Collin County News Online

Whatcom County Business Announcements – Whatcom News https://collincountynewsonline.com/whatcom-county-business-announcements-whatcom-news/ WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The following business announcements were recently received by Whatcom News. Ferndale Chamber of Commerce announces interim director Megan Juenemann The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce announced Megan Juenemann has been hired to serve as their interim executive director. Former Executive Director Anya Milton recently vacated the position to take a position with Bellingham Technical College. A press release said Juenemann began her new role on September 6th and is expected to retain it until the end of the year or at such time the Chamber board of directors appoint an executive director. According to Juenemann’s LinkedIn profile, she graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She had the title of director of marketing and communication with Jamie Shannon, Life Coach for Teens, in Bellingham beginning 2016. Advertisement Click for more information Advertisement Click for more information Lynden office of Brown & Brown Insurance adds to its ranks Stephen Couldry The Lynden office of Brown & Brown, located at 501 Front Street, announced that Stephen Couldry has joined their office. According to the announcement, Couldry will work with local businesses to develop employee benefits strategies to meet the needs of both the business and employees. Couldry also will provide advice and resources to support employers, CFOs and HR directors in their efforts to provide employee benefit solutions to their employees and their family members. A Lynden resident, Couldry is a youth leader at Blaine Christian Fellowship and volunteers for several at-risk youth non-profits. Whatcom Land Title Co. opening fourth branch in Ferndale Dave Paulette Ferndale will soon join the list of Whatcom Land Title branches which currently includes Bellingham, Blaine and Lynden with the opening of a new branch at 5616 3rd Avenue in Ferndale. According to a recent press release, the Ferndale branch will open Monday, October 3rd, and the branch’s hours will be 8am to 5pm on weekdays. The Ferndale branch will be staffed with title and escrow officers and assistants, recording officers and other support staff. Dave Paulette, title manager for the whole company, will be the Ferndale branch manager. Evergreen Goodwill partners with Comcast to open Lift Zone high-tech learning space in Bellingham, grand opening planned Evergreen Goodwill and Comcast are prepared to help of families across Whatcom County access online resources and digital skills needed for education and employment with free WiFi, access to laptop computers and more at the recently opened Lift Zone & Community Space. Advertisement Click for more information Advertisement Click for more information Advertisement Click for more information Advertisement Click for more information The Lift Zone was made possible through a Comcast investment of more than $100,000 and it is located at Evergreen Goodwill’s Whatcom County Job Training and Education Center. According to Comcast, a Lift Zone is a facility primarily designed to help provide low-income individuals with a safe, clean space to participate in distance learning during the day or to do homework before or after school. However, adults, seniors and veterans can also use the site for remote work, to look for or apply for a job, or learn digital skills. The space features new, cutting-edge technology enhancements and will be used for a variety of online and hybrid meetings, nonprofit community partner programming, and soon, online and hybrid job training classes. The grand opening for the new Lift Zone in Bellingham is scheduled from noon to 3pm on Thursday, September 29th at Evergreen Goodwill’s Whatcom County Job Training & Education Center, 1115 E Sunset Drive in Bellingham.

I Tried Following New Zealand’s Healthy Eating Guidelines And Failed Miserably – Stuff https://collincountynewsonline.com/i-tried-following-new-zealands-healthy-eating-guidelines-and-failed-miserably-stuff/ Lyric Waiwiri-Smith is a lifestyle reporter who drinks 3L of water but is not getting her 5+ a day. OPINION: After spending a number of days trying to figure out if plant-based food alternatives count towards our 5+ a day, I was met with a very troubling realisation: I am not eating enough veges. We’ve all been taught the golden 5+ a day rule – eat three vegetables and two fruits a day, and you’ll be on the right track to achieving a healthy lifestyle. As it turns out, the recommendations on eating and living well are a little more complex than shoving greens into your gob. READ MORE: * Energy needs decrease with age, so what you eat is even more important * Are we taking clean eating too far? * Get a healthy gut by eating these three things Lyric Waiwiri-Smith/Stuff My week of following the healthy eating and activity guidelines. The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Eating and Activity Guidelines contain recommendations for daily servings of grains, proteins, and milk products as well as fruits and veg, and the number of suggested servings differs between gender and age groups. As a 22-year-old female, I’m supposed to work in five servings of vegetables, two of fruit, six servings of grains, two and a half servings of protein, and another two and a half of milk products – every day. Proteins in the MoH’s guidelines include “some legumes, nuts, seeds, fish and other seafood, eggs, poultry and/or red meat with the fat removed.” I’m also meant to limit the amount of salt, saturated fats, and sugar, focus on wholefoods and get in 2.1L of water a day. I tasked myself with the goal of following these guidelines for a week, hoping to transform my life with a government approved way of living. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith/Stuff Chicken salad from a kebab shop – one serving of protein, one serving of grains, and three servings of veg in one meal. A regular day of eating for me would see me get half my recommended veges and grains. My protein serves were fulfilled but my milk product servings would often go overboard. I made it my mission to target whole veges and grains in my meals. I have a tendency to lose my appetite in the middle of the day if I’m stressed or dealing with a busy work day, which means I often skip lunch (although I always have breakfast and dinner). Missing a meal made it near impossible to get in the full list of recommendations. At one point I was so worried about not meeting my daily vegetable intake I ate corn with porridge for breakfast (it actually tasted pretty good). Another day, I counted avocado as part of my veggie serve and didn’t realise until after it’s actually a fruit. Cottage pies and curries became regular menu items as they contained as many as three servings of vegetables and two serves of grain, while smoothies helped me meet my milk, grain, and fruit serves. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith/Stuff Cereal with yoghurt and fruit – one serving of grain, one serving of milk products, and one serving of fruit. While my fruit and vegetables were successfully on the rise, my grains were still lacking. The idea of needing to double my usual intake was easily the most daunting aspect of this healthy eating, and I never managed a day when I ate all six servings. Grains aren’t exactly a food group that is found in abundance in my household. My boyfriend has coeliac disease (he can’t eat gluten) so our pantry only consists of gluten-free pastas and white rice (do gluten-free alternatives have different serving sizes?). It wasn’t just fitting the grains into a meal that caused issues. I deal with frequent painful bloating, and after eating each meal I felt like my stomach was swelling up to the size of a balloon. Unfortunately, the discomfort and bloating didn’t ease up the whole week. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith/Stuff Omelette with bread (not pictured) – one serving of protein, two servings of veg, and two servings of grain. Because I was so focused on veges and grains, I often ignored working milk products into my diet unless it was the yoghurt I paired with my morning cereal. On average, each day of my trial week, I would eat four servings of vegetables, one serving of fruit, three servings of grains, two servings of proteins, and one and a half servings of milk products. There wasn’t a single day when I managed every recommended serving from every food group. Nutritionist Lillian Morton says the MoH base their guidelines on a wide range of research to see how our portion sizes in food groups can improve our health. “It’s based on a whole truck load of research that they’ve pulled together and said, ‘if you do this, this will keep you healthy’.” Lyric Waiwiri-Smith/Stuff Chicken curry with rice and veges- one serving of proteins, two servings of veg, and one a half serving of grains. Morton suggests my method of suddenly increasing servings may have stressed out my gut. “The gut is quite a complicated organism, so when you eat a lot of something there are all these receptors in the stomach and the gut that your body regulates,” Morton says. “When you don’t eat a lot of grains, and you suddenly introduce new foods to your diet, your stomach actually takes a while to recalibrate. “Whole grains have a lot of fibre, and fibre is amazing for the gut, but it does make you feel bloated because it ferments in the large intestine. You’ve also added more fibre with the fruit and veg, so you’ve got way more fibre and that takes a lot of digestion. “It does come right, it’s just how your body works … you get a bit symptomatic and think ‘grains don’t agree with me’ rather than just persisting. “Going from nothing to a hundred is quite a lot for the gut to deal with. Maybe go for three grain serves and two vegetable serves if you’re starting from nothing, and then increase it slowly.” She says her simple hack to sneak more whole foods into our diets is to make every meal colourful. “My phrase is ‘touch the rainbow, be the rainbow’, so include colour at every meal,” Morton says. “Many Kiwis have what I call a ‘beige diet’ – pasta and mince, bangers and mash – it’s just about adding some berries to your breakfast, having some salad ingredients in your sandwiches and wraps, adding mixed veges if you’re having tuna and rice. Just try to have colour at every meal.”

Hurricane Ian: College Football, Other Sports Move, Reschedule Games – USA TODAY https://collincountynewsonline.com/hurricane-ian-college-football-other-sports-move-reschedule-games-usa-today/ Before it even approached the United States, Hurricane Ian had already impacted college and professional sports, with several teams altering plans for games this week — and not just in the state of Florida. The latest forecasts for Hurricane Ian suggest the massive, powerful storm will make landfall in Florida’s Sarasota County, and high winds and storm surge are still expected farther north into the Tampa Bay region — where NFL, NHL and MLB teams reside and a major university is located. But even schools not in the immediate vicinity of Tampa Bay have already taken proactive steps by rescheduling games. How Hurricane Ian is affecting the sports landscape this week: DON’T MISS OUT: Sign up for sports news and features sent to your Inbox How Hurricane Ian is affecting college football UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA South Florida’s football game with East Carolina has relocated to Boca Raton as Hurricane Ian bears down on Florida’s west coast. The South Florida Bulls (1-3) and East Carolina Pirates (2-2) will play at Florida Atlantic University’s Howard Schnellenberger Field on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.  South Florida, which relocated to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday afternoon following an on-campus practice, and East Carolina were originally tabbed for a 7 p.m. start on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. — Emilee Smarr, Palm Beach Post UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA The Florida-Eastern Washington football game, originally scheduled for Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, has been moved to Sunday at noon ET. The game Sunday will still be on SEC Network Plus and available on ESPN+. The University Athletic Association said it will work with UF, local and state officials to monitor Hurricane Ian and any potential impacts on the newly-scheduled date. — Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA UCF’s game against Southern Methodist, originally scheduled for Saturday at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, has been moved to Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET with broadcast designation, on the ESPN family of networks, to be determined. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA The South Carolina State at South Carolina football game, originally scheduled for noon Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, has been moved to this Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, the school announced Tuesday. The game will be televised on SEC Network. “Due to the potential impact of the hurricane on Columbia and the surrounding area, it is in the best interest of safety to play the game on Thursday rather than Saturday afternoon,” South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY  Florida State remains optimistic that it will be able to safely host Saturday’s football game against Wake Forest, which is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium (ABC). Demon Deacon head coach Dave Clawson is not exactly echoing that sentiment as Hurricane Ian approaches. “You certainly hope the ACC office makes the right decision,” Clawson said in his press conference Tuesday afternoon. “And if they don’t, we will. We are not going to travel down there and put anybody at risk. We are monitoring the weather.  “Obviously this is in the league’s hands, in Florida State’s hands. We would hope that they would make the right decision. But if we feel that there is any danger to our players going down there, we are not going to go.”   What Clawson precisely meant by the ACC making the “right decision” remains unclear. He declined to elaborate about that remark. — Carter Karels, Tallahassee Democrat OTHER TEAMS Stetson, which is located in Deland, Florida, canceled its game at San Diego that was scheduled for Saturday afternoon because of travel difficulties due to Hurricane Ian. Video: Breaking down the latest USA TODAY/AFCA Coaches Poll How Hurricane Ian is affecting NFL The NFL is considering an alternate location for the Super Bowl 55 rematch pitting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. “We’re monitoring the storm and continuing to talk to both teams,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA TODAY Sports. “Unfortunately, we’ve had experience in these matters. We’ll be ready.” McCarthy wouldn’t speculate on potential sites but expects the league would make a decision by Friday at the latest. One possibility: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with the Minnesota Vikings facing the New Orleans Saints in London. — Jarrett Bell Video: Breaking down the NFL power rankings after Week 3 games How Hurricane Ian is affecting NHL preseason On Monday, the Tampa Bay Lightning postponed two preseason games scheduled at Amalie Arena in Tampa  — Wednesday vs. the Carolina Hurricanes and Thursday vs. the Nashville Predators — as Hurricane Ian approaches. The 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup champions and 2022 runner-up have temporarily relocated Lightning training camp to Nashville and will face the Predators in their arena on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and Friday at 6 p.m. ET. How Hurricane Ian is affecting MLB The Tampa Bay Rays will be on the road the rest of the week as they battle for an American League playoff spot during the MLB season’s home stretch. The Rays play the Guardians in Cleveland, Tuesday through Thursday, before a three-game set against the Astros in Houston, beginning Friday. Contributing: John Bacon and Mike Brehm

