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Alienware Aurora R13 Review: Alder Lake Alien – Tom’s Hardware https://collincountynewsonline.com/alienware-aurora-r13-review-alder-lake-alien-toms-hardware/ Alienware’s Aurora R13 is an attractive, capable and quiet gaming PC with lots of front-panel USB ports. We just wish it had better CPU cooling for serious productivity tasks. Pros + Very quiet when gaming + Lots of convenient front IO + Capable gaming and bursty productivity performance Cons – 120mm CPU cooler limits time-intensive productivity performance – Custom parts complicate upgrades With AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs, Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake, plus new high-end GPUs from both Nvidia and AMD seemingly right around the corner, right now may not be the best time to buy a new gaming desktop. Then again, if you’ve been waiting years to buy a gaming rig thanks to GPU availability issues surrounding crypto mining and the pandemic, you might be pretty sick of waiting. And it seems highly likely that we’ll only see fresh graphics cards on the very high-end ($900 plus) this year anyway.  For those who care more about getting a gaming rig now than waiting for reasonably affordable next-gen parts to become available, Alienware’s Aurora R13 is an attractive, powerful option. Its primary downsides are a 120 mm all-in-one cooler that, while sufficient for gaming, doesn’t handle heavy CPU workloads well on higher-end Alder Lake CPUs. Also, as we’ll detail later, stock of our $3,450 MSRP review model (with a Core i7-12700KF, 64GB of RAM, 4TB of storage and an RTX 3080) was not available when we wrapped up this review. But an RTX 3080 Ti model with otherwise the same specs was selling for $90 less ($3,359). Alienware Aurora R13 Specifications Processor Intel Core i7-12700KF Motherboard Custom Alienware Z690 (0C92D0) Memory 32GB DDR5 (4400 MHz) Graphics OEM RTX 3080 (10GB GDDR6X,1710 MHz Boost Clock) Storage 2TB Samsung PM9A1 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD; 2TB Hard Drive Networking Killer E3100 Gigabit Ethernet, Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1675x, Bluetooth 5.2 Front Ports 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5Gbps) ports, 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps) USB Type-C port, 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo audio jack Rear Ports (Motherboard) 4x USB 2.0 ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps),  USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (20 Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet, 6x analog audio jacks, 2x SPDIF digital audio (TOSLINK, coax) Video Output (GPU) 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 Power Supply 750W 80 Plus Platinum Cooling 120 mm AIO CPU cooler/exhaust, 3x 140 mm fans (2x front intake, 1x top exhaust) Case Alienware Aurora R13 Operating System Windows 11 Home Dimensions 20.1 x 23.2 x 8.86 inches / 510 x 589 x 225 mm Price as Configured $3,450 (as configured) Design of the Alienware Aurora R13 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) In terms of aesthetics, either you like Alienware’s “Legend 2.0” design language, or you don’t. Personally, I think it’s an improvement over the boxier Aurora R11 we looked at a couple years ago. There is undoubtedly lots of plastic wrapped around the chassis’ internal steel. But the plastic at least feels rigid and of high quality. If you don’t like white (the company calls it “lunar light”) there is also a black/dark gray “dark side of the moon” option that in most configurations seems to cost $50 less.  The Aurora’s case, once again, has the motherboard and other components angled upward. And Alienware really anchors down their GPU, with both a plastic bracket on the side and a metal support arm holding up the end of the card. If you’re the type who takes your desktop with you to LAN parties (or perhaps just college), this will make damage due to the weight of the graphics card much less likely. The primary downside of the Aurora’s design is parent company Dell’s continued use of proprietary parts. The motherboard here has an L-shaped protrusion that sticks out of the front, presenting the plethora of USB ports there. And while it’s unlikely that more than a small percentage of Aurora buyers are likely to, at some point, want to swap out their motherboards, the power supply that sits below the motherboard and GPU is also non-standard (at least for consumer PCs. Dell is using a server PSU). So if during the life of the system it fails or you need more power than the 750W available in our review unit (which you very well might with future high-end graphics cards and CPUs), that means at the very least you’ll need to get a new power supply from Dell rather than buying a standard ATX supply off the shelf of an online or brick-and-mortar store. At a time when competitor HP and its Omen lineup (seen most recently in the Omen 45L ) has moved steadily toward standardized, name-brand parts for a couple years now, it’s past time for Dell/Alienware to do something similar. Another area that’s in sore need of a design upgrade is CPU cooling. Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs, particularly on the high end, are notoriously tough on coolers. It’s likely their Raptor Lake replacements will be kindred in that regard,. Aand AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs look to be similarly thermally taxing. But the current Aurora’s cooler tops out with the 120 mm AIO that shipped with our review unit. And that won’t change without a case redesign because there’s no place for a larger radiator in the current chassis. Ports and Upgradability of the Alienware Aurora R13 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Alienware’s Aurora R13 features more convenient front-mounted ports than most desktops. You get three 5 Gbps USB Type-A ports and a 10 Gbps USB Type-C port, alongside a single headphone/mic combo jack. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Around back, there are six analog jacks, along with optical in both TOSLINK and coax forms (for just about any conceivable audio connection option). Also there are four USB 2.0 Type-A ports (two with what Dell calls “smart power” for charging your gadgets) and two blue USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports. Also around back are two – twice as many as we commonly see – USB Type-C ports, one of the 20 Gbps variety and one that runs at 10 Gbps. Last up is a gigabit Ethernet jack, powered by Killer (E3100). Wi-Fi 6E comes from a card on the motherboard. The custom motherboard lacks any video ports, but the RTX 3080 GPU brings the usual three DisplayPort 1.4a ports and a single HDMI 2.1. And aside from the occupied M.2 slot in our review unit (sporting a 2TB Samsung PCIe Gen 4 SSD), the board has a second empty NVMe M.2 slot next to the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card, near the front of the motherboard/case. And aside from the 2TB 3.5-inch hard drive that came with our system, there is an empty 2.5-inch hard drive/SSD sled in the bottom front, along with two unoccupied SATA ports on the motherboard. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Looking at other aspects of internal expandability, you can double up the DDR5 RAM (32GB in our review unit), or swap out the two sticks here for a maximum 128GB total in the four slots. There’s also a closed-end PCIe x4 slot above the graphics card, but whatever card you consider putting in there will have to be single- slot, and shouldn’t get too warm as it will be sitting right above the GPU. All in all, for a compact mid-tower from a big-box PC maker, the expandability here is pretty good. Gaming Performance on the Alienware Aurora R13 While Nvidia’s next-gen, high-end Ada GPUs are arriving shortly in the form of the expensive RTX 4090 and a pair of 4080s (with an AMD RDNA 3 announcement also coming in early November), the RTX 3080 in our Aurora R13 configuration is certainly no gaming slouch. I played Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands at ultra settings on my 4K monitor and averaged just under 60 fps (59.83, to be precise). While that was enough for the game to feel smooth and plenty playable for me, you could of course dial down or turn off one or two settings, or lower the resolution to improve frame rates. That being said, the other desktops we’ve tested lately have even more gaming muscle than our configuration of the Aurora. Falcon Northwest’s compact Tiki tower paired an AMD Ryzen 5800X3D with an RTX 3080 Ti, while HP’s bigger (and better cooled) Omen 45L packed a Core i9-12900K and an RTX 3090. Lastly, Corsair’s One i300, another compact power tower, combines an i9-12900K with a 3080 Ti (and liquid cools both the CPU and GPU). All of these systems as tested sell for $1,000 or more than our Aurora review unit. The MSRP of our unit is technically $3,450, but the RTX 3080 option is currently not in stock (and it’s unclear whether it will come back in stock again). But when we wrote this, the same configuration as our unit, but with a more powerful RTX 3080 Ti, was selling for $3,359. It’s also worth mentioning that the Aurora R13 was very quiet when gaming, which I wasn’t necessarily expecting given the 120 mm AIO that the company uses to cool the CPU. That said, as we’ll touch on later, the cooler gets quite loud when you heavily stress the CPU for any sustained length of time. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) On the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark (highest settings), the Aurora R13 delivered a butter-smooth 155 frames per second (fps) at 1080p, and landed just two frames shy of 60 fps at 4K. That’s 16 fps behind the Falcon Northwest and Corsair systems at 1080p, but just 5-8fps shy of all the pricier competition at the higher 4K resolution. In Grand Theft Auto V (very high settings), the Aurora R13 performed similarly, delivering 171 fps at 1080p and 56 fps at 4K. It was further behind the competition at 4K here, with the compact Tiki delivering 11 more fps at that resolution. In Red Dead Redemption 2 (medium settings), the Alienware once again dipped 8-12 fps behind the competition at 1080p, while still managing a respectable 113 fps. Its 44 fps at 4K put it 6-10 fps behind its pricie...

Israeli Exchange Bits Of Gold Becomes First Crypto Firm To Receive Capital Markets License – CoinDesk https://collincountynewsonline.com/israeli-exchange-bits-of-gold-becomes-first-crypto-firm-to-receive-capital-markets-license-coindesk/ Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto. Israel’s top markets regulator has granted local cryptocurrency exchange Bits of Gold one of the first licenses targeting crypto financial services providers in the country. With the license, Bits of Gold will be able to work with local banks and financial institutions, according to a press release shared with CoinDesk. Regulators in the country have been for some time attempting to clear the way for reluctant local banks to start interacting with crypto. “With the license and the Bank of Israel recent orders we will be able to resolve most of the bank issues,” the company said in a press statement. The markets regulator already granted Israel’s first crypto license to another private company called Hybrid Bridge Holdings (HBH) in early September. The CEO of the company, Giyora Ran, later told local news outlet Globes that HBH is building a crypto custody and exchange platform, but it’s unclear if it has a working product yet. This makes Bits of Gold, founded in 2013, the first local industry veteran and active crypto company to obtain the license after a four year wait, the company told CoinDesk in a written statement. It applied for the license in march of 2018. Bits of Gold is planning the launch of a platform which enables local and European banks and fintech firms to offer clients crypto for purchase. The firm also wants to start offering crypto custody services through its new digital wallet starting next month. CoinDesk has reached out to Bits of Gold for comment. Sign up for Money Reimagined, our weekly newsletter exploring the transformation of value in the digital age. By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk product updates, events and marketing and you agree to our terms of services and privacy policy. DISCLOSURE Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG . Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto. Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto.

