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Microsoft’s Azure Bot Framework Saves NAB $1.2 Million – Tech Business News https://collincountynewsonline.com/microsofts-azure-bot-framework-saves-nab-1-2-million-tech-business-news/ Microsoft’s Azure Bot Framework has saved National Australia Bank (NAB) $1.2 million in support team costs since its deployment sevens month ago. NAB chose Azure Bot Framework from Microsoft to build its NAB Bot, based on four key considerations: UI design Authentication Usability Security Cost. Raj Ghuliani, head of technology for workplace support services at NAB, spoke at the Microsoft Ignite spotlight session on Friday about the organization’s NAB Bot journey. “It has improved productivity, reduced costs and enabled a better customer experience.” he said Ghuliani says that after completing a proof of concept, NAB implemented NAB Bot across the organisation’s 35,000 employees, and it has been used 57,000 times across 800 use cases. “It’s pleasing to see that just over 50 percent of the NAB Bot traffic was generated by customer-facing NAB employees.” “Because we know that our NAB customer-facing employees need to focus on serving our customers rather than using technology or other support teams, they were able to accomplish both at the same time,” “National Australia Bank is also looking to NAB Bot to fulfil servicing queries related to human resources, property services, business support procurement, applications and compliance-related questions,” says Ghuliani According to Ghuliani, NAB is planning for the NAB Bot to become the single source of truth for support staff. “What we are planning on doing in the future as part of our target state is to ensure that NAB Bot aggregates and becomes the single point of truth and source.” he said. Working closely with Microsoft engineers and architects, NAB developed and deployed a master chatbot for employees. Staff members can access the NAB Bot using the Teams app on their computers or mobile phones. The bot is also available as a web interface with access restricted to NAB employees. Since the NAB Bot went live in November 2021, employees have used it more than 53,000 times and given it an average employee rating of 4½ out of five. Editorial Team The TBN team is a well establish group of technology industry professionals with backgrounds in IT Systems, Business Communications and Journalism.

Living Well: Enough Of The ‘should’ | Food | Record-Eagle.com – Traverse City Record Eagle https://collincountynewsonline.com/living-well-enough-of-the-should-food-record-eagle-com-traverse-city-record-eagle/ Most of us have a bad case of the shoulds. You know what I am talking about. “I should save more money.” “I should be further along in my career.” “I should clean my refrigerator.” “I should exercise more.” “I should go on a diet.” Sometimes it sneaks in as a shouldn’t. “I shouldn’t feel this way.” “I shouldn’t eat that …” Here is the problem with these s-words. They are ripe with guilt, meant to make us feel inadequate and less than. And they really serve no better purpose than do a number on our self esteem. Diet culture knows the power of shoulds/shouldn’ts and has done a phenomenal job tapping into our deep wells of guilt and self doubt to sell us solution after solution claiming to cure us once and for all of our shoulds. “You should weigh less? Great. This diet will get you there. You should have a beach body in 6 weeks? We have a solution for that too.” Here’s the thing though. The joke’s on us. Diet culture isn’t selling us the answer, it’s keeping us stuck. Listen, there is no doubt you can go on a diet, work out seven days a week and lose weight. BUT when the motivation is driven by a feeling of guilt or fear that you somehow don’t stack up to the image you’re being sold, the likelihood of sustaining that weight loss is slim (no pun intended.) If you want to define good health as a measurement of what you weigh or how much you workout by all means, keep doing what you are doing. But if you want to expand your idea of health to also include your well being consider this; research shows that counting calories you consume along with the number you burn does not translate to reliable results after about 6 months. (Mann et al., 2007) So what does translate into sustainable good health and well being? How about starting with this idea. No matter what you weigh there is nothing you can eat that deserves punishment either through a negative thought pattern or exercising it off. See, when we take that path, we miss so much fulfillment that comes from the experience of truly enjoying our mom’s famous apple pie or what it feels like to go for a run on a beautiful fall day, experiencing the colors, sights and smells. We operate from a place of inadequacy, guilt and shame and frankly those make for terrible motivators. When we start to ignore what we should be doing, we free ourselves from this place of restriction that leaves us desperately wanting more. Let’s face it — restricting certain foods means we are MUCH more likely to overeat them than if we’d just said yes in the first place. And who is going to stick to a workout routine that feels like punishment? Creating a healthy lifestyle requires flipping the switch. Rather than relying on the latest diet trend to tell you what, when and how much you should be eating, start listening to what YOU hear your body telling you. What foods give you more energy, make you feel less bloated, keep you full until lunchtime or help you finish the workout strong? What exercise gives you that great feeling of accomplishment? Allows you to get outside and see the world around you? There is no question that this is easier said than done. We have been inundated with this idea that we don’t know ourselves and therefore shouldn’t trust ourselves to know what we need. It takes a great deal of awareness to challenge these thought patterns and not panic when they sneak back in. I am still a work in progress and likely will be for a long time to come. But I can tell you this: Going out to eat with dear friends is a lot more enjoyable when I am not fretting about what to order or how I will feel about it later. My body began to have less running injuries when my motivation was about feeling accomplished and not trying to undo last night’s dinner. And it is a LOT easier to make healthy choices when I give myself permission not to from time to time. This is where healthy living starts. By learning to trust yourself and your own ability to know what your body needs to feel its best. Leah Doriot is a master certified health coach and works one-on-one with clients at Leah Doriot Wellness, LLC.

Yankees-Guardians: Aaron Judge’s Worst Slump Of 2022 Is Coming At The Wrong Time – CBS Sports https://collincountynewsonline.com/yankees-guardians-aaron-judges-worst-slump-of-2022-is-coming-at-the-wrong-time-cbs-sports/ NEW YORK — No player in baseball had a better regular season than Aaron Judge, and through two games, no player in the American League has had a worse postseason than Judge. The 62-homer man went 0 for 5 in New York’s Game 2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, and is 0 for 8 with seven strikeouts in the series. Judge even heard boos after his fourth strikeout. “It’s the Bronx, man,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said about the boos after Game 2. Judge missed with eight of his 13 swings in Game 2, an astronomical rate, and Game 2 was his first four-strikeout game since last June. It was his fourth career four-strikeout game in the postseason and all four have come against Cleveland — Judge had four strikeouts in Games 1, 4, and 5 of the 2017 ALDS. His career postseason numbers: vs. Cleveland 44 .054/.205/.161 1 61.4% vs. all others 120 .287/.383/.614 10 22.5% “I think a lot of the day they executed against him,” Boone said. “A couple of the pitches he’s gotten to hit, he’s fouled off. I think a lot of today was a product of execution by them and being just a challenging day picking up spin and things like that.”     It should be noted Judge’s rough two ALDS games is really a rough few weeks dating back to the regular season. He went 8 for 37 (.216) with 15 strikeouts in his final 13 regular season games as he chased home runs No. 61 and 62. Teams did not give Judge much to hit late in the season, but the Guardians are going after him, and getting off competitive swings hasn’t been easy.   “I don’t mean to be rude, but if we did (have a plan to shut down Judge), I’m not sure I’d really want to share it. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said after Game 2. “I think sometimes — hitters can’t hit a button. As good as guys are, sometimes guys take 0-fors. Until you get through a series successfully, I don’t think anyone’s going to stand up here and pound our chest. He’s too dangerous. We know that.” In addition to shutting Judge down, the Guardians also deserve credit for shutting down the batters in front of him. Judge has not batted with a single runner on base this series. He’s in scoring position when he’s in the batter’s box, but keeping runners off base ahead of him makes it a little easier to go after him, and gives pitchers more margin of error. Cleveland has succeeded in doing that. They’re putting themselves in position to be successful against Judge. The Yankees won Game 1 without Judge contributing much (he drew a walk and stole a base ahead of Anthony Rizzo’s two-run insurance homer) and they might even be able to win the ALDS without him contributing much (see: 2017 ALDS), but there is little chance they can win a title without him being a major factor. New York’s lineup is too thin after the top 4-5 hitters to consistently win while get nothing from Judge. Two games does not a postseason make, and the Yankees are even in the series rather than trailing, but they are at their best when Judge is a threat to change the game with each swing every at-bat. Right now, just getting the bat on the ball has been a challenge. The sooner Judge gets back into a groove at the plate, the better New York’s changes of moving on. Right now, he looks as lost as he has at any point in 2022. “It’s baseball. You’re up against the best. Tough hitting conditions. Great hitters go 0-for on a given day. Great hitters fail more often than they succeed even when you’re rolling,” Boone said. “They neutralized him here these first two days, pitched him really tough, but he’ll get back on horse and be as dangerous as they come tomorrow night.”

New Metaverse Video Game Hometopia Aims To Become “Roblox For Adults” – Crypto News Flash https://collincountynewsonline.com/new-metaverse-video-game-hometopia-aims-to-become-roblox-for-adults-crypto-news-flash/ New York, NY, October 2022 – Everyrealm, the metaverse technology company backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase, and the Weeknd, is joining forces with a video game called Hometopia to launch the world’s first mainstream metaverse game for home design, building, and renovating virtual real estate.  Hometopia is a free-to-play video game that allows players to build their ideal homes and communities alongside friends. Unlike traditional video games, Hometopia players are given true ownership of everything they build and acquire.  “Hometopia will capture those looking for a more realistic home design and world creation game as they age out of the homebuilding games they loved as a kid. Hometopia stands to become this generation’s The Sims, one of the best-selling PC games of all time, which sold more than 11 million copies generating more than $5 billion in revenue,” says Alex Ahlund, founder and developer of Hometopia. Hometopia’s game mechanics resemble some of the most popular home design games in Roblox, such as Bloxburg and Brookhaven. Bloxburg, which was released in 2015, has amassed over five billion visits and been favorited more than 11 million times. Brookhaven, another Roblox-based home building simulation game, routinely has over 450,000+ concurrent users.  Janine Yorio, CEO of Everyrealm, said, “As a gamified combination of Pinterest, Houzz and Wayfair, Hometopia is poised to capture those looking for more adult-versions of Roblox interior design games they grew to love as children, and will particularly appeal to a female demographic that has been overlooked by most metaverse gaming projects but which represents a disproportionate amount of spending power.”  Everyrealm is best known for its vast and diverse metaverse real estate holdings and successful metaverse projects including Fantasy Islands and The Row. Backed by Polygon, Forte, and Overwolf, Hometopia is a project led by Alex Ahlund, a 20+ year veteran of the video gaming industry, best known for top-grossing mobile games including Design This Home and Design This Castle, which each had more than 25 million players. Hometopia has been in development for over three years and will launch later this year for free on the Epic Games Store for PC, with Mac and other platforms to follow. ### About Everyrealm  Everyrealm is a metaverse technology company that brings life to the metaverse, by developing and investing in technology that connects people to the metaverse. Everyrealm is one of the most active investors in and developers of the metaverse real estate ecosystem. Everyrealm develops, incubates and invests in metaverse projects designed to bring life to the metaverse, including Fantasy Islands, Realm Academy, the Row, an esports guild and tournament platform, and others. Today, Everyrealm manages a portfolio that includes investments in 30+ metaverse platforms and more than 4,000 NFTs. About Hometopia Hometopia Inc. is a joint venture between metaverse company Everyrealm and game company Giant Junior. Giant Junior was founded in 2002 as a game developer and publisher of popular casual games like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Daycare Nightmare for major web portals and retail stores. Under their mobile games brand, App Minis, they achieved over 25M downloads across top-grossing home design games Design This Home and Design This Castle among others.  Everyrealm: Website I Twitter I Discord I Hometopia:  Website | Twitter | Discord | Giant Junior: Website | Twitter |

