Collin County News Online

Nightly Closures Underway Through Saturday On Dallas North Tollway In Frisco – Denton Record Chronicle https://collincountynewsonline.com/nightly-closures-underway-through-saturday-on-dallas-north-tollway-in-frisco-denton-record-chronicle/ Best of the Blotter Every Wednesday morning, get the week’s top crime stories in Denton from the Blotter in your inbox. Breaking News Get the latest, most up-to-date news alerts when you sign up to receive our Breaking News newsletter.  e-Edition Notifier Receive a daily notification that the DR-C e-Edition is available. Sign up now. High School Season Pass Stay up to date with all of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools.  Mean Green Spotlight Get exclusive, in-depth coverage of the University of North Texas athletics teams in this weekly newsletter. Promotions and Offers Would you like to receive information from our advertisers or DR-C offers? Sign up now. Wake Up with the DR-C Every morning, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you need to start your day. Your Money, Your Home In the DR-C’s newest newsletter, get exclusive coverage about business in Denton County, with a focus on the housing market.

Contiki Hails The Return Of ‘retro Travel’ In Latest Trends Report – Travel Weekly – Travel Weekly https://collincountynewsonline.com/contiki-hails-the-return-of-retro-travel-in-latest-trends-report-travel-weekly-travel-weekly/ Marking the 60th anniversary of the youth travel operator, new research from Contiki and Pureprofile has revealed the best parts of travel are timeless. The research showed that sightseeing remains the most loved part of travel with over half (54 per cent) of Aussies agreeing. It also revealed that Aussies love to travel to immerse themselves in new cultures (42 per cent) and new experiences (40 per cent). The youth travel operator discovered that a holiday fling is no longer on the agenda for Aussies, with only 1 per cent saying they were looking for love when travelling. Friendships are a much more important part of travel, with one in six Aussies (16 per cent) travelling with friendship in mind, while women (41 per cent) are more likely than men (30 per cent) to travel to make new memories with old friends. 71 per cent of respondents said they feel like a better version of themselves after a holiday, and 64 per cent of travellers who headed to Europe, with Italy, Greece, Britain and Ireland and Spain as the top European destinations for 2022, said they will likely head there again for 2023. There was also a reported uptick in travellers’ mental health following their holiday with 60 per cent ready to dive back into their day-to-day routine and 57 per cent overall happier with life. Dancing on the tables in Mykonos or a refreshing dip in Lake Como resulted in: ●        One in four (28 per cent) feeling less anxious or depressed. ●        One in eight (12 per cent) feeling loved and supported by their new friends. ●        One in 20 (6 per cent) feeling finally ready to go after their dream job. Feeling refreshed after a vacation isn’t a new thing, but young Aussies are the ones who feel it the most. Over four in five (82 per cent) 18- to 29-year-olds – compared to three in five (60 per cent) over 50s – feel like a better version of themselves after a holiday. One in three Aussies (38 per cent) wish they could travel how they did in the 1960s. Retro travel is most desired by those who’ve done it, more than four in five (82 per cent) Aussies that are keen to throwback have travelled at some point in the 1960s to 1980s. To remind people of the everlasting moments of travel and the importance of friends along the way, Contiki partnered with Aussie TikToker Millie Ford for the Sixties Suitcase Challenge. Armed with a Polaroid, a retro radio and some Swinging Sixties fashion, Millie experienced a Contiki Tour straight from 1962. Millie Ford and friends travelling in 60s style “Travelling with minimal technology and only the 60s-style essentials was definitely a challenge,” Ford said. “In the early days I found myself reaching into my pocket to check my Instagram or find my way on Google Maps, but what this 12-day tour made me realise is I don’t need a phone or internet connection to meet new people and form a strong bond with one another. “Socially, travel hasn’t changed much – I imagine back in the 60s you were still meeting people and making friends, and this is what made my trip such an unforgettable experience.”

HIEMA NEWS RELEASE: Clock Is Ticking For Small Business Administration Working Capital Loans For Kona Low Storm – David Y. Ige | Newsroom https://collincountynewsonline.com/hiema-news-release-clock-is-ticking-for-small-business-administration-working-capital-loans-for-kona-low-storm-david-y-ige-newsroom/ HONOLULU — The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans related to last year’s Kona low storms.   The loans are intended to offset economic injury caused by the severe storms, flooding and landslides in Maui and Kalawao counties and the City and County of Honolulu from Dec. 5-10, 2021. “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Tanya N. Garfield, director of the SBA’s Disaster Field Operations – West, in a news release. “Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage.” Loans of up to $2 million to meet working capital needs caused by the disaster are available to qualifying small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations of any size. The low-interest loans carry rates of 2.83 percent for businesses and 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with a maximum term of 30 years. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency encourages qualifying businesses that need assistance to apply. Applicants can learn more and find forms on the SBA website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. They also may call (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information; people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155. # # # Contact: Adam Weintraub Communication Director [email protected] 808-620-5417

Suzan Schoelen Riggs – Kingfisher Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/suzan-schoelen-riggs-kingfisher-times/ Suzan Kaye Schoelen was born Dec. 31, 1946 in Kingfisher, the oldest of six children to Edward J. Schoelen and Edna (Soudek) Schoelen. She passed away Aug. 26, 2022, in Euless, Texas. Suzan was a 1964 graduate of Kingfisher High School. Following graduation, she went to cosmetology school and later opened Suz’Anns Salon. She worked very hard to have a successful business while making many lasting friendships. In 1991, Suzan married Chas Riggs in Oklahoma City. Chas took a job in Texas in 1994 and Suzan continued her career as a hairstylist. By moving to Texas, she would be close to her son Patrick and wife Shana and their children Kendal and Konlan. She was able to get back and see her family in Oklahoma as much as possible. She was very proud of her sons and grandchildren. Suzan was a lifetime practitioner. She attended Celebration of Life and the Dallas Center for Spiritual Living. In the last several years, Suzan faced multiple health challenges related to kidney and heart problems, yet she maintained her signature positive attitude through it all. Suzan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers Dennis Schoelen and Neil Schoelen; brother-in-law James Lombardo; and nephews Brian Schoelen and Brad Schoelen. She is survived by sons Patrick McKinley (Shana) and John McKinley, all of Texas; brothers Norman Schoelen and Terry Schoelen (Marcy); sister Penny Lombardo; sisters-in-law Eddie Schoelen (Dennis), Susie Schoelen (Neil); grandchildren Kendal and Konlan McKinley; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 4801 Spring Valley Road, Suite 115, Dallas, Texas.

Mooney Golfers Eager For State Tournament | News, Sports, Jobs – Warren Tribune Chronicle https://collincountynewsonline.com/mooney-golfers-eager-for-state-tournament-news-sports-jobs-warren-tribune-chronicle/ Staff photo / Neel Madhavan Cardinal Mooney’s Rocco Turner putts as coach Mary Theresa Bellino watches during practice Tuesday. Turner and the Cardinals are gearing up for the state tournament. YOUNGSTOWN — Cardinal Mooney junior Rocco Turner is no stranger to postseason success in high school golf. From the sectional tournament, Turner qualified for the northeast district tournament each of the past two years, but hadn’t quite been able to make it to the state tournament after missing out by just two shots last year. This year, Turner is headed to the state tournament for the first time, and he won’t be alone. After finishing third at the Division III northeast district tournament at Tannenauf Golf Club last week, the rest of the Cardinals team will be joining him at North Star Golf Club this weekend for the Division III state tournament. “It was heartbreak the last two years,” Turner said. “But this time we got it done, and now the whole team gets to come, so it’s like a bonus.” With the top three teams in the district tournament qualifying for states, Mooney (347) squeaked in just under the wire, beating out fourth-place Independence (349) by two shots. Turner led the way with a 79, which was good enough to finish tied for third in the individual standings, as well. Behind Turner, freshman Alex Eckstein shot an 83, while freshman Dante Turner shot 92, senior Tim Reardon recorded a 93 and senior Joe Zeno shot 115. “For sectionals, Salem Hills didn’t play very difficult, but it wasn’t easy either. It had some pretty fast greens, but compared to Tannenhauf, (Tannenhauf) just really played tough,” Reardon said. “Going from 315 as a team (at sectionals) to 347 really just shows how difficult it became. The greens were in a heck of a condition and they were tough to hole. “But I think that’s just going to make us stronger as a team going into states because Tannenhauf did a great job maintaining the course, and being able to go to North Star, we should have an advantage over other teams after playing a course that hard.” Despite this being her first season leading the boys team, coach Mary Theresa Bellino had plenty to fall back on having also been the Mooney girls team’s coach for several years. She guided the Mooney girls to states back-to-back years a few years ago and then took an individual to states the year after that, so she knew what it took to get the Mooney boys back to the state level. “The boys are a little worked up, so my job is to keep them calm,” Bellino said. “I know what to expect down there and what they have to do to be in the top. I’m hoping we can do it. I never predict whether we’re going to win or lose, and I don’t let them predict that either. I always tell them you never know what the day will bring — you never know what club is going to come out of the bag.” Mooney’s journey to states began early in the summer. Players like Eckstein and Rocco and his brother, Dante, were playing tournaments on their own all summer long. Then, during dual matches during the regular season, the Cardinals finished with an 11-2 record. “We’ve been playing well all season long,” Bellino said. “These kids have been working to go to states all year — that’s been our dream.” Mooney will play a practice round at North Star Thursday before teeing off for round one Friday morning. The Cardinals will start off the back nine Friday, with Zeno teeing off first at 9:50 a.m. Reardon will follow at 10 a.m., while Dante tees off at 10:10 a.m., Eckstein goes off at 10:20 a.m. and Rocco goes at 10:30 a.m. Round two will be played Saturday. “Coming from last year, not really even being close to making sectionals as a team to this year getting two outstanding freshmen golfers and Rocco coming into his own, we really just developed into a great team,” Reardon said. “Make no mistake, it was always there since the beginning (of the season), but it still feels like a dream that we’re going.” Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Meet The Metaverse Creators: 3D Artist & Art Director Malloy – NFT Plazas https://collincountynewsonline.com/meet-the-metaverse-creators-3d-artist-art-director-malloy-nft-plazas/ The first time I heard about the creator Malloy was when I was digging in Decentraland data sheets. According to the stats, Malloy is one of the most successful creators in Decentraland, especially if we were to count how many items he has sold over his time here. All the people I talked to have recommended Malloy as someone who can do incredible things. He is a 3D artist and art director. He has worked in-house in the games industry during the new console gold rush frenzy (first games to market) and has been an outsource artist, indie game developer, and design consultant since then. I am talking to him today, not for the first time! Tell us a little about what has changed since you learned about the Metaverse and what you can do here. I entered the Metaverse space in March 2021 before the insanity of the “NFT Summer” was ramping up. The attraction was the concept of scarce digital assets that the artist could not only be a manufacturer but also a distributor and publisher. The evolution of that attraction is now how to embolden the value of the game asset regardless of the “hype” social factors that play into it. An asset should sell itself without the need of populism, and I don’t think NFTs in games have even scratched the surface of their potential. Creating digital fashion does sound like a challenge. So why did you choose Decentraland as a platform? I came across Decentraland a long while before I created my first asset and what drew me to it was the concept of the project and the ideology. You are one of the most successful creators in Decentraland. Please share your thoughts about it. Did you have a goal when you published your very first wearable? I find that statement a little jarring due to my work being mainly uncredited and for 3rd parties. Although I was only made aware of the numbers involved in the trading of my wearables recently, I am humbled. I think the most accomplished feeling I’ve had is making assets for myself, but the most joy I have had making wearables has been in collaboration with my business partner, Sam, making wearables enjoyed by many citizens of Decentraland over various events that have gone on over the last one and a half years.  Ironically my goal when I started out was to see if, as a 3D artist, it was possible to not be at the mercy of traditionally established dependencies (working for middlemen or studio producers). However, increasingly, we see the rise of the “metaverse consultant” charging ridiculous fees for their services and subcontracting to the real talent for peanuts. The long and short of it, my goal was to see if the technology/platform could be used to fight the swathe of abusive business practices conducted in established industries. It appears it can! But collectors should be vigilant in regards to whom they part with their hard-earned money. The profiteering middleman or the talent? Starting something on your own can be overwhelming. What would you advise for someone who is still in doubt? Share your “work in progress” with the community. It reveals the authenticity of you as an artist and establishes rapport. It is what I did, and I was approached by multiple people (including the Foundation, of whom I am very grateful for subcontracting myself and Sam to create wearables for their outstanding events!). You never know who is looking in Discord or on Twitter, don’t be afraid of people stealing your ideas at the expense of people not knowing your worth as an artist. Do you remember your very first Decentraland experience? Can you tell us a little bit about it? I think it was like for many others, Wonderzone & Tominoya Casino, haha, but I then went to Discord and found super cool scenes like the Puzzle Museum, etc. I know that the community in Decentraland is very strong. Have you ever met any of them IRL, and how do you feel about your anonymity in the space? I am pretty open. I think anonymity helps to feel a sense of protection from abusers. For others, it serves as a protection to abuse others. So I figure I’d rather be transparent as I have no intention to abuse anyone, but I respect others’ needs for privacy. I have had the joy of meeting many DCL citizens in person at the NFTxROADS event in Valencia. I can’t wait to meet up with people again and chat about nerdy/art stuff! What is your inspiration, and how do you manage your creative process? My creative process is often at the mercy of my ambition. Luckily I have a great business partner who keeps me anchored. I am inspired by many things, including the historical repertoire of game art styles, but mainly I am inspired to push boundaries, not just be the first to execute something like a silly badge of honor to gloat about, but something that utilizes NFTs to give power to the collector other than to just sell it. Digital fashion inspires me in that capacity, also. If you could say just one thing about what is the key to digital creativity? What would it be? Think about the technology and how it can be utilized in new dynamics and not in a gimmicky way to make quick cash. But a way that digital assets can be enjoyed by people in a way where their purchases aren’t just a weak excuse for wealth extraction. How do you see the future of digital wearables? I believe in the future. Maybe this is naïve and even a little pessimistic, but people will prefer to tune into the digital worlds over the real one (it’s already been happening for the last 20 years), but with digital asset scarcity and certificate of ownership, digital wearables will be highly coveted items that not only give people a sense of identity and social status but also affect their experience within these digital worlds. The expanse of experience is highly desirable in any circumstance. It’s why folks enjoy roller coasters or partake in various mind-altering state drugs. Decentraland is ahead of the curve on this by means of decentralized application of utility to digital wearables. Newer flashy projects with stock assets will crop up, but the infrastructure of Decentraland takes time and an organic democratic process that other projects haven’t even started to conceive. Most other “metaverses” are still trying to monopolize at the expense of the digital wearable buyer to appease VC expectations. How do you see the future of the Metaverse(s)? I see the future of Metaverses being like a street of 100 coffee shops. People will try each of them out now and again but will ultimately stick to their favorite one until it goes out of business. Then move on to the next. The real question will be, can they redeem the loyalty card they’ve fully stamped in the previous shop, and who funds these franchises? Does the retail user’s money go back into an ecosystem that serves them (in this hilarious parallel, the coffee bean growers?) and the project or increasingly pays out to a series of individuals who happened to be early (investors at the expense of every worker in the hierarchy)? Go decentralized and fight for it 3 Listen to the Twitter Spaces talk with Lina and Malloy Here Want more? Connect with NFT Plazas Join the Weekly Newsletter Join our Discord Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram *All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from the personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to fully research any product prior to making any kind of investment. Fashion editor, founder of an online magazine Abstract Stylist and global tech PR for cybersecurity companies.