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Increase Moderately – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-increase-moderately-reuters/ People line up outside a newly reopened career center for in-person appointments in Louisville, U.S., April 15, 2021. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) – The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased moderately last week, suggesting the labor remains tight despite aggressive interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve to cool demand. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 213,000 for the week ended Sept 17, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was revised to show 5,000 fewer applications filed than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 218,000 applications for the latest week. The U.S. central bank delivered a 75 basis points rate hike on Wednesday, its third straight increase of that magnitude, and signaled more large increases to come this year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters that “there’s only modest evidence that the labor market is cooling off,” describing it as continuing “to be out of balance.” read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Since March, the Fed has raised its policy rate by three percentage points to its current range of 3.0% to 3.25%. Economists say companies are hoarding workers after experiencing difficulties hiring in the past year as the COVID-19 pandemic forced some people out of the workforce in part because of prolonged illness caused by the virus. There were 11.2 million job openings at the end of July, with two jobs for every unemployed person. The claims report covered the period during which the government surveyed businesses for the nonfarm payrolls portion of September’s employment report. Applications fell between the August and September survey periods. Payrolls increased by 315,000 jobs in August. Employment is now 240,000 jobs above its pre-pandemic level. The number of people receiving benefits after an initial week of aid decreased 22,000 to 1.379 million in the week ending Sept. 10. Data next week on the so-called continuing claims, a proxy for hiring, will shed more light on September’s job growth picture. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting By Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Microsoft Unveils New Research And Technology To Bridge The Disconnect Between Leaders And Employees So Companies Can Thrive Amid Economic Uncertainty – Stories – Microsoft https://collincountynewsonline.com/microsoft-unveils-new-research-and-technology-to-bridge-the-disconnect-between-leaders-and-employees-so-companies-can-thrive-amid-economic-uncertainty-stories-microsoft/ Microsoft expands Microsoft Viva platform to connect employees to company culture, business goals and one another REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 22, 2022 — On Thursday, Microsoft Corp. released a Work Trend Index Pulse report, “Hybrid Work Is Just Work. Are We Doing It Wrong?” The company also announced new capabilities in Microsoft Viva, its employee experience platform, designed to help empower and energize employees in a time of economic uncertainty. The data makes clear that hybrid work has created a growing disconnect between employees and leaders. They’re at odds about what constitutes productivity, how to maintain autonomy while ensuring accountability, the benefits of flexibility and the role of the office. To bridge this gap, a new approach is needed that recognizes work is no longer just a place but an experience that needs to transcend time and space so employees can stay engaged and connected no matter where they are working. “Thriving employees are what will give organizations a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic economic environment,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Today, we’re announcing new innovations across our employee experience platform Microsoft Viva to help leaders end productivity paranoia, rebuild social capital, and re-recruit and re-energize their employees.” To help leaders navigate the new realities of work, the Work Trend Index Pulse report[1] points to three urgent pivots every leader should make: End productivity paranoia: 87% of employees report they are productive at work, but 85% of leaders say the shift to hybrid work has made it challenging to have confidence their employees are being productive. Leaders need to create clarity and alignment around company goals, eliminate busywork that doesn’t support those goals and listen to their people — 57% of companies are rarely, if ever, collecting employee feedback. Embrace that people come in for each other: 73% of employees say they need a better reason to go into the office besides company expectations — but they would be motivated to go in if they could socialize with co-workers (84%) or rebuild team bonds (85%). Digital communication will be crucial to keep people connected inside and out the office — both employees and leaders rank communication as the No. 1 most critical skill needed to be successful in their roles this year. Re-skill to re-recruit your employees: 55% of employees say the best way to develop their skills is to change companies. However, they also say they would stay longer at their company if it was easier to change jobs internally (68%) or if they could benefit more from learning and development support (76%). To address these challenges, Microsoft is expanding its employee experience platform Microsoft Viva to help companies deliver an employee experience optimized for the way people now work. Today, Microsoft is announcing several new and enhanced capabilities coming to Viva: Viva Pulse is a new app that will enable managers and team leads to seek regular and confidential feedback on their team’s experience. Viva Pulse uses smart templates and research-backed questions to help managers pinpoint what’s working well and where to focus, and also provides suggested learning and actions to address team needs. Viva Amplify is a new app that will empower leaders and communicators to elevate their message and reach employees where they are with consistency and impact. The app centralizes communications campaigns, offers writing guidance to improve message resonance, enables publishing across multiple channels and distribution groups in Microsoft 365, and provides metrics for improvement. Answers in Viva is a new capability that will use AI to match employee questions to answers and experts across the organization to help put collective knowledge to work for all employees. People in Viva is a new capability that will use AI to create rich profile cards with details on an employee’s interests, knowledge and team goals to help colleagues easily discover connections, experts and insights across the organization. These insights will be available through Microsoft 365 profile cards and as a new app. Microsoft recently launched Viva Engage, which fosters digital community building through conversations and self-expression tools with stories and storylines. Leadership Corner is coming to Viva Engage as a space to invite employees to interact directly with leadership, share ideas and perspectives, participate in organization initiatives, and more. Viva Goals helps organizations align employee work to business outcomes. New integrations in Viva Goals will bring goals into the flow of work including a richer integration with Microsoft Teams to check in on OKRs, an extension in Azure DevOps to complete work items, a connection to Power BI datasets to track KPIs and Key Results, and integrations with Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project for automatic project management updates. Enhanced integrations between Viva Learning and LinkedIn Learning will make it even easier for people to access content from LinkedIn Learning Hub right in the flow of work in Teams. Learners will see all their LinkedIn Learning Hub content synced, including custom content, curated learning paths and the courses they have already completed, all reflected directly within Viva. And administrators will be able to set the integration up directly within their settings on LinkedIn Learning Hub — no APIs needed. Viva Sales, the first role-based experience app in the platform, will be generally available Oct. 3. Viva Sales brings together a seller’s CRM with Microsoft 365 and Teams to provide a more streamlined and AI-powered selling experience — right in the tools they’re using every day to connect with customers and close deals. Microsoft is announcing a partnership with Seismic to personalize and scale customer engagements through AI-generated content recommendations. To streamline access to Viva and help employees start their day on track, a new home experience in Viva Connections will bring all the Viva apps together in one place, and updates to the Viva briefing email will provide more personalized productivity recommendations to help employees catch up on work, meetings and learning. The new Viva capabilities will begin rolling out to customers in early 2023. To learn more, visit the Official Microsoft Blog, Microsoft 365 Blog and the new Work Trend Index Pulse report. Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. [1] The Work Trend Index Pulse report is based on an external study of 20,000 people in 11 countries, along with analysis of trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals, LinkedIn labor trends and Glint People Science insights. For more information, press only: Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, [email protected] Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

Small Business Association Loans Available For North Texas Residents Affected By Flooding – Fort Worth Star-Telegram https://collincountynewsonline.com/small-business-association-loans-available-for-north-texas-residents-affected-by-flooding-fort-worth-star-telegram/ Digital Access – Annual Only 33¢ a day billed annually at $120 a year. Cancel anytime

Tourists Spent $2.7 Billion In Oneida County In 2021 – Utica Observer Dispatch https://collincountynewsonline.com/tourists-spent-2-7-billion-in-oneida-county-in-2021-utica-observer-dispatch/ A recent study released by Empire State Development and the I Love NY Division of Travel & Tourism shows visitor spending in Oneida County totaled $2.7 billion dollars in 2021, according to Oneida County Tourism.  Oneida County represents 74% of the Central New York Region’s tourism sales.   Traveler spending was up most in Oneida County at 164% of 2019 levels – the highest of any county in the state, according to the county tourism board.  “We are pleased to see the rebound of the travel industry and significant increase in economic impact generated through visitor spending in Oneida County in 2021,” said Kelly Blazosky, president of Oneida County Tourism in a statement.   “This study validates tourism as a vital part of the economy of Oneida County and the Central New York Region. Year-round and seasonal outdoor adventure experiences, quality attractions and events combined with our ideal location and great value continue to establish Oneida County as an excellent getaway destination.”  In Oneida County, all industry sectors remained steady or realized a slight increase and generated the following visitor spending in 2021:  Lodging – $1.2 billion  Recreation – $645 million  Food and beverage – $365 million  Retail and service – $460 million  Transportation – $42 million  Second homes – $31 million  The $2.7 billion in visitor spending is significantly higher than it has been in years past.   According to Oneida County Tourism, Oneida County brought in $1.5 billion in visitor spending in 2020, $1.7 billion in 2019, $1.6 billion in 2018 and $1.5 billion in 2017.  Development:Private development is coming to Utica’s Harbor Point Oneida Indian Nation to launch cannabis:Timeline, location and what to know The hierarchy of where the money is spent has not really changed over the last five years. Lodging and recreation always top the list and transportation and second homes round it out. Blazosky said the growth in 2021 lodging – the largest growth sector – directly correlates to the opening of a Home2 in north Utica in August 2020 and a Hampton Inn in Verona at Turning Stone in April 2021.  These openings added 199 guest rooms (72,635 room nights) bringing hotel room inventory to 3,320 in Oneida County, she said. Simultaneously the occupancy tax increase from 2% to 5% enacted by Oneida County Legislature, which took effect Feb. 1, 2020.   “Additionally, Oneida County benefited from our central geographic location and great outdoor spaces for people to explore,” Blazosky said.  About the study  The Economic Impact Study of Tourism in New York for 2021 was conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company of Oxford, United Kingdom with US offices in Wayne, PA.    The New York visitor economy spans multiple industries and Tourism Economics studied several sectors of the tourism industry, including those listed above.  This past year was one of recovery for the visitor economy as direct visitor spending reached $52 billion. This follows severe COVID-related declines in 2020, according to the statistics.  Visitor spending across the Central New York Region totaled $3.7 Billion in 2021, supporting 33,630 jobs. Central New York Vacation Region includes Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Broome, Chenango, Herkimer, Madison, and Montgomery counties.   The increase in direct spend of 80% versus 2020 was the fastest across New York State, resulting in the best performance versus pre-pandemic (142% of 2019 levels), according to the study.  What does this mean for Oneida County? Visitor spending supported 19,939 people employed direct, indirect and induced in travel and tourism jobs in Oneida County in 2021 and generated $1.2 billion in household wages, according to the tourism center.  Tourism sustains 22.7% of all employment in Oneida County. State tax coffers gained $134.3 million while local tax revenues reached $123.7 million in 2021 from tourism-generated spending in Oneida County.   Oneida County residents realized $2,846 in tax savings per household in 2021; an offset generated by visitor spending.  Oneida County contributed 68.5% of the Central New York Vacation Region’s tourism tax base in 2021 which totaled $376.4 million.  Though the county is bringing in more tourism money than the rest of the state currently, some officials see that divide widening, with more attractions slated to open in Oneida County later this year and into next.  “Tourism is essential to the economy of Oneida County and this study shows that we are in an incredibly strong position right now, thanks to visitor spending increasing at a higher rate than anywhere else in the state,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. in a statement.  “Our current success is due in large part to our strong partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation and the many investments they have made in our region. The future is even brighter, as we prepare for the boon that the Nexus Center will bring in the fall, and the rest of the development of the U-District that will follow, including the county’s food emporium at the REA Wing of Union Station.”

Fragomen’s Immigration Law School Opportunity For Scottish Students – Scottish Business News https://collincountynewsonline.com/fragomens-immigration-law-school-opportunity-for-scottish-students-scottish-business-news/ A GLOBAL law firm’s opportunity to find out about prospective careers in the world of immigration is open for Scottish applications. Fragomen’s UK Immigration School is aimed at senior school pupils, university students and graduates. The School is a free-of-charge online programme featuring speakers from law, politics, economics, media and other key sectors. More than 400 attendees participated last year. Fragomen, which has more than 6,000 staff offering specialist immigration support across 170 countries, said the series of evening sessions will provide an insight into the many options available for a career in immigration. The two-hour sessions will be staged during October and November this year. The deadline for applications is October 2 [2022]. Those accepted to go on the course, will take part in four online seminars every Tuesday (6pm-8pm) between October 4 and October 25. Natasha Catterson, partner at Fragomen, said: “The immigration sector presents several of career opportunities and the school will give an insight into the options available. “Attendees will be able to list their participation on their CV which will show not only specialist knowledge but potentially be a significant differentiator when it comes to future applications. The seminars are relevant to those interested in immigration law, law as a whole and global mobility. There are many different roles that are integral to the successful running of a law firm such as finance, IT, marketing, human resources, and these will also be discussed. Fragomen has 55 offices worldwide.

