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Coffey’s ‘ultra-Libertarian’ Health Stance Risks Lives, Tory Ex-Minister Warns – The Guardian https://collincountynewsonline.com/coffeys-ultra-libertarian-health-stance-risks-lives-tory-ex-minister-warns-the-guardian/ People could die because of Thérèse Coffey’s “ultra-libertarian ideological” reluctance to crack down on smoking and obesity, a Conservative ex-health minister has warned. The strongly worded criticism of the health secretary came from Dr Dan Poulter, a Tory MP and NHS doctor who served as a health minister in the coalition government from 2012 to 2015. Poulter claims Coffey’s “hostility to what the extreme right call ‘nanny statism’” is stopping her from taking firm action against the “major killers” of tobacco and bad diet. His intervention in an opinion piece for the Guardian was prompted by Coffey making clear that she opposed banning adults from smoking in cars containing children, even though the practice was outlawed in 2015 and is credited with reducing young people’s exposure to secondhand smoke. The government’s widely anticipated scrapping of measures to curb obesity such as the sugar tax and ditching of the tobacco control plan and health inequalities white paper – both of which previous health ministers had promised to publish – have led Poulter to brand Coffey’s stance “deeply alarming”. He writes: “More smoking and more obesity means more illness, more pressure on the NHS and shorter lives, particularly amongst the poorest in society. “I am acutely concerned that the health secretary’s ideological hostility to what history shows is government’s potentially very positive role in protecting us against these grave threats to our health will exacerbate the problems they already pose. “At its worst such a radically different approach to public health could cost lives, as it will inevitably lead to more people smoking and becoming dangerously overweight.” The Guardian disclosed last week that officials in Whitehall believe that Coffey has dropped plans to publish the tobacco control plan, which was due out by the end of the year. The health secretary, who is herself a smoker, has consistently voted against moves to curb smoking since she became the MP for Suffolk Coastal in 2010 and has also accepted £1,100 in hospitality and gifts from the tobacco firm Gallaher. Coffey is ignoring the “ethical and practical” duty on governments to tackle “the great scourges of our health, notably smoking, unhealthy food and excess drinking” and has “shattered” a longstanding consensus on state intervention stretching back to the work by the then-health secretary Norman Fowler on HIV and Aids in the 1990s, Poulter added. Health charities endorsed Poulter’s remarks. Deborah Arnott, the chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said: “Libertarian ideology is as inadequate to improve public health as it was to drive economic growth. Just as the government’s failed economic strategy came straight from the playbook of the Institute of Economic Affairs, so does this visceral opposition to the so-called ‘nanny state’ and obsession with the free market. “It wasn’t the free market which delivered the fastest rates of decline in smoking in Europe in the first two decades of this century.” Katherine Jenner, the director of the Obesity Health Alliance, a grouping of 50 health and medical organisations, said: “The alliance shares Dr Poulter’s grave concerns. MPs don’t want their constituents living with chronic illness, and the public want it to be easier to make healthier choices. While there was some scepticism about the soft drinks industry levy when it was introduced by the Conservatives in 2018, it has led to sugar consumption falling by 30g per household per week, whilst not affecting sales. Now 71% of the public want companies to remove more sugar and salt from products.” She added: “Abandoning key obesity prevention measures is unfairly putting people at risk of developing life-limiting physical and mental health conditions. Government analysis projected that NHS costs attributable to overweight and obesity could reach £9.7bn by 2050. The health secretary can progress with these health-promoting policies and still create a freer society; free from the harm caused by unhealthy food and drink.” Coffey did not respond to Poulter’s remarks. But a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The tobacco control plan has not been scrapped and the government remains committed to its smoke free ambition by 2030. “Tackling obesity also remains a priority for the government. Having a fit and healthy population is essential for a thriving economy and we remain committed to helping people live healthier lives.”

High School Sports, Oct. 19, 2022 | Local Sports News | Hmbreview.com – Half Moon Bay Review https://collincountynewsonline.com/high-school-sports-oct-19-2022-local-sports-news-hmbreview-com-half-moon-bay-review/ Oct 18, 2022 38 min ago 0 Post a comment as anonymous Welcome to the discussion. Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article. From staff reports May 17, 2022 Raul Castillo Martial Arts Academy of Half Moon Bay took a full team of 36 fighters (some as… By Emma Spaeth May 17, 2022 When the Half Moon Bay High School Cougars varsity baseball team took its home field on May … Emma Spaeth By Emma Spaeth May 17, 2022 The Half Moon Bay beach volleyball team was up for some tough competition on May 8 at the In… Emma Spaeth By Emma Spaeth Updated May 10, 2022 One word to describe the new 0.42-mile track at Pescadero High School is “serene.” Walking a… Emma Spaeth By Emma Spaeth May 10, 2022 The Peninsula Athletic League has bestowed All-League honors on Half Moon Bay High School wi… Emma Spaeth By Emma Spaeth May 3, 2022 Half Moon Bay High School athletics fun goes beyond the playing fields; Cougar Boosters also… Emma Spaeth Become an Advocate today! Receive full access to Half Moon Bay Review all day, everyday.

Opinion: The Metaverse As The Future? This Reporter Isn’t Buying It – The Star Online https://collincountynewsonline.com/opinion-the-metaverse-as-the-future-this-reporter-isnt-buying-it-the-star-online/ What is the metaverse exactly? That was the very question I pondered when I was invited last month to test out Meta products at a marketing firm’s office in the North Valley. A Meta spokesman, Jim Cullinan, traveled from Seattle to Albuquerque to let me and Alaina Mencinger, the Journal’s retail reporter, test out some VR products. Because that’s what the metaverse is, right? VR products? Well, here’s some explanation on the metaverse. Wired, a tech magazine, says the metaverse “doesn’t really refer to any one specific type of technology, but rather a broad (and often speculative) shift in how we interact with technology.” Here’s Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s definition, according to a Lex Fridman podcast he was on: “A lot of people think that the metaverse is about a place, but one definition of this is it’s about a time when basically immersive digital worlds become the primary way that we live our lives and spend our time.” And here’s Cullinan’s definition of the metaverse, as explained to me: “It’s not a replacement for reality — what it is is an enhancement of reality.” Basically, nobody has a dang clue what the metaverse is outside of a virtual reality experience. And no, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, does not own the metaverse. Regardless of my confusion on the matter, I jumped at the chance to test out some metaverse products. That meant putting on an Oculus Quest 2 headset — no, not the recently announced Meta Quest Pro — and trying my hand at a variety of VR experiences. I tried my hand at boxing, scaled a glacier in Antarctica, and even played this game that used a light saber to slice boxes that were coming my way. I will say, reaching the top of the glacier and looking down at the waters beneath me was frightening — and in some respect, felt real. But the graphics weren’t up to par with what I expected, though I’m sure some refinement over the next few years will give the National Geographic VR game a more realistic experience. The boxing match, on the other hand, didn’t feel real at all but it definitely made me break out in a sweat. Prior to my arrival at The Garrity Group office, a local public relations firm best known for representing the Balloon Fiesta, I was sceptical of the metaverse — something Zuckerberg has claimed will be our future. I mean, who in their right mind believes putting a headset on your face is the future? But one question kept popping in my head as Meta made its pitch to me: Just how much more advanced can we get? Haven’t we grown so much in the last 20 years — heck, even longer — that we’re bound to be grounded in our technological advancements for some time? Aren’t smart phones and social media about as far as we’ll get in the next, say, 20 years? And do we even want to go further in integrating our lives with technology? I’m 25. And yes, I use a smart phone and social media — mostly for work. I’m what the youngins’ call “tech savvy.” But I definitely don’t plan on putting a headset on my face in the near future. The way it sat on my face made it feel like I was carrying a weight on my head other than my oversized noggin. And the headset also made me break into a sweat extremely quickly. But I did thoroughly enjoy trying some VR products out. But making the metaverse an integrated reality within our own? I’m not sold. In fact, Meta believes in the metaverse so much that it says this is the future for business, too. Even for small businesses that operate storefronts. Want to walk through a local shop virtually, purchase products and then go pick them up in real life? That’s one way in which businesses can take advantage, Cullinan said. Want to show off your Albuquerque-based restaurant to someone, say, in Portland? Heck, the metaverse might be for you. But also, so might Instagram and TikTok — social media platforms you can promote your business on via video. Look, I know I sound like a grinch. I’m sceptical about the pitch is all. Social media has already opened the flood gates for businesses to find new customers through targeted ads or by location-based searches. And what about the investment for businesses to even create a virtual experience for new and old customers alike? That’s another barrier for small businesses, especially those with tight profits. I’m not the only sceptic. Even some Meta employees are confused on where the metaverse is going. According to an article from The New York Times, citing a May poll of 1,000 Meta employees conducted by Blind, just 58% said they grasped what Meta’s metaverse strategy was. But that doesn’t mean I want Meta, or any other tech company, not to look toward the future — even one that might include a virtual reality integrated into our everyday lives. I think it’s important these companies keep pushing the boundaries, and keep finding new ways to make living easier — and more fulfilling. If that includes a virtual or augmented reality future, so be it. I’ll probably be right there with the rest of you with my headset on, running into my living room furniture. Cullinan said the metaverse is at the most a decade away, which is likely true. Others have said, including The Verge’s Casey Newton, that the metaverse is already here. But I believe we’re a lot further off from this being our reality — with the masses lining up to buy VR headsets — than people like Zuckerberg think. And next time Meta comes into town to let me test out VR, they should bring a virtual reality that lets me ride a hot air balloon. That’s one good way to convince a New Mexican. But today, I’m not buying it. – Albuquerque Journal, N.M./Tribune News Service