These Were The Top Selling Baby Items From Day 1 Of Amazon’s Secret Sale! – 22 Words https://collincountynewsonline.com/these-were-the-top-selling-baby-items-from-day-1-of-amazons-secret-sale-22-words/ Amazon’s secret sale has kicked off, and that means a day’s worth of sales and new top items. One of the hottest sale categories was baby items and we’ve got a list that’s packed full of those top sellers so you don’t have to miss out on something great! Whether you’re looking for yourself, grandkids, or a friend’s baby shower, this list has got something you’ve got to have. Even if you’re not looking for anything in particular you should check it out. You never know what might come in handy. I don’t even have babies yet and I love to scroll baby things, so that’s not a prerequisite, but if you’re planning to have one or your friends are at that stage of life, you really can’t beat this list. Baby monitors, diaper bags, bottle warmers, and more! Take a scroll and see what you can find. You will love our editor’s curated product picks! FYI: We are an Amazon affiliate partner and may get a share of the sale of your purchase (at no cost to you). 21% Off! Don’t Let This Deal Pass You By! Save 21% on this incredible baby monitor! No more sneaking quietly into your little one’s room only to risk them waking up at the sound of the door closing. Now, you can keep an eye on your little gifts from any room of your house and rest easy knowing your eyes are always on them. Save 30% On Everyone’s Favorite Car Seat This is one of the most popular car seats and is obviously one of the most popular Amazon baby buys right now. It makes sense that it’s so popular because it’s one of the safest car seats out there, and it looks pretty comfy, too. Grab it now while it’s still 30% off! This Humidifier is 34% Off! Humidifiers are a great way to keep your wee ones healthy and happy and it’s pretty affordable too at a whopping 34% off. Not only does it keep the humidity level right where it belongs, it also works as a diffuser and a gentle night light to keep them soothed. Cover Your Baby Basics Babies need a lot of stuff, but if you’re scrolling this list, that’s not new info! But some of that stuff is a must and it’s a must as soon as the baby arrives. Fortunately, this terrific kit has everything you need to take care of your little bundle of joy. 35% Off! Create a Pleasant Atmosphere Babies need a great sleep environment, too, you know. And if you have a difficult sleeper, you’ve got to get this great, and portable, sound machine! Especially now, while it’s 35% off — an unbeatable discount. It plays five different sounds and comes with three light levels so you can create the best sleep environment possible. Breastfeeding Isn’t Easy But 30% Off Is Great Breastfeeding is a pain. Sometimes, literally. It can be quite a challenging task and one that doesn’t always work the first time out of the gate. Fortunately, this great breastfeeding essentials box has everything you need to care for clogged ducts, chapped nipples, and sore breasts. Grab it while it’s 30% off! 10% Off! Get Your Crib Looking Right Can’t forget the crib! You need a sheet and a blanket, bare minimum, but a crib without a skirt just looks sort of sad. Fortunately, you can just get this bundle and you’ll have everything you need in one purchase. Take 10% off now — don’t miss this great deal! 20% Off! Wipe It Down You can never have too many wipes as a parent. Not just for changing diapers, but for all the other sorts of messes that kids tend to get into as they grow. Don’t even get me started on mealtime messes. Go ahead and stock up on these great water wipes while they’re 20% off and you can thank me later. Take 59% Off This Must-Have Baby Hack Give your hips a rest with this absolutely wild hack product. This takes the weight and pressure off your hips but keeps your baby in the right place while you go about your day. This is an awesome option for a sports game or a big event. It even has a phone holder! Grab it now while it’s 59% off. Keep Your Little Ones Looking Neat This is the ultimate baby grooming kit. Pretty much everything in this kit is something you’ll need for the baby years. From nail clippers to nose suckers, you’ll find all you need in here to make sure your baby looks neat and put together, even if you’re too busy to do the same for yourself. The Ultimate Diaper Bag is 45% Off! Not only is this a cute diaper bag, but it’s also got tons of storage so you can store all of those many baby essentials, and it has a giant, attached changing table. This incredible bag is 45% off and you’ve got to grab this ASAP before the deal ends. 54% Off! Make Tummy Time the Best Time Babies don’t always love tummy time, but it’s something they’ve got to do, unfortunately. Luckily, though, you can make it something they might actually enjoy with this inflatable, interactive pad that’s currently on sale — 54% off! Your little ones will love smooshing and pushing the little aquatic critters inside. Make Sure They’re Well-Read Literacy is so important, and you’ve really got to get it started at an early age. Just kidding! I mean, it is important, but these books aren’t really something babies read. They just chew on them, bat them around, and enjoy those fun, crinkling, squeaking sounds that come from them. Your New Favorite Bowls These bowls are pretty much the coolest! They suction to whatever surface they’re on so you don’t have to worry about your kiddos dumping all of the good and delicious food you made them right on the floor. Plus, they’re super easy to clean so your post-mess work is a snap. 20% Off! Warm Your Bottles on the Go It’s not easy to warm bottles when you’re traveling; hotel bathroom sinks don’t always warm up quickly or completely enough and microwaving can cause those dangerous hot spots. This travel bottle warmer makes the process so much simpler and it can go with you wherever you go, and it is 20% Off. 60% Off! You Can’t Afford Not to Get These Great Teethers Teething is probably the worst part of being a baby. At least from an outsider’s perspective. It just looks super painful and the babies are so pitiful and sad and no one can do anything to help. Fortunately, these great teething tubes give them something chewy to ease the pain. Get them now while they’re 60% off! Save 52% Take Care of That Pesky Snot You’ve got to grab this super popular nasal aspirator while it’s hot. And while it’s 52% off! Babies aren’t capable of blowing their noses, but they do have to deal with snot when they’re sick. This aspirator pulls all that gross stuff out and lets them breathe a little easier at night. Swaddle Them Up Right for 29% Off! This swaddle is so dang cute! Can’t you just see your little one wrapped up in this, all snuggled up tight? 29% off makes it just about impossible to resist. Your little one is going to love the tight and secure feeling that comes with being bundled into its fuzzy embrace. 20% Off! Let Them Chew Away Teethers are a must-have for your little ones. Teething is no fun for anyone involved, but these chewable toys make it a little easier. The silicone makes these toys, now 20% off, soothing to those raw and new gums and helps give them something to chew on that’s not their sweet, chubby little fingers. The Ultimate Baby Monitor for 28% Less Money There’s no way to actually keep yourself sane as a parent, but this amazing Owlet monitor sock allows you to keep an in-depth eye on them. This lets you monitor your baby’s heart rate, movement, how many times they wake up, and the temperature of the room while they’re in there. Did I mention it’s on sale for 28% off? 39% Off! Keep Your Baby Close Baby-wearing is an underrated way to carry your little one around. This sling keeps them close and tucked close and it allows your hands to remain free for errands, work, or whatever else your day brings. Be sure to grab this great, and comfy, sling now while it’s 39% off! Save 11% and Keep an Eye On Your Bundle of Joy This awesome car gadget really changes the game on car seat viewing. It’s not your usual car seat mirror, it actually uses a camera to let you know what’s going on back there when you can’t have eyes on your kiddos yourself. And get it now, because you can’t beat this 11% savings deal!