Fitness: These Little Tricks And Tips Will Help Keep Your Workout Routine On Track – NDTV Doctor https://collincountynewsonline.com/fitness-these-little-tricks-and-tips-will-help-keep-your-workout-routine-on-track-ndtv-doctor/ Home »  Living Healthy »  Fitness: These Little Tricks And Tips Will Help Keep Your Workout Routine On Track Workout Tips: In this article, we discuss tips and tricks that can help you stay on track with your workout.   By: Manya Singh  Updated: Sep 22, 2022 12:36 IST 3-Min Read Workout Tips: Having a workout companion can help you stay on track Trying to inculcate a healthy and active lifestyle takes time, effort, motivation, patience, and various other aspects. This is especially difficult if you are making these changes after a long history of following an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Many people begin fitness routines, but stop them when they grow tired, don’t like it, or see too little progress. However, to take conscious steps to make this journey fun, motivating, and doable, you must make the right choices. In this article, we discuss tips and tricks that can help you stay on track with your workout. Follow these tips to make working out fun and to stay motivated: 1. Set a routine Set a rough routine for when you consume your meals and when you exercise. Make sure the time slot you have picked is vacant most days. For example, an hour of workout before work or after. Instead of setting a routine for say 8/9 pm. As there is a possibility you might have to attend to other chores, events, or plans that can jeopardise your workout plans. 2. Stop the all-or-nothing thought process The issue with this black-and-white way of thinking is that it forbids any adaptability when life interferes with your plans. And it’ll happen. When our unreasonable expectations aren’t realised, it causes a lot of despair and a sense of overwhelming. 3. Establish and revisit your goal Your goal can be the weight you are trying to achieve, waist size, or even the amount of time you want to lose weight. It is important to build small and achievable goals and work towards achieving them. It is also important to remind yourself of your goals throughout the journey to see how far you have come. 4. Don’t demotivate yourself Oftentimes, we can be the reason behind our own demotivation. It can be hard to stay on track. Furthermore, one might not always lose the same amount of weight through the same amount of effort. It is important to not pull yourself down when you’re unable to perform to the best of your abilities. 5. Find a companion Social support makes exercising a lot more pleasurable. Organise walking meet-ups. Arrange basketball teams, treadmill or spinning sessions at the gym, dancing nights, or tennis matches. Your companion can also help motivate you if you are considering skipping a day. 6. Avoid monotonous workouts To keep things new and to work out different muscle areas, try a variety of workouts. If you like the elliptical machine, try the stair climber for some cardio instead. As you strength train, alternate using machines and free weights. Every week, you don’t need to start from scratch, but you should change up your routine a little. 7. Take photos Taking pictures and keeping a photo journal is a terrific way to stay motivated to reach your fitness objectives. This will provide you with tangible evidence that your instruction is having an impact. To see your progress from all sides, take pictures of the front, both sides, and the back. In conclusion, patience is key. It takes time to make significant lifestyle changes and to lose significant weight. It is necessary to be consistent and realistic. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Here Is The Latest Pac-12 Conference Sports News From The Associated Press – Mankato Free Press https://collincountynewsonline.com/here-is-the-latest-pac-12-conference-sports-news-from-the-associated-press-mankato-free-press/ UNDATED (AP) — Oregon State has a chance to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2012 with a win over No. 7 Southern California. The Beavers beat USC 45-27 last season for their first win in the Coliseum in more than 60 years. There are currently four Pac-12 teams in the latest AP poll, but a win over the Trojans could very well elevate the Beavers into the rankings. In other Pac-12 games, No. 15 Oregon travels to Washington State and Sun Devils interim coach Shaun Aguano makes his debut after taking over for Herm Edwards. Arizona State will host No. 13 Utah. EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Oregon quarterback Bo Nix seems to have hit his stride after struggling in the opener against Georgia. The Auburn transfer threw for five touchdowns in a victory over Eastern Washington, then built on that success by throwing for a pair of TDs and running for three more in a 41-20 victory over BYU. The No. 15 Ducks now head north to face undefeated Washington State in their Pac-12 opener. UNDATED (AP) — After three weeks there are 33 unbeaten teams left in major college football and eight of them are playing against each other Saturday. There are showdowns in the Pac-12, ACC, and Big Ten this week, plus Duke vs. Kansas. The basketball powerhouses are both 3-0 heading into one of the most interesting games of the week. UNDATED (AP) — The College Football Playoff is built to expand. While only three games determine a champion, the current postseason format is seven games: Two semifinals, a championship game and four marquee bowls. To convert a four-team playoff into 12 requires four more games and about three more weeks. Expanding for the 2024 and ’25 seasons largely hinges upon whether the already-scheduled semifinals and championship game can be pushed back. The NFL schedule will play a big role, too. College football fans should be prepared to watch playoff games on weeknights. UNDATED (AP) — The early-season starts by the four Pacific Northwest schools would have had all the hallmarks of an exciting race in the Pac-12’s North Division. If only the North Division still existed. The current season marks the first time that the two teams with the highest winning percentage in conference games will meet in the championship game. The Pac-12 decided to do away with divisions after the NCAA Division I Council changed the rule requiring conferences to have divisions to conduct championship games. Washington, Washington State, and Oregon State are all off to 3-0 starts, while Oregon is 2-1. The Huskies and Ducks pulled off significant wins last weekend, with Washington defeating No. 11 Michigan State 39-28 and 25th-ranked Oregon beating No. 12 BYU 41-20. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State ended the Herm Edwards experiment a day after an ugly home loss. The Sun Devils are hoping the change will help them straighten out a season that still has nine games left. Interim coach Shaun Aguano will be at the helm of this transition. Arizona State’s former running backs coach has deep ties to football in the Grand Canyon State. Aguano was one of the most decorated high school coaches in Arizona history and had been on Edwards’ staff since 2019. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The Colorado Buffaloes are off to an 0-3 start for the first time since 2012. The program has tumbled to the depths where director of athletics Rick George felt it necessary to acknowledge in a statement that the Buffaloes have been disappointing this fall. Third-year coach Karl Dorrell is feeling the pressure as he tries to turn around a program that lost quite a few players to the transfer portal. The Buffaloes are a 21-point underdog this weekend when they host UCLA at Folsom Field. UNDATED (AP) — Three weeks into the season and there are still more than few teams ranked in The Associated Press college football poll ranked that have a lot to prove. No. 4 Michigan is the prime example. The Wolverines have scored at least 50 in each of their first three games, but those opponents are a combined 0-9 against other FBS teams. But where it is ranked is based more on faith than accomplishments. Reality check rolls through the rankings this week, looking for mystery teams. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

What’s On Guide To The Metaverse – September 23rd – September 25th, 2022 – NFT Plazas https://collincountynewsonline.com/whats-on-guide-to-the-metaverse-september-23rd-september-25th-2022-nft-plazas/ Happy Thursday NFT fam! We hope you have all had a great week so far. It’s time to celebrate the weekend in NFT style. So, without further ado, below are this weekend’s metaverse NFT events highlights in Decentraland and Voxels. VERTEX: Art Meets Music – Presented by DCL Babydolls When: Friday, September 23 at 4AM UTC+3 Where: -100, -100 A vertex is the point at which two lines meet, in this case, the vertex is where art meets music. The purpose of this project is to connect visual art and music in a live setting. During an hour and a half DJ set, the artist will create a unique work, pulling the energy of the music into their art, all while the audience observes the artist’s process. Vendor Row at the Grand Opening of the VRS District When: Saturday, September 24 at 3AM UTC+3 Where: -91, 14 30 of the top creators and vendors working in Decentraland are showcasing their work in “Vendor Row” in the VRS district. Apple Harvest Event When: Sunday, September 25 at 3PM UTC+3 Where: 120, -12 Butterfly Prawn Farm (BPF) is harvesting apples this season! Collect apples and change them for discounted Apple-related wearables in the in-game shop. Attractive prizes will be given if you collect the rare gold apples. Assembly Curated When: Friday, September 23 at 10PM Where: Here Join Assembly Curated along with “One Year” exhibition guest curators Chikai and Anna Condo, voxels space designer Brileigh, and various artists, collectors, and friends from the Assembly community for a gathering to celebrate a belated birthday and the many groundbreaking projects hosted by Assembly during the past year. Want more? Connect with NFT Plazas Join the Weekly Newsletter Join our Discord Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram *All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from the personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to fully research any product prior to making any kind of investment. Ivelina is the Content Maestro of NFT Plazas. She has a knack for putting complex concepts into simple words.

Carnegie Mellon Grads Invade The MCU On Disney+ ‘She-Hulk’ Series – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette https://collincountynewsonline.com/carnegie-mellon-grads-invade-the-mcu-on-disney-she-hulk-series-pittsburgh-post-gazette/ 6:04AM Obituaries PGe PG Store Archives Classifieds Classified Events Jobs Real Estate Legal Notices Pets MENU SUBSCRIBE LOGIN REGISTER LOG OUT MY PROFILE Home News Local Sports Opinion A&E Life Business Contact Us NEWSLETTERS ACCOUNT Subscribe Login Register Log out My Profile Subscriber Services Search SECTIONS HOME Homepage This Just In Chats Weather Traffic Event Guide PG Store PGe Video Photos The Digs RSS Feeds NEWS News Home Crimes & Courts Election 2022 Politics Education Health & Wellness COVID-19 Transportation State Nation World Weather News Obituaries News Obituaries Portfolio Science Environment Faith & Religion Social Services LOCAL Local Home City Region East North South West Washington Westmoreland Obituaries Classifieds Legal Notices Real Estate SPORTS Sports Home Steelers Penguins Pirates Sports Columns Gene Collier Ron Cook Joe Starkey Paul Zeise Pitt Penn State WVU North Shore Drive Podcast Riverhounds Maulers NFL NHL MLB NBA NCAA College Sports High School Sports OPINION Opinion Home Editorials Letters Op-Ed Columns PG Columnists Insight A&E A&E Home Celebrities Movies TV & Radio Music Concert Listings Theatre & Dance Art & Architecture Books Events LIFE Life Home Food Dining Recipes Drinks Buying Here Homes & Gardens goodness Random Acts of Kindness Seen Outdoors Style & Fashion Travel Holidays BUSINESS Business Home Building PGH Your Money Business Health Powersource Workzone Tech News Business / Law Other Business Consumer Alerts Business of Pittsburgh Top Workplaces OTHER PGe NEWSLETTERS PG STORE ARCHIVES CLASSIFIEDS OBITUARIES JOBS LEGAL NOTICES REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS EVENTS PETS CONTACT US / FAQ CONTACT US ADVERTISING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TOP Email a Story Your e-mail: Friends e-mail:

US Judge Demands Tether Comes Up With Records To Show It Has Claimed Cash Reserves – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/us-judge-demands-tether-comes-up-with-records-to-show-it-has-claimed-cash-reserves-cryptonews/ Source: Adobe/dennizn As part of the legal proceedings related to a market manipulation case that dates back to 2019, Katherine Polk Failla, a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, has ordered Tether’s parent company to provide financial records for its USDT stablecoin. The legal case originates from a complaint filed by a group of investors against iFinex, the entity behind Tether and crypto exchange Bitfinex. The plaintiffs claim that the business issued unbacked USDT with the aim to ramp up the prices of various cryptocurrencies, and thus manipulated the market. The New York judge has decided to accept the plaintiffs’ requests for production (RFPs) which require iFinex to release “any and all general ledgers, balance sheets, income statements, cash-flow statements, and profit and loss statements,” according to the available court documents. In her order, the judge said the “Court finds that Plaintiffs’ financial records RFPs are not overly broad, particularly given that Defendants have had opportunities to make sample productions of the financial records RFPs, but have failed to do so despite Plaintiffs’ agreement to such proposal”.  “Plaintiffs plainly explain why they need this information: to assess the backing of USDT with US dollars, and to allow a forensic accountant to assess the USDT reserve,” according to the judge. In response to the order, New York-based law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, which represents iFinex on the case, said that the plaintiffs’ requests demonstrate “their failure to actively prosecute their case, as well as their unwillingness to tailor their patently overbroad requests to documents that are relevant to their claims.” With this in mind, the defendant’s law firm has asked the court to deny plaintiffs’ request which it considers to be “unduly burdensome on their face, considering that Tether is the issuer of a stablecoin and Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange.”

US Stock Futures Fall As Fed Leaves Little Room For Dovish Take – Bloomberg https://collincountynewsonline.com/us-stock-futures-fall-as-fed-leaves-little-room-for-dovish-take-bloomberg/ We’ve detected unusual activity from your computer network To continue, please click the box below to let us know you’re not a robot.