M1 And ESPL Power 5G And Metaverse For Gardens By The Bay In Singapore – Channel Asia Singapore https://collincountynewsonline.com/m1-and-espl-power-5g-and-metaverse-for-gardens-by-the-bay-in-singapore-channel-asia-singapore/ Metaverse concert featuring DJ Red Credit: M1 M1 has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gardens by the Bay and Electronic Sports (ESPL) to provide fast-speed 5G connectivity and immersive metaverse experiences in indoor venues at the iconic Singapore location. The partnership seeks to enable metaverse experiences that complement the Singapore attraction’s physical offerings, specifically, new opportunities for ‘phygital’ — a blend of physical and digital — events at the Gardens and in a re-created version of it in the metaverse developed by ESPL, dubbed a digital twin. “With the enhanced 5G connectivity, we look forward to working with M1 and ESPL to create even more interactive and immersive experiences in Gardens by the Bay, offering a phygital option for event organisers to expand their reach beyond the physical confines of the venues here, to engage people from around the world,” said Lee Kok Fatt, deputy CEO of Gardens by the Bay. In one example showcased at the launch, a metaverse concert was held in the digital twin, featuring an avatar of Singapore-based artiste DJ Red interacting with the audience against a virtual back-drop of Supertree Grove. As such, audiences with 5G-enabled mobile device can access the metaverse and experience the performance in a real-time immersive environment. “Offering metaverse experiences is an exciting milestone in our True 5G rollout roadmap,” added Willis Sim, chief corporate sales and solutions officer at M1. “M1 is constantly pushing the bar with our 5G capabilities, and we’re proud to roll out 5G within the Gardens by the Bay as well as power its digital recreation made by our partner ESPL. “The ability to give audiences a live and immersive experience both physically and virtually has immense potential to deliver rich content on-the-go. We are excited to unlock new metaverse opportunities for the entertainment, MICE and tourism industries and help Gardens by the Bay become the garden of the future.” In a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry use case, M1 envisions adding a “new dimension” to physical events and allowing participants from around the world to interact with the content and with one another in the metaverse. Meanwhile, specific to the education sector, M1 suggests that the high-speed and low-latency connectivity of 5G also supports educational technology to bring curricula to life and capture the imagination of students through extended reality and gamification. Tags M15Gmetaverse

How To Use The DOTS Projector In Phasmophobia – The Nerd Stash https://collincountynewsonline.com/how-to-use-the-dots-projector-in-phasmophobia-the-nerd-stash/ Phasmophobia is a favorite psychological thriller game of many, filled with cool tools, creepy entities, and awesome maps. As you progress through the game and in levels, you will come across several different tools that will help you along your journey. One such tool is the DOTS Projector, which was recently added to the game. You can also pick up loads of ghost traces with the DOTS Projector. Keep reading to learn how to use the DOTS Projector in Phasmophobia. Screenshot via Psycho (YouTube) What is the DOTS Projector is Phasmophobia? The DOTS Projector is a tool you will probably use quite a bit throughout your time playing Phasmophobia. It can help you pick up traces of the entities that threaten your life in the game. The DOTS Projector can pick up traces of Banshee, Deogen, Goryo, Oni, Phantom, Raiju, Thaye, Wraith, Yokai, and Yurei. The DOTS Projector works by projecting a bunch of little dots all over the room that land on any surface in sight, and even those that aren’t in sight as well. Luckily for you, it picks up objects in the room that your character’s human eyes cannot pick up. Related: Phasmophobia: How Custom Difficulties Work How to Use the DOTS Projector in Phasmophobia As with any other gadget or tool in a game, your first step is to equip the DOTS Projector. Next, you’ll have to look around for a hard surface, such as a wall, door, or the floor, and press the “F” key on your keyboard. Once you’ve hit the “F” key, the DOTS Projector will do what it’s meant to. It will project hundreds of little dots in front of you, covering the room. Whenever a ghost comes near, you will be able to see the shape of the ghost as a silhouette under the projector’s dots. However, ghosts can and will likely appear then very soon after disappear just as quickly. So, make sure you are actively checking the room’s hard surfaces. Though, since the DOTS Projector’s main purpose is to help you view ghosts in Phasmophobia, it will have done its job by that point. If you’re finding that you’ve been using Phasmophobia‘s DOTS Projector for a while and still haven’t seen much, you can try communicating with the ghost in an attempt to raise its activity levels! Just make sure to stay safe and keep your teammates nearby.

Crypto Community Sets Bullish Bitcoin Price For October 31, 2022 – Finbold – Finance In Bold https://collincountynewsonline.com/crypto-community-sets-bullish-bitcoin-price-for-october-31-2022-finbold-finance-in-bold/ Disclaimer: The CoinMarketCap cryptocurrency community price estimate is based only on the votes of its users. Estimates do not guarantee end-of-month prices. Bitcoin (BTC) reached its highest level in more than a week on Tuesday, September 27, when it surpassed $20,000. Despite this, the cryptocurrency still has trouble breaking out of its narrow trading range. As a result, several traders and investors are now focusing on the crypto’s next target price by October 31, given the volatility experienced in the crypto market. In particular, the cryptocurrency community on CoinMarketCap forecasts that Bitcoin’s value will increase by 13.18% from its current level, reaching a median price of $22,857 by the end of October 2022, an increase of over $2,661. Bitcoin October price prediction. Source: CoinMarketCap According to crypto trading Michaël van de Poppe, the breakout consisted of a ton of spot volume on Bitcoin. He also suggested that it is a good idea to potentially long Bitcoin and short the dollar and that the flagship digital asset could be moving near the region the crypto community had suggested for the end of October. “It depends on the indices today, but it looks like we’ll be able to look towards $23K for some relief, at least. Time to long BTC.Time to short DXY. Probably that type of period.” He added: “Upside: – $20.7K – $22.9K Downside: – $20K – $19.3-19.5K. All are levels I’d be looking at for entries on positions.” Bitcoin price levels. Source: Michaël van de Poppe Bitcoin price fluctuation Since the middle of June, Bitcoin’s price has fluctuated between $18,000 and $25,000. This comes after a meltdown that wiped roughly $2 trillion off the value of the whole cryptocurrency market since it reached its all-time high in November.  This market fall was fueled by a wave of bankruptcies and insolvency troubles that trickled through the cryptocurrency sector. Interest rate increases by central banks aimed at managing uncontrolled inflation were also driving factors in this market decline. Interestingly, the recent upswing in Bitcoin, which started on Monday, September 26, occurred despite a decline in US equities, with the S&P 500 ending at its lowest level since 2022. The price of stock futures went up on September 27. Therefore, there are indications that the link between cryptocurrencies and equities may be beginning to break down.  Investors carefully watch DXY Meanwhile, investors are keeping a careful eye on the value of the United States dollar. This year, the dollar index, which compares the US dollar value to that of a group of other currencies, has increased by more than 18%.  Because the price of Bitcoin swings in the opposite direction of the dollar, a strong dollar is bad for the cryptocurrency. However, with some analysts such as Poppe suggesting the dollar index might be getting close to its peak, it could indicate a possible bottom for Bitcoin, which may be one explanation for Bitcoin’s recent price increase. Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.

Oil Rises 2% From Multi-Month Lows On U.S. Gulf Output Cuts, Supply Outlook – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/oil-rises-2-from-multi-month-lows-on-u-s-gulf-output-cuts-supply-outlook-reuters/ BP begins to redeploy workers to offshore platforms Iraq says OPEC monitoring prices, seeks market balance API shows U.S. crude, distillate stocks rise – sources NEW YORK, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Oil prices rose over 2% on Tuesday from nine-month lows a day earlier, supported by supply curbs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico ahead of Hurricane Ian and an easing in the U.S. dollar from its strongest level in two decades. Prices also drew support from analyst expectations of possible supply cuts from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), which is to meet to set policy on Oct. 5. Brent crude settled at $86.27 a barrel, up $2.21, or 2.6%, having fallen as low as $83.65 in the previous session, the lowest since January. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $78.50, up $1.79, or 2.3%. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com U.S. offshore oil producers said they were keeping an eye on Hurricane Ian’s track as the powerful storm shut in about 11% of oil production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as it barrelled toward Florida. The outages may only provide a momentary reprieve for oil prices, said Bob Yawger of Mizuho in New York. “The barrels will come back pretty soon, I would imagine,” Yawger said, adding that there is a small chance the storm would change paths and force more shut-ins. After shutting some its offshore crude production, BP Plc (BP.L) said the storm didn’t pose a threat to its Gulf of Mexico assets and it was redeploying workers to oil platforms. read more Crude prices had soared after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, with Brent in March coming close to its all-time high of $147. Recently, worries about recession, high interest rates and dollar strength have weighed. “Oil is currently under the influence of financial forces,” said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. The U.S. dollar, which eased from a 20-year high, also helped support oil. A strong dollar makes crude more expensive for buyers using other currencies. The oil price drop in recent months has raised speculation that OPEC+ could intervene. Iraq’s oil minister on Monday said the group was monitoring prices and did not want a sharp increase or a collapse. read more “Only a production cut by OPEC+ can break the negative momentum in the short run,” said Giovanni Staunovo and Wayne Gordon of Swiss bank UBS. U.S. crude oil in storage rose by about 4.2 million barrels for the week ended Sept. 23, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Gasoline inventories fell by about 1 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by about 438,000 barrels, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The report comes ahead of official Energy Information Administration data on Wednesday. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Additional reporting by Alex Lawler in London and Mohi Narayan in New Delhi; Editing by Leslie Adler and Richard Pullin Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

PCC Expands Veterinary Technology Program – IHeart https://collincountynewsonline.com/pcc-expands-veterinary-technology-program-iheart/ Photo: Ford, Brad For the last decade, veterinary clinics and animal shelters all over the country, including Portland, have struggled to find veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians to provide adequate care to the many animals that come through their doors. Thanks to the pandemic, increased demand for veterinary services has strained the profession even more. Portland Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program is one of only two programs of its kind in Oregon and only one of five in the Pacific Northwest. Soon, it will have a brand new facility where students can train on caring for animals, which will create a qualified pipeline of technicians for the industry. The barn at Rock Creek Campus is currently being replaced with a new building designed to serve the needs of the program, improving the teaching areas and the quality of shelter for the farm animals. “The new facility will transform the way we are able to utilize the barn as a teaching space,” said Ragan Borzcik, Vet Tech Program chair. “Not only will animals have updated housing, but students will have improved learning spaces, including a modern classroom. The ability for students to apply their learning within this new space will essentially be equivalent to bringing the farm into the classroom.” The Vet Tech Barn redevelopment, funded by the 2017 PCC bond measure, is slated to be completed in fall of 2023. It will include expanded animal shelter and feeding areas in the main barn, horse stalls and updated barn housing for cows, sheep and llamas. The space also adds a classroom, restrooms, storage and office space. This new barn will allow for more efficient care of the animals which will reduce operational costs. “I think it’s imperative to have facilities such as these that we can work in,” said current student Rebekah Kermoyan, a native of Cottage Grove. “Otherwise, we are trying to gather that experience ourselves in a sort of hodge-podge way out in the world, and we aren’t necessarily building the skill sets that we need.” Currently, the program, which has been fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1992, provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide essential nursing care for all animals. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians to provide animal medical care as credentialed professionals in a wide variety of environments. The Oregon Employment Department projects employment of veterinary technicians in the Portland area will grow by 23% through 2029. “There is a huge need for certified vet techs in America and the world right now,” Kermoyan said. “In this program, when you are coming out of it, there are already two or three clinics waiting for you to graduate so they can talk salary with you. If you want a job, this is a great place to get into.” Kermoyan is working toward graduation next spring, choosing the Vet Tech Program for its location and the job security that comes with an in-demand field. She said PCC has exceeded her expectations thanks to the caring and responsive faculty. Kermoyan also loves the fact the college offers a full, operating farm with dog kennels, a cattery and medical facility that provides hands-on experience in a clinic setting. “If you want to make a difference in the lives of animals and your community, this is a really great program to get involved in,” she added. Another student, Maryrose Gilliland, came up to Oregon from Goleta, California in 2018 to work in the veterinary field. After three years, she decided to attend PCC’s Vet Tech Program to further build her skills. She specifically chose PCC because it is regarded as a top five veterinary technician school in the country by Accredited Schools Online. In addition, Gilliland said earning her two-year associate degree has been a better fit than attempting to go to a four-year university program due to what PCC offers its students. “PCC actually provides all of the essential skills you need on campus for both small and large animals,” Gilliland said. “We have labs that regularly teach us the proper ways of taking care of these animals in the clinic and in a medical facility, which is awesome. “It’s incredible to have these facilities right at my fingertips, right in front of me,” she added. “I’ve had multiple people I’ve worked with who are going through online programs and are having difficulties getting their large animal essential skills because it’s so difficult to come across a facility that will allow students to come in and be hands-on with the animals. Whereas at PCC they are like, ‘Alright, you’re taking ‘Large Animal Nursing and Restraint.’ Here you go. Hop in. Go touch that cow!’” For more information on the Veterinary Technology Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/veterinary/ Source: PCC

Limited Run Games Auctioning Graded Castlevania Game For Charity – ComicBook.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/limited-run-games-auctioning-graded-castlevania-game-for-charity-comicbook-com/ Earlier this year, Limited Run Games revealed a convention exclusive version of Castlevania Anniversary Collection for the Nintendo Switch. This version of the Konami compilation comes in a sleek box designed to resemble classic Super Nintendo games. It’s an exquisite design, and while it hasn’t been made widely available just yet, the company has partnered with VGA to auction off a special 90 graded version on eBay. The publisher has confirmed that 100% of the sale will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The auction is set to end this weekend, so Castlevania fans have a few days left to get their bids in. Images of the graded copy of Castlevania Anniversary Collection can be found in the Tweet embedded below. Readers interested in checking out the auction for themselves can do so right here.  We’re partnering with @CollectibleGA (VGA) to auction a graded convention exclusive copy of Castlevania Anniversary Collection on Switch, 100% of the sale will be donated to @StJude. Start bidding today: https://t.co/zrqCw7s8Jc pic.twitter.com/sXSq4MR6NE — Limited Run Games (@LimitedRunGames) September 27, 2022 As of this writing, the auction is sitting at more than $500 after 30 bids. However, graded copies of video games have sold for large amounts over the last year, and the game has more than 50 watchers, so it’s possible this one could fetch quite a bit more money when it’s all said and done. While there’s clearly a market for graded games, the practice remains a source of controversy for gamers that are passionate about collecting retro titles. Earlier this year, grading company Wata Games was accused of artificially manipulating values in a class-action lawsuit. After some fans raised questions about the graded aspect of the Castlevania action, Limited Run Games co-founder Josh Fairhurst pointed out VGA’s long history of grading games compared to Wata and the fact that the former company “has never been part of any controversy.” Castlevania fans that want to obtain this version of the game without buying a graded copy or attending a convention are in luck. Limited Run Games has confirmed that the game in an SNES inspired retro box will be made available on the website “at a later date.” 0comments Are you a collector of graded video games? What do you think of this charity auction? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to talk all things gaming! UP NEXT