Why Is The Crypto Market Down Today? – Cointelegraph https://collincountynewsonline.com/why-is-the-crypto-market-down-today-cointelegraph/ Why is the crypto market down today?  Cointelegraph

Dollar At 24-Year Peak To Yen As U.S. Yields Jump; Sterling On The Ropes – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/dollar-at-24-year-peak-to-yen-as-u-s-yields-jump-sterling-on-the-ropes-reuters/ TOKYO, Oct 12 (Reuters) – The dollar rose to a fresh 24-year high against the yen on Wednesday, moving above levels that prompted intervention by Japanese officials last month, as traders braced for U.S. inflation data and its impact on further Federal Reserve rate hikes. Sterling slipped to a new two-week trough after Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey reiterated that the central bank will end its emergency bond-buying program on Friday and told pension fund managers to finish rebalancing their positions within that time frame. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar sank to a 2 1/2-year low. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com The dollar strengthened 0.3% to 146.30 yen in Asian trading, after pushing as high as 146.35, a level not seen since August 1998. The Japanese currency is particularly sensitive to the gap between U.S. and Japanese long-term bond yields. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield jumped to the cusp of a 14-year high overnight at 4.006%, while the equivalent Japanese government bond yield is pinned near zero by the Bank of Japan. Japanese officials staged their first yen-buying intervention since 1998 on Sept. 22, when the yen tumbled to as low as 145.90 per dollar. Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Wednesday that authorities will take necessary steps in the foreign exchange market if needed, adding that what was important was the speed of currency movements, Jiji Press news agency reported. “It is the speed of change rather than the level that will trigger FX intervention, (meaning) USD/JPY may rise past its pre‑intervention of 145.9 without triggering the BoJ to step in if the rise occurs gradually,” Joseph Capurso, a currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, wrote in a client note. At the same time, the U.S. consumer price report on Thursday could trigger the kind of sharp move that would prompt another intervention, Capurso added, “but we maintain any intervention‑induced moves in USD/JPY will be unwound within a few weeks.” The Fed has signalled it will continue its aggressive tightening campaign to rein in inflation, and recent strong U.S. labour market reports have scuppered hopes among some market participants that policymakers may slow the pace of rate hikes. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester backed that view on Tuesday, saying the U.S. central bank has yet to get surging inflation under control and will need to press forward with rate hikes. read more The U.S. dollar index – which measures the greenback against a basket of six major peers, including the yen, sterling and the euro – edged 0.16% higher to 113.52, after touching the highest since Sept. 29 at 113.54. Sterling slipped 0.13% to $1.0947, and earlier touched $1.09385, marking a fresh low since Sept. 29, following the comments by the BoE governor. Gilt yields soared on Tuesday, lifting yields in the U.S. and elsewhere. The euro slumped to its weakest since Sept. 29 overnight at $0.9670 and remained not far from that level, trading 0.17% lower than Tuesday’s close at $0.96885. Worries that continued aggressive policy tightening by the Fed and most of its peers will lead the global economy into recession continues to weigh on risk sentiment. Investors will be seeking for further clues when inflation data for September is released on Wednesday for prices that sellers get for their products, and on Thursday for prices consumers pay for purchases. The Aussie sank as low as $0.62395, a level last seen in April 2020, and last traded 0.5% weaker at $0.62415. The New Zealand dollar was 0.21% lower at $0.5570, approaching the previous day’s low of $0.5536, a level not visited since March 2020. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Kevin Buckland Editing by Shri Navaratnam Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Partners With INTELITY To Enhance The Guest Experience With Mobile App And Smart-Room Tablets | – Hotel Technology News https://collincountynewsonline.com/potawatomi-hotel-casino-partners-with-intelity-to-enhance-the-guest-experience-with-mobile-app-and-smart-room-tablets-hotel-technology-news/ INTELITY’s cloud-based platform will further Potawatomi’s effort to provide a more digital connection and personalized guest experience. 10.11.2022 INTELITY®, provider of hospitality’s leading guest experience and staff management platform, announced today a new deal with Potawatomi Hotel & Casino to implement the INTELITY platform throughout the property. Selected for its robust digital offerings, Potawatomi plans to deploy the complete suite of INTELITY’s strong staff and guest management tool. INTELITY’s cloud-based platform will further Potawatomi’s effort to provide a more digital connection and personalized guest experience. The mobile app and smart-room tablets provide an unparalleled level of convenience; guests can check-in pre-arrival, use a mobile key, request room service, order in-room dining, and make restaurant and activity reservations. Additionally, the INTELITY platform’s back-office system, GEMS®, will equip Potawatomi’s facility to streamline service, better communicate with guests through guest messaging, and deliver business insights to the management team, to help provide a personalized guest experience. “We are always trying to figure out ways to provide our guests the best experience possible and this cutting-edge technology will be a fantastic amenity for hotel guests,” Potawatomi Hotel & Casino CEO and GM Dominic Ortiz said. “We aim to make big and bold changes to our guest amenities, and this INTELITY platform will help us do just that in our hotel.” Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino provides guests with endless entertainment options. With 500 guestrooms, multiple restaurants, and a full casino, this property requires the industry’s top technology to manage the fast-paced logistics more efficiently. “INTELITY is excited to implement the complete system to Potawatomi. Our all-in-one platform will provide guests with a seamless experience with the Hotel and Casino. From messaging guests their hotel stay information including their mobile key to ordering food, guests will get a high-tech experience with INTELITY’s platform. Not to mention the benefits for the staff to track, manage and service guests at a high frequency” says Benjamin Keller, SVP of Sales & General Manager. Does your company have news it would like to share with our readers? If so, we invite you to review our editorial guidelines and submit your press release for publishing consideration.

IndiGG’s Ishank Gupta On How Web3.0-Based Gaming And Metaverse Apps To Earn Beyond Traditional Ways – The Financial Express https://collincountynewsonline.com/indiggs-ishank-gupta-on-how-web3-0-based-gaming-and-metaverse-apps-to-earn-beyond-traditional-ways-the-financial-express/ It is believed that additional Web3.0 features such as interoperability across different platforms, autonomy and ownership, will help drive adoption It seems that the popularity and profitability of play-to-earn (P2E) games have increased thanks to the rise in blockchain-backed applications. Experts believe that a platform will stand out by offering innovations to create revenue streams for gamers, and has the potential to bridge the gap between decentralised finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). A recent report from Newzoo, a gaming analytics website, highlighted that India is the second largest market for video games with over 373 million players. In a conversation with FE Blockchain Ishank Gupta, advisor, IndiGG, a gaming guild platform, talks about how a P2E gaming ecosystem can be formulated into a revenue model and the role of cryptocurrency. (Edited Excerpts)  How can P2E games replace the traditional job scenario?  I believe one of the key elements which has been unlocked by P2E games is the ability to create digital economies, for players to be able to make a living by playing a game. Web3.0-based gaming carries the potential to lay the foundation for a gaming experience where players own the items they earn and craft in-game, and can even trade or rent them to other players for a source of income. This allows players to be rewarded for their time spent in-game, and is expected to change the way the entire gameplay loop is perceived. Moreover, Web3.0-based gaming and metaverse applications have the capability to go beyond traditional earning ways by alternatives such as digital fashion, skins, organising virtual events, among others. Reportedly, video games now represent a $336 billion industry. What will be the implications of a P2E gaming revenue model in the long run?  Eventually, it is expected to change the way games are perceived when gamers realise the opportunities for ongoing revenue through daily activities. Not just games but other activities can be gamified and incentivised through cryptocurrency-based economic models such as move-and-earn applications as STEPN (GMT) and Sweat Economy (SWEAT), or watch-to-earn applications that reward users for their attention and participation. What are the factors expected to drive Web3.0-based gaming adoption?  While the play-and-earn revenue model is expected to bring its own benefits, the initial uptake of Web3.0-based gaming will be dependent on factors such as immersive gameplay, strong stories and characters, rewarding gameplay loops, among others. Additional Web3.0 features such as interoperability across different platforms, autonomy and ownership, will help drive adoption.  How is P2E gaming expected to benefit a developing market such as India?  I expect India to be considered as an emerging frontier for the gaming industry. According to a November 2021 report by Boston Consulting Group and Sequoia Capital India, monetisation of the Indian gaming market is in excess of $1.8 billion. Insights from VentureBeat, an American technology website, stated that 400 million people have already started to play online video games in the country and the industry is expected to triple in size by 2025. Handing people the means to generate income from everyday activities will help people raise their standard of living and create new business opportunities. Where do you see the prospect of Web3.0-based gaming adoption to reach by 2030? Estimates have predicted that the Web3.0 market could be worth $87 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.2%. It is likely that these estimates will be met or exceeded. Blockchain gaming and decentralisation can help improve efficiency through elimination of intermediaries, and help ensure channeling of control and ownership for people involved. For Web3.0-oriented gaming, mainstream gaming studios and developers have reportedly started to test out gaming-based blockchain functionalities.

Plano Man Describes Being Shot After Helping Neighbor During Domestic Dispute – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth https://collincountynewsonline.com/plano-man-describes-being-shot-after-helping-neighbor-during-domestic-dispute-nbc-5-dallas-fort-worth/ A North Texas man says he ended up getting shot while trying to protect his neighbor and her young child during a domestic dispute. Plano police are still investigating the confrontation. Steven Bolton’s backyard still bares signs of a confrontation that nearly cost him his life. There’s a bullet hole through his fence. “He came out and pointed a gun right at me and fired two shots,” said Bolton, who was recently released from the hospital. On the night of Sept. 18, Bolton said his wife and he received frantic calls from their neighbor who has a child with a man identified by police as Caleb Thomas Humphrey. “[She was] crying hysterically and I could hear him yelling and screaming in the background,” said Bolton. “I told her to get the baby and come over to my house and get away from him. She said he wouldn’t let her leave the garage.” Bolton said he and a friend rushed over to help get the woman to safety. Bolton called for his wife who managed to grab the child and take her to their house. Local The latest news from around North Texas. The men stayed and demanded Humphrey let the woman leave. Bolton admitted things got tense as they repeatedly impeded the garage door from being closed. It was about 9 p.m. when Bolton said he did not see Humphrey clearly since he was standing inside the laundry room next to the garage. “While she’s getting her stuff out [of her car], he comes back, opens the door with a gun and yells on his cellphone to 911: ‘three masked men were charging him and he felt threatened and he just fired two rounds,” said Bolton. Police say Humphrey admitted to opening fire after feeling threatened. “There’s no indication that the shooting victim was inside the garage or anywhere else or even trying to make entry,” said Plano Police Det. Jesse Minton. One shot missed, according to police. The second hit Bolton on his side. “I felt like, I just looked for flames on my stomach. It burned so bad,” he said. Bolton said the woman and his friend helped him back to his yard before his wife called 911. Police later arrested Humphrey for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. With a prior misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana, Humphrey got his bond lowered from $75,000 to $40,000, according to online court records. NBC 5 reached out to Humphrey’s attorney who had no comment. The woman has since filed a protective order against Humphrey, according to online records. She also posted her support for Bolton on social media. While the Boltons insist this incident stems from a history of unreported domestic disputes, police urge residents to use caution. “It’s good that people still want to step in and help their neighbors and try to do what’s right, but just be aware that sometimes these things spiral out of control, especially when you’re dealing with family units,” said Minton. “Even on something like this that would start as small as this seems to be, when you’re walking a person from one house to another, if you feel like there’s been a history of domestic violence or a history of possible escalating, call the police department. That’s what we’re here for.” Though the 54-year-old suffered serious injuries, particularly to his intestines, he says he would do it again. “I’d do the exact same thing. I didn’t do it for me. I don’t like the word ‘hero.’ I did it because I genuinely care for that family and I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute,” said Bolton. “People in that situation have to have ‘big brother’ to stand up for them.” Bolton’s wife says that’s just the kind of person he is. “He’s a very selfless person,” she said. “Pretty lucky to have him for a neighbor because he would do the same thing tomorrow.” Bolton is unable to work for now. The family has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for medical costs. ONLINE: Click here to see how you can make a donation to help Bolton’s medical expenses.