L&T Technology Services, ISG And CNBC TV18 Launch First-Ever Digital Engineering Awards – Business Wire https://collincountynewsonline.com/lt-technology-services-isg-and-cnbc-tv18-launch-first-ever-digital-engineering-awards-business-wire/ EDISON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leading pure-play engineering services company, today announced the launch of the first-ever Digital Engineering Awards, in association with Information Services Group (ISG), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, and business news channel CNBC TV18 in India. The Digital Engineering Awards recognize outstanding leaders who challenge the status quo with innovative approaches that maximize performance and value across the entire lifecycle of an asset, and lead to a more sustainable future. Enterprises and their service providers are invited to submit nominations through October 15, with winners announced during a gala awards celebration to be held in December in the U.S. Enterprise award winners, selected by a global panel of industry experts, will be named in nine categories – five team awards and four individual awards: Engineering the Change Team Awards Engineering at Heart Individual Awards Digital Transformation of the Year Distinguished Digital Engineer Top Sustainability Initiative Digital Engineer of the Year Digital Engineering Program of the Year Woman Engineer of the Year Engineering Product of the Year Innovator of the Year Value Realization Amit Chadha, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services Limited, said, “The need of the hour is dominated by demand for continuous evolution, driven by disruptive innovations. Given the rapid transformational disruptions across the industry, Digital Engineering has become more prominent than ever. Through the pioneering Digital Engineering Awards, our endeavor is to provide a platform that brings together global leaders, thus leading to new industry benchmarks and innovations.” Michael P. Connors, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ISG, said, “Digital Engineering is now a top priority for companies looking to compete in an increasingly digitized, intelligent and networked global marketplace. Through an interconnected ecosystem of platforms, devices and data, this discipline enables companies to create new business models, deliver superior customer experiences and achieve operational efficiencies on a scale never before imagined. We are delighted to partner with LTTS and CNBC to recognize outstanding achievements in this space.” Shivakumar S, Chief Operating Officer, Branded Content Business at Network 18, said, “The ER&D industry is a true sunrise sector, responsible for digital transformations on a global scale. Digital Engineering is leading to shorter product lifecycles, smarter products and solutions, paperless factories, and a host of other notable innovations. The Digital Engineering Awards will play an important role in celebrating and showcasing such new-age technology success stories. We believe we are the ideal media partner for the awards, given the strength of our brands CNBC-TV18 and Moneycontrol, which have been informing audiences in business, technology and retail for more than two decades now in India.” About the Digital Engineering Awards The Digital Engineering Awards bring together industry leaders to recognize outstanding achievements in the R&D domain, and to help global organizations give shape to their transformative ideas. The Awards have been launched by L&T Technology Services in association with ISG, with CNBC TV18 as a media partner. For more about the Awards, visit this website or contact us at info@digitalengineeringawards.com. About L&T Technology Services Ltd L&T Technology Services Limited is a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited focused on Engineering and R&D (ER&D) services. We offer consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 of the world’s top ER&D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and the process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 21,400 employees spread across 19 global design centers, 28 global sales offices and 89 innovation labs as of June 30, 2022. For more information, please visit https://www.ltts.com/ About ISG ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 800 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com. About Network18 Network18 Media & Investments Limited (Network18 Group) is one of India’s most diversified media and entertainment (M&E) conglomerates, with interests across television, digital content, filmed entertainment, e-commerce, print and allied businesses. TV18 Broadcast Limited, a subsidiary of Network18, manages its primary business of broadcasting. It runs the largest news network in India, spanning business news general news, and regional news. Our marquee brands like CNBC-TV18, News18 India, and CNN News18 are part of this news bouquet. For the Indian diaspora and audiences across the globe, News18 International delivers definitive Indian news. For more information, visit: https://www.nw18.com/corporate.

Royals Bullpen Clutch In Holding Off Fast-Fading Twins 5-2 – Beaumont Enterprise https://collincountynewsonline.com/royals-bullpen-clutch-in-holding-off-fast-fading-twins-5-2-beaumont-enterprise/ KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It was altogether fitting that on the day the Kansas City Royals fired Dayton Moore, they beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins using the same blueprint that their longtime front office executive once used to build them into a winner. Some timely hits, stellar defense in spacious Kauffman Stadium and a shutdown effort by the bullpen. MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day, but otherwise the Royals had to scratch out just enough runs to support their relief corps, which pieced together five innings of two-hit ball in their 5-2 victory on Wednesday night. “You’ll always have stuff that comes up and today was one of those days, and the conversations we had — you still have to play,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Play the game really well in a way everybody would be proud of.” Salvador Perez, one of Moore’s most successful signings, had three hits while driving in a run for the sixth straight game, and Bobby Witt Jr. and Edward Oliveras also drove in runs to give the Kansas City bullpen some breathing room. Anthony Misiewicz (1-1) and three other relievers dazzled in support of Daniel Lynch, while Scott Barlow pitched around an error in the ninth for his second save in two nights and 23rd on the year. It was the kind of job the Royals once saw out of relievers Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland, when the teams Moore put together were winning back-to-back American League pennants and the 2015 World Series title. “It was just a really impressive job by the bullpen to shut things down,” Matheny said. “Good effort all the way around.” Bailey Ober (1-3) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings for Minnesota, which was in an AL Central race two weeks ago but has lost six of seven to begin an eight-game trip that’s dashed its playoff hopes. “The runs are tough to come by right now and you just have to come up with a way,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We might have one guy that comes out and has a good night, but we need more than that.” The Royals opened the game the same way they finished the previous night: with production at the top of the order. Melendez, who hit a two-run homer in the series opener, homered leading off the game for the third time this season, driving a 3-1 pitch an estimated 437 feet to center field. And after Witt reached on a base hit, Perez blooped an RBI double to right that was sneakily reminiscent of his two-out, go-ahead double on Tuesday night. Minnesota got one back in the second on Matt Wallner’s base hit, and when the Royals answered on Oliveras’ two-out single in the third, the Twins again closed within a run thanks in part to a two-bag error by Vinnie Pasquantino. That was it for the Twins, though, because the Kansas City bullpen was downright dominant. Collin Snider worked around a two-on, no-out jam in the fifth. Misiewicz retired four of the five he faced in the sixth and seventh. Dylan Coleman handled the rest of the seventh and the first two outs of the eighth. And Amir Garrett finished that one off before Barlow wrapped up the Twins’ 13th loss in their last 16 games. “We have some guys that have had to battle through some tired arms,” Matheny said. “We’re trying to put them in position where they can pick each other up and they’re doing a good job of it.” MORE ON MOORE Moore said farewell to the Royals during brief remarks at Kauffman Stadium earlier Wednesday and spent an emotional few minutes visiting with players in the clubhouse. Many of them acknowledged the somberness of the moment. Moore had led the organization for the past 16 years as general manager and president of baseball operations. “He’s such a great guy. A great person,” Perez said. “I just old him, ‘Thank you for everything.’ I love him.” AND MORE ON PEREZ Perez played in his 1,245th game, tying Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek for eighth most in Royals history, and his three hits Wednesday night tied a season high. UP NEXT RHP Josh Winder (4-4, 4.17 ERA) will face Kansas City for the first time in the final game of the road trip for Minnesota on Thursday. Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 5.09) will try to build on 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his last start at Boston. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Villas Of Distinction® Reveals Bucket List Vacation Experiences – PR Web https://collincountynewsonline.com/villas-of-distinction-reveals-bucket-list-vacation-experiences-pr-web/ Ocean Residence in the Maldives Based on our requests, we are finding that it is true — people who were unable to use their vacation funds during the pandemic are planning more extravagant trips, and some are even checking experiences off of their bucket list. WAKEFIELD, Mass. (PRWEB) September 22, 2022 Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, reveals some of its most magnificent dream villas that consumers may have on their vacation bucket list. Bucket list vacations have been a trend this year, and Villas of Distinction’s requests and numbers back this up with a nearly 32 percent increase in the average selling price compared to 2019 before travel shut down because of the pandemic. “Based on our requests, we are finding that it is true — people who were unable to use their vacation funds during the pandemic are planning more extravagant trips, and some are even checking experiences off of their bucket list,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “From private islands and overwater bungalows to castles and treehouse accommodations, anyone is sure to find the most unique and high-end vacation experiences in our portfolio.” Private Island. For those looking for a celebrity status experience, vacationing on a private island is one way to make this dream vacation a reality. Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise. With up to 20 bedrooms, large groups can enjoy the ultimate exclusive Caribbean getaway. Guests will find the Balinese-inspired compound situated alongside crystal-clear waters and soft sand beaches, with a team of experts anticipating their every need. From spa services to organizing water sports, there’s never a dull moment on this island retreat. The dining is also unforgettable — select chef-prepared sashimi from the floating sushi bar or sail around the island and end at Turtle Beach for drinks and lunch. The island can be rented exclusively (20 bedrooms / up to 40 guests) or individually during select Celebration Weeks throughout the year. Overwater Bungalow. This accommodation type lands on most people’s bucket lists, and Luxury Water Villas at JOALI in Raa Atoll, Maldives are what vacation dreams are made of. Perched over clear, turquoise waters, these villas offer breathtaking views in every direction – even below. Guests might spot tropical fish or marine life swimming under the villa while taking a break from the sun in the beautifully furnished, open-air interior. Just a short walk to land, there are a variety of restaurants and bars, a kid’s club, fitness center, and more luxury resort amenities. Looking for privacy? Each guest has their own butler service, so there is no need to leave the villa. Beach villas are also available. Castle. Imagine stepping back into the 18th century and staying in a castle, yes, a castle – one with all the modern amenities. Chartreuse de St. Emilion in Bordeaux, France, is a four-bedroom chateau. The nearly 10,000-square-foot castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and is located within the world-famous St. Emilion area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Picturesque wine towns, vineyards, and shopping are all nearby. With a chef, housekeeping, butler, historic wine cellar, and more, guests can vacation like French royalty at this elegant chateau. Treehouse. An even more unique bucket list experience is staying in a luxurious treehouse. Secret Bay in Dominica is nestled within a clifftop rainforest, and the luxury treehouses here are unlike any other properties. The treehouses are sustainably built, with top-of-the-line finishes and open-air living; completely private, surrounded by lush vegetation, and have five-star amenities and services. In addition, the accommodations offer a private pool, deck, and unique living spaces that provide the feeling of being suspended within the rainforest. Guests will wake to the sounds of tropical birds and soft, rolling waves on the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. This isn’t your traditional cabin. Bison Lodge in Revelstoke, British Columbia, sets the highest standard for mountain luxury, balancing elegance with rustic elements like harvested timber and reclaimed railway. The ski-in/ski-out property is just steps above the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort and offers endless outdoor adventure, from heliski to dogsledding and mountain biking to glacier treks. For guests who still have energy after a day of adventure, the villa’s fireplace doubles as a 28-foot climbing wall for the ultimate après ski. Plus, with complimentary massages, a private chef, and more, no one will ever want to leave this retreat. For more information on planning a bucket list vacation, call 800-289-0900 or visit VillasofDistinction.com. About Villas of Distinction® Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, Villas of Distinction’s team of experts have made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and creating one-of-a-kind getaways and lasting memories at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. http://www.VillasofDistinction.com. ### Share article on social media or email:

Seattle DJC.com Local Business News And Data – Real Estate – Weidner Buys Into Dallas – Seattle Daily Journal Of Commerce https://collincountynewsonline.com/seattle-djc-com-local-business-news-and-data-real-estate-weidner-buys-into-dallas-seattle-daily-journal-of-commerce/ September 22, 2022 Local shop Weidner Apartment Homes has acquired the 396-unit Cityplace Heights in Dallas, according to the The Dallas Morning News and other sources. Terms were not announced, though a $75 million loan from Morgan Stanley was reported. Seller Sentinel Real Estate, of New York, acquired the five-story building in 2015. The deal brings Weidner’s portfolio to over 58,000 units, with over 280 properties spanning a region from Alaska to Wisconsin.