10 Most Stylish EVs On Sale In 2022 – HotCars https://collincountynewsonline.com/10-most-stylish-evs-on-sale-in-2022-hotcars/ Just a decade ago, many electric vehicles were small, sluggish, and boring, targeted at eco-conscious buyers. Automakers put little effort into their performance and design. Current-day EVs are a far cry from the dull examples of yesteryear, yet their performance is just as impressive. In the styling department, the best electric vehicles today are very gorgeous. As the sector grows, EVs continue to steadily lift the standards for automobile design. Several luxury and high-performance brands now offer a wide variety of fashionable options. With intense competition in the space, they will only continue to blow us away. Below, we’ve selected the most stunning EVs on the market today. Those whose proportions, regardless of the size or type of the vehicle, fit our definition of beauty. 10/10 Lucid Air Lucid Air The Lucid Air possesses a more visually attractive design than many cars its size. Long, wide, and low, it’s truly stunning. It features unique parts and touches all around, painstakingly designed. The sensual curves and slippery surfaces contribute to a world-beating 0.21 drag coefficient. Lucid Air Helping illuminate the front and back at night are wide and narrow horizontal lights. With its attention-grabbing face, no doubt, everywhere it goes, people will stare at it as they would a supercar. The luxury sedan boasts 520 miles of driving range (EPA) and is far from a dull driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. 9/10 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Via Hyundai Thanks partly to its striking retro-futuristic design, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 received the top honors at the 2022 World Car of the Year awards. In addition to winning “World Car of the Year,” it also scooped “World Electric Car of the Year” and “World Car Design of the Year.” The model has been well received, becoming a top seller in the EV category in the US. Hyundai Interestingly, it seems much smaller on the outside than it actually is on the inside. However, the cabin is roomier than the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4. In terms of acceleration, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can run from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds in AWD configuration. Its range is between 220 and 303 miles, depending on the trim. 8/10 Kia EV6 You’ll love driving the Kia EV6. It has been highly praised for its excellent driving manners. Based on the same E-GMP platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it makes between 167 hp and 576 hp. One thing that has kept people talking is its sleek and fashionable exterior. According to Kia, it’s inspired by the Lancia Stratos. Kia There is much more to love, like its spacious and nicely styled cabin, 300+ mile range, ultra-fast charging capability, and respectable standard equipment. Like many EVs, it is very quick and capable of an impressive 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. (320-hp GT-Line model). 7/10 Porsche Taycan Via Porsche Porsche’s Taycan is the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle. Largely unchanged from the Mission E concept, it is incredibly stylish, possessing Porsche’s timeless and instantly recognizable design. The floating, fang-like LED headlights are a daring design element that gives its face some character. Via Porsche Praised for excellent driving dynamics, it can get in and out of corners and drift better than other EVs in its class. Porsche offers it in five trims: Taycan, 4S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S. Laying down 750 hp, the Turbo S model has the highest power. And it’s rapid, bursting to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. 6/10 Ford Mustang Mach E via Ford The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s foray into the EV space, has been a smashing success. While the SUV market is highly competitive, this model has stood out from the crowd owing to its appealing appearance. It features subtle nods to the regular gas-powered Mustang, such as the sharply sloped back and taillights. Ford The Mach E has won over family-oriented EV enthusiasts with its punchy performance, sporty handling, well-equipped interior with modern tech amenities, practicality, and high build quality. The biggest battery combined with RWD gets you an EPA-estimated 306 miles of driving range. Churning out 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, the GT performance reaches 60mph in a muscle car-rivaling 3.5 seconds. 5/10 Audi RS e-tron GT Audi The RS e-Tron GT is Audi’s best foot forward in the EV space. It looks magnificent and is guaranteed to draw attention. Coming with AWD as standard, it completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.0 seconds. Audi Powering the Audi RS e-Tron GT is a pair of electric motors and a 93kWh battery pack, combining for 637 hp. It is one of the fastest-charging EVs available today thanks to its 270-kW DC fast charger. 4/10 Polestar 2 Polestar The extremely-aerodynamic Polestar 1 captivated many with its mesmerizing styling. The Polestar 2 is the latest attempt by Volvo’s spinoff brand to continue building a name for itself in the EV space. Minimally designed, it features no fake vents or extreme aero bits, giving it a softly unique and attractive style. Polestar The Polestar 2 cool and unique exterior features include the bold grille and its frameless mirrors. It borrows the front LED daytime running lights and a taillight from Volvo SUVs. Charging to full in as little as 40 minutes, it drives for a maximum range of 335 miles. Its 0 to 60 mph time is just 4.0 seconds. 3/10 Rivian R1T via: Rivian The world’s first fully electric pickup truck, the Rivian R1T, debuted in 2021. While looks aren’t usually a priority when shopping for a pickup truck, this one is too stylish and unique to overlook. Its design is a lot of things: fashionable, supple, restrained, and well-proportioned. The absence of a grille and running boards is hardly noticeable because of its eye-catching face with vertical headlamps. VIA: Rivian With a brisk 3.0 seconds 0-60-mph time and sports sedan-like handling abilities, the Rivian R1T is an excellent choice for those looking for a “lifestyle” truck. But it still does pickup truck things like towing 11,000 lbs. That’s enabled by four-wheel drive and 800 horsepower, and 900 lb-ft of torque. 2/10 Genesis Electrified G80 Genesis The Genesis G80 sedan is another elegant-looking machine we can’t stop admiring. It’s beautiful from every angle. The luxury EV greets onlookers with a front featuring a crest grille with Genesis’s characteristic G-Matrix pattern. Save for the lack of exhaust pipes; there is little evidence it is an electric Genesis. Genesis The Electrified G80 includes an opulent interior with all the latest gizmos and gadgets. AWD is standard, and the carmaker claims a 280-mile range. Its two electric motors can produce a decent 365 horsepower. Despite being 600 pounds heavier than the gas-powered G80, the Electrified version reaches 60mph in an impressive 4.1 seconds. 1/10 Volkswagen ID 4 VW The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the best-looking, reasonably priced EVs ($37,495 base price) available today. It shouldn’t come as a surprise it won the World Car of the Year 2021 award. It’s an excellent option for EV buyers putting a strong emphasis on practicality. VW Volkswagen has built it on its dedicated MEB platform, all-new from the ground up. The ID.4 has a maximum range of 275 miles and a power output of 201 to 295 hp. A smooth and polished ride quality, quiet and roomy interior, modern technology inside, and sizable trunk are some of its best qualities.

BitKeep Crypto Wallet Exploited For $1 Million – Here’s What You Need To Know – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/bitkeep-crypto-wallet-exploited-for-1-million-heres-what-you-need-to-know-cryptonews/ Crypto hacks are becoming more common, and the latest victim is BitKeep – crypto wallet that supports more than 30 blockchain networks.  During the early hours of Tuesday morning, BitKeep announced that its Swap product had been hacked of $1 million of BNB Chain and Polygon-based tokens. The company tweeted that its development team had managed to stop the hacker. BitKeep also tweeted that it had suspended the Swap service to prevent any further security breaches. Blockchain security and analytics data company PeckShield stated that the hackers had exploited the swap/router of the multi-chain wallet – integrating several features in one location.  PeckShield informed BitKeep investors that they should use its Revoke.Cash platform to ensure they do their part in preventing hackers from stealing any other funds. The blockchain security company discovered that the hacker had transferred 190 tokens via the Binance Smart Chain network. Fortunately for investors, BitKeep is adamant about keeping investor funds safe. While several hacked crypto companies haven’t compensated investors for losses, BitKeep is taking a different approach. BitKeep Wallet tweeted that users’ assets are secure and those that suffered losses in the Swap security incident will be fully compensated. The wallet provider will launch a compensation portal within 3 working days for victims to apply for a refund. The provider also stated that it will compensate 100% of the stolen assets. Crypto investors have every right to feel jittery about their assets because 2022 has proved to be a doozy. Reports reveal that crypto hackers have looted over $3 billion. If that wasn’t bad enough, October has set the record for the highest total amount hacked in one month. It’s believed that more than $700 million has been stolen from DeFi protocols in October. And the worst part is that we still have almost two weeks until November.

U.S. Approves Delta, United Bids To Delay Restart Of Havana Flights – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-approves-delta-united-bids-to-delay-restart-of-havana-flights-reuters/ WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) on Tuesday said it would allow Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) and United Airlines (UAL.O) to temporarily delay resuming flights to Cuba as they work to address logistical issues. United last month said it has been working for months to relaunch Havana service but faces hurdles, while Delta also said it was facing issues in reestablishing service. USDOT said it would require United to resume service no later than Dec. 1 and Delta no later than March 26. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com United previously flew seven flights weekly to Havana from its Houston and Newark hubs. It said in September it needs to “undertake significant work including re-negotiating multiple contracts with service providers that have lapsed, building out necessary infrastructure in Terminal 3 at Havana’s airport where United is being relocated.” Delta has the right to fly 21 weekly flights between the United States and Cuba, made up of 14 for Miami and 7 Atlanta flights. Delta suspended the flights during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially plans to resume Miami flights. Delta said it is working to relaunch flights but “needs additional time to ensure reintroduction of safe, efficient, and sustainable service to Havana.” Delta expects it could take up to six months to re-establish necessary IT infrastructure to handle passenger needs in Havana and faces “ongoing challenges in securing visas for personnel to travel to Cuba” for both pre and post launch staffing. Last month the Biden administration agreed to expand U.S. flights to Havana, adding 13 weekly American Airlines (AAL.O) departures from Miami and a weekly JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O) departure from Fort Lauderdale, on top of the typical six daily American Airlines flights and three JetBlue flights weekdays to Havana from the Florida airports. In June, USDOT lifted restrictions on flights to Cuba imposed under former President Donald Trump, including ending a prohibition on U.S. airline flights to smaller Cuban airports. In July, American Airlines received permission to resume service to some smaller Cuban airports. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter and Chris Reese Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580 Review, Grand Luxury And Technology – Torque News https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-2022-mercedes-benz-s580-review-grand-luxury-and-technology-torque-news/ As I am reviewing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz 580S, I am thinking, who to recommend this very expensive car. I don’t know. Perhaps the supper wealthy (although I believe people should live humbly and not extravagantly). So why test this expensive vehicle that only a few people can afford. The good news, in fact, is that most of the new technologies that one can find in the 2022 Mercedes S580will be echoed in our cars within a few years. So we are discovering them in advance, even if it means test-driving it for a week for this review. The S-Class is a benchmark for luxury, comfort, innovation and technology. Even today, it is aimed at the ultra-wealthy, but with the introduction of the 2022 EQS EV, the large electric sedan, I seriously wonder whether it can still present itself as the true flagship of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz S Class is one of the most revered cars in automotive history. Countless technologies and innovations were initially introduced in one or another generation of the S-Class. The first S appeared in 1951, but the principle of the limousine at Mercedes-Benz dates back to 1903. Exterior At the front, the S-Class has the manufacturer’s most advanced optical units. Powerful, 1 million pixel matrix laser illumination elements frame oncoming vehicles to prevent glare. The radiator grille changes a little in its shape, and we still retain the traditional silver star in the bonnet ornament. The S580 is long, and that’s normal considering its vocation. If ever the optics of owning a 5,289 millimeter car intimidates you, count on the “short” S500 at 5,119 millimeters. Even if it is completely revised, it maintains its semi-circular roof arch. For the rest, everything is smooth with a character line in the upper part that stretches over the entire body. The S580 looks like a limousine. As the Mercedes S580 is longer than the S550 Its S500, my test car’s longer wheelbase allowed for spectacular rear-seat clearance. Even the doors to give access to it are excessively large. And the two doors open very widely. Under the hood, the 2022 Mercedes S580 offers a noteworthy arsenal. Torque News got the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in our car. Its power: 496 horsepower and some 21 additional horsepower with the EQ Boost function. It is a very light hybrid mode. The 9-speed gearbox is installed in addition, as is the all-wheel drive. In addition, the directional rear wheels are an additional element for driving assistance. When you buy a car like this the fuel economy probably will not interest you. But we should care and be caring people. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580 gets 19 miles per gallon and 16/25 city/high MPG respectively. Interior What defines first and foremost an S-Class is the luxury of its cabin. This W223 is no exception. The interior design mixes high quality materials. The finish borders on obsession, and for once in a modern Mercedes-Benz, it doesn’t crack. Comfort is obvious, front or rear. There’s very little you can’t do with these seats. Heated and ventilated, of course, but we also offer several different massage styles. Adjustable in all directions, we find our account. It’s not so much the engine that impresses with its novelty, it’s more the interior comfort of driving. Imagine, a car so quiet that it’s like being in a sound booth. A high-end sound system is also in order. A large central screen displays the controls in a system called MBUX whose ergonomics are intuitive, and voice commands easy to use. Speaking of the MBUX: the MBUX Interior Assist, which recognizes gestures as well as hand movements towards the touchscreen or touchpad and highlights or activates the desired content, is one of the novelties in the 2022 S580. Another notable addition to the 2022 model year, is the availability of the company’s E-Active Body Control in the lineup. The augmented reality navigation function and voice commands also receive some updates to be even more natural. AR navigation now projects a sharper readout on the head-up display. Of course, the fluidity, graphics, sharpness and handling of all screens and cameras cannot be faulted Basically, the car simply acts as a personal assistant. An additional example: at the bottom of the screen, the S580 has a fingerprint reader that allows it to recognize you and associate you with a predetermined profile. Put your finger down, the seat will position itself for you, the heater will adjust and you’ll have your favorite station. The Burmester Surround 4D audio system distributes all the sound through 30 loudspeakers distributed throughout the cabin. The atmosphere is subdued by the ambient lighting which consists of fiber optics distributed every 1.6 centimeters. You will find more than 250 all around you.. Inside, the experience appeals to minimalism and quality. The leathers remind us of the most classic Mercedes, real leathers, very luxurious and with a thick texture. The same can be said of the wood finishes and metallic textures. In other words, the focus is much more the sensory experience, what you can touch and see. For the same reason, Mercedes worked a lot on the user experience: doors with soft opening and closing, soft cushions on the headrests, state-of-the-art ambient lighting, etc. Regarding the trunk, both body options (the S500 and S580) cover a total of 550 liters in the internal combustion versions. This figure is reduced to 350 liters in the plug-in hybrid. In addition, the trunk is not upholstered in its upper part, with exposed sheet metal. It does have lighting, a 12 V socket, some fasteners and various bags with cables and accessories. Another great novelty is that the S-Class has more than 50 electronic devices that can be updated over-the-air (wirelessly). As for driving, softness is in order, silence too, but the power develops without any hesitation. The Mercedes S580 is a giant in its world. By its dimensions of course, but above all by its disconcerting ease in offering comfort and softness. Among the models that aspire to rival the S-Class we find other sedans in its class, including Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Genesis G90. However, given the aspirations of the S-Class and the possibility of accessing very exclusive versions under the Maybach emblem, the S-Class can also be considered as a rival to the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost. P.S. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 that Torque News reviewed came with AMG floor mats, but this was not the AMG S 580. I guess Mercedes Benz USA likes to throw a couple of AMG items to make the car look “cooler.” Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube. Reference: Ma Beauce, RPMWeb,

