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Cool Eco-Friendly Gadgets For A Greener Tomorrow – The Hans India https://collincountynewsonline.com/cool-eco-friendly-gadgets-for-a-greener-tomorrow-the-hans-india/ Since 2000, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer has been celebrated across the world on September 16. The day commemorates the date, in 1987, when nations signed the ‘Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer’. The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day is “Montreal [email protected]: global cooperation protecting life on earth” so why not commit to making more mindful choices when it comes to electronics and work towards a reduced carbon footprint? Here is our pick of a few next generation, smart and more importantly eco-friendly gadgets that are kinder to the planet and to the ozone layer protecting it. XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector XGIMI Elfin projector is a combination of stunning and flawless resolution, impeccable brightness, and thunderous sound. This eco-friendly device guarantees a safer viewing experience by limiting the blue light exposure. It also consumes less power and has an ultra-efficient LED light source that makes it durable and long lasting. Its slim, portable and lightweight design lets you carry it in your bag wherever you travel. Google Nest Learning Thermostat The Energy-star certified Google Nest Learning Thermostat learns the temperature setting of your home and adjusts accordingly. You can mount this up on a wall or place it on a shelf for added convenience. It will also help you to go for an energy-efficient temperature and through its safety alert, will let you know if your house is becoming too hot or cold. By switching to eco temperature, the thermostat will save energy when no one is at home. Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50 Waste disposal is now much easier and more organic with Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50. You can put your food scraps into the 50 cubic-foot machine with a cylindrical inner chamber and then discover that you now miraculously have nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants! The carbon filter lid will prevent the foul smell of the food waste from spreading and its quieter cycles make it suitable for indoor use. Honeywell CO60PM Evaporative Air Cooler Are you looking for an environment-friendly and cost-effective cooling option for your home? Go for Honeywell’s Evaporative Cooler which produces a cool breeze through the natural process of evaporation. It uses 90% less energy than other air conditioners. This cools the temperature of the room up to 15 degrees by evaporating the water stored in a small tank of 60 litres capacity and blowing the cool air through the fan. It also uses very less electricity, mainly to power the fans. Philips Smart Wi-fi LED Hue Bulbs Have you ever felt that the light in a room is too bright or too dim? The Philips Smart Hue Bulbs can solve this issue by providing you with just the perfect ambient light. Thanks to a state-of-the-art programming facility, the lights turn on in the morning and turn off when you leave the house. The bulbs will last for more than 10,000 hours and also consume less power and thereby effectively reduce your carbon footprint.

Sales Of Hardware Crypto Wallets Decline In Russia With Easing Currency Restrictions – Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://collincountynewsonline.com/sales-of-hardware-crypto-wallets-decline-in-russia-with-easing-currency-restrictions-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Interest in hardware wallets allowing cold storage of cryptocurrencies is decreasing among Russian users after this year’s surge that followed the invasion of Ukraine. The sale volumes for these devices have almost halved, according to a report quoting leading marketplaces. Russians’ Demand for Cold Storage Wallets Cools Down After Spike This Spring Retailers selling hardware cryptocurrency wallets in Russia are now overstocked, market participants have told the leading Russian business daily Kommersant. That’s after earlier this year these products saw an explosive demand after Moscow’s decision to militarily intervene in neighboring Ukraine. In the spring months, many Russians sought to acquire a cold storage device for their crypto assets, amid expanding sanctions over the Ukraine conflict and currency restrictions imposed by the Bank of Russia. Some Russian citizens relocating to other countries also took their savings with them in crypto. According to stats compiled by the Moneyplace analytics service, hardware wallet sales on the Ozon and Wildberries marketplaces reached a record high of 16.5 million rubles in May (over $275,000). In August, the figure fell by half, dropping below 8 million rubles (less than $135,000). A spokesperson for Ozon, known as “the Amazon of Russia,” said that the number of units sold increased more than five times in the first half of 2022, compared to the same period last year. Sales peaked in March, the e-commerce platform M.Video-Eldorado added. The online tech store Citilink launched a hardware wallet developed by Tangem at the end of June and its sales reached their highs in July. Roman Nekrasov, founder of ENCRY Foundation, which represents IT companies providing services in the field of blockchain and tech innovations, commented that the decline has come due to the Central Bank of Russia easing restrictions on cross-border currency transfers. In addition, “those who wanted to transfer assets abroad, most likely, have already done so,” the expert remarked. Sale volumes were also affected by the decreasing cost of crypto wallets, against the backdrop of both the reduced demand and the appreciating U.S. dollar. According to the estimates of Moneyplace, the average price of Safepal products fell three times between April and September, Ledger and Trezor registered a two-fold drop, while Tangem’s price lost a quarter. The trend was confirmed by Wildberries. The use of crypto wallets is not restricted in any way by the current Russian law since cryptocurrencies are yet to be comprehensively regulated, the report notes, quoting Pavel Ganin, partner at the A.t.legal law firm. Aaron Chomsky, head of the Investment Department at ICB Fund, believes that a recovery in demand for hardware wallets can be expected with a future improvement of crypto markets. Tags in this story conflict, Crypto, crypto assets, Crypto markets, crypto wallets, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, currency restrictions, Demand, Hardware Wallets, Prices, restrictions, Russia, russian, sales, Sanctions, Ukraine, War Do you agree that sales of cold storage devices will increase again in Russia if crypto markets improve? Share your expectations in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

US Yield Curve Set To Invert By Most In 40 Years, Allspring Says – Bloomberg https://collincountynewsonline.com/us-yield-curve-set-to-invert-by-most-in-40-years-allspring-says-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.

29 Technology News To Start The Morning Informed Of The Latest – Gearrice https://collincountynewsonline.com/29-technology-news-to-start-the-morning-informed-of-the-latest-gearrice/ If you are a very busy person and you count every minute of your free time, you only need to reserve three to catch up on technological news, with our summary of the morning. Has been completed the great Ethereum Meltdown, which means abandoning mining. This will stop wasting the same energy you consume an entire country like Chile. A mobile without physical buttons? That’s what you’re planning to do Samsung with your next Galaxy S. If you have a Lenovo computer, update the BIOS immediately. Six serious vulnerabilities have been discovered that cybercriminals are already trying to exploit. technological news The Ethereum network has already stopped spending as much energy as Chile. read the news WhatsApp will take an unexpected turn with its next project: a 12-minute short film. read the news Number 625 of Computer Hoy is already in your kiosk! read the news Adobe removes its competition and buys Figma: will it stop being free? read the news Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of google.com, the birth of a tech giant. read the news Mobile Smaller battery and Dynamic Island operation of an iPhone 14 Pro Max confirmed after dismantling. read the news We already know what the Vivo X Fold + will be like: new specifications of the Chinese folding. read the news The Honor X40 5G is now official and comes with a mid-range processor along with a 120Hz OLED screen. read the news Samsung is already planning to get rid of physical buttons on its next Galaxy S. read the news The option in iOS 16 that makes you type faster but that almost everyone has disabled. read the news 6 original wallpapers for iPhone and the Always-on Display of iOS 16. Read the news AnTuTu: guide to understand all the benchmark scores offered by this application. read the report computers and tablets If you have a Lenovo computer, you should update it immediately to cover six serious vulnerabilities. read the news You will need a new case for the new NVIDIA RTX 4090, four slots for the Lenovo model. read the news Python from scratch: This Georgia Tech online course will get you into the industry in just five months, and with a certificate. read the news How to alphabetize lists and paragraphs in Google Docs. read the tutorial Ethereum mining is dead, the best alternatives if you want to continue mining with your GPU. read the news Lifestyle Shiba Inu in danger about to reach his point of no return. read the news 6 alternatives to exercise at home if it’s raining and you want to get in shape. read the news Fruits that should not be mixed if you do not want to end up with a stomachache, or worse. read the news entertainment and gaming Disney + is too cheap for what it offers and should go up in price, warns the CEO of Disney. read the news Netflix Adaptation of Cyberpunk Anime Video Game Available Now, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. read the news Call of Duty Warzone Mobile, so you can sign up to be the first to try it. read the news Engine In Spain we spend four times more in bars than in car maintenance. read the news DGT’s V-16 lights with all the mandatory functions arrive in stores. read the news science and culture This is how the International Station expels garbage so that it burns in the atmosphere. read the news How long does the dentist’s anesthesia last? read the news The curiosities of the day Virtual fitting rooms, applications that show you how a garment will fit you without having to go to the store. read the news EXOlung, breathe underwater without scuba gear. read the news This has been the technology news summary of the day. ¡Have a nice day!

