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Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Approves New Guidance Around Opening Hot Food Takeaways Across The District – Dewsbury Reporter https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/kirklees-councils-cabinet-approves-new-guidance-around-opening-hot-food-takeaways-across-the-district-dewsbury-reporter/ It will provide support to applicants who are hoping to open a new business premises of this type in the borough, by guiding them through all the relevant issues that might affect their application. The proposed changes will affect the locations where planning permission can be granted for hot food takeaways. The new rules will generally apply to proposals for brand new hot food takeaways as opposed to existing ones. However, there are instances where they will impact takeaways already trading in hot food. The guidance has been approved to help improve the health and well-being of residents across Kirklees. Coun Graham Turner, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “We want to develop policies which will work for Kirklees as a whole, helping revitalise our high streets. “The distribution of businesses has huge power to affect an area’s overall offering, and the wellbeing of those who live and work there. “With this new guidance, our aim is to help the local takeaway industry thrive, without perpetuating some of the negative impacts we’re currently seeing on local communities. “We’ll be providing the best possible guidance for anyone looking to make a planning application, being clear about our policies but also clearly laying out the pathways to success.” The guidance is in line with the overall Council Plan, the Kirklees Health and Wellbeing Plan, and the Healthy Weight Declaration. One of the main aims of these changes is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Kirklees residents. The supplementary planning document includes new guidance around selling takeaway hot food near schools, which is particularly important in Kirklees, as around one in four reception-age children are clinically overweight. As well as health impacts, the new guidance recognises the large role of hot food takeaways in town centres and other key areas across Kirklees, and the need for these areas to offer variety for residents, visitors and businesses. By limiting the number of businesses of this type in one area, Kirklees Council can further promote vibrant, varied town centres with a wide range of businesses and offerings. The council also aims to limit the impact of hot food takeaways on people living and working in the district by providing guidance on issues relating to highway safety, noise and odours, waste disposal and community safety. Coun Musarrat Khan, cabinet member for health and social care, added: “The health and wellbeing of residents is, as always, the council’s top priority. “By encouraging businesses to offer more healthy menus and normalising healthier eating, we can increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of serious illness. “Where we can do more to encourage healthy living, we have that responsibility. “This is particularly crucial when thinking about our children in Kirklees. Over the last few decades, so much has been done to make sure children eat healthily while they’re in school – we should be thinking more widely and extending this to the environment beyond our local schools. “We have a responsibility to tackle growing childhood obesity rates in every way we can.” Now that the Hot Food Takeaway supplementary planning document has been approved, this guidance will be adopted going forward and will apply to all future planning applications around hot food takeaways in Kirklees.

Ohio Vs. Fordham: How To Watch Live Stream, TV Channel, NCAA Football Start Time – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ohio-vs-fordham-how-to-watch-live-stream-tv-channel-ncaa-football-start-time-cbs-sports/ Who’s Playing Fordham @ Ohio Current Records: Fordham 3-0; Ohio 1-2 What to Know Considering their sizeable disadvantage in the spread, the Fordham Rams can expect to have a real challenge on their hands Saturday. They will square off against the Ohio Bobcats on the road at 2 p.m. ET at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium. The Rams know how to get points on the board — the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past three matchups — so hopefully Ohio likes a good challenge. It was a close one, but last week Fordham sidestepped the Albany Great Danes for a 48-45 win. Yes, you read that final score correctly. And yes, they were playing football. Meanwhile, the afternoon started off rough for Ohio last week, and it ended that way, too. They suffered a grim 43-10 defeat to the Iowa State Cyclones. Ohio was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 30-3. QB Kurtis Rourke had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball once with only 194 yards passing. Fordham’s victory lifted them to 3-0 while Ohio’s defeat dropped them down to 1-2. Giving up four turnovers, Ohio had had trouble holding onto the ball. We’ll see if the Rams can exploit that vulnerability. How To Watch When: Saturday at 2 p.m. ET Where: Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium — Athens, Ohio TV: ESPN Plus Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Follow: CBS Sports App Ticket Cost: $36.30 Odds The Bobcats are a big 16.5-point favorite against the Rams, according to the latest college football odds. The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 16.5-point spread, and stayed right there. Over/Under: -111 See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now. Series History This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last seven years.