Will Gov. Greg Abbott Concede A Close Race For Governor? Beto O’Rourke Has An Idea – Fort Worth Star-Telegram https://collincountynewsonline.com/will-gov-greg-abbott-concede-a-close-race-for-governor-beto-orourke-has-an-idea-fort-worth-star-telegram/ Democrat Beto O’Rourke on Tuesday suggested that his opponent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott would not concede if he were to lose a close race. “I’m not counting on it,” O’Rourke told the Star-Telegram’s editorial board. “His open embrace of former the president, Trump, who himself tried to subvert this democracy.” Abbott’s campaign previously told the Texas Tribune that the governor will accept the results in the gubernatorial race. O’Rourke referenced an audit of the 2020 election results in Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Collin counties after former President Donald Trump wrote Abbott September 2021 to ask for an audit. Initial results found few problems in Tarrant County. In a text Tuesday, Abbott spokesperson Mark Miner reiterated that Abbott would accept the election results. “Beto’s comments represent someone who has completely lost touch with reality and may be experiencing a mental breakdown,” Miner said. “Of course Governor Abbott will accept the results of the election.” Following the lead of Trump, some members of the Republican Party have disputed the results of the 2020 election, falsely claiming there was voter fraud. “Though we are lucky as a country that ultimately the president was sworn in despite the attempt to block the counting of the Electoral College votes, that threat has not passed,” O’Rourke said. “And I don’t think it is anywhere more dangerous than right here in the state of Texas where it’s harder to vote and harder to register to vote than in any other state in the union, and where we have those in public office and those running for public office who will refuse to admit that President Biden is the president of the United States.” Texas in 2021 passed a law that supporters said bolstered the integrity of elections. Opponents said the policies would disenfranchise voters. O’Rourke said he has a team prepared to make sure the will of voters is honored. “I will absolutely honor whatever that outcome is, as I have before in every election I’ve participated in,” O’Rourke said. Abbott has lead O’Rourke in recent polls, but the difference between the two candidates has been in the single digits. Election Day is Nov. 8. Early voting starts Oct. 24. This story was originally published October 18, 2022 4:03 PM.

Talking Travel With The Newly Crowned Miss USA – Forbes https://collincountynewsonline.com/talking-travel-with-the-newly-crowned-miss-usa-forbes/ Grant Photo All American bombshell and true Texas girl, and a Miss Texas at that, R’Bonney Gabriel is proudly born and raised in Houston to a Mom from Beaumont, and a Dad who came to America at age 19 on a college scholarship with $20 in his pocket. As the first Filipina-American to proudly wear the Miss USA crown, she brings her Southern charm married with her value for hard work as the foundation blocks of her career in pageantry. She recently granted me an exclusive interview about all-things-travel, discussing some of her on-the-road tips. What was your favorite destination that you traveled to in the past year? Belize! I love the island, driving around in golf carts, the lobster dishes, and I received my scuba diving certificate there and was able to see stingrays and a reef shark in the water. Do you have an overall favorite hotel? My favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed at was a villa alongside a river in Pai, a small peaceful mountain town in Northern Thailand. Best vacation ever? My best vacation ever is definitely the solo trip I took for two months after I graduated college to Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. I only packed a backpack with a few shirts, shoes, and swimsuits. I was able to create so many memories from attending the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, overnight camping on a volcano in Mt. Rinjani, and taking surfing lessons from a mute instructor in Lombok, Indonesia. Best souvenir bought on a trip? When I traveled to Mumbai, India I found the most beautiful fabrics with floral embroidery and hand beading — I had to take it all home with me! I was so inspired by all the vibrant colors of women’s clothing in India, when I returned back to the States I designed my own dresses with the gorgeous fabric. How do you stay fit and trim in your travels — what do you eat, and how do you exercise? I always start my day with a quick yoga session and a morning walk for cardio and hit the gym if one is available. I always look for meals that stay within my meal plan-which is oatmeal and eggs in the morning, shrimp and green beans for lunch, and salmon and asparagus for dinner. I do my best on finding meals similar to that without being too hard on myself if I am unable to stick to it. I usually allow myself to have 1-3 pieces of chocolate or caramel rice cakes in my purse to munch on anytime or anywhere. How do you turn your hotel room into a haven? I bring my galaxy light with me everywhere. I use it at night to project the stars and moon onto the ceiling. I drink hot tea and put on some jazz or soul music at night to wind down before bed. Fave brand of luggage? Briggs & Riley, they gifted me beautiful suitcases when I won Miss Texas USA and it’s definitely an upgrade from my beat-up suitcases with broken handles. Health and wellness products that you swear by? Tumeric wellness shot when my sinuses are acting up! If I’m starting to feel sick, I bake a whole clove of garlic and eat it quickly to boost my immune system, and I, actually, love the way it tastes. I also take a daily women’s multivitamin and vitamin D in the morning, and complete my day with magnesium citrate in the evening. Beauty products that you swear by? For products, I love the Ordinary Buffet Serum every night and SeneGence Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer every day, but when I need to kick it up a notch, I turn to TempSure Envi and Potenza Microneedling treatments by Cynosure. Both of these Radiofrequency treatments have made my skin so much tighter and refreshed without major downtime, which is a huge plus for me. What is always in your carryon bag? My MacBook in case I need to do some work, a sketch pad to draw designs because I get very inspired when I am up in the air, and a good book. I’m currently reading Relentless by Tim Grover. Most important, I have a coffee before my flight. Favorite airline? United! I grew up flying United because my mother worked for them for years. I have been fortunate to travel to over 15 countries because of these benefits. How do you pack your crown? Very carefully! I don’t travel with my Mouawad “Power of Positivity” crown all the time, but when I do the crown has its own box lined in velvet with a lock. Where is your next vacation trip? I am heading to Las Vegas for a work trip. As soon as I return, I plan on focusing and preparing for Miss Universe on January 14. I have another trip planned to the Philippines with Miss USA Organization’s charity partner Smile Train. Then back to training prep! What destinations are on your bucket list? Anywhere in South America, I’ve never been there! I would love to visit Iceland, rent a van and explore Australia, go on a Safari in Africa and visit more islands in the Philippines. What hotels are on your bucket list? Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in South Africa and the Watamu Treehouse in Kenya. I love the outdoors and I’ve always dreamed of staying in a beautiful tranquil treehouse. For more about my Wanderlust Travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.

Kalihi Parcel With Two Warehouses Sold For $7.8M – Pacific Business News – The Business Journals https://collincountynewsonline.com/kalihi-parcel-with-two-warehouses-sold-for-7-8m-pacific-business-news-the-business-journals/ Kalihi parcel with two warehouses sold for $7.8M – Pacific Business News  The Business Journals

Introducing The SELF Well-Read Book Club—and Our First Official Pick! – Self https://collincountynewsonline.com/introducing-the-self-well-read-book-club-and-our-first-official-pick-self/ Around the office we talk a lot about what we’re reading—and I don’t think that’s just because we’re editors and writers. For so many of us, reading is a true form of self-care. At various points in my life, plowing through a book has even felt like medicine: I can’t count how many times I got through anxious weeks or months by escaping in a good story. As I’ve gotten older and become more curious, reading has also become a way for me to challenge my beliefs, expand my awareness, and simply live well. I’m always looking to work on myself and suck all there is out of life. (And, whenever possible, make life feel a teensy bit easier.) If you’re still reading this, I’m betting you feel the same. So I’m pleased to introduce the SELF Well-Read Book Club! Each month we’ll announce a new pick that we’ll read right alongside you and hundreds of other SELF readers. The books we read will span a range of topics—from mental health and self-help to fitness, relationships, and healthy living. By staying in the loop, you’ll get access to SELF content that complements our pick of the month, intimate Instagram Live chats with the author, exclusive excerpts, and more. So let’s jump right in! Our November Well-Read Book Club pick is—drumroll please—Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us, by athlete, activist, and mental health advocate Alison Désir. Running While Black—which comes out today—is part memoir, part cultural critique, and part call to action: Désir shares her own story of becoming a Black distance runner in an unwelcoming white space while taking her readers through gut-wrenching accounts of what it means to be both Black and a runner at large, from national news stories like that of Ahmaud Arbery to troubling encounters and experiences she’s had throughout her life. The stories (and histories) Désir weaves together are captivating, eye-opening, and often even uncomfortable in their raw honesty and personal perspective. That’s all to say: This story is important, and we can’t wait to read it all together. By the way, you may be familiar with some of Désir’s work already: She founded Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women. In 2017, she ran from New York City to Washington, DC, to raise money for Planned Parenthood. We also honored her in our 2017 SELF Healthy Living Awards. And on top of it all, Désir remains a leading expert and coach in the sport, incorporating her knowledge of running and that of mental health care (Désir has a master of education in counseling psychology) to change how all of us can work to make the sport a healing space for everyone. So what now? First, buy the book here or here. Then, mark your calendars—we’ll be doing an Instagram Live Q&A with author Alison Désir on Wednesday, November 16 at 11 a.m. EST at @selfmagazine. If you’re curious to get a taste of what this month’s pick is all about, read an exclusive excerpt from the book here. And for related reading from SELF on the subject of race and fitness, see below. Welcome to the Club—it’s so good to finally be here! Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us Recommended Reading for Running While Black What It Means to Be Black in Fitness 7 Ways to Heal Your Relationship With Exercise and Movement A Pep Talk for Anyone Who Wants to Work Out Right Now But Feels Like Fitness Isn’t for Them Wellness Has a Race Problem Fit for Us: An Open Letter to the Fitness Industry How People of Color Can Find Joy and Respite in the Outdoors Between the Pandemic and Anti-Black Violence, Running Is No Longer the Refuge It Used to Be The Moment I Actually Believed I Was a Runner, According to 14 Runners 11 Running Groups to Help You Find Your Community on the Roads How to Find an Inclusive Run Club Hey, Fellow Fitness Pros: Yes, Speaking Out Against Anti-Blackness Is Our Lane 17 Excellent Black-Owned Fitness Brands to Shop and Support 101 Online Mental Health Resources for Marginalized Communities

