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15 Ways The Middle Class Affords A Trip To Disney World – Yahoo Finance https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/15-ways-the-middle-class-affords-a-trip-to-disney-world-yahoo-finance/ The family trip to Disney World is a rite of passage for many American kids, especially those in the middle class. That said, the pilgrimage to the happiest place on earth is not cheap. There are plane tickets, park passes, hotel accommodations, and more to consider. If you’re headed to Disney World, here are a few ways you can save money without missing out on any of the fun. Grow your travel fund with these 11 legit ways to make extra money. 1. Save up for your trip This may seem rather obvious, but saving money over a few years for your Disney trip is a super savvy way to prepare for the expenses. You can do this with a savings account, though you may get a better return on your investment by working with a financial advisor. 2. Use a credit card You can finance your Disney trip with a travel credit card, ideally one without a high APR or annual fee. Maximize this tactic by using an option that has travel rewards, such as discounted hotel rooms and deals on rental cars. Or, get a credit card with Disney rewards — yes, it’s a thing. 3. Plan your visit beforehand If you’re going to be at Disney World for three or more days, you’ll save on park passes by buying them ahead of time. The price drops even lower once you hit five days or more. Another reason not to wait until the last minute is that you never know when Disney will raise the price of admission. Again. 4. Avoid the add-ons You may be tempted to opt-in on the bells and whistles that can be added to your park passes, but don’t do it. For instance, why buy a photo package when you have a smartphone that takes amazing shots? And while it may seem wrong to skip the waterparks, that’s what your hotel pool is for. You get the idea. 5. Hunt for discounts It’s worth spending some time online to hunt for discounted Disney World vacation packages. For one, the park itself often offers specials, as do a variety of travel agents. Just be savvy and make sure your vendor isn’t scamming you. A travel rewards credit card or discounted gift card can help offset the costs of your trip, too. 6. Visit during the offseason Most families visit Disney World when their kids are off from school. However, this is usually during the summer when the weather in Orlando is sweltering. A better option is to visit during another time of year when the climate is better. Hotels tend to be cheaper off-season, making it worth pulling the kids out of school for a few days. 7. Plan for the weather It’s HOT in Florida. Okay, you probably knew that, but Disney is super hot and humid from about June through October. Even when dangerous storms aren’t hitting Florida, it can rain for short bursts every day in the summer. So, bring your own rain gear and sunblock so you don’t have to buy them at marked-up park prices. 8. Stay at a cheaper hotel While staying on-site at Disney World is fun, you can save a lot of money by instead making an off-site hotel your home base during your trip. You might also fare well looking for an option on Airbnb or Vrbo. These places often have kitchens so you can cook meals instead of eating out. Pro tip: You can also pile up bonuses and rewards by booking your trip with one of the best hotel credit cards. 9. Stay on the property Not to contradict ourselves, but there are some cases in which staying on-site at Disney could save you cash. You’ll have access to the complimentary shuttle, for one, which means no car rental or Uber costs. It’s also cheaper to visit the park during the park’s Magic Hours. Just be sure to pick budget-friendly accommodations. 10. Stay for a short time While park passes get cheaper the longer you stay, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a full week or more at Disney World. Booking only four or five nights could save you hundreds on hotel and food costs and still let you squeeze in all the rides and attractions you want. You might enjoy your trip more, too. 11. Focus on one or two parks If you’ve never been to Disney World, you might not realize how large it is, with lots of places to spend lots of money. To that end, if you only focus on two parks — like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, for example — you’ll have fewer temptations to spend money. 12. Don’t forget the free stuff Of course, the main reason people go to Disney World is for all of the cool rides and attractions, as well as the food. But don’t sleep on the free options, like window shopping in Disney Springs, a stop at The Lego Store, and strolling around the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 13. Dine smart Speaking of the food at Disney World — which is plentiful and drool-worthy — you can save a lot by dining smart. Disney even lets you bring food into the parks, so plan for a picnic lunch here and there. The parks also offer lockers so you don’t have to lug your food along with you all day. Pro tip: When you do eat out, pay for your meal using a credit card with dining rewards and cash in on your rewards when you get back home. 14. Be smart about souvenirs If you buy every souvenir at Disney World, you’ll go broke in a matter of hours. Do yourself a favor and buy Mickey Mouse ears and other souvenirs ahead of time online. Not only will they be cheaper than inside the parks, but you can also make a game of leaving them for your kids to find during your trip. 15. Bring a water bottle Disney World lets you bring reusable water bottles into its parks and refill them at the many water stations you’ll find. Not only will you save a dollar here and a dollar there — which can add up fast — but you’ll also stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun. Bottom line Going to Disney World is a dream come true for kids and adults alike, though it can be quite the expenditure. That’s why it’s smart to do your research about cost-cutting measures ahead of time. You may also enjoy the experience more, and reduce your stress about spending while on vacation. Instead, you can just relax and enjoy the magic. More from FinanceBuzz: 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know Paying more for groceries? 6 ways to fight inflation Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out. This article 15 Ways the Middle Class Affords a Trip to Disney World originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.

Childhood Obesity: A Silent Epidemic (II) – By: Fatima DAMAGUM – Daily Trust https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/childhood-obesity-a-silent-epidemic-ii-by-fatima-damagum-daily-trust/ What can we do about Childhood Obesity? Firstly, we have to acknowledge it. Parents often do not recognize when their children are becoming overweight. Because young children at a healthy weight look skinny and because children who are overweight are becoming the norm, parents often do not realize when their children are not on a healthy track. I think we only start to worry when obesity affects their day-to-day lives. Like when the child begins to pant when walking a distance or when puberty kicks in, or worse, when the child is diagnosed with an illness that is a complication of obesity. Flood: Lawmaker donates food items worth N19m to victims Nigeria has so much to celebrate at 62 – Gombe gov Parents need to be enlightened on the complications of obesity and why buying a carton of chocolates for a child is not ‘giving the child a treat’. Ideally, parents should be talking to their child’s pediatrician about how to attain a healthy weight and make healthier choices with their child – even if the paediatrician doesn’t bring it up. I am hammering on parents, because they are the best advocates for their children. Parents can play a role by speaking up at PTA meetings by advocating for healthier meals in day cares centres and schools and demanding that the places children visit, such as schools and parks, are promoting healthy eating and physical activity. The home environment is undoubtedly an important setting in preventing overweight and obesity. Television-viewing has been identified as an independent risk factor for obesity. Potential strategies to reduce television time include messages to parents about not having a TV in children’s bedrooms, encouraging family rules restricting television-viewing, and not having the TV on during meal times. Two years ago, a 10-year-old boy was rushed to the emergency department on account of altered consciousness. The usual culprits- cerebral malaria, meningitis and sepsis were entertained. However, when his glucose levels were checked, we immediately changed our diagnosis. It was a whopping 25mmol/l! The endocrinologist was called to review what we thought was type 1 Diabetes, but upon further tests, the diagnosis was confirmed to be type 2 Diabetes. A 10-year-old fa! He was obese with a BMI of greater than 35kg/m2 and confessed to drinking up to six bottles of coke per day. What were his parents thinking? Secondly, since it seems that encouraging children to eat a healthy diet and exercise more is the route to success against childhood obesity, then it is only right that schools are involved. Schools play a very critical role in encouraging healthy behaviours in children. Many children spend a significant amount of time at school where both good and bad habits can develop. Physical activity and health education should be mandatory for those in kindergarten through high school. I remember when P.E was part of the school’s curriculum and was incorporated into the lessons at school. It was not unusual for us to go out for sports on the field in between classes. Nowadays, in most schools, sports is optional and lumped together with other after school activities as more priority is given to educational subjects. I understand that schools are under a lot of pressure to teach core subjects but healthy living is something they should be also be educated about. Schools have a responsibility to create a safe, supportive place where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Thirdly, after acknowledging the problem, the next step is to treat it. All patients with overweight or obesity should be evaluated for underlying causes or complications of weight gain. The evaluation should include a complete history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Consideration should be made to substitute medications associated with weight gain (e.g., select antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and antidepressants) whenever possible. Children who are overweight should be monitored regularly and classified based on their risk factors. For example, if a child is obese and has a family history of Diabetes, then his (the child’s) risk of diabetes immediately increases. Another example is when a child’s father was said to have been obese and died in his fifties of a stroke or heart attack and the now the child is gradually becoming overweight; chances are the child will also become hypertensive and suffer the same weight as the father. Therefore, assessing risk factors is very important. In addition to eating healthy and exercise, treatment may also include pharmacotherapy (medication) and surgery where applicable. The medication given helps to reduce appetite, stimulate early satiety (the feeling of being ‘full’ after eating) and reduce fat absorption. However, in the management of childhood obesity, prevention is key. Children should be taught how to reduce their caloric intake and increase physical activity. Strategies to achieve these goals include increasing the number foods with low-caloric density; drinking water instead of juice or sugary drinks; using smaller plates; eating 10 servings of fresh fruit or vegetables each day; having physical activity 2-minutes every hour for a total of 30 daily minutes; using tools to measure physical activity such as a pedometer; and being physically active when feeling hungry. A public health approach to develop population-based strategies for the prevention of excess weight gain is therefore, of great importance and has been advocated in recent years. There are a wide range of policy areas that could influence the food environments. These areas include fiscal food policies such as mandatory nutrition panels on the formulation, implementation of food and nutrition labelling and restricting marketing and advertising bans of unhealthy foods. In addition, lowering the prices of food items significantly increases the consumption of healthy food. A small study done in a cafeteria-setting was designed to look at the effects of availability and price on the consumption of fruit and salad. It was shown that increasing the variety and reducing prices by half roughly tripled consumption of both food items, whereas returning price and availability to the original environmental conditions brought consumption back to its original levels. How many people can afford to buy a single mango for N500 to N1,000 per piece? Another strategy is to have policy areas influencing physical activity environments. This includes urban planning policies, transport policies and organizational policies on the provision of facilities for physical activity. Living in walk-able communities and having parks and other recreational facilities nearby are consistently associated with higher levels of physical activity in children and adolescents. Once upon a time, there were parks in every district area were the children in the neighbourhood gathered to play football in the evenings. Nowadays, all those parks have been sold and high-rise buildings erected in their place.  The impact of childhood obesity is vast. For many, if childhood obesity is left unaddressed, the psychosocial and physical co-morbidities will last into adulthood when associated morbidity is high and life expectancy is reduced. Overweight and obesity prevention or reduction essentially involves lifestyle modification through behavioural change at the individual level. Policy alone is unlikely to achieve this, it merely facilitates the process. Therefore, we as parents have to do the best we can do to curb this menace before it consumes us all. Eat less and Exercise!

Latvian Leader’s Party Expected To Fare Well In Election – 69News WFMZ-TV https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/latvian-leaders-party-expected-to-fare-well-in-election-69news-wfmz-tv/ If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS – All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue is on its way, with 88 K-Pot opening perhaps in December near the Wine & Spirits store in the Bethlehem Square shopping center.  – Air Products’ joint venture in Saudi Arabia has acquired an industrial-gas business for an undisclosed price. The Abdullah Hashim Industrial Gases & Equipment venture acquired Khafrah Industrial Gases from Paris-based Air Liquide S.A. – Anatolian Kitchen is still closed for renovations, according to a sign at the Taylor Court, Bethlehem, business.  – After 36 years, the owners of Cavaluzzo’s Pasta, Steaks & Subs in Emmaus are retiring, and the restaurant will close. – The high-tech conglomerate formerly known as II-VI (pronounced “two-six”) has taken on the name of a company it acquired, Coherent Corp.  – Palmer Township’s board of supervisors approved a conditional-use application for four industrial buildings know as “First Park 33” on Tatamy Road, between Newlins Mill and Corriere roads. – The Florida-based chain Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers plans to open three physical-therapy clinics within two years in the Lehigh Valley. – Radish Republic, a specialty grocery store on North Seventh Street in Allentown, is closing after three years. – The Palmer Township Zoning Hearing Board made the decision to keep a cease-and-desist order against The Reserve at Palmer Pointe apartments, which township officials say were built contrary to designs submitted six years ago. – The Allentown-Based payment-processing company Shift4Payments Inc. introduced SkyTab POS, a point-of-sale system for restaurants.  – The Bethlehem Planning Commission approved three separate “mixed-use” buildings for South Bethlehem, on East Fourth Street, South New Street and West Fourth Street. – Transform Rehabilitation’s physical-therapy clinics in Allentown, New Tripoli and Whitehall are now part of Upstream, which owns or manages more than 1,200 locations in the U.S. – The Lehigh Valley’s newest Wawa opened on the east side of Nazareth Pike/Route 191, just south of the Borough of Nazareth.  – DoubleTree Hotel has expanded its catering to private jets that take off from Reading Regional Airport. – The not-for-profit Kutztown Community Partnership has discussed buying the shuttered Strand Theatre to continue its tradition, but KCP would need grants and donations to keep it going. – A man police say was drunk drove into Budd Lake Bagel & Deli II in Hackettstown, New Jersey, on Sunday night, causing the shop to close indefinitely.