Global Experts In Dubai To Demystify The Metaverse, Unveil Its Power To Revolutionise Services – Gulf News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/global-experts-in-dubai-to-demystify-the-metaverse-unveil-its-power-to-revolutionise-services-gulf-news/ Dubai: The inaugural Dubai Metaverse Assembly will bring together over 300 regional and international experts who will discuss the potential applications of metaverse and its impact on humanity at Dubai Future Museum on September 28 and 29. Organised by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the two-day global event will dive deep on the experiences or key sectors such as aviation, logistics, retail, education and healthcare. Local and international experts will also talk about the world’s readiness for metaverse and how it can improve services and enhance the quality of human life. Hamad Al Shirawi There are pressing questions about the metaverse. Many do not understand how it will progress or how it can change the world. To get a preview of the upcoming Dubai Metaverse Assembly, Gulf News spoke with Hamad Al Shirawi, director of Dubai Metaverse Assembly, who also shared his insights on Dubai’s role in advancing the understanding of metaverse and its applications. Here are excerpts of the interview with Al Shirawi: Platform for pioneers and experts “Dubai Metaverse Assembly is part of DFF’s effort to address latest trends and understand their implications and uses, as well as provide a global platform for dialogues and knowledge exchange focusing on the future of humanity. We aim to facilitate synergy amongst various entities, global organisations and industry experts, to identify the challenges and opportunities that the future holds, to explore its potential, and to develop action plans to address them. “The event will explore how this revolutionary technology can be deployed across vital sectors to create a better future and quality of life for humanity. What is the metaverse? Metaverse is an online, 3D, virtual universe connecting users in almost all aspects of their lives. It connects multiple platforms – like the internet containing different websites – and made accessible through a single portal. The metaverse is not yet fully in existence but it dubbed as the future iteration of the internet that will allow users – through their avatars – to work, meet, game, and socialise in these 3D virtual spaces. One can think of online network games where players from around the world play the same game together as a simple example of the metaverse. “The announcement of the Dubai Metaverse Assembly follows the launch of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global capital of advances technologies by investing in promising economic opportunities, adopting, and deploying Metaverse technology, and developing digital infrastructure that supports global transformations and the digital economy. Impact on humanity “Experts believe that the metaverse could enable humanity to redefine how business is done. This is very exciting. The potential impact of the metaverse extends well beyond business, and humans stand a lot to gain from a social perspective. “Metaverse can provide a shared environment and economy for everyone, regardless of their location. Humans around the world can become connected like never before. “Virtually every sector will benefit from metaverse technologies. These technologies will pave the way for smart societies of the future, digital government services, improved research and studies, better consumer experiences, enhanced e-learning tools and specialised training. This is just a handful of areas which can be transformed by the immersive worlds of the metaverse. “The economic opportunities are similarly significant. Metaverse will provide integrated digital shopping experiences, open new horizons in e-gaming and entertainment, and create promising opportunities for broader uses of blockchain technologies, non-fungible assets and digital assets in general. What to expect at Dubai Metaverse Assembly “The assembly’s programme includes three main tracks – Educate, Inspire, and Contribute. The Educate track will consist of in-depth keynotes and panels on metaverse. Inspire track will showcase immersive experiences and Contribute track will include closed workshops. A promotional visual depicting the upcoming assembly in Dubai Image Credit: Supplied “Here are a few sneak peeks: Topics will include the future of gaming, the future of nations, the role of government, and building the backbone for Web 3.0 technologies. Speakers will include world-leading experts, futurists, and innovators – individuals from leading organisations such as the World Economic Forum, Meta, Mastercard, Binance, Accenture, SandBox, Polygon and others who are all at the vanguard of this momentous technological revolution. Role of Dubai in advancing metaverse “Dubai is well-positioned to discuss the metaverse and create the groundwork for harnessing its full potential. Dubai Metaverse Strategy aims to turn Dubai into one of the world’s top 10 metaverse economies as well as a global hub for the metaverse community. “The strategy aims to build on Dubai’s achievement of attracting more than 1,000 companies operating in blockchain and the metaverse. It also promotes Dubai’s ambitions to support more than 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030. This will further boost Dubai’s economy and support the UAE government’s vision of increasing the number of blockchain companies five-fold as part of its efforts to create a digital economy. “The UAE is already home to some 1,000 companies operating in blockchain and metaverse. Dubai is at the heart of this ecosystem and will continue to provide an environment in which companies in this space can thrive.”