San Diego Padres Vs. Philadelphia Phillies In 2022 NLCS: Schedule, Game Times, TV, Live Stream – USA TODAY https://collincountynewsonline.com/san-diego-padres-vs-philadelphia-phillies-in-2022-nlcs-schedule-game-times-tv-live-stream-usa-today/ It’s been more than a decade in the making, but the Philadelphia Phillies are back in the National League Championship Series and on the brink of reaching the World Series. It’s been even longer for San Diego — nearly 25 years — since the Padres last played in the NLCS. After an up-and-down regular season that saw the Phillies fire their manager in June and squeak into playoffs after some late-season struggles, Philadelphia has taken advantage of MLB’s new playoff format and gone on an unpredictable run past two of the National League’s toughest teams — the St. Louis Cardinals, who won the NL Central, and the Atlanta Braves, who soared past the New York Mets to win the NL East. The Padres overcame their own issues — including the loss of star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who was handed an 80-game suspension in mid-August for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy — to make their own magical run to the NLCS. San Diego first traveled to New York to dispatch a 101-win Mets team before conquering its biggest foe and most hated rival, the juggernaut Los Angeles Dodgers, who won a major-league leading 111 games this season. SUPER STARS: Linked by 2019 free agent frenzy, Harper and Machado square off in NLCS OPINION: It’s time fans adapted to MLB’s imperfect playoff format PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: Results, game times and matchups for every series The Phillies last played in the NLCS in 2010; the Padres last made that round in 1998. Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the National League Championship Series: What is the NLCS schedule? NLCS Game 1: Phillies at Padres on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 8:03 p.m. ET NLCS Game 2: Phillies at Padres on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 4:35 p.m. ET NLCS Game 3: Padres at Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7:37 p.m. ET NLCS Game 4: Padres at Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:45 p.m. ET ∗NLCS Game 5: Padres at Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2:37 p.m. ET ∗NLCS Game 6: Phillies at Padres on Monday, Oct. 24 at 8:03 p.m. ET ∗NLCS Game 7: Phillies at Padres on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 8:03 p.m. ET (∗= if necessary) Who is televising the NLCS NLCS Game 1: FS1 NLCS Game 2: FOX/FS1 NLCS Game 3: FS1 NLCS Game 4: FOX ∗NLCS Game 5: FS1 ∗NLCS Game 6: FS1 ∗NLCS Game 7: FOX/FS1 (∗= if necessary) Is there a live stream for the National League Championship Series? Games can be streamed on the Fox Sports website (for those that sign in with their cable/satellite provider) and the Fox Sports app. Who are the scheduled starters for Game 1? Phillies: RHP Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA, 153 IP, 163 SO) Padres: RHP Yu Darvish (16-8, 3.10 ERA, 194 2/3 IP, 197 SO) Who are the scheduled starters for Game 2? Phillies: RHP Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25 ERA, 205 IP, 235 SO) Padres: LHP Blake Snell (8-10, 3.38 ERA, 128 IP, 171 SO) San Diego weather looking good for Games 1 and 2 The Southern California city is known for its picturesque weather, and it won’t disappoint to start the series. The forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday calls for clear skies with temperatures in the 80s. What’s the Philly weather look like for Games 3 and 4? The temperatures will be more like October baseball weather when the series heads to Philadelphia later in the week. Temperatures will be in the mid-60s to low-70s throughout the weekend with hardly any clouds until Sunday. The series’ East Coast leg wraps up just before the anticipated rain showers Tuesday. Phillies-Padres season series Philadelphia won the regular season series 4-3. The last game came June 26, which was an 8-5 Phillies win in San Diego. This will be the first time the teams have met in the playoffs. How did the Phillies reach the NLCS? After finishing third in the NL East with an 87-75 record, the Phillies locked up the third and final wild card spot in the third-to-last game of the regular season. They swept through the best-of-three wild card round in St. Louis against the NL Central champion Cardinals. Moving on to the NLDS, the Phillies stunned the 101-win Braves by holding on for a 7-6 Game 1 victory, then suffered a setback in Atlanta in Game 2 before routing the reigning World Series champions in Games 3 and 4 in Philly to lock up the best-of-five series. How did the Padres reach the NLCS? After finishing second in the NL West with an 89-73 record, the Padres clinched a playoff berth on Oct. 2, one day before the Philies. The Padres stunned the Mets by taking two of three games in New York in the wild card round to advance to the NLDS. In the all-Southern California NLDS, the Padres shocked the world again. The Dodgers got off to a hot start, taking Game 1 in Los Angeles before the Padres stole one back in Game 2. Returning to San Diego, the Padres won two consecutive tight games against their rivals in Games 3 and 4 to claim the best-of-five series. Contributing: Ellen J. Horrow, USA TODAY

Making Sense Of The Metaverse Of Madness – WIT – Web In Travel https://collincountynewsonline.com/making-sense-of-the-metaverse-of-madness-wit-web-in-travel/ There are few conversations that don’t feel surreal in 2022, yet since the carnage in the crypto-currency market, businesses built around blockchain have had a particularly rough ride. Yet as WiT 2022 said ‘Hello Other World’ to these brave new players, Luke Clark discovers that beneath the hype, seeds of travel’s next evolution remain. “It is very strange to be back here,” Marissa Trew told the audience from her panel moderator seat at WiT Singapore 2022. She could easily have been referring to the otherworldly feeling many at WiT had of simply being in a different country again, after so many years working out of our spare rooms. Yet given that she lives in Singapore, Trew’s feeling of dislocation was more vocational. The last time she’d been onstage, it was as part of the WiT crew – now she was representing Web3-centred Blokhaus Inc. Strange new realms do seem an oddly fitting note for a panel titled “Hello, Other World”, especially given the blockchain industry’s post-Armageddon feel right now – and the somewhat disconcerting notion that one of its favourite futuristic realms doesn’t yet exist. Strange times indeed. Then again, attitudes can change within a year. A year ago, for instance, such a panel would have seemed very ‘now’ and far less otherworldly. Then from May 2022 of course, the bottom fellow out of virtual currencies, as the likes of The New York Times scanned the wreckage, announcing ‘Cryptocurrencies Melt Down in a ‘Perfect Storm’ of Fear and Panic’. Indeed, following its highs of April 2021, the king of crypto, Bitcoin, has lost 60% of its value since January 2022, with some predicting it may fall further. Freeze frame to October 2022, and celebrity influencer Kim Kardashian has been issued a US$1.2 million fine just for advertising EthereumMax on her Instagram page. Suddenly, these unregulated virtual currencies seem so toxic that commentators like Gary Gensler of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission noted: “When it comes to crypto, remember many of these are highly speculative assets. You may be wondering if it’s right for you, or even if it might be a scam.” Behind the hype – “blockchain can solve frictions around personalisation, flexibility in loyalty programming and membership” In fairness, those who got on the virtual bandwagon were not doing anything new. As followers of business, we place huge importance on a tenuous notion – our current feelings about the future. This ranges from the importance of business confidence as a gauge of market potential, to the belief in so-called ‘unicorn’ businesses which, despite sometimes meagre earnings, are touted due to the market’s excitement at their potential. The fact is, neither favour nor fear is logical when it comes to the future. Perhaps in time, we should become comfortable with the notion that with some things, we simply don’t know yet. Likewise, maybe we should also try to avoid glorifying, then demonising, technology breakthroughs: and just assess them more on their merits. Indeed, it was this sort of line that the Hello, Other World panel would ultimately tread. “I think currently with market conditions in the crypto sphere being less than ideal, the natural scepticism continues to arrive,” says Trew. “Education is a key component, because it is basically trying to distil the opportunity from the hype – and if there’s anything we’ve seen in the last few years is that there is a lot of hype.” Addressing what she calls the market’s “necessary scepticism” around Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, is of course a key task for those building any genuine non-hype driven business around the blockchain. This has certainly been the case for Martha Waslen, CEO and founder of DayAway. “I come from a Web3 background prior to getting into hospitality,” she explains. “When we launched our DayAway platform, core to our company was focusing on the customer experience – personalisation for them, and for us learning more about their needs and frustrations in the industry. “When we were learning that they wanted experience above all else, personalisation and flexibility in loyalty programming and membership, it became really clear that blockchain could solve a lot of these frictions within the industry,” she says. “Education is a key component, because it is basically trying to distil the opportunity from the hype” ~ Marissa Trew, Blokhaus Inc DayAway is starting with a blockchain-enabled loyalty program that Waslen describes as cross-vertical. It currently features primarily experiences in five-star luxury hotels. “But our guests were telling us they’re just as inclined to want to book experiences with private yacht companies, f&b experiences and luxury retail.” By expanding its experiential inventory and building a blockchain-enabled loyalty programme, Waslen believes DayAway offers customers “tonnes of transparency and flexibility in how they redeem those points, and actually, converting those points into a digital asset with real monetary value.” To Waslen, understanding this potential real-world benefit to better engage guests and improve the customer experience, represents a good way to appreciate the non-hyped potential of Web3. “At the most basic level, Web3 kind of defines all of these new technologies that are built on blockchain. That includes everything from cryptocurrencies, NFTs and the metaverse,” she says. “But to me the real meaning around Web3 – and I think a lot of the Web3 network would say this – is it’s all about community.” Solving a real-world challenge was the key to realising the ‘in-real-life’ potential of these new technologies, she underlined. “We knew that our community desperately wanted a new kind of loyalty programme, especially in the wake of Covid, where people weren’t travelling the way they used to, they weren’t staying at the same hotels,” she recalls. “They wanted experiences, whether they were at home or abroad. And they wanted a loyalty programme that was kind of transitioning them across a number of different lifestyle verticals, in being able to redeem points, benefits, upgrades, and invitations to special events in a more frictionless way.” DayAway has launched a first instalment of the Genesis NFT collection, called The Founders Key. A collection of 500 limited edition NFT’s, it is being sold currently to the company’s early adopters, investors and Web3 partners. “It has been really interesting, because the reception from our work to the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” she says. For many customers, the loyalty programme would be the very-first NFT they had ever purchased. Those in the Web3 community had been thrilled about the DayAway project, she said, for its ability to show a sceptical market a “real-life utility, a real-world use case – an application for blockchain that the mainstream can understand”. Many in the market may understandably struggle to understand why a collection of NFTs called CryptoPunks could be currently trading for billions of dollars. “That’s fine,” Waslen notes. “But a lot of people do care about their loyalty status,” she says. “You start showing them that their points now have real monetary value on an open marketplace – this might be the bridge that brings hundreds more people into Web3 from some of the loyalty programmes of the biggest hospitality giants in the world. And I think in Web3, that’s our ultimate goal – mainstream adoption.” Real-world applications are not however, a term that can be placed with the metaverse – no matter how many virtual headsets that the company-formerly-known-as Facebook, is selling. “The metaverse is not people sitting there in virtual reality (VR) goggles – despite how many earnings calls from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta you’ve seen,” notes Tom Simpson, Strategic Advisor for digital agency Anzu.io. “The metaverse is really an interactive layer sitting across reality,” Simpson explains. “That interactive layer already exists – people spend most of their time on their smartphones. But it becomes more pervasive as augmented reality (AR) and VR technologies become a more standard part of the consumer experience.” As such, a real metaverse will exist only once that layer really and truly matters to us all. “It probably describes the moment when that interactive layer becomes as important as our physical lives,” says Simpson. And as he and others like him underline, such a moment isn’t here yet. As Harry McCracken in the October 2022 issue Fast Company points out: “The metaverse doesn’t exist yet. Sure, we’ve got virtual worlds such as Fortnite – and Roblox, Minecraft, Decentraland, and many others. But they aren’t the metaverse.” The writer continues: “What the metaverse’s true believers are imagining is a universal, global 3D environment that seamlessly merges digital and physical realities – possibly via lightweight goggles you wear throughout your waking hours. That might still be many years away, if it comes to be at all.” Simpson agrees that for adults at least, we’re not there yet. “If you’re talking about using the metaverse for marketing, then I mean just really kind of simplifying it – right now, the metaverse doesn’t really exist.” Which of course has not stopped brands like Coke, Zara, Ferrari (through a digital 296 GTB supercar) or Nike (through a theme park called Nikeland) building things within the metaverse, or a host of venture capitalists and start-ups getting hyped about it. Yet to really view the potential of what might one day exist, you either need to watch metaverse-driven movies like Ready Player One or Free Guy. Or just step into the world of the average nine-year-old. “There’s not a lot of people spending time in metaverses, but there’s a lot of people spending time in gaming. So gaming is really the metaverse,” Simpson expla...