Timeline: The Legal Woes Of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton – KVUE.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/timeline-the-legal-woes-of-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-kvue-com/ Throughout his time as attorney general of Texas, Paxton has faced many controversies. AUSTIN, Texas — Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is again making headlines due to legal issues. On Monday, Paxton reportedly fled his home to avoid being served a subpoena for a federal court hearing in a lawsuit from nonprofits that want to help Texans pay for abortions out of state. But this is far from the first legal issue Paxton has faced while in office. Throughout his time as attorney general, he has faced many controversies. Below is an interactive timeline detailing some of the attorney general’s legal woes over the past few years: A further breakdown of Paxton’s legal issues can be found below: April 2014 – July 28, 2015 The Texas Tribune breaks the news in April 2014 that then-state senator and attorney general candidate Ken Paxton was paid for soliciting clients for an investment firm but wasn’t registered with a state board.  Paxton eventually pays a $1,000 civil fine. A left-leaning group asks the Travis County District Attorney to look into the case, but the DA decides to wait until after the November election. Paxton is elected as the state’s attorney general. The Travis County DA passes the case along to Dallas and Collin counties, where the alleged crimes took place. With the statute of limitations almost up, the Collin County District Attorney steps off the case because of his relationship with Paxton. The Texas Rangers and independent special prosecutors take over the investigation and present it to a grand jury. On July 28, 2015, Paxton is indicted. 2017 Paxton’s criminal trial on securities fraud charges is set to begin in May. In May, a state appeals court temporarily halts Paxton’s criminal case while it considers his request to oust his judge. In June, Paxton receives a new judge in his securities fraud case. 2018 Oct. 3, 2020 A group of top aides for Paxton asks federal law enforcement to investigate him for possible crimes that include bribery and abuse of office. Nov. 5, 2020 Former high-ranking executives at Paxton’s office claim they faced retaliation and intimidation after making allegations against him. Nov. 13, 2020 The Associated Press reports that Paxton had an extramarital affair with a woman whom he later recommended for a job with the wealthy donor at the center of criminal allegations against him. Nov. 13, 2020 Four senior aides to Paxton file a lawsuit claiming he retaliated against them after they alerted federal investigators about possible improper and illegal dealings with an Austin investor. Dec. 10, 2020 KVUE Senior Reporter Tony Plohetski confirms that FBI agents have issued at least one federal subpoena for records from the Texas Attorney General’s Office in an ongoing investigation into the allegations against Paxton. Jan. 11, 2021 A group of activist leaders gathers outside Paxton’s office to call for his removal, claiming he is “criminally and morally unfit for office.” March 25, 2021 Paxton’s office refuses to release all messages he sent or received while in Washington for the pro-Donald Trump rally on Jan. 6. June 2, 2021 Paxton asks an appeals court to toss the whistleblower case brought by former top aides. June 9, 2021 The Texas Bar Association begins investigating whether Paxton’s failed efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election based on bogus claims of fraud amounted to professional misconduct. Aug. 24, 2021 An internal investigation undertaken by Paxton’s office clears him of breaking any laws after allegations by several high-ranking aides. Oct. 21, 2021 The Texas Third Circuit Court of Appeals issues an opinion stating that the former employees of Paxton’s office who accused him of abuse of power and other legal violations are protected by the Texas Whistleblower Act. The court also affirms a previous district court decision to deny Paxton’s motion to dismiss. Jan. 7, 2022 Paxton asks the Texas Supreme Court to dismiss the whistleblower lawsuit by four former employees who said they were fired after accusing Paxton of abuse of power and other legal violations. Feb. 21, 2022 The whistleblowers who sued Paxton after he fired them for accusing him of abuse of office and bribery speak out for the first time. March 3, 2022 The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals adds to its docket a lower-court ruling that moved Paxton’s securities fraud criminal case back to Collin County. May 6, 2022 Paxton announces that the state bar is suing him for professional misconduct related to his lawsuit challenging the 2020 presidential election. May 25, 2022 A disciplinary committee for the State Bar of Texas files a professional misconduct lawsuit against Paxton for his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections in four battleground states won by President Joe Biden. Sept. 20, 2022 A district judge throws out the State Bar of Texas’ professional misconduct case against Brent Webster, Paxton’s top aide, for his work on a case that challenged the results of the 2020 presidential election. Sept. 26, 2022 Paxton flees his home to avoid being served a subpoena for a federal court hearing in a lawsuit from nonprofits that want to help Texans pay for abortions out of state, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. Later the same day, Paxton filed a motion to seal the affidavit, arguing that the server “loitered at the Attorney General’s home for over an hour, repeatedly shouted at him, and accosted” Paxton and his wife. The motion was granted by a U.S. district judge. Paxton is currently running for a third term against Democrat Rochelle Garza. According to a recent poll conducted by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation and TEGNA Texas stations KVUE, KHOU, KENS and WFAA, Paxton leads Garza by five points (47% to 42%) among likely voters and by seven points among the most likely (almost certain) voters (49% to 42%). KVUE on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

Hurricane Ida Has Some Louisville Residents Changing Their Vacation Plans – WDRB https://collincountynewsonline.com/hurricane-ida-has-some-louisville-residents-changing-their-vacation-plans-wdrb/ LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As Hurricane Ian strengthens from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm, every county in Florida is under a state of emergency. But the storm is also impacting people across the country, even Kentucky and southern Indiana residents.  Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 3 storm in western Cuba on Tuesday, with winds up to 120 mph. and is now barreling toward Florida. Henny Stewart is a former radio and TV personality in Jacksonville, Florida. “The weather is beautiful,” Stewart said. “As they say, ‘the calm before the storm.'” Jacksonville is not expected to take a direct hit from Ian, but Stewart says there are still a lot of people preparing for the worst and panic-buying. “It reminds me of COVID,” Stewart said. “People running in the stores, panicking, running to the back of the store for the water, for the toilet tissue, and there is none.” All of it has some Louisville area residents changing their vacation plans. Jennifer Armstrong is a travel consultant with Louisville-based Travelmation, and is already making adjustments and exit plans for clients traveling to and from Florida. “I’ve had to move a client that was going in, and I’ve had to move them back a little farther,” she said. “They have small children and they really just don’t want to take that chance. So they’re just — they’re cutting their vacation short by two or three days.” Armstrong recommends a Plan B for anyone traveling to Florida during hurricane season. “If something would happen…if you drove there, can we get you to Georgia? Can we get you to Alabama? Can we get you somewhere as an option if you have to get out?” she said.  Meanwhile, Henny says she’s at least a few hours away from the area expected to take a direct hit, but her latest trip to the store showed the panic buying is still out of control. “They had just gotten in a whole pallet of generators, and by the time I was walking out of the store, they only had two left,” she said. “They were grabbing generators, like they were M&Ms.” Kentucky’s Transportation Secretary has issued an official order to help speed up things for emergency crews heading to Florida. As a result, there are currently no limits on the number of hours they can drive and crews can bypass weigh stations. Copyright 2022 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.

Manchin Ends Pipeline Push, Easing Path For Spending Bill – 69News WFMZ-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/manchin-ends-pipeline-push-easing-path-for-spending-bill-69news-wfmz-tv/ WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Joe Manchin on Tuesday abandoned his push to speed up the permitting process for energy projects as part of a government funding package, bowing to bipartisan opposition that had complicated efforts to pass a spending bill before the fiscal year ends at midnight Friday. Removing the permitting legislation is likely to make it much easier to pass a spending bill that will keep the government running through mid-December and provide more aid to Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the removal of the energy provisions shortly before the Senate took its first test vote on the funding Tuesday evening. It was clear that, with Manchin’s plan included, Democrats were falling far short of the 60 votes needed to proceed. While lawmakers are again waiting to the final moments of the fiscal year to keep the government running, they are confident they will do so. Neither party is interested in a shutdown heading into the critical midterm elections Nov. 8 that will determine which party is in charge of the House and Senate. The spending measure Democrats unveiled this week provides about $12.3 billion in assistance related to Ukraine, including training, equipment, weapons and direct financial support for the Ukraine government. The assistance would be on top of some $53 billion Congress has already approved through two previous bills. The measure excludes the White House call for spending $22 billion to respond to COVID-19, and $3.9 billion to fight against an outbreak of the monkeypox virus. Republican lawmakers were overwhelmingly opposed to the health funding. At least 10 Republican senators would have to support the measure to overcome procedural hurdles and advance in that chamber. The most contentious piece of the legislation was Manchin’s plan to streamline the permitting process for energy projects and make it easier for a pipeline project in his home state and Virginia to proceed. Manchin in a statement confirmed he had asked Schumer to remove the permitting language from the bill. He said he was holding to his belief that “we should never come to the brink of a government shutdown over politics.” “It is unfortunate that members of the United States Senate are allowing politics to put the energy security of our nation at risk,” Manchin said. Both chambers of Congress must approve legislation by Friday, which is the end of the fiscal year, to prevent a partial government shutdown. It represents the last bit of unfinished business for lawmakers before the midterm elections in November. Both sides are eager to wrap up and spend time on the campaign trail, lowering the risk of a federal stoppage. Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, had secured a commitment from President Joe Biden and Democratic leaders to have a vote on the permitting package in return for his support of a landmark law to curb climate change. While Republicans have voiced support for streamlining the permitting process for energy projects, some, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, panned the effort. “What our Democratic colleagues have produced is a phony fig leaf that would actually set back the cause of real permitting reform,” McConnell said on the Senate floor Tuesday. McConnell said he would vote against proceeding to the short-term spending bill if it included Manchin’s legislation and encouraged others to vote no, too, a powerful signal to GOP lawmakers. Other Republicans made clear they agreed with McConnell’s position. Sen. Richard Shelby, the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said he would vote against the continuing resolution if it’s included. “We have made significant progress toward a Continuing Resolution that is as clean as possible. But, if the Democrats insist on including permitting reform, I will oppose it,” Shelby said. Top Democratic appropriators also said they were unhappy with the inclusion of Manchin’s proposal, but said keeping the government running took priority. “I am disappointed that unrelated permitting reform was attached to this bill. This is a controversial matter that should be debated on its own merits,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “However, with four days left in the fiscal year, we cannot risk a government shutdown; we must work to advance this bill.” The Mountain Valley Pipeline sought by Manchin would run through Virginia for about 100 miles. Manchin’s plan would expedite the pipeline and steer legal challenges to a different federal court. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he opposes an expedited review for the pipeline and will vote against taking up the package if it included the pipeline language, another sign that lawmakers didn’t have the 60 votes needed to move forward. “We should pass a continuing resolution that is free of the unprecedented and dangerous” pipeline deal, Kaine said. The disaster assistance in the bill includes $2.5 billion to help New Mexico communities recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the largest wildfire in the state’s history; $2 billion for a block grant program that aids the economic recovery of communities impacted by recent disasters and $20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi. The bill would also provide an additional $1 billion for a program that helps low income households afford to heat their homes. There has been wide, bipartisan support for boosting support for Ukraine. The bill includes $4.5 billion to help Ukraine’s government provide basic citizen services and authorizes the president to drawdown $3.7 billion worth of equipment from U.S. stocks to support Ukraine’s armed forces. There’s also money to replenish U.S. stocks of equipment and munitions sent to Ukraine and to provide Ukraine with intelligence support and training. “With Russia holding fake elections to annex parts of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people urgently need our support to continue protecting their families and defending global democracy,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Eight-Week Health And Fitness Challenge Kicks Off In Garfield Park – Chicago Sun-Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/eight-week-health-and-fitness-challenge-kicks-off-in-garfield-park-chicago-sun-times/ A few West Side residents added something fast and furious to their Monday evening routine on this week: a cardio kickboxing class. The 20 adults are among those taking part in an eight-week health and fitness challenge starting this week in Garfield Park. Each week includes two fitness classes, a healthy cooking class and a group therapy session. It’s hosted by the Garfield Park Community Council’s Rite to Wellness Campaign. The full program costs $5 for all weight weeks, and all 20 slots already have been filled. At the start, those 20 people had several health indicators measured, including blood pressure, blood glucose levels and body circumference. At the end, they will check their progress — though Rivers added it wasn’t a “biggest loser” challenge. “It’s about healthy living, and that looks different for everybody,” she said. Instructor Seobia Rivers leads participants in a cardio kickboxing class at the Garfield Fieldhouse for an eight-week health and fitness challenge on the West Side. Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times Organizers hope to buck some health trends on the West Side; adults in both East and West Garfield Park experience some of the highest rates of physical inactivity compared to anywhere else in the city, according to the Chicago Health Atlas. “The main thing about this challenge is, it’s all about Garfield Park and Chicago residents figuring out a way to live healthy lifestyles for them,” said Seobia Rivers, the woman running the program. Even those not able to take part in the full program can still participate; the fitness classes are open to the public, and free, though donations to Rite to Wellness are accepted. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. through November 16 at the Garfield Fieldhouse, 100 N. Central Park Ave. The cooking classes will be held at the Hatchery in Garfield Park and therapy sessions via Zoom. Participants in an eight-week health and fitness challenge take part in a cardio kickboxing class at the Garfield Fieldhouse. Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times On Mondays, Rivers — co-founder of a gym in Pilsen — will alternate between a cardio kickboxing course and a circuit training course; on Wednesdays, certified yoga instructor Jasmin Graham will alternate between yoga and jump rope cardio classes. Graham, a West Side native, said many in the community have long had to go to the North Side or Near West Side to take those kinds of classes. When she was getting certified, she couldn’t find any courses close to home. “For me, born and raised in West Garfield Park, I’ve never known anything specifically geared toward the health and wellness of the community like this.” Michael Loria is a staff reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times via Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster the paper’s coverage of communities on the South and West sides. A cardio kickboxing class at the Garfield Fieldhouse helped kick off an eight-week health and fitness challenge on the West Side. The challenge is organized by the Garfield Park Community Council. Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Hurricane Ian Updates: College Football Schedule Tracker With Florida, South Carolina, UCF Moving Games – CBS Sports https://collincountynewsonline.com/hurricane-ian-updates-college-football-schedule-tracker-with-florida-south-carolina-ucf-moving-games-cbs-sports/ The first major storm of the 2022 hurricane season is about to touch down in the Southeastern United States, and it appears prepared to affect those living on the west coast of Florida and nearby states in the region. Hurricane Ian should touch the continental United States for the first time Tuesday evening with the storm carrying up through the Gulf of Mexico into Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina by the weekend. While it may not be swirling during some college football games on Saturday, it could certainly leave plenty of damage in its wake. Beyond that, emergency personnel in each state will be on high alert making services needed for game days — such as security — a lower priority for states when the same resources can be used to project the population. As such, college football teams have already begun moving games. Some are changing locations. Others are moving days and being played either earlier or later in the week. Given the constantly changing situation caused by Hurricane Ian, CBS Sports will be updating all of the schedule changes and game updates constantly throughout the week. Keep it locked here for game information, schedule updates and much more through the weekend as Week 5 of the 2022 college football season remains in flux. See New Posts Pinned UCF vs. SMU moved to Sunday UCF was set to host SMU on Saturday afternoon, but Hurricane Ian has delayed that kickoff. The Knights and Mustangs will meet at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Television coverage for the key AAC matchup will be determined at a later date.  Pinned No change for Florida State vs. Wake Forest … yet No. 23 Florida State is set to host No. 22 Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon, and that appears to still be the case … for now.  Pinned Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson has concerns No. 22 Wake Forest is scheduled to travel to Tallahassee, Florida, to take on No. 23 Florida State on Saturday afternoon, but the hurricane has put the time and location of that game in doubt. Demon Deacons coach Dave Clawson said Tuesday that player safety is his biggest concern no matter what decision the ACC makes regarding the status of the game. Pinned Eastern Washington vs. Florida moved to Sunday Florida’s home game with Eastern Washington, originally scheduled for Saturday at noon ET, has been moved to Sunday at noon ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. All tickets that were issued for Saturday will be honored for Sunday afternoon’s game. Pinned South Florida vs. East Carolina changes venues Originally scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the game will see a site location change to Boca Raton at Howard Schnellenberger Field, the home stadium of FAU, who is not in town for its Week 5 game as the Owls will be playing at North Texas in Denton, Texas. The game will now kickoff at 2 p.m. Pinned South Carolina vs. South Carolina State moved Originally scheduled for Saturday at noon ET, the game will now be played Thursday at 7 p.m. Television coverage has not been announced at this time. Fans with tickets for Saturday’s matchup will be able to use them for Thursday night’s game.  “Due to the potential impact of the hurricane on Columbia and the surrounding area, it is in the best interest of safety to play the game on Thursday rather than Saturday afternoon,” South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner said. “I appreciate the cooperation of South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough, the South Carolina State administration and the Southeastern Conference officials who worked closely to make the appropriate operational adjustments in order to accommodate this change in the schedule.” Tanner added: “Based on the current forecast and expected weather conditions as well as information from our campus, state and local law enforcement agencies, at this time, the University is confident in our ability to host the game on Thursday at Williams-Brice Stadium. We will be able to staff traffic, law enforcement, security and other game day operations. The safety of everyone affected by the storm and the minimization of the impact on emergency personnel were the most important factors considered in making the decision,”