Apple IPhone 14 Pro Max Review: As Good As A Pro IPhone Can Get For Another Year – XDA Developers https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-review-as-good-as-a-pro-iphone-can-get-for-another-year-xda-developers/ Apple has been launching “Pro” iPhones since 2019’s iPhone 11 series, but it wasn’t until this year’s iPhone 14 Pro phones did it really put meaningful separation between the Pro and non-Pro iPhones. Some of this separation is due to true innovation: the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduce a whole new user interface that has generated discourse through the tech industry over the past couple of weeks, and will very likely inspire sweeping changes to Android phones’ UI in the near future. The Pro iPhones also introduce the most pixel-dense camera ever to an iPhone, one that opens up a new optical zoom length and raises the ceiling for what professionals can do in terms of photo editing. The other separation factor, however, is due to cut-throat business tactics: Apple decided to recycle last year’s silicon for the standard iPhone 14 devices, so only the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max get the new A16 Bionic chip. These decisions should make the Pro iPhones more popular than in previous years, and the good thing for consumers is, Apple has mostly delivered on the hype. I’ve been using the iPhone 14 Pro Max for eight days, and this is easily the best iPhone Apple has released in a while, and the one most deserving of the “Pro” moniker. The big question for me, however, is if it improves enough to sway me from my preference for Android and foldable phones. By the way: other than screen and battery sizes, both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are identical. So even though I have only tested the 14 Pro Max, most of this review applies to the smaller iPhone 14 Pro too. Navigate this review: Price and Availability Specifications Design and Hardware Display The literal “always on” display Silicon: A16 Bionic The SIM tray (or lack thereof) Software Dynamic Island Cameras What’s new with the cameras? Three lenses, four focal lengths How much better are the iPhone 14 Pro Max cameras compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max cameras? Shooting in ProRAW Portraits Action Mode and stabilization Selfies Camera Conclusion Performance, Battery Life, and Charging Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max the right smartphone for you? Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max: Price and Availability The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, along with the standard iPhone 14, are available now at Apple Stores and retailers around the world. Pricing is below, but there are always deals to be found from various retailers. iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099 for 128GB storage and up to $1,599 for 1TB storage iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB storage and up to $1,499 for 1TB storage iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max: Specifications iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max Processor A16 Bionic chip A16 Bionic chip Body 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm 206 g 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm 240 g Display 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display 2556‑by‑1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Support for HDR, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone technology, Always-On Display, Dynamic Island, and 2,000 nits max brightness. 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display 2796‑by‑1290-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Support for HDR, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone technology, Always-On Display, Dynamic Island, and 2,000 nits max brightness. Cameras Pro rear camera system: Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78 Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2 Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/1.78 TrueDepth front camera: 12MP, ƒ/1.9 Pro rear camera system: Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78 Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2 Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/1.78 TrueDepth front camera: 12MP, ƒ/1.9 Memory 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB Battery Up to 75 hours of audio playback Up to 95 hours of audio playback Connectivity 5G Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 5G Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Resistance IP68 IP68 Security Face ID Face ID OS iOS 16 iOS 16 Colors Space Black Silver Gold Deep Purple Space Black Silver Gold Deep Purple Material Glass back Stainless steel frame Glass back Stainless steel frame Price Starts at $999 Starts at $1,099 About this review: Apple provided me with an iPhone 14 Pro Max to test. The company did not have any input in this article. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: Design and Hardware Virtually same size, construction, and in-hand feel as iPhone 13 Pro Max The brightest screen in the industry — perfectly usable even under the harshest sunlight Even though the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings several significant hardware improvements over the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the new phone looks and feels remarkably similar to the last generation. Overall dimensions are virtually identical save for a few millimeters and grams, and the same “Ceramic Shield” (reinforced glass) and stainless steel sides wrap around the new model. All the buttons and the alert slider are in the same spots as before. In other words, if you’ve held or seen up close an iPhone 13 Pro Max (heck, even an iPhone 12 Pro Max), the 14 Pro Max will feel very familiar. At 240g and measuring 77.6mm (a bit over three inches) wide, this is objectively a big phone, and because of the hard flat sides, it’s even more unwieldy to hold than, say, a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. If you are considering the 14 Pro Max but have not held the 12 or 13 Pro Max before, I’d recommend checking the device out in stores to decide if you can handle the bulk. If not, the standard iPhone 14 Pro is more manageable with a weight of 206g and 71.5mm (roughly 2.8-inches) wide. Do note the flat sides with sharp corners will dig into you palm, so I’d recommend using this phone with a good case. The biggest visual change, of course, is the much-discussed pill-shaped cutout, which replaces the notch as a means to house Apple’s TrueDepth camera system. By now almost everyone reading this would know Apple has designed an interactive UI named “Dynamic Island” that gives off the illusion that the cutout can change shapes and sizes. Dynamic Island is more of a software feature, so I’ll discuss this in the appropriate section further down. Display The 6.7-inch OLED display is noticeably brighter this year, with the ability to get up to 2,000 nits in brightness. This is the brightest display in any smartphone yet, and it’s so bright that when you’re using it indoors, you probably won’t need to go above 25% brightness. For most of these product shots, I actually had to lower screen brightness to 10-15% just to ensure the screen wouldn’t appear blown out (too bright) in photos. This is the brightest display in any smartphone yet The switch from the notch to the island cutout means the interruption in the screen is different from before. Some people, like my colleague Karthik, argue having a floating island that actually sits further down the screen than the notch is more distracting than before. I don’t disagree with him, but for some reason, I think a separated island cutout feels cleaner than a notch that connects to the top bezel. The literal “always on” display The iPhone 13 Pro phones had already made the switch to an LTPO panel which means the refresh rate can dynamically adjust itself to conserve energy. But Apple says this year’s Pro screens got even better at conserving energy, which allowed the company to finally introduce an Always-On Display (AOD). On Android, the AOD (first introduced to modern Android phones in 2016’s LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S7) is almost always a black screen with text for time, notification icons, and maybe a bit more information like the next event on your calendar. Oppo’s ColorOS 13 has added some flair to the AOD by giving it a more colorful layout with full music player controls, but fundamentally, it’s still a minimal black screen with only bits of crucial information on display. Apple’s take on this? It is to take the “Always-On” part literally: your entire lockscreen just dims a bit when the phone is locked and not in use. You can still clearly see the wallpaper and whatever widgets you’ve chosen for the lockscreen. That Apple can do this without negatively impacting the iPhone 14 Pro phone’s battery is an impressive technical feat — it’s not just that the LTPO panel can get as low as 1Hz — plenty of Android phone screens can do this too — it’s also that Apple has dedicated a small part of its A16 Bionic processor to controlling the AOD. Apple even has built-in smart features that will automatically turn off the screen entirely if the iPhone owner is wearing an Apple Watch and has left the room in which the iPhone rests. However technically impressive it is, I am not a fan of the AOD being this always on. To have the wallpaper visible, and even album cover art if you last had Spotify or Apple Music opened is a bit distracting for me. For example, if I’m watching a movie in a dark room and my phone is face up, I would still be able to see my wallpaper and widgets in my peripheral vision. The photo below? That’s the AOD at work — the phone was locked when the photo was snapped. This is also an Always-On Display on a sleeping iPhone 14 Pro Max. Silicon: A16 Bionic The iPhone 14 Pro Max runs on the Apple A16 Bionic, it’s a 4nm, six-core SoC with 16 billion transistors (1 billion more than the A15 Bionic), and it is simply the most powerful chip in mobile, beating anything in Android, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. The A16 Bionic consists of two performance cores and four efficiency cores, with a five-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. Perhaps more importantly, Apple increased the GPU’s memory bandwidth by 50%, which helps the new ISP (image signal processor). What does this all mean in real-world usage? To be honest, for most normal smartphone users, it does not mean all that much. We are at a point where mobile silicon has gotten more than powerful enough for most people. If you’re like most people whose smartphone u...