Google’s Next-Gen Video Chat Tech Is Ready For The Real World – WIRED https://collincountynewsonline.com/googles-next-gen-video-chat-tech-is-ready-for-the-real-world-wired/ Good news for anyone who’s sick of Zoom calls but also hates talking to people in real life: Google’s Project Starline is becoming more widely available. Google introduced Starline in 2021 with the goal of making video calls less weird and awkward. It’s essentially a very complicated video conferencing booth that uses cameras, depth sensors, and three-dimensional imagery to approximate face-to-face conversations between two remote participants. A suite of cameras even track both participants’ eye movements and adjust the view on the other side to enable the two people to make eye contact. Our reporter tried it and found that it does a good job creating the sense that the other person is sitting across from you, making the resulting interactions feel very realistic. Others who have tried it say the same. Video: Google Google has been testing the setup internally and is now preparing to set up Starline booths in offices outside the company. Chances are you won’t be able to use Starline quite yet, unless you happen to work with one of the companies Google is partnering with in the US. (Salesforce, T-Mobile, and WeWork, to name a few.) It’s also not clear what Google plans to do with the tech. The company has positioned it as a way for long-distance relatives or coworkers to connect. Having a more lifelike interaction could help remote workers have less stilted conversations. Yes, you’re stuck in that Starline booth, but at least you don’t have to jump around with a headset on. Here’s some more of this week’s news from the Gear desk. iPhone Coasters At its iPhone announcement event in September, Apple took several opportunities to scare the living daylights out of anyone who dares venture outside their home. Apple’s true goal was to highlight the emergency response features in its new iPhones and Apple Watches. One of those was crash detection, which can automatically call emergency services when the phone senses you’ve been in an auto collision. Apple says its hardware can detect the kinds of sudden stops and inversions that might occur in a wreck. Oh, but you know where else those movements might happen? On a roller coaster. At theme parks around the US, iPhone users have reported going on twisty-turny roller coasters then discovering later that their phone has called the cops. In some cases, emergency responders have shown up on the scene for these false alarms. Critics have expressed concern that this could potentially tie up emergency phone lines and personnel. Apple has said the issue is not widespread and that the tech will improve over time. Wish Upon a Polestar The Swedish car company Polestar has announced a new electric vehicle. The Polestar 3 is an all-wheel drive SUV. The company says the 400-V battery gets up to 300 miles on a charge. Inside is a dashboard powered by an Nvidia computer that projects driving information onto the windshield like a head-up display. It starts at $83,900, which is nearly twice as much as the debut price of the previous model, the Polestar 2. There isn’t an official release date for the Polestar 3, but the company says it plans to start selling the vehicles toward the end of 2023. The Zuck Zone Mark Zuckerberg has bet big on the metaverse. His company, Meta, has already pumped billions of dollars into the virtual realm, convinced that one day it will inevitably become mainstream. Thing is, that bet will take a long time to pay off. Meanwhile, Meta just announced a new $1,500 VR headset. The tech is cool, but there’s still no sign whatsoever that society at large is eager to strap on a face computer and hop into the virtual realm. (Never mind that the headset also uses inward-facing cameras to track the wearer’s eye movements and facial expressions, which raised privacy concerns—especially because it’s Meta on the other end.) This week on our Gadget Lab podcast, WIRED editor-at-large Steven Levy, author of the book Facebook: The Inside Story, joins the show to discuss Meta’s VR ambitions and when—if ever—VR might finally take off.

Cardano Price Forecast – Can ADA Make A New All-Time High This Year? – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/cardano-price-forecast-can-ada-make-a-new-all-time-high-this-year-cryptonews/ Cardano price continues to wallow in the murky waters of the crypto winter about a year after posting an impressive show to its all-time of $3.09. If the current retracement at $0.36 carries on, ADA could broadcast a 90% correction from its historical high. However, robust support between $0.30 and $0.35 will likely come in handy and avert a potential seller-only field day. While such a move would be a major setback, it is doubtful that it will happen, especially with ADA having grown to a noticeable cryptocurrency ecosystem compared to August last year when it tagged $3.09. On the bright side, Cardano is closer to its floor price now than ever since the rains started beating the crypto market in November 2021. Furthermore, the extremely oversold conditions the smart contracts token deals with negates the idea of a continued retracement. That said, Cardano price prediction might not be as outlandish as everyone would hope, yet it could certainly make a new all-time high this year. Cardano Price Prediction – All Eyes Set on A New Record High The IOHK (Input Output Hongkong), the organization that is tasked with building and maintaining the Cardano blockchain, has been busy working on what could be termed revolutionary DeFi (decentralized finance) tech solutions. Cardano recently achieved another milestone with the release of the Vasil upgrade. According to Charles Hoskinson, founder of the network, this software upgrade focuses on scaling the blockchain. The Vasil Upgrade saw the Cardano protocol reach a larger network capacity – supported by lower transaction fees and higher throughput. Furthermore, Cardano is grinding toward another upgrade dubbed Voltaire – which will introduce governance standards. Cardano’s focus on decentralization sets it up for the front-row role in blockchain security and scalability. Over the last year, Cardano technically rebranded from a sleeping to a tech star. In addition to bringing staking to Cardano in the third quarter of 2021, the protocol’s adoption has been aggressively expanding globally among governments and organizations. Cardano price prediction to a new all-time could be rather reserved, considering it rallied 2,300% from $0.12 in July 2020 to $3.09 in August 2021. Such a run-up from the current price will place ADA price slightly above $8.00. It is worth mentioning that in the short term, Cardano price could face restricted movement owing to the current bear market conditions. However, in the next bull run, ADA may have the potential to climb to $15.00. According to Dan Gambardella, an analyst and a Cardano bull, the worst of the bear market is nearly gone, and the only way will soon be to the upside. Nevertheless, Gambardello admits that investors are scared – and are abandoning projects, especially Cardano, oblivious of how close the finish line is. (1) Dan Gambardello on Twitter: “$ADA holders, I think the last year leading to this current moment was the toughest part. Now we prepare for the last leg of the bear market. It will be volatile & crazy, but the clouds will eventually clear and #Cardano will thrive in the next bull cycle. Stay strong & plan.” / Twitter The TD Sequential indicator buy signal on the 3-day chart reveals through a red nine candle that Cardano price could be at the tail end of this downtrend. In other words, there is a tendency for selling pressure to ease, allowing buyers to push the price higher. Traders must, however, ensure the low of the sixth and the seventh candles closed beneath the eighth and ninth bars in the count. Moreover, one bullish candle on the four-hour or daily chart should close before making good on the long positions.   ADA/USD 3-day chart Cardano price is treading in oversold conditions based on the position of the Stochastic oscillator. The OBV (On Balance Volume) will start climbing as the oscillator lifts above 20.00. A bullish divergence from the Stochastic will be necessary to ascertain the validity of the uptrend. ADA has the potential to rally – so is IMPT While Cardano is a must-have on any crypto portfolio, creating room for green crypto like IMPT sets it from the rest. IMPT is the new kid on the block for building an ESG crypto portfolio. The platform, currently in its presale stage, aims at introducing carbon offsetting to the blockchain. Visit IMPT To Learn More