SPORTS BRIEFING – The Review https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/sports-briefing-the-review/ Lisbon falls to Clippers LISBON — The Lisbon volleyball team fell to Columbiana, 25-23, 25-20, 13-25, 25-20, Thursday. The Blue Devils are 4-11 overall and 2-9 in the EOAC. Leaders were Stefanee Stacey with 17 points, 22 assists and 12 digs , Eliza Baker 14 points and 32 digs, Izzy Lannon eight kills and 20 digs and Morgan Lively four kills and five blocks . Lisbon also dropped the junior varsity match, 26-24, 25-21. Brooklyn Cousins and Chloe Dowd each had seven points for the Blue Devils. Lisbon will play at Wellsville on Monday. Garrett says crash is a wake-up call BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Myles Garrett knows he’s lucky. His life could be very different or even over. Speaking to reporters for the first time since losing control and flipping his Porsche after practice on Monday, the Browns’ star defensive end promised to change his behavior after surviving a crash he caused by driving too fast. “Definitely grateful to be here,” Garrett said Friday after the Browns practiced without him. Garrett sustained a sprained shoulder, strained biceps and cuts along with a ruptured blood vessel in his left eye during the single-car wreck on a rural road near his home following practice. “This will be definitely a wake-up call for me, just try to be smart overall with driving,” said the 26-year-old, who has been ticketed numerous times for speeding in the past few years. “Don’t take anything for granted. Be grateful that I’m still able to be here and just take my time.” If not for wearing seatbelts, Garrett said, both he and a female passenger probably would not have walked away from the crash. “With what I saw, the pictures (of his car), I think it was a hell of an event and just grateful that not only am I alive, I was able to have so much of my family and the support system that was around me and just keep me locked in and keep me focused on taking it day by day,” he said. Despite his injuries, and not practicing for the past three days, Garrett is being listed by the Browns (2-1) as questionable for Sunday’s road game against the Atlanta Falcons (1-2). Coach Kevin Stefanski said the Browns’ medical staff will see how Garrett responds to rest and treatment over the next two days before deciding on whether he’ll play. The Browns leave for Georgia on Saturday. Garrett cleared concussion protocol following the accident. He’s still a little sore,but feeling better and said he’d like to face the Falcons. “That’s up to the training staff and the coaches,” he said. “If it were up to me, I would love to go. That’s just my competitive spirit and my nature. Physically we have to assess that going up to the game, today, tomorrow and on Sunday. “But that’s just a decision we’ll make closer to game time.” The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the 26-year-old Garrett was traveling at an “unsafe speed” when his 2021 Porsche Turbo S went off the road, veered into a ditch and hit a fire hydrant before rolling several times. The 23-year-old female with Garrett also suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital. “That was a big sigh of relief for me because I was the one who put us in danger,” Garrett said. “So it was very calming for me to know that they were OK.” Garrett told officers he thought was going 65 mph in a 45 mph zone before going off the hilly road near his home in Wadsworth, Ohio. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected, the highway patrol said in its post-crash report. The accident destroyed Garrett’s car and left him along with many of his teammates shaken. “I think emotionally I’m pretty grounded with everything, I’ve put it behind me,” Garrett said. “Physically I’m still dealing with some of the injuries that came along with it, but it’s really just a blur, it all happened pretty fast. “Sometimes, the last couple nights I’ve sat and thought about some of the different situations, scenarios, how it played out, but knowing that I can’t change the past, just got to keep moving forward and glad everyone’s all right.” Garrett said that in the moments after the crash, his focus was on everything but his playing career. “I thought about my family. I thought about them worrying,” he said. “I thought about my passenger and making sure that they were OK and that their life was going to remain the same. It was not on football because at that point, everything that had just happened was much bigger than football, and it really involved our lives just moving forward.” The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft has been ticketed numerous times for speeding. He was cited on successive days last year for going 120 mph and paying a fine for an amended 99 mph violation in a 70 mph zone. Garrett said the crash will change the way he drives. “I don’t think it takes something as drastic as this to tell me that I need to slow down,” he said. “It’s about listening to my love ones, hearing them out and understanding that it is serious every time you get into the car.” Garrett has a team-high three sacks in three games. He needs just one one to pass Clay Matthews (62) for the franchise career record. NOTES: Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is also questionable for Sunday. He missed last week’s game against Pittsburgh with the injury. … If Garrett and Clowney don’t play, rookie Alex Wright and Isaac Rochell will start. … DT Taven Bryan (hamstring) was ruled out and will be replaced in the starting lineuo by Tommy Togiai. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

The Opportunity For Banks In The Metaverse – Times Of India https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-opportunity-for-banks-in-the-metaverse-times-of-india/ Blockchain needs no introduction. The technology that was nothing more than a concept a little over a decade ago is now the backbone of the $1 Trillion crypto market with an estimated 300+ Million users or owners. It’s a remarkable feat given that it is built on the premise of decentralization and doesn’t warrant involvement of intermediaries. This itself, is perhaps a testament of its potential and is further evidenced by the transformative impact it has had across multiple industries, be it increased transparency in global supply chains or improved efficiency of governments.  Given its promise of disintermediation, inherent trust, and immutability it was easy to see why Blockchain might have appeared as a threat to the Banking and Financial Services industry. However, once the initial skepticism and apprehensions subsided, the BFS industry eventually warmed up to Blockchain. Several financial Institutions emerged as trailblazers and leveraged the technology in the areas of payments, trade settlements and custody services to name a few. And not long after that, governments and central banks got involved and those of many countries are now actively working on developing their respective Central Bank Digital Currencies aka CBDC.  But Metaverse, opens up a new chapter for Blockchain and before we go further, it might be worth talking about a bit about it. The Metaverse can broadly be defined as an ever evolving and expanding virtual world that offers collaborative, immersive, and interactive experiences for users. While the user experience is being revolutionized by a new breed of AR/VR devices, holographic and haptic technology, the underlying infrastructure for driving commerce and economy is being built by leveraging Blockchain technology. If some of the recent analyst predictions, supported by massive investments being poured into this space, is anything to go by, it looks like we would soon be spending a lot of our time in these virtual worlds, interacting with each other as our avatars, spending on virtual goods, and perhaps operating out of our virtual homes built on virtual parcels of land. While Media & Entertainment, Retail and Gaming industries are at the forefront of the adoption curve, Banks too have a tremendous opportunity here.  For starters, Banks can setup virtual branches in the Metaverse and provide engagement touchpoints for their customers, for eg. the ability to interact with a financial advisor’s avatar in a secure environment without having to visit the branch. As a matter of fact, many Banks have begun doing so, knowing well that their customers of tomorrow are already spending their time in the Metaverse. And as we continue to work remotely, the other obvious applications would be around employee training and onboarding, hosting of collaboration and engagement sessions, even town-halls and investor presentations, all within the Metaverse. At the same time, these virtual worlds are driving an immense amount of commerce on these platforms which would need a reliable and resilient infrastructure to support related transactions. Much of the value exchange on the decentralized Metaverses such as Decentraland and Sandbox leverages Blockchain. Users need to convert fiat currency to cryptocurrencies native to these platforms and use these for executing transactions. Their ownership of both digital and real-world assets can be represented as Non Fungible Tokens aka NFTs, which provide a means of authenticating ownership as recorded on the underlying Blockchain ledgers. The rise in adoption of these virtual worlds will lead to accelerated usage of crypto.  Some Banks and financial institutions are already leading the charge by offering crypto wallets and custodial services, access to crypto markets for trading and investment, and advisory services to Wealth Management clients. While NFTs are seen as speculative assets by many, Banks can work with regulators and position these as mainstream asset classes. Taking it one step further, Banks and financial institutions can perhaps also offer lending against collateral such as virtual land or digital art and even provide insurance against losses arising from cyber-attacks. As the user experiences for these virtual worlds are being built, the time is ripe for Banks to ensure that they are a part of that journey. For instance, Banks can use NFTs to not only validate their clients but also represent pre-authorization loans, the clients in turn can use these NFTs to conclude purchase of digital and real-world assets, eliminating a bunch of paperwork and making the whole process seamless.  Agreed that Metaverse might still be in its infancy, but Blockchain presents itself as a cornerstone for the development of this new realm by facilitating payments, recording asset ownership, and powering new forms of economies and commerce. Banks can partake in the development of this new realm while ensuring that they understand the evolving needs to their customers and adjust their models that might have worked in the past but would now need to undergo a paradigm shift. Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author’s own. END OF ARTICLE

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Showcases Humanoid Robot At Event – Malay Mail https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-showcases-humanoid-robot-at-event-malay-mail/ A humanoid robot developed by Tesla, known as Tesla Bot or Optimus, is shown in a frame grab from the live video of Tesla’s AI Day streamed on August 20, 2022. ― Tesla/Handout via Reuters Follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Telegram channel and browser alerts for the latest news you need to know. Saturday, 01 Oct 2022 10:04 AM MYT SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 1 ― Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased his much-touted humanoid robot ‘Optimus’ at the electric vehicle maker’s “AI Day” event yesterday. The billionaire has said a robot business will be worth more than its cars, hoping to expand beyond self-driving cars that have not yet become a reality despite his repeated promises. A prototype of the robot walked on stage and waved to the seated audience. A video of the robot carrying a box, watering plants and moving metal bars in the automaker’s factory was shown. “Our goal is to make a useful humanoid robot as quickly as possible,” Musk said at the event being held at a Tesla office in Palo Alto, California. “There’s still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus and prove it.” Musk said currently humanoid robots are “missing a brain,” saying they don’t have the intelligence to navigate the world by themselves, and they are also very expensive and made in low volume. By contrast, he said, the Optimus will be an “extremely capable robot,” to be made in very high volume, probably, ultimately millions of units and is expected to cost much less than a car, at under US$20,000. Musk is also expected to discuss Tesla’s long-delayed self-driving technology. In May, Musk said that the world’s most valuable car maker would be “worth basically zero” without achieving full self-driving capability, and it faces growing regulatory probes, as well as technological hurdles. “There will be lots of technical detail & cool hardware demos,” Musk wrote on Twitter late on Wednesday, adding the event was aimed at recruiting engineers. Tesla’s live demonstration record is mixed. Launches typically draw cheers, but in 2019 when Musk had an employee hurl a steel ball at the armored window of a new electric pickup truck, the glass cracked. The key test for the robot is whether it can handle unexpected situations. Musk announced Tesla’s plan for humanoid robots at its AI day in August last year and delayed this year’s event from August to have its robot prototype working, with a plan to start production possibly next year. Tesla teased the unveiling of the bot on social media with an image of metallic robotic hands making a heart shape. But building human-like, versatile hands that can manipulate different objects is extremely challenging, said Heni Ben Amor, a robotics professor at Arizona State University. Initially, Optimus, an allusion to the powerful and benevolent leader of the Autobots in the Transformers media franchise, would perform boring or dangerous jobs, including moving parts around Tesla factories or attaching a bolt to a car with a wrench, according to Musk. “There’s so much about what people can do dexterously that’s very, very hard for robots. And that’s not going to change whether the robot is a robot arm or whether it’s in the shape of a humanoid,” Jonathan Hurst, chief technology officer at Agility Robotics, a humanoid robot firm, told Reuters. Musk has said that in the future robots could be used in homes, making dinners, mowing the lawn and caring for the elderly, and even becoming a “buddy” for humans or a sex partner. He is due at Friday’s event to give updates on Tesla’s much-delayed plan to launch self-driving cars, and on its high-speed computer, Dojo, which was unveiled last year and the company has said is integral to its development of self-driving technology. Musk has said he expects Tesla will achieve full self-driving this year and mass produce a robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedal by 2024. At an “Autonomy” event in 2019, Musk promised 1 million robotaxis by 2020 but has yet to deliver such a car. ― Reuters