EU, South Korea, Japan Announce Metaverse Regulation Plans – JD Supra https://collincountynewsonline.com/eu-south-korea-japan-announce-metaverse-regulation-plans-jd-supra/ Every dramatically new technology, from cryptocurrency to drones to artificial intelligence, poses a regulatory challenge. Governments must decide how to characterize the technology within existing laws, how those existing laws apply and to what extent new tech requires new legal restrictions. Governments can take action in a variety of ways: through new legislation, by revising regulations and other policies under existing law, or through litigation. Many national governments and international bodies are having exactly this conversation as to the metaverse, with significant possible ramifications for metaverse companies, their business partners and end users. EU  On Sept. 14, 2022, Thierry Breton, the European Union’s Commissioner for the Internal Market, published “People, technologies & infrastructure – Europe’s plan to thrive in the metaverse.” In part, Breton signaled confidence in existing law on metaverse issues, noting that “With the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), Europe has now strong and future-proof regulatory tools for the digital space.” But the commissioner also clearly indicated that the work of regulating the metaverse is just starting, announcing the launch of the Virtual and Augmented Reality Industrial Coalition, “bringing together stakeholders from key metaverse technologies” to develop a roadmap for further development. Breton stressed safety and competition concerns, promising that “we will not witness a new Wild West or new private monopolies.” South Korea  South Korea’s National Data Policy Committee announced on Sept. 23, 2022, that it would develop regulatory amendments specific to the metaverse. The Committee is chaired by South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and co-administered by the Ministers of Science and ICT and the Minister of Interior and Safety. The announcement focused on the metaverse as an issue that could “lead the success of national competitiveness.” The Committee found specifically that the South Korean framework that exists for videogaming was insufficient to deal with metaverse issues. Earlier in the week, Vice Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, Ahn Hyoung-hwan, met with a metaverse platform provider to discuss growing concerns over South Korean minors being subjected to sexual harassment on metaverse platforms. Japan Earlier this year, Japan announced creation of a Web 3.0 Policy Office under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to formulate metaverse-related policies. The Ministry noted that “as metaverses become new personal interfaces especially among younger generations such as Generation Z, digital spaces and assets could become much more important” and that Web 3.0 entrepreneurs may be departing the country for less-regulated options. USA In the United States, the most direct regulatory statement on the metaverse has come in the context of the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit to block Meta’s acquisition of a popular metaverse application. Per the FTC, “The virtual reality industry offers a uniquely immersive digital experience and is characterized by a high degree of growth and innovation,” but that Meta’s drive to “conquer virtual reality” posed a threat to competition. “Meta, the global technology behemoth that owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, is the largest provider of virtual reality devices, and also a leading provider of apps in the U.S.” The FTC claims that by purchasing the fitness app, Meta discouraged anyone else from creating such an app, dampening future innovation and competitive rivalry. Whether by enforcing and expanding existing laws or developing new regulations, or through the soft regulation of policies and guidelines, the developing metaverse will continue to occupy a central place in government discussions around the world.

Home Solutions To Turn Home Into A Sanctuary – Malaya https://collincountynewsonline.com/home-solutions-to-turn-home-into-a-sanctuary-malaya/ Appliances that make use of the latest technologies play a huge role in transforming one’s concept of a better home. Homeowners now have access to appliances that enable them to upgrade their homes, thanks to Midea – the leader in intelligent home solutions. Midea shares exciting ideas guaranteed to transform the place into a sanctuary. It is true that décor and color can help create an inviting space, but it is equally important to ensure that the environment is always cool and comfortable, especially in areas for sleep, work, or relaxation. Keep all corners of a room cool with Midea U-Shaped Window Type Air Conditioner, which has a strong airflow that allows one to feel the cold air even 20 feet away. It has an innovative design that provides easy installation and an ultra-quiet relaxation experience. The Midea 3-in-1 Convertible 5 Blades Timer and DC Inverter Stand Fan also redefines the family’s cooling experience with its adjustable features that can be converted into a desk fan, floor fan, and stand fan, not to mention a 12-speed level and 12 hours programmed timer to give a smart and energy-efficient cooling solutions at every corner of the home. Homeowners can never go wrong because it is recognized by Euromonitor International in 2022 as the world’s number one in air cooler and cooling fans brand. Keep the home dust- and dirt-free with Midea M7 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, which uses the latest fifth generation LDS laser navigation technology that will easily clean every nook and cranny of the home with its amazing suction power. This intelligent cleaning powerhouse has an auto-return and charge function, which means the M7 is always ready for action. Its smart app and voice control is compatible with Alexa and Google, too. The Midea Cordless 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum Cleaner has an ergonomic handle for comfortable carrying and convenience to easily access hard-to-reach areas in the home. This versatile cleaning expert has a high-efficiency motor for a powerful suction and multi-filtration system that does its job in cleaning not only the couch and floors, but also the car, gadgets, fabrics, clothes, and beddings. The Midea 20cm Air Purifier lets homeowners enjoy clean air 24/7. It has five layers of filtration systems for powerful purification. It removes hair, dust, and large air pollutants, with an anti-bacterial pet layer, and a high-efficiency HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97 percent of allergens and germs as small as 0.3mm. For perfectly cooked rice, Midea Digital Rice features a smart temperature sensor so one can cook rice that is fragrant, with just the right texture while retaining the nutrition of each grain.

‘Time Is Not On Our Side’ To Provide Regulatory Clarity On Crypto, Says US Lawmaker – Cointelegraph https://collincountynewsonline.com/time-is-not-on-our-side-to-provide-regulatory-clarity-on-crypto-says-us-lawmaker-cointelegraph/ “We’ve got to move, pick a regulator, and give the market the certainty and guardrails it deserves,” said House Representative Josh Gottheimer. 415 Total views 22 Total shares New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer said that United States lawmakers needed to pass legislation clarifying regulators’ role over crypto or risk companies taking their business abroad. Following a roundtable discussion on Sept. 27 with Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair Rostin Behnam and many industry leaders, Gottheimer said some of the crypto bills proposed by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were “building blocks” aimed at achieving regulatory clarity. Though saying he was “bullish” on the Digital Commodities Consumer Protection Act, Gottheimer suggested that the bill — aimed to give the CFTC greater authority over the crypto spot market — was not the only possible legislative path. “I’m very open to any solution as long as it provides some of the regulatory certainty that we need to offer the space so that we stop losing businesses and startups and entrepreneurs who are interested in planting a flag here and growing here,” said Gottheimer. “Whether that’s the Stabenow bill or other bills — Lummis and others, [and the bill] they’re working on in the House Financial Services Committee — is less important than actually providing clear guidance and guardrails.” He added: “Time is not on our side. We’ve got to move, pick a regulator, and give the market the certainty and guardrails it deserves […] the risk of doing nothing, to me, is a great risk.” Representative Josh Gottheimer and CFTC chair Rostin Behnam at the Ramapo College of New Jersey on Sept. 27. Source: Facebook. Gottheimer, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the Stablecoin Innovation and Protection Act in February — legislation aimed at having the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation back stablecoins in a manner similar to fiat deposits. However, the larger question of whether cryptocurrencies and stablecoins largely fall under the regulatory purview of the CFTC or Securities and Exchange Commission seems to loom over many lawmakers.  Related: Industry reps suggest improvements to Stabenow–Boozman crypto regulation bill Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow and ranking member John Boozman introduced the Digital Commodities Consumer Protection Act in August. In June, Senators Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand backed the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, a bill which included clarification for the CFTC’s and SEC’s roles over crypto as well as “stablecoin regulation, banking, tax treatment of digital assets, and interagency coordination.” Many lawmakers and those in the crypto industry have also criticized the SEC for taking a ‘regulation by enforcement’ approach to crypto. “I think there could be great harmony between all of these regulatory bodies,” said Gottheimer. “Clearly we have work to do in the Congress to provide some of that guidance and direction.”