Seek Out New Zealand For Your Next Vacation! – KOIN.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/seek-out-new-zealand-for-your-next-vacation-koin-com/ Skip to content KOIN.com Portland 66° Portland 66° Search Please enter a search term. Primary Menu News Wildfire Watch 2022 Coronavirus Eye on NW Politics Your Local Election Headquarters Is Portland Over? Oregon Washington Politics from The Hill Special Reports Crime National Washington DC Entertainment Mainstream Weedia Positive Vibes Where We Live Northwest Grown Hispanic Heritage Month BestReviews BestReviews Daily Deals Automotive News Press Releases Top Stories Jo Ann Hardesty shows support for affordable housing … Motorcyclist dies after crash in Salem intersection; … Watermelons cover highway after semi rolls in Massachusetts Video Ex-Texas cop charged over shooting teen eating hamburger Newsletters Weather Air Quality Weather Alerts Closings and Delays Weather Radar Pet Walk Forecast Weather Photos Oregon and Washington Weather Webcams Eye on Climate Earthquakes Ski Conditions KOIN 6 Weather Kids Traffic Traffic Cams Video KOIN 6 Live Newscasts KOIN Live Stream Events CBSN CBS Shows TV Listings AM Extra Move it Monday Mayor Monday Tech Tuesday Wallet Wednesday Foodie Friday Sports High School Spotlight Portland’s CW Everyday Northwest Community Northwest Lifestyle Sponsor Giving Contests Choose Local Eye on the Northwest SOLVE Local Events About Us Meet the Team Regional News Partners Work for Us Advertise with Us Contact Us ReportIt KOIN 6 News Mobile Apps Newsletters KOIN 6 Text Alerts KOIN, KRCW EEO Public File Report About BestReviews Jobs Find a Job Post a Job Work for Us Search Please enter a search term. EDNW Sponsor by: Ashley Howard Posted: Oct 11, 2022 / 04:42 PM PDT Updated: Oct 11, 2022 / 04:42 PM PDT by: Ashley Howard Posted: Oct 11, 2022 / 04:42 PM PDT Updated: Oct 11, 2022 / 04:42 PM PDT New Zealand is welcoming back tourists with open arms after such restricted travel from the pandemic. Trending Stories Measure 114 could have major effect on gun control Gov. candidates react to polls, Biden’s visit New details released on Biden’s Portland trip Woman hit, killed in jet ski crash identified Coast Guard stops 17-foot boat on Willamette River

Cybercrime Is The Biggest Threat Facing Corporate Australia Today – Tech Business News https://collincountynewsonline.com/cybercrime-is-the-biggest-threat-facing-corporate-australia-today-tech-business-news/ Why latest guidelines spell danger for Australia’s Cybersecurity Cybercrime is the biggest threat facing corporate Australia today, costing the economy more than an estimated $3trillion. With the sophistication, agility, and frequency of attacks increasing (one every 8 minutes in Australia), it’s encouraging to see the federal government implementing new legislation in response. However, while the intention is to better protect Australia’s critical infrastructure, this new cybersecurity framework could do the opposite.  Originally designed in 2018 the reformed ‘Critical Infrastructure Protection Act 2022’ came into effect in July this year. With an improved framework for handling cyber threats, it includes an array of measures to which Australian businesses and services must adhere.  In theory, the new act is imperative for safeguarding a modern Australia. Its existence provides a benchmark for IT and OT professionals across a greater variety of industries, and ensures security is a collective responsibility.  The importance of addressing this responsibility cannot be overstated in an environment of increased cyber threats to essential services and businesses over the past few years – including federal parliamentary networks, the medical sector, universities, and key software businesses.   Take the most recent attack on Optus’ network as an example, which has seen millions of customers potentially affected, with full names, date of births and contact details stolen. While Optus was covered by insurance, it’s a reminder that sufficient scenario planning and risk mitigation is integral to preventing these increasingly sophisticated attacks. Potentially one of the largest attacks Australia has seen to date, it’s a warning to us all that cybersecurity has never been more critical.   The introduction of the new act then is a positive sign that Australia is taking cybersecurity threats more seriously. However, some of the amendments foreshadow an evolution of increasingly stringent rules that could become unrealistic and unachievable – ultimately threatening system effectiveness and integrity. One such update is the change to incident reporting deadlines. In line with the new law, organisations are now required to notify the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASCS) within 12 hours of becoming aware of an incident. Failure to comply can result in fines starting at $11,000.   Not only could this have implications for smaller businesses, which often have fewer resources to identify and manage attacks on their assets, it detracts from what should be the priority of risk management. The standard 12-hour reporting deadline also doesn’t take into consideration the challenges and processes of different industries – finance vs the food sector, for example. The sophistication and complexity of cybercrimes mean that, in many instances, the time it takes to correctly identify an attack and potential solution is also difficult to predict. On a global scale, reporting time for incidents was previously around 72 hours, meaning deadlines have reduced from three days to one. The risk in this continued reduction of reporting times is that requirements may get so low – potentially to immediate notification or ‘zero hours’ – that it’s simply unsustainable. Organisations must have adequate time to identify a breach, investigate the incident and produce an accurate report without fear of potentially devastating legal, cost and brand ramifications. While the latest guidelines hint at a stricter framework in future, the current requirements are achievable for organisations that are prepared. For any organisation, whether 300 or 30,000, the key to effectively managing cyber-security is understanding responsibilities and having a clear plan.  To implement the most effective cybersecurity, you must first have visibility over all your systems. At Schneider, we work with businesses daily to understand their unique challenges and ensure open lines of communication. We also have dedicated cybersecurity leads to ensure clearly defined roles and responsibilities.  To practice what we preach, we upskill our people through mandatory annual cybersecurity certification, and we have a customer-facing Cybersecurity Virtual Academy, an online resource providing educational cybersecurity content, as well as opportunities to engage with industry experts through webinars and Q&As. We also partner with other leaders in the cybersecurity space to help our customers best leverage the investment they’ve made in their existing IT environment. Whether you’re a start-up, SME, or global enterprise, the new guidelines are an important reminder that investing in cybersecurity is not just the right thing to do, but critical for your business. Nikki Saunders Nikki is the cybersecurity EcoSystem Program Manager, Pacific, Schneider Electric

Resilience May Improve Health Among Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes – Medical News Today https://collincountynewsonline.com/resilience-may-improve-health-among-older-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-medical-news-today/ Psychological resilience involves people’s ability to recover and work through trauma or other challenging life events. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to severe health problems. Recent data suggests psychological resilience may improve health outcomes among older adults with type two diabetes. A​s the population ages, experts are working to understand factors that influence healthy aging and encourage a better quality of life. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can impact long-term health outcomes. A​ new study published in the found that older adults diagnosed with T2D who had high levels of psychological resilience were more likely to have better physical functioning, higher quality of life, and a lower likelihood of frailty and self-reported disability. Psychological resilience, or just resilience, depends on people’s ability to respond and adapt to complex events like stress or trauma. It has to do with bouncing back after experiencing hardship. Anamara Ritt-Olson, Ph.D., an associate professor of health, society, and behavior at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, not involved in the study, explained resilience to MNT in this way: “Resilience is the incredibly common ability to both withstand and bounce back from adversity. It is the armor that we wear to weather the difficulties of life. We are often put in the spin cycle of life, but resiliency allows us to come out relatively unharmed.” Both internal and external factors impact resilience. People are different, so their levels of resilience are also different. For example, adults with greater levels of social support are more likely to have more robust levels of resilience. Resilience can impact many aspects of people’s lives, including how they cope with chronic conditions. is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to use glucose for energy. It requires careful long-term management. If left unmanaged, it can lead to severe health complications like diabetic nephropathy and heart disease. Experts are still researching the best disease management methods and factors influencing long-term health outcomes. Experts in this current study wanted to examine how psychological resilience impacted health in older adults with T2D. The study included over 3,000 older adult participants with T2D. These participants were originally enrolled in a clinical trial that compared different diabetes management interventions. Current study authors followed up with these participants on average fourteen and a half years later. They measured a few different components among the participants: resilience, using the Brief Resilience Scale that relies on self-reporting ​overnight hospitalizations within the last year physical functioning, including self-reports and looking at gait speed and grip strength physical and mental quality of life frailty, which was measured with unintentional weight loss, physical inactivity, low energy, slow gait, and reduced grip strength depressive symptoms Overall, researchers found that higher levels of psychological resilience were associated with better health outcomes, including lower numbers of hospitalizations, better physical functioning and quality of life, and fewer symptoms of depression. Study author KayLoni Olson, Ph.D., noted the following study highlights to MNT: “In this study, we found that among older adults with Type 2 diabetes, individuals who reported a greater degree of psychological resilience (being able to ‘bounce back after stress) also reported better overall aging-related health. This includes metrics like fewer hospitalizations in the previous year, lower likelihood of meeting criteria for frailty, and greater mental well-being.” However, researchers also found some variation between the association of resilience with some metrics. They note that this indicates that “some associations may differ based on race [or] ethnicity.” This particular study had a few limitations indicating the need for more in-depth research. First, the study cannot determine causality. It was also a cross-sectional study, which means that the authors could not determine the directional relationship of the variables. Other limitations are related to particular study and analysis methods. For example, they did not look at all of the sociocultural factors that may impact resilience. They also didn’t examine specific aspects of aging, like cognitive function. The majority of participants were white and female, which can limit the generalization of the study’s findings. Dr. Ritt-Olson offered the following insights and words of caution: “Their findings suggest that when older adults build their resiliency, they will find benefits it both their mental and physical strength. They may even be able to avoid hospitalizations. There are challenges with the study that the authors also acknowledge, for example, their measure of resiliency is about your general perception of how quickly you bounce back. We can overestimate our abilities to “bounce back,” and it isn’t tied to an actual event that one needed to adapt to.” Regardless, the study offers insight into the important relationship between the mind and the body. Further research can confirm the impact of psychological resilience and provide longer-term follow-up. “The current study can’t tell us if psychological resilience causes better overall health or vice versa, which means that additional research is important for teasing these relationships apart,” D​r. Ritt-Olson noted. “In the short term, incorporating concepts like resilience into the study of aging may not only contribute to a more holistic understanding of the aging experience but may also help expand the narrative around aging so that individuals feel empowered as opposed to passive participants. This intersects with efforts within the aging research community to define healthy aging not just by the absence of health-related issues but also by the quality of later years of life.”