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill Allowing Crypto Investments In 401(K) Retirement Plans – Regulation Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/us-lawmakers-introduce-bill-allowing-crypto-investments-in-401k-retirement-plans-regulation-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Several U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Retirement Savings Modernization Act to provide 401(k) retirement savers access to a wide range of investments, including crypto assets. “With inflation at record highs, a stock market downturn, and a potential recession on the horizon, many Americans are rightfully concerned about their financial future,” said U.S. Senator Pat Toomey. Retirement Savings Modernization Act Introduced The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs announced Thursday that Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) have introduced a bill called the Retirement Savings Modernization Act. The bill aims “to bolster Americans’ retirement savings by allowing workers to diversify assets included in defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans,” the announcement details. “This legislation will amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to clarify that private sector retirement plan sponsors may offer plans, including both pensions and 401(k)s, that are prudently diversified across the full range of asset classes.” Senator Toomey opined, “With inflation at record highs, a stock market downturn, and a potential recession on the horizon, many Americans are rightfully concerned about their financial future,” elaborating: By providing 401(k) savers with access to the same asset classes as pension plans, my legislation will open the door to a more secure retirement for millions of Americans. While pension plans and 401(k) plans are covered by the same law, the former have incorporated asset classes outside of the public markets since 1982. Meanwhile, the latter “almost never incorporate exposure to alternative assets due to fiduciaries’ anticipated litigation risk,” the announcement explains. The bill lists “digital assets” as a “covered investment.” Senator Scott described: “Inflation has eroded and devalued the savings many Americans spent their lives accumulating. This bill would modernize retirement plans to ensure they can provide diverse investments with higher returns. American workers and their families deserve to go about their lives with peace of mind, knowing their hard-earned money will be secure when they choose to retire.” Until the 1970s, most Americans working in the private sector relied on pension plans for retirement. Today, the vast majority of private sector workers rely on 401(k) plans. “However, pension plans have consistently outperformed 401(k) plans because they diversify across the full range of asset classes, putting one of every five dollars in alternative asset classes like private equity,” the lawmakers noted. Representative Meijer stressed: Americans deserve flexibility with their retirement options, especially in times of fiscal uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice in March warning about crypto investments in 401(k) plans. “The department has serious concerns about the prudence of a fiduciary’s decision to expose a 401(k) plan’s participants to direct investments in cryptocurrencies, or other products whose value is tied to cryptocurrencies,” the DOL wrote. “These investments present significant risks and challenges to participants’ retirement accounts, including significant risks of fraud, theft, and loss.” Despite the warning by the Labor Department, Fidelity, a major 401(k) plan administrator, announced in April that it will allow bitcoin as an investment option in its new 401(k) products. The financial giant’s decision caused concerns for the Labor Department. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is also worried, demanding answers from Fidelity regarding its decision to allow bitcoin in 401(k) plans. In May, a U.S. senator introduced a bill prohibiting the Labor Department from interfering with investments in retirement accounts. In June, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that crypto is “very risky,” emphasizing that it is unsuitable for most retirement savers. Do you think all retirement savers should be able to invest in anything including cryptocurrencies? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Russian Timber Bypasses U.S. Sanctions Through Vietnam And China – The Washington Post https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/russian-timber-bypasses-u-s-sanctions-through-vietnam-and-china-the-washington-post/ HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Russian birch wood has continued to flow to American consumers, disguised as Asian products, despite U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, a new report says. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a nonprofit watchdog group based in Britain, has found that most birch products currently being exported from Vietnam to the United States originate in Russia. According to Vietnam customs data, roughly 40,000 cubic meters of birch wood is transported every month from Russia and China into Vietnam, where it’s assembled into furniture and plywood. These chairs and bed frames end up on the shelves of major American retailers, the EIA said in a report, which was shared exclusively with The Washington Post. The group’s investigators spoke to five Chinese companies accounting for 60 percent of China’s birch veneer exports to Vietnam and concluded that over 90 percent of their birch is sourced from Russia. One Chinese wood factory owner told the group that all of the birch their company uses comes from Russia but is repackaged in China and re-exported to Vietnam with China listed as the country of origin. “They [American importers] don’t track sources of original materials,” the manager told the EIA. “We have been doing this all the time.” In June, Russia’s Federal Forest Management Agency asserted that the country’s timber industry has not been significantly affected by sanctions. “The Russian forestry industry complex has already been oriented toward friendly markets and, where the restrictions emerged, it has already partially realigned,” Pavel Chashchin, head of the agency, told Tass, a state-owned news outlet. “The process of establishing new export channels will continue.” In construction, birch harvested from Russia’s vast forests has long been considered the best source of plywood — a material used in floors, ceilings and partitions, as well as for decorative purposes on items such as doors and cabinets. Before the invasion of Ukraine, the United States imported hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of birch plywood from Russia annually, trade data shows. Driven by strong demand, these imports surged in the early months of 2022 before changing course in April, when the Biden administration raised tariffs on Russian birch from 10 percent to 50 percent. From March to April, even as direct U.S. imports of Russian birch plunged, birch plywood imports from Vietnam grew by 206 percent, said the Decorative Hardwoods Association, which represents American hardwood industries. Ngo Sy Hoai, vice president of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association, a nongovernmental trade organization in Vietnam, did not respond to questions on where companies are sourcing their birch, saying only that “Vietnamese plywood producers may import certain volumes of birch wood from various sources for plywood surfacing.” Phuc Xuan To, a senior policy analyst at Forest Trends who has studied Vietnam’s wood industry for years, confirmed the EIA’s findings. Sawed birch timber imports from China to Vietnam increased in the first half of this year, and it’s highly likely that birch originated in Russia, To said. Russian birch is also appearing under deceptive labels in markets outside the United States, according to advocacy groups. Companies in Britain have recently received more offers of birch “from the Far East,” said Timber Development UK, which represents companies throughout the timber supply chain in Britain. “Given that birch forests are concentrated in Northern Russia and Eurasia; it is almost certain the birch contained in the plywood being offered has in fact originated in Russia,” the trade association said in a statement warning members against running afoul of British sanctions. While China also exports birch, the EIA said the world’s biggest traders widely preferred Russian birch, which is seen as being more consistent and durable. In March, Earthsight, another watchdog group from Britain, reported that some of Russia’s largest forestry companies are owned by oligarchs with close ties to President Vladimir Putin. Mining tycoon Alexei Mordashov, who was blacklisted by the European Union in March, holds major assets in Sveza, one of Russia’s biggest exporters of birch plywood, Earthsight said. While Sveza’s direct exports to Europe have declined since the start of the year, company leaders recently told reporters that it has been actively redirecting supply to Asia and Africa. “I have absolutely nothing to do with the emergence of the current geopolitical tension,” Mordashov said in a statement in April. Telecommunications billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov’s family controls Sistema, parent company of Segezha, a logging firm that exports to the European Union and the United States. In April, after being sanctioned by Britain, Yevtushenkov gave up shareholder control over the Sistema conglomerate by transferring 10 percent worth of assets to his son. The Segezha group released a statement around the same time declaring that it did not consider itself affected by British sanctions. “Segezha Group continues its business as usual,” the statement said. Vietnam has strong political, defense and economic ties with Russia dating to Soviet times. At the U.N. General Assembly in September, Vietnam was among 35 countries that abstained from the vote condemning Russia for its attack on Ukraine. The abrupt increase of exports from Vietnam at a time of plunging Russian supply caught the attention of the EIA, which has been monitoring the relocation of Chinese manufacturers to Vietnam in recent years, said Alex Bloom, an analyst with the agency. “We were well aware from previous investigations that enormous amounts of Russian timber, particularly birch, are used in Chinese factories for exported plywood,” she said. “After American anti-dumping tariffs went into effect on Chinese hardwood plywood [in 2017], a lot of those Chinese factories migrated to Vietnam to avoid those tariffs.” Thomas Chung, an advocate at the EIA who focuses on Vietnam, said the repacking of birch described by Chinese companies not only violates U.S. trade rules and legislation but could also be considered illegal under Vietnam’s timber legality assurance system. “There is the requirement to know the origin of a wood product as part of a due-diligence process when importing timber or wood products into Vietnam,” he said. “This means that even when intermediary markets are used, the origin should be known. Any rebranding should be considered illegal.”

‘The Excavation Of Hob’s Barrow’ Is Old-School Adventure Gaming At Its Finest! – Forbes https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-excavation-of-hobs-barrow-is-old-school-adventure-gaming-at-its-finest-forbes/ Wadjet Eye Games The Excavation of Hobb’s Barrow is an old-school point and click adventure game from Wadjet Eye Games that just released on PC and Mac for Steam and Good Old Games for $13.49. For those that don’t know, the phrase “old-school and point and click adventure” means that it’s likely heavily inspired by the legacy of adventure games of yore from the 1980s and early 1990s like Maniac Mansion, the Secret of Monkey Island, and more specifically, spooky games like the Gabriel Knight series. ‘Barrow’ is also part of a larger trend of independent games from very small teams that lean heavily on nostalgia gameplay and uses older looking extremely pixelated graphics. It might be low on graphics, but it’s extremely high on gameplay and atmosphere as the very beginning of the game throws you into a foreboding mood as you take control of a Victorian dressed woman holding an umbrella in a downpour late at night walking past castle walls while the sound of a man coughing can be heard. After a strange exchange with the man with the cough, the woman goes inside the castle and the title credits and the sound of lightning crashing rolls. In ‘Excavation’ you play Thomasina Bateman, a never married woman who receives a strange letter urging her to excavate Hob’s Barrow in the small village of Bewlay (Great Britain). She’s a barrow digger and takes a train into town while writing a letter to her mother explaining to her that she will never believe the events that happened to her that night. Wadjet Eye Games Then when the train arrives, the game truly begins and we relive whatever it is that happened to her. She was supposed to meet a man at the local inn the day she arrived, but he mysteriously never appeared and to make matters worse her assistant was supposed to arrive the next day and he never appeared either. The sense of dread is pervasive throughout the game starting with spooky music followed by rain pounding the town when she arrives, people disappearing and many many sickly scary cats appearing at night. The game can be plowed through as this full-walkthrough video on Youtube can attest, and each conversation can be skipped through with a click of the mouse or keyboard, but the true pleasures of the game and indeed the genre in general is fully exploring your surroundings to discover the humor of the games writers and the fully engrossing story. Wadjet Eye Games The items you collect along the way can be accessed at the top of the screen by moving your mouse upwards and left clicking on an item to use it, then dragging it to the next object or person you want to use it on. Yes, the game is charmingly retro and looks ripped straight out of 1989, however, the game’s dialogue is both printed on screen and fully voiced with brilliant, inventive characters that pulled me into the story. I was instantly hooked by the little town and the denizens of the Plough and Furrow Inn where everyone disappears. If you’re someone who has longed for old fashioned adventure gaming from the days of yore you must play The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow and relish every spooky moment. Follow me on Twitter. Check out my website.

The Book Pages: Why ‘Love & Rockets’ Is The Great American Comic – LA Daily News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/the-book-pages-why-love-rockets-is-the-great-american-comic-la-daily-news/ When I reach filmmaker Omar Foglio on the phone, he and his colleagues are finetuning “Love & Rockets: The Great American Comic Book,” a documentary for the PBS series “Artbound” that’s premiering Oct. 5 on KCET. “We’re still working on it right now as we speak, like the finishing touches,” says Foglio, who is codirecting with Jose Luis Figueroa for their company Dignicraft. “It’s been a ride, but we’re really happy with how it’s coming together.” The documentary, which I’ve seen in rough form, is a nearly hourlong look at the Southern California sibling comic book creators Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, who for the past 40 years have been writing and illustrating “Love & Rockets.” “We did the work and we kept doing the work,” Jaime Hernandez told my colleague Peter Larsen at Comic-Con this summer. “And hopefully, we were pretty good.” Not only does the film offer a brisk overview of the duo’s work – and makes the case for the overall importance of their creative output – it provides glimpses into their shared love of LA’s early punk rock scene, their creative inspirations and their unique working styles. “It’s been my best excuse to read ‘Love and Rockets’ and nothing else all this year,” says Foglio, who first encountered the comics in the 1990s and had been wanting to get back into them. “I mean, for me, it’s the best comic book. Period.” The film, which includes among its interviewees Fantagraphics founder and president Gary Groth, scholar Esther Claudio Moreno and photographer Carol Kovinick Hernandez, who is married to Gilbert and was there at the beginning taking photographs. Brothers Gilbert, Jaime and Mario Hernandez, creators of the alternative comic “Love and Rockets,” at the 1984 San Diego Comic-Con. (Photo from Clay Geerdes Collection, courtesy of Dave Miller and Fantagraphics Books) The brothers grew up in Oxnard with parents who supported their interest in comics as did their siblings. Their elder brother, Mario, introduced his younger siblings to comics and contributed to “Love & Rockets” for the first 7 or 8 years before the demands of raising a family led him to stop, while another brother helped bankroll the first issue. Despite developing their own distinctive black and white artwork, which was influential on the alternative comics movement, the brothers happily discuss the effect that “Dennis the Menace” and “Little Archie” comics had on their work. Foglio says their background is part of what kept them down-to-earth and devoted to the work. Despite offers to work for major comics companies like Marvel and DC, the pair have been with Fantagraphics since 1982 and sound genuinely thrilled to make a living doing what they love – at one point in the film Jaime recalls asking with awe, “If people like this, I get to do this forever?” “Love and Rockets” image. (Courtesy of Artbound / Fantagraphics) “They come from a working-class background,” says Foglio. “Devoting yourself to the work that you do, and what you like, is very strong in them. But I would also say the punk spirit is embedded in everything they do, not just their artwork, but their approach to the craft and to life in general.” Foglio hopes viewers of his film will get a sense of the excellence of the Hernandez brothers’ output – and a desire to start exploring it. “My feeling is that they are totally underrated. I mean, they are big within the world of comic books, but my gut feeling is that they should be better known,” says Foglio, while heaping praise on Fantagraphics for its support of the brothers’ work. “People should know about them, and I see them like living legends…and they still have so much to give. “I’m hoping that this film, this ‘Artbound’ episode, will at least introduce their work to a wider audience,” he says. “It just deserves to be read more.” For more information, go to www.kcet.org/shows/artbound These larger format books are hard to fit on your coffee table. (Getty Images) Here are some Southern California book events to explore this weekend: Saturday, Oct. 1 Reyna Grande and Lalo Alcaraz Author Reyna Grande will be in Conversation with cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz about her novel “A Ballad of Love and Glory.” But note: There won’t be copies for sale so please bring your own books for signing. (Or see Grande’s appearance on Sunday below.) When: 1 p.m. Where: Santa Ana Public Library, Main Branch, 26 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, Info: https://www.santa-ana.org/event/author-hour-reyna-grande/ ‘Hollow’ launch Boom! Studios’ launch of its “Hollow” graphic novel will take place at Revenge Of, an LGBTQ+-owned comic book store. The event will feature dessert-themed food trucks, trick or treating, photo ops and an author meet and greet. When: 4-8 p.m. Where: 3420 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci8oxGcJ2yr/ Amanda Gorman Future Voices Youth Poetry Reading Beyond Baroque will host a virtual reading with the winners of the inaugural Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Prize and Scholarship, which aims to recognize poets enrolled in grades 9-12 who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. When: 4:00 p.m. Where: The event is virtual on Zoom Info: www.eventbrite.com/e/amanda-gorman-future-voices-youth-poetry-reading-tickets-423690458567 Sunday, Oct. 2 Orange County Children’s Book Festival  This free children’s event offers six stages of entertainment including the Animal & Nature Stage, S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Stage and World Stories & Adventure Stage featuring bilingual and multicultural children’s book authors. As well, there will be food trucks, booksellers, lit-minded exhibitors and the Orange Coast College Planetarium will offer programs and a visit from Star Wars characters. When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, in Costa Mesa. Info: www.kidsbookfestival.com In conversation Authors Reyna Grande and Maria Amparo Escandón will be in conversation with actress Yareli Arizmendi for a bilingual talk and reading from their new books. When: 2 p.m. Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St., LA Info: https://lapca.org/event/book-launch-presentation-with-reyna-grande-and-maria-amparo-escandon/?event_date=2022-10-02 • • • Have any book recommendations? Please send them to epedersen@scng.com and they might appear in the column. Thanks, as always, for reading. Author and librarian Nancy Pearl really likes books that do these two things “Library Girl” is a just-published book based on Nancy Pearl’s childhood by Karen Henry Clark and Sheryl Murray. (Nancy Pearl photo credit: Susan Doupe/Courtesy of Nancy Pearl and Library Girl cover courtesy of Little Bigfoot) Librarian Nancy Pearl is the former executive director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library and she was Library Journal’s 2011 Librarian of the Year. She is the author of “Book Lust,” “More Book Lust,” “George & Lizzie” and “The Writer’s Library,” co-written with Jeff Schwager. The just-published children’s book “Library Girl,” written by Karen Henry Clark and illustrated by Sheryl Murray, tells the story of how Pearl became a librarian. The delightful Pearl and I spoke earlier this month, and her answers have been edited for length and clarity. Q. Is there a book or books you always recommend to other readers?  People always say, “What’s your favorite book?” and I have no favorite book. I have many, many books that I love. But the book that I recommend most – or the book that I say will appeal to the most readers – is “Lonesome Dove,” Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book. I always joke and say you need to have a bottle of water handy when you’re reading that book, because your throat is going to get so dry from all the dust on the cattle drive. And it won the Pulitzer Prize, so the writing’s not shabby. Q. Do you remember the first book that made an impact on you? I think the first book that made an impact on me was Robert Heinlein’s novel, “Space Cadet,” which was written in the ‘50s. I read it when I was about 10, and I remember where I was in the library when I found the book. It’s about a group of young men from different planets, including Earth, who are all trying to become members of the Space Patrol, and they have to go through a series of tests to see whether they’re worthy of that. That whole thing of honor had a big influence on me when I first read it, so that’s a book that I do have fond memories of – even though Robert Heinlein turned into a bit of a fascist towards the end of his life. Q. Do you listen to audiobooks? I was very late to audiobooks. People would always ask me if audiobooks counted, “Oh, I just listened to this, does that count as reading it?” Well, of course, it counts as reading it. I love British readers. I listen to the audio versions of books that I’ve already read and enjoyed, so going back to them is just such a pleasure. In some ways, I think I prefer audio almost to traditional reading. During the pandemic especially, I walk for miles every day, but it’s so I can listen to  audiobooks and I  started doing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, so I could sit and listen to audiobooks while I’m doing the puzzle. I just love audiobooks. Q. Who are some of your favorite audiobook narrators?  One of the ones that I really enjoyed is “The Enchanted April” by Elizabeth van Arnim. It’s read by several different people, so you can get different versions, but oh my gosh, that is such a good audiobook. I listened to it twice in a row and then my husband listened and loved it. There’s a great series of mysteries by Adrian McKinty that are set in Belfast in the 1980s. It was originally supposed to be a trilogy called The Troubles, but it’s now seven books. Great on audio, and, and I understand tha...