U.S. Congress’ Jan. 6 Hearing Postponed Due To Hurricane – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-congress-jan-6-hearing-postponed-due-to-hurricane-reuters/ Police release tear gas into a crowd of pro-Trump protesters during clashes at a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S, January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Leaders of the U.S. congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol said the panel had postponed a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, citing the threat to the state of Florida by a major hurricane. In a statement on Tuesday, the Democratic chairperson, Bennie Thompson, and Republican vice chairperson, Liz Cheney, did not announce a new date for the House of Representatives Select Committee’s hearing. “In light of Hurricane Ian bearing down on parts of Florida, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s proceedings. We’re praying for the safety of all those in the storm’s path. The Select Committee’s investigation goes forward and we will soon announce a date for the postponed proceedings,” Thompson and Cheney said in a statement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Some 2.5 million residents of Florida were under evacuation orders or warnings on Tuesday due to the approach of Hurricane Ian, which was expected to make landfall in the state about the same time as the hearing on Wednesday afternoon. read more Thompson had said he expected the hearing would be the last from the Democratic-led panel. It held eight in June and July, presenting findings of its more than year-long probe of events surrounding the deadly assault on the seat of the government by supporters of former Republican President Donald Trump. In its earlier hearings – including one held in July 2021 – the panel made its case that, after losing the 2020 presidential election, Trump ignored allies who told him his claims of widespread election fraud were untrue and then sat back and watched as followers who believed his false accusations stormed the Capitol. Trump has denied wrongdoing. The panel has not said when it will release a final report on its probe, although the document is expected to be made public before the Nov. 8 mid-term elections, when control of Congress is up for grabs. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Franklin Paul and David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Good News For Channel: Tech Spending To Increase In 2023 – Channel Futures https://collincountynewsonline.com/good-news-for-channel-tech-spending-to-increase-in-2023-channel-futures/ There will also be more firms looking for managed services amid difficulties in hiring IT talent. Managed service providers (MSPs) have reason to be optimistic as tech spending remains strong going into 2023. The Spiceworks Ziff Davis (SWZD) 2023 State of IT report explores IT budget plans and tech trends. Despite widespread recession fears, it shows tech spending in North America and Europe is on course to grow by 13% year-over-year (YoY). Spiceworks’ Peter Tsai Additionally, Peter Tsai, head of technology insights at SWZD, said businesses will “shift more of their budgets towards managed services.” Firms will look to managed services to maintain and optimize technology stacks amid difficulties in hiring IT talent. “Expected spending on managed services will rise to 18% of total IT budgets in 2023, up from 15% before the pandemic,” he explained. The largest share goes to managed business applications, managed security, managed hosting, and managed hardware support and maintenance. “This shift is good news for MSPs,” said Tsai. “Especially those with offerings in high-growth areas such as managed security services.” Firms with managed IT services budget increased from 8% in 2021 to an expected 11% in 2023. Budget for managed business applications grew from 9% in 2021 vs 11% in 2023. While 83% of businesses are concerned about a recession in 2023, 51% plan to increase their overall IT budgets in 2023. This is compared to a narrow 6% that plan to reduce their tech spend. The report highlights the need to update infrastructure and increased priority on IT projects as primary drivers for budget increases. Click on the slideshow above to discover more findings on future B2B tech adoption and tech spending plans.

Cloud9 Set To Sign Valorant Star Yay From OpTic Gaming Report Says – Dexerto https://collincountynewsonline.com/cloud9-set-to-sign-valorant-star-yay-from-optic-gaming-report-says-dexerto/ Cloud9 is set to sign OpTic Gaming superstar Jaccob ‘yay’ Whiteaker for the 2023 Valorant Champions Tour season according to a report from Dot Esports. Cloud9 is working on creating a super team for the upcoming 2023 VCT season as the organization is reportedly set to sign OpTic Gaming player yay according to a report from Dot Esports. yay was statistically the best player in the world over the course of 2022 as OpTic placed top three across all three major international events this year. OpTic did not make it into the Riot Games’ partnered leagues and thus the Valorant roster has been up for sale for organizations to pick over for the next year. Cloud9 seems to be the first organization to cement a deal with one of the former OpTic players as yay will join a team with three active members on the roster. Cloud9 benched Mitch ‘mitch’ Semago and Rahul ‘curry’ Nemani on September 22 and have to fill a six-man roster by late October. Cloud9 yay is coming your way Riot Games Yay was a standout player in OpTic’s series against The Guard at Valorant Masters. The former Counter-Strike player played for Andbox (now NYFU) before joining Envy (now OpTic) and has skyrocketed to become a household name in Valorant after bursting onto the scene internationally in 2021. With yay on the team, OpTic’s lowest placement at an international and domestic VCT event was top 12 at Valorant Champions 2021. The Cloud9 roster now consists of IGL Nathan ‘leaf’ Orf, Erick ‘Xeppaa’ Bach, Nathan “leaf” Orf and yay. The team still needs to find a fifth starting player and one substitute before the preseason deadline. Fans will see yay represent the blue and white at the VCT Kickoff tournament in February in São Paulo, Brazil.

NFL Week 4 Power Rankings: Eagles Soar To No. 1 Spot With Dolphins Right Behind; Jaguars Leap Into Top 10 – CBS Sports https://collincountynewsonline.com/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-eagles-soar-to-no-1-spot-with-dolphins-right-behind-jaguars-leap-into-top-10-cbs-sports/ Pete Prisco would not have guessed that Philadelphia and Miami would be the last undefeated teams Sep 27, 2022 at 5:41 pm ET • 1 min read Scott Taetsch / Getty Images All those out there who had the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins as the last two undefeated teams after three weeks please stand up. OK, so maybe there are a few of you. But there can’t be many who had that parlay. Yet here were are after three weeks, and the Eagles and Dolphins are both 3-0 and at the top of my Power Rankings, with the Eagles in the top spot and the Dolphins right behind at No.2. The Eagles have really impressed in blowing out three so-so teams to get to the top spot, but Miami has defeated two good teams in the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles look like the better team right now, with a high-scoring offense and a defense that can really rush the passer. The Dolphins didn’t do a ton on offense Sunday to beat the Bills, but they found a way with a late touchdown and then held on to win it. Coach Mike McDaniel’s Miami team has won one game with a lot of offense, another with good defense and another with a combination of the two. The Eagles have been the NFL‘s best offense over three weeks, with Jalen Hurts playing at an MVP level. The reason the Eagles are ranked higher than Miami is because they started higher up and because I think if they met on a neutral field the Eagles would win it. Both teams play tough games this week. Miami travels to Cincinnati to play the Bengals on a short week, while the Eagles play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are coming off a dominating road victory over the Chargers on Sunday. The Jaguars are the biggest climbers in this week’s rankings, going from No. 22 to No. 9 after beating up the Chargers, 38-10. Yes, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert came in banged up, but that beating was much worse than that. If Jacksonville beats the Eagles this week in coach Doug Pederson’s return to Philadelphia to face a team he won the Super Bowl with three years ago, they will be a top-5 team next week. Anybody see that coming? Of course not. That’s why figuring this league out year to year is so tough to do. Just look at the two remaining unbeaten teams. Who saw it coming? Biggest Movers Rk Teams   Chg Rcrd 1 Eagles Jalen Hurts has carried this team to a 3-0 start. His ability to run and pass makes it a real challenge to defend this offense. The Jaguars defense will be a challenge this week. 3 3-0-0 2 Dolphins At 3-0, they are off to a great start. The offense didn’t do a lot against the Bills, but the defense made many key stops. They have a tough game this Thursday at Cincinnati on a short week. 6 3-0-0 3 Bills The injuries are becoming a problem for this team, especially on defense. The talk of cruising to a Super Bowl has subsided for at least a week as they head to Baltimore to face a good Ravens team. 2 2-1-0 4 Packers They still don’t do a lot on offense, but that will come as Aaron Rodgers gets more comfortable with his receivers. The defense impressed in beating Tampa Bay. 1 2-1-0 5 Chiefs The passing game hasn’t been as good the past few weeks, which is a concern. Now they head to Tampa to play a Bucs team coming off a loss. That won’t be easy. 3 2-1-0 6 Buccaneers The offense has too many players out with injuries, so much so that Tom Brady can’t even bail them out. The defense has played well in three games, but now they get Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. 3 2-1-0 7 Rams They are 2-1, but they haven’t played like the team we saw win it all last year. They look to be off just a click here and there. — 2-1-0 8 Ravens Lamar Jackson has been special this season, but he has to be because of the defense. He’s shown that he’s back to his MVP level of play — probably even better. 2 2-1-0 9 Jaguars The Jaguars served notice the past two weeks that they might be ahead of schedule. They can be nasty on defense and are improving on offense, but the Eagles will be a real challenge this week. 13 2-1-0 10 Chargers They looked terrible in losing to the Jaguars, getting dominated on both sides of the ball. Injuries are a concern with this team now in a big way. 4 1-2-0 11 Vikings They looked lifeless early against the Lions, but they came alive late to win it to get to 2-1. The offense still isn’t clicking like it will be. — 2-1-0 12 Browns The run game keyed the victory against the Steelers, which is what we expect. But Jacoby Brissett made a lot of timely throws. 5 2-1-0 13 Cowboys Getting to 2-1 with Dak Prescott out with injury is a good thing for this team. Cooper Rush has played well in his place. Good defense has helped. 6 2-1-0 14 Broncos The offense actually showed some life on the last drive to beat the 49ers. Russell Wilson has to be better than he was for most of that game. 1 2-1-0 15 49ers They have to get more out of Jimmy Garoppolo than they did against the Broncos. The loss of left tackle Trent Williams for a while will hurt those chances. 6 1-2-0 16 Titans That was a heck of a bounce back against the Raiders. They showed they are a well-coached team. Now comes a key divisional came at Indianapolis. 8 1-2-0 17 Colts That was a nice bounce-back victory against the Chiefs. The defense played well and Matt Ryan made enough plays to win it. 8 1-1-1 18 Bengals The Joe Burrow we saw against the Jets is who we expected to see this season. Now let’s see how they do on a short week against Miami with a chance to even up the record. 3 1-2-0 19 Cardinals So much for the idea that the comeback against the Raiders would get this team going. They did nothing on offense against the Rams, which brings back those questions about the direction of this team. 7 1-2-0 20 Patriots Before the season, I thought it would be a miracle if this team made the playoffs. Now I am convinced of it. They aren’t good. 6 1-2-0 21 Saints They can’t get anything going on offense, which is why they are 1-2 on the season. Is Andy Dalton taking over as quarterback a possibility? 6 1-2-0 22 Steelers It’s almost Kenny Pickett time, even if the Steelers aren’t ready to admit it. The offense isn’t good right now, but the defense let them down against Cleveland as well. 4 1-2-0 23 Giants They are now 2-1 after losing to the Cowboys, but they are an improved team. Brian Daboll has them heading in the right direction. 3 2-1-0 24 Bears They are 2-1, but have hardly looked like that type of team. The offense can run it, but Justin Fields continues to struggle. 4 2-1-0 25 Raiders At 0-3, they’ve lost three close games. But at some point they have to find a way to win those games. This week’s game with Denver is a must-win for them. 9 0-3-0 26 Falcons They really impressed on offense in winning at Seattle. Marcus Mariota was sharp and the run game was outstanding with Cordarrelle Patterson. They are going to be a problem for teams this season. 6 1-2-0 27 Jets Maybe the whole taking-receipts talk is something Robert Saleh should re-visit. This team isn’t going anywhere. They need Zach Wilson on the field soon. 4 1-2-0 28 Lions They had no business losing that game to the Vikings. This is a team that has to learn how to close out games 2 1-2-0 29 Panthers The defense won the game against the Saints last week, but the offense needs to do more. At least Matt Rhule is in the win column to stave off the talk of him being fired — for now. 2 1-2-0 30 Commanders The defense is a disaster right now, the offensive line can’t protect, and Carson Wentz is playing bad. Aside from that, this team is just fine. 3 1-2-0 31 Seahawks This is going to be a long season in large part because the defense isn’t very good. They were destroyed by Falcons at home. That’s not what we expect from a Pete Carroll team. 2 1-2-0 32 Texans Davis Mills is really struggling right now. They are 0-1-2 and have to be thinking quarterback in next year’s draft. 2 0-2-1