How Crypto Is Playing A Role In Increasing Healthy Human Lifespans – Cointelegraph https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/how-crypto-is-playing-a-role-in-increasing-healthy-human-lifespans-cointelegraph/ It’s a question that’s infatuated scientists for decades: how can we prolong life expectancy — giving humans everywhere more years of good health? This field is known as longevity science, and within this industry, experts argue care which regards ageing as a normal but treatable ailment are rare — and of the approaches available, they can only be accessed by those who are highly educated and privileged. Just some of the key tenets that govern this approach to medicine involve therapeutics, personalized medicine, predictive diagnostics and artificial intelligence. The goal is to eliminate a “one size fits all” attitude toward treatment, and ensure that therapies are customized to an individual’s unique medical profile. This can matter in many different ways — to the best method for tackling cancer, to the food we eat and our risk of heart disease. And while predictive diagnostics offers an existing way of unlocking better patient outcomes, this often hinges upon using large amounts of anonymized data to determine what’s happened in the past, and how greater levels of success are achieved in the future. Bizarrely, there are parallels between cryptocurrencies and longevity science. You could argue that this approach to medicine is currently where digital assets were back in 2013 — a time when crypto discussion was confined to online message boards, niche group chats and convoluted whitepapers. Longevity researchers are excitedly sharing their findings with one another — and collaboration is taking place across sectors. Experts are keen to ensure that anyone with an interest in this nascent field can get involved and contribute. Educating the masses As in the crypto industry, a big challenge that longevity science faces is education — and simply explaining this concept to the public. This is a journey that takes time, effort, money and patience. Because of this, a dedicated event has been established so this cutting-edge concept can be discussed in an open forum. The Longevity Investors Conference is set to take place in Switzerland from Sept. 28-30. It’s being sponsored by Credit Suisse, and tickets can be paid for in cryptocurrency. It’s being organized by Marc P. Bernegger. He’s a founding partner of Maximon — a Swiss company that invests and builds in longevity-focused companies. Bernegger explored Bitcoin in 2012 and told Cointelegraph: “There is room for everyone. We can all travel the same path but take different approaches. It’s still the same narrative.” Just some of the items on the agenda include exploring the scientific meaning of longevity — and how this will affect individuals around the world in the long run. Discussions will also be held on how to cultivate investment in this fledgling space, and according to Bernegger, this is a field that’s of great interest to crypto enthusiasts. The conference aims to build bridges, and highlight how scientists play a vital role in ensuring that we can all benefit from longer lifespans and a healthy retirement. While there are business opportunities to be found, investors face a challenge because they’re not from a scientific background. Likewise, bright minds often need an entrepreneurial perspective in order to bring their genius concepts to market. Bernegger added: “There are a number of different perspectives — the entrepreneurs, the scientists, investors who bring money. They need a combination of everything. This sector appreciates new players. The more money there is, the more smart and serious people you have, the better. The industry is still finding itself. It is accessible now, and people are happy to help.” Why crypto is a good match It’s the science element that’s attracting early adopters of cryptocurrency to this space. The reason is simple: because many of these enthusiasts are forward looking, open minded and technology driven. Describing the initial days of crypto, Bernegger explained: “They were all in for the technology. It was not just speculative. They saw the potential of a peer-to-peer solution, and now they see the potential with regard to ageing.”  Indeed, blockchain technology also has the potential to enhance the quest to achieve longevity. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have already been established that are funding research to support and commercialize therapeutics. This approach also ensures that donors can vote on the future direction of research projects. Even though the bear market has cast a long shadow over the crypto sector, many of those in this industry are firmly in the “BUIDL” phase. They’re using this opportunity to innovate, cultivate new products, and develop the trends that will drive the next bull run. Longevity science can be one of them — and according to Bernegger, pioneers know that paying close attention to health is far more important than the value of any token.  We already know that the rate of ageing can be controlled, to some extent, by genetic pathways and biochemical processes. But in the coming decades, there are still so many questions to be answered — and dots to be connected — in the quest to improve our quality of life, and ensure that anyone can access it.  The Longevity Investors Conference says attendance will be strictly limited to 100 hand-picked delegates, and they’ll be able to benefit from the insights of over 30 outstanding speakers. It’s a compelling opportunity to get to know the industry inside and out, all while establishing meaningful contacts with the best people in the field. It’s going to take place in Gstaad, one of the most exclusive Swiss mountain resorts, in a “one-of-a-kind setting” within a plush, five-star hotel, and world-class speakers flying in to attend and present. This includes members of the Longevity Science Foundation Visonary Board.. This nonprofit recently entered into a partnership with The Giving Block — tapping into a vital stream of crypto philanthropy. If you want to know how to add years to your life, and life to your years, this could be the most important conference you ever attend. Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.