$1.8M For Waco-Area EV Chargers Part Of Plan To Form Statewide Network – Waco Tribune-Herald https://collincountynewsonline.com/1-8m-for-waco-area-ev-chargers-part-of-plan-to-form-statewide-network-waco-tribune-herald/ The Texas Department of Transportation next month will begin seeking businesses that want to help build out a statewide network of electric vehicle charging stations, and Waco-area transportation leaders will be asked to recommend sites in McLennan County. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program has set aside $407.8 million through 2026 for Texas’ plan, which will partner with businesses to pay for 80% of the charging infrastructure cost. The state plan will ensure all interstate highways have DC fast-charging stations at least every 50 miles. Other state highways would have stations every 70 miles, and the seats of all 254 counties would have charging stations. Each connector would be capable of handling at least 150 kilowatts, enough to bring a battery from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, according to the Texas plan. That would give an electric vehicle an additional 120 to 200 miles of range. Federal approval of the state plan is expected by the end of the month, allowing TxDOT to move forward in October to issue solicitations for private partners. During the multiyear rollout of the program, the state will work with regional metropolitan planning organizations to evaluate and award projects, Waco MPO Director Mukesh Kumar told the MPO board Thursday. MPO board Chair Jim Holmes, who serves on the Waco City Council, said the process will depend on what businesses are willing to participate. “I think it’s great that we have a say in where it goes,” Holmes said. The state’s electric vehicle station plan shows MPO-based projects would begin in a couple of years, after the interstate highways, designated as “electric alternative fuel corridors,” are built out with stations. McLennan County could be eligible for $1.8 million from the program, according to the plan. The Waco area has a handful of charging options, including a six-charger DC fast-charging station at the Bellmead Walmart on I-35, according to Chevrolet.com. A few hotels and car dealerships also offer limited EV charging options for their customers, and the Collin Street Bakery on I-35 in Bellmead offers Tesla Superchargers, which are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles. Also at Thursday’s MPO meeting, the board got an update on other federal funding opportunities on the horizon. The Carbon Reduction Program is funded by the same Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as the electric vehicle initiative and will provide the MPO with $549,000 a year for projects over the next five years. “It’s a very small amount of money, but when used for low-cost, high-impact programs could be very effective,” Kumar said. Cities in McLennan County are being asked to submit proposals to the MPO for consideration and possible approval in January. The projects require a 20% match from local governments. Eligible projects would be judged on criteria including carbon reduction, equity, impact on future generations, connection to land use and readiness. The MPO this month also applied for $560,000 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program to develop a plan to identify and remedy traffic dangers in the area. The awards are expected to be announced late this year or early next year, Kumar said. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

These Steve Madden Slip-On Sneakers Are Great For Travel – Travel + Leisure https://collincountynewsonline.com/these-steve-madden-slip-on-sneakers-are-great-for-travel-travel-leisure/ They can be yours for just $50. Published on September 16, 2022 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Photo: Amazon, Zappos Here at Travel + Leisure, we never miss a deal, especially on a certified comfortable pair of sneakers that’s perfect for travel. The Steve Madden Women’s Gills Fashion Sneakers were included in our story on the most comfortable slip-on sneakers for women tested by T+L editors. And the best part? They’re actually affordable, since most pairs are around $60 or less, depending on which color you choose. Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Amazon To buy: amazon.com, from $57 With 1.25-inch platforms, the leather sneakers provide a bit of height while still being easy to walk in, elevating any travel outfit instantly without compromising on comfort. And since they’re a slip-on style, they make going through airport security a breeze. Adding to the comfort features are the padded collars that will prevent dreaded heel blisters. The durable, thick soles offer traction to ensure stability, whether you’re traversing cobblestone streets or gravel paths. Shoppers have their choice of 14 colors and prints (although the black leather version has the most sizes in stock right now at Amazon), and sizes range from 5 to 14, including half and wide options.  While the look is cool and timeless, it’s the fit that makes these a pair that buyers “never want to take off.” The T+L editor who tested the sneakers agreed. “These were truly comfortable right out of the box,” Jamie Hergenrader, Editorial Director of commerce content, said. ​​Hergenrader also went on to say that there was no break-in period, a sentiment other reviewers felt as well. The shoes are “good quality and easy to clean [and they] fit comfortably from the start,” one wearer said. Our editor also noted that while the first few times wearing the sneakers, they were hard to slip into, but after a couple of wears, it became a true slip-on, hands-free experience.  A Zappos reviewer highlighted the shoes’ durability. “They are super versatile in color and my first pair lasted me three years with just summer [and] fall use,” they wrote. Also speaking to their versatility, a wearer shared, “I have two pairs and wear them all the time: casual, dressy or sporty.” To buy: zappos.com, $50 (originally $70) Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Zappos To buy: zappos.com, $50 (originally $70) Versatility was a feature noted in the original article, since Hergenrader wrote, “They’re dressy enough for work but casual and comfy enough to walk the dog.” With that in mind, they’re easy to pair with wide-leg jeans, straight pants, fitted leggings, short or maxi dresses, so no matter what your vacation wardrobe looks like, you’ll be able to sport the sneakers in style. At the time of publishing, the price was $50. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Thanks for your feedback!

Business News At 09:30 Am On 16th September 2022 – The Financial Express https://collincountynewsonline.com/business-news-at-0930-am-on-16th-september-2022-the-financial-express/ Here is the latest Business News from the Financial Express at 09:30 am on the 16th of September, 2022

Sunset Photo Contest Selects 7 Winning Photos – SRQ Daily Sep 16, 2022 – SRQ Magazine https://collincountynewsonline.com/sunset-photo-contest-selects-7-winning-photos-srq-daily-sep-16-2022-srq-magazine/ Arts & Culture SRQ DAILY FRIDAY WEEKEND EDITION FRIDAY SEP 16, 2022 | Pictured: One of the winning submissions from the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest by Rachel Wells. Congratulations to the 7 winners of the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest sponsored by two local magazines, South County Healthy Living and Englewood Healthy Living. The winners include Rachel Wells, Shane Fowler, Marie Laforge, Katie Sontowski, Laura Roy-Fink, Patti Campbell, and Alison Belsan Horton. Fowler is a three-time winner of the annual contest, and both Laforge and Roy-Fink are two-time winners. “The sunset photo contest acknowledges the natural beauty of our region and the creative talent of locals enjoying the outdoors,” said Randy Moore with Triple 3 Marketing. “The contest is also an opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations that maintain and protect our beaches, parks and preserves.” Pictured: One of the winning submissions from the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest by Rachel Wells.

MLB Celebrates Roberto Clemente Day | News, Sports, Jobs – The Daily Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/mlb-celebrates-roberto-clemente-day-news-sports-jobs-the-daily-times/ Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates, wearing No. 21 for Roberto Clemente, stand for the national anthem before a baseball game against the New York Mets on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) NEW YORK (AP) — For the big leaguers who saw him play, Roberto Clemente was a breathtaking talent and unmistakable force on the field who made a powerful impact on young ballplayers. His selfless humanitarianism left a lasting impression, too. Major League Baseball celebrated its 21st annual Roberto Clemente Day on Thursday, with festivities centered in New York, where the Mets hosted the Hall of Fame outfielder’s former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clemente died in a plane crash at age 38 attempting to deliver relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua on New Year’s Eve 1972. To mark the 50th anniversary year of that tragedy, more than a dozen winners of baseball’s treasured Roberto Clemente Award for philanthropy and playing excellence joined Clemente family members at Citi Field for the pregame ceremony. “The most important trophy that I have in my house. Because it’s not just a trophy,” said former Mets slugger and 2006 winner Carlos Delgado, like Clemente a proud native of Puerto Rico. Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and Jim Thome were among the Clemente Award winners introduced on the field before highlights of the 15-time All-Star’s life and career played on the large video board in center field. Players and coaches from both teams — all wearing Clemente’s No. 21, as did some others around the majors — lined the baselines. Puerto Rican musician Jose Feliciano performed the national anthem of Puerto Rico and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Clemente’s 4-year-old grandson threw out a first pitch in an RC III Pirates jersey. “It is a very special energy today,” said Luis Clemente, Roberto’s son. “The energy is totally different this year.” Clemente, a cherished icon in baseball-loving Puerto Rico, became the first Caribbean and Latin American player enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1973. The strong-armed right fielder won 12 Gold Gloves, four batting titles and the 1966 NL MVP award. He helped lead the Pirates to a pair of championships in 18 brilliant seasons and was the 1971 World Series MVP. “I came in the league in ’73. I knew who Roberto Clemente was and I was going to be a right fielder, so I watched the way he charged the ball, picked it up, threw people out. I wish (we) would have been able to play so we could test each other’s arms. But he was an incredible player and an even more incredible human being,” Winfield said. “Before I go, man, that was one of the things that I wanted to do was win this Roberto Clemente Award, because it would just acknowledge some of the work that had been done throughout my career,” he added. “I missed him by a year. But his legacy continues and we’re all part of that.” Clemente got his 3,000th hit in his final at-bat, a double off Mets left-hander Jon Matlack on Sept. 30, 1972. “You look back through the history and some of the things he did and what he means,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said, “it’s a great thing baseball is doing.” “I think of him catching the ball down the right field line and spinning and throwing,” Showalter added, noting he swung a Roberto Clemente model bat in high school. “I think about his reckless abandon and how loud a runner he was. Can you imagine what it was like trying to tag him at second, coming in, back when you could actually slide with your spikes and stay hooked to the bag because it wasn’t hard and plastic and slick?” There’s been a push in recent years for MLB to retire Clemente’s No. 21 for all teams, the way the sport did in 1997 to honor Dodgers pioneer Jackie Robinson for breaking baseball’s color barrier 50 years earlier. “It’s a situation where I think it is gaining more momentum,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I think today’s one of the best days of the year.” Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Week In Review: Glamour, Diversity And The Metaverse At NYFW – Glossy https://collincountynewsonline.com/week-in-review-glamour-diversity-and-the-metaverse-at-nyfw-glossy/ On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff discuss the biggest news in the fashion industry of the week. This week, on a special New York Fashion Week episode, the hosts discuss the vibe at NYFW this season, compared to the lackluster previous seasons. They also talk about see-now-buy-now, the return of big names like Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger, and the future of the fashion calendar. Also, this episode marks the 1-year anniversary of Week in Review, which started as a special episode recapping last September’s NYFW. Thanks to all for listening! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts • Stitcher • Google Play • Spotify