Emergency Assistance: Health Equity For Those Who Need It Most – The Times Of Israel https://collincountynewsonline.com/emergency-assistance-health-equity-for-those-who-need-it-most-the-times-of-israel/ On Monday, at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York, I joined Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, to announce the creation of a Global Health Equity Fund launched by the WHO Foundation and OurCrowd. The Global Health Equity Fund is a $200 million financial-first impact venture capital investment fund that will focus on breakthrough technology solutions that can improve healthcare around the world. It will support the UN’s sustainable development goals, kick-start innovation and increase investment in the health sector. Its mission is to increase equitable access to medical care while also delivering competitive returns to investors. Our announcement triggered a wave of global news coverage, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Reuters, CNBC TV Africa, TechCrunch and The Times of Israel. The fund was conceived in the wake of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, which sent shockwaves through health systems across the world. It exposed chronic weaknesses – even in the world’s most developed countries – the under-funding of healthcare provision, and inequitable access to technology solutions, including vaccines, medicines and diagnostics. Even now, the extensive medical armory developed to fight Covid-19 remains unavailable to the majority of the population of low-income countries. Even before the coronavirus pandemic threw the weaknesses in our global health system into such sharp relief, the growing health inequity between different parts of the world – and even between different regions within countries – was becoming painfully clear. The pandemic was a wake-up call for many high-tech investors and opened their eyes to health inequity around the world. At the same time, those involved in BioTech and related companies were aware of the potential of innovative technology to save lives and deliver medical treatment to more communities via modern technology. Access to essential medical services and basic healthcare is declining rapidly in many countries of the world, irrespective of their wealth or development. High-income countries face mounting crises in their health systems with long waiting lists, inadequate emergency care and overburdened services. Low-income countries struggle to provide basic healthcare and are unable to meet the additional challenge of natural disasters and health emergencies. Beyond direct healthcare, the gap is widening between those with and those without regular access to clean water, fresh food, clean air, adequate waste services and the basic environmental conditions necessary for healthy living. In every country in the world, too many men, women, and children lack access to adequate healthcare because of income disparities and systemic barriers that perpetuate inequity. Despite clear models for successfully balancing economic return with equitable access, such as the provision of medicines for HIV and AIDS, the world failed to deliver solutions for Covid-19 to everyone, everywhere. It is imperative that we deploy solutions in response to that failure, including directing investment to innovation and aligning both to equity as a goal from the start. OurCrowd and our partners at the WHO Foundation believe it is time for a global healthcare transformation that will prioritize practical solutions to these critical and life-threatening challenges. We believe that the key to this transformation lies in technological innovation. To meet this urgent global need the Global Health Equity Fund will focus on developing solutions designed to provide health for all, while creating economic growth. This will be achieved by investing in MedTech, HealthTech and other technologies directly related to medical care, as well as technologies in AgTech, FoodTech and energy transition that help to reduce or eliminate health risks. OurCrowd has a track record in identifying healthcare and sustainability investments able to deliver value to patients, healthcare providers and investors. The collaboration with the WHO Foundation will assist the identification of additional promising investments and facilitate the commitment of investors and entrepreneurs to equitable access to these innovative technologies. An initial fund simulation based on existing relevant companies in the OurCrowd portfolio suggests a net IRR of 18% and a net multiple of 1.73x. Philanthropic causes The fund will be structured to ensure that a significant percentage of the fund’s carried interest will revert to the WHO Foundation to support its philanthropic causes. Associated with the fund is an Access Pledge, an innovation of the WHO Foundation to align investment with commitments by portfolio companies to ensure that their technology solutions are available, accessible, appropriate, and affordable for populations experiencing inequity, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. As part of the Access Pledge, companies will seek to develop a commercially viable Access Plan relevant to their business. The WHO Foundation and OurCrowd will appoint a global health advisory board to provide assistance to these companies so they can plan early for business models that combine economic return with equitable access. The Global Health Equity Fund will focus on healthcare and also on the industries that are direct determinants of health, including energy transition, food and agriculture, which together address markets worth trillions of dollars globally. The target portfolio companies will therefore not only innovate to improve medical care but will also work to mitigate current global health risks related to climate change, fossil fuels, and looming food and water shortages. The WHO Foundation and Our Crowd share the aim of acting as standard bearers within the investment and global health communities, demonstrating the viability of investing to get robust returns, and intended impact, with both goals benefiting from partnership across the private and public sectors. For more information on the OurCrowd/WHO Foundation Global Health Equity Fund, click HERE. Jonathan Medved is the founder and CEO of OurCrowd, the world’s leading global equity funding platform for accredited investors, based in Jerusalem.

Third-Ranked D&E Blanks Bobcats, 2-0 | News, Sports, Jobs – The Inter-Mountain https://collincountynewsonline.com/third-ranked-de-blanks-bobcats-2-0-news-sports-jobs-the-inter-mountain/ ELKINS — Davis & Elkins stayed undefeated on the season with a 2-0 win over MEC rival West Virginia Wesleyan Wednesday night at Nuttall Field. The Senators, third in this week’s national rankings, improved to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in MEC games. Haruki Yamazaki and Kevin Zapata had first-half goals for D&E. Beltran Fernandez had two stops in goal. Eleven yellow cards were issued on the night. The Senators will host Frostburg State at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Bobcats (3-2-2, 2-2-2) entertain Cedarville at 1 p.m. Saturday. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox Today’s games College football West Virginia at Virginia Tech, 7:30 p.m. High school boys soccer Elkins … BLACKSBURG, Va. — The Black Diamond Trophy is on the line when West Virginia battles old Big East Conference foe … CLEVELAND (AP) — For the first time since 2004, Ben Roethlisberger isn’t part of the Steelers-Browns rivalry, a … ELKINS — Davis & Elkins stayed undefeated on the season with a 2-0 win over MEC rival West Virginia Wesleyan …

Incognito Mode In Metaverse Explained – The Coin Republic https://collincountynewsonline.com/incognito-mode-in-metaverse-explained-the-coin-republic/ Home » Incognito mode in metaverse explained Metaverse represents a dream that most of us only thought possible in movies. It is a persistent online virtual world that lets the users experience it with suitable VR hardware instead of the regular keyboard and mouse. However, data privacy concerns frequently accompany discussions on metaverse. Thus, solutions emerge to ease such worries. In this piece, we’ll explain the recently announced incognito mode in the metaverse. What is the incognito mode? The concept of using a virtual space in a way that it doesn’t track you as much is not revolutionary. You can use a private or incognito mode in your phone or PC web browsers to prevent websites from identifying you and your system from storing your browsing history. Still, the incognito mode has its limits. For instance, your Internet Service Provider can still track you. If you genuinely want to secure your connection, using other tools in addition to incognito mode is best. For instance, a VPN download is one solution that users pick to protect their activities. A Virtual Private Network masks your IP address to hide this identifier. Furthermore, it encrypts and reroutes traffic, making it far more challenging to keep tabs on your browsing. For instance, Internet Service Providers won’t be able to read information about online activities. However, they will see that you use a VPN. So, if the current incognito has its limits, what can we expect from it in the metaverse? How does it differ for the metaverse? When you use the internet through a browser, you generate only a few MB of data that contains the history of the visited pages, your click-through rate (CTR) for specific domains, and a few behavioral parameters. The metaverse can present even more significant privacy concerns. It can pick up the noise from your microphone and analyze your movements to create an accurate body profile. Therefore, the data volume from using the metaverse is much more than simply browsing the internet. As such, you need more creative ways to not only hide the user data but also do it in a manner that neither the server nor the other users can notice. That was a massive challenge that Dawn Song (UC Berkeley), Vivek Nair (UC Berkeley), and Gonzalo Munilla Garrido (Technical University of Munich) set out to conquer. And, eventually, they did. Process of going incognito in the metaverse The augment that the trio came up with is known as the MetaGuard. They based it on the concept of differential privacy, in which a data set is shared with the servers for statistical analysis. Still, there is no practical way to re-identify the user through it. The group has submitted their findings in a research paper to the prestigious Arxiv department of Cryptography and Security, which is part of Cornell University. MetaGuard is built using an open-source C# extension that is compatible with the Unity game engine. Given that most VR worlds today are created using Unity, this tool is accessible to anyone willing to browse the metaverse anonymously. For preliminary tests, the group used the prototype version of MetaGuard in VRChat, one of today’s most prominent social VR worlds. As per their analysis, the extension could lower the user’s pitch by 85 Hz and raise it by 255 Hz. The users also had their geolocation offset by 500 Kilometers (310 miles). Can MetaGuard be used on a large scale? So far, MetaGuard has only been used in a controlled environment, and it has some performance glitches to work out. There is still some time before it becomes operational on a large scale. The team has expressed concerns over how it can put an extreme load on medium and lower-end machines. The paper explains that MetaGuard is supposed to be a safe advertisement tool that doesn’t let corporations collect more data on their target audience than they need to. Since the service provider can still track the activity and data bandwidth, the extension is more like an incognito mode rather than a VPN. Conclusion The development of virtual spaces is in full swing, with several games and social platforms already pushing the boundaries of VR technology. As such, advertisers from big corporations and sinister hacker groups are already gearing up to collect user data for their own purposes. In such a scenario, having a few tools to exercise data privacy can only benefit each user. Although, more effort is required to move the software into more open and uncontrolled virtual environments. Disclaimer: Any information written in this press release or sponsored post does not constitute investment advice. Thecoinrepublic.com does not, and will not endorse any information on any company or individual on this page. Readers are encouraged to make their own research and make any actions based on their own findings and not from any content written in this press release or sponsored post. Thecoinrepublic.com is and will not be responsible for any damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the use of any content, product, or service mentioned in this press release or sponsored post. Author Recent Posts For publishing articles on our website get in touch with us over email or one of the accounts mentioned below. Latest posts by Guest Author (see all) Download our App for getting faster updates at your fingertips. Top Rated Cryptocurrency Exchange Incognito mode in metaverse explained

Beam EScooter Review – Is It Safe To Ride In Malaysia? – TechNave https://collincountynewsonline.com/beam-escooter-review-is-it-safe-to-ride-in-malaysia-technave/ Why are we reviewing a Beam eScooter (a.k.a. Beam Saturn+, but let’s just call it the eScooter) and can you even buy this? Well, we are a tech media website, after all… And no, you can’t buy one here. To be frank, I was also surprised when Beam Malaysia contacted us to review it. But I guess it was to test out how well and safe the eScooter is due to increased usage in Malaysia recently. Before I get started, let me share the story of my first time using the Beam eScooter. The year was 2020, just before the pandemic happened, and I got invited by AMD to check out the Ryzen 4000 Series Processors in Texas. I used to have a Xiaomi Electric eScooter, so I’m quite experienced with them. And I was delighted to know that I could get around some areas in Texas with the Beam eScooter just outside of a hotel. This is one BIG BOI (so big that it’s almost impossible to fit into a car) I didn’t use it that much, though, because I had to pay in USD. But I still remember how big and sturdy it was. Compared with the Xiaomi Electric eScooter, the Beam eScooter is a lot more robust. I remember drifting on the wet road a bit when making a turn; you have to take my word for it because it was a pretty cool moment. Fast forward to today, the Beam eScooter is how I remembered it but with some new things. Now that I get to fully explore the whole vehicle, there are a couple of interesting features that I got to try, starting with the app. The Beam app is fairly straightforward, and by tapping at the Settings on the top left, you will see a bunch of options for you to get started. But since I’m reviewing it, I don’t have the customer rider feature to show you where and how you should pay for it. The Beam app home page The Tools in the Settings Still, the Tools in Settings are where most of the useful features are. You can do a bunch of stuff, such as diagnosing or inspecting the battery. But for me, the most important one is the lock and unlock function. So if you happen to park the scooter at a designated destination or random place where you’re scared it might get stolen, you can very much rely on this because it will set a speed limit (so nobody can ride away with it). Trust me, nobody is ever gonna bother stealing it. Although the speed limit is set when locked, you can still push the scooter but I doubt the thief would get very far (it’s like trying to push a dead cow, figuratively speaking). You can also rely on the Beam app to easily locate it since it’s already paired, so don’t fret. Additionally, you will find other functions like on/off for the headlight. But you don’t really need to use it that much because the Beam eScooter automatically switches it on if you’re riding at night. It has two brakes on each handle for some reason My thumb is too short to reach for the headlight switch lol Left: The headlight on the front; Right: An iPhone on the phone holder Left: The cupholder and speaker; Right: The stand holder and front wheel The red light behind shines quite brightly, and the wheels aren’t the air-pump type Let there be light In terms of riding experience, the Beam eScooter definitely feels safe. I’ve had my fair share of falls, from the Xiaomi Electric eScooter and a non-electrical type with almost uncontrollable speed (not recommended, no matter how cheap it is). Due to the weight, it’s able to stabilise speed and momentum quite well, even when taking a corner. I’m not sure how fast the Beam eScooter can go, but that doesn’t really matter. For safety, the micro vehicle has a limitation of 25km/h, no matter how hard you try. Even when going downhill, the scooter can detect the velocity and try to slow down. Personally, I find this very helpful as it helps prevent potential accidents down the road. Also, it’s powerful enough to go uphill, but not when it’s too steep. Before and after putting a cup of coke in the cup holder, I was really worried that it would spill, but thank goodness it didn’t The battery pack is huge! Fortunately, I don’t think you really need to worry about the battery performance. The Beam eScooter has a 15300mAh battery, so it has plenty of juice to go around, even when half-full. Even if you have the eScooter with you for the whole month (and you can’t turn the Beam eScooter off), you only need to charge it overnight once a week, and you’re good to go. Of course, it varies on how often you ride it.  All in all, Beam Malaysia is doing a good job of making the eScooter an enjoyable and safe riding experience. However, the same cannot be said for many Malaysian roads. Per Malaysian law, micro vehicles have been prohibited on the main roads. But even so, most Malaysian roads don’t exactly have the most pedestrian-friendly paths. Broken sidewalks, chairs and tables on the pathways, motorcycles parking illegally, even non-existent walkways and many more. The best way to ride the scooters is in a park or around your neighbourhood. Wanna ride with me? But what do you think of Beam eScooter? Are you keen on taking it out for a spin with your friends and family? Let us know in the comments below, have a Happy World Car Free Day (Google it), and stay tuned for more tech gadget reviews at TechNave.com.