U.S. Grows Frustrated Over Europe’s Delayed Economic Aid To Ukraine – The Washington Post https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-grows-frustrated-over-europes-delayed-economic-aid-to-ukraine-the-washington-post/ Tensions are rising between the United States and its Western allies over Ukraine’s deteriorating economy, as American officials increasingly prod the European Union to ramp up financial assistance to the war-torn country. On several occasions this week during meetings of global financial leaders in Washington, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen called on her international counterparts to accelerate both the speed and amount of money going to Ukraine. Yellen was joined in that push by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who virtually addressed a World Bank meeting of top financial officials on Wednesday. Yellen also raised the issue at a private meeting this week at the International Monetary Fund with European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and European Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private meetings. She raised the issue again at a subsequent meeting of all E.U. finance ministers, the person said. New projections from the World Bank last week suggest that Ukraine’s economy will contract by 35 percent this year, and the country’s financial officials say inflation could hit 40 percent early next year — close to economists’ definition of “hyperinflation.” Even as the situation on the battlefield has turned in Ukraine’s favor, the nation’s exports have plummeted, tax revenue has crumbled, millions of people have fled and Russian attacks have pulverized critical infrastructure, including the electrical grid. International assistance has not proved enough to make up the gap. Zelensky on Wednesday said Ukraine needs as much as $38 billion in emergency economic help from the West for next year’s budget alone. That figure excludes the additional $350 billion the World Bank has estimated will be necessary for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction once the war ends. The United States has disbursed $8.5 billion in economic aid and will disburse another $4.5 billion by the end of the year, while U.S. officials say the European Union has pledged 11 billion euros but only disbursed about 3 billion in loans. “We are calling on our partners and allies to join us by swiftly disbursing their existing commitments to Ukraine and by stepping up in doing more — both to help Ukraine continue its essential government services and to help Ukraine begin to build and recover,” Yellen said Tuesday. On Wednesday, Yellen again stressed the need for rapid disbursement of direct cash payments — rather than loans that have to be repaid — to assist the country’s economy. Yellen’s comments were a thinly veiled reference to the E.U., which has almost entirely given its aid in loans. “Donors need to keep stepping up,” Yellen said. “The scale, predictability and grant component of disbursements must improve.” Both Ukrainian and U.S. officials are careful not to antagonize their European allies with harsh public condemnations but have still conveyed their sense that the commission is moving too slowly. “I know they’re very frustrated,” one former senior Treasury official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to reflect private conversations with Treasury leadership. “The U.S. officials want to see Europe deliver far more quickly … They want Europe to deliver far more expeditiously. They need to deliver.” In a statement, European Commission spokeswoman Nuyts Veerle strongly rejected the idea that the E.U. had been slow or inadequate in its disbursement of aid. The overall commitment of “Team Europe” — including not just the E.U., but also its member states and financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank — amounts to roughly 19 billion euros, Veerle said. The European Commission is also pledging to have disbursed 10.2 billion euros in emergency economic support for Ukraine by the end of the year, excluding military aid, Veerle said. While the vast majority of the assistance is in the form of loans rather than grants, those loans are made on highly favorable terms to the borrowers. Part of the challenge is that such decisions by E.U. capitals have to be supported unanimously, creating the opportunity for roadblocks, whereas the United States can approve aid without having to consult other nations. “The E.U. has been welcoming millions of refugees from Ukraine and has been taking care of them on E.U. territory. All this needs to be taken into account when discussing the overall extent of the support and assistance,” a European official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to frankly reflect the E.U.’s position. “Plus, the E.U. made long-term commitments for the postwar reconstruction of Ukraine. For us, this is not a race or a beauty contest. Assistance to Ukraine is in our vital interest, and we are determined to do as much as we can to help to defeat the aggressor and rebuild their country.” The European Union is contending with its own set of challenges amid a darkening global economic outlook. Europe faces a severe economic slowdown and likely recession this winter as Russia chokes off the continent’s sources of energy in retaliation for sanctions imposed over the war. Inflation in Europe is continuing unabated, and energy prices have soared higher there than in the United States. But the economic situation in Ukraine is worse, and warnings have accelerated in recent weeks despite the nation’s victories on the battlefield over Russia. Ukraine’s tax revenue is now almost entirely devoted to military operations, forcing the country’s government to print new money — driving up inflation and forcing down the value of its currency. Inflation is already above 30 percent, and the country’s currency, the hryvnia, has fallen in value by roughly 70 percent, according to Maryan Zablotsky, a member of Ukraine’s parliament who sits on its finance committee. Zelensky, speaking remotely to a World Bank meeting on Wednesday, said inflation-adjusted incomes among Ukrainians had fallen by more than one-third. “We understand a lot of Western countries have their own issues and problems, but the current aid is barely enough to feed people,” Zablotsky said in an interview. Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard economist and former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, said he is concerned that Ukraine’s inflation could continue to skyrocket within six months to a year if additional help does not materialize. With its large budget deficit, Ukraine has been forced to print money to cover its spending obligations — lowering the value of the currency and pushing up the costs of imports and other goods. “They’re in a desperate, desperate situation you cannot even imagine … In a sense, while they’re winning the war, their economy is losing,” Rogoff said. “The Europeans should be paying way more; I don’t care if they’re in a recession. Ukraine is in a war where it is defending the border of Europe.” Yellen’s comments this week reflect how U.S. officials’ long-building frustration over European economic aid to Ukraine is now coming into view, according to Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and at the Peterson Institute. The United States has committed to providing $1.5 billion per month to cover Ukraine’s government next year. The European Commission in recent weeks made a similar pledge but faces skepticism from international experts over its ability to make good on that pledge, given its inability to meet its goals thus far. “They have not been willing to step up to the plate to the extent that clearly the U.S. wants,” Kirkegaard said on Wednesday. “When you read Secretary Yellen’s comments today, it’s clearly palpable.”

District Discusses Curriculum, Instruction, Changes In Technology | Bridgewater/Raritan, NJ News TAPinto – TAPinto.net https://collincountynewsonline.com/district-discusses-curriculum-instruction-changes-in-technology-bridgewater-raritan-nj-news-tapinto-tapinto-net/ bridgewater-slash-raritan

‘Harry Potter’ Star Emma Watson Once Astonished Fans With Her Gaming Preference By Saying “Early Sonic, Late Mario” In One Of Her Movies – EssentiallySports https://collincountynewsonline.com/harry-potter-star-emma-watson-once-astonished-fans-with-her-gaming-preference-by-saying-early-sonic-late-mario-in-one-of-her-movies-essentiallysports/ The famous Harry Potter actress once made the headlines with one of her opinions on the classic gaming icons Mario and Sonic. Hollywood celebrities and their video game takes have been a hot topic among the gaming community many times before. Opinions of the top celebs are easy controversy food. The fans and media really enjoy their wacky takes on pop culture, music, and especially video games.  ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Emma Watson is a British Actress who had her claim to fame with her amazing performance in the worldwide hit fantasy movie franchise, Harry Potter. In these movies, she played the character of Hermione Granger. Her natural acting skills and impeccable delivery soon brought her up to the world stage.  ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad What did Emma Watson say about Mario and Sonic?  When it comes to the history of gaming, two of the most iconic characters in the world are Mario and Sonic. In the gaming world, they are the equivalent of what Batman and Superman are in the superhero world. So when these two characters are mentioned anywhere, the fans take it very close to heart.  DIVE DEEPER Can Mario Beat WarCraft and Detective Pikachu to Become The First Video Game Movie to Gross $500Million at the Box Office? 7 days ago That is why the community loved it when they saw the representation of these characters in one of Emma Watson’s movies. In the movie, Circle released back in 2017, Emma Watson’s character was asked in a rapid-fire round whether she prefers Mario or Sonic. In reply to this, she said, “early Sonic, late Mario.”  Fans acknowledged Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson’s statement on Mario and Sonic Fans had a very mixed reaction to this hot take. Some of them agreed with the popular Harry Potter and others kind of denied it. As said earlier, Mario and Sonic are two of the most iconic gaming characters of all time. They hold a very special place in every gamer’s heart. So it is normal to have such a reception.  I agree with you. — MasterPikachu6 (@MasterPikachu6) May 8, 2017 depends on what she calls late mario. early sonic is better than Galaxy, but 3D world is better than early sonic. — LetsJays (@LetsJays) May 8, 2017 The most controversial opinions about both LOL — kaiss (@K4ISS) May 8, 2017 I mean… She ain’t wrong. — J̷o̴n̴i̸ ̷J̴.̵ ̷J̶o̷e̵j̸e̸s̸t̵e̸r̴ (@JLuisJoni) May 8, 2017 ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Can’t say she’s wrong, for me the best 3d sonic games are both sonic adventures — Kenepoh (@Kenzo_Okami) May 8, 2017 It is obvious that the mass has very conflicting opinions about these characters as they all love and care for them in a very deep manner. The first Mario and Sonic games are a part of the history of modem culture. Super Mario Bros. for the NES and Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis is considered to be invaluable pieces of the golden age of gaming.     ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Watch this story: Ranking the highest-selling Mario games of all time! What do you think about Emma’s opinion of Mario and Sonic? Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!

Property Tax Bills Mailed To Residents – Sachse News https://collincountynewsonline.com/property-tax-bills-mailed-to-residents-sachse-news/ Property owners can expect to receive their tax bills this month as taxing entities notify individuals about the amount of tax they owe to the county, city and school district. Tax offices began mailing tax bills to property owners in October ahead of the Jan. 31, 2023 deadline for paying tax. Individuals may pay the county, school district or city separately for any tax owed but the full amount is still due by the end of January 2023. Residents who opt to pay their property taxes by mail must have the envelope postmarked by Jan. 31, 2023 to avoid interest and penalties being assessed on their taxes. It is also important to note that state law automatically places a lien on properties on Jan. 1 of each year to ensure taxes are paid. For individuals who may have sold their property within the last year, tax bills will be addressed to the owner as of Jan. 1 of the tax year — 2022 this year — and that property owner remains liable for the tax. After notices have been mailed, property owners have the ability to view tax bills online through the county’s website. The appraisal process begins earlier in the calendar year with preliminary value estimates being sent to taxing entities and property owners receiving their appraisal notices. Owners are able to protest their appraisals through a review board, which is independent of the appraisal district. Certified value summaries are then provided to cities, the county and school districts and are used to help calculate tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. Most taxing entities set their tax rates in August or September each year around the same time the budget is adopted. For taxpayers over the age of 65 or those with a disabled taxpayer exemption, an option to pay property taxes in four installments is available. The payment plan for those who qualify does not apply any interest or penalties to taxes. The payments are broken into four chunks due Jan. 31, March 31, May 31 and July 31. Payment plans for other taxpayers are available but interest and penalties will be applied to any payments not submitted by the Jan. 31 deadline. Dallas County accepts partial payments in any amount and will apply the applicable penalty and interest based on when the tax is paid. Collin County allows property owners who do not qualify for the over-65 of disabled taxpayer exemption to defer taxes with 5% interest, which is lower than the 24% penalties and interest it would otherwise apply to delinquent payments. For Dallas County residents in Sachse, tax payments are due to the city, Garland ISD and Dallas County Community College District. In Collin County, taxes are paid to the city, Wylie ISD and Collin College. Dallas County residents should expect to see their tax bills soon either through a bill or postcard, according to an Oct. 10 news release from Tax Assessor and Collector John Ames. “We are delighted to provide timely tax statements to the citizens of Dallas County for the fourteenth year in a row,” Ames said. “The citizens of Dallas County deserve that kind of service. This allows taxpayers the maximum amount of time to plan and make their payments on time.” Tax payments are due by Jan. 31, 2023 and can be made by cash, check or credit card. For more information about paying taxes in Dallas County, visit dallascounty.org/tax. Collin County taxpayers should visit collincountytx.gov/tax_assessor/Pages/property.aspx for more information. For more stories such as these, subscribe to The Sachse News.