6 Gadgets To Keep On Your Radar – Gear Patrol https://collincountynewsonline.com/6-gadgets-to-keep-on-your-radar-gear-patrol/ For more of the latest and greatest product releases, check out our full collection of the best new gear. It was an exciting week in the world of new gadgets. Sonos finally announced its new miniature wireless woofer. Both GoPro and DJI announced new action cameras. Amazon released a new cheap Kindle that can charge via USB-C. And that’s not where it stopped. Here’s all the cool announcements you need to know about. Sonos Sub Mini Sonos The Sub Mini is a smaller and more affordable version of Sonos’s exisiting Sub; it costs $429 and weighs 14 pounds, while the larger Sub costs $749 and weighs just over 36 pounds. The Sub Mini works much the same way as the Sub, adding bass to a Sonos home theater or speaker system, but it’s specifically designed to be paired with Sonos’s smaller soundbars and speakers, like the Beam (Gen 2), Ray or a stereo pair of Ones. The only downside is that you can only pair one Sub Mini with a Sonos soundbar, unlike the Sub which you can pair two with Sonos’s flagship soundbar, the Arc. The Sonos Sub Mini will be available in matte black or white finishes. It is available for preorder now and will hit stores globally on October 6. Price: $429 LEARN MORE DJI Osmo Action 3 Courtesy DJI announced its newest action cameras, the Osmo Action 3. It borrows the classic design of the 2019-released Osmo Action and pairs it with the sensor and shooting capabilities (maxes out at 4K at 120fps) of the 2021-released Action 2. Additionally, DJI has given the new camera significantly dual touchscreens, improved battery life (up to 160 minutes) and faster charging capabilities. It also has a new quick-release mounting system. Price: $329+ LEARN MORE Fujifilm X-H2 Courtesy The Fujifilm X-H2 is the company’s newest mirrorless camera and it’s very similar to the recently-released X-H2S. It has the same processor, built-in image stabilization and electronic viewfinder. The big difference is that the Fujifilm X-H2 has a huge 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which is the highest resolution that the company has put into any of its X Series cameras. Price: $2,000 (body only) LEARN MORE GoPro Hero 11 Black and Hero 11 Black Mini Courtesy GoPro introduced its newest action camera — and this year there are two to choose from. The Hero 11 Black is the company’s newest flagship model, while the all-new Hero 11 Black Mini (pictured) is a shrunk-down version that’s almost half the size. Compared to last year’s model, the Hero 11 Black looks pretty identical, but GoPro integrated it with a larger sensor that enable some higher-resolution photo and video capturing capabilities. The “Mini” version is exactly the same, but lacks the dual touchscreen displays. The GoPro Hero 11 Black is available now while the Hero 11 Black Mini will be available on October 25. Price: $300+ (Mini); $400+ LEARN MORE Amazon Kindle (2022) Courtesy Amazon introduced an updated version of its entry-level Kindle. It still costs $100, but has been upgraded with a nicer and brighter screen, improved battery life and it supports USB-C charging. That’s right, micro-USB be gone! This 11th-generation Kindle will be available on October 12. Price: $100 LEARN MORE Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 Courtesy Astell&Kern announced its new flagship portable hi-fi player, the A&ultima SP3000, and it is luxurious. It’s made of high-end 904L stainless steel, just like a Rolex watch, and has gorgeous and large (5.46″) touchscreen. It is decked out with a new high-end DAC (AK4499EX) and should support pretty much any lossless audio codec (up to 32-bit/768kHz). It runs an Android operating system so accessing your lossless service —be it Qobuz, Tidal or Apple Music — should be a breeze. Price: $3,699 LEARN MORE

NYFW: Crypto Shines In Vivienne Tam, Tommy Hilfiger Shows – Fast Company https://collincountynewsonline.com/nyfw-crypto-shines-in-vivienne-tam-tommy-hilfiger-shows-fast-company/ By Connie Lin3 minute Read For the second time since the global pandemic, New York Fashion Week has dawned upon the city, bringing a flock of cascading black fabric, billowing sleeves, and sky-high stilettos to the streets of Lower Manhattan. Models drape themselves around town, Perrier water flows, and the glitterati party like it’s 2019; yet, vestiges of the pandemic hide in the crevices. After two years in a digital void, something in the culture has shifted—and this time, NFTs, the techno-pandemic darling, are taking center stage. Multiple runway shows pay homage to Web3, and like most fashion statements, it’s the opposite of subtle. Designer Tommy Hilfiger’s show was billed to blend the real world with the metaverse, a mashup he bizarrely branded as “phygital” (physical meets digital). The production—staged at a drive-in movie theater in Brooklyn—was livestreamed in Roblox, where avatars wearing renderings of the outfits strutted through a virtual cityscape. Viewers could purchase real-world versions of the clothing within the game. Meanwhile, customers who purchased from Alo Yoga’s Aspen skiing-inspired collection also received NFTs certifying ownership of the clothing. But nowhere were NFTs more striking than in Vivienne Tam’s show, which took place on the border of New York’s iconic but distinct Soho and Tribeca neighborhoods. Much like how the designer’s clothing has always stood at the crossroads between East and West, the collection now, dramatically, revels in that ethereal space between the physical and the virtual. Up the elevator and onto the sixth floor of Spring Studios, electronic music plays as blocks of colored pixels flicker against the wall. Underneath the spotlights, a couple of guys loiter, wearing headgear shaped like CryptoPunk NFT avatars of human faces. For her show, Tam has partnered with First Digital Trust, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency custody service; Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange platform founded by the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron; and the NFT project CyberKongz, which is currently selling for a minimum of $25,000 on OpenSea. Her clothing features the CyberKongz monkeys and other blue-chip collections, including CryptoPunks and the Bored Ape Yacht Club, in various fashions: bold earrings, patches on a denim jacket, the bodice of an evening gown. Their likeness is impossible to miss. For Tam, that’s by design. “I want to bring the worlds of art and NFTs together,” she shares from backstage at the runway, noting that storytelling is at the heart of both spheres. “For people in NFTs and the metaverse, I want to show that the physical world is important, too,” she says. In particular, IP owners and creators benefit when people are wearing physical manifestations of their avatars. Contractually, Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunk NFT holders own the IP rights for their avatars—meaning, that to feature the unique illustrations of apes and punks on her clothing, Tam had to work with individual NFT holders who licensed the images out to the designer and her team. A group of so-called whale collectors, who hold dozens of NFT properties, allowed Tam to elevate their avatars to the realm of high fashion. Other Tam clothing featured Awkward Astronauts, an NFT collection sold on Nifty Gateway, the NFT trading platform owned by Gemini. “The more we can intersect NFTs with fashion, art, and different creative communities, the better,” says Cameron Winklevoss, who attended the show with his twin. “It’s super early, but NFTs are here to stay . . . and there are all kinds of dimensions to go in,” he adds, musing that NFTs could also offer ticketing for the very event we’re at. Another shirt makes its way down the runway with a sparkling “First Digital” logo emblazoned on the back. According to the company’s CEO, its custody service will help users who buy NFTs of Tam’s clothing in the metaverse translate that purchase into a real-world order, offering more Web3 functionality in fashion. According to Tam, her collection also embodies the spirit of traditional Chinese mah-jongg, which she likens to NFTs as “it’s about intelligence, and playing the game as much as winning it.” When they see her NFT-inspired clothing, she says, “I want [people] to be excited and think, ‘Wow, they’re alive!’ That brings me joy.”

