gold Hot Break, Little Beast Brewing, in American Sour Ale Rippin, Sunriver Brewing, in American-Style Pale Ale Mexican Lager, pFriem Family Brewers, in Australasian, Latin American or Tropical Light Lager Feniks, Great Notion Brewing, in Historical Beer Hachimitsu Mai, Deschutes Brewery – Portland Brewery & Public House, in Honey Beer Purple You, Breakside Brewery – NW Slabtown, in Specialty Beer Gindulgence, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. – Bend Pub, in Specialty Berliner-Style Weisse Silver Sweet As! Pacific Ale, GoodLife Brewing, in American Wheat Beer Woodlawn Pale Ale, Breakside Brewery, in American-Style Pale Ale Edgefield Coolship no. 5, McMenamins Breweries, in Experimental Beer Pils, Von Ebert Brewing – Pearl District, in German-Style Pilsener Passionfruit Sour Ale, Breakside Brewery & Taproom – Milwaukie, in Specialty Berliner-Style Weisse Sensationator, Deschutes Brewery – Portland Brewery & Public House, in Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer Genièvre, ColdFire Brewing, in Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer Bronze Otter Encounter, Deschutes Brewery – Bend Brewery & Public House, in English Ale Riviera, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. – Bend Pub, in German Sour Ale Oregon Sunrise, Alesong Brewing & Tasting Room, in Mixed-Culture Brett Beer Coming to Fruition: Cherry, Oregon City Brewing, in Specialty Berliner-Style Weisse — Andre Meunier; sign up for my weekly newsletter Oregon Brews and News, and follow me on Instagram, where I’m @oregonianbeerguy. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Global Business Travel Group: Benefit From Business Travel Recovery – Seeking Alpha https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/global-business-travel-group-benefit-from-business-travel-recovery-seeking-alpha/ eyesfoto/E+ via Getty Images Overview I think Global Business Travel Group (NYSE:GBTG) is currently undervalued by ~36%. I believe the market will realize GBTG’s intrinsic value when it continues to benefit from business travel recovery and continues to hit guidance. It should be able to continue growing revenue at industry-like levels in the short term, and margins should expand due to high incremental margins. Business description GBTG is a business-to-business [B2B] travel platform that serves the needs of business travelers, corporate clients, travel content providers, and OTAs. GBTG proposes three main solutions: Travel management solutions: help clients design and run an efficient travel program and find solutions to complex travel needs, and provide them with access to flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other travel services, as well as exclusive negotiated content. Partner Solutions: gives Network Partners, such as travel management companies [TMCs] and independent advisors, access to the company’s proprietary content and technology. Supply MarketPlace: travel suppliers can connect business travelers without taking on the overhead of directly marketing to and servicing their complex needs Attractive industry with a short-term boost from COVID recovery To kick things off, let’s take a high-level look at the tourism sector. Over the past decades, travel and tourism have become one of the most important and rapidly expanding industries worldwide. Business travel caters to corporate clients who require employees and other travelers to travel for business needs and meetings, while leisure travel caters to individuals making reservations for vacation and personal travel. Business travel, where GBTG competes, is an attractive industry which is expected to be worth $1.4 trillion in 2019. In the last two decades, it has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%, or 70 basis points faster than global GDP. Investor’s day Apr 2022 Travel companies suffered greatly in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID pandemic, and there are people that believe things will never be the same. Despite the fact that I don’t think tourism is dead and the recovery is picking up steam, I do acknowledge that COVID-19 severely slowed global economic activity and has continued to have an unprecedented impact on the global tourism industry. I think the fundamental growth drivers and long-term growth potential of business travel around the world will be supported by the industry’s established growth pattern and the emerging recovery of business travel as travel restrictions have been loosened. To gain comfort, experts predict that travel will be recovered by 2025, which is good news for patient investors. 2Q22 earnings presentation Strong network and flywheel effect To fully appreciate GBTG’s strong network and flywheel effect, it’s important to consider the company’s value to its three primary constituencies—clients (business travelers), travel suppliers, and network partners. In essence, clients, travel suppliers, and network partners all benefit from GBTG’s ability to create a streamlined marketplace for travel transactions and a wide range of products, technologies, and services that facilitate the efficient and effective management of corporate travel programs. I give a quick summary of the primary offerings that, I believe, are key offerings to each party. GBTG provides business travelers: A central location for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related services. Services to outsource all or a portion of a client’s travel program (procurement, consulting, and operations), and a suite of travel management tools (such as traveler care tools, travel spend analysis, and travel policy development and governance); Help with all parts of compliance, human resources, finances, and administration by integrating fully with client environment. As for travel suppliers, there are a wide variety of them that work with GBTG, including airlines, hotels, hotel chains, hotel aggregators, car rental agencies, rail companies, and the three largest GDSs (Sabre Corp (SABR), Amadeus, Travelport). GBTG provides travel suppliers: Content distribution platform to all of GBTG’s corporate clients; Solutions that help travel companies handle the complexities of the retail sector, such as tailoring content and pricing for individual customers and integrating with point-of-sale terminals. These suppliers place a high value on this segment of the market because business travelers tend to book more expensive first-and business-class cabins, as well as more flexible tickets and long-haul international bookings. As a result, GBTG, the world’s leading B2B travel platform, is extremely valuable to travel suppliers because it gives them access to one of the largest aggregates of this premium demand in the travel industry. Also, because of how GTGB customers are, most of them choose the more expensive premium tickets, which cost about 40% more than the average TMC reservation (more than half of GBTG’s total transaction value comes from first- and business-class