U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores Says She Fired Aide After Sexual Harassment Allegations – The Texas Tribune https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-rep-mayra-flores-says-she-fired-aide-after-sexual-harassment-allegations-the-texas-tribune/ Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, said Saturday that she fired a former staffer after he was accused of sexual harassment, though her campaign previously said he had resigned. Aron Peña, who served as district director for the newest Texas Republican in Congress, left the campaign after far-right website Current Revolt and Texas Public Radio reported on sexual harassment allegations against him spanning decades. The Texas Tribune also reported earlier this month that the Texas Republican Party had investigated Peña over sexual harassment allegations and that he was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. Peña dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, but Flores’ campaign called the accusations “serious and not a reflection of our values” in response to the Tribune’s reporting. In response to a question Saturday at The Texas Tribune Festival on workplace sexual harassment in politics, Flores said Peña had been fired. “First thing we were made notified, he was gone,” Flores said. “We will not tolerate any of that behavior.” Flores spokesperson Daniel Bucheli previously told the Tribune in a statement, “We addressed the allegations as soon as we were made aware, and Mr. Peña resigned.” Peña did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Flores’ Saturday remarks. Speaking of sexual harassers, Flores said, “We fire them. My opponent hires them” — an apparent dig at U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Flores’ opponent in her competitive race for the 34th Congressional Sistrict. Gonzalez came under fire after his campaign paid for advertising on a Texas political blog that employed racist and sexist language to describe Flores. Gonzalez denied knowing about the blog content at the time and vowed not to give it any more campaign money. Flores has since insisted that Gonzalez hired the blogger to sexually harass her with racist tropes. Flores was speaking at a panel with U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, and Texas Monthly editor Jack Herrera on Republican gains in the traditionally Democratic stronghold of South Texas. National Republicans are zeroing in on the region as rich fodder for new GOP seats, tapping into the area’s economic concerns, conservative social values and proximity to the border. Disclosure: Texas Monthly has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The Texas Tribune Festival is here! Happening Sept. 22-24 in downtown Austin, this year’s TribFest features more than 25 virtual conversations with guests like Eric Adams, Pete Souza, Jason Kander and many others. After they air for ticket holders, anyone can watch these events at the Tribune’s Festival news page. Catch up on the latest news and free sessions from TribFest.

Homeowners Can Use Rebates, Tax Credits To Cut Emissions, But Does Technology Hold Up In Minnesota Winters? – The Bemidji Pioneer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/homeowners-can-use-rebates-tax-credits-to-cut-emissions-but-does-technology-hold-up-in-minnesota-winters-the-bemidji-pioneer/ Lucy Grina and Mike Overend talk about some of the steps they have taken to save energy at their Two Harbors home Sept. 7. They installed solar panels in 2018 and 2019. Over the past year, the panels generated 26.1 megawatt hours of electricity, while their house consumed just 13.9. Steve Kuchera / Duluth News Tribune TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Michael Overend and Lucy Grina admit their home was in rough shape. Built in 1965, the home was inefficient and drafty. But with retirement on the horizon, the now-retired veterinarians and former owners of Lake County Veterinary Clinic wondered if they should stay and renovate or sell it and move. “We were feeling extreme guilt about just the fact that all this energy was pouring out of our windows, siding,” Grina said. “We had to do something to prevent that.” They chose to stay, and in 2019 enlisted the help of Duluth designer and licensed Wisconsin architect Rachel Wagner of Through Design on a deep energy retrofit of their house. Over the course of 2020, all of their windows were replaced with triple-pane windows; several inches of insulation was added to the exterior; and spray foam and blown-in insulation were added to the attic to prevent air and heat loss. They also renovated their kitchen and added new siding, among other upgrades. All that work sealing and blanketing the house meant the home could be heated with two air-source heat pumps, highly efficient electric heaters and air conditioners. And because none of the home’s appliances burn gas, it’s not producing emissions. Overall electricity usage dropped 42% once the project was complete. With solar panels installed already on the property, the fully electrified home generates more electricity than it uses over the course of a year, meaning they actually get paid for returning power to the grid. The entire project cost more than $300,000, but the two — both volunteers with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby — are hoping a recently passed federal law will help homeowners afford similar upgrades, even if the upgrades are made at a more gradual pace. Mike Overend stands in front of an air-to-air heat exchanger while talking to a visitor in his Two Harbors house Sept. 7. Steve Kuchera / Duluth News Tribune It’s coming in the form of the Inflation Reduction Act , a wide-ranging law that, among other goals, seeks to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. “Solar, wind, heat pumps — all of these things that have been developed — they’re so cheap now,” Overend said. “We have another way to deal with climate, and that is we can offer major incentives for people to make this change to a new renewable energy future.” For homeowners, the law means rebates and tax credits for a number of energy-efficiency upgrades: 30% tax credits on rooftop solar, geothermal heating and battery storage installation. Up to $2,000 tax credit for installation of heat pump heater/air conditioner or water heater. $8,000 rebate for achieving a 35% energy reduction and a $4,000 rebate for achieving a 15% energy reduction. Upfront discounts (based on income) for electric panels, basic