Crypto Sites You Need To Avoid At All Costs – News.com.au https://collincountynewsonline.com/crypto-sites-you-need-to-avoid-at-all-costs-news-com-au/ Aussie cryptocurrency investors are falling victim to fake websites mimicking popular crypto services. Threat Research Engineer from Netskope, Gustavo Palazolo, told news.com.au of a rising global cryptocurrency ruse which is catching out Australians among other investors across the world. He explained attackers are stealing crypto funds through fake websites which look similar to the real websites used by popular crypto exchanges and wallets. The scam sites are made worse with search engine optimisation (SEO) methods adding to their apparent legitimacy. “Attackers have been creating phishing pages in Google Sites and Microsoft Azure Web App to steal cryptocurrency wallets and accounts from Coinbase, MetaMask, Kraken, and Gemini,” Mr Palazolo said. “In addition, they are adding resources to improve the position of these phishing pages on Google, so that when people search for crypto exchanges, they appear in the first results and get traffic. “When trying to login or import an existing wallet, victims are exposed to a phishing page that requires the login or wallet details that attackers then use to steal the crypto funds. “Attackers also try to communicate with the victims through a live web chat in these fake pages, with the aim to gather additional data required to steal the crypto funds.” Mr Palazolo said the attacks, known as ‘social engineering’, have become good at abusing search engines like Google and Bing to spread malicious links or documents. “A research published by Netskope Threat Labs shows that in the past financial year, there was a sharp increase in the volume of PDF files downloaded from popular search engines and that are used to redirect victims to phishing, scam, and malware,” Mr Palazolo said. Aussie traders at risk With an estimated 17 per cent of Australians owning some sort of cryptocurrency, Mr Palazolo believes a Australians are not spared the risk. “These techniques have proven equally effective around the globe, he said. “The fake pages listed in this research show up in search results in www.google.com.au the same way they do for other regionalised versions of the search engine. In other words, these phishing pages are targeting victims around the world.” Popular crypto services in Australia include Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Kraken and Gate.io, all of which are “actively phished” according to the researcher. Sites in the crosshairs Mr Palazolo said attackers responsible for the phishing campaign have proven to be resilient to countermeasures. “Most of the URLs we found in August are still active and the attacker is taking measures to keep the operation online,” he said. “Furthermore, we found new phishing pages with the same targets disclosed in the initial research, and new phishing pages mimicking Binance, Crypto.com, Gate.io, KuCoin, PancakeSwap, and Shakepay.” Major crypto exchanges and wallets targeted by the phishers include: • MetaMask • Coinbase • Gemini • KuCoin • Crypto.com • Binance • Pancake Sway • Kraken • Gate.io • Shakeplay How the attacks work The victim searches for a cryptocurrency website using specific keywords (e.g. “have MetaMask account”) and the phishing page is displayed first or among the first results. The phishing page mimics the original website and contains a lot of elements to boost SEO. It then redirects the victim to another phishing website via links within the page. The second phishing page tries to steal sensitive information, such as the cryptocurrency account credentials or secret recovery phrases. The last page also comes with a live web chat where the attacker interacts with the victim and will attempt to steal more sensitive data. Keeping your Crypto safe Mr Palazolo believed that attackers will continue to use this method in upcoming months as the way the fake pages are designed makes them very easy to replicate as soon as they are taken down. “Attackers can easily maintain their operations,” he warned. As for avoiding the dodgy sites, direct navigation to your provider is key. “We encourage individuals to never enter or give logins after clicking on a link,” he said. “Instead, always navigate directly to the website you are trying to log into. “This is especially true for financial transactions. Individuals should also use multi-factor authentication to access their accounts, which is a combination of authentication methods. “For example a password and a verification code sent to a mobile phone, or generated in an authenticator app. “On their ends, organisations should use a secure web gateway capable of detecting and blocking phishing in real-time.”

Novartis To Prioritise U.S. Market Unfazed By Drug Pricing Pushback – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/novartis-to-prioritise-u-s-market-unfazed-by-drug-pricing-pushback-reuters/ Swiss drugmaker Novartis’ logo is seen at the company’s plant in the northern Swiss town of Stein, Switzerland October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com ZURICH, Sept 22 (Reuters) – Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN.S) said it would make growth in the United States its top geographic priority, even after laws were passed to rein in drug prices in the world’s largest pharmaceutical market. The company said it would adopt a “U.S.-first mindset”, increase the share of U.S. patients in clinical, build capability there and give U.S. staff and executives more say and career opportunities within the organisation. Novartis’ aspiration is “to improve competitive positioning and organically build its U.S. business to become a top-five player in the U.S. by 2027,” it said in a statement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com It ranked 10th in the U.S. market last year, the company added. Still, Novartis said it aimed to be a top-three player in China, up from fifth place last year among multinational pharma companies, while maintaining leading positions in Germany and Japan. U.S. President Joe Biden last month signed the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act, authorising the federal government to negotiate prices on some prescription drugs and cap costs for the government’s Medicare health programme. read more Novartis announced a strategy on Thursday based on eight big drug brands as the pharmaceuticals maker reshapes itself following the decision to spin off Sandoz, its underperforming generics business. As part of an investor event, the Swiss company said the currently in-market brands – Cosentyx, Entresto, Zolgensma, Kisqali, Kesimpta, Leqvio, Pluvicto and Scemblix – each held multibillion-dollar peak sales potential. Novartis also said it would focus in future on five areas for investment: cardiovascular, immunology, neuroscience, solid tumors and hematology medicine. The company last month said it planned to spin off Sandoz to sharpen its focus on its patented prescription medicines. read more The spin-off is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023, Novartis said, with Sandoz listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Novartis has also been pruning other businesses, spinning off its Alcon eye care business in 2019 and last November agreeing to sell a nearly one-third voting stake in Roche (ROG.S). Narasimhan on Thursday also confirmed Novartis’ previously stated financial targets. “We will continue to deliver improved financials with +4% sales CAGR through 2027 and a core operating income margin ~40%+ in the mid-long term,” he said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Editing by Mark Potter and Jason Neely Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Tietoevry Launches Guide To Encourage Girls To Choose A Career In Technology – Tietoevry https://collincountynewsonline.com/tietoevry-launches-guide-to-encourage-girls-to-choose-a-career-in-technology-tietoevry/ Girls across the Nordics find the technology and ICT industry boring and complicated, which does not bode well for meeting the challenge of the shortage of experts in the field. To counter this lack of talent, Tietoevry launches the guidebook “Being an IT girl”. The booklet provides girls aged 15-18 with practical insights into the industry and its variety of job roles and possible career paths. The aim is to lower the barrier for selecting tech/ICT as a field of study and profession. The Nordic technology and ICT industry is in the midst of a talent shortage. At the same time, a Tietoevry survey from the spring revealed that girls find the technology/ICT industry boring and complicated. Due to the industry imbalance in gender ratio, there is eg. a risk of harmful biases in IT solutions. “The industry challenge is our challenge. We decided that we need to do our part in attracting and retaining women to, and in, the tech/ICT industry. In order to do this, the pool of applicants needs to be more balanced in terms of gender ratio,” says Tietoevry Head of Talent Acquisition Anna Gulliksen. “A further incentive for us is our 50/50 gender balance diversity goal. This booklet is one concrete action to drive this.” Launched today, the Tietoevry booklet “Being an IT Girl” is targeted at girls of the age 15-18 and their parents. With the aim of lowering the barrier for selecting tech/ICT as a field of study and work, the booklet outlines key industry areas, job roles and career paths from a practical point of view. It also presents career stories of Nordic women in Tietoevry across different job roles. The aim is to show the variety of roles the IT business offers and how interesting and fun an education and career in IT can be. “We wanted to demonstrate that technology and ICT is a much broader thing than writing code and excelling in math. Creativity, problem solving, teamwork and curiosity are also important. Indeed, one can work in the industry perfectly well without ever doing actual coding,” Gulliksen says. “Another important aspect is that, as tech is everywhere, a career in the field provides opportunities to make a difference and change the world – for good.” A copy of the “Being an IT girl” guide can be downloaded from the Tietoevry website here. For more information, please contact: Tietoevry Newsdesk, news@tietoevry.com, tel. +358 40 570 4072 Tietoevry creates purposeful technology that reinvents the world for good. We are a leading technology company with a strong Nordic heritage and global capabilities. Based on our core values of openness, trust, and diversity, we work with our customers to develop digital futures where businesses, societies, and humanity thrive. Our 24 000 experts globally specialize in cloud, data, and software, serving thousands of enterprises and public sector customers in more than 90 countries. Tietoevry’s annual turnover is approximately EUR 3 billion and the company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ exchange in Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as on Oslo Børs. www.tietoevry.com