Ken Paxton: Man Serving Subpoena Lucky Situation Didn’t Escalate And ‘necessitate Force’ – The Dallas Morning News https://collincountynewsonline.com/ken-paxton-man-serving-subpoena-lucky-situation-didnt-escalate-and-necessitate-force-the-dallas-morning-news/ Update: 12:40 p.m. with the judge granting Paxton’s request to quash the subpoena. After fleeing his home with his wife to avoid being served with a subpoena the day before, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Tuesday that the process server is “lucky this situation did not escalate further or necessitate force.” He said in a statement released on Twitter that he fled his home because “a strange man came onto my property at home, yelled unintelligibly, and charged toward me. I perceived this person to be a threat because he was neither honest nor upfront about his intentions.” Citing the hazards of his job, he continued, “In light of the constant threats against me, for which dangerous individuals are currently incarcerated, I take a number of common sense precautions for me and my family’s safety when I’m at home. Texans do the same to protect themselves from threats, and many also exercise their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves and their families. “… As leaders across America, from elected officials to Supreme Court Justices, face unprecedent (sic) threats of politically motivated violence, I believe this type of behavior utilized by radical activists is thoroughly disgusting and should be met with swift condemnation — not championed in the media.” The subpoena, which the server ultimately left on the ground, stemmed from a legal battle over funding for abortions, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. The subpoena was for a court hearing in Austin, but the federal judge Tuesday approved Paxton’s request to quash the subpoena, The Associated Press reported. Several abortion rights organizations are seeking a court order barring state officials from pursuing criminal charges against their employees should they resume funding out-of-state abortions for Texas residents. Lawyers in Paxton’s office representing Texas in the case didn’t immediately respond outside regular business hours to a request for comment. But Paxton responded on Twitter after The Texas Tribune first reported the incident late Monday night. Paxton said in his initial tweets that reporters are trying “to drum up another controversy” about him, calling it “a ridiculous waste of time.” He also raised reports of conservatives being attacked and how he was concerned for his family’s safety. “This is a ridiculous waste of time and the media should be ashamed of themselves. All across the country, conservatives have faced threats to their safety — many threats that received scant coverage or condemnation from the mainstream media,” he wrote in his initial tweet responding to The Texas Tribune report. This is a ridiculous waste of time and the media should be ashamed of themselves. All across the country, conservatives have faced threats to their safety — many threats that received scant coverage or condemnation from the mainstream media. — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 27, 2022 “It’s clear that the media wants to drum up another controversy involving my work as Attorney General, so they’re attacking me for having the audacity to avoid a stranger lingering outside my home and showing concern about the safety and well-being of my family,” he wrote in a second response. It’s clear that the media wants to drum up another controversy involving my work as Attorney General, so they’re attacking me for having the audacity to avoid a stranger lingering outside my home and showing concern about the safety and well-being of my family. — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 27, 2022 Ernesto Martin Herrera, who was tapped to deliver the subpoena, said in the affidavit that he arrived at the Paxton residence in McKinney in Collin County just outside Dallas at 8:28 a.m. on Monday. A woman who identified herself as Angela Paxton answered the door and informed him that her husband was on the phone inside, but was in a “hurry to leave.” Herrera returned to his car outside to wait, and more than an hour later he saw the garage door open and Paxton exiting his home. Herrera walked up the driveway to approach the state’s top attorney, and called his name. “As soon as he saw me and heard me call his name out, he turned around and RAN (sic) back inside the house through the same door in the garage,” he said in the affidavit. Minutes later, Herrera said, Angela Paxton exited the house and climbed inside of a black Chevrolet truck parked in the driveway. She opened the back passenger door before starting the truck and shortly thereafter Paxton himself exited the house and headed for the truck, ignoring Herrera who had begun to call his name. The document states that the process server loudly announced that he was serving Paxton legal documents, and placed them in a visible location on the ground. Both Angela and Ken Paxton remained inside the truck and drove away, leaving the documents behind. Related:Texas AG Ken Paxton was indicted seven years ago. When will he face a jury? Ken Paxton, a Republican, has been under indictment on state securities fraud charges for more than five years and is also under investigation by the FBI for allegations that he misused his position to aid a prominent donor. He denies wrongdoing in both cases. Paxton was indicted in 2015 on state securities fraud charges but is yet to face trial amid long delays over where the felony case should be heard and payment for the special prosecutors. The FBI is investigating Paxton over allegations of corruption that eight of Paxton’s own deputies leveled at him two years ago. The Texas state bar has also brought a lawsuit seeking to discipline Paxton for allegedly misleading the U.S. Supreme Court in his suit seeking to challenge Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Paxton has broadly denied wrongdoing and remained popular among GOP voters. He faces Democratic challenger Rochelle Garza, a first-time candidate and former ACLU attorney, in the November election. “Texans deserve an AG who will uphold the law, not run from it,” Garza wrote on Twitter Tuesday. No one should be above the law — certainly not the person who is supposed to be Texas’ top lawyer. We need to vote criminally-indicted Ken Paxton out. pic.twitter.com/HLBuRog4RC — Rochelle Garza (@RochelleMGarza) September 27, 2022 Angela Paxton, a Texas state senator, is also a Republican. Like her husband, she is seeking reelection on Nov. 8 and has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Abortion lawsuit The case is Fund Texas Choice v. Paxton, 22-cv-00859, US District Court, Western District of Texas (Austin). The subpoena ordered Paxton, a Republican, to testify in hearing Tuesday morning in a civil lawsuit that Texas abortion funds filed last month that seeks protections to resume financing people’s out-of-state travel for the procedure. Most funds, which help women pay for an abortion or associated costs, paused their work just before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and triggered an effective abortion ban in Texas. The lawsuit against Paxton and several local prosecutors argues that enforcing anti-abortion restrictions against the funds would violate the rights to free speech and travel. In their suit, the eight abortion funds asked a federal judge to stop the officials from prosecuting their staff, donors or volunteers for their role in any abortions that occur outside the state. “Abortion access is critical,” the filing said. The groups “all want to resume their prior activities as permitted by the United States Constitution and seek intervention from this Court to allow them (to) do so safely.” Paxton, who is up for a third four-year term in November, has pledged to aggressively enforce the state’s anti-abortion bans. A patchwork of laws are in play, some of them conflicting. A recent court decision revived a century-old abortion ban, and on Thursday a new law kicks in that makes performing the procedure a felony punishable by lengthy prison time and six-figure fines. Related:Texas Supreme Court allows enforcement of 1925 abortion ban scrapped in Roe v. Wade The lawsuit says Texas legislators have threatened that abortion funds and their donors will be prosecuted for murder, and asserted that pre-Roe laws can be applied retroactively to work the funds have already done. “They cannot safely resume the exercise of their own constitutional rights until the threat of criminal prosecution for doing so is eliminated,” the suit said. The Guttmacher Institute, which promotes reproductive health and rights, estimates the average drive is 250 miles one way. The burden falls hardest on communities of color, rural Texans and low-income women, who experts said already face the biggest obstacles in accessing abortion. The only exception in the state’s abortion ban is to save the life of the pregnant person. The North Texas Equal Access Fund and the Dallas-based Afiya Center both signed on to the lawsuit. Related:Texas abortion funds sue to restart paying for out-of-state procedures Assistant politics editor John Gravois and Austin bureau correspondent Allie Morris contributed to this report, which contains material from Bloomberg News and The Associated Press.

6 Travel ETFs To Consider In 2022 | The Motley Fool – The Motley Fool https://collincountynewsonline.com/6-travel-etfs-to-consider-in-2022-the-motley-fool-the-motley-fool/ With the world figuring out how to live with COVID-19, the travel industry is in growth mode again. U.S. travel for leisure has reached new all-time highs, but business travel is still down from pre-pandemic levels. The same goes for international travel activity. Vacations still have a long way to fully recover, and new digital tools for booking accommodations are on the rise. Over the course of the next decade, some estimates point to global travel spending increasing at an average of 5% to 6% annually — double the expected average annual growth of the global economy. Source: Getty Images Investing in travel ETFs might make a lot of sense right now. If you think the travel industry will continue to rebound and that the global consumer will travel more over the long term, buying a travel ETF could provide healthy investment returns. Investing in travel ETFs The global travel industry is a large space that spans multiple sectors of the economy. On one end are industrial companies such as airlines, vehicle makers (including RVs or bikes, for example), and energy companies that make moving people possible in the first place. On the other end are destinations such as theme park and cruise line operators, restaurants, and accommodations such as hotels and rental properties. Connecting the two are travel agencies, digital booking services, and other tools that help facilitate travel. Picking the right stocks in such a massive space can be tricky. But buying a travel ETF (exchange-traded fund) yields instant diversification by way of a large basket of travel industry stocks. Here are six worth a look for 2022: Data as of Aug. 29, 2022. ETF Name Assets Under Management Annual Fee Description U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSEMKT:JETS) $2.56 billion 0.6% A large ETF focused on airline operators. PowerShares Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF (NYSEMKT:PEJ) $900 million 0.55% The oldest ETF on this list with a well-diversified portfolio of travel stocks. ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (NYSEMKT:AWAY) $188 million 0.75% A focused play on travel and accommodation technology. Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (NYSEMKT:CRUZ) $37.4 million 0.45% Another focused ETF on hotels, air travel, and maritime vacations. ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF (NYSEARCA:JRNY) $11.9 million 0.65% An ETF that invests in travel companies and adjacent industries that derive benefit from vacationing. AdvisorShares Hotel ETF (NYSEMKT:BEDZ) $6.26 million 0.99% For investors who want a focus on accommodations and travel real estate. 1. U.S. Global Jets ETF The U.S. Global Jets ETF is by far the largest fund on our list, with client funds under management of more than $2.5 billion as of this writing. It’s also the only ETF focused on the airline industry, an absolutely essential business for the travel space. The U.S. Global Jets ETF was launched in 2015. The annual fee is 0.6%, which works out to $6 per year deducted from the ETF’s performance per $1,000 invested. The majority of the U.S. Global Jets ETF’s portfolio is dedicated to U.S. airline operators. One-third of assets are invested in Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV), Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL), and American Airlines (NYSE:AAL). There are also stocks of international carriers in the mix, as well as a few online travel booking stocks. But by and large, the ETF will perform on the same plane as U.S. airline stocks. This fund is for investors who think air travel volumes will gradually increase over time. 2. PowerShares Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF The PowerShares Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF is from large investment company Invesco (NYSE:IVZ). The ETF has been around since 2005 and has amassed more than $900 million in client funds. It charges a 0.55% annual fee. The ETF is a more well-diversified travel industry offering. Although it is limited to 30 stocks in the leisure and entertainment industry, companies in the portfolio include businesses such as event promoter and venue manager Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:LYV), hotelier Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR), and online travel giant Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG). The PowerShares Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment ETF has underperformed the S&P 500 Index since the fund was started, largely due to the start of the pandemic in 2020. 3. ETFMG Travel Tech ETF As its name implies, the ETFMG Travel Tech ETF is the most cutting-edge fund on our list. It has $188 million in funds under management and charges 0.75% per year. This is also a newer ETF. Its inception was at the start of 2020, just before the pandemic began. Since launching in February 2020, the ETFMG Travel Tech ETF has drastically underperformed the S&P 500. However, a rally could eventually be in order, especially since a little more than half of the fund is invested in online and highly profitable travel software stocks such as Airbnb (NASDAQ:ABNB) and Booking Holdings. There are also ride-hailing businesses such as Uber (NYSE:UBER) in the mix, as well as smaller travel agencies and planning companies. 4. Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF The next ETF is also a fresh offering, having launched over the summer of 2021. The Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF was built to capture investor interest in a potential rebound in the global travel industry, although the portfolio hasn’t met those expectations. The fund manages more than $37 million and charges 0.45% a year. The Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF is comprised of 56 stocks. The name indicates the portfolio’s composition. Top holdings include Marriott International, Delta Airlines, and major cruise line Carnival (NYSE:CCL). Although it has lost to the market overall in its short existence, the ETF could be a top pick for investors who want focused exposure to lodging accommodations, air travel, and cruises. 5. ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF Another recent ETF offering, the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF has only accumulated about $12 million in funds since launching in the autumn of 2021. It charges 0.65% in annual fees. Although still small at this stage, the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF aims to be a well-diversified investment option. Top stocks include airplane manufacturer Boeing (NYSE:BA), entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS), and payments and travel company American Express (NYSE:AXP), as well as many other businesses already mentioned above. Its diversified approach to travel and adjacent industries could serve the ETF well in the years ahead. 6. AdvisorShares Hotel ETF This last ETF, by far the smallest with a little more than $6 million in client funds under management, is another niche travel offering. The AdvisorShares Hotel ETF focuses on hotels, accommodations, casinos (gaming), and related travel sub-industries. As an actively managed fund, it has a higher expense ratio of 0.99% per year. The fund managers focus on profitable businesses that have a dominant position among their competitors. As of this writing, the top three stocks in the portfolio are oil and gas worker housing specialist Target Hospitality (NASDAQ:TH), resort and vacation property manager Bluegreen Vacations Holding (NYSE:BVH), and Marriott. With its focus on profitable companies that haven’t been hit as hard by the pandemic as other travel companies, the ETF has held up relatively well so far compared to some of its peers on this list. However, since most of its holdings are real estate stocks, it may not have the same growth potential as other travel ETFs. Related investing topics Travel investments are a long-term theme Although the travel industry has been beaten down over the past few years, this is an area of the global economy that should grow at a steady pace in the next decade. However, as is the case with other discretionary consumer spending, travel stocks can also be highly sensitive to overall economic health. Expect plenty of bumps in the road. Nevertheless, for investors who believe travel will keep expanding for years to come, investing in a travel ETF could be a solid option for a well-diversified portfolio that includes other investment themes. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Nicholas Rossolillo has positions in Airbnb, Inc. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Airbnb, Inc., Booking Holdings, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival, Delta Air Lines, Live Nation Entertainment, Marriott International, Southwest Airlines, and Uber Technologies and recommends the following options: long January 2023 $115 calls on Marriott International, long January 2024 $145 calls on Walt Disney, and short January 2024 $155 calls on Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

AP Top Business News At 1:55 P.m. EDT – WTMJ https://collincountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-155-p-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 1:55 p.m. EDT  WTMJ

Study: Women With Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes – DNA India https://collincountynewsonline.com/study-women-with-healthy-lifestyle-can-reduce-risk-of-developing-type-2-diabetes-dna-india/ Researchers found that women who have a history of diabetes during pregnancy can still reduce their risk of developing it by living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, quitting smoking, exercising frequently, and not being overweight. The results show that women who adhered to five key lifestyle factors – healthy weight, high-quality diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking – had a 90 per cent lower risk of the disorder compared with women who did not adhere to any, even among those who were overweight or obese, or were at greater genetic risk of type 2 diabetes. It’s widely known that a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in generally healthy middle-aged populations. But less is known about whether this also applies to high-risk women with a history of diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes), and if obesity status or genetic risk of type 2 diabetes influence this association. To fill in these research gaps, researchers evaluated the associations of adherence to optimal levels of five modifiable risk factors – healthy body mass index, high-quality diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking, with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among these women at high risk. The researchers also assessed whether these associations changed according to obesity status or underlying genetic susceptibility for type 2 diabetes.