U.S. SEC’s Crypto Guidelines Push Up Costs For Lenders, Disrupting Projects – Reuters.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-secs-crypto-guidelines-push-up-costs-for-lenders-disrupting-projects-reuters-com/ WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) – Banks’ cryptocurrency projects have been upended by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accounting guidance that would make it too capital-intensive for lenders to hold crypto tokens on behalf of clients, according to more than half a dozen people with knowledge of the matter. A slew of lenders including U.S. Bancorp (USB.N), Goldman Sachs Group Inc , JPMorgan Chase & Co , BNY Mellon , Wells Fargo & Co , Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and State Street Corp (STT.N) offer or are working on crypto products and services for clients in a bid to tap in to the $1 trillion crypto market, according to their public statements and media reports. But on March 31, the SEC said public companies that hold crypto assets on behalf of clients or others must account for them as liabilities on their balance sheets due to their technological, legal and regulatory risks. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com While the guidance applies to all public companies, it is especially problematic for banks because their strict capital rules, overseen by bank regulators, require them to hold cash against balance sheet liabilities. The SEC did not consult the banking regulators when issuing the guidance, according to four of the people. The SEC’s move complicates banks’ efforts to jump on the digital asset bandwagon, and could keep them on the sidelines even as they report increased demand from clients looking to access the burgeoning market. “This has thrown a huge wrench in the mix,” one of the sources said. Lenders building out crypto offerings have had “to cease moving forward with those plans pending any kind of further action from the SEC and the banking regulatory agencies,” they added. Custody banks State Street and BNY Mellon, which have been building digital asset offerings, are among those whose projects have been disrupted, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. While the accounting guidance does not stop State Street from offering crypto custody services, it would make doing so uneconomical, said Nadine Chakar, head of State Street Digital. “We do have an issue with the premise of doing that, because these are not our assets. This should not be on our balance sheet,” said Chakar. A spokesperson for BNY Mellon declined to comment on the status of its crypto custody project. “BNY Mellon believes digital assets are here to stay, and increasingly becoming part of the mainstream of finance,” he added. When asked about the SEC guidance, a U.S. Bancorp spokesperson said it is still servicing existing clients for which it offers bitcoin custody services. “However, we are pausing intake of additional clients in this service as we evaluate the evolving regulatory environment.” One executive at a European bank looking to launch crypto custody services said it would now be prohibitively costly for the bank to do so in the United States due to the SEC guidance. Spokespeople for the SEC and the other banks declined to comment. The problems the SEC guidance is causing for banks, which have not previously been reported, underscore the broader challenges lenders face in trying to capitalize upon the growing crypto market amid ongoing regulatory confusion and skepticism. “We’ve heard from a wide variety of stakeholders, banks among them, about how challenging this new staff accounting bulletin would be for them to be able to enter in to the space of custodying crypto assets,” U.S. Representative Trey Hollingsworth, who sent SEC Chair Gary Gensler a letter in July expressing concern about the guidance, said in an interview. “This edict came down without guidance, without input, without feedback, without conversation being had with industry.” CAPITAL PUNISHMENT? As the cryptocurrency market ballooned in 2020, financial institutions were eager to cash in. Despite the crypto market contracting significantly this year, lenders still see an opportunity for their services. Offering to hold clients’ digital assets appeared the safest way to enter the market. Banks commonly offer custody for a variety of financial instruments and have generally not been required to reflect them on their balance sheet, unless they are commingled with the bank’s own assets. read more The SEC guidance departed from that practice. At a conference last week, the SEC’s acting chief accountant said that custodied crypto assets present “unique” risks which meet the definition of a liability under U.S. accounting standards. In a June letter to bank regulators, however, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, American Bankers Association and the Bank Policy Institute said such risks are already mitigated by strict bank supervision and rules. Factoring in planned international Basel capital rules, the guidance could cost more than $1 of capital for every $1 of digital assets held, the groups estimated, meaning crypto custody “effectively would be prohibited.” The SEC guidance also appears to apply where lenders outsource the custody function to a third party, such as Anchorage Digital, the sources said. Diogo Mónica, president of Anchorage Digital, said the capital cost was “completely unsupportable” and that “every single bank” Anchorage works with is now waiting on regulators before proceeding to work with Anchorage on crypto custody solutions. Industry groups have been lobbying the SEC to carve banks out of the guidance, according to four of the sources and industry letters, although the agency appears unpersuaded, one of those people said. Some lenders, instead, are seeking individual exemptions, two people said. The industry is also lobbying the banking regulators to issue guidance that would neutralize the capital impact of the SEC guidance, although changing capital rules would be a major undertaking which looks unlikely in the short term, the people said. The Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp declined to comment. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Hannah Lang and Michelle Price in Washington Additional reporting by Pete Schroeder in Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Uber Investigating Breach Of Its Computer Systems | Technology News – The Indian Express https://collincountynewsonline.com/uber-investigating-breach-of-its-computer-systems-technology-news-the-indian-express/ Uber discovered its computer network had been breached Thursday, leading the company to take several of its internal communications and engineering systems offline as it investigated the extent of the hack. The breach appeared to have compromised many of Uber’s internal systems, and a person claiming responsibility for the hack sent images of email, cloud storage and code repositories to cybersecurity researchers and The New York Times. “They pretty much have full access to Uber,” said Sam Curry, a security engineer at Yuga Labs who corresponded with the person who claimed to be responsible for the breach. “This is a total compromise, from what it looks like.” An Uber spokesperson said the company was investigating the breach and contacting law enforcement officials. Uber employees were instructed not to use the company’s internal messaging service, Slack, and found that other internal systems were inaccessible, said two employees, who were not authorized to speak publicly. Shortly before the Slack system was taken offline Thursday afternoon, Uber employees received a message that read: “I announce I am a hacker and Uber has suffered a data breach.” The message went on to list several internal databases that the hacker claimed had been compromised. The hacker compromised a worker’s Slack account and used it to send the message, the Uber spokesperson said. It appeared that the hacker was later able to gain access to other internal systems, posting an explicit photo on an internal information page for employees. The person who claimed responsibility for the hack told the Times that he had sent a text message to an Uber worker claiming to be a corporate information technology person. The worker was persuaded to hand over a password that allowed the hacker to gain access to Uber’s systems, a technique known as social engineering. “These types of social engineering attacks to gain a foothold within tech companies have been increasing,” said Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security. Tobac pointed to the 2020 hack of Twitter, in which teenagers used social engineering to break into the company. Similar social engineering techniques were used in recent breaches at Microsoft and Okta. “We are seeing that attackers are getting smart and also documenting what is working,” Tobac said. “They have kits now that make it easier to deploy and use these social engineering methods. It’s become almost commoditized.” The hacker, who provided screenshots of internal Uber systems to demonstrate his access, said that he was 18 years old and had been working on his cybersecurity skills for several years. He said he had broken into Uber’s systems because the company had weak security. In the Slack message that announced the breach, the person also said Uber drivers should receive higher pay. The person appeared to have access to Uber source code, email and other internal systems, Curry said. “It seems like maybe they’re this kid who got into Uber and doesn’t know what to do with it, and is having the time of his life,” he said. In an internal email that was seen by the Times, an Uber executive told employees that the hack was under investigation. “We don’t have an estimate right now as to when full access to tools will be restored, so thank you for bearing with us,” wrote Latha Maripuri, Uber’s chief information security officer. It was not the first time that a hacker had stolen data from Uber. In 2016, hackers stole information from 57 million driver and rider accounts, then approached Uber and demanded $100,000 to delete their copy of the data. Uber arranged the payment, but kept the breach secret for more than a year. Joe Sullivan, who was Uber’s top security executive at the time, was fired for his role in the company’s response to the hack. Sullivan was charged with obstructing justice for failing to disclose the breach to regulators and is currently on trial. Lawyers for Sullivan have argued that other employees were responsible for regulatory disclosures and said the company had scapegoated Sullivan. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Patricia “Pat” Adams Naylor : 1927–2022 | Obituaries | Waxahachiesun.com – Waxahachie Sun https://collincountynewsonline.com/patricia-pat-adams-naylor-1927-2022-obituaries-waxahachiesun-com-waxahachie-sun/ Classifieds Receive classifieds from local advertisers. Daily Headlines Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don’t miss out on updates. Jobs Get the latest on local jobs available! Legals Get updated legal issues! Local Obituaries Each day’s obituaries, delivered to your inbox. Local Offers Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers. Local Sports Get the latest headlines on local sports! Local Weather Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather. News Alerts We’ll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! The Waxahachie Sun e-Edition Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email. Weekly Best of The Waxahachie Sun Best trending stories from the week.

‘I Ended Up On This Little Island’: Migrants Land In Political Drama – The New York Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/i-ended-up-on-this-little-island-migrants-land-in-political-drama-the-new-york-times/ Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker

BUSINESS NEWS – Collision Repair Mag https://collincountynewsonline.com/business-news-collision-repair-mag/ HEAD ABOVE WATER One in six small business owners are considering going out of business, according to a report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The CFIB’s report, released on August 11, says official small business bankruptcy numbers have been “steadily increasing since the beginning of the year and are currently at a two-year high.” Insolvencies from the start of the pandemic peaked in March 2022 with 318 cases. Recent CFIB data indicates that ten percent of small business owners would file for bankruptcy if they could not keep doors open; 46 percent of businesses risking closure would stop operating rather than go through bankruptcy. Another 27 percent considered transferring the business to a new owner. The report also states that 54 percent of businesses report below-normal revenues. Sixty-two percent carry unpaid debt taken on during the pandemic, ringing to an average of $158,000. FIX IN THE MIDDLE EAST Fix Network World recently announced a partnership in the Middle East, continuing the company’s plan to grow its worldwide repair network. This partnership between Fix Auto and Gulf Motor will expand their entry into countries under the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Currently, Fix Auto operates in over 20 countries. According to a press release, six collision centres and six quick service centres will open in Saudi Arabia. GMC has agreed to renovate its facilities and retrain staff to Fix Network World standards, with these locations expected to begin operating around October 2022. “This new partnership in the Middle East demonstrates our commitment to growth through rapid expansion in thriving global markets,” said Steve Leal, president of Fix Network World. “This iconic brand was created based on a very simple idea–to unite a fragmented aftermarket industry so body shop owners can experience the power of a network while owning and operating their centres independently.” ALL-TIME AUTO COATINGS RECORDS PPG reported its Q2 2022 financial results in August, marking “alltime quarterly sales records” in its automotive refinish coatings segment. PPG’s Performance Coatings segment earned US$2,929 million in net sales in Q2 2022; seven percent higher than the same period last year. “Automotive refinish coatings organic sales grew by a low teen percentage with higher selling prices and strong sales volumes that continued to outpace industry growth,” wrote the coatings giant alongside its financial results. Automotive OEM coatings organic sales were also up—in “high-single-digit percentages—due to “higher selling prices that were partially offset by lower sales volumes,” said PPG. UPS FOR AUTOCANADA AutoCanada says it reported its highest second-quarter revenue ever, marking revenues of $1,686 million—a 32 percent increase over the same period last year. Net income for the period was $29.1 million, which includes $10.0 million of incremental inventory writedowns versus income of $37.7 million in the prior year. “This strength allowed us to continue to advance our acquisition strategy with the recent addition of Burwell Auto Body and Kelleher Ford, further expanding our national collision centre footprint and our dealership platform across Canada. We remain well positioned to continue to execute on our acquisition pipeline in the coming quarters with several dealerships and collision centres being evaluated,” it wrote alongside its earnings statement. SALES SLUMPS Canada’s new-vehicle sales for August marked the lowest stats in two decades, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. Automakers sold approximately 126,524 new vehicles in August—down 13.9 percent from the same month in 2021 and the lowest-ever August numbers since 1999, said DesRosiers. The consultancy said the industry had hoped that “August would represent the tipping point in which the market would reverse direction and start to show sales gains. Sadly, this was definitely not the case here in Canada,” it wrote.