Kevin Durant Reveals Current ‘Vibes’ Of Brooklyn Nets Team – Sports Illustrated https://collincountynewsonline.com/kevin-durant-reveals-current-vibes-of-brooklyn-nets-team-sports-illustrated/ According to KD, things are good in Brooklyn for now With bad vibes much of last season, and the worst vibes possible throughout most of this summer, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to flip the script. According to star forward Kevin Durant, the vibes are good for now, but that only matters if they stay good when things get tough. Led by Durant, the Nets also boast Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, leaving them optimistic about their talent. This of course only matters if the vibes are right. “The vibes have been straight but who knows what the vibes will be if we hit a skid or if we’re not playing well or if somebody gets injured. That’s what makes a team is how we stick together through those times,” Durant said. From what Durant has revealed regarding his trade request this summer, the team’s inability to fight through adversity was one of his concerns. According to him, even when they were depleted by injuries and league protocols last year, Brooklyn should not have gone on such a skid. Alluding to that with these comments, Durant wants this year’s team to stick together even when things go poorly. Scroll to Continue As he put it, a team is made during their ability to stick together during tough times. Last year’s Brooklyn team did not show an ability to do this, and while the vibes are good so far this year, Durant wants that to remain the case. If it does, this team has the talent to be a problem in the Eastern Conference. Related Articles: Rate the Trade: Kyle Kuzma to the Brooklyn Nets Practice Footage of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons Revealed New Potential Trade Target For Brooklyn Nets Revealed In This Article (1)

Mark Zuckerberg Says Metaverse Should Be ‘open’ As He Criticizes Apple’s Ecosystem – 9to5Mac https://collincountynewsonline.com/mark-zuckerberg-says-metaverse-should-be-open-as-he-criticizes-apples-ecosystem-9to5mac/ Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has never hidden his opinions against some of Apple’s decisions, especially after the company introduced App Tracking Transparency. This time, Zuckerberg criticized Apple and its rumored mixed reality headset as he argued that the metaverse should be “open.” Zuckerberg is skeptical about Apple’s rumored headset While Apple’s AR/VR headset won’t be ready until 2023, Meta on Tuesday unveiled its new virtual reality headset. The Meta Quest Pro comes with advanced sensors for facial tracking and some other impressive technologies. In an interview with The Verge, Zuckerberg said why he believes Meta’s VR ecosystem is better than what Apple has been working on. For Zuckerberg, the main concern is not about having the best hardware, but having an open ecosystem. The Meta CEO said that the company is in a “philosophical competition” with Apple as both companies work on the future of what he calls the metaverse. The executive used the example of PC versus Mac and Android versus iOS to illustrate how Apple tries to lock users into its ecosystem while other platforms can together take advantage of the “upside of what is created”. He argued that the metaverse should be “interoperable” and built by many different developers and companies. According to Zuckerberg, Apple can hurt both competitors and consumers with its rumored mixed reality headset since the company already has full control over the iPhone, which is used by billions of people around the world. “The things that they’re doing are not as altruistic as they claim them to be,” he said about Apple. Meta has been working with partners such as Microsoft, Autodesk, and Accenture to build its metaverse platform. The new Meta Quest Pro is one of the company’s bets to make the metaverse a reality for more people. Based on rumors, Apple has been working on at least three new AR/VR headsets. The first will be “Apple Reality Pro,” an advanced mixed reality headset that will compete directly with the Meta Quest Pro. The device is expected to feature 8K displays and advanced sensors for gesture and environment detection. Analysts believe the product will cost between $1,000 and $3,000. At the same time, Apple has also been developing a cheaper version of its headset, as well as lighter augmented reality glasses. These, however, won’t be ready until 2024 at the earliest. In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook suggested that he disagrees with Meta’s vision of the metaverse. According to Cook, the average person likely doesn’t even know what the metaverse is, and he doesn’t believe that people should be encouraged to “live their whole lives” in a virtual world. Unsurprisingly, Cook didn’t say a word about Apple’s upcoming products in this category. Read also: Apple’s next big product is not just a headset but an entire ‘Reality’ ecosystem FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

The Best Anti-Prime Early Access Sale Deals Happening At Best Buy – The Verge https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-best-anti-prime-early-access-sale-deals-happening-at-best-buy-the-verge/ Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale isn’t the only place where you can find marked-down tech products. Best Buy is participating with deals of its own, many of which price-match what we’re seeing at Amazon’s Prime member-exclusive event. By and large, searching on Best Buy for any of the deals currently live on our main post should pull up a price match. Similarly, its deals are also in effect for two days, lasting through tomorrow, October 12th. So, whether it’s more convenient to shop at Best Buy or you’d prefer to spend your money at a brick-and-mortar location, here are the best anti-Prime Day deals happening at Best Buy. Best Buy’s Flash Sale deals The best deals on TVs, monitors, and home entertainment The 55-inch LG B2 OLED TV is a great deal at $979.99. It offers an amazing picture, HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate, but it can’t get quite as bright as the C2 lineup. It’s just $3 pricier at Best Buy than at Amazon. $976.99 The B2 is one of LG’s latest OLED TV models. It sits in the middle of its offering, boasting a high 120Hz refresh rate feature that’s not present in the more affordable A2. It also has HDMI 2.1 ports for fast-paced content, like gaming. Sony’s 55-inch A80J OLED 4K TV with Google TV software is $999.99 at Best Buy (originally $1,899.99). This deal isn’t being offered at Amazon. Sony’s 27-inch Inzone M9 4K gaming monitor with full array local dimming has received a rare $100 discount. It’s discounted to just $799.99 right now at Best Buy (matching Amazon’s price). Read our review. Insignia (Best Buy’s in-house brand) has a huge 70-inch F30 4K TV with Amazon’s Fire TV software built-in for $419.99 ($230 off). Don’t expect stunning quality compared to pricier TVs, but this could be a great fit for someone’s needs. Plus, it includes an Amazon Echo Show 5 (second-gen) smart display at no additional cost. This free add-on is also the case for smaller F30 model, like the 55-inch priced at $279.99 ($170 off). $279.99 This 2020 model of Insignia’s Fire TV Edition 4K TV includes HDR10 for a more contrast-rich picture. It has three HDMI ports, too, with support for HDMI ARC and eARC, allowing you to send sound through an HDMI cable instead of audio cables. $699.99 Vizio’s Elevate is a high-end soundbar with unique rotating side speakers that turn upwards when playing surround sound audio. Vizio’s high-end Elevate soundbar — which comes with two satellite speakers, a wireless subwoofer, and two rotating, upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos — is discounted to just $699.99 ($300 off). This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the $300 price cut, but it’s well worth mentioning here. Read our guide to the best soundbars. The best deals on headphones and earbuds You can buy Apple’s second-gen Apple AirPods with a wired charging case for $99.99, which matches the lowest price we’ve seen on the earbuds at Best Buy ($10 more than Amazon’s price). These normally sell for around $129. Read our review. Sony’s high-end WH-1000XM5 over-ear, noise-canceling headphones have received a $50 price cut at Best Buy, costing $349.99 at Best Buy. They’re far from the most affordable model on sale this week (just scroll down a little), but it’s still a nice price reduction. Google’s affordable Pixel Buds A-Series are even cheaper today Best Buy, costing $69.99, which is only $3 more than Amazon (normally $99.99). $151.99 Google’s Pixel Buds Pro are the company’s first earbuds to include active noise cancellation. But that’s not the only thing that makes them Google’s best buds yet: the Pixel Buds Pro combine impressive sound, great battery life, and good comfort — all without the connection issues of earlier models. Bose’s awesome, noise-canceling QuietComfort 45 are down to $229, a $100 price cut. This matches Amazon’s price. Read our review. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro have been marked down to $159.99 ($40 off). Read our review. Sony’s LinkBuds wireless earbuds, which offer an open-ring style so you can hear both the outdoors and your music, are down to $129.99 ($50 off, $2 more than Amazon). Read our review. The Sony LinkBuds S, which do away with the open-ear design of the aforementioned LinkBuds and offer noise cancellation, are on sale for $129.99 ($70 off, $2 more than Amazon). The Beats Fit Pro, some of our favorite earbuds for running, are back down to $159.99 ($40 off). Read our review. $159.95 Our favorite fitness earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro, feature soft flexible fins that keep them anchored in your ears during vigorous workouts. Their excellent sound has plenty of bass to keep you motivated in the middle of a long run. Jabra’s Elite 7 Active wireless earbuds are $109.99 ($60 off). These workout-friendly buds support active noise cancellation and Jabra’s handy multipoint connectivity. This price is $10 cheaper than Amazon. The same goes for the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, which are $119.99 at Best Buy as opposed to $129 at Amazon. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear, noise-canceling headphones have dropped to $269 (originally $400). This model offers some of the best ANC tech to date. These match Amazon’s price. Read our review for more info. The best streaming device and smart speaker deals The latest Apple TV 4K (32GB) is down to $109.99, the best price we’ve seen yet (originally $179). If you want 64GB of storage, the cost is $129.99. Read our review. Both of these prices match Amazon’s. $109.09 The latest Apple TV 4K houses the A12 Bionic processor and features faster performance with HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, and Thread support. Amazon’s wall-mountable Echo Show 15 is $169.99 during this sale ($80 off). It was already handy for watching along with recipes, but it’ll soon be even more handy by being able to operate as a Fire TV device. Best Buy has the same price as Amazon here. Verge Deals on Twitter / Join over 50,000 followers and keep up with the best daily tech deals with @vergedeals Follow us! Tablet, laptop, and e-reader deals The ninth-generation iPad with 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi capabilities is $269.99 (originally $329). Keep in mind that this model may soon become outdated if Apple announces newer versions sometime in October, as is expected. The 2022 iPad Air with the M1 processor, 64GB of storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity is $519.99 ($80 off). If you want more storage, the 256GB model is on sale for $669.99 ($80 off). Read our review. This matches Amazon’s low price. $519.99 The latest iPad Air retains the iPad Pro-esque redesign of the 2020 model but does away with the A14 Bionic processor in favor of Apple’s lightning-fast M1 chip. It also comes in one of five colors and boasts a 12MP front-facing camera with support for Apple’s Center Stage feature. Apple’s latest iPad Mini with USB-C charging and 64GB of storage is $399.99 at Best Buy. While we’ve seen this $100-off deal before, it’s always nice to see it come back. $99.99 Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite has a 6.8-inch E Ink display with adjustable color temperature for nighttime reading. It also boasts a faster processor, additional battery life, IPX8 waterproofing, and — finally — a USB-C port. Amazon’s latest, ad-supported Kindle Paperwhite with 8GB of storage is on sale for $99.99 instead of $139.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is just $5 shy of the discount we saw during Prime Day (you know, the one in July). Read our Kindle Paperwhite review. $74.99 The 2021 Fire HD 10 is the largest of Amazon’s Fire tablets. Unlike the previous generation, it sports a 1080p display and 3GB of RAM, which is plenty if you’re streaming, browsing, or consuming Amazon content. Of all the budget-friendly tablets in Amazon’s current Fire lineup, the Fire HD 10 is the one we typically recommend, thanks to its sharp 1080p display and relatively good performance. You can currently buy it with ads and 32GB of storage for $74.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, a 50 percent discount. Read our review. You can also buy the ad-supported, 32GB Fire HD 10 Plus — which features support for wireless charging and more RAM than the base model — for $104.99 ($75 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Apple’s 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is on sale for just $799.99, matching its lowest price to date. It debuted for $999. Read our review. Best Buy has the same price as Amazon. $799 The MacBook Air is Apple’s entry-level laptop, which comes outfitted with the company’s new M1 chip in one of three different colors (silver, space gray, and gold). The newer 2022 MacBook Air with the M2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is $1,049 at Best Buy, following a $150 discount — the lowest price so far. Read our review. $1049 The redesigned MacBook Air is a thin, lightweight device powered by Apple’s latest chip. The M2 model also touts a 1080p webcam and a better display than its predecessor, while retaining features like long battery life and MagSafe charging. Smart home tech deals Amazon’s Smart Plug that can let you control any “dumb” device plugged into it with Alexa voice commands is just $12.99 ($12 off), matching Amazon’s price. Smart thermostats can be pricey. That doesn’t apply to Amazon’s, which you can currently get for $41.99 (usually $59.99) at Best Buy, as well as Amazon. This model is surprisingly good, considering its low price. Read our review. $41.99 Developed in partnership with Resideo, the Amazon Smart Thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home through Alexa voice controls and remotely via an app. Smartwatches, wearables, and fitness tech deals The Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS, 41mm) is currently $50 off, bringing the price down to $349. This is the latest model, which has new temperature sensors for tracking your cycle, as well as a new high-g accelerometer and g...