6 Best Nonstick Pans Of 2022 – Top-Rated Nonstick Pans – Delish https://collincountynewsonline.com/6-best-nonstick-pans-of-2022-top-rated-nonstick-pans-delish/ Sarah Ceniceros Everyone knows the tragedy (and horrible burning smell) of getting food stuck to your skillet. But you don’t have to suffer through breakfasts of charred scrambled eggs and blackened pancakes. You may love your stainless steel cookware, but any professional chef will tell you—everyone should own at least one nonstick pan. Another benefit of owning a nonstick pan is that it doesn’t require a lot of oil or butter to prevent sticking, which leads many to think it’s the most healthy cookware to use. To settle the score on the healthiest type of nonstick pan, we turned to the Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab, Nicole Papantoniou, who has nearly a decade of experience professionally testing kitchen tools and gadgets. “I don’t like saying that the pan itself is healthy because it’s a pan and you don’t eat it,” Papantoniou quipped. “But cooking with a nonstick pan allows you to use less oil, which leads to a consumption of fewer calories, so it could be healthier because of that. You also tend to use a lower cooking temperature with nonstick pans, and some think that cooking food at lower temperatures is healthier than blasting it with heat.” Regardless of your reasoning, picking up one of these kitchen essentials is bound to get you jazzed about all the pan-fried salmon, fluffy French omelets, and sizzling skillet recipes like lemon-herb chicken and potatoes you’ll be making—all with minimal cleanup and no sticking, shredding, or scorching. Inexpensive, long-lasting nonstick pans. We have recommendations for the best frying pans for every type of cook, but if you’re looking to outfit your whole kitchen, you’re in luck! Whether you’d prefer to spring for a whole nonstick or ceramic cookware set or you want to splurge on a sleek, buy-it-for-life cast iron skillet, we’re here to offer a helping hand. Our top picks How we picked these products To find the best nonstick pan, we turned to our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who have identified the best and highest-rated brands and put them to the test. Their team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust. From frying and scrambling over 120 eggs to searing 15 steaks, these Kitchen Tech Experts put a plethora of pans (in fact, 80 nonstick cookware sets and 15 additional nonstick pans) through rigorous tests to analyze their user-friendliness, durability, cleanability, weight, heat distribution and retention, ergonomics, and ability to balance on a stovetop. After reviewing their findings and discussing their road tests in-depth with Papantoniou, we’ve determined that these are the best nonstick pans you can buy in 2022. 1 Best Nonstick Pan OXO Good Grips Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-inch Frying Pan 2 Best Budget Nonstick Pan Tramontina PRO Fusion 10-Inch Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan 3 Best Splurge Nonstick Pan Le Creuset Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro 10-inch Fry Pan 4 Most Durable Nonstick Pan Ninja C30026 Foodi NeverStick Premium 10¼-inch Fry Pan 5 Best Ceramic Nonstick Pan GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 10-inch Frying Pan 6 Best Stainless Steel Nonstick Pan Made In Made In 10-inch Non Stick Frying Pan 7 Are nonstick pans safe? Nonstick pans have gotten a bad rap from those ugly rumors of toxicity, but the truth is, these are not the nonstick cookware sets you grew up hearing about. They are lightweight, affordable, convenient, and perfectly healthy (as long as you heed the manufacturer’s recommendations). Nonstick cookware gets its signature slick, nonreactive surface from a synthetic coating like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or the FDA-approved polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Even if these chemical compounds don’t sound familiar, you’ve likely heard of their more popular brand name: Teflon. But before you start worrying about carcinogens and chemicals, it’s important to note that PFOAs and PTFEs are inert (a.k.a. they won’t react with chemicals inside or outside your body). Not only are these compounds safe to cook with, but also, let’s not forget why “Teflon” is practically synonymous with “durability.” However, that doesn’t mean your nonstick pans will last forever, even if some brands claim otherwise. Papantoniou provided some insight on how often you should replace your nonstick pans: “You likely need to replace your nonstick pan every couple of years. Over time the nonstick coating starts to wear, and any time you see a nick or scratch on the surface, you’ll want to replace it because it compromises the integrity of the pan,” she said. Some brands tout having the longest-lasting nonstick cookware, but she explained, “It’s less about the brand and more about the pan’s construction. Some have more layers than others, for example, which makes for a better nonstick pan.” Between shopping for a nonstick pan with the right materials and caring for it properly, you can get a good 5-10 years out of it before its time to shop around for a replacement. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your nonstick pan: You should never—ever—use nonstick cooking spray on a nonstick pan. It may seem counterintuitive, but these sprays gradually leave a film on the nonstick surface that is nearly impossible to remove, and therefore compromises the coating’s integrity over time. However, you still need to put oil, butter, or some kind of fat in a nonstick pan. (Trust us, it’s healthier in the long run if you do than if you don’t!) “You never want to heat a nonstick pan without anything in it, so using oil helps you not overheat it ultimately,” Papantoniou advised. “And in terms of cooking, it’s not needed per se, but it definitely makes things taste better.” Meanwhile, there is a spray you can use on your nonstick pan: Nonstick repair spray. To repair a nonstick coating and make your nonstick pan, well, nonstick again, this nifty spray should do the trick—just keep an eye out for any scratches. Unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer, do not use metal utensils with your nonstick pan or put in the dishwasher. Metal utensils can of course cause scratches and scuffs that threaten the longevity of nonstick coatings, but harsh soaps, high pressure, and scalding temperatures can cause equally disastrous results. Some manufacturers may say it’s okay, but it’s best to avoid using nonstick pans over high heat to prevent damage or the release of harmful odors or chemicals. Instead, consider cooking with low to medium-low heat. (And in the event cooking on high heat is unavoidable, try not to do so for longer than 30 seconds.) When the time comes to send your nonstick pan off to pasture, Papantoniou had some advice for what you can do once you’ve determined it’s time to throw away your old, scratched, and ineffective nonstick pans: “Check your manufacturer’s instructions to see what the best disposal process is. Some metals are recyclable, but with the coatings, it can depend, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions.” 8 How do you choose a nonstick pan? Whether you’re a longtime nonstick fan looking to replace your trusty pan or you’re a nonstick novice, we’re here to make sure you don’t get burned by crummy cookware. These versatile pans are already plenty affordable, but you also want to ensure they meet your needs in the kitchen. First and foremost, it’s important to know what makes a good nonstick pan. “I like a nonstick pan that has some heft to it, so it’ll sit on your burner without toppling, and ones that take a little bit longer to heat up, so you don’t risk getting to that 450º F temp fast, which is typically the maximum temperature recommended for using nonstick pans,” Papantoniou explained. “I like coatings that say they can be used with metal utensils, not necessarily because I want to use metal utensils, but because it’s a good indicator that they’re more durable. And cleanup is really important too—pans that have some grit to them, which makes them more durable, are actually harder to clean.” When selecting a nonstick pan, construction is key. But there are a lot of factors to choose from, such as weight, materials, and design features. Pans with more heft can get you a good sear on a steak, but they’re not as easy to lift and flip. Meanwhile, more lightweight pans can be less durable and heat up too quickly. Papantoniou had some pointers if you’re struggling to choose a nonstick pan: “I think the main thing to consider is, how are you going to use it? Are you looking for something to just make eggs in the morning, or are you looking to cook a whole meal for your family? Because that will determine the size—an 8-inch pan is good for a single portion of eggs and breakfast foods, whereas 10 inches is a good average size, and our test kitchen likes 12 inch pans for cooking in bigger batches. The second thing I would look for is material. Do you want a standard nonstick pan that lasts a little longer, or do you want a ceramic pan that can somewhat handle higher temperatures? And then the other thing is heft. If you’re looking for something lightweight, it’ll heat faster and it’s easier to handle, whereas if you go with something heavier, it’ll be more durable.” Kaitlin Mahar Contributing Writer Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer covering the shopping and lifestyle beats.

Huobi Token Price Prediction – HT Blasts Up 7%, How High Can It Go? – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/huobi-token-price-prediction-ht-blasts-up-7-how-high-can-it-go-cryptonews/ The Huobi Token (HT) is one of the most prominent exchange tokens in the market, with a price gain of 7% in the past 24 hours. However, is now the best time to purchase HT?  HT Price Movement  Huobi Token currently trades at $7.73, an increase of around 7% in the past 24 hours. The token trades above most of its moving average (MA) indicators, except its 200-day MA of $7.80. A positive moving average convergence divergence (MACD) demonstrates a buy signal for HT, and the token’s relative strength index (RSI) of 53.34 shows that it is underbought.  Buy Crypto on eToro now Successful Buyout Excites Market As an exchange token, developments within the Huobi exchange should spur the price of HT. And this month, the exchange entered into a buyout agreement.  An official announcement shared weeks ago confirmed that About Capital Management, an asset management firm based in Hong Kong had become the controlling shareholder of Huobi Global following a successful buyout deal.  The buyout fee, which remains undisclosed, sees About Capital become Huobi’s largest shareholder. The asset management firm plans to fuel Huobi’s international brand promotion and business expansion. The first action of the owners would see a shakeup in the exchange’s corporate structure. Huobi also pointed out that the change in management doesn’t represent any switch in its core business operation and management structure. However, the exchange has confirmed that it plans to move its operating base from China. With the Chinese government adopting a hardline stance against cryptocurrencies in the past few years, Huobi and About Capital believe this is a perfect time to move to a base with better, more welcoming crypto laws.  Justin Sun Joins Huobi Advisory Board As part of its governance overhaul, About Capital plans to build a global strategic advisory board led by leading industry figures to help steer Huobi in the right direction.  This week, the company made its first strategic recruitment, bringing on crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. Speaking to Bloomberg earlier this week, Sun confirmed that he had been asked to join Huobi’s advisory board, adding that he had also purchased millions of HT. Sun, who founded the TRON blockchain network, stressed that he had not yet acquired a stake in Huobi.  IMPT: Ideal for Value-Seeking Investors Although HT has massive prospects, it’s not the only crypto asset offering investors value. One token that has witnessed significant investor demand is the presale of IMPT.  The Ethereum-based token powers the Impact Project, a blockchain ecosystem that supports environmental sustainability efforts worldwide and helps users to buy carbon credits. The token is currently available on presale at $0.018 per coin. Visit IMPT Now

U.S. Treasuries Post Record Foreign Inflows In August -Treasury Data – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-treasuries-post-record-foreign-inflows-in-august-treasury-data-reuters/ NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) – Foreign inflows into U.S. Treasuries posted a record in the month of August, data from the U.S. Treasury department showed on Tuesday, as investors speculated about a pivot by the Federal Reserve away from aggressive tightening. Data showed that foreign investors poured an all-time peak of $174.2 billion into U.S. Treasuries, up from $23 billion in July. The overall data, however, is a lagging indicator and the numbers are often outdated. Analysts though look at this report to spot trends on foreign buying of U.S. assets. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com That said, it was in August that July inflation figures were released showing price pressures on the consumer and producer side moderated more than expected for the month. U.S. consumer prices did not rise in July due to a steep decline in gasoline costs, delivering the first notable sign of relief for Americans who have watched inflation climb over the past two years. Investors at the time had speculated that the Fed would moderate the pace of rate hikes, a notion that was dashed at the central bank gathering in Jackson Hole in late August. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, at the meeting, reinforced the Fed’s commitment to stamping out inflation. The foreign inflows, however, did not square up with the price action in Treasuries. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield started August at 2.605% , and ended the month at 3.110%, or a 50 basis-point increase, suggesting that investors were selling Treasuries, not buying. The report also showed that Japanese holdings of Treasuries dropped to $1.199 trillion in August, from $1.234 trillion the previous month. Japan, which reduced its stash of U.S. government debt for a second straight month, remains the largest non-U.S. holder of Treasuries. Central banks have been known to sell their Treasury holdings in order to defend their struggling currencies. And the yen has struggled mightily against a robust U.S. dollar that has surged due to the Fed’s big rate hikes. So far this year, the yen has plunged nearly 23% against the greenback. For the month of August, the yen fell 4% against the dollar. China, on the other hand, pushed up holdings of Treasuries a little bit to $971.8 billion, from $970 billion in July, rising for a second straight month. Overall, foreign holdings of Treasuries rose to $7.509 trillion in August, from $7.501 trillion in July, data showed. In other asset classes, foreigners sold U.S. equities in August for an eighth straight month to the tune of $26.85 billion, from outflows of $60.32 billion in July. July’s outflow was the largest since March. U.S. corporate bonds posted inflows in August of $9.45 billion, up slightly from July’s $8.78 billion inflows. Foreigners were net buyers of U.S. corporate bonds for eight straight months. The Treasury data also showed U.S. residents once again sold their holdings of long-term foreign securities, with net sales of $22.7 billion in August, from sales of $27.2 billion the previous month. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Andrea Ricci Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