‘Today’ Show Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer Offers Advice On Healthy Living During West Palm Beach Visit – WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm https://collincountynewsonline.com/today-show-nutrition-expert-joy-bauer-offers-advice-on-healthy-living-during-west-palm-beach-visit-wptv-news-channel-5-west-palm/ WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — “Today” show nutrition expert Joy Bauer believes what you eat affects your everyday life. She spoke Wednesday morning at the Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches breakfast event. The organization delivers meals to homebound seniors. Her presentation was interactive at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, showing guests how to incorporate healthy foods. Bauer has a heart for the organization. “When I was a little girl, my mom and my grandmother were both very involved. We had a local chapter in New York,” Bauer said. “They would put me in the car, and from elementary school up through high school, I would help my mom with the deliveries. And we had meaningful friendships that we developed with these seniors.” WPTV “Today” show nutrition expert Joy Bauer speaks at the Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches breakfast event in West Palm Beach on Sept. 15, 2022. Bauer, who has authored more than a dozen books, said whether you want to lose weight or increase your energy, write down your reason. “Put it down on paper. Put it on a Post-it Note, hang it on your bathroom vanity,” she said. “Put it on your screen saver. Put it on your refrigerator and remind yourself every single day what your reason is because that’s going to be your motivation.” She said it’s about including produce in every meal. “Vegetables and fruit are high volume, and they are low in calories, so they fill us up without filling us out,” Bauer said. “But even more importantly they are chock-full of the good stuff: antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And they shower our body with things that help to reduce the risk for certain diseases and to just make us feel better and to thrive.” RELATED LINKS: Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches Joy Bauer Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Sports Planner For Friday – The Republic https://collincountynewsonline.com/sports-planner-for-friday-the-republic/ COMING UP Indianapolis Colts Sunday at Jaguars, 1 p.m. (CBS) Sept. 25 vs. Chiefs, 1 p.m. (CBS) Oct. 2 vs. Titans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Indiana University football Saturday vs. Western Kentucky, Noon (BTN) Sept. 24 at Cincinnati, Noon (TBA) Oct. 1 at Nebraska, 1 p.m. (TBA) Purdue football Saturday at Syracuse, Noon (ESPN2) Sept. 24 vs. Florida Atlantic, 7:30 p.m. (BTN) Oct. 1 at Minnesota, Noon (TBA) Notre Dame football Saturday vs. California, 2:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock) Sept. 24 at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m. (TBA) Oct. 8 at BYU, 7:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock) Cincinnati Reds Today at Cardinals, 8:15 p.m. (Bally Sports Indiana) Saturday at Cardinals, 1:15 and 7:15 p.m. (Bally Sports Indiana) Sunday at Cardinals, 2:15 p.m. (Bally Sports Indiana) Indianapolis Indians Today vs. Toledo, 7:05 p.m. Saturday vs. Toledo, 6:35 p.m. Sunday vs. Toledo, 1:35 p.m. Indy Eleven Saturday at Monterey Bay FC, 10 p.m. (ESPN+) Sept. 25 vs. Loudoun United FC, 5 p.m. (ESPN+/WNDY) Sept. 28 at Atlanta United FC2, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+) NASCAR Saturday at Bristol, Tenn., 7:30 p.m. (USA) Sept. 25 at Fort Worth, Texas, 3:30 p.m. (USA) Oct. 2 at Talladega, Ala., 2 p.m. (NBC) HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TODAY Football Columbus East at New Albany, 7 p.m. Columbus North at Chatard, 7 p.m. Jennings County at Madison, 7 p.m. West Vigo at Brown County, 7 p.m. North Daviess at Edinburgh, 7 p.m. Cincinnati Hillcrest Academy at South Decatur, 7 p.m. Volleyball Legacy Christian at Columbus Christian, 7:15 p.m. Boys soccer Hauser at Southwestern (Shelby), 5 p.m. Trinity Lutheran vs. Charlestown in Scottsburg Warrior Cup, 5:30 p.m. SPORTS ON TV TODAY Men’s Australian Rules Football AFL Premiership: Brisbane at Geelong, Preliminary Final, 5:30 a.m. (FS2) AFL Premiership: Collingwood at Sydney, Preliminary Final, 2:30 a.m. Saturday (FS1) Women’s Australian Rules Football AFL Premiership: West Coast at Greater Western Sydney, 9 p.m. (FS2) AFL Premiership: Sydney at Port Adelaide, 11 p.m. (FS2) AFL Premiership: Western at Hawthorn, 1 a.m. Saturday (FS2) Auto racing NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Playoffs-Round of 16, 5 p.m. (USA) NASCAR Xfinity Series: The Food City 300, 7:30 p.m. (USA) College football Florida State at Louisville, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Air Force at Wyoming, 8 p.m. (CBSSN) Men’s college soccer Maryland at Michigan, 6:30 p.m. (BTN) Georgetown at St. John’s, 8:30 p.m. (FS1) Women’s college volleyball Florida at Wisconsin, 8:30 p.m. (BTN) Golf DP World Tour: The Italian Open, 7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel) LPGA Tour: The Portland Classic, 3 p.m. (Golf Channel) PGA Tour: The Fortinet Championship, 6 p.m. (Golf Channel) High school football Brookwood (Ga.) at Bishop Gorman (Nev.), 10:30 p.m. (ESPNU) MLB Rockies at Cubs, 2 p.m. (MLB) Orioles at Blue Jays, 7 p.m. (AppleTV) Reds at Cardinals, 8 p.m. (Bally Sports Indiana) Yankees at Brewers or Athletics at Astros, 8 p.m. (MLB) Dodgers at Giants, 10:15 p.m. (AppleTV) Men’s soccer Premier League: Southampton at Aston Villa, 3 p.m. (USA) Tennis Chennai-WTA, Portoroz-WTA Early Quarterfinals; Davis Cup Group Stage: Germany vs. Belgium, Italy vs. Argentina; Britain vs. Netherlands, Spain vs. Canada, 5 and 6 a.m. (Tennis)

Nikko Unveils Metaverse ETF In Hong Kong – ETF Strategy https://collincountynewsonline.com/nikko-unveils-metaverse-etf-in-hong-kong-etf-strategy/ Nikko Asset Management has unveiled a thematic equity ETF in Hong Kong providing actively managed exposure to companies worldwide that are developing and enabling the metaverse. The metaverse is a hypothesized iteration of the internet, supporting persistent online 3-D virtual environments. The NikkoAM Metaverse Theme Active ETF is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in Hong Kong dollars (3091 HK) and US dollars (9091 HK) and has estimated ongoing charges of 1.25%. The fund has been created by revamping one of Nikko’s existing strategies, the NikkoAM E-Games Active ETF. The metaverse is a term used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe. Combining aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented & virtual reality, e-commerce, and blockchain technology, the metaverse is expected to influence many aspects of people’s lives including how they interact, socialize, learn, shop, work, and play virtually. While still in its infancy, the metaverse has already attracted billions of dollars of investment. Morgan Stanley analysts predict the metaverse has the potential to generate $8.3 trillion in total consumer expenditure in the US alone, depending on the level of disruption. Investment approach The ETF utilizes Nikko’s proprietary research to identify companies across several metaverse-related business categories. Hardware companies refer to those that are developing physical technologies such as augmented & virtual reality devices, mobile phones, and enterprise hardware that will allow individuals and businesses to interact in a virtual environment. Computing companies refer to those that are delivering computer power to support the operation of the metaverse. The category includes companies involved with semiconductors, data matching, and artificial intelligence. Connectivity companies refer to those that are providing high bandwidth or networks enabling data transmission on the metaverse. Eligible firms include cloud service providers and telecommunication companies providing fiber networks. Platform companies refer to those that are creating and operating immersive 3D worlds in the metaverse. Eligible firms include online gaming and social media platforms. Tools companies refer to those that are providing protocols such as Web 3.0 and the facilitation of 3D rendering. Payments companies refer to those that are facilitating transactions in the metaverse via fiat currency on-ramps, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens. Content companies refer to those that are facilitating the creation, storage, distribution, and protection of digital assets such as games, online avatars, and NFTs. Eligible firms include electronic game developers and companies that offer NFTs on underlying assets. There is one other ETF in Hong Kong targeting the global metaverse theme – the CSOP Metaverse Concept ETF (3034 HK) – which also adopts an actively managed approach. Its estimated ongoing charges are 2.00%. The Samsung Asia Pacific ex NZ Metaverse Theme ETF (3172 HK), meanwhile, targets metaverse-related companies specifically located in the Asia Pacific region, also utilizing an active approach. Its ongoing charges are 0.85%.