Conversations With Strangers On Trains – Sedalia Democrat https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/conversations-with-strangers-on-trains-sedalia-democrat/ By Jack Miller, Guest Columnist Posted 9/30/22 As anyone who has read my column through the years knows, I love trains. Not just the look of the heavy beasts but also the enjoyment of riding one.  It has been quite a few years since I … This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you’ve not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Please log in to continue Need an account? Print subscribers If you’re a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.

PM Modi Inaugurates 6th India Mobile Congress At Pragati Maidan – Hindustan Times https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/pm-modi-inaugurates-6th-india-mobile-congress-at-pragati-maidan-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Oct 01, 2022 10:29 AM IST Breaking news October 1, 2022: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. Follow all the updates here: Oct 01, 2022 10:15 AM IST PM Modi inaugurates 6th India Mobile Congress at Pragati Maidan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 6th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Oct 01, 2022 09:00 AM IST Fire breaks out at Global Foyer Mall in Gurgaon A fire broke out at Global Foyer Mall on Golf Course Road in Gurgaon. Several fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. Oct 01, 2022 08:19 AM IST PM Modi to launch 5G services at telecom event Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 5G services in India today in select cities. The service is expected to progressively cover the entire country over the next couple of years. Oct 01, 2022 07:06 AM IST Russian consulate in New York vandalised with red paint The Russian Consulate in New York was vandalised with red spray paint on Saturday. The paint appeared hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was annexing four parts of Ukraine occupied by Moscow’s army, AFP reported. Oct 01, 2022 06:18 AM IST Russia vetoes UN resolution calling its referendums illegal Russia vetoed a UN resolution Friday that would have condemned its referendums in four Ukrainian regions as illegal, declared them invalid and urged all countries not to recognize any annexation of the territory claimed by Moscow. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 10-1 with China, India, Brazil and Gabon abstaining. The resolution would also have demanded an immediate halt to Russia’s “full-scale unlawful invasion of Ukraine” and the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all its military forces from Ukraine. Subscribe to our best newsletters 14th Dalai Lama still undecided on his reincarnation Published on Oct 01, 2022 09:19 AM IST The Buddhists in Tibet, at large, still swear by the 14th Dalai Lama despite Xi Jinping regime’s attempt to impose Han culture on the territory occupied since 1950. The 14th Dalai Lama, who escaped to India from Chinese occupied Tibet in 1959. ‘Who is SP?’ BJP’s question on ‘leaked’ photo of Ashok Gehlot’s notes Published on Oct 01, 2022 07:09 AM IST The BJP targetted the Congress over the reportedly leaked photo of Ashok Gehlot’s secret notes and said Congress needs to be united first. PM Modi to launch 5G services in India shortly Updated on Oct 01, 2022 10:29 AM IST Breaking news October 1, 2022: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. PM Modi ditches microphone, apologises at Rajasthan rally. Video goes viral Published on Oct 01, 2022 06:13 AM IST As PM Modi reached the rally after 10pm, he chose to follow the microphone rules and not address the rally. “My conscience says that I should follow the rules. I apologise before you,” he said. Kerala HC extends stay on appointment of Priya Varghese in Kannur varsity Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:22 AM IST Justice Devan Ramachandran extended the stay on the appointment of Priya Varghese, the wife of KK Ragesh who is the chief minister’s secretary, in the Malayalam department of the varsity till October 20. ByPress Trust of India, Kochi Satya Pal Malik: Have no plans to join active politics Updated on Oct 01, 2022 12:25 AM IST Meghalaya governor Satya Pal Malik , whose term as the governor of the northeastern state will end on Friday, however, said he would work for the welfare of farmers and support them KCR donates 1 kg gold to temple ahead of national party launch Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:21 AM IST Chief minister KCR offered 1 kg and 160 grams of gold to the deity towards gold plating of the “gopuram” over sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Kerala high court asks police to remove obstruction in front of Vizhinjam Port Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:19 AM IST Justice Anu Sivaraman asked the police to ensure there are no obstructions in front of the entrance for the vehicles to pass. ByPress Trust of India, Kochi Services will jointly deal with security challenges Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:18 AM IST General Anil Chauhan retired as the Eastern Army commander on May 31, 2021, and was the military adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) before being appointed to the top job Isha foundation infra project: Madras high court adjourns case for 3 more weeks Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:18 AM IST Isha foundation had challenged a notice by the Tamil Nadu government alleging the said buildings were constructed without obtaining environmental clearance between 2006 and 2014 as mandated by the central government’s environment impact assessment (EIA) notification, 2006. Telangana requests Supreme Court to vacate stay on Kaleshwaram project Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:17 AM IST In its petition, the irrigation department said it was proposed to draw an additional one tmc ft (thousand million cubic feet) of water from Godavari river, apart from the originally planned two tmc ft, only for optimising the utilisation of 240 tmc ft of water during the rainy season, which will be there for a short period. ED seeks Bengaluru court permit to quiz 5 accused in PSI scam Published on Oct 01, 2022 12:13 AM IST In August, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) after concluding from an examination of the FIRs and charge sheets that money laundering had taken place in the scam. Story Saved New Delhi 0C Saturday, October 01, 2022

High Sugar Levels Can Be Dangerous For The Gut! Know The Link Between Diabetes And Digestion – Health Shots https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/high-sugar-levels-can-be-dangerous-for-the-gut-know-the-link-between-diabetes-and-digestion-health-shots/ Diabetes is no joke! This is the most prevalent condition in the world. In fact, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 420 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. And the number is steadily rising. Diabetes can impact quality of life and cause other health problems if it is not managed properly. Digestive problems can become more likely in people with diabetes. Though they are not directly related, diabetes and digestion have an impact on one another. HealthShots spoke to Dr Sandeep Kharb, Senior Consultant Endocrinology Asian hospital Faridabad, to find out the link between diabetes and gut health. How can diabetes affect the gut? If you have been living with diabetes for a long time or have recently been diagnosed with the condition, you are likely to be familiar with the complications like vision loss, kidney diseases and in extreme cases, amputations. But poorly controlled type 2 diabetes can affect other organ systems, including your digestive system. The longer you have been living with the condition, the more you are likely to suffer from digestive problems associated with diabetes. 3 digestive problems linked with type 2 diabetes, according to Dr Kharb Some of the common digestive problems brought about by advanced diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar include: 1. Acid reflux (GERD) The stomach contains a high amount of hydrochloric acid and when it fails to empty the acids on a regular basis, your gastric juices fire back and cause damage to your esophagus resulting in acid reflux also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). High blood sugar can cause damage to the nerves along the digestive tract that interfere with this gastric emptying. Common symptoms of acid reflux include chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Digestion problems can lead to gas and acidity! Image courtesy: Shutterstock Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes, like losing weight and quitting smoking, and potentially surgery as a last option. 2. Gastroparesis If your stomach fails to empty itself correctly, you may experience gastroparesis in your stomach besides acid reflux in your esophagus. Gastroparesis is a disease in which the stomach is not able to empty itself of food in a normal fashion resulting in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating and pain, weight loss, and acid reflux. This is a common condition in long-standing diabetes regardless of whether it is well controlled. Treatments for gastroparesis include changes in your diet like skipping high-fiber or high-fat foods, medication, and surgery. 3. Diabetes enteric neuropathy This condition results from damage to the nerves in your gut and can sometimes present with symptoms resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as diarrhea and constipation. This is caused by excess levels of glucose in the blood which gets deposited onto the nerves and if that persists for a long time, the nerves can actually die off, and that damage to nerves in your gut can also cause other serious complications to diabetes, including kidney dysfunction and retinopathy, or damage to eyes. Treatment can include taking medication that speeds up the stomach’s emptying, decreasing fat and fiber consumption, etc. What can you do to prevent digestive issues caused by diabetes? Just because you have diabetes does not mean you need to give up on the digestive problems associated with it. Follow the tips given below by Dr Kharb to help keep your digestive system in working order while living with diabetes: 1. Keep your blood sugar under control If you are suffering from diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar under control at all times to stay away from the complications associated with the disease. Besides, also pay attention to your A1C – average level of glucose over the past two to three months within a healthy range. The level at which esophageal function and gastric function are impaired is directly proportional to A1C elevation. Keep your blood sugar levels in control! Image courtesy: Shutterstock 2. Choose a healthy diet A healthy diet high in fiber such as whole grains, beans and veggies like broccoli benefits people with diabetes. On the other hand, a diet high in refined sugar and carbs such as white bread, pasta, and rice can alter the gut microbiome. 3. Eat small, frequent meals Instead of eating a full meal at one go, consider eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to help with symptoms of acid reflux and gastroparesis. 4. Stay away from the urge to lie down after a meal Control your urge to lie down after eating. Staying upright, walking, or standing for a couple of hours after a meal will prevent stomach acid from backing up into your throat if you have acid reflux. 5. Pay attention to your GI symptoms Lastly, if you experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before they get worse. At times, symptoms like acid reflux could be due to other causes like candida infection, so it is important to get yourself checked. Takeaway Keeping blood sugar under control is key to preventing gastrointestinal issues associated with diabetes. Make sure to reach out to your medical team if you are suffering from diabetes-related GI symptoms as these can lead to severe complications when left untreated.

Fitzgerald Deserves Patience | News, Sports, Jobs – Altoona Mirror https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/fitzgerald-deserves-patience-news-sports-jobs-altoona-mirror/ By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions prepare to complete the pre-bye portion of their schedule: Northwestern has proven over its history to be among the tougher jobs in the Big Ten. With its rigid academic standards, lack of tradition and top-notch facilities — though that’s going to change — Northwestern has struggled to consistently beat the upper level of the Big Ten. In that regard, what Pat Fitzgerald has accomplished has been remarkable. Now in his 17th season, Fitzgerald is 110-93, including a pair of Big Ten West titles. He’s widely regarded to be among the best coaches in the Big Ten, and his name has become up for numerous attractive jobs in the past, including Notre Dame and NFL openings. But Fitzgerald’s heart has been at Northwestern, his alma mater, and he’s remained there. Now that patience needs to be returned as Fitzgerald and the Wildcats have hit a wall. They went 3-9 last year, and it’s been getting worse. Northwestern is 1-3 this season with losses to Duke, Southern Illinois and Miami of Ohio. It has lost nine of its last 10 games dating back to last year with the lone win coming in this year’s season opener, against Nebraska in Ireland, when Scott Frost decided to try on onside kick up 11 in the second half. Off the field, Northwestern announced some good news this week with the unveiling of plans for a new $800 million, privately-funded, purple-tinted stadium to replace Ryan Field. The project won’t be completed until 2026 but brightens Northwestern’s future. It will be a great boost for a longstanding Big Ten coach who is much better than his recent record. Subtle criticism James Franklin lamented the Lions’ lack of offensive balance after last week’s win over Central Michigan. “When we get out of whack and do one too much compared to the other, that is where we are not at our best,” he said. “We have to continue to mix in the run.” Sean Clifford threw 19 times in the domination of Auburn. He threw 34 times last week. Franklin noted the Lions didn’t use the screen game enough or move Clifford around in the pocket. He thought Penn State should have exploited Central Michigan’s defense, which was daring the Lions to beat them with the pass. That led to some struggles, even though the final score wasn’t in doubt. Against a better opponent, however, it might be — which is probably why Franklin was questioning the Lions’ scheme, even if such criticism, however subtle, is unusual. Transfer portal Many don’t like the transfer portal for many reasons. But just as it’s taken a few players away from Lions these last few years (QB Will Levis, RB Noah Cain, decorated 2022 DE recruit Ken Talley), it’s also brought even more contributors. Such as: WR Mitchell Tinsley, P Barney Amor, DE Chop Robinson, G Hunter Nourzad. Not to mention Jordan Stout a few years ago from Virginia Tech. Beer blurb Franklin was asked his feelings about Penn State’s decision to sell beer at Beaver Stadium, which begins today. He deferred the question, saying he trusts the decisions made by the administration. “That’s kind of above my process and decision making,” he said. He smartly didn’t say it was above his pay grade. Correction In our point-counterpoint this week, I mistakenly had Franklin’s record at 2-2 in Ann Arbor. He’s 1-3. The error didn’t affect the gist of the column, but I wanted to correct it. Dubious play Last weekend’s NFL game between Buffalo and Miami witnessed an unusual play. Backed up to its end own zone, while guarding a 21-17 lead, Miami actually blocked its own punt when its protector drifted too far back. Fortunately for the Dolphins, the deflection went out of the end zone for a safety when it could have been recovered for a Bills’ touchdown. Longtime Penn State followers can recall a 1982 game at Alabama when a similar thing happened. Punting from midfield in a 27-21 game in the fourth quarter, protector Mike Suter backed into punter Ralph Giacomarro, and the gaffe opened the gates to the Tide’s 42-21 win. The Lions did recover and eventually won their first national championship. As a side note, Suter’s son, Brent, pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers and is one of the better relievers in Major League Baseball. Rudel can be reached at 814-946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.You can also follow him on Twitter@neilrudel. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