Photos Of Princess Diana As A Parent Compared To Prince William – Insider https://collincountynewsonline.com/photos-of-princess-diana-as-a-parent-compared-to-prince-william-insider/ Princess Diana and Prince William have similarities as parents. AP / John Redman / Pool / Samir Hussein / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Diana was known for being a hands-on parent. There are countless photos of her being playful and loving with Prince William and Prince Harry. Prince William is loving with his kids, but he’s more reserved in public photos than his mother.  Princess Diana changed the way parenting looked in the royal family. Diana, the Princess of Wales, and Prince William, at a polo match on June 29, 1987. Julian Parker/UK Press/Getty Images Historically, the royal family has been formal with children in public, avoiding public displays of affection. Queen Elizabeth, in particular, was physically distant from her children, shaking King Charles’ hand when she returned from a royal tour when he was a young child, according to Romper. But Diana was clearly a different kind of parent from the moment she became a mother. Although she had many formal royal responsibilities as the Princess of Wales, Diana made clear during her life that her children were her focus. Prince William and Princess Diana at a polo match in 1987. Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images “Most importantly, [my role is] being a mother and a wife,” Diana said in November 1985. “That’s what I try to achieve; whether I do is another thing, but I do try.” “I live for my sons,” she went on to say. “I would be lost without them.” That mentality led Diana to hug her sons, hold their hands, and play with them, no matter if they were in public or private. Prince William is also a hands-on parent, though he’s slightly more formal than his mother. Prince George and his father, Prince William, in May 2015. AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth Prince William has been transparent that his mother’s legacy has helped to shape the person he is. But he is also the heir to the British throne, meaning even his moments as a parent are closely monitored by the press. William seems to have struck a balance between his mother’s and the monarchy’s historical approach to parenting, based on photos of him with his children. When Prince Harry and Prince William were young, Princess Diana was often holding them in photos. Prince Harry with Princess Diana in 1987. AP/John Redman In this photo, Diana holds Prince Harry on her hip on a vacation in Majorca, Spain, in August 1987. Prince William doesn’t snuggle his children as often as his mother cuddled him in photos, but his kids clearly feel comfortable turning to him for support. Prince George and Prince William in 2016. Pool / Samir Hussein / Contributor / Getty Images Photographers captured Prince George hugging his father tightly while they were on a royal tour of Canada in September 2016. Diana even broke royal protocol to greet her sons on one occasion. Diana greets her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, on the deck of the yacht Britannia in Toronto, when they joined their parents on an official visit to Canada in October 1991. Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images When she was reunited with William and Harry on a yacht in Toronto, Canada, in 1991, Diana was photographed throwing her arms open to hug her boys, which was against royal protocol at the time. “She would just engulf you and squeeze you as tight as possible and being as short as I was then, there was no escape, you were there for as long as she wanted to hold you,” Prince Harry reflected on his mother’s hug in the documentary “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.” “Even talking about it now, I can feel the hugs that she used to give us,” he added. William doesn’t hug his children as freely as his mother in public, but their embraces look natural when he does hug his kids. Princess Charlotte and Prince William in 2016. Chris Jackson/Getty Images During a royal tour of Canada in 2016, William was photographed holding Charlotte as she played with a balloon animal.  The prince grinned easily as he held his daughter. The late Princess of Wales didn’t sit on the sidelines of Harry and William’s lives. Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry visit Thorpe Park in 1993. Julian Parker/UK Press/Getty Images Princess Diana was not only committed to giving Prince Harry and Prince William lives that were as “normal” as possible, but she also actively participated in the fun of their childhood. In 1993, she took them to Thorpe Park and went on a log flume with them, all three grinning as they reached the bottom. Although he is more reserved with his children in public, private photos released by the royal family show William having fun with his kids just like his mother. Prince William was tackled by his kids. The Duchess of Cambridge via Reuters Kate Middleton snapped this shot of her children piling onto Prince William in 2020, when his birthday and Father’s Day fell on the same day. The children giggle as they fall off of their dad’s back, matching their father’s own grin. In almost every photo taken of Harry and William playing as children, Diana is nearby. Princess Diana at Highgrove with Prince William and Prince Harry in 1986. Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images As Insider previously reported, the late princess coordinated her schedule to match her sons’ as much as she possibly could. Photos of William playing with his children are typically taken in private. Prince Louis and Prince William in 2019. Matt Porteous/ Reuters. The Prince and Princess of Wales released candid photos of their family at the RHS Back to Nature Garden in 2019. In one of the shots, William pushes Prince Louis on a rope swing, grinning at his son. There are dozens of photos of Diana supporting her children, like any non-royal parent. Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William at Highgrove House in 1986. Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images In this photo of Diana and her sons at Highgrove, Diana holds Prince Harry as he stands on a fence. William has also been photographed giving his kids a helping hand. Princess Charlotte, Prince William, and Kate Middleton in 2019. Pool/Getty Images ...

Openings And Closings: Business Happenings Around Region | Business News | Wfmz.com – 69News WFMZ-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/openings-and-closings-business-happenings-around-region-business-news-wfmz-com-69news-wfmz-tv-4/ From new apartments being approved to restaurants reopening and ready to serve, here’s your weekly look at what’s happening with businesses in your neighborhood. AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS INC.: 1940 Air Products Blvd., Upper Macungie Township The global industrial-gas company plans to invest a half-billion dollars to produce environmentally friendly hydrogen in New York state. The plant in St. Lawrence County, near the U.S. border with Canada, will be operating in 2026 or 2027, the company said in a statement. Air Products is promoting the use of hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in transportation and heavy industry. Read more. *** CHICK-FIL-A: 6379 Hamilton Blvd., Lower Macungie Township The existing restaurant has won approval for a 300-square-foot addition. The fast-food chain plans to add a second drive-thru lane as part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion. There will also be some changes to parking, lighting and landscaping associated with the addition. Get the full story. *** MID PENN BANK: 3900 Hamilton Blvd., South Whitehall Township The Harrisburg-based bank has opened its first full-service branch in the Lehigh Valley. The South Whitehall office is in the Shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, which is also home to Bixler’s Jewelers, Barre3 Studio and Talbot’s. Mid Penn Bank has retail locations in 16 Pennsylvania counties. Get the details. *** POPEYES: 701 N. 19th St., Allentown The Allentown Planning Commission put off a decision on a new fast-food outlet at the site of the former Nostos Greek restaurant. The commission raised issues about the building’s layout, truck traffic and sight lines on the street. Planners asked the developer to review comments and revise the proposal. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen serves New Orleans-style fried chicken. Read more. *** STAR CRETE/MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING: 3311 Farmersville Road, Bethlehem Township The former concrete plant at the intersection of Farmersville Road and Easton Avenue has been sold for $1.58 million, and that may clear the way for a medical office building.  A 45,048-square-foot two-story building has been proposed for the land. Bethlehem Township is reviewing the plan for the 5-acre site. Get the full story. *** SUPERSETS GYM: South Mall, Allentown The local gym business will open its third location in south Allentown, with no opening date set yet. SuperSets has leased 19,000 square feet at the South Mall. The first SuperSets is at 2450 Schoenersville Road in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, and a second is on its way at 2429 Nazareth Road in Palmer Township.  The goal of SuperSets, founded by Ed Frack, is to help clients “Get the Body You Deserve.” Get the details. *** VERSANT: 3452 Easton Ave., Bethlehem Township The jewelry boutique will close later this year, but the business will be consolidated at Gary Werkheiser’s other location in Saucon Valley Square. He will remain active in the Werkheiser’s Jewelers business but plans for a semi-retirement after decades of working with precious metals and gems. No final closing date has been set for Versant, which is having a going-out-of-business sale. The store operates out of an 18th Century farmhouse. The building is also for sale. Read more. *** DSW: 1101 Woodland Road, Wyomissing The DSW Woodmill Commons has moved to Berkshire West, 1101 Woodland Road in Wyomissing. DSW, which stands for Designer Shoe Warehouse, sells footwear for men, women, and children, along with accessories. DSW operates more than 500 stores in the U.S. and is part of Designer Brands, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DBI. *** READING EXTREME BOXING CLUB: Berkshire Mall, Wyomissing Trainer Michael Melendez has opened his new club where PacSun used to operate in the Berkshire Mall. Melendez said his goal is to teach kids discipline through boxing. “I believe boxing pretty much saved my life and I’d like it do to the same for others,” Melendez said. Boxing can get kids off the streets and build their self-confidence, he said. Read more. *** FRACKVILLE NAPA AUTO PARTS: 208 S. Green St., Frackville The auto parts store has held a grand opening with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Frackville Business & Professional Association.  During the celebration, the store collected food and cash for the Frackville Food Pantry. NAPA stands for the National Automotive Parts Association, which was founded in 1925. Today, there are more than 6,000 NAPA stores in the U.S. *** FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTERS: 1544 Route 61 South, Cressona Mall, North Manheim Township The new physical therapy center has marked a grand opening, in conjunction with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Pottsville Business Association.  Fyzical was founded in 2012 and has more than 470 centers across 45 states. *** PDC MACHINES: 1875 Stout Drive, Warminster The maker of hydrogen compressors showed off a new plant in Lower Salford this week. PDC’s equipment is used in hydrogen fueling stations to refuel cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, forklifts and more. Mateen Afzal, president of the family-owned business, said the new plant provides another 150,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Get the full story. *** AMWELL VALLEY SELF STORAGE: 470 N.J. Route 31, Ringoes The 265-unit storage business has been acquired by Maya Capital Partners. The real estate investment firm, based in New York City, will operate the Hunterdon County location and others recently acquired under the Drive-Up Storage brand.  “We find that self storage is uniquely positioned to outperform in times of volatility and distress,” Samir Mistry, co-founder of Maya Capital Partners, said in a statement. *** NORWESCAP: 350 Marshall St., Phillipsburg The not-for-profit group is buying the former Sullivan’s on the Main restaurant in Phillipsburg. Norwescap will renovate the building and then use it for programs to help educate and feed people. Norwescap was founded in 1965 to help low-income people in Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties. Its focus is early education, along with job training and a food bank. Get the details. ***