weatherization, heat pumps, electric stoves and other energy-efficient upgrades. Tax credits of $7,500 to purchase a new electric vehicle or $4,000 to buy a used electric vehicle. Information on how to get the rebates is still in the works. But energy nonprofit Rewiring America launched a calculator at rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator to gauge what types of rebates and tax credits you’ll likely qualify for. The bill is projected to spur growth in clean energy jobs. In a study, the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found the Inflation Reduction Act could create 9 million jobs over a 10-year period. More than 900,000 of those jobs will be thanks to energy-efficient building tax credits, home energy rebates and retrofits of affordable housing. The study was commissioned by the Bluegreen Alliance, a coalition of environmental groups and labor unions. Locally, homeowners taking advantage of the tax credits and rebates could lead to higher demand from installers. John Hageman, office manager at Wolf Track Energy, a Two Harbors-based installer of backup battery systems, electric vehicle chargers and residential and commercial solar arrays, said the company was already growing — and was expecting to grow into the future. An aerial photograph shows the nine-panel, 3.3-kilowatt solar cell array on Nathan Hoist’s Duluth home. It was installed by Wolf Track Energy. Steve Kuchera / 2021 file / Duluth News Tribune Then, last month, the bill became law. It could boost that growth even more, he said. “It’s definitely going to help us,” Hageman said. Wolf Track is not alone. SolarReviews, an informational website on solar, surveyed almost 3,300 solar installation companies and found 95% of them expected their business to grow because of the IRA. Additionally, there could be a jump from 230,000 people working in residential solar to 340,400 in the next five years — “a 148% increase in solar jobs from installation companies alone,” SolarReviews said. Hageman isn’t sure exactly how the bill will affect the company, but said it offers customers certainty that they can take advantage of tax credit solar credits well into the future. That’s because before the law was signed, the residential solar tax credit sat at 26% and was set to fall to 22% next year before expiring in 2024. But now, the credit is back up to 30% where it will remain for a decade. “It offers predictability knowing that this tax credit is going to be incentivizing people for the next decade or so,” Hageman said Heat pumps — so hot right now There’s one appliance that qualifies for rebates and tax credits in the law getting a lot of attention right now: air-source heat pumps. With recent advancements, the electric-powered units can both heat homes in frigid climates and cool homes in hot summers. And they’re far more efficient than other forms of electric heat, namely electric resistance baseboards. And, because they don’t burn fossil fuels like a traditional natural gas, propane or oil furnace, they are being pushed as a piece in the ongoing effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels amid worsening climate change. Mike Overend and Lucy Grina stand Sept. 7 near one of the two heat pumps they installed at their Two Harbors home. The federal inflation reduction act presents up to $8,000 in rebates for heat pumps, which heat homes by efficiently using electricity to pull heat from the outside air. Steve Kuchera / Duluth News Tribune The new law heavily incentivizes buying and installing heat pumps. Medium- to low-income households will be able to apply for up to $8,000 in an upfront discount and everyone, regardless of income, can get a 30% tax credit for heat pumps capped at $2,000 per year. According to homeadvisor.com , a heat pump can cost $4,200-$7,400. The bill’s incentives have Andrew Ronding considering a heat pump as the next energy upgrade to his Duluth Heights neighborhood home. He’s already added 26 solar panels to the roof of his house and garage. Now he’s thinking that when his natural gas furnace needs to be replaced, he’ll swap it out with a heat pump. “It costs more to run the furnace, both environmentally and economically, so (I’m) kind of weighing those two to figure out, at what point should it be replaced with something that’s more efficient?” Ronding said. The tax credit made available through the law, he said, could speed up that replacement. But do they work in the cold? Air-source heat pumps aren’t new. They’re basically air conditioners that run in reverse to heat a home, transferring heat from outside air to a home’s inside (they can also just run as an air conditioner to cool a home). They’re common in warmer climates, but they hadn’t caught on in cold climates where temperatures regularly fall below zero degrees. Then, about a decade ago, technology improved enough that they could operate in negative temperatures, said Ben Schoenbauer, assistant director of research at the Center for Energy and Environment, a Twin Cities-based clean energy nonprofit. Because heat pumps move — not make — heat, they can still find heat in the air even in negative temperatures and move it to the inside. “We have put systems up by Lutsen. … I have documented performance of those systems running at negative 25 degrees out and delivering heat to the space,” Schoenbauer said. “It’s not as efficient as it was at warmer temperatures, and it doesn’t deliver as much heat, so there are trade offs.” At a moderate temperature, heat pumps can reach 500% efficiency, but as temperatures drop they go down to nearly 100% efficiency, Schoenbauer said. That’s why he recommends supplemental and backup heat sources. Some have additional supplemental heat sources turned on when it drops below a certain temperature outside. Others have systems that can be programmed to switch over to a home’s other heat source, like a natural gas furnace, if conditions mean it would be cheaper to use fuel instead of electricity as a heat source. And heat pumps can be added to a utility company’s dual-fuel program, which allows the company to shut it down when the electricity demand is high and stresses the system, making the home use its other heating source instead. Doing so usually means a lower electricity rate to power the heat pump. As part of their renovation, Overend and Grina installed two heat pumps in their home: one through traditional ducts and the other ductless. Mike Overend stands near one of the four radiant heaters in his house...