NFL Week 4 Picks, Plus Prisco’s Power Rankings And Cowboys Continue To Win With Cooper Rush – CBS Sports https://collincountynewsonline.com/nfl-week-4-picks-plus-priscos-power-rankings-and-cowboys-continue-to-win-with-cooper-rush-cbs-sports/ Here’s everything you need to know about the NFL for Sept. 27 Sep 27, 2022 at 1:03 pm ET • 12 min read Getty Images Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Pick Six newsletter! Thanks to the Giants loss on Monday night, we’re now down to just two undefeated teams in the NFL: The Eagles and Dolphins. Those are also the same two teams that played in the Super Bowl in the movie “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” so we probably all should have seen this coming.  Anyway, now that Week 3 is officially in the books, that means we’re going to start moving on to Week 4 today and we’re going to do that by making some picks for Week 4, plus we’ll be unveiling Pete Prisco’s Power Rankings.  As always, here’s your weekly reminder to tell all your friends to sign up for the Pick Six newsletter. To get your friends to sign up, all you have to do is click here and then share this link with them. Alright, let’s get to the rundown.  1. Today’s show: Recapping the Cowboys‘ big win over the Giants The only thing that was more exciting than the Cowboys’ 23-16 win over the Giants on Monday night was the podcast that Ryan Wilson, Will Brinson and I recorded following the game. We spent roughly 45 minutes debating whether Daniel Jones played well and we also debated how long the Cowboys should let Dak Prescott heal since Cooper Rush seems to have things under control.   With that in mind, here are three key things from the game that we talked about during the podcast:  Giants can’t stop Cowboys’ balanced offensive attack. If there’s one unsung hero of the NFL season so far, it’s probably Cooper Rush. The Cowboys won their second straight game without Dak Prescott, and Rush played a big part in that. The Cowboys backup QB threw for 210 yards and a TD. He also caught fire in the second half, completing 12 of 13 passes at one point. Of course, Rush also got plenty of help from a Cowboys rushing attack that totaled 178 yards. The Cowboys finally let Tony Pollard run wild and he responded by rushing for 105 yards on just 13 carries. Not to be outdone, Ezekiel Elliott also added 73 yards on 15 carries. Another player who came up big for the Cowboys was CeeDee Lamb, who caught eight passes for 87 yards, including a wild one-handed catch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that you can see here.  Cowboys defense destroys New York’s offensive line. A big reason the Cowboys won is because their defense simply overpowered an overmatched Giants offensive line. Demarcus Lawrence tallied three sacks on a night where the Cowboys recorded a total of five sacks. The Cowboys defense made life miserable for Daniel Jones. Besides the five sacks, they also pressured him 24 times, which is the most pressure a QB has faced this season and the second-most any QB has faced over the past two seasons, according to ESPN.com.   Giants make way too many mistakes. The Giants actually looked good for a decent part of this game, but in the end, they just made way too many mistakes. Between the dropped passes, blocked field goal, failed fourth down in the first half and the offensive line’s inability to protect Daniel Jones (five sacks), the Giants just made too many errors and they’re not quite good enough yet to make that many mistakes and still win. On the bright side, the Giants did get a huge game from Saquon Barkley, who’s starting to look like his old self. The running back rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on a night where he totaled 126 yards.  We talked about those three things, plus everything else you could possibly want to know about Monday’s game. If you want to listen to the rest of our recap, be sure to click here. You can also watch today’s episode on YouTube by clicking here.  2. Prisco’s Power Rankings heading into Week 4 When it comes to Pete Prisco’s Power Rankings, we have some big news this week: The top of the rankings has undergone some major changes with the top two spots now occupied by teams that weren’t there last week.  Here’s a look at Prisco’s top 5 teams heading into Week 4:  Eagles Dolphins Bills Packers Chiefs Dropped out: Buccaneers.  I’m not going to spoil the rest of the power rankings here, but I am going to give you a few nuggets. Here’s what has changed since last week.  The biggest jump this week went to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After watching the Jags throttle the Chargers by FOUR touchdowns, Prisco moved them up 13 spots from 22nd to ninth. That’s right, the Jaguars are now in the top 10. This clearly means that we’re living in a simulation.   The biggest jump in the NFC went to the Cowboys, who somehow keep winning with Cooper Rush. Thanks to their win over the previously undefeated Giants, Dallas jumped up six spots from 19th to 13th.  The biggest drop in Prisco’s Power Rankings went to the Raiders. Although the Raiders are the only 0-3 team in the NFL, they are not ranked last this week. Instead, Prisco dropped them nine spots from 16th to 25th.    In big news, we also have a new team at the bottom of our power rankings. For the first three weeks, the Falcons were living in the cellar, but they’ve now escaped and the new team at the bottom is the HOUSTON TEXANS.      If you want to know where your favorite team ended up in Prisco’s Week 4 Power Rankings, be sure to click here. If you want to argue with Prisco over his rankings, you can do that on Twitter by clicking here. I argue with him all the time about everything.  3. Breech’s Week 4 picks: NFL’s last two undefeated teams both lose If it’s Tuesday, that can only mean one thing: It’s time for my weekly picks.  If this is your first season with us, here’s how the formula works around here: I stay up until an insane hour every Monday night so that I can give you my picks every Tuesday morning. This newsletter will feature three of my picks, and then if you feel like reading the rest of them, you can do that below.  Before we get to my picks though, I must point out that the newsletter has turned into a jinx. The newsletter has featured six of my picks over the past two weeks and I’ve gone 0-6 in those games. I might have to retire from writing the Tuesday newsletter if this keeps up.  Anyway, here are three of my picks for Week 4:   Bengals (-3.5) at Dolphins (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime): The Dolphins’ 3-0 start has overshadowed the fact that their defense has been horrible. Through three weeks, the Dolphins are surrendering an average of 413.7 yards per game, which is the second-most in the NFL. You can throw the ball on them, you can run the ball on them and the Bengals have the type of offense that can take advantage of that. Also, this game will mark the debut of the Cincinnati’s white tiger helmets and I can’t pick against a team wearing white tiger helmets. PICK: Bengals 34-27 over Dolphins. Jaguars (-6.5) at Eagles (1 p.m. ET, CBS): This is a Doug Pederson revenge game and I have to think Pederson is going to do everything possible to win on Sunday, which means this is definitely going to be a refrigerator game for him (That’s where you pretend to throw the kitchen sink at your opponent, but then throw a refrigerator instead). The Eagles won’t know what’s coming and they’ll never know what hit them. PICK: Jaguars 27-24 over Eagles.   Patriots at Packers (-10.5) (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Mac Jones almost certainly won’t be playing this week due to an ankle injury, which means the Patriots will either be going with Brian Hoyer or a rookie at quarterback. If it’s Hoyer, he’s lost 11 straight games as a starter (He hasn’t won a game since 2016). If it’s Bailey Zappe, he’d be making his first career start on the road at Lambeau Field and asking him to win in that situation might be a bit much. PICK: Packers 27-16 over Patriots.  To check out the rest of my picks for Week 4, be sure to click here. 4. NFL coaches on the rise — and on the decline — heading into Week 4 The third week of the NFL season went pretty well for some coaches but not so well for other coaches. With that in mind, Cody Benjamin decided to take a look at the coaches who are trending up and the coaches who are trending down after three weeks of play.  Trending up Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. “The former 49ers assistant has essentially been trending up since the day he was hired, but what’s a roundup of hot head coaches without McDaniel? The guy has truly unlocked Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence as a thrower, and his teams have either been well-prepared or well-adjusted, or both, through three weeks, including Sunday’s tough upset of the mighty Bills.” Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. “Doug Pederson is the real winner in Jacksonville, restoring Trevor Lawrence’s poise, but let’s give some credit to his handpicked defensive guru. Edwards is a first-time coordinator, formerly a longtime linebackers coach, but he’s overseen big steps from their young pass rushers. His “D” is a top-10 unit in both points and yards allowed, and his guys stunned Justin Herbert in Week 3.” Trending down Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury. “A week after Kyler Murray’s unreal scrambling saved the Cardinals in an overtime win, Kingsbury’s club fell back to Earth against the Rams. Yes, he’s dealing with a depleted receiving corps. But he’s got a top-10 talent under center in Murray. Why, oh why, do his offensive strategies rarely, if ever, warrant trust in games against legitimate opponents?” Jets coach Robert Saleh. “You can blame the Jets’ continued woes on Joe Flacco starting in place of an injured Zach Wilson, but maybe it’s time to start asking why Saleh’s team is still battling fundamental and discipline issues well into his second year atop the staff. For being a heralded defensive mind, Saleh’s units rarely intimidate, and a...

Color Star’s Metaverse Adventure Continues With Promise To Make Smart Phones – Defector https://collincountynewsonline.com/color-stars-metaverse-adventure-continues-with-promise-to-make-smart-phones-defector/ Color Star Technology Co., Ltd., the Cayman Islands-registered, possibly Dubai-based ready-mix concrete company that scrapped its legacy business and recently launched its own extremely janky digital metaverse, continues to struggle with executive turnover. On Aug. 5, Color Star quietly filed paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission noting that Biao Lu and Jehan Zeb Khan had resigned simultaneously from their roles as co-CEOs of this strange company, and were replaced by a man named Farhan Qadir. Even by the standards of Color Star, which has now had seven CEOs in just over two years, this is abrupt: Lu and Khan were on the job together for less than two months, and are not stepping back into support roles, but appear to be leaving the company altogether. For the record, this is now the second time that Biao Lu, who also resigned from his role as Chairman of the company’s board of directors, has resigned from the position of Color Star CEO. Followers of this extremely normal business story will recall that Color Star’s fascinating young CEO, Sir Lucas Capetian, the man who spearheaded the launch of the company’s signature Color World app, resigned suddenly and left the company due to “personal reasons” back in June. At Defector, this was a heartbreaking development: We’d worked diligently over a period of months to establish contact with Capetian, and had received nothing in return beyond a couple terse emails and the threat of a lawsuit. Now, suddenly, Capetian was out of our lives altogether, replaced at the top of this strange company by not one but two new corporate officers. What a time we’d had: It was during Capetian’s eventful stewardship that Color Star entered into the now-infamous sponsorship partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, and it was Capetian who pivoted from the 76ers deal to a partnership with Villareal of Spain’s La Liga. It was Capetian himself who announced to the world that Color Star had formed a strategic partnership with a super-duper-real biotech company that could eventually give Color World users access to “human cloned organs.” To see this visionary jettisoned from the company he’d led in so many deranged new directions was like watching a beautiful star in the night sky suddenly blink out forever. Biao Lu and Jehan Zeb Khan did not immediately show their predecessor’s flair for Slick Business. The first news update posted to the company’s extraordinarily busted website (you’ve been warned) after the duo’s June takeover is headlined “Stop wasting time! This is enough~” and features another jarring 30-second video advertisement for the Color World app, with a strange and Cinquain-esque caption: Immersive visual experience, fresh and fun new sections, star entertainment, technological intelligence, and experience [color world] without leaving home. come, on! Hurry up and log in to the app store and download [chromeworld_metverse] Color Star Credit: Screenshot: Color Star Normal company. This inauspicious launch portended doom. Six days later, Lu and Khan resigned and were replaced by Qadir. Qadir appears to be a mover and shaker: Just over two weeks after taking the helm, Qadir attended a fancy event in Dubai where Color Star announced a “strategic cooperation” with something called Emirates Travellers. As with other recent Color Star partners, it’s not clear at all what Emirates Travellers sells or does, but it’s worth noting that the Color Star press release says the event was attended by members of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates. Neat! Then again, Color Star once announced that they would put likenesses of active 76ers players in their ugly metaverse, an overstatement that may have provided the 76ers organization the escape hatch they needed to parachute out of this hilariously ill-advised partnership agreement. One must never take at face value anything printed in a Color Star press release or advertorial. The purpose of the new partnership is unclear, but Color Star says their vaunted in-house tech team is busy building the “world’s first metaverse headquarters” for Emirates Travellers, which presumably will have the same Turok-gas-station aesthetic as the Color World shopping mall, announced back in June: Credit: Color Star It’s the mall. Just days after the glamorous Emirates Travellers announcement, Qadir was back at it, announcing on Sept. 6 a “long-term strategic cooperation” with something called Global Digital Club, which it describes as a “world-renowned professional digital investment club” with a membership of “powerful corporate elites in the global field.” In a startling twist, Global Digital Club has a functioning website and a little bit of an online footprint. In fact, they recently held a private investors event, featuring “business CEOs, venture capital funds, and investors” back on, ah, Sept. 11. Looks fun! But the biggest development of Color Star’s business was announced Monday, when the company issued a press release describing the upcoming launch of Color Star Technology Co., LTD-branded smart phones. These gizmos will be made in partnership with a company called Anex Korea, which Color Star describes as an “internationally renowned enterprise.” The “‘DONO’ Metaverse mobile phone,” as it is described in the announcement, will come preloaded with the Color World app, so that users can instantly log on and wander around the bleak, empty, bizarrely magenta-soaked digital landscape. “The mobile communication market is our latest new business sector, we are very happy about it, and are confident that we will develop this sector into maturity in the next few years,” says Qadir, via the press release. “While the outside world is focusing on the functions of the Metaverse, we will use mature and perfect technical means to escort users.” The bet seems to be that sooner or later one of these lurches is bound to pay off. Color Star recently executed something called a “reverse stock split” of shares of its ordinary stock, in order to consolidate the nearly 262 million shares of outstanding stock it’s distributed over the many years and permutations of its business. Reverse stock splits generally produce a bump in stock price, as sets of individual units at a certain market value are converted into one larger unit, maintaining all the consolidated market value. It’s a little artificial, yes, but Color Star’s stock has been trending in the wrong direction for years, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Unfortunately, in Color Star’s case, 40 shares individually worth approximately dog shit are being consolidated into one share of incredibly dense dog shit. This and Color Star’s more ambitious business moves have failed so far to generate enthusiasm among investors: CSCW stock has lost approximately 98 percent of its value over the past five years, and is now trading at a new low of $1.22 per share as of Tuesday afternoon. But just you wait until those hot Color Star smartphones hit the shelves. As their enthusiastic new CEO says, Color Star “is by no means a traditional technology company, and more we will combine our metaverse content with other businesses, which will find a broader market environment for us, and everything is possible.” That’s the spirit! H/t Fredrick