BlackRock Digs Further Into Crypto With Metaverse ETF – FinanceFeeds https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/blackrock-digs-further-into-crypto-with-metaverse-etf-financefeeds/ BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with almost $10 trillion in AUM, is set to launch a new metaverse ETF to help investors securely monetize on the booming immersive version of the internet. BlackRock’s iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF will give investors exposure to metaverse-focused companies, as per the filing on Thursday. This may include companies with links to social media, virtual platforms, digital assets, gaming, augmented reality and much more. The metaverse, which combines technologies such as virtual reality and NFTs, has become a focal point for exchange-traded product issuers. Most recently, Switzerland-based crypto exchange-traded product issuer 21Shares and US rival ProShares have launched their own Metaverse ETFs. Despite a major slowdown in the Metaverse space, some industry surveys estimate that the total addressable market between $8-13 trillion by 2030. BlackRock has been increasing its exposure to the digital assets space throughout 2022. Just yesterday, the New York-based financial conglomerate announced the launch of its crypto ETF in Europe despite the regulatory concerns in the continent. The iShares Blockchain Technology UCITS ETF is listed on Euronext, made up of 35 global companies whose primary business is related to blockchain such as crypto miners and exchanges. Around 25% of the fund’s exposure goes to companies that support the technology such as semiconductor companies. The news comes barely a month after BlackRock had inked a partnership deal with the prime brokerage arm of US popular exchange, Coinbase. The collaboration is, however, limited to bitcoin and will allow BlackRock’s institutional clients to have access to crypto trading, custody, prime brokerage, and reporting via Coinbase Prime. The clients will also be able to manage their bitcoin and conduct risk analysis using BlackRock’s software suite Aladdin. Back in April, BlackRock had participated in $400 million funding round for Boston-based fintech startup Circle. In addition to its investment and role as a primary asset manager of USDC cash reserves, BlackRock has entered into a partnership with Circle to explore capital market applications for its stablecoin. BlackRock made headlines last year when it added bitcoin futures to derivatives products that two of its funds can invest in. The development came shortly after CEO of BlackRock, Larry Fink, provided a somewhat bullish take on the world’s first cryptocurrency. In a relatively rare endorsement, Fink said Bitcoin has ‘caught the attention’ and could largely replace gold but warned of its growing popularity that has a real impact on the US dollar. Back then, Fink, who has grown BlackRock into the world’s largest money-management corporation, dismissed bitcoin as nothing more than a vehicle for speculation and money laundering. The world’s largest asset manager launched a blockchain-focused ETF in April that provides investors with exposure to the crypto and blockchain industry. The company added the Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) to its iShares product line.

30 Best Gifts For Singers Of All Ages For 2022 – Good Housekeeping https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/30-best-gifts-for-singers-of-all-ages-for-2022-good-housekeeping/ BONAOK/ Bose When it comes to shopping for gifts, it’s always nice finding an option that matches your giftee’s interests, talents and hobbies. While best-selling items on Amazon and popular Christmas picks make creative presents for your loved ones, don’t miss out on the chance to choose something more meaningful and unique to their personality. That includes your search for the best gifts for singers or any aspiring (or professional) musician in your life. We’ve rounded up an array of personalized, funny and cool gadgets your family and friends will love for the holidays (or for any occasion that calls for a unique present). Some items will help them hone their talent, including the portable USB microphone and noise canceling headphones. Others are options you can customize for their everyday wear and use (from the musical note name necklace to the leather notebook for their song lyrics and future hits). Not to mention a guitar-shaped cutting board to replicate their favorite instrument and a scented candle that plays songs straight from their Spotify playlist when scanned. So if you’re looking for memorable family gifts this season, shop this list for any parent, child, grandparent or coworker who can hold a tune. And for more specific gift ideas, check out these gifts for coffee lovers, Star Wars gifts and some of the best gifts for chefs (according to Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen pros). 1 Best Personalized Necklace VictoriaMinimalist Personalized Musical Note Name Necklace 2 A GIFT FOR SINGERS AND READERS DJCBoutique Music Piano Bookmark 4 FOR SINGERS OF ALL AGES BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone 5 PrintYourHeartOutUK Personalized Song Plaque 6 Infinity Collection Music Bracelet 7 Best Tea for Singer’s Throat Tea Drops Loose Leaf Tea Gift Box 8 EcoFlip Scannable Scented Candle 9 A One-of-A-Kind Holiday Playlist Uncommon Goods Holiday Scratch Off Advent Calendar Playlist 10 IkersonLTD I Don’t Always Sing Shirt 11 Playing Cards With a Musical Twist Laurence King Publishing Genius Music Playing Cards 12 Bose Nose Cancelling Headphones 13 FOR THE GUITAR PLAYERS Uncommon Goods Birth Month Guitar Pick 14 Elecstars Star Projector with Bluetooth Speaker 15 R&M International Musical Cookie Cutters 16 Music-Loving Gag Gift Uncommon Goods Mistaken Lyrics Coasters 17 VIBES High-Fidelity Earplugs 18 InnoGear Microphone Arm 19 MODERN VINYL Record Holder 20 New bee Headphone Stand 21 THE ORIGINAL MASHTAPE Retro Cassette Tape USB Flash Drive 22 PromiDesign Personal Guitar Cutting Board 23 Spontuneous Spontuneous The Song Game 24 KUNGYO Vintage Guitar-Shaped Decorative Hooks 25 CLYOR Voice 37 All Natural Voice Remedy for Singers 26 Uncommon Goods Turntable Cheese Board 27 MiraGiftsWorld Personalized Leather Notebook 28 A1GraphicsLtd Personalized Song Keychain 29 AvitoProducts Personalized Music Tumbler 30 Pure Enrichment Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Mariah Thomas Assistant Editor Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content.

Binance Officially Launches Crypto Exchange In New Zealand Following Regulatory Approval – Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/binance-officially-launches-crypto-exchange-in-new-zealand-following-regulatory-approval-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Binance has officially launched a cryptocurrency exchange in New Zealand after successfully registering with the country’s financial regulator. “We see significant value in having a serious New Zealand presence,” said Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ). Binance Launches Crypto Trading Platform in New Zealand Global crypto exchange Binance announced Friday that it has successfully registered as a financial service provider with the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The crypto exchange also announced the official launch of Binance New Zealand (Binance NZ). Noting that the registration was actually effective on Sept. 10, the company detailed: This registration allows Binance NZ to offer a range of financial services, including spot trading, staking, NFTs and more. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) commented: “A lot of major tech firms are slow to open a New Zealand office. I guess for some, it’s easy to overlook as it’s a smaller market but we see significant value in having a serious New Zealand presence.” The executive continued: The history of fintech innovation in New Zealand is very well known, with one of the earliest and most rapid uptakes of digital transactions in the world. “We see New Zealand as a bit of a pioneer, so from that perspective, I think there’s a lot to be learned here with our local team working with Kiwis to envisage the future of currency, transactions and the web,” Zhao further opined. Binance has been expanding globally, including in Dubai, Kazakhstan, Romania, Spain, Brazil, Italy, and France. The company is also reportedly trying to reenter the Japanese crypto market after exiting it four years ago. Meanwhile, the crypto exchange is seeing a record increase in the number of Indian users after the government started imposing a new crypto tax. The company has made regulatory compliance one of its top priorities. Last week, Binance created a global advisory board to tackle regulatory challenges. What do you think about Binance launching a crypto trading platform in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

S.Korea, U.S. Agree To Implement Liquidity Measures If Needed – Reuters.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/s-korea-u-s-agree-to-implement-liquidity-measures-if-needed-reuters-com/ U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho meet at Lotte Hotel, in Seoul, South Korea July 19, 2022. Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via REUTERS SEOUL, Oct 1 (Reuters) – The United States and South Korea agreed on Saturday to implement liquidity facilities to stabilise financial markets if needed, Korea’s finance ministry said after a teleconference between finance chiefs of the two countries. The won is near its lowest level since March 2009, and has weakened 17% against the surging U.S. dollar so far in 2022, amid a broad sell-off in emerging market currencies as the Federal Reserve aggressively raises interest rates. “The two countries are ready to work closely together to implement liquidity facilities when necessary, such as when financial instability is aggravated by the spread of (a) liquidity crunch in major economies, including Korea,” the ministry said in a statement after the call between the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and South Korea finance minister Choo Kyung-ho. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com The agreement reached on Saturday repeats the U.S. statement made when Yellen last visited Seoul in July, amid growing calls for the Bank of Korea to arrange a currency swap with the Federal Reserve to stabilise the dollar-won market. However, the statement released on Saturday did not elaborate on whether the facilities that may be deployed referred to a currency swap and South Korea’s finance ministry did not give further details. A $60-billion currency swap pact set up in March 2020 between the central banks of the two countries as an emergency step to stabilise markets expired at the end of last year. Such a swap would allow South Korea to borrow a certain amount of U.S. dollars for a pre-set period and rate, in exchange for won, so as to resolve difficulties in dollar liquidity. To help protect one of the world’s worst performing currencies, South Korean authorities has recently arranged a $10 billion currency swap program with the country’s state-run pension fund, a tool that allows the fund to finance its overseas investment with the central bank’s FX reserves, instead of buying dollars in the spot market. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Kim Coghill Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

NASA Eyes November For Launch Attempt Of Moon Rocket – Dunya News https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/nasa-eyes-november-for-launch-attempt-of-moon-rocket-dunya-news/ Technology NASA eyes November for launch attempt of Moon rocket NASA said Friday it would try to launch its Moon mega-rocket in November. 01 October,2022 07:01 am WASHINGTON (AFP) – NASA said Friday it would try to launch its Moon mega-rocket in November, without committing to a precise date for the much-delayed Artemis 1 mission. The US space agency, which was forced to postpone its latest liftoff attempt due to massive Hurricane Ian which hammered Florida this week, announced it was preparing its next launch window for between November 12 and November 27. “Over the coming days,” NASA said in a blog post, the team will assess conditions and necessary work and “identify a specific date for the next launch attempt.” Officials had so far refused to completely shut the door on an earlier attempt in October. The SLS rocket, the most powerful ever designed by NASA, had to be returned to its storage hangar at Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday in order to shelter it from the approach of Hurricane Ian. The storm devastated parts of Florida but the rocket itself suffered no damage, NASA said. Planning efforts for the November launch window will allow “time for employees at Kennedy to address the needs of their families and homes after the storm” and in the run up to the next mission attempt. Raising the 98-meter-high (320 foot) rocket and transporting it to its launch pad, before configuring it for takeoff, will also take days. NASA has already made two attempts to launch the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission, in late August and early September, but both had to be scrapped at the last minute due to technical problems. In development for more than a decade, SLS has never flown before. Fifty years after the last mission of the Apollo program, Artemis is NASA s new flagship program. Artemis 1 will be used to ensure that the Orion capsule, at the top of the rocket, is safe to transport a crew to the Moon in the future.   ‘ ; var i = Math.floor(r_text.length * Math.random()); document.write(r_text[i]);

Vancouver Man Gets 7-Plus Years In Fatal Hit-Run Crash – The Columbian https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/vancouver-man-gets-7-plus-years-in-fatal-hit-run-crash-the-columbian/ Hazel Dell collision killed 52-year-old man from Vancouver Published: September 30, 2022, 5:20pm Joseph A. Rachauskas appears in May in Clark County Superior Court on charges of vehicular homicide, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death. He was sentenced Wednesday to 7 1/4 years in prison. (Becca Robbins/The Columbian files) A Vancouver man was sentenced Wednesday to 7¼ years in prison for a January fatal hit-and-run crash in Hazel Dell. Joseph A. Rachauskas, 48, pleaded guilty in Clark County Superior Court to vehicular homicide, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death. He also pleaded guilty in five other identity theft and mail theft cases and is scheduled to be extradited to Oregon for warrants there. The sentences in the other cases are set to run concurrent with the vehicular homicide sentence. Rachauskas apologized Wednesday to the numerous victims in the cases for the emotional, physical and financial hardships he caused them. Judge Derek Vanderwood recognized that Rachauskas expressed remorse and was struggling with drug addiction when he committed the crimes. “But that doesn’t undo the impact on the lives of others, particularly the life that was taken,” Vanderwood said. Before ordering the 87-month term, Vanderwood said any sentence would be insufficient because it wouldn’t resolve the damage done. Emergency responders with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Fire District 6 and AMR were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. Jan. 23 to a two-vehicle serious injury hit-and-run crash at Northeast 88th Street and Highway 99. Deputies determined a 2005 Ford F-250 pickup was traveling south on Highway 99 when it went through a red light at 88th Street and struck an eastbound 2013 Mercedes sedan. The pickup was reported stolen out of Washington County, Ore., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said. The driver of the Mercedes, identified as William Stevens, 52, of Vancouver, was extricated from the car and taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the pickup, later identified by police as Rachauskas, ran from the scene; a search for the man was unsuccessful. Fingerprints from the steering wheel of the pickup returned as a match for Rachauskas, according to a probable cause affidavit. Investigators also noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the truck. His phone also showed he was in the area of the intersection at the time of the crash and that it began downloading files just before the crash. The affidavit states that might indicate Rachauskas was distracted by his phone when he crashed. Video surveillance showed the man running from the crash and into an apartment complex on 88th Street. Rachauskas’ phone’s location showed it was at the complex for about 50 minutes; during that time, several calls and texts were exchanged with multiple phones, court records state. Investigators also found messages between Rachauskas and a friend who came to pick him up. Local police agencies located Rachauskas on May 25 in the Fred Meyer parking lot at 7700 N.E. Highway 99 and arrested him.