Gulf Shores City Schools Debuts New STEAM Collaborative Learning Center – Fox 10 News https://collincountynewsonline.com/gulf-shores-city-schools-debuts-new-steam-collaborative-learning-center-fox-10-news/ GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – Gulf Shores City Schools debuted its newest addition, the STEAM Collaborative Learning Center at the elementary school, and it was full of gadgets. “You can’t find a dull moment in this building,” said one student. Students here get hands-on experience every day. STEAM stood for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and it gave kids a new opportunity to engineer robots, learn public speaking, and bring textbooks to life. “We believe that letting students experience as many different career paths as possible is the key to help them find their passion in life,” said Kevin Corcoran, school board president. The center officially debuted Thursday, though kids have been in class since the beginning of the school year. The $4.8 million facility has their every dream with six eye-catching and tech-savvy classrooms and two STEAM labs. A basketball court sat outside, and there were even aquariums in the hallway. “The kids in here were so excited,” said Noel Hand, public works director for the City of Gulf Shores. “The parents were so excited. We just love the excitement and energy that was in this building.” Students were really looking forward to learning there. “It’s cool how everything is put together so beautifully,” said one student. “This whole building is beautiful. I love the architecture. I love the fish tank. I love the map.” Another agreed. “This is something new we’ve never, ever had, and the new high school is going to be like this, and we’re going to be in that high school, so we are really excited,” she said. “It’s just awesome to see how this community built this whole entire school.” A new eight classroom addition is coming in fall of 2023. — Download the FOX10 Weather App. Get life-saving severe weather warnings and alerts for your location no matter where you are. Available free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Copyright 2022 WALA. All rights reserved.

HSBC’s CEO Explains Why Crypto Is Not In The Banking Giant’s Future – Finance Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://collincountynewsonline.com/hsbcs-ceo-explains-why-crypto-is-not-in-the-banking-giants-future-finance-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Banking giant HSBC will not be offering crypto services, according to CEO Noel Quinn. Noting that HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks, the executive stressed: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto.” HSBC Will Not Get Into Crypto, CEO Says The chief executive of HSBC, Noel Quinn, talked about his bank’s cryptocurrency stance in an interview with CNBC-TV18 last week. He confirmed: As a bank, we’re not getting into the crypto world, crypto trading, crypto exchanges. Emphasizing that cryptocurrencies are too volatile, the HSBC chief said: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto and I have done for a while. I’m not going to predict where it will go in the future.” Quinn proceeded to explain why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. He stated: As a product, I questioned its suitability for many of the consumers in the marketplace today. So that’s why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. In May last year, Quinn told Reuters: “I view bitcoin as more of an asset class than a payments vehicle, with very difficult questions about how to value it on the balance sheet of clients because it is so volatile.” He added: “Given the volatility, we are not into bitcoin as an asset class … We are not promoting it as an asset class within our wealth management business.” As for stablecoins, Quinn said at the time: “For similar reasons, we’re not rushing into stablecoins.” He explained that stablecoins “do have some reserve backing behind them to address the stored value concerns, but it depends on who the sponsoring organization is, plus the structure and accessibility of the reserve.” In April last year, HSBC Canada notified clients that its crypto policy had changed, stating that it would not facilitate the buying or exchange of products related to virtual currencies. For example, clients could no longer buy shares of Microstrategy (MSTR-US) through HSBC Invest Direct. What do you think about the comments by HSBC CEO Noel Quinn about cryptocurrency? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

U.S. General Warns Of China’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal – The Washington Post https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-general-warns-of-chinas-expanding-nuclear-arsenal-the-washington-post/ President Biden’s nominee to take over the U.S. military’s nuclear arsenal and missile-defense operations warned on Thursday that China’s rise as a nuclear power poses historic threats and challenges requiring a reevaluation of current policies. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers reviewing his nomination to lead U.S. Strategic Command that the military’s assessment of China’s nuclear mettle had changed dramatically since 2018 when Beijing was judged as requiring “minimal nuclear deterrence.” At that time, the Pentagon’s nuclear posture review assessed China’s ambitions as being focused on “regional hegemony,” he explained. That impression started to shift in recent years, as China made concerted efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities, and stepped up its aggressive posture toward the United States and its regional allies. The Pentagon’s latest nuclear posture review was transmitted to Congress in March and has not yet been made public, but Cotton appeared to foreshadow some of its top-line findings during Thursday’s testimony. “We have seen the incredible expansiveness of what they’re doing with their nuclear force — which does not, in my opinion, reflect minimal deterrence. They have a bona fide triad now,” Cotton explained, meaning the Chinese military has nuclear-capable forces that operate on land, and in the air and sea. The nuclear threat posed by China, he added, cannot be sufficiently addressed by duplicating the approach the United States has taken toward Russia, whose nuclear aims are familiar to the United States and date back decades to the Cold War. Beijing and Moscow, the general said, “act differently, from a doctrine’s perspective.” After racing each other for years to build up their nuclear arsenals, the United States and the former Soviet Union struck several arms reduction pacts in the later part of the 20th century. Only one of those treaties — the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which applies to intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and nuclear capable bombers — remains in effect. Historically, Beijing did not possess the arsenal of the two major Cold War superpowers, nor were its nuclear ambitions regarded in Washington with the same intensity as Moscow’s. China was also never a party to the arms-control regimes that have defined the nuclear relationship between the United States and Russia — a fact that politicians and advocates insist must be remedied going forward. “We need to seriously consider that we are entering a new, trilateral nuclear competition era,” the committee chairman, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) told Cotton. “You will be responsible for continuing to ensure that the United States and its allies can deter not one, but two near-peer nuclear adversaries, something your predecessors did not face.” Cotton did not detail his plans for updating the military’s approach to China, but he acknowledged there was work to be done to correct the imbalance. “We understand Russian nuclear theory and nuclear doctrine,” Cotton said, citing President Vladimir Putin’s decision to put his nuclear forces on high alert days after the invasion of Ukraine — a move met largely with indifference by the Pentagon, and one that so far has not resulted in any direct assault on NATO. “We’re going to have to understand more deeply the Chinese nuclear strategy,” he added. Cotton was resolute, however, in assessing that “at the end of the day, Russia and China both understand that we have a strong, resilient nuclear force that is offering deterrence to ourselves and extended deterrence to our enemies.” But the United States must take seriously threats by Moscow or Beijing to use nuclear weapons, the general said — particularly when it comes to potential confrontation over Taiwan. “If you have a credible deterrent, it would make them think twice before engaging with us,” Cotton noted. Some senators challenged Cotton to say not only what he would do to expand and update the military’s portfolio of nuclear weapons, but how he would go about ensuring that U.S. proliferation won’t get out of hand. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked Cotton to say whether he agreed with the Biden administration’s recommendation to scrap the development of sea-launched low-yield nuclear cruise missiles over concerns about the program’s cost and efficiency. That position, which administration officials have said was informed by the most recent nuclear posture review, has inspired some controversy, with some fearing the program’s cancellation will negatively impact the U.S. military’s ability to compete with its adversaries’ nuclear capabilities. Earlier this year, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley publicly joined those criticizing Biden’s decision. When asked for his take Thursday, Cotton demurred, saying he wanted an opportunity to conduct a full review of the program after his expected confirmation. But when Hirono asked Cotton whether he believes the United States has a role to play in limiting the nuclear arms race, he answered: “I do.” “Whatever treaty that we could do to prevent proliferation is good, with a caveat: that it incorporates every aspect of what the signing agreement would be. Weapons that are currently not seen as strategic weapons need to be added to that calculus,” Cotton elaborated, before concluding: “Any treaty that would prevent proliferation across the globe, I am for.”