DAVCO Technology Launches New Shop Pro FXP Series Designed Specifically To Increase Uptime For Fleets – Business Wire https://collincountynewsonline.com/davco-technology-launches-new-shop-pro-fxp-series-designed-specifically-to-increase-uptime-for-fleets-business-wire/ SALINE, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DAVCO Technology, the North American leader in fuel-water separators and a Clarience Technologies company, today announced the launch of the Shop Pro FXP 95 – the latest version of its well-known Shop Pro product, now redesigned with the needs of modern fleets in mind. “Today’s fleets want to work smarter, better, and faster,” said Joe Schaffer, Director of Engineering at DAVCO. “The new Shop Pro FXP Series takes a holistic approach in helping fleets achieve this goal. First, by enhancing the quality of the equipment itself, and second by improving the ease-of-use for technicians in the field.” New Filtration Technology and Ergonomic Design Are Hallmarks of New Shop Pro Series Shop Pro FXP products use the same three-layer filtration technology that is utilized in DAVCO’s newest Fuel Pro models providing better filtering and removal of contaminated fuel, sediment, and water, when transferring fuel or cleaning fuel tanks. The three layer technology strips water from outside the media with two inside stripping operations, including a coalescent layer and a hydrophobic layer. This ensures no water will pass thru the filter, even ultra-low sulfur and biodiesel, which are difficult to separate. In addition to the improved performance of the product, the Shop Pro FXP is also 44 pounds lighter and 15 percent more compact than the previous version. It’s in these features that DAVCO’s creative approach to uptime shines through. “When fleets think of uptime, they often think of preventative maintenance through telematics and other monitoring devices,” said Schaffer. “While this is a key component of uptime, simplifying operations related to required manual maintenance is critical to getting diesel trucks back on the road faster.” Seeing is Believing: True Then, Now, and Later DAVCO’s quest to streamline operations for fleets began long before it’s latest product innovation. Launched in 1993, DAVCO’s Fuel Pro and Diesel Pro products introduced a never-before-seen clear-top filter that offered immediate visual inspection of fuel condition and available filter life. Today, customers ask for the clear top by name, and it’s this transparency that has earned DAVCO the trust of top fleets. Recently, DAVCO has been using these customer relationships to not only continue innovating for diesel customers, but also to support the transition to an electric and autonomous future of trucking. In January 2022, DAVCO announced a $3.5 million investment in its Saline, Michigan, campus to create an Advanced Electronics Manufacturing Center, extending its manufacturing capabilities into advanced electronics technologies that will become more prevalent with electric-powered commercial vehicles. The state-of-the-art facility sits adjacent to the existing DAVCO manufacturing facility and is currently producing telematics hardware for another Clarience Technologies company, Road Ready. Yet, DAVCO’s main focus for the immediate future will be innovations for diesel-powered vehicles like that of the new Shop Pro FXP Series – given that most fleets will continue to operate diesel trucks in some capacity for at least the next decade. The company is expected to continue making improvements to its existing product lines throughout the next year. About DAVCO DAVCO is the North American leader in Class 8 heavy-duty diesel-powered truck fuel-heater/water separators and filter systems. In addition to the popular Fuel Pro® line, DAVCO also produces the Diesel Pro® for medium trucks, Sea Pro® for marine applications, Industrial Pro® models for off-road applications and a line of industrial automatic oil replenishment systems, with regulators, slow flow meters, and fluid level switches. The Shop Pro is a multi-purpose shop floor and service truck tool for priming diesel engines, removing fuel from fuel system components, sweeping diesel fuel tanks and transferring diesel fuel between storage tanks. DAVCO products are designed for tough commercial applications including On and Off-Highway, Industrial, Gen Set, Construction, Military and Marine. About Clarience Technologies Clarience Technologies focuses on developing vehicle and fleet management technology innovations for the commercial vehicle, passenger car, recreational off-road machine and pleasure craft markets. Through our data and insights, we improve fleet management, streamline supply chain management and enhance safety on and off the road. Since our Truck-Lite brand introduced the first sealed marker light in 1955, our companies have unveiled a steady stream of innovations that have turned customers into long-term partners. Today, Clarience Technologies is a global company known for its quality and dedication to sustainability – and to providing the technologies that keep our world moving forward. Learn more at www.clariencetechnologies.com.

Brother Sentenced To Life In Prison For Killing His Sister, Her Boyfriend Over Insurance Money, Collin County DA Says – WFAA.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/brother-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-killing-his-sister-her-boyfriend-over-insurance-money-collin-county-da-says-wfaa-com/ Officials said a Richardson police officer called Blake Richards and he admitted that he had “hurt” his sister and said that he was in the parking lot of a Target. COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — A man was sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 murder of his sister and her boyfriend over insurance money, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. Blake Richards, 30, of Plano, was convicted of capital murder in the deaths of his sister Brittany Rayne Richards and her boyfriend Ross Linford Escalante. On Oct. 27, 2021, the Richardson Police Department received a call from a man stating that his best friend, Blake Richards, called him and confessed to the murder. Officials said a Richardson police officer then called Richards and he admitted that he had “hurt” his sister and said that he was in the parking lot of a Wylie Target. Police said officers responded to the Target parking lot, where they detained Richards and found a loaded rifle in his car. Both Richardson and Plano police officers then responded to Richards’ home in the 5800 block of Mulvane Drive in Plano, where he lived with the victims. When officers arrived, the front door was open, and they found the bodies of Brittany Richards and Escalante in the dining room. They both died of apparent gunshot wounds, officers said. During a search of the home, officers found an empty handgun on the dining room table, shell casings surrounding the victims’ bodies, a bulletproof vest, drug paraphernalia and books on topics of booby-trapping and sniper training in Richards’ bedroom, officials said. Also, DNA testing confirmed Richards’ DNA was found on both firearms, officials said. During the investigation, it was revealed that Blake and Brittany Richards’ mom had recently passed away and the siblings had been arguing about a life insurance policy. “It’s hard to imagine a worse or more tragic response to your mother’s passing than to kill your own sister and her boyfriend over who will get the insurance proceeds from your mother’s death, but that’s what he did,” Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said after Blake was sentenced. “His murderous actions not only permanently altered the lives of his family and those who loved his sister, Brittany, but the loved ones of Mr. Escalante as well. May this jury’s verdict give a measure of peace to these families.” Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case and assessed the automatic punishment of life without the possibility of parole for Richards.

Best Practices For Letting Clients Know You’ll Be Away – Travelweek https://collincountynewsonline.com/best-practices-for-letting-clients-know-youll-be-away-travelweek/ And as you know, that can be after hours Mon-Fri because of their work schedule, an evening/weekend appointment to get the family together, or on the ‘discovery’ call with a potential new client (see my Sphere article on the discovery calls here). But what about your dream vacation, or just some much needed time off? What happens when you want to step away from your work for a few days – or longer? Since it’s all about communication, telling clients that you’ll be away weeks in advance is not unrealistic. For example, starting now if you’re planning to ‘shut down’ over the coming Christmas and holiday season. As soon as you know the dates, you can communicate this in your email signature, your newsletters, web site and social media. The message might read: ‘Please note I will be on vacation the week of December 26 and look forward to responding the week of January 2, 2023. Happy Holidays!’ One solution to having your work covered during your absence is to set up a buddy system with another advisor, perhaps another independent or a staffer at your home agency. Their contact information can be added to your out-of-office message (‘If this is an emergency, please contact….’). Of course, when they are away you can provide the same service for them. Another option is to commit to being available, say, two hours daily. That way you can still enjoy your vacation but reassure your clients you are not ‘abandoning’ them. Set specific hours and commit to them. We all know it’s easy to get sidetracked in our emails or with our clients. As much as we’d all like to forget work during our time off, it’s not only realistic but is also good for your business that you review your emails and other communications during your absences.  After all, you are an independent travel advisor because you are an entrepreneur. And the week between Christmas and New Year’s this year may find your clients on vacation too, dreaming of future trips. And while I don’t imagine they expect you to leap up from the middle of a family dinner to attend to their requests, it’s always good to reassure them that you are their travel advisor – and plan to stay that way!

Acxiom Partners With 2 On Multiscreen TV Activations – Arkansas Business Online https://collincountynewsonline.com/acxiom-partners-with-2-on-multiscreen-tv-activations-arkansas-business-online/ (Acxiom) Acxiom LLC of Conway has partnered with TV advertising sales and technology companies Ampersand and Blockgraph to improve accuracy and responsiveness of audience-driven multi-screen TV campaigns. Acxiom’s audience segments will be used to help advertisers increase their reach, while Ampersand’s AND Platform and Blockgraph’s Identity Operating System will provide tools for campaign planning, buying and measurement, the companies said in a news release. Conor Burgess, Acxiom’s vice president of business development, said the partnership will deliver “the most extensive collection of descriptive audience data in the market.” “Through our unique collaboration with Ampersand and Blockgraph, we give brands a window into truly knowing and understanding people’s wants, needs and preferences, all in one easy-to-use tool,” he said in a news release.

Voting In The 2022 Midterms Is Crucial For Personal And Public Health – Self https://collincountynewsonline.com/voting-in-the-2022-midterms-is-crucial-for-personal-and-public-health-self/ The US 2022 midterm elections are rapidly approaching, and it’s hard to overstate how much is at stake: We are, once again, voting like our lives depend on it. While I’m trying to be optimistic (in part because the 2018 US midterms had the highest voter turnout in four decades, which is great), turnout is almost always lower during midterm elections than presidential elections, and we simply cannot afford for folks to stay home this year. If you hadn’t really thought much about the midterms thus far, or you’re feeling cynical about politics in the US, I get it. The double whammy of not feeling fully represented by the two-party system or the electoral college can make it easy to feel like your vote doesn’t really matter, especially if you don’t live in a swing state. And the GOP’s aggressive, unabashed efforts to suppress and discredit voters are incredibly demoralizing. But the idea that your vote doesn’t count is, in large part, rooted in how the US does presidential elections, and the pervasive idea that the president alone is responsible for the state of our country. While the president (obviously!) plays a huge role in setting the country’s agenda, signing bills into law, and appointing federal and Supreme Court judges, it’s important to remember that the people in Congress, along with our state legislators and other local officials (like school boards, sheriffs, and judges), have a massive impact on our everyday lives. It’s also worth considering just how many positions we’re set to vote on come November 8. Thirty-four seats in the Senate and every seat in the House of Representatives—along with 36 governors and 6,278 of the country’s 7,383 state legislative seats—are up for grabs, and the people who win these elections will shape the future of gun control, climate change, reproductive health care, and civil rights…issues that are, quite literally, matters of life and death. Over the past few years, many of us, especially in the wellness space, have been in an ongoing conversation about both the importance of self-care, and the limitations of it. And if it wasn’t clear before March 2020 that there’s only so much we can do as individuals for our mental and physical health, it certainly is now. In fact, at this point, it’s pretty obvious that our personal health and well-being is dependent on systemic change in the form of state and federal action that create robust systems of support. Things aren’t going to get better if craven, bigoted, anti-science conspiracy theorists hold leadership positions on our school boards, in our state houses, and in the federal government. In fact, if we don’t prioritize looking out for each other and enacting change, things will likely get a lot worse. And that, to me, is why voting—especially in state and local elections—is such a crucial aspect of healthy living. We simply can’t have collective care without collective political action. Here are just a few of the ways that health is on the ballot in the 2022 midterms—and why your vote is actually more powerful than you might realize. Paid sick leave Having time off of work to rest and recover from a cold, the flu, or more serious illness is good for both individuals and communities. But despite the fact that paid sick leave is overwhelmingly popular across party lines, it remains elusive in the US. The good news is that this is something that is being directly addressed across the country at the local level. Seventeen states currently have paid sick leave laws on the books, and some cities (like Los Angeles, Oakland, and Berkeley, California) have expanded on what’s mandated at the state level, while others (Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Duluth, Minnesota) require paid leave even when their states do not. If that’s not a potent example of what local elected officials can do for our collective well-being, I don’t know what is.