Dr Sim: Health Ministry Wants October To Be ‘Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera’ – The Borneo Post https://collincountynewsonline.com/dr-sim-health-ministry-wants-october-to-be-bulan-malaysia-sihat-sejahtera-the-borneo-post/ Yii (second left) presents a certificate of appreciation to councillor Kueh Chie Tiong while Dr P. Raviwharmman (left) and Abdul Rahman (right) look on. MIRI (Oct 15): Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to make the month of October as ‘Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera’ (BMSS) in effort to strengthen the spirit of a healthy living. Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said this is in line with the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) to make ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ healthy and prosperous by improving their health and quality of life. “Various health related activities have been designed to increase literacy, empower and build the efforts of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ in cultivating healthy living and environment well-being in order to increase one’s immunity level towards preventing and fighting infections as well as diseases. “This includes preparing Sarawak for a healthy aging population,” he said when launching the BMSS state level and ‘Miri Car Free Day’ event in conjunction with ANMS Tour Miri at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall today. Dr Sim’s text of speech was read by Pujut assemblyman and Miri mayor, Adam Yii. The Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government stated that there are other events conducted throughout the month of October in solidarity with BMSS celebrations such as; World Mental Health Day on October 10, National Sports Day and World Walking Day. These events he added were aimed to promote a culture of healthy living among the people. Therefore, he urged people to support the government’s health agenda. MOH will make every effort to ensure that every member of the community understands the importance of health care while being aware of their responsibility of inculcating the practice of an active lifestyle, in addition to creating a clean and healthy environment. “I am hoping for the cooperation and support of all parties to ensure that this message can be delivered directly to the people through community leaders, to ensure that the surrounding community is aware of the efforts. This also includes the Malaysian Community Health Agent initiative or MyCHAMPION volunteers.” At the same time, he encouraged the members of the public, particularly those aged 40 years and above to go for health screening. He said the health screening service is available at all government health clinics, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) as well as other health screening packages available under Peka B40 scheme and under Social Security Organisation (Socso). Also present at the launch was Miri health officer Dr P Raviwharmman Packierisamy and Miri City Council (MCC) acting secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek.

Faces Of Fall: Oct. 15, 2022 | Sports | News-Gazette.com – News-Gazette https://collincountynewsonline.com/faces-of-fall-oct-15-2022-sports-news-gazette-com-news-gazette/ Kate Goebel, Clinton, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette KATE GOEBEL Clinton volleyball ➜ Her favorite athlete is … Kathryn Plummer. ➜ Her favorite team is … Stanford volleyball. ➜ If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … a Cubs World Series game. ➜ Her favorite sport besides volleyball is … softball. Lily Jameson, Armstrong-Potomac, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette LILY JAMESON Armstrong-Potomac volleyball ➜ Her favorite athlete is … Simone Biles. ➜ Her favorite team is … Michigan. ➜ If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … Olympic beach volleyball. ➜ Her favorite sport besides volleyball is … basketball. Gracie Shaffer, Blue Ridge , during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette GRACIE SHAFFER Blue Ridge volleyball ➜ Her favorite athlete is … Simone Biles. ➜ Her favorite team is … the St. Louis Cardinals. ➜ If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … a the Olympics. ➜ Her favorite sport besides volleyball is … track and field. Ali Walker, Cerro Gordo/Bement, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette ALI WALKER Cerro Gordo/Bement volleyball ➜ Her favorite athlete is … Jordyn Poulter. ➜ Her favorite team is … the Tennessee Titans. ➜ If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … the Super Bowl. ➜ Her favorite sport besides volleyball is … football.

How Augmented Reality Can Humanise The Metaverse – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/how-augmented-reality-can-humanise-the-metaverse-cryptonews/ Source: AdobeStock / rh2010 Diego Di Tommaso is the COO and Co-Founder of OVER, an open-source, AR platform powered by Ethereum Blockchain. __________ When the metaverse and Web3 are discussed, we hear a lot about virtual reality (VR).  Augmented reality (AR) rarely comes up in conversation, and the two are often mistaken as synonymous among non-technical audiences. More importantly, the clear distinction between the two emerging technologies have far-reaching implications for the future of the metaverse. VR provides users with a completely artificial 3D environment in which they can interact using special equipment such as VR headsets, whereas AR is an integration of digital technology and the user’s physical environment. In short, AR users experience a fully immersive mixed medium experience with digital information overlaid on top of their real-world environment. Until now, AR has merely been an afterthought in conversations surrounding the metaverse. However, AR is the missing key to the mass adoption of Web3 technologies. A recent study found that 54% of experts predict that the metaverse will become a fully functioning feature of our everyday lives by 2040. In the same vein, a notable number of experts in the space envision that users will prefer a world with elements of “real” reality and that AR applications will become more widely used than VR for this reason. In fact, part of the draw of AR lies in its simplicity: users require nothing more than a smartphone to experience this new digital environment. With Web3 sceptics citing inaccessibility as a barrier to adoption, AR has the potential to widen the metaverse’s user base, bringing in a broader stroke of users, without the burden of expensive equipment or technical know-how. Google’s plans to release new smart glasses mean a lot of growth in this area. Of course, it’s much more fashionable to wear a sleek pair of sunglasses than it is to carry around a clunky VR set. For newcomers to the space, AR provides a more user-friendly experience as it does not change the user’s environment. Instead, it enhances it. The result is a more human experience with digital information assimilated into the physical world in real time, without losing touch with the physical environment the user is located in. Beyond increasing accessibility to the metaverse, AR technology has a host of potential use cases spanning a range of industries.  In the field of education, for instance, AR can enable science students to examine cell structures up close. Without the need for bulky equipment, this technology can give them the ability to zoom in and out to appreciate the intricacies of cellular structures. Architecture students can view how their creations actually fit within the physical world. Suddenly, the adage “seeing is believing” becomes a reality. Students won’t need specialised rooms within universities to experience AR because a smartphone is the only requirement. The advertising and retail sectors have already begun to reap the benefits of AR. In fact, a version of this technology has already been used by the Swedish DIY furniture giant IKEA through their smartphone-compatible app, IKEA Place. The app leverages AR to let users virtually place true-to-scale 3D furniture in their very own space before purchasing. Considering the merging of fashion, advertising, and retail with metaverse technology that took hold during Metaverse Fashion Week, we can be sure that when coupled with AR, the opportunities in this space are endless. One industry where the metaverse is offering new, compelling experiences is gaming.  The introduction of blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) allows creators to design and trade in-game assets. Interoperability even allows players to bring these assets from one game to another. Incorporating AR into this mix creates a whole new realm of possibility by placing players into real, existing environments.  Pokemon GO was one of the first examples of this, taking gamers out of their living rooms into a version of reality that tracked their journeys in real time in the physical world. With AR, players in the metaverse can better examine the environments their characters are in whilst they come up with strategies to complete their quests. AR facilitates inclusivity in the metaverse, fostering a more human-like user experience.  With a number of powerful benefits and use cases, it’s clear that integrating AR technology into the metaverse will bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds. At last, users will be able to enjoy the benefits of the metaverse without leaving the comfort of reality. ____

Gadgets You Can’t Afford To Miss Out On! – BW Businessworld https://collincountynewsonline.com/gadgets-you-cant-afford-to-miss-out-on-bw-businessworld/ With the festive season right around the corner, the gadget-sphere is brimming with new and exciting choices. BW Businessworld presents the top gadget picks for the festive season 2022. This intriguing concoction of personal tech will take you on a wild ride comprising videography, photography, audiophilia, seamless everyday tech, and lots more If you have been looking for gifting options for family and friends, we have got you covered. While some of the picks here are crème-de-la-crème, we have made sure that we include a lot of budget-friendly gadgets as well. The flagship iPhone 14 Pro, for instance, is a top-of-the-line smartphone with state-of-the-art features. On the other hand, we have the Verve Connect Ultra, an affordable as well as feature-rich smartwatch from TAGG with a 1.78-inch AMOLED display. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Oh so Pro (and awesome.) The Apple iPhone 14 Pro offers a power-packed performance with features like a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen, Always-On display, Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic Chip, and most impressive of them all, the 48MP main camera shooting up to 4K at 60 fps. TAGG Verve Connect Ultra The age of smart wearables is upon us and the Verve Connect Ultra is here to prove it. The smartwatch offers a 1.78-inch AMOLED display and is equipped with Bluetooth calling and heart-rate monitoring. Optoma UHZ50 4K UHD Projector Entertainment will now be spelt in 4K. The Optoma UHZ50 offers true 4K laser projection, a wide colour gamut of 100 per cent Rec. 709, HDR capability, and rich blacks to elevate your home cinema experience. Rabbit Wave Buds Pro An ergonomic and highly functional true wireless stereo product with Bluetooth 5.1, ANC and ENC, low latency, 13mm drivers, and a 7-hour in-earbuds playtime for a smooth audio experience. Blaupunkt SBW600 5.1 Soundbar 600 watts of immersive sound, Dolby Audio, 360-degree sound separation, and 11 speaker drivers, everything that a top-notch and feature-heavy sound system should offer. GoPro Hero 11 Black Capturing adventures just got way more exciting. With a waterproof (up to 33ft) body, 5K at 60 fps video shooting, and Hyper smooth 5.0 video stabilisation, the GoPro Hero 11 Black is here to help you capture the most unique moments of your life. Nikon Z 30 There is a new APS-C mirrorless camera in town and this time it’s from Nikon. The compact yet feature-packed camera offers 4K video, HD at 120 fps video, and a 7.5cm vari-angle touch-sensitive monitor. Dell XPS 13 Plus Offering a holistic workhorse of a laptop, Dell has done a fine job with the XPS 13 Plus. The 13-inch laptop makes blitzing through tasks seem easy with its 12th Gen Intel Core processor, 4K OLED display, and its edge-to-edge keyboard.