James Bond’s Stunts And Gadgets Debunked – The Science Behind The Secret Agent – The Mirror https://collincountynewsonline.com/james-bonds-stunts-and-gadgets-debunked-the-science-behind-the-secret-agent-the-mirror/ They are known for death-defying stunts and cool gadgets but are Bond blockbusters complete fiction? A new book by chemist and author Kathryn Harkup takes a closer look at the science behind the work of the world’s favourite secret agent and his villainous opponents. Here are six facts which left her shaken, not stirred. FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963) When assassin Red Grant fails to take revenge for the killing of Dr. Julius No (in the first 007 film Dr. No), Colonel Rosa Klebb is instead sent to kill Bond. She attacks him in his hotel room when he has none of his gadgets, or even his gun, available to help him. Klebb may be tiny but she is vicious. Bond must fend her off with a chair. James Bond in From Russia With Love ( Image: DAILY MIRROR) But it’s not enough to keep him out of range of Klebb’s secret weapon, the blade in her shoe. What the audience knows, and Bond doesn’t, is that the blade will deliver more than a nasty wound; its tip is covered in a venom that can kill in 12 seconds. The knife part of Klebb’s shoe was certainly based on reality; sharp footwear was developed by the KGB, though they may not have added poison. But adding a toxin taken from ‘the sex glands of the Japanese globe fish’, as we are told in the Ian Fleming books, isn’t that far-fetched. The poison from the Japanese globe fish, or puffer fish, is tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve toxin. The slow swimming, vulnerable puffer fish accumulates and concentrates the poison from the bacteria in its environment to use for its own defence. The toxin ends up in its skin, and some internal organs, which deters other animals from eating it. THUNDERBALL (1965) The radioactive tracking device Sean Connery swallows after being coerced by M16 genius Q was fiction in 1965 – and still is. Radioactive tracers can be used to track down areas of medical interest inside the body. A radioactive pill in Thunderball ( Image: DAILY MIRROR) The dose is low and special detectors have to be placed close to the patient to get a reading. Swallowing something that can give off enough radioactive energy to be tracked from miles away would do horrendous damage to Bond’s internal organs. A VIEW TO A KILL (1985) A View to a Kill sees Bond in Paris, seeking information about Max Zorin, megalomaniac for this particular instalment of the franchise. Over lunch in a restaurant at the top of the Eiffel Tower, he asks the French detective, Monsieur Aubergine, what he knows. Roger Moore as 007 in A View To A Kill – 1984 ( Image: Getty Images) Aubergine clearly has his suspicions about Zorin’s activities but, before he can elaborate, a butterfly act appears on the stage to entertain the diners. Paper butterflies flit around the room, but one, a bright yellow and black butterfly, flies around wildly and slams into Aubergine’s cheek. He promptly falls dead in his dinner. Whatever poison the fake butterfly was carrying, it was fast-acting. The substance is never identified but, as we learn later, the killer has access to a wide range of chemicals from the lab where Zorin is developing drugs to dope his racehorses and perhaps humans too. Maybe one of these drugs, given in a sufficiently high dose, could have caused Aubergine’s death. Administering the poison, however, can be more tricky. A poison-laced barb on a fake butterfly on the end of a fishing rod sounds ridiculous, but it puts a bit of distance between the assassin and their target. Hiding in the shadows with the other puppeteers makes the killer more difficult to spot and the surprise of the unusual method gives them a bit of extra time to escape. If you want to get away with murder it can be worth taking the time to form an elaborate and unusual plan, as the real-life case of Georgi Markov shows. In 1978 Markov, a Bulgarian defector, was working in London as a journalist. On 7 September he took his usual route into work and while standing at a bus stop on Waterloo Bridge he felt a sting in the back of his leg. He turned to see a man pick up an umbrella, apologise, cross the road and get into a taxi, never to be seen again. Four days later Markov was dead. An autopsy revealed a tiny pellet embedded in his thigh below the spot where he had felt the sting. The pellet was tiny, just 1.5mm (0.06in) in diameter and had two holes drilled into it. Where the two holes met, a cavity was formed, which analysts guessed had been filled with ricin. YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967) You Only Live Twice has supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld living in his magnificently appointed private volcano.The expanse of desk from which he makes his plans for world domination is protected by a piranha-filled pond. Visitors to this inner sanctum must cross a bridge over the pond, conveniently fitted with a trapdoor. How worried should his Spectre agents be after receiving a summons to his office? A blade in a shoe during From Russia With Love ( Image: DAILY MIRROR) Stories of shoals of piranhas attacking humans and stripping their flesh to the bone in seconds, as claimed in the film, are persistent but wildly exaggerated. These freshwater omnivorous fish can certainly administer a painful bite – the black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) has the most powerful bite of all bony fish – but they rarely cause death. Children are more vulnerable to attack as splashing attracts the fish, and their smaller bodies mean piranhas can do comparatively more damage. Hungry and stressed piranhas are also more likely to attack. Blofeld in You Only Live Twice ( Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock) If Blofeld is stressing and starving his fish then Spectre agent Helga Brand may well be in trouble when she falls through the trapdoor. But, having had a whole adult human to dine on, the fish were probably sated by the time Hans the henchman falls into the waters later in the film. GOLDFINGER (1964) The image of villain Goldfinger’s assistant Jill Masterson’s gold body lying on the hotel bed – her boss has her asphyxiated when she falls for Bond’s charms and betrays him – has become ingrained in popular culture and the idea of being killed by skin suffocation has become accepted as fact, even though it is nonsense. It is true that some oxygen is absorbed through the skin, but it is only around 2%. Cutting off such a tiny fraction of the body’s oxygen supply is not going to make a huge difference to a person’s health. Shirley Eaton is shown in a scene from the 1964 James Bond series film Goldfinger ( Image: REUTERS) Blocking the pores with paint could prevent sweating, making it difficult for the body to regulate its internal temperature. Masterson’s naked gold body probably got a few people hot under the collar, but what about Masterson herself? Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98°F), well above normal room temperature, and so our bodies constantly generate heat, some of which is lost to our surroundings. Someone of Jill Masterson’s petite size is probably radiating around 70 watts (W) of power to keep her warm. Jill Masterson, is painted from head to toe in gold paint by a painter on the set of the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ ( Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images) If those 70W were to remain trapped in her body, however, she would heat up very quickly, because it only takes a small increase in body temperature for things to go very wrong. A fever of 42°C (108°F) can be fatal because cells are programmed to self-destruct at this temperature in case they are infected.The longer the body is kept above this temperature, the more cells will die. All cells are important but some cells are more important than others. If too many brain cells die so will the person because these cells control vital functions such as breathing and heartbeat. But can a layer of gold paint really make that much difference? Physicists Tolan and Stolze were curious to find out. They calculated that 42 of Masterson’s 70W would be lost through her sweat evaporating. Assuming every pore on her body is blocked, the heat retained would result in her death around six hours after she was painted. Bond and Masterson must have been unconscious for at least that amount of time, because if either of them had woken up and noticed the overheating, a cold shower could have saved her. Even if the paint didn’t wash off in the water (in the novel it is said a special resin is needed), there are plenty of ways to cool a body until a suitable solvent could be found. CASINO ROYALE (2006) Le Chiffre’s identifying feature in the film version of Casino Royale proves useful to Bond. The eye of the fictional banker, who finances the world’s terrorist organisations, weeps blood when he is stressed, so the audience and Bond have a useful visual clue to his state of mind. Le Chiffre in Casino Royale ( Image: DAILY MIRROR) Bond can also use it as a ‘tell’ when he and Le Chiffre are playing against each other in a high-stakes poker match. Haemolacria is a genuine medical condition that can mean tears are stained with blood. It can be caused by infections, such as conjunctivitis, hormone changes or physical injury. Le Chiffre appears to have scarring around his eye and damage to the eye itself, suggesting injury. With such an obvious tell, it’s surprising Le Chiffre hasn’t had his haemolacria corrected, which is certainly possible with surgery. Daniel Craig as 007 in Casino Royale ( Image: Copyright unknown) Other Bond villains have been more than willing to go under the knife if it furthers their evil plans. *Superspy Science by Kathryn Harkup (Bloomsbury, £16.99), out now Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033. Read More Read M...

Lazarus Hackers Drop MacOS Malware Via Crypto.com Job Offers – BleepingComputer https://collincountynewsonline.com/lazarus-hackers-drop-macos-malware-via-crypto-com-job-offers-bleepingcomputer/ The North Korean Lazarus hacking group is now using fake ‘Crypto.com’ job offers to hack developers and artists in the crypto space, likely with a long-term goal of stealing digital assets and cryptocurrency. Crypto.com is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange platforms. The company gained attention in 2021 when it purchased and rebranded the Los Angeles Staples Center arena into ‘Crypto.com Arena’ and began a series of TV advertisements promoting the service. The Lazarus hacking group has been running a campaign dubbed ‘Operation In(ter)ception’ since 2020, where they target people working in the cryptocurrency industry. The threat actors’ goal is to trick targets into opening malicious files that infect systems with malware that can be used to breach the internal networks of crypto companies to steal large amounts of cryptocurrency, NFTs, or conduct espionage. In August 2022, Lazarus was seen targeting IT workers with malicious job offers that impersonated Coinbase and targeted users with Windows malware or macOS malware. In a new report by Sentinel One, the hackers have now switched to impersonating Crypto.com in their phishing attacks using the same macOS malware seen in previous campaigns. Latest campaign details Lazarus typically approaches their targets via LinkedIn, sending them a direct message to inform them of a lucrative job opening in a large company. Like the previous macOS campaigns, the hackers sent a macOS binary posing as a PDF containing a 26-page PDF file named ‘Crypto.com_Job_Opportunities_2022_confidential.pdf’ that contains alleged job vacancies at Crypto.com. PDF containing fake job openings (Sentinel One) In the background, the Mach-O binary creates a folder (“WifiPreference”) in the user’s Library directory and drops the second and third-stage files. List of files created under the new directory (Sentinel One) The second stage is “WifiAnalyticsServ.app” that loads a persistence agent (“wifianalyticsagent”), which eventually connects to the C2 server at “market.contradecapital[.]com” to fetch the final payload, “WiFiCloudWidget.” Hardcoded C2 address (Sentinel One) The security researchers couldn’t retrieve the final payload for analysis due to the C2 being offline at the time of the investigation. However, they noticed characteristics that point to a short-lived operation, which is typical for ‘Operation In(ter) ception’ campaigns. “The threat actors have made no effort to encrypt or obfuscate any of the binaries, possibly indicating short-term campaigns and/or little fear of detection by their targets,” explains Sentinel One in their report. The binaries are signed with an ad hoc signature, so they can pass Apple Gatekeeper checks and execute as trusted softwar Likely, Lazarus will soon switch to impersonating a different company while keeping the rest of the attack elements largely unmodified. If you work on a crypto firm, be vigilant with unsolicited job offers on LinkedIn, as one moment of curiosity is enough to act as a trojan horse for your employer. Crypto firms are a popular target for Lazarus Cryptocurrency firms are a popular target for the Lazarus North Korean state-sponsored hacking group, which is believed to be responsible for the theft of over $600 million in cryptocurrency. Lazarus first targeted cryptocurrency users by spreading trojanized cryptocurrency wallets and trading apps that steal people’s private keys and drain their holdings. In April, the U.S. Treasury and the FBI linked the Lazarus group to a cyberattack that stole over $617 million worth of Ethereum and USDC tokens from blockchain-based game Axie Infinity. It was later revealed that the Axie Infinity hack was made possible due to a laced PDF file that contained a lucrative job offer sent to one of the blockchain’s engineers.

U.S. Department Of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments – USDA.gov https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-department-of-agriculture-announces-key-staff-appointments-usda-gov/ WASHINGTON, September 27, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C. Penny Brown Reynolds, Ph.D., has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Operations in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Dr. Brown Reynolds previously served as Executive Counsel to Georgia’s Governor, and Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel to Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor. With service in all three branches of state government, Dr. Brown Reynolds has thirty years of senior management experience overseeing operations of large departments. She has served as a Chief Legal Officer, Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor on a wide array of issues, and as a state trial court judge. In 2018, Dr. Brown Reynolds received a dual appointment with the University System of Georgia, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Most recently, she worked as a licensed mediator, arbitrator and practicing attorney. Dr. Brown Reynolds holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University, a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law, a master’s degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. Riya Mehta has been promoted to Chief of Staff for the Farm Service Agency Riya Mehta has served as Policy Advisor for the Farm Service Agency since November 2021 where she has worked to develop and implement programs for pandemic and disaster assistance, conservation, and farm loans that support Administration initiatives. She joined USDA after leading the agriculture and environment portfolio for U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta. Prior, Mehta was a Legislative Fellow for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, where she worked on the 2018 Farm Bill. She received a Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems from Stanford University. Russellie Bongolan has been promoted to Deputy White House Liaison in the Office of the Secretary Russellie Bongolan was appointed in November 2021 where she served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Research Education and Economics Mission Area. There she worked to promote key USDA priorities, including equity, program modernization and climate change. Prior to her appointment, she served as Political Director for Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and as Georgia Deputy Director of Coalitions for the Biden-Harris Campaign. Additionally, Bongolan has over 10 years in the public and private sector working on veterans health administration and education technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & International Studies from University of California, Irvine and a Master of Science of Social Work from Columbia University. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.