I-35 Crossings In Waco Project Getting Closer To Completion – Waco Tribune-Herald https://collincountynewsonline.com/i-35-crossings-in-waco-project-getting-closer-to-completion-waco-tribune-herald/ 1 of 9 An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. Vehicles pass under the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets. Business 77 at Interstate 35 is one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. A car on the access road passes Fourth and Fifth streets on the west side oft the interstate. Officials have said the underpass and side-street connections at 11th Street are expected to be done next month. An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. An aerial photo shows Interstate 35 near Eleventh Street, looking toward downtown Waco. An aerial photo shows the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets on the west side of the interstate. Cheryl Ballou said motorists bent on buying baked goods at Collin Street Bakery in Waco occasionally arrived in a mood only cookies and fruitcake could improve during the $341 million widening of Interstate 35. The project began in April 2019, and transportation officials have said workers may place a bow on the endeavor Dec. 21, delivering a Christmas present to Greater Waco and motorists enjoying life with fewer detours and traffic cones. With the new main interstate lanes fully open for about a month, new progress is emerging on the access roads and at crossings. A closure earlier in the week let workers bring the Highway 84 crossing closer to its final form. Traffic has been flowing both east and west across the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets. The underpass and street connections at 11th Street are expected to be done by next month. Recent utility work by Oncor has required crews to close the 11th Street turnaround, officials said. A recent closure of Highway 84 on the east side of the interstate let workers get it closer to its final configuration. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald A recent closure of Highway 84 on the east side of the interstate let workers get it closer to its final configuration. TxDOT, provided Ballou at Collin Street Bakery, like others with businesses along I-35 between Bellmead and near Baylor University, is relieved to see traffic moving unabated on the highway just outside the store south of Highway 84. The Texas Department of Transportation and its contractor, Webber LLC, announced last month they had opened all the new main lanes to traffic between North Loop 340 and South 12th Street. The news brought a sigh of relief that echoed across Central Texas. Until that magic moment, “we heard constant complaining,” Ballou said. Ballou said she understood the aggravation, and the temptation some must have felt to keep on driving, putting the bakery behind them. Ballou said with the main lanes and a primary exit for the store open, Collin Street Bakery has enjoyed a 35% to 40% jump in business the past two weeks, most driven by the interstate as the bakery “is practically a tourist attraction.” “We were thrilled, of course, when all four I-35 lanes north and south were fully opened in early August,” said Baylor University spokesperson Lori Fogleman, a member of TxDOT’s I-35 steering committee, who responded to questions via email. “We are now in the fifth week of the semester and have noticed improved traffic flow around the university, even last weekend as we welcomed thousands of visitors to campus for Family Weekend.” She said stop signs at I-35 and University Parks Drive have been duly noted. “Congestion occurs during mainly peak hours, such as the lunch hour or around 5 p.m.,” she said. “The four-way stops may take a little more time to get through during those times, but otherwise, traffic moves rather well.” An aerial photo shows the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets on the east side of highway, where the surface streets have been slightly reconfigured. TxDOT, provided An aerial photo shows the interstate near Fourth and Fifth streets. TxDOT, provided Fogleman said construction along frontage roads remains challenging. “But we have been quite resilient and creative in our alternate routes from campus over the three-plus years of construction,” she said. “Once the frontage roads, side streets, sidewalks and ADA pedestrian signals are in place and functional, it will be a friendlier and more mobile area for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, a main objective of the entire project.” Twisted Root Burger Co. might be viewed as the ultimate survivor in all this. Its location at 801 S. Second St. has placed it in the midst of roadwork along I-35 and University Parks Drive, and construction of a SpringHill Suites by Marriott nearby. “We’ve stayed busy. Customers have found a way to get in and out,” manager on duty Christina Crew said by phone Wednesday. She said Twisted Root closed for a time early in the COVID-19 pandemic, joining other restaurants facing that situation, but has not bowed to construction. She said especially with Baylor back in session right across I-35, Twisted Root expects to serve thousands of customers over the weekend. Officials have said the underpass and side-street connections at 11th Street are expected to be done next month. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald The West Bay commercial development hugging Interstate 35 near South 10th and South 11th streets may live up to its potential now that work on I-35 is winding down, KM Realty agent Nick Lovitt said. His company, based in Houston but with a Dallas office, acquired space at 922 S. 10th St. and 1011 S. 11th St. in May. New tenants that have opened or soon will after space build-out include Crumbl Cookies, Athletico Physical Therapy, Firewater Liquor and Lavish Slumbers. Lovitt said KM Realty still has about 8,000 square feet available. “We think the 11th and 12th street overpass and street connections are to our benefit,” Lovitt said. “What’s been done has made it easier to turn around and to view the development from the interstate.” Interstate 35 widening project through Waco: 2019-2022 Interstate 35: September 2022 TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows the interstate near Fourth and Fifth streets. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets on the west side of the interstate. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 A car on the access road passes Fourth and Fifth streets on the west side oft the interstate. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets on the east side of highway, where the surface streets have been slightly reconfigured. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows Interstate 35 near Eleventh Street, looking toward downtown Waco. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 A recent closure of Highway 84 on the east side of the interstate let workers get it closer to its final configuration. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: September 2022 A recent closure of Highway 84 on the east side of the interstate let workers get it closer to its final configuration. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 Officials have said the underpass and side-street connections at 11th Street are expected to be done next month. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 Officials have said the underpass and side-street connections at 11th Street are expected to be done next month. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 Vehicles pass under the interstate at Fourth and Fifth streets. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 Business 77 at Interstate 35 is one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: September 2022 An aerial photo shows Business 77 at Interstate 35, one of the several crossings that have taken center stage in the $341 million interstate project since the main lanes opened last month. TxDOT, provided Interstate 35: August 2022 With I-35’s main lanes fully open after more than three years of construction, officials said they are seeing a surge of interest in commercial projects along the interstate. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: August 2022 The southbound side of Interstate 35 through Waco opened fully Wednesday, following the opening of the northbound side last week. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: August 2022 The southbound side of Interstate 35 through Waco opened fully Wednesday, following the opening of the northbound side last week. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstate 35: August 2022 Work remains at some Interstate 35 cross streets, including at the Waco Drive underpass. Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald Interstat...

Vacation Rental Ruse: How An Idyllic Farmland Property Lured Many In The Chicago-Area For Thousands Of Dollars – NBC Chicago https://collincountynewsonline.com/vacation-rental-ruse-how-an-idyllic-farmland-property-lured-many-in-the-chicago-area-for-thousands-of-dollars-nbc-chicago/ It was branded as an outdoor adventure. Only a three-hour drive southwest of Chicago, customers could escape to the town of Farmington, Ill., staying at an eight-bedroom, 30-acre lakeside vacation rental retreat.  Surrounded by open farm land, online advertisements for “Norris Outdoor Adventure” showed water slides, a rope swing, games for the kids, and even more reassuring, a smiling, friendly and relatable owner dedicated to their every need. The rental was described as a dream find for many who were planning cross-country family reunions, even weddings at the space. But the dream wasn’t a reality. Instead, customers tell NBC 5 they had their reservations canceled, sometimes literally last minute as they were driving down to the property.  When customers called the owner for their refund, with contracts in hand laying out that very promise, they say the owner “ghosted” them, never to be heard from again. For months, NBC 5 Responds has investigated how a single vacation rental outside of Peoria took many Chicago-area families for thousands of dollars, and the mysterious owner behind the listing that these customers say is to blame.   That owner dodged our calls, emails and requests for comment over many months, offering no insight into what happened.   The complaints have gotten the attention of law enforcement in Farmington, who confirmed to NBC 5 they are actively investigating many complaints involving the property and its owner.  Records obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests paint a picture of a mountain of debt and despair, all centered around the spacious and charming property many hopeful customers now believe they will never see in person. It all started with one customer’s experience, and as NBC 5 continued to ask questions, the list grew to include many more. News articles show “Norris Outdoor Adventure” opened at this property in 2018 on Dee Bee Road in Farmington, Ill. Melissa Oskroba out of Naperville told NBC 5 earlier this year she discovered “Norris Outdoor Adventure” while surfing through the vacation rental website VRBO. “We were super excited about it,” Oskroba said. “[Norris] checked off all of our areas: eight bedrooms, water, yard for the kids. Affordable.” For five years now, Oskroba and seven other friends and their immediate families have gathered for Labor Day. But with the kids and attendance list growing each year, finding the right space proved to be harder than it sounds.   Clicking through the photos and videos of the property, Oskroba thought Norris seemed to be the perfect match for this cherished tradition. At $3,600 for three nights, and enough space for her entire party, Oskroba thought she hit the jackpot.  Photos shared online and taken by former customers show the lake amenities advertised at Norris Outdoor Adventure. That’s when she said she met Amy Shymansky, the owner of the property, and she felt a connection.   “It sounded like I was talking to my mom,” Oskroba recalls, noting that the experience was seemingly going so well, “I was about to call her to start locking up future years of reservations.”  Oskroba paid in full for a reservation this past Labor Day 2022, and months went by before the first curveball. That’s when Oskroba said Shymansky messaged to say she had yanked the property from VRBO so she could more closely vet her guests. But there was a silver lining: Shymansky would be listing the property herself, offering the same deal. Oskroba, worried she couldn’t find a place in time with the same number of bedrooms and space for her family and friends, booked directly with Shymansky. The deal included what Oskroba thought was protection: A contract with a clear cancellation policy, cancel a reservation 30 days or more prior to their reservation date, and they can expect a full refund. Oskroba reserved the property through Shymansky, not giving it a second thought until weeks later, when she tried to pull up the listing online. “It had that 404 no longer valid website message,” Oskroba said. “Then I started digging and within probably 15-20 minutes is when I came across Yelp that had a lot of complaints on there.” Customers on the business review website Yelp complained of falling into a trap Oskroba feared she was already in. “The owner has literally stolen my deposit for the use of this property,” one Norris customer wrote. Another said the owner, “took our money and never responded when we contacted her for keys.” “They will take your money, sign contracts, then ghost you,” a third customer wrote. Oskroba said she was beside herself.   “I just started crying,” Oskroba said. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to do?’” Oskroba said she contacted Shymansky to formally cancel the reservation, but eventually, she too was ghosted. No more friendly contacts from the owner, and no word on her refund. Melissa Oskroba of Naperville, Ill. is one of many Norris customers who tell NBC 5 Responds they are owed thousands of dollars in refunds. Through her persistence, Oskroba decided to go another route: Find, organize and communicate with as many other Norris customers she could find online. Oskroba said many got back to her, and eventually, someone in the group contacted NBC 5 Responds for assistance, saying they too were out big money, with no R&R to show for it. Customers like Tinley Park grandmother Claudia Allred.  “I was determined,” Allred told NBC 5 Responds. “[Shymansky] is not going to keep my money!” Allred’s family had stayed at Norris once before in 2020, so she booked again for the following year. She too felt charmed by Shmansky, remarking she was like a “best friend.” But two days before her family was planning to make the second trip to the property in June 2021, Allred said Shymansky messaged her, canceling the reservation. To date, Allred said she has received no refund. Among the customers, NBC 5 also talked with two couples who were planning to have their weddings at the Norris property, but said they had their dream dates disappear, along with their deposits. “It was the first place we looked at and we fell in love,” said Jay Rudisill of BlueGrass, Iowa.  Jay Rudisill and his now-wife, Karen, visited the Norris property in-person and walked away thinking “that was where we were going to have our wedding.” The couple put down a $9,300 deposit, but as the months ticked by closer to their date, Jay Rudisill said Shymansky grew silent. Karen and Jay Rudisill tell NBC 5 Responds they were planning to have their wedding at the Farmington, Ill. property, until Shymansky stopped speaking with them. Seeing that as a red flag, the Rudisills decided to cancel their reservation, knowing they would likely have a fraction of their deposit taken. They said they never imagined it would be the full amount. “I’ve given up hope that I will ever see that money again,” Jay Rudisill told NBC 5, after he said Shymansky stopped returning his calls, emails and even letters demanding his money back. The couple eventually held their wedding on a relative’s property, but were left feeling scorned. When Allred heard about the Rudisills, and other customers in the self-named Norris “support group”, she said she couldn’t believe how many people were allegedly owed money from Shymansky. “I felt like, ‘Why, you dirty dog! You’re doing this to so many people!’” Allred told NBC 5. NBC 5 confirmed through contracts and customers’ communication with Shymansky six individual Norris customers who had their reservations canceled before staying at the property, and who were collectively owed more than $24,000. Some customers have taken Shymansky to court, where they prevailed and had to file liens on the Norris property in hopes of getting any of their money back.  Fulton County records show those liens have company, including a lien filed on the property by the IRS for more than $470,000. While the support group of customers was chasing Amy Shymansky for answers, so was NBC 5 Responds. For months, we tried contacting Shymansky by phone, through emails and by contacting many attorneys who have represented Shymansky in court over the years. Eventually, Trygve Meade, Shymansky’s most recent counsel, told NBC 5, “I’m sorry, but I haven’t been authorized by my client to make any comment on this situation. As a result, I have to decline.” At one point, some of the support group members of former Norris customers said Meade had contacted them personally, promising news would come about their refunds. But eventually, they said he too “ghosted them.”  One office that did return our calls was the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, serving the idyllic farmland area where Norris Outdoor Adventure is located on Dee Bee Road. A spokesperson said investigators have “received complaints [about] Norris Outdoor Adventure, and are conducting an investigation.”  The trouble for Shymansky continues. NBC 5 Responds found a bench warrant active out of Peoria for Shymansky’s arrest, tied to an unrelated lawsuit and judgment not yet paid by the woman. State records show that the business license for Norris Outdoor Adventure was “involuntarily dissolved” back in 2019, after the company failed to file annual reports with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. And most recently, court records show the former owner of the Farmington property, who sold it to Shymansky in a “contract for deed” transaction, prevailed in eviction court, with a Judge signing an eviction order forcing Shymansky to surrender and vacate the property by Aug. 26, 2022. Shymansky is currently appealing the Judge’s decision. Hearing this news hasn’t calmed the nerves of Sh...