Grayscale Says U.S. SEC Set Bar Too High For Bitcoin Funds – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/grayscale-says-u-s-sec-set-bar-too-high-for-bitcoin-funds-reuters/ Oct 11 (Reuters) – Grayscale Investments said in a court filing Tuesday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission set the bar too high for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which have so far not been approved for listing on U.S. exchanges. Grayscale sued the regulator in June, after the SEC denied its bid to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC.PK), the world’s largest bitcoin fund, into an ETF for listing on Intercontinental Exchange Inc’s (ICE.N) NYSE Arca exchange. The regulator had said that the proposal did not meet standards designed to prevent fraudulent practices and protect investors. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com The SEC has rejected over a dozen spot bitcoin ETF applications, and approved several bitcoin futures-based ETFs. The rejections have focused on applicants’ lack of surveillance-sharing agreements with regulated markets relating to the spot funds’ underlying assets. Such agreements entail sharing trade data and other information to allow the exchange to detect manipulation. Grayscale argued in the court filing that the SEC had not applied its standards evenly to spot bitcoin ETFs and bitcoin futures-based ETFs, even though both types of funds are both fundamentally tied to the price of bitcoin. “There is only one reasonable conclusion to draw: the Commission is treating spot bitcoin ETPs with special harshness based on its opinion about bitcoin’s merits as compared to other types of investments,” the company said in the filing. There is no spot bitcoin market that the SEC considers to be regulated, Grayscale said. But the NYSE Arca had entered a surveillance-sharing agreement with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where bitcoin futures trade, it said. Since the SEC deemed other agreements with CME sufficient to prevent fraud in bitcoin futures-based ETFs, the same should apply to bitcoin spot ETFs since both types of fund rely on the price of bitcoin, Grayscale said. Grayscale also argued the SEC acted outside its authority by not accepting other means of mitigating fraud risk. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Jody Godoy Thomson Reuters Jody Godoy reports on banking and securities law. Reach her at jody.godoy@thomsonreuters.com

18 Best Prime Day Tech Deals Ahead Of Black Friday: Speakers, TVs And More – NBC News https://collincountynewsonline.com/18-best-prime-day-tech-deals-ahead-of-black-friday-speakers-tvs-and-more-nbc-news/ For the first time in Prime Day’s history, Amazon is hosting two Prime Day-like events in the same year. The second sale — dubbed the Prime Early Access Sale— runs through Oct. 12 and offers sitewide savings for Prime members on popular categories ranging from skin care and home goods to tech and fitness equipment. Since it’s so close to the holiday season, Amazon is also introducing a Top 100 list featuring deals on some of the most popular (and gift-worthy) products, the retailer says. SKIP AHEAD Prime Early Access tech sales on Amazon | Tech sales at other retailers Whether you’re shopping for cool products for your tech-loving friends or just looking for some great deals for yourself, you’ll find notable discounts on TVs, headphones, laptops, smartwatches, tech accessories and more during the Prime Early Access Sale. To help you make the most of the fleeting shopping holiday, we compiled some of the best Prime Day deals and sales live on Amazon, plus highlighted other notable deals from counter sales at other retailers. The best Prime Early Access Sale tech deals Below, we’re sharing the best deals from the Prime Early Access Sale on tech products based on our previous coverage and reporting. To ensure the quality of each deal, we’re running deals through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel and Honey— each product is at its lowest price in at least three months. Samsung 32-Inch Class Frame QLED LS03 Series Smart TV Lowest price ever 4.5-star average rating from 2,132 reviews on Amazon Samsung’s Frame series is a favorite among our tech experts — not just for its top-notch QLED panels, but also for its unique ability to act as a TV when it’s on and as art when it’s off. For $5 a month, you can access more than 1,400 pieces of art from world-renowned institutions to transform your QLED screen into a piece of artwork. Apple MacBook Air (2020) Lowest price ever 4.8-star average rating from 12,964 reviews on Amazon With up to 18 hours of battery life and faster graphics and processing speeds thanks to Apple’s M1 chip, according to the brand, this MacBook Air is a great option for those looking to upgrade their current laptop situation. This model has 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which should be enough for most people. Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) 4.7-star average rating from 965,481 reviews on Amazon Amazon’s most compact smart speaker is a deal at less than $20. WIth improved sound over its Gen 2 model, according to the brand, this Echo Dot lets you voice control your music, stream songs, control smart home devices, set timers, ask for the news and more. Pair it with another to enjoy stereo sound. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Lowest price ever 4.7-star average rating from 17,182 reviews on Amazon This water-resistant e-reader has a 6.8-inch glare-free display with an adjustable warm light — it’s designed to feel as if you’re reading from paper, according to Amazon. The Kindle offers up to 10 weeks of battery life on a single charge, the brand says, and you can pair it with Bluetooth headphones if you prefer to listen to audiobooks. Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Control Lowest price ever 4.4-star average rating from 82,564 reviews on Amazon Chamberlain’s Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled garage control hub comes with a sensor that allows you to control and monitor your garage door through a companion app. You can create schedules in the app to automatically open and close your garage and get real-time notifications when there’s any garage door activity. Motorola Razr 5G 4-star average rating from 83 reviews on Amazon The Motorola Razr 5G is a modernized version of the old flip phone. Made of glass and stainless steel, its unique feature is its flexible OLED display module and special hinge system that prevents any crease in the screen. The Razr 5G fits comfortably in your palm or pocket and has 5G speed, according to the brand. It can run for up to 24 hours on a single charge, says Razr. Sony SRS-XG500 X-Series Wireless Portable Bluetooth Boombox Party-Speaker 4.6-star average rating from 396 reviews on Amazon This water-resistant Bluetooth speaker is lightweight (about 12 pounds) and has a carrying handle so you can easily take it on the go. The speaker also includes LED lighting effects to create a cool ambience when playing music in the dark and has up to 30 hours of battery life, according to Sony. Furbo 360° Dog Camera Lowest price ever 4.5-star average rating from 1,173 reviews on Amazon Furbo’s dog camera — one of Select associate reporter Mili Godio’s favorite products for her dog Bella — is designed with a wide-angle camera that rotates 360 degrees. The camera automatically follows your pet as they move, and once you connect the device to the companion app, you can get real-time activity notifications on your phone, watch or tablet. There’s also a compartment built into the device to fill with treats, which you can toss to pets through the app. Fire HD 8 Tablet Gaming Bundle Lowest price ever 4.6-star average rating from 163,449 reviews on Amazon This gaming bundle includes a 10th-generation Fire HD 8 tablet and a Luna Controller, compatible with the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service. According to Amazon, the tablet has up to 12 hours of battery life; it has an 8-inch HD display, 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM. The $10-a-month Luna subscription service — which includes hundreds of games — is not included in the bundle, but there is a seven-day free trial. NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 System 4.4-star average rating from 918 reviews on Amazon One of our experts’ favorite Wi-Fi routers, this integrated cable modem and Wi-Fi 6 satellite system covers up to 5,000 square feet and 40-plus devices at one time so you can stream, game, and work without interruption. The built-in DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports internet plans up to 4Gbps and is compatible with most cable service providers, Netgear says. JBL Bar 5.1 – Soundbar 4.5-star average rating from 1,349 reviews on Amazon The JBL Bar 5.1 delivers panoramic sound minus all the wires. It connects using an HDMI cable to deliver 550 watts of power and has a 10-inch wireless subwoofer to offer ground-shaking bass, the brand says. The built-in Wi-Fi integrates with Chromecast and Airplay 2 so you can stream your favorite music and movies. Everything you need to get that cinematic experience — a soundbar, subwoofer, remote, wall bracket and HDMI cable — comes in the box. Fangor Wi-Fi Bluetooth Portable Home Projector 4.1-star average rating from 1,244 reviews on Amazon This mini, 3.5-pound projector has a built-in 8400mAh battery and Bluetooth speaker, which means you can enjoy music and movies both inside and outdoors, without having to be near an outlet. The projector is also compatible with a TV Adapter, ChromeBook, Tablet and Blu-ray DVD player, and its battery runs up to 2.5 hours after a single charge, says Fangor. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Smartphone 4.6-star average rating from 409 reviews on Amazon The Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with 128GB and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which the company says supports superior camera quality and faster processing speeds compared to its previous 5G platforms. It is the largest of all the phones in the S22 series with a 6.8-inch display and comes with a built-in S Pen. It has a 5,000mAh battery that, according to the brand, should last for more than a day on a single charge. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Lowest price ever 4.5-star average rating from 28,503 reviews on Amazon The Bose 700 over ear headphones are some of the best if you’re looking for active noise cancellation — they offer 11 levels of ANC plus “good, balanced sound quality and a super comfortable fit,” as tech expert Whitson Gordon previously noted. The headphones can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge, according to the brand. Jabra Speak 510 MS Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Lowest price ever 4.7-star average rating from 16,680 reviews on Amazon This wireless portable speaker turns any room into a conference room — its circular design allows it to pick up sound from every angle, according to the brand, and all you have to do is connect it to Bluetooth or USB and dial in to calls. It’s compatible with all leading unified communication platforms, and it’s certified for Avaya, Cisco, Skype for business and more. Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones with Alexa Built-in Lowest price ever 4.4-star average rating from 601 reviews on Amazon These earbuds are Sony’s best wireless headphones for making calls since they provide the right sound for your surroundings, the brand says. They feature touch-control settings so you can pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant and answer phone calls. iWALK 4500mAh Portable Charger USB-C Battery Pack Lowest price ever 4.3-star average rating from 7,220 reviews on Amazon This USB-C Battery Pack is lightweight at just 6.4 ounces and works with Samsung devices, Google devices and more, according to the brand. It attaches directly under the phone, so you can make calls while the phone is charging without any hassle, the brand says. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 4.4-star average rating from 24,739 reviews on Amazon These water-resistant earbuds use Samsung’s Active Noise Cancellation technology to eliminate sounds around you, the brand says. They have an IPX7 water-resistance rating, which means they should be able to withstand intense workouts and walks in light rainstorms. Prime Early Access Sale: Best tech sales on Amazon Here are the best tech sales on Amazon right now during the Prime Early Access Sale that we think you’ll want to know about. Up to 60% off Amazon Echo devices, Fire ta...