Anthony Hopkins NFT Sells-Out In 7 Minutes – Here’s Everything You Need To Know – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/anthony-hopkins-nft-sells-out-in-7-minutes-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-cryptonews/ Source: OpenSea Anthony Hopkins, a Welsh actor, director, and producer, has seen his first NFT collection sold out in less than 10 minutes despite the overall soar market conditions and dwindling user interest in digital collectibles.  Called “The Eternal Collection,” the project was launched in collaboration with NFT design agency Orange Comet, and featured 1000 original cinematic art pieces inspired by different performances of the actor over his film acreer.  The body of work “conceptualizes an interpretation of the vast character archetypes Sir Anthony Hopkins has portrayed over his illustrious film career, drawing its potent energy from his stimulating body of art,” according to the collection’s description on OpenSea. The archetypes names include “The Jester”, “The Lover”, “The Ruler”, “The Rebel”, “The Giver”, and “The Eternal,” each of which represents the various archetypal characters the actor has played throughout his prosperous career.  The mint price for each NFT was 0.25 ETH (around $325), though the floor price of the collection currently stands at 0.69 ETH ($885). Notably, NFT holders have a chance to win personalized NFTs from Hopkins, an autographed art book, and a Zoom call with him.  “Thanks to everyone for helping make this a huge success! Oscar Winner Anthony Hopkins’ First NFT Collection Sold Out in Minutes on OpenSea,” said Dave Broome, CEO of Orange Comet. Hopkins has showed interest in Web3 and NFTs for some time now, most recently adding an ENS domain to his Twitter profile. He also starred in the sci-fi film Zero Contact, which was released via the NFT platform Vuele. NFT Market Down by Every Metric What makes the success of “The Eternal Collection” even more impressive is that the project had a splashy debut despite the overall bad market conditions, especially for NFTs. As reported, NFT trading volume has taken a major dive, plunging by nearly 100% from its all-time high in January this year. The trading volume for NFTs stood at $17 billion at begining of the year. However, that figure plunged to just $466 million in September, representing a drop of 97%. The drop is in line with the broader market downturn and the global market rout, caused by the war in Europe, rising inflation, and poor central bank policies.  “The fading NFT mania is part of a wider, $2 trillion wipeout in the crypto sector as rapidly tightening monetary policy starves speculative assets of investment flows,” Bloomberg reported in late September.

What Caused The Unusually Public Rift Between The U.S. And Saudi Arabia – NPR https://collincountynewsonline.com/what-caused-the-unusually-public-rift-between-the-u-s-and-saudi-arabia-npr/ What caused the unusually public rift between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia Audio will be available later today. The US and Saudi Arabia usually try to keep their differences behind closed doors. But they broke out into the open this week over oil supplies and Ukraine.

New Treatment Technology Debuts At San Juan Regional Cancer Center – Farmington Daily Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/new-treatment-technology-debuts-at-san-juan-regional-cancer-center-farmington-daily-times/ Hospital also purchased a robotic surgery system designed to be less invasive than standard surgical procedures FARMINGTON — San Juan Regional Medical Center has expanded its services and its technology arsenal with a reopened cancer center equipped with advanced treatment capabilities and the addition of a robotic surgery system. Administrators say the cancer center now offers a level of service previously unavailable in the region, and the surgical system can help general surgery and urology patients heal faster as it is less invasive than what happens in standard surgeries. The San Juan Regional Cancer Center reopened “with new advanced technology to treat even the smallest of cancers that we were previously unable to treat here at home,” the hospital said in a recent news release. “The $5 million investment includes a CT scanner and linear accelerator that work in tandem,” spokesperson Laura Werbner said in the news release.  The CT scanner pinpoints the exact location of a tumor “and then sends that information to the linear accelerator, a radiation therapy machine, for precise treatment,” the news release said. “We have not had that kind of technology before. So, we are going to be able to treat the very smallest of tumors that could live on a nerve,” said San Juan Regional Cancer Center Director Troy Fuhrman. “It’s amazing treatment. Very precise. Before we would have to send some of our patients to Mayo for treatment. Technology has come such a long way that now we are going to have this in San Juan County.” Fuhrman told the Daily Times he and the hospital staff are humbled by the level of support San Juan County has given  the cancer center and thankful to be able to offer advanced cancer treatment in the Four Corners region. Fuhrman said construction on the center’s reboot began in earnest around Memorial Day weekend and the center is now in the soft opening phase and welcoming patients. A new oncologist is expected to join the staff around December. The staff includes three therapists and Medical Physicist Chelsea Page-Robertson of Colorado Associates In Medical Physics, who he said “is our safety barrier,” maintaining the treatment system and approving treatment plans to make sure the right areas of the body are receiving treatment. The radiosurgery system delivers precise treatment, which the hospital said helps preserve healthy tissue surrounding the treatment area. Also, it “can deliver treatment in fewer sessions – for some cancers, just two weeks,” the release said. “The fatigue that comes from chemo and radiation is astronomical. So, to cut that down from eight to 10 weeks to just two, how exciting is that?” Registered Nurse and Cancer Navigator Deb Albin, said. “We are going to be able to do so much more, cut down treatment time, it’s so beneficial to our patients.” The release stated that the new equipment uses lasers and 4D imaging “to specifically and accurately target and image the area to be treated. The simulator also includes a respiratory gating system that can detect and monitor breathing, so even if a tumor moves while someone is breathing, the radiation therapy knows to adjust accordingly.” SJRMC is among the first hospitals in the western U.S. region to utilize the new technology, the release stated. The linear accelerator is called the Varian Edge Radiosurgery System and provides stereotactic radiation therapy. “This is a “cyber knife” that can precisely deliver treatment to the very smallest of tumors from multiple different angles at the same time,” the release stated. Robotic surgery joins the lineup SJRMC has followed an industry trend in purchasing a robotic surgery system to give doctors, who are still in charge of performing the surgery, increased magnification as the machine translates their hand movements into precise actions. The use of the device results in a less-invasive surgery than older techniques, the medical center stated. “There are so many advantages to undergoing a robotically-assisted procedure as a patient,” said Surgeon Dr. Damon Kalcich, who is also the hospital’s Department of Surgery chairman. “Some surgeries that were previously performed as open procedures can now be done as minimally invasive. Smaller incisions mean less blood loss, less pain, less scarring, quicker recovery and leaving the hospital sooner.” The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System “translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements,” the hospital said in its release. “The Xi System’s immersive 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.” “We are truly thrilled to be bringing this cutting-edge technology to patients in the Four Corners. Having surgeons that embrace this advanced technology is extremely beneficial to our patients, and we look forward to expanding our minimally invasive surgical options with the capabilities the Xi System brings,” said CFO and Acting Administrator John Mayer. The system is currently being used by San Juan Health Partners General Surgery and San Juan Health Partners Urology.

‘The Fridge Is Red’ Review: Indie Horror Gaming At Its Best And Worst – Forbes https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-fridge-is-red-review-indie-horror-gaming-at-its-best-and-worst-forbes/ 5WORD There’s something so pure and genuinely scary about the original PlayStation’s line-up of horror games. Between obvious survival horrors like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Parasite Eve, and Dino Crisis (still waiting, Capcom), plus overlooked classics like Clock Tower and Nightmare Creatures, the PS1 was a breeding ground for deep-seated fears among young gamers that continue to this day. 5WORD’s The Fridge is Red, a short, sharp psychological indie, aims to bring these past frights into the modern day. While The Fridge is Red is openly inspired by 32-bit audiovisual styles, it’s still much more akin to PS2-era first-person games, albeit with a restrictive color palette, artificial VHS grain, and a script largely processed with text-to-speech software to provide disjointed dialogue. While this might not sound like your cup of tea, it works remarkably well–to begin with, at least. Unnerving and intimidating in equal measure, The Fridge is Red plays out across around two hours through six oddly-named chapters, which drill into deep fears including desperation, fear, loss, loneliness, grief, and helplessness: For Daddy to Work: You need to leave your office, but a troublesome lift soon transforms into a hellish debacle steeped in traditional gore horror; Seaside: Trapped in an Alchemilla Hospital-like maze of wards, you’re tasked with finding a loved one, but forced to deal with bureaucracy galore; Charleen Mufi: At a church with ominous inhabitants, dark humor and ghoulish storytelling see you try to save those around you; Goldi Vern: Behind the wheel, your trip to your chosen destination isn’t as easy as it seems; Chili Handled: Alone in your house with someone close to you, you come to terms with everything that came before in a particularly depressing way; and Fidgeted Sherri: Bookending the experience, the last pieces of the puzzle come together for a big reveal. Each one of these sections plays out in a highly symbolic way before briefly being broken down in real-life terms at the end of each section. These quick snippets progress the story, preparing you to interpret the next chapter through its heavily emblematic lens. It’s just a shame The Fridge is Red can’t maintain the pace of its strong start. 5WORD From its first main chapter, For Daddy to Work–the real high point of the experience–you learn the game’s core puzzle mechanics, which are straightforward for the most part, though their ease is cleverly masked with an often brutal, heavy atmosphere. While there are mercifully few jumpscares, you may still find yourself drenched in sweat at the sight of low-light corridors and guttural sounds. Strange and intimidating characters–and straight-up monsters–punctuate your journey to, say, collect severed hands, find the reason why a priest and his congregation have lost their minds, or find an alternator for your car. Everything is so consistently weird, but the intrigue of the story keeps you going. However, with each revelation at the end of its first three chapters, the tale begins to slow down, losing momentum and intrigue in favor of over-the-top symbolism that increasingly disconnects from the tale it’s trying to tell. 5WORD Goldi Vern, in particular, is a truly dull and overlong section which, save for a couple of moments of intermittent fear, amounts to a series of behind-the-wheel fetch quests that don’t seem to tally with the development of the story. By the time you get to the penultimate chapter Chili Handled, there’s a fair chance you’ll predict exactly how things play out–and wonder how certain elements of the game represented the overall tragedy that The Fridge is Red portrays. The Fridge is Red is a genuinely brilliant premise and, when the game hits its highs, it’s horror gaming at its finest: atmospheric, confusing, intimidating, and capable of getting deep under your skin. At its lows–which, sadly, get more frequent as this short tale unfolds–it feels tired and underdeveloped. For $15, you may feel short-changed by The Fridge is Red’s quick and inconsistent experience, but horror movie fans will get an interactive arthouse escapade worth checking out. While certain big moments will stay with you for days after you’ve blazed through it, you will likely come away knowing it could’ve offered so much more.