5 Comfy Hotels For Black And Curvy Travelers – Travel Noire https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/5-comfy-hotels-for-black-and-curvy-travelers-travel-noire/ Find other Black travelers sitting on the dock, taking in the sun in the summer. Live music with Lake Washington as the backdrop; imagine boats floating in and seaplanes landing just out of your view. Drinks are flowing and the music is bumping. The resort style hotel, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington just opened in 2017, with curvy travelers in mind. The elevators are wide and air conditioned. The food options are endless and served 24 hours a day. King size beds, extra deep bathtubs, wide chairs and long couches. Even the toilet seat has extra girth. Stay in their corner suite and watch the seaplanes fly in from your bed. Have dinner with up to 6 guests in your dining room. Then grab some blankets and get that Netflix and chill on with their ultra-wide screen TV. Have work to do? Check out the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington Regency Club Lounge. Plenty of seating throughout, but the booth is the best. The large table is adjustable, allowing for extra space between the seat and table. When you’re ready for a unique style of relaxation, head out to the dock area. Grab one of the blue lounge chairs and order fresh sushi, or tacos for lunch. Then, head to Water’s Table for dinner. Fresh seafood with a view awaits. From the time you check in, you’ll feel welcome no matter your size. People of all ages, shapes and sizes visit Hyatt Lake Washington.

AP Top Business News At 7:20 P.m. EDT – WTMJ https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/ap-top-business-news-at-720-p-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 7:20 p.m. EDT  WTMJ

Fineland Living Services Group (HKG:9978) Has A Pretty Healthy Balance Sheet – Simply Wall St https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/fineland-living-services-group-hkg9978-has-a-pretty-healthy-balance-sheet-simply-wall-st/ David Iben put it well when he said, ‘Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the permanent loss of capital.’ When we think about how risky a company is, we always like to look at its use of debt, since debt overload can lead to ruin. As with many other companies Fineland Living Services Group Limited (HKG:9978) makes use of debt. But should shareholders be worried about its use of debt? When Is Debt Dangerous? Debt and other liabilities become risky for a business when it cannot easily fulfill those obligations, either with free cash flow or by raising capital at an attractive price. In the worst case scenario, a company can go bankrupt if it cannot pay its creditors. However, a more frequent (but still costly) occurrence is where a company must issue shares at bargain-basement prices, permanently diluting shareholders, just to shore up its balance sheet. Of course, plenty of companies use debt to fund growth, without any negative consequences. When we think about a company’s use of debt, we first look at cash and debt together. Check out our latest analysis for Fineland Living Services Group What Is Fineland Living Services Group’s Net Debt? As you can see below, at the end of June 2022, Fineland Living Services Group had CN¥40.0m of debt, up from none a year ago. Click the image for more detail. But it also has CN¥114.2m in cash to offset that, meaning it has CN¥74.2m net cash. SEHK:9978 Debt to Equity History October 1st 2022 A Look At Fineland Living Services Group’s Liabilities We can see from the most recent balance sheet that Fineland Living Services Group had liabilities of CN¥297.1m falling due within a year, and liabilities of CN¥23.3m due beyond that. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of CN¥114.2m as well as receivables valued at CN¥338.7m due within 12 months. So it can boast CN¥132.5m more liquid assets than total liabilities. This luscious liquidity implies that Fineland Living Services Group’s balance sheet is sturdy like a giant sequoia tree. Having regard to this fact, we think its balance sheet is as strong as an ox. Succinctly put, Fineland Living Services Group boasts net cash, so it’s fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load! But the bad news is that Fineland Living Services Group has seen its EBIT plunge 14% in the last twelve months. We think hat kind of performance, if repeated frequently, could well lead to difficulties for the stock. There’s no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. But you can’t view debt in total isolation; since Fineland Living Services Group will need earnings to service that debt. So if you’re keen to discover more about its earnings, it might be worth checking out this graph of its long term earnings trend. But our final consideration is also important, because a company cannot pay debt with paper profits; it needs cold hard cash. While Fineland Living Services Group has net cash on its balance sheet, it’s still worth taking a look at its ability to convert earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, to help us understand how quickly it is building (or eroding) that cash balance. During the last three years, Fineland Living Services Group burned a lot of cash. While that may be a result of expenditure for growth, it does make the debt far more risky. Summing Up While it is always sensible to investigate a company’s debt, in this case Fineland Living Services Group has CN¥74.2m in net cash and a strong balance sheet. So we don’t have any problem with Fineland Living Services Group’s use of debt. There’s no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. However, not all investment risk resides within the balance sheet – far from it. We’ve identified 4 warning signs with Fineland Living Services Group (at least 1 which is significant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Of course, if you’re the type of investor who prefers buying stocks without the burden of debt, then don’t hesitate to discover our exclusive list of net cash growth stocks, today. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Valuation is complex, but we’re helping make it simple. Find out whether Fineland Living Services Group is potentially over or undervalued by checking out our comprehensive analysis, which includes fair value estimates, risks and warnings, dividends, insider transactions and financial health. View the Free Analysis

How To Watch Pittsburgh Vs. Georgia Tech: TV Channel, NCAA Football Live Stream Info, Start Time – CBS Sports https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/how-to-watch-pittsburgh-vs-georgia-tech-tv-channel-ncaa-football-live-stream-info-start-time-cbs-sports/ Who’s Playing Georgia Tech @ No. 24 Pittsburgh Current Records: Georgia Tech 1-3; Pittsburgh 3-1 What to Know The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 1-6 against the Pittsburgh Panthers since October of 2015, but they’ll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. Georgia Tech and Pitt will face off in an ACC battle at 8 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The Panthers should still be riding high after a big victory, while Georgia Tech will be looking to get back in the win column. The matchup between Georgia Tech and the UCF Knights last week was not particularly close, with Georgia Tech falling 27-10. Georgia Tech’s loss came about despite a quality game from QB Jeff Sims, who passed for one TD and 314 yards on 32 attempts. That was the first 300+ yard effort for Sims this season. Meanwhile, you’re bound to get a positive result if you outscore your opponent every quarter, and that’s exactly how it played out for Pitt last week. They made easy work of the Rhode Island Rams and carried off a 45-24 win. It should come as no surprise that the experts had more or less unanimously put their money on the Panthers. RB Israel Abanikanda had a dynamite game for Pitt; he rushed for four TDs and 177 yards on 19 carries. One of the most memorable plays of the game was Abanikanda’s 67-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter. Not surprisingly, Abanikanda’s sharp performance set his single-game rushing touchdown high for the season. Georgia Tech is now 1-3 while Pitt sits at a mirror-image 3-1. Two stats to keep an eye on: Georgia Tech enters the contest having picked the ball off five times, good for 20th in the nation. But the Panthers come into the contest boasting the ninth fewest thrown interceptions in the nation at one. These opposing strengths should make for an exciting matchup. How To Watch When: Saturday at 8 p.m. ET Where: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV: ACC Network Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Follow: CBS Sports App Odds The Panthers are a big 22-point favorite against the Yellow Jackets, according to the latest college football odds. Over/Under: -110 See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now. Series History Pittsburgh have won six out of their last seven games against Georgia Tech. Oct 02, 2021 – Pittsburgh 52 vs. Georgia Tech 21 Dec 10, 2020 – Pittsburgh 34 vs. Georgia Tech 20 Nov 02, 2019 – Pittsburgh 20 vs. Georgia Tech 10 Sep 15, 2018 – Pittsburgh 24 vs. Georgia Tech 19 Sep 23, 2017 – Georgia Tech 35 vs. Pittsburgh 17 Oct 08, 2016 – Pittsburgh 37 vs. Georgia Tech 34 Oct 17, 2015 – Pittsburgh 31 vs. Georgia Tech 28

I Watched A Metaverse Concert And This Is What It Was Like – TODAY https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/i-watched-a-metaverse-concert-and-this-is-what-it-was-like-today/ SINGAPORE — There was a “DJ” on a large, illuminated stage playing a remix of Coldplay’s hit A Sky Full of Stars, and there were dozens of “people” dancing to the beat.  The famed Supertrees from Gardens by the Bay appeared to tower over the venue, and they were pulsating with pink neon lights. The ground, too, was emanating light, and a building that looked like Marina Bay Sands stood in the distance.  This concert would have cost organisers and arm and a leg to host, taking up virtually the entirety of the Gardens by the Bay venue.  But the truth was, the organisers had not spent a single cent on renting out the space, or on any physical props, for that matter.  In fact, “I” was attending this concert, not in my own 28-year-old male self, but in pixels, as a young female avatar wearing hot shorts and a hoodie.  In other words, I was attending a concert in the metaverse.  A metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual world where people socialise, work and play, and in this case, the metaverse was akin to a gaming world, where I had a specific character that could walk around and interact with the 3D environment.  The idea of the metaverse puzzled me, being someone who hardly plays computer games. So, when I heard that telecommunications company M1 was teaming up with Gardens by the Bay and e-gaming firm Electronic Sports Private Limited (ESPL) on Tuesday (Sept 27) to showcase a demo of a metaverse concert, I joined in on the fun. GROWTH IN POPULARITY OF THE METAVERSE It seemed like a concept for the distant future, up till I noticed that just last month, a couple had actually gotten married in the metaverse, which they said was the first marriage of its kind.  In fact, the metaverse has been a buzzword for over a year, ever since Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg renamed his Facebook company to Meta in October last year, signalling its big push into the metaverse.  Since then, various companies, both local and global, have delved into this concept.  For instance, DBS Bank last month collaborated with The Sandbox, a decentralised virtual gaming world, to acquire a unit of virtual real estate in The Sandbox metaverse.  Even governments have been delving into the metaverse. English language daily the Khaleej Times reported last month that the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy would have a new headquarters located in the metaverse, where anyone can visit.  Whether the popularity of the metaverse will continue to expand will depend on an “ecosystem” of different stakeholders, said Professor Lim Sun Sun, head of humanities, arts and social sciences at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. For instance, technology such as 5G networks, the accessibility of immersive devices such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, and the variety of metaverse events have to develop at the same pace to sustain the growth of the concept. “It speaks to the broader ecosystem, whether or not the metaverse environments are appealing, whether they are welcoming, whether the hardware becomes more comfortable, whether that sort of physiological experience of interacting with others (in the metaverse) becomes more palatable over time, and so on,” said Prof Lim.  BOTH A LIVE PERFORMANCE AND A VIDEO GAME For the metaverse concert demo, members of the media were invited to Floral Fantasy, an indoor garden at Gardens by the Bay, where we could use several smartphones on display, which was to be our window to the metaverse. This didn’t seem very special at first, as I initially thought that having a VR headset would make for a more immersive experience, by granting users a 360-degree view of the metaverse. However, I understood that not everyone would have a VR headset, so a smartphone could actually be the primary mode the metaverse is accessed in the future.  According to M1 and Gardens by the Bay, having the metaverse experience on a smartphone was a remarkable achievement in itself.  Deputy chief executive officer of Gardens by the Bay Lee Kok Fatt said that it is only with a 5G network that the metaverse can be experienced from the typical mobile devices. “The content (of the metaverse) is very rich and heavy, so before the advent of 5G, it required users to download a very big file to access the user experience,” he said.  He added that Gardens by the Bay, M1 and ESPL will be working together to provide 5G connectivity at Gardens by the Bay’s indoor venues and this will make such metaverse events more accessible there.  What I found special about the metaverse was that it was a mashup between both a live performance and a video game.  The “live performance” came in the form of an actual DJ, Jasmine H Nera, who goes by the stage name DJ Red, playing at this demo event. Her physical self, however, was at another location within Gardens by the Bay, while her avatar was on the metaverse stage that I could see from the phone, behind a DJ console. There was a “live chat” function, where I could type messages or questions to Ms Nera. I typed: “How will the metaverse benefit you?”  Ms Nera’s own physical face popped up on a large screen in the back of the metaverse stage and she was able to reply me, live.  “The convenience is there because it allows me to just stream from wherever I am… that provides me a great way to talk to my fans, especially the international fans, because they are not going to be able to fly in just for my show,” she said.  I found this function particularly distinct from a typical live performance, where performers would scarcely be able to respond to specific fans amid the chorus of screams. It added an intimate touch to the event.  And with the performance being viewed on a smartphone, it was a largely two-dimensional experience, with the sound quality itself the same as when watching a YouTube video. This paled in comparison to being at a live concert, as the feeling of jostling with the crowd and having live music blast out of large speakers could not be replicated.  On the other hand, the entire experience also felt like I was playing a video game, with my avatar’s movements around the metaverse space, from running around to jumping, controlled by me.  This was in theory supposed to give my avatar some degree of freedom in the concert venue. Sure enough, I could just weave between other partygoers and easily find myself at the front of the stage. For now, there was also no way for me to change my avatar from a woman to a man, let alone customise the avatar’s appearance and clothing, but this was an option that will be added in later, the developers told me.  Other burning questions which I had were also addressed, namely, whether there was any safeguard against harassment or abusive behaviour in the metaverse. For instance, could an avatar run on stage and disrupt the show, or hurl vulgarities at other audience members?  Project Chair of ESPL Roland Ong said that while there is nothing to stop users from posting what they want, there is the possibility of having moderators on the platform, to ensure that anyone deemed to be abusive or disruptive to the performance can be booted out of the metaverse.  “Secondly, we can use software to catch words that are undesirable, so that they are censored right away,” he added.  Overall, it was an extremely novel experience, one that I would not mind doing again when the operating system is more refined and updated. It presents an opportunity for me to “attend” a performance without committing a lot of time and money, yet also allows for some degree of interaction that an online video cannot provide.  However, I can safely say that I would not want the metaverse to replace actual live performances, as there is a certain tangibility about them that is difficult to emulate.  THE AIM IS NOT TO REPLACE LIVE PERFORMANCES: M1, GARDENS BY THE BAY My concerns that we were heading for an entirely virtual world bereft of “traditional” live performances were quickly assuaged, because the aim of testing out the metaverse was never to fully replace the real life concert experience.  Mr Ong from ESPL said that the metaverse will allow tourists the chance to “explore” Gardens by the Bay without flying down.  However, the end goal is still to attract people to visit the physical venue itself.  “(Gardens by the Bay’s) status as a global icon, we can use it to host local artists and showcase them to the world, that is another one of our objectives,” Mr Lee said.  Chief corporate sales and solutions officer from M1, Mr Willis Sim, said that other than cutting the costs of renting out large spaces, the metaverse provides concert organisers the opportunity expand their reach, by either holding an event entirely on the metaverse, or have hybrid events, where some of the audience is live, and another group is in attendance online.  “This will increase the revenue for the artists, the concert and the event organiser,” he said.  Members of the public, too, can hold their own metaverse events at Gardens by the Bay.  “If you book a wedding package, you can discuss with us right away, if you want an option to also make it available on the metaverse,” said Mr Ong.