Tech Investor Paul Meeks Weighs In On Apple And Samsung – CNBC https://collincountynewsonline.com/tech-investor-paul-meeks-weighs-in-on-apple-and-samsung-cnbc/ Investors have seemingly lost their appetite for tech stocks this year amid a flight to safety. Tuesday’s sell-off on Wall Street saw the six largest U.S. tech companies shed more than $500 billion in market capitalization after a hotter-than-expected August inflation report sent stocks tumbling. Top tech investor Paul Meeks is advising investors to stay away for now — unless one is prepared to batten down the hatches till the storm subsides. “I think that tech should continue to be avoided for the time being unless one truly is a long-term investor. Now, many people say that they are, but they get rattled by short-term losses, so they really aren’t,” Meeks, portfolio manager at Independent Solutions Wealth Management, told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Thursday. “Add an inventory correction to the existing troubles with semiconductors, and that’s another reason to stay away because the sector probably can’t outperform without a semiconductors recovery.” Against this backdrop, Meeks is opting to stay defensive in the sector, preferring safer bets with “abnormally high cash levels.” Here’s what he has to say about two of the tech giants: Apple and Samsung. Exposure to semiconductors In the short term, Meeks prefers Apple for its relative safety. “The most troubled part of the tech sector worldwide right now is semiconductors. They are suffering from all kinds of troubles. First, the knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has gotten worse recently because there is now a semiconductor inventory correction around the world,” he said. He believes Samsung will be “badly impacted,” as it derives nearly third of its revenues from its memory chip business. The South Korean electronics giant saw an 18% growth in its semiconductor segment in the second quarter of the year, a performance that Meeks hailed as “heroic in a downturn.” But he said investors should expect the segment to “show some damage” in the third quarter, with the inventory correction having come “fast and furious” after Samsung reported its earnings. Meeks thus believes Apple is a safer bet in the short term as it does not have as much exposure to the beleaguered semiconductor sector. “The semiconductor business is a very good business, but it’s extremely cyclical. Whereas Apple does a lot of things well, but they’re not in the semiconductor business,” he said. Samsung a long-term bet? Over the longer term, however, Meeks believes Samsung is the better bet. “Over the longer term, once you get past the short and intermediate term risks, I would probably prefer Samsung. While they are both great companies, Samsung is a hell of a lot cheaper,” he said. “What I see is that a year or so from now, you would want to be in Samsung. Cheaper valuation, bigger upside and you will be poised for a nice snapback in semiconductors. I’m just worried about that next couple of quarters between here and then,” he added. Shares in Apple are down 12.2% this year, although they’ve beated the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite , which has shed nearly 25% of its market value in the same period. The company is buy-rated by 78% of analysts covering it, who give it an average potential upside of 17.5%, according to FactSet data. Samsung has lost nearly a third of its market cap in this year’s tech rout but is buy-rated by a whopping 94% of analysts covering the stock. FactSet data shows the stock has an average potential upside of 43.1%.

Texas AG Ken Paxton Will Be Deposed In Fraud Case After Election, Lawyer Says – Bryan-College Station Eagle https://collincountynewsonline.com/texas-ag-ken-paxton-will-be-deposed-in-fraud-case-after-election-lawyer-says-bryan-college-station-eagle/ AUSTIN — Lawyers representing the men who accused Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton of securities fraud say they will be able to question him under oath — but not until after the election. On Friday, Collin County District Court Judge Cynthia Wheless ordered Paxton to sit for a one-hour deposition on Nov. 28, according to attorneys representing former GOP Rep. Byron Cook of Corsicana and Florida billionaire businessman Joel Hochberg. Terry Jacobson, who represents the two men along with Alex More of Dallas, confirmed the date but declined to comment further. Paxton’s agency and campaign staff, as well as his attorney, Mitch Little, did not respond to a request for comment. The deposition order comes after Paxton filed motions to reject at least two subpoenas in the past three months, citing scheduling conflicts. Setting the deposition for late November means Paxton won’t have to answer questions about his securities fraud charges before the Nov. 8 midterm election, when he faces Democratic challenger Rochelle Garza. In addition to his seven-year-old fraud indictments, the conservative Republican also faces a whistleblower lawsuit and an FBI bribery investigation. Paxton has denied wrongdoing in the cases, stating he is the target of baseless witch hunts. The deposition is tied to a yearslong dispute between Paxton and two former friends accusing him of defrauding them. In 2015, Cook and Hochberg alleged Paxton violated state securities laws by persuading them to invest in a McKinney technology company without telling them he’d received company stock. Cook, who served as chair of the State Affairs Committee, and Paxton both served in the Texas House and invested in a number of ventures together. That summer, a Collin County grand jury indicted Paxton on two felony securities fraud charges and one felony charge of failing to properly register with the state securities commission. If convicted, he faces five to 99 years on each fraud charge, plus an additional two to 10 on the registration charge, as well as fines. The year after his indictment, a Paxton loyalist fired back at Cook and Hochberg in the case that is at the center of this deposition fight. In a civil lawsuit, Charles “Chip” Loper III accused the two men of concocting a complex “self-dealing” scheme to profit off the investment funds of a mineral assets company called Unity Resources. Loper said the alleged scheme hurt him and his father financially. The Lopers, who founded a Frisco insurance company, are close Paxton allies. They’ve donated to his campaign and a fund to defend against his indictments, and Loper III manages Paxton’s blind trust. Cook and Hochberg’s lawyers called the suit a tit-for-tat attempt to “smear and tarnish” their clients’ reputations after accusing the attorney general of fraud. They achieved a victory last year by adding Paxton as a “responsible third party” to the Unity lawsuit. Like them, Paxton was an investor and also served as the company’s lawyer, the two men argued, saying he too should be held responsible for any alleged wrongdoing. The decision does not mean Paxton has been deemed liable for any alleged wrongdoing, nor did it clear Cook or Hochberg. While tied together, the Unity lawsuit is separate from Paxton’s fraud case. His indictments remain active and, due to a number of delays, he has not yet faced a jury. Paxton’s lawyers and prosecutors are battling over where to hold the trial. Since June, Cook and Hochberg’s lawyers have been attempting to depose Paxton in the Unity case, during which they can ask about his securities fraud indictments. Their first subpoena called for Paxton to appear July 12. But his lawyer said he would be traveling at that time, citing both an upcoming visit to China “with other Attorneys General” and a trip to Europe. A search of Paxton social media presence do not indicate when or whether these trips took place, and his agency and campaign staff did not answer questions about when and whether the attorney general took these trips. “To require him to change his plans at this late date would cause Paxton to incur an undue burden and expense,” Little wrote on June 15. Paxton was subpoenaed again to appear Aug. 19. But his lawyer again fought back, saying there were unresolvable scheduling conflicts. Paxton was deposed once in the Unity case in August 2019, but this record was deemed private and remains under seal. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Travel Platform Amadeus Teams With Uplift To Offer BNPL To US, Canada – PYMNTS.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/travel-platform-amadeus-teams-with-uplift-to-offer-bnpl-to-us-canada-pymnts-com/ Buy now, pay later (BNPL) company Uplift is partnering with travel platform Amadeus for customers in the U.S. and Canada, a press release said Thursday (Sept. 15). It comes as 68% of travelers surveyed by Amadeus have said they’d spend more on travel if BNPL was an option. Forty-nine percent of those surveyed said they’d be more likely to buy airline ancillary services. Travel is often a big purchase for customers, particularly for those planning bigger trips. There have been more options in recent years for BNPL, especially as customers have had to tighten their belts due to the economy. Amadeus will bring BNPL services to its Amadeus Xchange Payment Platform (XPP), which is used by airlines and travel companies for everything from fraud prevention to payment acceptance. Travelers will be able to choose to pay in installments over six, nine or 12 months. “The growth of BNPL across all sectors has been remarkable and the message from travelers is clear – they want the choice to pay for the trip in installments,” said Beatrice Bouju, head of partnerships, payments at Amadeus. “Such payment options will help travel’s recovery by facilitating pent-up demand for higher value holidays as travel restrictions are lifted.” Uplift Chief Commercial Officer Tom Botts said travelers seem to enjoy paying in installments because of its potential to alleviate stress. “Now, travel providers that rely on the Amadeus Xchange Payment Platform can add Uplift’s flexible payments quickly and simply, immediately benefiting from stronger customer loyalty and increased bookings,” he said. BNPL services surged 226% in the second quarter, and with summer vacations it could be said that the payment style was helping to boost travel. Uplift was among those partnering with various airlines and travel agencies. Read more: Summer Vacation’s Back, and Buy Now, Pay Later Along for the Ride “This new payment offering provides customers the benefit of reserving cruise experiences by spreading the cost over easy monthly payments,” Uplift said earlier in the year about a cruise-related partnership. “Additionally, through Uplift’s pay-over-time option, customers can easily upgrade to a larger cabin class, add on-board amenities or shore excursions for only a few extra dollars a month.” Sign up for our daily newsletter. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors. Learn More https://www.pymnts.com/buy-now-pay-later/2022/bnpl-provider-tabby-expands-egypt-serve-growing-ecommerce-market/partial/

AP Top Business News At 7:27 P.m. EDT – WTMJ https://collincountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-727-p-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 7:27 p.m. EDT  WTMJ