After 2nd Conviction For Dallas Serial Killer, Will Collin County Try Case And Seek Death Penalty? – WFAA.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/after-2nd-conviction-for-dallas-serial-killer-will-collin-county-try-case-and-seek-death-penalty-wfaa-com/ “Amongst themselves they’re having a vigorous debate. They’re also wanting to be inclusive of the families of the victims,” said attorney Scott J. Becker. Author: wfaa.com Published: 10:15 PM CDT October 14, 2022 Updated: 10:15 PM CDT October 14, 2022

How 5 Families Bought Hawaii Vacation Homes Together To Live The Dream – Business Insider https://collincountynewsonline.com/how-5-families-bought-hawaii-vacation-homes-together-to-live-the-dream-business-insider/ Ryan Seare, 47, was the first of his neighborhood friends to invest in a Hawaii vacation home. He convinced four other families to join him at a property in Kauai where shares start at $445,000. The families go for three weeks a year and barbecue on the beach, run on trails, and hike together. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go. Ryan Seare, Josh Phillips, and Cameron Smith had been running trails together in their Salt Lake City, Utah, suburb for eight years before they decided to take their friendship to the next level.  Their three families, plus two others, had hunkered down together during the trying early months of the pandemic, proving to each other that their connection and camaraderie could make the jump to a new state.  So in October 2020 when Seare decided to take the plunge and buy a vacation property in Kauai, one of Hawaii’s most verdant and popular islands, the rest of the families followed his lead. It wasn’t the meticulously planned adventure one might assume.  “It didn’t start with ‘Hey guys, let’s all look for a place where we can travel with our families!'” the 37-year-old Smith, who is the president and a cofounder of the pancake-mix company Kodiak Cakes, said. “It just happened randomly. Ryan talked about his experiences, and then it got Josh interested, and then it got me interested.” For his precedent-setting investment, Seare chose Timbers Kauai, an intimate community of 47 homes tucked away on Kauai’s southeast shore near a lighthouse, a marina, and a Costco. Seare said the 400-acre resort’s scenic landscape, and what it offers to his family in the forms of on-site activities and bonding experiences, won him and his wife over.  The property stretches from the inland, by the island’s main airport, to a bluff overlooking the sea. A 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard is open to residents to stroll through and pluck fresh produce from, and the resort also has a two-tiered infinity pool, 17 miles of walking and biking paths, and an 18-hole golf course.  The Phillips family uses the property’s 17 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Josh Phillips Seare, Smith, and Phillips each purchased a 1/12th ownership of a residence at Timbers Kauai that grants them three weeks of use per year plus unlimited last-minute trip bookings whenever the resort has openings in its schedule. The 1/12th share costs a flat fee of $445,000. Owners also pay an annual fee of $22,295 and additional cleaning fees.  Fractional ownership, like what Timbers offers, is a growing trend in the vacation-home industry that lowers the cost barrier to ownership by allowing buyers to purchase a share of a home rather than the full property. Unlike time-shares, buyers can keep the gain in value when they sell their shares.  Timbers’ model parallels the approach of popular fractional-ownership startups like Pacaso and Ember, which have bought homes in desirable locations — like Napa and Lake Tahoe — and turned them into vacation homes with multiple owners. They picked Kauai because it’s still relatively unspoiled What appealed most to the five Utah families was that Kauai had resisted some of the commercialization and overwhelming tourism that Oahu and Maui have experienced. “If you’re looking for retail therapy, and you’re looking for amazing experiences dining out,” Seare, a 47-year-old interior-design showroom owner said. “Kauai is probably not the place for you.” The trio started off going to Kauai for at least a few of the same three weeks allotted to them annually.  Between the Seare, Phillips, and Smith families, there are 13 kids ranging in age from 2 to 17. A fourth dad who works in advertising has five kids, and a fifth in real estate has three. Timbers sits on a craggy bluff overlooking the ocean. Timbers Kauai Still, there’s something for everyone to do on the property — and perhaps best for the parents of the older kids, the property’s staff act as friendly, albeit watchful, eyes.  “We were able to hang out with each others’ families at the beach, and then I was able to run with those guys in the morning,” Smith said. “It actually made it more fun.” When the families are together in Hawaii, they head down to the beach for days in the surf as well as barbecues with new friends they’ve made in Kauai. They also get into what Phillips, a 47-year-old general contractor, called “typical Hawaii stuff” like hiking, exploring, and venturing across the island to lounge on new beaches.  “What brings people together is time, right?” Smith said. “Sometimes when you’re on vacation, you don’t want to see people you know, because that’s part of vacationing. But vacationing with friends can also be pretty fun.”

3 Problems I Have With Retirement Calculators | Business News | Wfmz.com – 69News WFMZ-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/3-problems-i-have-with-retirement-calculators-business-news-wfmz-com-69news-wfmz-tv/ You’ll often hear that it’s important to build yourself a solid nest egg for retirement. And if you’ve been steadily pumping money into an IRA or 401(k) plan for that purpose, you may reach the point where you’re wondering: “Am I on track?” The good news is that there are numerous online tools that can tell you that. Just do a search for “retirement calculator,” and you’ll get different options for plugging in numbers to see how your IRA or 401(k) plan balance stacks up. But while those tools may seem helpful at first, they tend to have their share of shortcomings. Here are a few reasons I don’t like them at all. Image source: Getty Images. 1. They make assumptions about your spending habits You’ll often hear that you can expect to need about 70% to 80% of your former income to get by in a comfortable manner during retirement. But if you don’t spend your entire income, that’s a different story. In fact, a better rule of thumb is to assume you’ll need 70% to 80% of what you spend during your working years, not earn. Say you earn $200,000 a year but manage to live just fine on half of that. Most retirement calculators won’t account for that. Instead, they’ll assume you need somewhere in the ballpark of $140,000 to $160,000 a year during retirement when a much lower yearly income may be fine for you. So, based on that, you might put in some numbers using a retirement calculator and get a message along the lines of “Danger, you’re not going to have enough money later in life” that may be far from true. 2. They don’t always account for added sources of retirement income The withdrawals you take from your IRA or 401(k) during retirement may end up being your primary income source. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be your only income source. Maybe you have a family business you’ll inherit or receive payouts from. Maybe you own an income property that can serve as an ongoing cash source during your senior years. Or maybe you’ll be entitled to a larger Social Security benefit than expected. And speaking of Social Security, while some retirement calculators will factor future benefits into your income, those estimates are usually just guesses. As such, you don’t get a very clear picture of how much annual income you can look forward to. 3. Using them can be very demoralizing Many people who save well for retirement input their numbers into online calculators only to be told they’re way off base and have a ton of catching up to do when that’s not really the case. But that can be a really upsetting, demoralizing thing. And frankly, if you’re doing a bang-up job of setting funds aside in your IRA or 401(k) plan, you don’t need that added stress. There’s also the flipside. Some of these tools might tell you that you’re doing fine on the savings front when you do, in fact, have to catch up. That’s a dangerous thing. Don’t put too much stock in retirement calculators While retirement calculators are designed to be helpful, the unfortunate reality is that many just aren’t. Now to be fair, some of these tools are better than others, so it does pay to do some digging and try a few out. This tool, for example, lets you input extra data like your life expectancy and various retirement income sources, so you might get a more accurate estimate of how well you’re doing. All told, don’t panic if you use a retirement calculator and get a warning that you’re way behind on the savings front. If you’re consistently setting aside a nice amount of money for the future, rely on that more so than what a calculator tells you. But also sit down with a financial planner or advisor and get a professional’s opinion based on your specific goals and circumstances. Doing so might bring you the comfort you need if you’re worried your nest egg won’t cut it. And if it turns out you are behind on savings, that person can give you concrete advice on how to ramp up. An online calculator, on the other hand, might spit back something like “You’ll need an extra $1.2 million if you want to enjoy your retirement,” and that’s apt to be far from helpful. The $18,984 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known “Social Security secrets” could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $18,984 more… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Shop Local: Tulsi Square, Where Lifestyle And Wellness Meet – Northforker https://collincountynewsonline.com/shop-local-tulsi-square-where-lifestyle-and-wellness-meet-northforker/ Feather Hill’s newest tenant is so much more than a store. Tulsi Square is a wellness market with a focus on prevention and healthy living. Opened in August by naturopathic doctors (and spouses) Stephenie Pisacano and Jake Shettell, the location oozes calm and comfort. Beyond the items we’ve selected below, it’s also beneficial to schedule a consultation with the naturopathic doctor duo to learn how to improve your overall health, evaluate any health concerns or just structure a more balanced sense of wellness. Welcome to Tulsi Square. 1) Sun & Swell energy bites, $28 Dark cacao, cashews, dates, and loads of good vibes. These energy balls provide a delicious snack as well as on-the-go nutrition. Photography by David Benthal 2) Follain Lip Balm, $9 Fall is coming and that means chapped skin. This decadent lip balm from Follain uses chamomile flower oil to relieve cracked lips or act as a base under lipstick. Photography by David Benthal 3) Tulsi Square Tinctures, 4 oz. vial, $60 In my mind, the word “tincture” usually conjures up images of cocktails, but the ones formulated and bottled by Tulsi Square are all about health. Using just a few drops per day, these four-ounce bottles provide a 30-day supply of tinctures that target ailments like exhaustion, anxiety, and a weak immune system. Two standouts for us are Inner Sabbatical, which focuses on supporting that rundown, out-of-balance feeling, and Immunity Tonic, which focuses on immune support and stress and fatigue resilience. Photography by David Benthal 4) Vertly Muscle Soak, $24 Made in small batches in Northern California, these bath salts feature an anti-inflammatory blend to soothe tired muscles and high-potency hemp for full-body calm. Photography by David Benthal 5) Oral Care Ritual, full kit, $27 According to Ayurvedic medicine, digestive health begins in the mouth. This kit includes everything you need to reduce plaque, strengthen gums and improve digestion, including a mint pulling oil and a copper tongue scraper. Photography by David Benthal 6) Rasa Dirty Coffee, 8 oz. bag, $28 Caffeine jitters have met their match. This adaptogenic coffee balances the nervous system so that the energy boost is slow and sustainable. The coffee is earthy with notes of chocolate. Photography by David Benthal 7) ‘Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art’ by James Nestor, $28 Lauded by fellow authors like Elizabeth Gilbert, Nestor’s book takes a deep look at the way humans breathe and how we can improve our breath by examining what we’re doing wrong.  Photography by David Benthal 8) Leilo kava, $4.99 “Calm in a can.” The star ingredient, kava, is from the South Pacific and has been shown to have “uplifting, relaxing properties.” Beyond its beneficial properties, this drink is also refreshing and delicious.  Photography by David Benthal