Live News Updates: South Korean Won Breaches 1400 Per Dollar For First Time Since Financial Crisis – Financial Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/live-news-updates-south-korean-won-breaches-1400-per-dollar-for-first-time-since-financial-crisis-financial-times/ Choose your subscription Trial Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT For 4 weeks receive unlimited Premium digital access to the FT’s trusted, award-winning business news Digital Be informed with the essential news and opinion MyFT – track the topics most important to you FT Weekend – full access to the weekend content Mobile & Tablet Apps – download to read on the go Gift Article – share up to 10 articles a month with family, friends and colleagues Print FT print edition delivered Monday – Saturday along with ePaper access Delivery to your home or office Monday to Saturday FT Weekend paper – a stimulating blend of news and lifestyle features ePaper access – the digital replica of the printed newspaper Team or Enterprise Premium FT.com access for multiple users, with integrations & admin tools Group Subscription Premium Digital access, plus: Convenient access for groups of users Integration with third party platforms and CRM systems Usage based pricing and volume discounts for multiple users Subscription management tools and usage reporting SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) Dedicated account and customer success teams Or, if you are already a subscriber Sign in Are you a student or a professor? Check if your university has an FT membership to read for free. Check my access

Healthy Eating: These Easy-To-Store Healthy Foods Can Be Your Lifestyle Staples – NDTV Doctor https://collincountynewsonline.com/healthy-eating-these-easy-to-store-healthy-foods-can-be-your-lifestyle-staples-ndtv-doctor/ Home »  Living Healthy »  Healthy Eating: These Easy-To-Store Healthy Foods Can Be Your Lifestyle Staples Healthy Foods: In this article, we discuss healthy foods that are easy to store and can be part of your daily diet.   By: Manya Singh  Updated: Sep 22, 2022 10:45 IST 3-Min Read Healthy Foods: Nuts and seeds have a long shelf life and high nutritional value Natural, whole foods have the drawback of spoiling quickly. So frequent visits to the grocery shop are linked to healthy eating. When you’re on the go and don’t have access to a refrigerator, it can also be difficult. This makes healthy eating inconvenient and exhausting. However, many nutritious foods can be kept in storage for a long time without going bad as long as the temperature and moisture levels are right. If you pick the right foods and know how to store them, you can make healthy eating easy. In this article, we discuss healthy foods that are easy to store and can be part of your daily diet. Healthy easy-to-store foods that can be your regular diet staples: 1. Nuts & seeds Nuts and seeds are nutritious foods that offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Depending on the kind, nuts and seeds can be stored in your pantry for a period of time ranging from one to four months at room temperature. 2. Whole grains Grains can be safely stored at room temperature for months to years. Examples include brown rice, amaranth, bulgur, oats, and quinoa. Consuming these grains may help prevent diseases like heart disease and some malignancies because they are also great providers of fibre and micronutrients like B vitamins, manganese, and magnesium. 3. Roasted legumes Among the healthiest foods, you can consume are beans and lentils. Dried beans and lentils are a top non-perishable food choice to have in your kitchen because of their exceptionally extended shelf life. Roasted channa is a healthy staple as a snack for conscious dieters. 4. Honey Natural sweetener honey has special health advantages. For instance, raw honey possesses potent antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It can also be stored for a long period of time. However, make sure to source organic honey that does not have added sugar. 5. Healthy fats Depending on the type, some fats, such as coconut oil, ghee, and olive oil, can be stored at room temperature for a year or longer. Cooking with these beneficial fats promotes the absorption of dietary fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as adds flavour to meals. 6. Dried herbs & spices Spices and herbs are vital for preparing meals with flavour. However, besides enhancing flavour, there are many benefits of consuming them. The health benefits of turmeric, cayenne pepper, rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, and cumin are outstanding, and they may all help to reduce inflammation and lower your chance of contracting certain diseases. 7. Eggs Eggs are a nourishing food that is suitable for consumption at any time of the day. They are frequently referred to as nature’s multivitamins since they contain a tonne of protein and nearly all the vitamins and minerals your body requires to thrive. Despite being regarded as perishable, eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five weeks. 8. Fermented foods Pickles and other delicious and adaptable fermented foods, like kombucha, provide a lot of health advantages. They can enhance digestive health and perhaps lower blood sugar and inflammation. Furthermore, because of how long they last, you may store them up without worrying about food waste. However, avoid heavily salted and oily pickles. 9. Garlic & onion Due to their adaptability and extended shelf life, garlic and onions are the foundation of many dishes. Both have also been found to be beneficial to your health in numerous ways, and consistently consuming them may lower your risk of contracting a number of diseases, such as some cancers, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes. 10. Frozen meats Fresh fish, meat, and poultry are highly perishable, but if stored properly, frozen versions of these foods will remain edible for a considerably longer period of time. When fresh animal protein sources are scarce, having a solid stock of frozen meats can help you cook healthy, protein-rich meals. Adding these foods to your diet can be a great and easy step toward improving your overall diet and lifestyle. Eating healthy can be time-consuming and takes effort. Consistency and patience are the way to go. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Fairmont Faces No. 10 Waseca In Key Football Clash – Fairmont Sentinel https://collincountynewsonline.com/fairmont-faces-no-10-waseca-in-key-football-clash-fairmont-sentinel/ Cooper Steuber FAIRMONT — “Any time Waseca and Fairmont play football, it always seems to be an important game,” Brad Wendland said in reference to his Class AAA No. 10-ranked Bluejays playing host to Mat Mahoney’s Cardinals at 7 p.m. Friday night in Waseca. The clash of perennial high school gridiron titans will be a rematch of last year’s Section 3 championship game, and possibly a preview to this fall’s sectional showdown. “Whoever wins Friday night’s game will likely hold an edge when it comes to the end-of-the-season seeding meeting,” said Mahoney, whose lineup posted a 27-6 sectional final victory over the Bluejays last Nov. 6 after claiming their Week 4 regular-season battle, 28-15, on Sept. 24 in Fairmont. In fact, Fairmont carries a four-game winning streak over Waseca into Friday night’s South Central White District contest. The Cardinals and Bluejays did not play in the covid-condensed 2020 campaign, but Fairmont squeezed out a narrow 20-14 win in 2019 and a 26-21 decision in 2018. Waseca, however, edged Fairmont by a 14-9 margin during their 2017 regular-season matchup. Fairmont, which netted three points in the ‘others receiving votes’ category in this week’s Class 3A state poll, hits the road for the third time during the first four weeks of the current schedule. “We’re looking forward to the second half of our schedule,” a smiling Mahoney said in reference to playing three of its final four regular-season games in Fairmont. The Cardinals are coming off a 41-20 home win over Jordan, fueled by quarterback Brendan Schmidtke’s 12-for-16 passing performance that generated 189 yards and three touchdowns — with all of them landing in the sure hands of split end David Maakestad. Maakestad produced a breakout game by making five catches for a game-best 143 yards and the three scores before adding his fourth TD via a 7-yard run. “We’re gaining confidence with each week, and starting to make the big play at critical junctures in games,” Mahoney said in reference to Landen Meyerdirk’s 63-yard rushing TD to open the third quarter and his 55-yard kickoff return late in the second half, in addition to linebacker Aden Welcome’s quick-reflex interception in the opening half. “No. 13 (Welcome) can stop the run, knows when to blitz and wraps up on every tackle,” Wendland said in reference to Fairmont’s 165-pound senior linebacker. “In the defensive front, (Hank) Artz just jumps out on film when you scout Fairmont. Not only is he a physical defender, but he’s exceptional because he plays to the whistle.” Artz and Welcome will look to get their hands on senior quarterback Oliver O’Brien, senior running back Christian Rodriguez and sophomore jack-of-all-trades Damarius Russell. Russell erupted for 255 all-purpose yards and four TDs during Waseca’s 49-7 rout over Tri-City United — a pivotal sectional win for the Bluejays. Waseca, TCU, Fairmont, Belle Plaine and Luverne all sport 2-1 overall records to share top honors in the seven-team sectional standings thus far. Russell garnered scoring passes of 64 and 10 yards, respectively, from O’Brien; returned last week’s opening kickoff 78 yards for six more points; and delivered one of Waseca’s pair of pick-6s by returning his interception 47 yards to paydirt. O’Brien added a 2-yard scoring run, Rodriguez broke free for a 64-yarder for six points, while Max Neaves shredded the TCU defense for a 60-yard TD rumble. Linebacker Kyle Ahlschlager packed point production from the defensive perspective by returning his interception 33 yards for Waseca’s second pick-6 of the night. “O’Brien can beat you with both his throwing arm and legs and he does a great job of putting their offense in motion,” said Mahoney. “Both Rodriguez and Neaves are tough to bring down, so at the end of the day, Waseca wants to run power on you. “We’ll have to stop their power running game and minimize their big-play opportunities.” Fairmont plays host to New Ulm next Friday for Homecoming, while Waseca plays host to Jordan during Week 5. • Perfect Record The Fairmont Cardinal junior varsity football team improved to 4-0 on the season by shutting out the Jordan Hubmen, 34-0, during action Monday at Ames Stadium in Jordan. Nolan Schultze hauled in three touchdown passes to top Fairmont’s rout, while teammates Jace Teveldal and Jaron Schutz each made one scoring reception. Blaze Geiger tossed three TD passes, while Hadan Toomer and Tyler Kurt connected for one apiece. Hunter Johnson recorded an interception to top the Cardinals’ defensive performance. Fairmont (4-0) plays host to Waseca in a 6:15 p.m. junior varsity game Monday night at Mahoney Field in Fairmont. • State Polls The Marshall Tigers claimed the No. 8 spot in this week’s Minnesota Associated Press’ Class 4A football poll, while the Jackson County Central Huskies and Pipestone Area Arrows pocketed the No. 5 and No. 6 spots, respectively, in the Class 3A rankings. The Blue Earth Area Bucs received five points in the ‘others receiving votes’ portion of Class 2A, while the Martin County West Mavericks netted six points in the ‘extra’ section of the Class 1A poll. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Inkeverse Launches Social Metaverse Product Targeted At Gen Z – Pandaily https://collincountynewsonline.com/inkeverse-launches-social-metaverse-product-targeted-at-gen-z-pandaily/ Chinese social networking firm Inkeverse is continuing its push into the metaverse with the launch of a new social product for overseas markets called “The Place.” As a 3D virtual social platform for Generation Z consumers in Europe and the United States, it provides users with immersive social experiences through virtual scenes and images, as well as through real-time audio interaction. This is the first overseas metaverse product launched by Inkeverse since changing its name from “Inke” in June this year. After logging in, users can customize the face and clothes of their virtual image freely, wander around in different scenes, interact with their partners in real time, and participate in online activities. One of the most important features of the metaverse is 3D immersion. In terms of user experience and UI design, The Place has strong immersion and real-time interaction functions. A diversified and rich entertainment scene has been added to meet social needs. Considering that the main users are Gen Z consumers in Europe and the United States, The Place features skateboarding and graffiti in nightclubs, music rooms, video rooms, and more. The team behind The Place is responsible for Web3 projects in Inkeverse. Project leader Liu Zhiqiang said that at present, social metaverse has many labels, such as virtual images, virtual scenes, games, combinination with hardware, and more. Apart from difficulties with infrastructure and technology, Liu believes that solving the needs of social interaction is the key, and that the fundamental logic of designing products is to grasp the needs of users. The secret to making a good product for overseas markets is to have a quick and accurate understanding of local cultural habits, popular elements, preferences, needs and so on. A considerable number of Inkeverse’s team members have rich experience and overseas study backgrounds. The project team will also find local young people to do part-time jobs, such as local research and feedback collection, so that the company can adjust the product strategy in real time. Inkeverse achieved revenue of 4.061 billion yuan ($573 million) in the first half of the year, up 0.7% year-on-year, according to the company’s first financial results report since changing its name. The net loss in H1 was 111 million yuan, compared with a net profit of 142 million yuan a year earlier. The company didn’t disclose operating data of its metaverse business. SEE ALSO: Social Metaverse Platform Soul Showcases Ling OS and NAWA Engine On May 16 this year, Inkeverse announced the start of its metaverse business by issuing over 1,000 NFTs jointly with HootLabs, an overseas NFT platform. Two days later, the industry’s first karaoke app based on metaverse was launched. On June 9, it launched a metaverse romance product called “Couple Planet,” allowing couples to create a private space in the metaverse. Inkeverse aims to increase the integration of socialization and metaverse, and to build a richer and multi-dimensional scene to meet the more subdivided needs of users.