Yes, You Should Put An Alexa Device In Every Room Of Your Home. Here’s Why – CNET https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/yes-you-should-put-an-alexa-device-in-every-room-of-your-home-heres-why-cnet/ This story is part of Home Tips, CNET’s collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out. Did that headline make you do a double-take? I mean, what kind of strange person has an Amazon device in every room? Well, call me strange — but don’t judge before you hear me out, because there are so many neat tricks you can do with that unused Echo Dot stuffed in a forgotten drawer or that Amazon Echo speaker that’s slowly getting dusty in the corner of your living room — or, soon, with one of Amazon’s new Echo Dot speakers, announced alongside a bunch of other Alexa devices on Sept. 28. I had two Echo Dots — both white third-gen models that I’d since replaced with the better-sounding fourth-gen “orbs.” But those old hockey pucks still rock, especially when paired with my black Echo Show 8, so I dug them out and found homes for both of them. One third-gen Dot went in my half-bath, the other in my upstairs hallway — bringing my menagerie of Alexa devices up to a whopping 11 smart speakers and smart displays. That means I now have one Alexa speaker or display every few feet throughout my home.  Is that overkill? Yeah, you could say that. Should you still put an Alexa device in your bedroom and bathroom and garage (you get the gist!) anyway? Well, absolutely. Once you do, you’ll wonder why you never did it before. That’s because there are some unique advantages to keeping a houseful of Alexa devices.  Here’s all of the neat tricks you can implement with those Amazon gadgets you already have lying around, plus some tips on how to keep everything in order. And if you’re itching to purchase some new Echo devices, Amazon is hosting an event next week to unveil new products and services. (You could always check out the best Alexa devices, the best cheap Alexa devices and the best smart displays already on the market, too).  Read more: The Real Cost of Setting Up an Amazon Smart Home Why so many Alexa devices? Because more is better Some Alexa features just work better the more Amazon Echo speakers and displays you have set up in your home. For example, if you’ve never experienced whole-house audio before, it’s a surprisingly dazzling experience — even if most of your speakers are Echo Dots (and even if you don’t have an Amazon Echo Subwoofer). On days when you’re moving a lot from room to room — cleaning the house, say, or hosting a get-together — it’s remarkable how neat it is to have music playing everywhere you go. Those old third-gen hockey puck Echo Dots make perfect speakers for your garage, hallway or other less frequently used spaces. Ry Crist/CNET But there are other nifty ways to use a houseful of Alexas, too. Besides multiroom music, here are some of my other faves: Announcements: Say, “Alexa, announce dinner is ready,” or, “announce that it’s bedtime,” and check out what happens (Alexa adds some audio “color” to the message). Drop In: You can have an intercomlike conversation with someone in a specific room — “Alexa, drop in on the kitchen” — or with the whole house at once — “drop in everywhere.” Multiroom audio (but in the same room): You may only be able to pair identical speakers together in stereo, but you can put any two or three or more speakers together in the same room, even though the feature is called “Multi-room.” But before you get started on any of this, the first thing you’ll want to rein in is all those Echo devices that could mistakenly respond to you (up next). The second-gen Amazon Echo is still a formidable smart speaker, so don’t shove yours in a drawer and forget about it. Tyler Lizenby/CNET Assign wake words other than ‘Alexa’ If you’re like me and have multiple Echo devices in the same area, then you already know how annoying it can be to yell, “Alexa!” and have every device compete for your attention. If you have two or more devices in the same vicinity, then it’s best to give each one its own wake word.  For example, I have an Echo Show in my kitchen and an Echo Dot in the living room just a few feet away. I use the Dot mostly to play music, not necessarily to listen for commands. I gave that speaker (and other speakers I just use for audio) a wake word other than “Alexa.” While Amazon’s traditional options for calling up your voice assistant are Alexa, Computer, Amazon and Echo, there are several newer wake word additions you can use like Ziggy and Hey, Disney. Unfortunately, you can’t give it a name other than these, so you’ll have to hold off calling your device “Buddy” or something else unique.  Here’s how to change the wake word on individual devices: 1. Open the Alexa app, navigate to Devices.  2. Tap Echo & Alexa from the top row of icons. 3. Tap the name of the device with the wake word you want to change. You’ll have to change each device’s wake word separately. 4. Select the Settings icon in the top right-hand corner then scroll down and tap Wake Word. 5. Pick a wake word other than Alexa (see above for your options). 6. Tap OK when a pop-up lets you know it might take a few minutes to change over, then either back out of that menu or close the app. You can also change the wake word with voice commands, too. Simply say, “Alexa, change your wake word.” Alexa will prompt you to pick from the list of offered wake words. Then select whichever word you want.  Now you’re all set! And you can always go back and change the wake word at any point.  Read more: All Amazon Echo Wake Words That Aren’t Alexa — and What They Do When setting up a stereo pair, the Echo with Clock, Echo Kids and Echo Dot are all interchangeable.  Julie Snyder/CNET Pair Alexas for stereo and multiroom audio groups If you’ve got two identical devices (or functionally identical — the same-generation Echo Dot, Echo Dot with Clock and Echo Kids are all interchangeable in this  sense) you can pair them so that audio is divided into left and right channels, like a bona fide stereo system. That pair will then appear as a single speaker in the Alexa app when directing audio in a routine or creating an even bigger set of speakers (more on that shortly). Before you set this up, make sure both speakers are in the same virtual “room” in your Alexa app and that both are on the same network. Then, do this: 1. Open the Alexa app, tap Devices on the bottom menu bar, then tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. 2. Tap Combine speakers, then tap Stereo pair / subwoofer. Tap one of the speakers you want to use, then the app will highlight compatible speaker options — tap one, then tap Next. 3. The app will assign the right channel to one and the left channel to the other, but you can tap Swap Speakers to toggle the options, then tap Next. 4. Name your new stereo pair (I usually stick with the name of the room, such as “Master Bedroom”). Now playing: Watch this: Alexa gets new features to make it a better listener 7:02 Multiroom audio works similarly, but without the stereo separation. Also, you can combine unalike speakers, and previously paired stereo pairs, as many of them as you wish. And, again, the speakers don’t have to be in different rooms. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open the Alexa app, tap Devices on the bottom menu bar, then tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. 2. Tap Combine speakers, then tap Multi-room music. Tap all of the speakers you want to include in the group, then tap Next. 3. The app will assign the right channel to one and the left channel to the other, but you can tap Swap Speakers to toggle the options, then tap Next. 4. Either choose a name from the list or type your own custom name at the bottom, then tap Save. Protect your Amazon Echo privacy  With all of these Echo devices scattered around your home, you’re probably wondering: Is Alexa always listening? It’s a good question considering no one wants Alexa to be privy to our confidential conversations.  Echo devices have raised plenty of privacy concerns. Even though they’re only recording and transmitting audio to Amazon’s cloud when the blue light activates, it’s widely known that Echo devices can be activated without you knowing it if one of them hears something similar to its wake word (for instance, if you say something like “election” or “I’d like some” instead of “Alexa”). It’s also worth understanding that Amazon employees can listen to your Alexa conversations if you don’t take certain precautions.  Luckily, there are settings and other hacks to keep Amazon out of your business.  For one, you can unplug the device or turn the mic off by pressing the microphone’s mute button to make sure Alexa isn’t always listening. You can also update the settings to delete your Amazon voice transcripts immediately so they can’t be reviewed by Amazon employees. You can read our full rundown of privacy tips here.  For more cool Alexa tricks, take a look at six useful Amazon Echo tips you’ll want to use every day, some funny things you can ask Alexa and a few more commands you can try tonight.  More tips for Alexa Alexa Settings You’ll Want to Change ASAP Can Alexa Devices Make Calls? Yep, and Here’s How It Works Customize Alexa So You Love Your Amazon Echo Device Even More Is Your Amazon Echo in 1 of These 4 Places? Move It Now Protect Your Amazon Echo Privacy While Working From Home: 7 Simple Tricks 5 Creative Uses for Your Amazon Echo That You Need to Try Roundup of Every Alexa Command You Can Give Your Echo Right Now

Quant $QNT Wiki: Coin History, Techstack, And Crypto News – Hackernoon.com https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/quant-qnt-wiki-coin-history-techstack-and-crypto-news-hackernoon-com/ This is the official HackerNoon wiki for Quant. As part of our coin price pages, this living wiki displays on . If you’d like to suggest edits to our official Quant wiki, please submit them in the comment field below, a real human editor will read and review your suggestions for accuracy and publication. Quant is the native cryptocurrency token of the Quant network. The coin is denoted as QNT. The Quant network is a blockchain platform that focuses on creating and strengthening interoperability in the operations of different blockchain platforms. The QNT token is based on the Ethereum blockchain. It is used to pay the fees and the licenses needed to access the quant network and pay for items. The Quant network is based in London. It is part of the digital pound association which works on advocating for the creation of a digital Pound. History Quant launched the Quant token, QNT, in 2018. The token hit a record high of $428 per QNT in September 2021 but proceeded to fall below $100 per QNT by February 2022. The Quant white paper was written by Gilbert Verdian. Quant was created in 2018 by Colin Paterson, Gilbert Verdian, and Paolo Taska. Both Verdian and Paterson had worked in informational security before. Quant’s ICO was held in 2018 and made $11 million by selling 10 million QNT. The amount made from the ICO was low enough to cause some issues since the expected amount from the ICO was $40 million. The issues were eased by an investment of an undisclosed amount of funding to the network by Alpha Sigma capital. Quant formed a test net version of it’s over ledger platform in 2020 and went live with the network in 2021. Biggest Claims To Fame The Quant Network allows developers to build decentralized applications over several blockchains at once. This reduces the risk of a developer spending time and money building an application on a blockchain that will fade into obscurity in a few years. The Quant network allows the building of several apps over different blockchains allowing for a wider audience working on the applications. The applications are exposed to a wider audience than they would have otherwise on different blockchains that probably have different demographics of users. This also helps avoid the question of which of the blockchains they should focus on in order to get the most number of people to view and use the app locations. Quant network technology increases the scalability of blockchains and decentralized applications. It also increases the chances of mass adoption of decentralized applications by a big margin as compared to anything on the market today. Scalability has been an issue in the cryptocurrency and blockchain platforms available to the public but with the Quant network, the issue may end up being reduced. Quant provides a solution to end the belief of a single blockchain’s supremacy over other blockchains that is rampant in the current cryptocurrency market. By providing a way for apps to be placed on different blockchains, Quant proves that multiple blockchains can work at the same time on the same thing and coexist together. It proves that multiple blockchains can survive without some needing to fail. Biggest Criticism QNT is listed on very few markets. This reduces the exposure people have to it and brings about questions on what the quant network plans for the coin in the future. It also means the value of the coin may only be so high only because the current market for it is very small. The available Quant is held in the majority by a very small amount of people. This means the people who hold QNT may band together and decide to artificially inflate the market. It also means that very few people can influence the direction they would like the Quant network to go without pushback and the changes will go through, even though a larger percentage of people do not want that. This is a challenge to the decentralization of the platform. The details on how the Quant network works exactly have not been released to the public since it is not an open-source project. This means that users have to trust that the network does what it is meant to do. Since the ideal cryptocurrency network is trustless, this brings about questions on whether it can legitimately work towards the vision of a decentralized, permissionless, and trustless financial system. Team Gilbert Verdian is the author of the Quant white paper as well as the CEO of the Quant network. He has worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers and has worked on committees at the Bank of England, the US federal reserve, and the European commission. He worked as the Chief Security Officer at MasterCard before moving to found Quant. Martin Hargreaves is the current Chief Production Officer at Quant. He has previously worked at Vocalink which manages the payments to and from Mastercard in all of the UK and some parts of the US. In Conclusion Quant is the leasing network that works on the interoperability of blockchains. Its vision is sound and fully necessary in the current blockchain market. This is the official HackerNoon wiki for Quant. As part of our coin price pages, this living wiki displays on . If you’d like to suggest edits to our official Quant wiki, please submit them in the comment field below, a real human editor will read and review your suggestions for accuracy and publication. L O A D I N G. . . comments & more!