What Time Is Claressa Shields Vs. Savannah Marshall Today? Schedule, Main Card Start Time For 2022 Boxing Fight – Sporting News https://collincountynewsonline.com/what-time-is-claressa-shields-vs-savannah-marshall-today-schedule-main-card-start-time-for-2022-boxing-fight-sporting-news/ After losing to Savannah Marshall in 2012 at the amateur level, Claressa Shields has been on a historic run. A three-division champion, Shields will look to avenge her lone boxing loss on October 15. Originally scheduled for September 10, the British Boxing Board of Control pushed back the fight following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.  The fight to determine the undisputed middleweight champion will take place inside the O2 Arena in London. The co-main event will see Mikaela Mayer vs. Alycia Baumgardner for the WBO, IBF, The Ring, WBC, and IBO junior-lightweight titles. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, became undisputed middleweight champion in 2019 when she beat Christina Hammer. She became the undisputed light-middleweight champion in 2021 when she took down Marie Eve Dicaire. The 27-year-old has also won gold at super-middleweight.  Marshall made her pro debut in 2017. She won the WBO middleweight title in October 2020 and has defended it three times. The 31-year-old’s last fight was a knockout win over Femke Hermans in April. The Sporting News has you covered with all the information needed to watch Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall, including start time, live stream information, and cost. MORE: The case for 2- vs. 3-minute rounds in women’s boxing What time does Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall start today?  Date: Saturday, October 15 Main card: 2 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. BST | 4 a.m. AEST  Main event: 5:30 p.m. ET | 10:30 p.m. BST |  7:30 a.m. AEST (approximately)  Originally scheduled for September 10, Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall is now set for October 15. The main card is expected to start at 2 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. BST | 4 a.m. AEST. Shields and Marshall should make their way to the ring around 5:30 p.m. ET | 10:30 p.m. BST | 7:30 a.m. AEST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.  How to watch Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes Sky Sports FITE.tv The Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall main card will be shown on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.  In the U.K. you can watch the fight card via Sky Sports.  Other ways to watch Shields-Marshall is via FITE.tv and FOX (Australia) MORE: Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall timeline Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall price: How much does the card cost?  You will need to pay $9.99 a month for a monthly subscription or an annual subscription for $99.99/yr. The Shields vs. Marshall fight won’t be an additional cost to current ESPN+ subscribers.  Product Prices ESPN+ Monthly Subscription $9.99/month ESPN+ Annual Subscription $99.99/year The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported $13.99/month The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads $19.99/month MORE: Boxing Schedule 2022: Date, division, location for upcoming fights Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall fight card Claressa Shields (c) vs. Savannah Marshall (c) for the WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO middleweight title Mikaela Mayer (c) vs. Alycia Baumgardner (c) for the WBO, IBF, and WBC junior-lightweight titles Caroline Dubois vs. Milena Koleva Lauren Price MBE vs. Timea Belik Karriss Artingstall vs. Marina Sakharov Ebonie Jones vs. Vanesa Caballero April Hunter vs. Erica Juana Gabriela Alvarez Shannon Ryan vs. Buchra El Quaissi Ginny Fuchs vs. Gemma Ruegg Sarah Liegmann vs. Bec Connolly Georgia O’Connor vs. TBA

Konami Launches Metaverse Push With Web3 Focused Hiring Spree – Blockchain Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://collincountynewsonline.com/konami-launches-metaverse-push-with-web3-focused-hiring-spree-blockchain-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Konami, one of the most influential Japanese game development and publishing companies, has announced it will be introducing Web3 and metaverse technologies into its games. The company opened 13 different job openings for three departments that will be responsible for developing the new projects to spearhead Konami’s latest business strategy. Konami to Enter Metaverse and Web3 Arena Konami, one of the biggest AAA game developers and publishers in Japan, is showing interest in jumping on the metaverse and Web3 entertainment bandwagon. The company recently published a series of job openings for the production of experiences that include this type of technology in its next games. The company is recruiting via 13 different job openings in the areas of infrastructure development, production and operations, and support. These new openings will help to “provide new experiences such as Web3 and Metaverse,” according to Konami’s news release. While there have been no statements about the IPs (intellectual properties) that will be using these new technologies, the company did explain its general plans for the future, which also include non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Konami stated: We have been conducting research and development to incorporate the latest technology into games and contents, and plan to launch a service where players can trade their in-game NFTs (digital items) through a unique distribution platform using blockchain. Konami’s Background This isn’t the first time around for Konami using blockchain-based elements as part of its operations. In fact, the company has already released an NFT collection to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of Castlevania, one of its most beloved franchises. The NFT collection, which features videos and images of some of the first games of the franchise, was successful and managed to raise over $160K in January. As a result, the company signaled in favor of further adopting this technology, noting it would be using the same for “content preservation” purposes. Other Japanese players have the edge when it comes to the metaverse and Web3 developments. Bandai Namco is already working on establishing its own multi-IP metaverse, and in February stated it would be investing $130 million toward this goal. Square Enix has also included blockchain and play-to-earn as part of its business strategy, even announcing the launch of a Final Fantasy-themed NFT collection for next year. Sega also recently announced it will produce its own blockchain-based, IP-licensed game, using Japanese blockchain provider Oasys to support its decentralized components. What do you think about Konami’s new metaverse and Web3 strategy? Tell us in the comment section below. Sergio Goschenko Sergio is a cryptocurrency journalist based in Venezuela. He describes himself as late to the game, entering the cryptosphere when the price rise happened during December 2017. Having a computer engineering background, living in Venezuela, and being impacted by the cryptocurrency boom at a social level, he offers a different point of view about crypto success and how it helps the unbanked and underserved. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, Tupungato / Shutterstock.com 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.

RV Travel Newsletter Issue 1074 – RVtravel.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/rv-travel-newsletter-issue-1074-rvtravel-com/ Your access to this page has been blocked. Your request appears similar to malicious requests sent by robots. If you are using a VPN, try disabling it. If your browser is out of date, try updating it. Please make sure JavaScript is enabled and then try loading this page again. If you continue to be blocked, please send an email to secruxurity@sizetedistrict.cVmwom with: A summary of what you were doing and why you need access to this site The request details below: URL: https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-travel-newsletter-issue-1074/ ASN: ASN-DIS IP: 170.39.76.27 Time: 2022-10-15 10:07:54 UTC Request: 65a51c1c9591d446dd5b8a44c14a8877 UA: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.3; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/60.0.3112.113 Safari/537.36

XRP Price Prediction – If This Chart Is Right, XRP Is The Best Opportunity For 10x Gains In Crypto Now – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/xrp-price-prediction-if-this-chart-is-right-xrp-is-the-best-opportunity-for-10x-gains-in-crypto-now-cryptonews/ XRP price is in an enviably bullish position after Thursday’s stomach-churning price action across the crypto complex. Despite a tick higher in core CPI inflation the market in risk assets initially fell sharply and then rallied. This defiance in the face of sticky inflation is highly significant, as it could mean that the head-fake bear rallies of recent times could have created the conditions for a definite breakout. Ripple’s XRP cross-border liquidity token could be said to be the best positioned crypto to benefit from renewed bottom-dipping buying interest. Although the price has run into resistance around the $0.50 level, market participants are increasingly optimistic that the signs coming out of the long-running court case point to the likelihood of a positive outcome. And even if Ripple doesn’t win the case but ends up with a messy tie, a settlement that clears a way through the regulatory uncertainty holding back a re-rating of XRP would still be bullish. XRP addresses holding more than $100 worth of tokens nears all-time high Indeed the bullishness around XRP right now can be gleaned from the behaviour of XRP holders. If we overlay the XRP price with the supply of XRP tokens at addresses holding at least $100 in value, the number, 1.07 million, is near the all-time high last seen in November 2021 (1.14 million). But the interest in XRP is not just speculative interest in the markets but is also seen in product adoption. On 11 October Ripple announced that French payments firm Lemony was its latest on-demand liquidity customer. Lemony will be using RippleNet and the XRP token to enable crypto payments and to improve its treasury processes  What does this mean for the XRP price? Looking at the market cap of the crypto asset since 2015 using 1 week candles and there may be some clues. A descending triangle that began in 2015 culminates in apex completion where it meets the long-term trend line. It was this conjunction that was followed by parabolic move higher by XRP, which was not completed until the price printed its all-time high. Although the middle triangle in the chart is not annoyed, the current descending triangle began in 2021 and could presage a similar move higher.  Admittedly that move may not come to pass until the new year, but if the price can breakout above $0.50 there’s a promising ladder higher.  The technical set-up looks highly positive. However, the trigger to send XRP higher is likely to emanate from the court case. If the SEC’s officers really did discuss among themselves the possibility of Ethereum being a commodity and not a security, that would blow a whole in the SEC’s case against Ripple, and would have wider implications for crypto regulations. XRP is one of the best buys in crypto today. XRP is sustainable too – and so is IMPT It is also a good sustainable pick because of its fast and efficient blockchain.  Having said that there might be better choices as far as building a ESG crypto portfolio goes such as IMPT.  IMPT is bringing carbon offsetting to the blockchain and in the process to shoppers around the world.  The coin is currently in presale and may be worth taking the time to do your due diligence on.  Visit IMPT Now

Peter Thiel, Major U.S. Political Donor, Is Said To Pursue Maltese Citizenship – The New York Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/peter-thiel-major-u-s-political-donor-is-said-to-pursue-maltese-citizenship-the-new-york-times/ Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker

IIT Madras To Host Space Technology Conclave | Education News – The Indian Express https://collincountynewsonline.com/iit-madras-to-host-space-technology-conclave-education-news-the-indian-express/ The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), the US Consulate General Chennai and Indian Space Association are organizing a three-day Space Technology Conclave starting today October 15 until October 17, 2022. A key outcome of this conclave will be establishing the ‘Association of Space Entrepreneurs in the Indo-Pacific’ (ASEIP). A White Paper will also be shared with stakeholders in India, the U.S., and other Indo-Pacific countries.  The Space Technology conclave will focus on four key themes: space policy, international collaboration, scientific research and development, space entrepreneurship and business “Titled ‘Space Technology: The Next Business Frontier,’ the conclave will explore ways to optimize business opportunities and collaboration across the Indo-Pacific region,” the press release states. Working groups have been formed to explore the four themes, and more than 70 invited working group members along with the four chairpersons from more than 15 countries including India, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, among others, will be participating in this conclave.