The List’s Exclusive Survey Reveals How Many Vitamins And Supplements People Take Every Day – The List https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-lists-exclusive-survey-reveals-how-many-vitamins-and-supplements-people-take-every-day-the-list/ Oldesign/Shutterstock By Erin Metz/Sept. 15, 2022 7:59 pm EDT Living a healthy lifestyle is a common goal for a majority of people, but for many it becomes hard to maintain. It can be difficult to find time for work, a social life, and responsibilities at home and with family — all while sustaining your physical and mental health. Most people don’t have time to visit the gym after work or cook that nutritious meal recipe they saw on TikTok, even if they really want to. That’s why it’s hard to pass up a pill that promises to cure all ailments. The vitamin and supplement industry markets to our desire for healthy living and convenience, selling health in a convenient little pill. According to The Washington Post, the United States spends $35 billion each year on “vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.” Vitamins are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but how often should you actually be adding supplemental vitamins to your diet? To find out if people actually use these miracle pills, The List conducted a survey asking 573 people, “How many vitamins and supplements do you typically take per day?” Vitamins and supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years Galina Zhigalova/Shutterstock According to The List’s survey, 25.13% of people take two vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. 21.82% take only one vitamin or supplement each day, and over 20% of voters admitted to not taking any. Over 16% of people add three vitamins and supplements to their diet, while another 7.33% say four is the magic number. 9.60% of people who responded to The List’s survey take five or more vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. A study conducted by the American Osteopathic Association revealed that 86% of Americans add at least one vitamin or supplement to their diet, but only 24% of them have a “nutritional deficiency” that requires additional vitamins. The question then becomes: are the other 62% of people still benefiting from taking supplements, or is there such a thing as too many vitamins? Are they just wasting their money on placebos? Are vitamins and supplements actually worth the money? Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock In 2019, the Council for Responsible Nutrition conducted a survey that identified the most popular dietary supplements purchased in the United States. In order, consumers most frequently purchased “multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, protein, calcium, vitamin B or vitamin B complex, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, magnesium, probiotics, iron, vitamin E, and turmeric.” (Via National Library of Medicine). While all of these elements are beneficial for the body, there are only a few vitamins your body needs on a daily basis. With the exception of specific medical cases, most nutrient-rich foods contain the necessary vitamins needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, per LiveScience. According to scientists at Northwestern Medicine, over-the-counter vitamins and supplements are unnecessary “because there isn’t enough evidence they help prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer.” Scientists have not found much evidence that vitamin supplements provide more benefits than maintaining a well-balanced diet, deciding that most are simply a waste of money. It could also be potentially dangerous. According to the AMA Journal of Ethics, there are plenty of unregulated vitamins on the market that promise health benefits without scientific backing — and could contain harmful additives. So before you invest in a year’s worth of supplements or a personalized vitamin subscription, consider looking up which foods you can snack on that contain the vitamins you need.

Regulators Worry About Sports Betting False Start – WBUR News https://collincountynewsonline.com/regulators-worry-about-sports-betting-false-start-wbur-news/ Bettors and sports fans are eager for legal sports betting to get up and running in Massachusetts. But regulators said Thursday that a quirk in the new law is preventing the state’s Gaming Commission from laying out a timeline for its start. The sports betting law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in early August allows the Gaming Commission to issue sports betting licenses for the state’s slots parlor, casinos and simulcast centers to take in-person bets. The law also allows those facilities to partner with mobile operators and for licenses to go to as many as seven other independent companies for mobile sports betting apps. The law further indicates temporary licenses may be issued for sports wagering operations. While untethered mobile licenses are capped at seven, the Legislature did not include a limit on the number of temporary licenses. With at least 30 operators expected to apply for those seven licenses, commission officials worry what will happen to dozens of operators that may qualify for temporary licenses. Those would last up to a year and cost the companies a $1 million fee each. After taking bets in Massachusetts, the companies would likely have to shut down once the seven official mobile-only licensees are chosen. Executive Director Karen Wells said that as many as 76% of temporary license holders ultimately could be required to end their businesses in the state. “This structure, and this disconnect, poses complications for both the regulator and the licensee themselves, and it also presents consumer protection concerns for the public,” Wells said. On the consumer protection front, Wells said there would be “inevitable confusion in the marketplace” if or when betting platforms with temporary licenses suddenly cease operations. She highlighted other possible issues: How could the commission ensure players get any money left in their accounts returned? What would happen if an operator is shut down before the outcome of a bet it accepted is known? Should companies be required to put up a bond to ensure they can pay out all wagers if they don’t secure a final license? “The idea of having to issue notices to honorably operating businesses that just didn’t happen to make our final cut of up to seven is just untenable to me,” Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein said. Judd-Stein hopes to get more information next Thursday when the commission holds a roundtable discussion with potential mobile-only applicants at the State House. “Next Thursday, when we will hear from every interested operator on these matters, might shed some light, might shed some consensus and also may come up with a solution we’re not thinking about. And I’m crossing my fingers on that front,” Judd-Stein said. Some commissioners hope next week’s roundtable will get them closer to an answer to the question on bettors’ lips: “When can I place a legal bet?” Judd-Stein and Commissioner Eileen O’Brien both said they think the commission could have already produced a timeline for the start of legal wagering if it was not for the questions around temporary licensure.

Sustainable Outback Opal Miners Take On The Metaverse With Plans For Virtual Industry – ABC News https://collincountynewsonline.com/sustainable-outback-opal-miners-take-on-the-metaverse-with-plans-for-virtual-industry-abc-news/ Opal miners in the outback have long been considered just beyond the edge of “normal” society — remote and slightly secretive, with their own traditions and superstitions.  But two young miners in Yowah, in south-west Queensland, are looking to revolutionise the conservative industry, bringing opal mining into the 21st century and the virtual world.  It’s beautiful opals like this one that miners spend their days digging for.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) Josiah Kotzur, 33, and his friend Lisa van Heijningen, 25, spend most of their days descending into the earth, with handheld jackhammers and shovels, digging at fault lines in the sandstone, hoping to strike “colour”. Yowah is about 1,000 kilometres west of Brisbane, and a world away from their previous lives in Sydney and Spain.  When he’s not digging for precious gems, Mr Kotzur spends his time working on his computer replicating the scenery around him in a virtual reality so that people anywhere in the world can see it, and opals they’ve mined, in the metaverse.  Off-the-grid mining Mining isn’t an industry considered particularly “green”.  This pair is set up differently to other mining operations though, with both the underground mine and Mr Kotzur’s home base, a repurposed bus, powered by solar panels.  “It allows us to run our mining operation completely on renewable energy,” Mr Kotzur said.  Unlike other opal mines in Australia that use diesel generators for power, this mine in Yowah has recycled solar panels that also run Mr Kotzur’s home.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) They also set up veggie gardens, to live more self-sufficiently.  “It’s good to have them, because out here it can be quite hard to get food from the shop,” Ms van Heijningen said. “[Being so remote] means you can’t just walk to Woolies and get whatever you want.” Mr Kotzur moved to Yowah from Sydney when the pandemic started, to try something new. Loading Instagram content Ms van Heijningen also fell into the industry, travelling the ten hours inland to buy a motorbike off Mr Kotzur, but liking the region so much she decided to stay.  Virtual opals Beyond trying to become a sustainable operation, they are working to make opals more accessible, through the rapidly growing virtual reality.  The metaverse is a burgeoning shared digital or virtual environment anyone can access via the internet. While it is still in its relative infancy, metaverse expert and mentor Laurel Papworth believes it will one day become a big part of people’s lives.  “Typically what happens is this is something that friends of friends know about, and then it’s dropped in your lap,” Ms Papworth said.  A long way from nowhere, the potential for the metaverse is front-of-mind for Mr Kotzur and Ms van Heijningen  They are slowly building their mine site into the metaverse, so anyone with a digital avatar — or virtual profile — can explore the site in 3D, and eventually even purchase from their haul of opal treasures.  “We’ve scanned this opal and put it into the metaverse, so it’s got its digital twin,” Mr Kotzur said.  Creating a 3D model of opals means potential buyers know exactly what they get — and they can own the rights to the online version, too.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) The scanned opal is considered an online asset with a unique identification code.  “We’re engaging with different forms of technology — block chain, crypto currency and NFTs,” he said. NFT stands for non-fungible token, which is a unique collectible virtual asset tied to, for example, a piece of digital artwork or in this case a digital opal.  “We’re digitising the opal so its digital twin can be traded in this virtual setting,” Mr Kotsur said.   “Shopping in a virtual space would allow the real-world asset to be purchased in a virtual space and then delivered to your doorstep.” Beyond opals The seemingly endless market possibilities within the metaverse have already been seized upon by global companies.  A recent report by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company said the metaverse had the potential to generate up to $5 trillion USD (nearly $7.5 trillion AUD) in value by 2030.  But Ms Papworth said small businesses should also take part — and will.  Mr Kotzur and Ms van Heijningen climb 10 metres into the earth to dig for opals in their underground mine.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) “This is the democratisation of those trading platforms,” Ms Papworth said.  “If you remember the early days of the internet, the only people who had websites were the big companies, the Coca-Colas of the world, or the governments of the world.” Similarly to online shopping, using the online reality means the potential to reach more people is greater.  “You could have millions of people [from around the world] in a virtual shopping mall,” Mr Kotzur said. Mr Kotzur digs around fault lines in the earth, where water settling millions of years ago, mixed with silicon dioxide, created opals.(ABC Western Qld: Melanie Groves) “Whereas you’d have engineering problems if you put millions of people in a conventional real-world mall.” It’s something the tech-savvy opal miners are also keen to explore from their outback base.  “We’re currently building this platform to allow trade to happen,” Mr Kotzur said.  “What I’m hoping to do is allow smaller companies to get that same exposure the big brands have.”