Gaming CEOs Celebrate Las Vegas Success, Wary Of Future Issues – Las Vegas Review-Journal https://collincountynewsonline.com/gaming-ceos-celebrate-las-vegas-success-wary-of-future-issues-las-vegas-review-journal/ Two prominent casino company CEOs said Tuesday they’re happy that Southern Nevada is pacing a record industry rebound, but they remain wary of economic uncertainties that could put a dent in the future. Derek Stevens, owner of downtown Las Vegas’ Circa, and Craig Billings, the newest person to hold the position of CEO of Wynn Resorts Ltd., kicked off main events for the four-day Global Gaming Expo at The Venetian. Stevens and Billings were among six CEOs interviewed onstage by CNBC anchor Contessa Brewer. They followed a quick state-of-the-industry address by American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller that celebrated two years of growth that outshined issues on the horizon. Billings, who succeeded Matt Maddox as Wynn CEO nearly nine months ago, said he’s been delighted with Las Vegas results, even as the tourism economy isn’t fully recovered. “Vegas has been a tremendous story,” Billings said. “The town does very, very well in finding additional sources of demand. We’ve had record ADRs (average daily room rates), excellent occupancy, our food and beverage, our theater … everything’s firing on multiple cylinders.” But he admitted the company’s Macao operations have been a huge disappointment as the company prepares for the renewal of its licensing later this year. Stevens indicated he wasn’t sure Circa, which opened in 2020, could be built today under existing economic conditions. “You’d have to be more conservative today than three years ago (when construction was underway),” Stevens said. “The market is tight and labor is affecting food and beverage operations. Some restaurant have to go to five-day or six-day (operations) or just a dinner operation because labor has been an issue since 2019. And anyone who says inflation is transitory, I don’t believe that to be the case. There’s going to be some built-in inflation that’s going to last for quite a little while.” Stevens and Billings believe safety, cybersecurity and water resources are the biggest issues facing Southern Nevada. “Safety is a societal issue and Las Vegas is not immune to societal issues,” Billings said. “But between our surveillance infrastructure and Metro (police), it’s hard to find a safer location than the Strip.” Miller, in his industry address, listed other concerns the gaming industry must be wary of that will be the focus of AGA attention in the months ahead. Miller said the biggest issue facing the industry is the illegal operation of unlicensed websites and gaming machines. “Our industry’s future depends on tackling our biggest threat — the illegal and unregulated market. Illegal and unregulated websites and machines pose a direct threat to our industry’s hard-earned regulatory licensed operators,” he said. “They prey on customers, especially the vulnerable and the underaged. They don’t provide any consumer protections or invest a dime in responsible gaming.” Miller said $300 billion is illegally bet annually, resulting in a loss of $15 billion to legal operators and a $4 billion loss in gaming taxes. Miller also encouraged the industry to embrace the digital future and to focus more attention on responsible gaming. “Online gaming, whether it’s sports betting or iGaming, is our fastest-growing segment,” he said. “Payment modernization is well underway and new technologies continue to emerge. The truth is, oftentimes they raise more questions than answers, but that has never stopped this industry before.” He said the AGA would continue to meet regularly with advocates, researchers, regulators and industry leaders to “explore wide-ranging question, including how we should modernize responsible gaming for today’s market.” Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.

Casting Your Vote: What To Expect – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth https://collincountynewsonline.com/casting-your-vote-what-to-expect-nbc-5-dallas-fort-worth/ In just a few weeks, voters across the country and in Texas will begin to cast a ballot for the November midterm elections. Bruce Sherbet, Collin county elections administrator, said the process to vote really is a three-step process once a voter arrives at their ballot location. First, a voter must have an approved form of identification. Then they receive a card and insert it into a nearby voting machine. From there, the voter casts their ballot. Voters then select their preferred language and place their votes on the touchscreen. Edits and a change of vote can be made before it is submitted and printed out. Once printed, the ballot is then inserted into another machine. “Your vote has now been accumulated on the machine, and it drops down into a locked and secured ballot box within this unit,” said Bruce Sherbet, Collin County Elections Administrator. There are other rules to keep in mind when voting. “You can’t wear something that supports or opposes a candidate or an issue on the ballot.  It’s called electioneering and so you just can’t do that within 100 feet of the polling place,” said Sherbet. Resource materials can be brought to the voting booth but must be kept to the voter. Cell phones are not allowed. “I know we are so dependent on our cell phones now, people mark how they want to vote on their cell phone and take it in.  They can’t use a cell phone because it’s a recording device,” added Sherbet. Poll watchers will be also walking around the area. They have to be appointed, then trained. “The poll watchers are entitled to have free movement within a polling place. The only exception to that free movement is they can’t watch a person voting their ballot, obviously, with one exception. If the election officials working at the location are physically assisting a voter to vote their ballot at the machine, then a poll watcher can observe that part of their process,” said Sherbet. There are already banks already up and running to help answer your questions, and information online throughout the counties.

Cruise Vancouver: Sail Roundtrip To Hawaii At A Steal – Vancouver Is Awesome https://collincountynewsonline.com/cruise-vancouver-sail-roundtrip-to-hawaii-at-a-steal-vancouver-is-awesome/ This sailing includes all of your drinks, meals, entertainment, and transportation on a luxury ship. Best of all, you never have to take a flight as the cruise sails you there and back. Vancouverites looking to visit the Hawaiian Islands this year can enjoy a two-week vacation at a steal — but most of it won’t be on land.  Princess Cruises is currently offering a round-trip sailing out of Vancouver to Hawaii that allows locals to travel to the tropical destination without spending big bucks on hotel fees or flights. While hotels and resorts on any of the islands cost hundreds of dollars each night for accommodation alone, the cruise works out to just over $150 CAD per day and includes all of your meals, transportation, and entertainment, too.  The 15-day Hawaiian Islands cruise departs the Canada Place terminal on Oct. 18 and spends five days at sea before visiting its first port of call, Honolulu, Oahu, on Oct. 24. The following day, guests will visit Kahului, Maui. After that, the cruise stops in Hilo, Hawaii on Oct. 26 and makes its final stop in Kona, Hawaii on Oct. 26. Guests spend five more days on the lavish vessel before disembarking in Vancouver on Nov. 2.  Date Port Arrive Depart Tuesday, October 18 Vancouver, B.C., Canada   4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 At Sea     Thursday, October 20 At Sea     Friday, October 21 At Sea     Saturday, October 22 At Sea     Sunday, October 23 At Sea     Monday, October 24 Honolulu, Oahu, HI 7:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 25 Kahului, Maui, HI 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 26 Hilo, Hawaii, HI 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27 Kona, Hawaii, HI 7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 28 At Sea     Saturday, October 29 At Sea     Sunday, October 30 At Sea     Monday, October 31 At Sea     Tuesday, November 1 At Sea     Wednesday, November 2 Vancouver, B.C., Canada 7:30 a.m.   Cruise from Vancouver with Princess Cruises to Hawaii The total for two guests in an interior stateroom works out to $5,046.30 CAD including all taxes and fees, which works out to $2,523.15 CAD per person. Since the cruise is 15 days long, this works out to a per diem cost of $168.21 CAD. Not only does that cost include your transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package that can reduce the cost of your spending. The cruise ship is the five-star Crown Princess, which offers four swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a live theatre, tennis, mini-golf, renowned spa treatments, movies under the stars, a jogging track, a video arcade, and much more.  Photo via Princess Cruises Book your cruise with Princess Cruises online.  Early this year, I sailed on another cruise line’s first voyage to Vancouver since the onset of the pandemic. Read my experience sailing from San Diego in April.

Football, Dramas Lead Nielsen’s Weekly Top 20 List | Business News | Wfmz.com – 69News WFMZ-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/football-dramas-lead-nielsens-weekly-top-20-list-business-news-wfmz-com-69news-wfmz-tv/ NEW YORK (AP) — Here’s the Nielsen company’s list of the 20 most-watched prime-time television programs for the week of Oct. 3-9: 1. NFL Football: Cincinnati at Baltimore, NBC, 15.88 million. 2. “NFL Pregame,” NBC, 11.85 million. 3. NFL Football: L.A. Rams at San Francisco, ESPN, 10.86 million. 4. “The OT,” Fox, 10.46 million. 5. “Football Night in America,” NBC, 8.96 million. 6. “60 Minutes,” CBS, 7.62 million. 7. “Chicago Fire,” NBC, 7.35 million. 8. College Football: Texas A&M at Alabama, CBS, 7.15 million. 9. “The Equalizer,” CBS, 6.98 million. 10. “FBI,” CBS, 6.97 million. 11. “Young Sheldon,” CBS, 6.96 million. 12. “NCIS,” CBS, 6.92 million. 13. “Chicago Med,” NBC, 6.75 million. 14. “The Voice” (Monday), NBC, 6.56 million. 15. “The Voice” (Tuesday), NBC, 6.47 million. 16. “Blue Bloods,” CBS, 6.4 million. 17. “Ghosts,” CBS, 6.21 million. 18. “FBI: International,” CBS, 5.97 million. 19. “Chicago PD,” NBC, 5.95 million. 20. “Fire Country,” CBS, 5.91 million. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

MyMichigan Health Adds To Sports Medicine Team – Radioresultsnetwork.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/mymichigan-health-adds-to-sports-medicine-team-radioresultsnetwork-com/ As part of MyMichigan Health’s ongoing commitment to bringing comprehensive sports medicine care to athletes of all ages and levels of competition, MyMichigan recently expanded its experienced sports medicine team to include fellowship-trained Primary Care Sports Medicine Specialist Richard Giannotti, Jr., D.O., and Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon Teresa Hall, D.O. With this team expansion, additional sports medicine coverage is being offered at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant. MyMichigan also offers comprehensive sports medicine care services in both Bay City and Midland. As sports medicine specialists, Drs. Giannotti and Hall are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries, disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They enjoy collaborating to help people attain their goals, whether that’s returning to sports or exercise after an injury, reaching the next level of athletic performance, or simply living life as pain-free as possible. Dr. Giannotti completed his medical degree from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis.  He went on to complete his residency in family medicine at Munson Medical Center and a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at Auburn University. Dr. Giannotti’s philosophy of care in sports medicine can be traced back to his father and his godfather. “From a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of practicing what you preach,” he said. “With that in mind, I strive to always live out the counsel and advice I give patients, which is to lead an active and healthy lifestyle rooted in physical activity, nutrition, and proper recovery and rehabilitation. “From childhood, my godfather would recite the parable of “The Lion and Gazelle,” which ends with – it doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or gazelle when the sun comes up you’d better be running. My goal is to do everything I can to ensure patients can “wake up running,” which to me is participating in physical activities that bring joy, happiness and health to their lives.” Dr. Hall completed her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She went on to complete her residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Michigan Health-West and a fellowship in orthopedic surgery sports medicine from the State University of New York at Buffalo, also known as the University at Buffalo. Dr. Hall’s philosophy of care is to listen closely to her patients to understand what is afflicting them and to create relationships built on mutual trust. “I take time to understand my patients’ goals of treatment and plans for the future and then customize a treatment plan based on their individual wants and needs,” she said.  According to Dr. Hall, the most satisfying part of her job is using her hands to diagnose and treat patients and then helping them get back to their desired activity, at any level. “I really enjoy working with athletes through high school and following their career into collegiate sports,” she added. “I’ve worked with professional athletes in football, hockey and lacrosse, as well as NCAA division 1 athletes.” In addition to treating recreational athletes of all ages, MyMichigan Health currently has sports medicine collaborations with Central Michigan University Athletics, Alma College, Northwood University, Mid Michigan College, the Great Lakes Loons, as well as more than 13 local high school athletic programs. MyMichigan also assists with sports medicine coverage during the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, the Dow Tennis Classic, many and other local events. It also boasts WellSport, the area’s only primary care sports medicine program. Those who would like additional information about Drs. Giannotti and Hall or MyMichigan’s comprehensive musculoskeletal services may visit www.mymichigan.org/msk.