U.S. Judge Dismisses Mexico’s $10 Bln Lawsuit Against Gun Makers, Mexico To Appeal – Reuters https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/u-s-judge-dismisses-mexicos-10-bln-lawsuit-against-gun-makers-mexico-to-appeal-reuters/ Sept 30 (Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit seeking to hold U.S. gun manufacturers responsible for facilitating the trafficking of a deadly flood of weapons across the U.S.-Mexico border to drug cartels. The decision by Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor in federal court in Boston is a victory for Smith & Wesson Brands Inc (SWBI.O), Sturm, Ruger & Co (RGR.N) and others accused of undermining Mexico’s strict gun laws by designing, marketing and selling military-style assault weapons that cartels could use. Mexico said it would appeal the decision. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “This suit by the Mexican government has received worldwide recognition and has been considered a turning point in the discussion around the gun industry’s responsibility for the violence experience in Mexico and the region,” Mexico’s foreign ministry said in a statement. Saylor said federal law “unequivocally” bars lawsuits seeking to hold gun manufacturers responsible when people use guns for their intended purpose. He said the law contained several narrow exceptions but none applied. “While the court has considerable sympathy for the people of Mexico, and none whatsoever for those who traffic guns to Mexican criminal organizations, it is duty-bound to follow the law,” Saylor wrote in a 44-page decision. Other defendants included Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc, Beretta USA Corp, Colt’s Manufacturing Co and Glock Inc. Representatives for the companies either declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment. Lawrence Keane, the general counsel of firearm industry trade group National Shooting Sports Foundation, welcomed the dismissal of the “baseless lawsuit.” “The crime that is devastating the people of Mexico is not the fault of members of the firearm industry, that under U.S. law, can only sell their lawful products to Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights after passing a background check,” he said. In its August 2021 complaint, Mexico estimated that 2.2% of the nearly 40 million guns made annually in the United States are smuggled into Mexico, including as many as 597,000 guns made by the defendants. Mexico said the smuggling has been a key factor in its ranking third worldwide in the number of gun-related deaths. It also claimed to suffer many other harms, including declining investment and economic activity and a need to spend more on law enforcement and public safety. But the judge said Mexico could not overcome a provision in a U.S. law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, that shields gun makers from lawsuits over “the harm solely caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of firearm products … by others when the product functioned as designed and intended.” Other defendants included Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc, Beretta USA Corp, Colt’s Manufacturing Co and Glock Inc. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Mexico City Newsroom; Editing by Chris Reese, Bill Berkrot, Leslie Adler and William Mallard Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Test Beds, Workforce Critical To U.S. Technology Leadership – TechTarget https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/test-beds-workforce-critical-to-u-s-technology-leadership-techtarget/ The CHIPS and Science Act allows the U.S. to invest in critical technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. By Makenzie Holland, News Writer Published: 30 Sep 2022 The U.S.’s leading position in critical technologies can be bolstered through investments in technology test beds, workforce education and R&D, according to technology experts. President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 into law earlier this year in a bid to increase U.S. investment in emerging technologies and compete with countries like China, which are funneling billions into semiconductor chip manufacturing, AI applications and quantum computing capabilities. While the CHIPS Act does provide $52 billion to boost chip building domestically, the bulk of the $280 billion competition package will go to agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Standards and Technology to research and develop emerging technologies, including quantum computing and AI. Billions will also go to boosting education and developing a workforce for such technologies. The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing Thursday to listen to technology experts discuss how to use CHIPS and Science Act funding to strengthen U.S. leadership in those critical technologies. “To remain globally competitive and protect our future, investments such as the CHIPS and Science Act are critical to maintain our national security, to mitigate being outpaced by adversary nations whose primary goal is to relegate the U.S. to a second-tier technology nation,” said William Breckenridge III, director of high performance computing at Mississippi State University and a witness at the hearing. Ensuring U.S. leadership in critical technologies Committee chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) pointed out during the hearing that international competition in emerging compute technologies is growing. Meanwhile, she said, the U.S. faces a shortage of quantum computing talent, with fewer than 5% of U.S. doctorate degree holders in relevant fields focusing on quantum science. “The stakes are high,” she said. “Funding for [the CHIPS and Science Act] must not stop with the appropriations for chip manufacturing. America needs access to better chips. But it also needs the research and workforce to put those chips to use.” Nancy Allbritton, dean of the University of Washington College of Engineering, said she’s encouraged by the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, noting that “sustained federal investment in these programs is essential” for the U.S. to maintain its leadership. Allbritton was also one of a handful of witnesses who spoke during the hearing. William Breckenridge IIIDirector, high performance computing, Mississippi State University She said quantum science has enabled “groundbreaking” technologies, such as GPS, MRI and lasers for healthcare applications. “The realization of quantum information science will fundamentally change the way we live and work,” she said. To support continued advancements in quantum science, Allbritton supported appropriations to agencies such as NSF, which provides grants and funding to academic institutions for science education. She also supported increased federal investment in workforce development and education, accessible quantum test beds, fundamental quantum information research, and technology policy. Jack Clark, co-founder of AI safety and research company Anthropic and another witness at the hearing, also supported investment in test beds across the U.S. for AI. Clark said AI test beds will help train a “new, diverse workforce in the art of assessing and deploying AI systems.” “Testing and evaluating AI systems is fundamental to realizing their commercial applications and identifying any safety issues,” Clark said at the hearing. “Therefore, we must ensure that the National Institute of Standards and Technology is able to stand up AI test beds across America so local communities can take AI systems out of the lab and vigorously test and deploy them.” He said that investment in experimental infrastructure for the development and testing of AI systems by academic and government users will also help advance the U.S.’s leadership in the technology as countries like China quickly close the gap on that leadership position. “AI is a competitive technology, and China already rivals the U.S. in AI R&D,” Clark said. “In 2021, China published more AI research papers than the United States and filed more patents than any other country.” Makenzie Holland is a news writer covering big tech and federal regulation. Prior to joining TechTarget, she was a general reporter for the Wilmington StarNews and a crime and education reporter at the Wabash Plain Dealer. Dig Deeper on CIO strategy Intel SDKs give developers tools for AI, quantum software By: Bridget Botelho CHIPS Act targets emerging technologies including quantum, AI By: Ed Scannell CHIPS and Science Act boosts U.S. technology investment By: Makenzie Holland The future of data science: Career outlook and industry trends By: Lisa Morgan

Michael Hiltzik: Did The Pandemic Finally Give Working Americans Power Over Their Employers? Not Really – Oil City Derrick https://clarkcountynewsnow.com/michael-hiltzik-did-the-pandemic-finally-give-working-americans-power-over-their-employers-not-really-oil-city-derrick/ Labor advocates have been feeling their oats lately, what with a surge of successful union organizing drives at Starbucks stores, the hint of union interest at Amazon warehouses, higher minimum wage standards in cities and states across the country, and a nudge up of average wages across the board. These trends have inspired some to proclaim the advent of a new era of worker power. Copyright 2022 Tribune Content Agency. Emergency management officials say six of the 10 victims in a floatplane crash in Puget Sound have been recovered and five have been identified. The Seattle Times reports Island County Emergency Management deputy director Eric Brooks confirmed Friday that four additional victims had been identified along with 29-year-old Gabby Hanna, whose body was found shortly after the Labor Day weekend crash near Whidbey Island. Officials are still working to identify the sixth victim. Brooks didn’t name the identified victims and said the coroner would be meeting with victims’ families. Officials also are investigating whether human remains that washed ashore at Dungeness Spit nearly two weeks after the crash is the seventh victim. For Games of Saturday, October 1 For Games of Saturday, October 1 A federal judge has found that Georgia election practices challenged by a group associated with Democrat Stacey Abrams do not violate the constitutional rights of voters. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones on Friday ruled in favor of the state on all remaining issues in the lawsuit that was filed nearly four years ago. The federal lawsuit alleged serious problems with Georgia’s election system. It was filed in 2018 by Fair Fight Action, an organization founded by Abrams, a voting rights activist and the Democratic nominee for Georgia governor. Jones wrote that while “Georgia’s election system is not perfect,” the practices challenged in the lawsuit don’t violate the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Crews are starting to fix Florida’s electric grid by repairing and rebuilding where lines were damaged or flooded by Hurricane Ian. Florida Power & Light said Friday evening that it had restored power to 1.2 million customers but 850,000 remained without power. The company’s CEO says Florida Power & Light has enough poles, generators and wire in stockpile to the repair work, but power-industry officials warn supply chain issues could threaten the grid if there’s another natural disaster somewhere else in the U.S. They say there’s a shortage of distribution transformers that take electricity from high-voltage lines and reduce it to levels that can be used in homes and businesses. The funeral for former U.S. Rep. Mark Souder will be held on Oct. 8. The Republican who represented northeastern Indiana in Congress for more than 15 years died Monday. He was 72. Souder disclosed in January that he had inoperable pancreatic cancer. He said a biopsy taken during surgery revealed a large cancerous mass on his pancreas. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 at Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne. SEATTLE — Six of the 10 victims of the Whidbey Island floatplane crash have been recovered and five have been identified, Island County Emergency Management said Friday afternoon. Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows The Japanese Defense Ministry says Saturday that North Korea has fired suspected ballistic missiles. Ministry officials say further details are still being analyzed. Japanese media reports say the missiles are believed to have landed in the Sea of Japan. Saturday’s firing is the latest of North Korea’s escalating missile launches and a third this week following those fired Friday in the wake of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit in South Korea. No damage or injuries have been reported from the launch. The Biden administration will pay for $130 million in new climate initiatives for Pacific Island nations by reallocating money that originally been earmarked for military assistance for Egypt. The money was withheld from Cairo because of concerns over human rights abuses. The Associated Press obtained a State Department memo detailing the decision to reprogram the money allotted for Egypt for the Pacific Islands. President Joe Biden announced a plan Thursday to spend $810 million — including $130 million for climate resilience programming — to assist the Pacific Islands as he met with more than a dozen leaders from the region. PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep 30, 2022– There are a lot of reasons the stock market has been down lately – from politics, to COVID recovery, to the simple fact that the economy is cyclical and you can’t expect a bull market to last forever. One reason the average retail investor may not be aware of, though, has a lot to do with t… PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania’s Senate race is getting very, very close. Mississippi’s top law enforcement official said police officers in the capital city of Jackson will not change the way they pursue suspects. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell met with community members following a spate of recent shootings involving the Capitol Police. The unit patrols areas around state government buildings and other neighborhoods near downtown Jackson. A man was shot and killed in an encounter with the police Sunday night. Capitol Police officers have also been involved in two other nonfatal shootings since August. Tindell said there is a “criminal element” in Jackson “that is not used to being policed.” An Oregon journalist is suing the city of Medford and Jackson County over her arrest in 2020, saying her rights were violated. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports April Ehrlich filed a legal complaint earlier this month seeking a jury trial and damages. On Sept. 22, 2020, Ehrlich was working with Jefferson Public Radio when she was arrested while trying to cover a Medford Police sweep of a homeless camp in Hawthorne Park. In a statement, the city of Medford said that the park closure was lawful and that journalists have no special or unique right of access to property closed to the general public. A 15-year-old driver gave away his first professional racing championship by racing too conservatively in the title-deciding finale. Connor Zilisch, who is managed by NASCAR star Kevin Harvick, believed he was in position Friday to wrap up the Mazda MX-5 Cup title and even allowed another driver to pass him on the last lap — a decision that cost him 10 points. But when a post-race penalty changed the finishing order and Zilisch’s title rival gained a spot in the standings, Zilisch was edged for the title. BALTIMORE — A federal judge could sanction Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby because her attorneys included prospective juror information in a filing in her perjury and mortgage fraud case. A suburban St. Louis man has been convicted of murder in the 2018 shooting of his girlfriend, her two children and her mother. A St. Charles County jury deliberated about two hours Friday before finding 50-year-old Richard Emery guilty of four counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors say he shot and killed 39-year-old Kate Kasten. They say he then shot and killed Kasten’s 61-year-old mother, Jane Moeckel, and Kasten’s two children, 8-year-old Zoe and 10-year-old Jonathan. Sentencing is scheduled for Saturday. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Prosecutors say Emery killed the victims after Kate Kasten told him to leave her house. Emery’s attorneys argued he has a mental illness that caused him to lose control. Tom Blomqvist put Meyer Shank Racing on the pole for the IMSA sports cars season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The run helped Meyer Shank Racing close the points gap to Wayne Taylor Racing to 14 points headed into Saturday’s race. Acura is guaranteed to win both the team and manufacturer championship, it’s just a matter of whether the Shank team or Taylor team claims the title. Wayne Taylor Racing last year lost the championship in the final turn of the 10-hour race. RALEIGH, N.C. — Hurricane Ian has hampered blood collection throughout the Southeast, and agencies say they’re hoping people will come out to donate once the storm has passed. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on state regulators to relax rules on oil refineries in an effort to lower soaring fuel prices. According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gas in California is $6.30. That’s far above the national average of $3.80. Oil refineries have to produce a specific blend of gas in the summer months that’s designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Newsom wants to allow them to switch to the cheaper winter blend earlier than normal. The oil industry says that’s an acknowledgement that state regulations play a role in rising prices. Newsom also called for a new tax on oil company profits. ————————————— LOS ANGELES — Nick Cannon has welcomed another child, just two weeks after introducing baby girl Onyx Ice Cole Cannon. NEW YORK & SINGAPORE & HONG KONG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep 30, 2022– The Boston Red Sox put right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort on the restricted list and recalled outfielder Jarren Duran from Triple-A Worcester. A Canadian requirement that prevents foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 from entering the country expires Saturday, the first day of October. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Ort would join the Red Sox in Toronto Saturday. Throughout the season to date, unvaccinated baseball players have been placed on the restricted list, where they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time. SAN JOSE, Calif. — Two days after an Oakland school shooting left six people injured, police continue to search for the gunmen who stormed ...