cabin reservations; source: GBTG S-1). Suppliers in the travel industry use GBTG primarily because it helps them save costs. After factoring in the return on investment for the travel suppliers’ technology investments and the savings in servicing costs, GBTG estimates that the total distribution cost through it is competitive with the reported selling costs for at least its top five airline clients. I believe the Supply MarketPlace solution is one of the reasons for these savings, as it links all of GBTG’s travel suppliers and content to the POS. Essentially, this is beneficial because it allows travel suppliers to sell their content without having to set up expensive point-of-sale environments for corporate clients. Another proof of GBTG’s travel supplier relationship sustainability is that 17 of GBTG’s top 20 supplier contracts (based on 2019 revenue) have been extended at the same or better terms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As for network partners (third-party TMC), GBTG’s Partner Solutions makes its platform available to more than 260 of them. This is good for the partners because: Better content distribution capacities lead to significantly increased revenue potential. Partners of GBTG can use the company’s cutting-edge technology, which was made to help TMCs with limited funds deal with important problem. GBTG S-1 All in all, GBTG’s platform facilitates the connection between its clients and the travel suppliers who serve them, thereby providing a powerful incentive for the latter to provide more content and greater savings. GBTG is able to make and maintain this investment at favorable economics for both clients and travel suppliers because of the volume of business travel it manages. Because of this, travel service providers can compete by providing discounts and unique content that are proportional to the value of this demand. The value that GBTG provides to its clients is improved by these cost reductions and perks. In addition, GBTG gains from premium economics and the opportunity to invest in its platform and inorganically scale and expand its capabilities through platform acquisitions. The additional services and solutions, enhanced customer and traveler experiences, and streamlined infrastructure that result from these investments are invaluable to GBTG’s clientele and supplier base. As GBTG continues to grow, all of these things work together to create a strong flywheel effect. GBTG S-1 High quality customer base that attracts travel suppliers Finally, GBTG’s high-quality client base is a major source of its strength. As of April 2022, GBTG had approximately 19,000 corporate clients across the globe and in a variety of sectors. In 2021, GBTG’s client retention rate was over 95%; the average tenure of GBTG’s top 100 clients is approximately 16 years; and more than 81% of its client relationships have a tenure of more than five years, demonstrating GBTG’s ability to attract and retain premium-demand corporate clients. GBTG S-1 Forecast Based on my investment thesis, I expect GBTG to continue capturing a bigger piece of the entire business travel industry and benefit from the short-term recovery in travel due to the lifting of COVID restrictions. We can definitely see the strength of the recovery momentum from GBTG performance and management confidence in raising FY22 guidance. In my model, I expect GBTG to grow roughly in line with the industry’s growth rate (from the lows of the COVID period in CY21 until CY25), and adj. EBITDA margins to expand due to high incremental margins as revenue grows above its fixed cost base (my margin estimates are in line with consensus estimates). Where I differ from the market is valuation, where I believe GBTG deserves to be valued at a higher multiple than it is today, especially when compared against SABR, AMS, and Booking Holdings (BKNG). GBTG is unlikely to trade at the same level as them given the difference in business quality stemmed from the competitive landscape, customer base, and travel supply concentration. These players trade around high-single digits to low-teens NTM EBITDA, of which I applied an arbitrary discount (-3x) to reflect the difference in business quality. Based on the above assumptions and an NTM EBITDA of 7x, I came up with an intrinsic value of $7.62. This is ~36% more than the current share price of $5.60. I want to point out that the valuation multiple could be pushed higher when GBTG shows stronger signs of recovery, which may attract a greater inflow of funds to invest in it. This would have a huge impact on equity value given that GBTG is highly levered....

These Are The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs In Education – 69News WFMZ-TV https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/these-are-the-10-fastest-growing-jobs-in-education-69news-wfmz-tv/ If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS – The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors denied a conditional use for two warehouses proposed by developer Abe Atiyeh. – B. Braun bought Starboard Medical’s Clif-FIX line of devices that secure catheters for an undisclosed price. – The Lowhill Township Planning Commission denied a plan for a warehouse at 7503 Kernsville Road, saying it would change the character of the rural township. – Just A Dream Frozen Yogurt in Forks Township closed its doors after 10 years. – Khanisa’s Pudding Bar held a grand opening at its new Downtown Allentown Market location after having moved from Easton. – Mussel Polymers Inc. says its glue for bonding carbon and synthetic fibers is a big step toward creating lighter and stronger fiber-reinforced materials. – Poke Bar 25 & Bubble Tea in the Shops at Bethlehem (the Giant shopping center on Easton Avenue in Bethlehem Township, on the border with the City of Bethlehem) will open in late November or early December.  – The former Rosanna’s Restaurant in Bethlehem, which closed in February, will reopen as a deli and bar called Rosa’s Corner. – Victaulic has expanded in Tennessee with the acquisition of Tennessee Metal Fabricating, price not disclosed. – The old Forks Diner will be serving auto-repair customers by early spring of 2023 with a six-bay garage known as Wrenchtec. – Lehigh County-based Shift4 Payments stepped in to help the owners of Better on the Bone Butcher and Deli in Pottstown finally open their doors. – Mid Penn Bank opened a new, bigger location in Blue Bell. – Balloon Junction held a grand opening in Pottsville for its store offering custom balloon creations. – Rentschler’s Ice Cream has reopened just a few doors down from its former location in Ringtown after it was destroyed by a fire in February. – Mill Street Aesthetics, a day spa and skincare boutique, held a grand opening in Belvidere, New Jersey. – Provident Financial Services agreed to acquire Lakeland Bancorp in a stock deal valued at $1.3 billion, creating a bank that will hold 4% of the deposits in New Jersey.