MIAC Athletes Of The Week – October 18, 2022 – MIAC https://collincountynewsonline.com/miac-athletes-of-the-week-october-18-2022-miac/ BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) announced its Athlete of the Week award winners for cross country and swimming & diving Tuesday. Student-athletes from Carleton, St. Catherine, Saint John’s, and St. Olaf claimed the Conference’s weekly honors for October 11-17, 2022. The MIAC Athlete of the Week awards are nominated by the Conference’s sports information directors and selected by MIAC staff. Transitioning from the fall to winter seasons, team sports (football, soccer and volleyball) Athletes of the Week will be recognized on Monday afternoons, with individual sports (swimming & diving) announced on Tuesday afternoons. The winners of the latest Athlete of the Week awards are listed below, along with details on their outstanding performances. To view each sport’s 2022-23 Athlete of the Week home page, navigate to the 2022-23 Athlete of the Week archive for complete details on each week’s selections and winners. MIAC Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week Logan Bocovich St. Olaf College Sr. Monument, Colo. | Palmer Ridge Logan Bocovich led the way for the No. 16-ranked Oles with an eighth-place finish at the Connecticut College Invitational on 10/15. The senior established a new collegiate-best 8K time of 24:19.2, which moved him up to fourth on St. Olaf’s all-time 8K list and represents the fastest 8K time in the MIAC this season. Bocovich helped the Oles to fourth place as a team in a field that included 10 nationally-ranked squads. MIAC Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week Clara Mayfield Carleton College Sr. Manhattan, Kan. Clara Mayfield won the Inter-Regional Border Battle on 10/15 with a 6K time of 20:48.4, good for the best time in the MIAC this season and a 33-second margin of victory at a meet that featured 308 racers. This was Mayfield’s third consecutive individual victory, which helped No. 17 Carleton take second place at the 35-team competition. MIAC Men’s Swimming Athlete of the Week Brayden Slavik Saint John’s University Fy. Green Isle, Minn. | Chaska Brayden Slavik led the 24-competitor field with 82 points at the St. Kate’s Pentathlon on 10/15. In his first collegiate meet, Slavik finished in the top three in all five 100-yard events. He took second in both the backstroke (55.67) and individual medley (56.52), and third in the breaststroke (1:03.62), butterfly (56.08), and freestyle (49.55). MIAC Women’s Swimming Athlete of the Week Jordyn Wentzel St. Catherine University Sr. Corcoran, Minn. | Delano Jordyn Wentzel led the Wildcats to victory at their home pentathlon on 10/15. Wentzel won all five of her 100-yard events, including the butterfly (57.90), backstroke (59.26), breaststroke (1:04.60), individual medley (59.47), and freestyle (53.72).

Accenture CEO Sweet Talks Hybrid Work, Metaverse At Gartner Event – Channel Futures https://collincountynewsonline.com/accenture-ceo-sweet-talks-hybrid-work-metaverse-at-gartner-event-channel-futures/ “The metaverse is going to be as profoundly impactful as digital,” she said. GARTNER IT SYMPOSIUM/XPO — When high school students ask Accenture CEO Julie Sweet what they should study in college, she gives the same resounding answer: “Major in what you like.” However, she adds a caveat: “Take a technology class.” It’s what one might imagine the CEO of one of the world’s most powerful consulting companies would say. Majoring in whatever interests a student promotes curiosity and learning. That’s what Sweet told the audience during the Tuesday keynote at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Florida. Before Sweet (pictured on stage above) became CEO, she was general counsel for Accenture. And before that, she was a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, one of the longest established law firms in the U.S. Sweet applies the learning agility and decision-making skills she garnered back in law school to her role as CEO. And she has a lot of decisions to make. Hybrid Work As a global professional services company, Accenture has more than 721,000 people on its payroll. Put differently, Sweet manages more people than Microsoft, Google and Tesla combined. What characteristic do she and her hiring team look for in future employees? The answer isn’t surprising. “What we’re looking for are people who like to learn… you know the first six months after the pandemic we retrained 100,000 to meet the demand,” Sweet said. “And so in every part of Accenture, we have people who are learners. And we believe that’s true for all companies, as it’s a critical skill when you hire.” However, remote work doesn’t allow for the most optimal learning conditions. According to Sweet, the second least-engaged employees were those who worked remotely. (The least engaged were those who went to the office full time.) What Accenture learned from the pandemic was that the most engaged employees were those who embraced the hybrid model. Yet, hybrid work is more than just a way of working. It’s a mindset. “Everyone at Accenture should feel like they are better off because they work here … so the pillars of that strategy are not about hybrid working. It’s about whether people have well-being from a physical, mental and financial standpoint,” Sweet said. As part of that corporate evolution, Accenture hired its first chief health officer last year. The Metaverse When it comes to firsts, the company has always been an early adopter of groundbreaking technology. Sweet had much to say about AI and the metaverse. “As you see the move to the cloud, the understanding of what has to happen around data has become clear,” Sweet said. “We start to see major companies really taking on building data platforms. And along with that is the ability to unlock AI at scale.” She added: “The potential of AI is tied to the fact that you need to have data at scale. And companies are still very early in that journey.” Sweet spoke to an audience primarily of CIOs and digital leaders still grappling with what to make of the metaverse, which is enabled by AI. Although Accenture uses the metaverse with clients in manufacturing and utilities, the company also incorporates the virtual world in its onboarding and training. It does so as well with meetings and collaboration. “During the pandemic, when we could bring clients to our innovation hubs, we did it in the metaverse,” Sweet said. “For the next iteration of our own metaverse, we’re actually launching a diversity fair, bringing our employee resource groups together to learn about each other.” For Accenture, the metaverse has meant joining with companies like Google and Microsoft to create a universal wallet to be able to do commerce in that virtual ecosystem. “The metaverse is going to be as profoundly impactful as digital,” she said.

The Gadget Guy Shares Luxury Gadgets You Should Own – WISH TV Indianapolis, IN https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-gadget-guy-shares-luxury-gadgets-you-should-own-wish-tv-indianapolis-in/ The Gadget Guy David Novak joined us Tuesday on “Life.Style.Live!” with a look at a few fun gadgets to add a little bit of luxury to your lifestyle. Perfectly Snug Smart Topper (Dual Zone) – Air-Conditioned Mattress Topper  Starts at $949, perfectlysnug.com   Sleep cool and dry all night long with the Perfectly Snug Smart Topper. This smart air-conditioned mattress topper boasts Controlled Airflow with adjustable temperature settings for a cooled or heated airflow, improving sleep. The Smart Topper also sports a Dual-Zone Climate Control function, which allows each sleeper to independently control the temperature on each side of the bed. Moreover, the Smart Topper can also accurately monitor a person’s body temperature via built-in sensors, and automatically adjust the cooling/heating temperature to fit any sleeper’s ideal climate. Lastly, it also boasts foot heaters at the bottom for each sleeper, and everything can be controlled by Perfectly Snug’s app.   Mode Electric Toothbrush   $150, m0de.com   Keep your oral health in check with the Mode Electric Toothbrush. This smart electric toothbrush is IPX7 waterproof rated, and comes equipped with soft tapered bristles that gently clean the surface of your teeth, gums, and everything in between. It also features a powerful Sonic Vibrations Mode that can run at 38,000 vibrations per minute, making it capable of removing up to 10 times more plaque than any typical toothbrush. It also has a 2-minute built-in Brushing Timer that reminds you to clean all 4 quadrants of your teeth, as well as a built-in Nightlight for illumination during nighttime. The battery, charged by the included wireless charging dock, lasts for 30-days on a single charge.    UVCeed UVC Mobile Sanitizer – Smartphone-Enabled UVC-Light Sanitizing Device   Around $150, uvceed.com   Keep surfaces clean and germ-free with the UVCeed UVC Mobile Sanitizer. This Smartphone-enabled Sanitizing Device has mercury-free LED UVC light that kills bacteria, germs, and viruses on just about any surface within seconds, including COVID-19. Compatible with MagSafe phones and MagSafe phone cases, simply attach the device to the back of your phone, then turn on the UVCeed App, and follow the on-screen instructions to operate the device by simply pointing it at the surface you’re looking to sanitize. Then you press and hold the App’s Button, and the device will irradiate its mercury-free LED UVC light to disinfect that surface, all the while, showing you in real-time the level of sanitation within the surface you’re disinfecting.   Goliath Defender Backpack – Rain-Proof & Tear-Proof Outdoors Tactical Backpack   Goes for $189, goliathbackpacks.com   For outdoors enthusiasts, check out the Goliath Defender Backpack. This military-grade outdoors tactical backpack is offered in 32L or 42L versions. The larger can even house a large axe and even has the capability of carrying Big Axes. It also has a tear-proof and rain-proof construction, thanks to high-grade ballistic nylon and its waterproof zippers. Best of all, it features a belt strap for extra support, plus an Internal Velcro Separation System, a 17″ Laptop Sleeve, and a MOLLE System for carrying extra pouches and essential survival gear. Finally, the Velcro front allows you to attach any Velcro-padded gear or patches.   CookingPal Multo – Smart Multi-Functional Cooking System & Food Processor   Priced at $999, cookingpal.com   Make your cooking easier, learn new recipes, and take your cooking skills to the next level with the CookingPal Multo. This smart multi-functional cooking system features 15 different cooking functionalities, which can replace most kitchen appliances and cooking tools, and also includes a Smart Cooking Timer, plus 2 Cleaning Modes. Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, you can control the system remotely, either via its included LCD Smart Kitchen Hub or via the CookingPal App, and there’s also support for voice controls. Best of all, you’ll get access to an ever-expanding digital recipe library that’s updated weekly, and features over 400 smart-guided digital recipes that are all crafted by professional chefs.   For more information, click here. © 2022 Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.

Alien Worlds And Gods Unchained Supremacy As NFT Card Games Is Coming To An End – Cryptonews https://collincountynewsonline.com/alien-worlds-and-gods-unchained-supremacy-as-nft-card-games-is-coming-to-an-end-cryptonews/ Alien Worlds and Gods Unchained have ruled NFT card games for some time now. While Gods Unchained is a top NFT collection by trading volume, Alien Worlds is one of the most trending NFT games out there.  Top NFT collections, 17 Oct 2022, Source: DappRadar  However, their supremacy is coming to an end as a new NFT card game takes charge with gripping game mechanics and lower barriers to entry. As revealed by a rapidly progressing presale, Calvaria will mark the beginning of a new era of card games.  A Crypto Game for Non-crypto Users  There are dozens of NFT card games. But most bite the dust a few days into launch, failing to penetrate the mainstream gaming market. One of the key reasons is the jargon-laced blockchain and crypto narratives that can be a major turn-off for traditional gamers.  This is where Calvaria comes in.  Calvaria: Duels of Eternity The emerging battle card game marks itself off in the packed gaming market by targeting both traditional and crypto gamers. It offers free-to-play and play-to-earn versions, which are customized for both categories of users. That way, it aims to convert traditional gamers into crypto gamers over time, by introducing the benefits of going play-to-earn.  The free-to-play version will be available for download on both Google Play and App Store.  It will give users an opportunity to get acquainted with the game without installing a wallet or purchasing costly NFTs and crypto tokens. Once they’re well-versed in gameplay, they can move to the play-to-earn version. It will help them turn their gaming skills into a source of income with a small initial investment.  Calvaria has launched an attractive giveaway with $100k up for grabs on Gleam to spread the word about the game.   Visit Calvaria Now  Riveting Gaming Mechanics   One of the key features that will establish Calvaria’s supremacy in the coming days is its unique theme. Calvaria is centered around the afterlife. The theme opens a lot of creative possibilities, as it has not been used much in gaming or even popular media.  The main game from Calvaria is Duels of Eternity, which is currently in the development phases. The card game hosts tournaments where the cards represent different characters, each with its own unique sets of abilities. You need to defeat opponents using complex strategies and tactics to win rewards and upgrades. If the gaming mechanics unfold as detailed in the whitepaper, it has the potential to give top NFT games like Alien Worlds and Gods Unchained a run for their money.  It is designed to grab the attention of traditional gamers, not just crypto gamers, who prioritize the earning aspect. Calvaria mini-games are already out. What gives Calvaria high upside potential in 2022, apart from ease of access and addictive gameplay? DAO  Scholarships In-game store  Gamified staking platform with multiple pools.  Experienced team of founders and developers Compelling P2E Opportunities  Calvaria rewards gamers for the time and effort they put into the game and the ecosystem. $RIA token is the fuel of the Calvaria ecosystem. You need $RIA to access all game features and buy an initial deck of cards.  It can also be used to buy cards, upgrades, energy replenishment packs, and more.  If you have idle $RIA holdings, you can stake them in the ecosystem to earn daily passive income rewards. A specific amount of $RIA tokens locked on the staking platform allows users to participate in the governance of the ecosystem.  The presale of $RIA is fast selling out, as a result of the massive traction from crypto investors and gamers alike. Predicted to gain around 30X growth next year, the token is one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy now. Zero vesting adds to the appeal of the presale. The pioneering gaming model introduced by Calvaria has already secured high-profile partnerships with KuCoin, Gate.io, and XT.com to name just a few.  Stage 1 1 USDT = 100 $RIA  Stage 2 1 USDT = 80 $RIA Stage 3 1 USDT = 66 $RIA Calvaria presale overview Join Calvaria Presale