Former Angels Staffer Eric Kay Sentenced To 22 Years In Connection To Pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ Death – CBS Sports https://collincountynewsonline.com/former-angels-staffer-eric-kay-sentenced-to-22-years-in-connection-to-pitcher-tyler-skaggs-death-cbs-sports/ Getty Images Former Angels communications director Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in prison in connection to the drug-overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs in 2019. Kay was found guilty in February for the distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The 27-year-old pitcher was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas on July 1, 2019 with traces of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system. Kay was accused of obtaining oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl and distributing them to players. The trial included testimonies from current and former MLB players who said they had received opioid pills from him. These players included Matt Harvey, C.J. Cron, Mike Morin, and Cam Bedrosian. According to testimony and court documents, Kay also used the drugs himself.  CBS News Forth Worth reported that Judge Terry Means said he was “dreading” the sentence for Kay, because he thought the 20-year minimum was excessive. However, the judge changed his mind after recorded phone calls from prison and emails allegedly showed Kay disparaging the jury, Skaggs, his family and prosecutors. Means added two more years to the sentence for the “refusal to accept responsibility and even be remorseful for something you caused,” as reported by the Washington Post. “We are very grateful to everyone who worked so hard to investigate and prosecute Eric Kay. Today’s sentencing isn’t about the number of years the defendant received,” read a statement released by Skaggs’ family after the sentencing.  “The real issue in this case is holding accountable the people who are distributing the deadly drug fentanyl. It is killing tens of thousands of people every year in our country and destroying families along with it. We will continue the fight to hold responsible those who allowed Kay to provide a deadly drug to Tyler. But for their actions, Tyler would still be with us today.”

Worldwide Webb Land: MMORPG Meets The Metaverse – Blockster https://collincountynewsonline.com/worldwide-webb-land-mmorpg-meets-the-metaverse-blockster/ Gaming ($1,281.90) SUPERPLASTIC: SUPERGUCCI SUPERGUCCI BOULEVARD – #25 Janky and Guggimon dive headfirst into Gucci’s trippy dreamscapes and floral fantasies in celebration of SUPERGUCCI. The collaboration between the synthetic artists and the world’s most famed fashion house is a two-part series of ultra-limited NFTS as well as forthcoming ceramic figurines hand-crafted by ceramicists in Italy. For those who held a SUPERGUCCI Janky NFT during the snapshot, an exclusive SUPERGUCCI Guggimon NFT was airdropped into holder’s wallets, unlocking access to a BRAND NEW ceramic Guggimon sculpture, shipped to holders to complete the digital meets physical SUPERGUCCI collection. ($897.33) ALTAVA Second Skin Metamorphosis Second Skin #1841 ALTAVA Second Skin : Metamorphosis is your transformed identity in the metaverse inspired by nature ─ transcend beyond luxury fashion and express alternative versions of yourself.

Crypto.com Arena Unveils Completion Of Phase One Of Renovations Ahead Of NHL & NBA Seasons Kicking Off This Month – Business Wire https://collincountynewsonline.com/crypto-com-arena-unveils-completion-of-phase-one-of-renovations-ahead-of-nhl-nba-seasons-kicking-off-this-month-business-wire/ October 11, 2022 05:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the LA Kings prepare to take to their Crypto.com Arena home ice tonight to embark on their 23rd season at the downtown Los Angeles home they share with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Sparks, their fans will finally get to experience the new amenities and renovated areas that were just unveiled as part of the iconic arena’s comprehensive three-year renovation project. Among the new and re-imagined arena locations now accessible to guests are: An expanded and reimagined Chairman’s Club that will provide select season ticket members and VIP guests new benefits and experiences at Crypto.com Arena’s most private and sought-after location before, during, and after events. Two new LED screens and ribbon boards visible to the upper and lower bowl seating areas, handled by Toshiba a Founding Partner of Crypto.com Arena. Among the installations are: Three levels of Ribbon Boards that are more than 3,000 linear feet of versatile video displays which can be programmed uniquely for each team and event. Two new giant LED wall video displays measuring approximately 21 feet high by 65 feet wide each and capable of variable content zoning allowing each to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, statistics, graphics, animations and sponsorship messages. A redesigned and upgraded Impact Sports Bar & Grill on the Main Concourse that will offer guests new food and beverage menus. Improvements to the Main Concourse marked by an entirely new arrival experience, as well as upgrades to the Upper-Level Concourse including remodeled refreshment stands offering new food selections among other fan amenities on each level including: An innovative in-arena concession experience with the opening of two new grab and go locations powered by Amazon’s frictionless Just Walk Out technology. Visitors to Crypto.com Arena will now have the opportunity to take what they want without having to stop to check-out while shopping at the Bud Light Seltzer Market and the Michelob Ultra Market, located on the Main Concourse between Sections 105 and 108. To make their purchases more efficient while allowing them the ability to return to their seats quicker, guests entering the stores simply insert their method of payment at the entry gates and start shopping. As they select food and beverage items, Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology determines what they take from or return to the shelves. Upon exiting, the method of payment they inserted at the entry gate will be charged for the items taken. American Express is the official payment partner of Crypto.com Arena, providing select Card Member benefits at various events. The Just Walk Out technology-enabled locations will sell beer, wine, seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, water and other select food and beverage items. Guests purchasing alcohol will be required to show their ID to a store attendant for age verification. Introduction of LA’s own Dirt Dog concession stands located on the Main Concourse at Section 102 & Section 112 A refresh of the arena’s Premium and Suite Level Entrances and Concourses. On Monday evening, Crypto.com Arena Premium Seating and AEG Global Partnerships hosted “Taste of Premium,” a VIP reception on the arena floor providing Premier Members a preview and tasting opportunity for the menu items available this season throughout all of Crypto.com Arena’s Premium Levels including the Luxury Suites, Premier Seats, and Premier Tables & Lounges at Yaamava’ Club by San Manuel. Michele Kajiwara, SVP Sales, Premium & Event Services, Crypto.com Arena commented, “At Crypto.com Arena, Premium memberships are ‘More Than A Seat.’ They go above and beyond the games and events that are the foundation of standard sports and entertainment memberships. We pride ourselves in offering our members money can’t buy experiences, and exclusive events like tonight’s “Taste of Premium.” Crypto.com Arena is excited to begin the upcoming 2022-23 seasons alongside its new naming rights partner, Crypto.com and to be welcoming fans back to experience the first phase of the complete top to bottom upgrades and renovations through the arena. For list of upcoming events and to be the first to know about new announcements, upgrades and to plan your visit please visit www.cryptoarena.com and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @cryptocomarena. For Handout B-roll Footage please visit: https://vimeo.com/758616147/a1866825a9 Executives available by request for media interviews and arena tours are: Lee Zeidman, President, Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater & L.A. LIVE Danielle Snyder, Senior Vice President, Arena Services, Crypto.com Arena Ignacio Guerra, Senior Vice President, Operations, Crypto.com Arena (Spanish Speaker) Sam Porter, Vice President, Hospitality, Crypto.com Arena

US Without ‘adequate’ Covid-19 Tests This Winter Due To Congressional Inaction, White House Says – CNN https://collincountynewsonline.com/us-without-adequate-covid-19-tests-this-winter-due-to-congressional-inaction-white-house-says-cnn/ Washington CNN  —  The US does not have an “adequate” number of Covid-19 tests with winter approaching, due to a lack of congressional funding, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator said Tuesday. “No doubt about it that our response has been hampered by that lack of funding,” Dr. Ashish Jha said at a White House briefing. “We had money allocated for a stockpile of tests and personal protective equipment – remember, having enough PPEs for doctors and nurses, pretty critical. We were going to have a national stockpile,” he said. “We do not have an adequate stockpile of that or of tests because we had to pull resources to make sure that we had enough vaccines.” Jha added that, despite those resources, the Covid-19 vaccine campaign was still limited due to a lack of funding. “So Congress bears a lot of responsibility for the complexities of the moment we find ourselves in. You can’t run any national response to a highly contagious and deadly virus without adequate funding from Congress,” he said. Jha’s comments come at a critical moment in the US pandemic response. With winter rapidly approaching, immunity is waning in the United States, and Americans have been slow to get their Covid-19 booster shots. Just 35% of those for whom a booster is recommended have had one, according to CDC data. A new analysis suggests that if more people in the United States get their booster by the end of the year, about 90,000 Covid-19 deaths could be prevented this fall and winter. But if booster vaccinations continue at their current pace, the nation could see a peak of more than 1,000 Covid-19 deaths per day this winter, according to the study, published last week by The Commonwealth Fund. There are now more than 400 daily Covid-19 deaths, on average, in the United States. The Biden administration has made clear it views testing as a vital flank of the US’ efforts to keep hospitalizations and deaths down this winter. “We’re going to do everything inside the administration to make sure that we have testing capability that we can ramp up as quickly as possible. But all of this is made just dramatically harder by congressional inaction,” Jha said Tuesday. “You can’t fight a deadly virus without resources.” In August, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adjusted its Covid-19 guidance to urge the nation to focus less on measures such as quarantines and social distancing and instead focus on reducing severe disease from Covid-19. But the agency says some people, including those who are older, who are immunocompromised, or who have certain disabilities or underlying health conditions, are at higher risk for serious illness, and may need to take more precautions.

Mon Fayette Expressway To Integrate New Technology Into Construction Project – WPXI Pittsburgh https://collincountynewsonline.com/mon-fayette-expressway-to-integrate-new-technology-into-construction-project-wpxi-pittsburgh/ PITTSBURGH — Toll road 43 stretches for miles to the south, but to the north new things are coming. “This stuff is on the cutting edge, and the turnpike is right there trying to make these innovations,” said Julie Vandenbossche, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Out in the trees, 14 miles will be built to connect 43 to the Parkway East in the final piece of the Mon Fayette Expressway. But the turnpike is partnering with researchers at Pitt to add new technology to this construction. “The use of the materials in the pavement to construct for energy harvesting,” Vandenbossche said. When you drive, your car’s movement will power the signs and lights along the road. Plus, the researchers are looking at adding charging elements into a section of the road to see if it will be capable of charging electric cars as they drive. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. “It’s futuristic, but we are probably going to be able to identify things we haven’t even thought of yet,” said Joseph Szcur, the director of iRise. Noise barriers will be built along sections that will help eliminate pollution by the vehicles, and a twin digital model of a section of the road at Pitt will help determine the wear and tear as construction happens. With all these firsts being tested in Western Pennsylvania, the big question is, Will it work? “I don’t think it’s a matter of if it will be a success but a matter of to what extent, and that’s what is exciting,” Szcur said. It’s not clear yet which test project will go on which portion of this new stretch. If they do work, the turnpike plans to implement the ideas into future projects across the state. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW RAW: Woman in critical condition after crashing into telephone pole in Westwood neighborhood ©2022 Cox Media Group