Fitch Says Fed Rate Policy, Inflation To Weigh On U.S. Consumer Health In 2023 – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/fitch-says-fed-rate-policy-inflation-to-weigh-on-u-s-consumer-health-in-2023-reuters/ Oct 18 (Reuters) – Ratings agency Fitch on Tuesday said it expects a strong labor market and consumer demand to cushion the impact of a likely recession in the United States in 2023. The ratings agency said that consumer spending will drive a modest expansion in real GDP for the United States in the second half of 2022, at around 0.3% per quarter. But a slowdown in job growth, rising unemployment, aggressive interest rate policy and higher inflation is likely to take a toll on consumer spending in 2023, Fitch said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com U.S consumer prices rose more than expected in September and underlying inflation pressures continued to build, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver a fourth 75-basis points interest rate hike next month. Despite the continued moderation as supply chains ease and oil prices retreat from the highs seen in the spring, inflation is running way above the Fed’s 2% target. CNN first reported Fitch’s growth forecasts for the United States this year and next. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Akriti Sharma, Shivani Tanna and Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Chizu Nomiyama and Sandra Maler Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

AP Top Technology News At 3:24 P.m. EDT – Federal News Network https://collincountynewsonline.com/ap-top-technology-news-at-324-p-m-edt-federal-news-network/ Amazon workers reject union bid in upstate New York Meta agrees to sell Giphy, ending battle with UK regulators Electric vehicles take center stage at pared-back Paris show German cybersecurity chief out amid reports of Russia ties Take note: Jazz may have lost their hashtag to Apple Kanye West to buy conservative social media platform Parler Semafor news site makes debut, intent on reinventing news Maryland judge strikes… READ MORE Amazon workers reject union bid in upstate New York Meta agrees to sell Giphy, ending battle with UK regulators Electric vehicles take center stage at pared-back Paris show German cybersecurity chief out amid reports of Russia ties Take note: Jazz may have lost their hashtag to Apple Kanye West to buy conservative social media platform Parler Semafor news site makes debut, intent on reinventing news Maryland judge strikes down nation’s first digital ad tax Key witness in Holmes trial affirms testimony against her Germany slaps messaging app Telegram with $5 million fine Copyright © 2022 . All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

7 Cities In Collin County Raised Their Police Budget This Year – Local Profile https://collincountynewsonline.com/7-cities-in-collin-county-raised-their-police-budget-this-year-local-profile/ October opens the new fiscal year and states, and cities across the country are preparing their annual budgets for the upcoming year. This time, this annual process overlaps with the midterm elections in November and government spending tends to be a prominent talking point in the political discourse.  In Texas, support and funding of law enforcement have been central topics for the upcoming elections, with Governor Abbott recently accusing his opponent Beto O’Rourke and other Democratic leaders in the state of trying to defund the police. Yet public budgets of purple and blue cities across the DFW area tell a different story. In Collin County, 7 cities have increased their budgets for law enforcement. The city of Plano’s operating budget for the police sits at over $88 million, which represents 24.5% of the $360 million operating budget making the police force the best-funded functional area of the city. Year-over-year the Plano police budget has increased by almost 8% since the previous fiscal year. In Garland, the proposed budget increases police funds by 8.2%, reaching $67.4 million, some 5.1 million dollars more than the previous year. According to public records, the increase in funding will be used to cover the rise in the cost of body-worn cameras and taser cartridges as well as ballistic shield protection.  The Frisco police department will see its funding increase by 7% from last year, with a budget of $56.3 million, 26% of the city’s general budget, which will cover the hire of 19 new police officers as well as the replacement of patrol equipment. “The addition of these positions will allow the Department to keep staffing in line with city growth and staff new patrol districts that will provide the expected level of service to our citizens and keep response times low,” states the city’s budget presentation. The county seat of  McKinney proposed a 7.8% increase in their law enforcement, with a total of $47.45 million dedicated to the police department for additional equipment and staffing. Following the biggest spenders, we have Carrollton and Allen, with an increase of 3.9% and 8% respectively. In all seven cases, police funding represents between 24 to 27% of the cities’ general budget. The one exception is Richardson, where police funding only represents 10% of the total city funding, even after increasing by 12% from the last fiscal year, the biggest increase in police funding in the county. In case you missed it, here’s Local Profile’s report on the Frisco police warning residents about bizarre robberies.

Housing Strategies For Providers To Better Accommodate Traveling Nurses – MedCity News https://collincountynewsonline.com/housing-strategies-for-providers-to-better-accommodate-traveling-nurses-medcity-news/ Travel nurses have been integral to the pandemic response from the very beginning. Today, amid economic uncertainty and an ongoing nursing shortage, their importance in the greater healthcare landscape remains the same. Regardless of larger market conditions, dedicated healthcare professionals will continue to do important work in communities across the country. Perhaps the pay-boom of the early pandemic is waning, but a critical nomadic workforce dedicated to improving patient outcomes and caring for those in need deserves support. As their wages make headlines, healthcare professionals still face disparity in sourcing adequate housing. Oftentimes responsibility to find housing has fallen on nurses themselves or the staffing firms that recruit them. Firms often leverage housing specialists because placing multiple nurses at once is challenging and time consuming. Additionally, some hospital systems have opted to explore in-house travel nursing programs as a way to more directly recruit nurses Housing is a complex space requiring a high degree of creativity. There are a number of decision points across the selection process, and without concrete, tested experience healthcare systems can run the risk of under-serving nomadic employees. Realizing the best possible housing experience should be the guiding principle for the hospital or health system adopting some form of internal housing support, in addition to partnerships with third-party specialists. Providing travel nurses with a sense of home is paramount to these efforts. Operationalizing this kind of housing structure, however, is an involved process that should be taken seriously. Providers in need of ways to better accommodate traveling nurses should explore the following strategies. Maintaining creativity The travel industry was one of the first to sustain the impact of the pandemic. Ingenuity and creativity supported a number of organizations through those early months. As nurses responded to spikes in Covid cases, and the housing market fluctuated, housing providers were met with an imperative: Accommodate traveling healthcare professionals to support the pandemic response. People, processes, and partnerships were put to the test, and the knowledge base specific to housing established by that experience is not something all current providers have access to. At first glance, housing may seem like a relatively simple process. Organizing accommodations on a larger scale is as much a logistical process as it is a creative one. Nurses have to go where the need is, which at times can place them in areas with limited, or nearly-nonexistent, inventory. Do you have access to the right tools? The ability to adjust on a moment’s notice?The combination of these factors cannot be easily met by every housing solution. Attention to detail From utilities like internet, to furniture, to lease terms, to location-specific needs, the level of coordination a short-term stay requires is immense. The average length of assignment for a travel nurse is just 13 weeks. Housing markets are variable across the country, and healthcare systems are located in rural and metropolitan areas with differing housing inventories. If health systems hope to take on the level of movement and logistics associated with short-term housing, they’ll need to be prepared. Sourcing candidates with prior housing experience is a must, and weathering adaptability when organizing stays will better serve traveling nurses, whose variable needs cannot always be met by more traditional means of corporate housing or by vacation rental properties. Customizing these stays is integral to providing comfortable accommodations. Health systems need to ask, do we have reliable vendor partners? What level of flexibility are we able to provide? Resources on top of reimbursement The structure of these kinds of internal travel nursing programs have yet to be solidified across the industry. As more programs have launched, however, some healthcare systems have indicated reimbursement for lodging will be a primary means of supporting nurses with housing. While this may work for healthcare systems with locations grouped in relatively close proximity, what about more distributed networks? If this structure is based on the distance a nurse will need to travel to qualify, what kind of additional burden does that place on healthcare professionals? In addition to any reimbursement policies, what kind of resources are healthcare systems prepared to offer travel nurses? Ultimately, how providers navigate internal travel nursing programs is at their discretion. However, awareness of the tensions within the housing space will better guide support of incoming nurses. Determining the path forward will require creativity, an attention to detail, and the infrastructure to provide traveling professionals with resources to make informed decisions surrounding housing. Accommodations for a temporary assignment are more than just a place to stay, they’re a place to feel at home. This post appears through the MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers. Click here to find out how. Hear the latest industry news first. Sign up for our daily newsletter. We will never sell or share your information without your consent. See our privacy policy.

Biden Looks To Increase Oil Supplies Ahead Of Midterm Voting – 69News WFMZ-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/biden-looks-to-increase-oil-supplies-ahead-of-midterm-voting-69news-wfmz-tv/ WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden — a president who wants to move past fossil fuels — is rushing to increase oil supplies ahead of next month’s midterm elections. Administration officials have teased that additional oil can be released from the U.S. strategic reserve as part of a response to recent production cuts announced by nations in OPEC+. The prospective loss of 2 million barrels a day — 2% of global supply — has had the White House saying that Saudi Arabia sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin and pledging that there will be consequences for supply cuts that could prop up energy prices. Multiple White House officials say that the U.S. strategic reserve contains roughly 400 million barrels of oil, and Biden could order an additional release as early as Wednesday, when chief of staff Ron Klain said he is set to deliver remarks on his administration’s efforts to lower gas prices. Still, reserves are at their lowest levels since 1984 after Biden in March announced the release of 180 million barrels over six months. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss plans publicly ahead of a White House announcement. Bloomberg News reported Monday that the administration is moving toward an additional release of 10 million to 15 million barrels. That range would not cover even one full day’s use of oil in the U.S., according to the Energy Information Administration. Biden has pledged to speak about his plans to reduce gasoline prices this week. Jared Bernstein, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said that a past release of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve contributed to a decline in prices at the pump this summer. That decline ended last month as prices began to rise again, though they’ve eased somewhat in the past week. Bernstein suggested to Fox News Sunday that the reserve is large enough that the White House could tap it again. “There are still 400 million barrels of oil in the strategic reserve — it is more than half full,” Bernstein said, adding that Biden had not yet made a final decision on releasing more barrels. Biden still faces political headwinds because of gas prices. AAA reports that gas is averaging $3.87 a gallon, up from a month ago when falling prices at the pump suggested that the president and his fellow Democrats were faring better in surveys. An analysis Monday by ClearView Energy Partners, an independent energy research firm based in Washington, D.C., suggested that two states that could decide control of the evenly split Senate — Nevada and Pennsylvania — are sensitive to energy prices. The analysis noted that gas prices over the past month rose above the national average in 18 states, which are home to 29 potentially “at risk” House seats. Even if voters want cheaper gasoline, expected gains in supply are not materializing because of a weaker global economy. The U.S. government last week revised downward its forecasts, saying that domestic firms would produce 270,000 fewer barrels a day in 2023 than was forecast in September. Global production would be 600,000 barrels a day lower than forecast in September. Because fossil fuels lead to carbon emissions, Biden has sought to move away from them entirely with a commitment to zero emissions by 2050. When discussing that commitment nearly a year ago after the G-20 leading rich and developing nations met in Rome, the president said he still wanted to also lower gas prices because at “$3.35 a gallon, it has profound impact on working-class families just to get back and forth to work.” Since Biden spoke of the pain of gas $3.35 a gallon about 11 months ago and his hopes to reduce costs, the price has risen another 15.5%. Follow AP’s coverage of the 2022 midterms: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.