Did You Know Gaming Tackles Pokémon’s Lost Gray & Z Versions – GoNintendo https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/did-you-know-gaming-tackles-pokemons-lost-gray-z-versions-gonintendo/ The Pokémon series has seen a lot of different versions released over the years, but not all of Gamefreak’s plans for the series came to fruition. Two long rumored titles were never released: Pokémon Gray on the DS, and Pokémon Z on the 3DS. Whether or not these games even existed or what they would’ve contained has been a mystery for a long time. Now, Did You Know Gaming has released a new video digging into the mystery of these two titles in depth. They’ve dug up and translated Japanese gaming magazines with interviews and articles to try to get to the bottom of things. This thirty minute video is apparently the result of hundreds of hours of research. It should be a must watch for Pokémon fans!

Economic Development And Tourism Showcase Ridgely Treats | Business | Stardem.com – The Star Democrat https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/economic-development-and-tourism-showcase-ridgely-treats-business-stardem-com-the-star-democrat/ Angela Price Sep 24, 2022 10 hrs ago 0 Crabby Pecans were a hit at the Taste of Maryland. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO RIDGELY — Every August, Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism head to the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference to represent Caroline County at this educational and networking conference. The event includes the Taste of Maryland Reception, where exhibitors offer tasting samples of all things Maryland. Caroline County partnered with Shore Sweet Treats & Gifts of Ridgely to offer samples of their locally crafted, artisan nuts. 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. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left.

Uniworld Is Accelerating Its Partnership With Luxury Rail Operator Golden Eagle – Travel Weekly https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/uniworld-is-accelerating-its-partnership-with-luxury-rail-operator-golden-eagle-travel-weekly/ Uniworld Boutique River Cruises added a second cruise and rail itinerary in Europe this year, a combination that is growing in popularity for travelers in Europe but is so far offered by few river cruise lines. Uniworld, finding success with its Cruise & Rail program and its partnership with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, launched a new itinerary this year, Castles of Transylvania & Enchanting Danube, with two departures — one lasting 12 days, the other 13 — that enable guests to explore parts of Eastern Europe. The Cruise & Rail program was launched by the line in 2021, prompted by its desire to diversify its offerings and offer guests more of Europe.  Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge said its partnership with Golden Eagle was a fresh, new way to give guests the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations across several countries in one trip with various modes of transport. “Every year, we focus on innovation in the river cruise space,” Bettridge said of how its partnership with Golden Eagle developed. “To bring this programming to life, we needed a partner that aligned with our five-star standards, and we’re fortunate to find that in Golden Eagle Luxury Trains through existing industry relationships.” Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo What sets Uniworld’s itineraries apart is that the rail journey is part of the trip itself rather than a pre- or post-river cruise extension. Continue Reading Even though there are a variety of luxury rail options, from day trains to overnight sleepers located in the destinations Uniworld sails globally — such as India and Peru — Uniworld said Europe was the obvious, and best choice, for the company to lean into its rail venture. “The region that we’re most familiar with, Europe, was the perfect place to start,” said Bettridge, adding that the first Cruise & Rail itineraries complemented the line’s newly transformed S.S. La Venezia, venturing to destinations that Uniworld had not visited before. But the benefits of cruise and rail combinations don’t merely extend to the scenic advantage of seeing destinations beyond the rivers. Cruise and rail options can also be a practical alternative in an increasingly warmer and changing climate. Low water levels plagued nearly all river cruise lines sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers from late July through most of August. Excessive heat and drought conditions depleted waters to unnavigable levels along some stretches of the rivers. Late-summer rain eventually helped replenish the rivers to navigable levels, but not before many cruise departures were canceled, delayed or modified.  Cruise & Rail, Bettridge said, “enables us to appeal to a wide range of travelers, offer a product unlike anything else on the market and adapt when necessary.”  Luxury train add-on is popular Uniworld is among the few river cruise companies to embed a rail trip within an existing cruise itinerary that isn’t part of a pre- or post-cruise extension package. On most lines, travelers have to independently book a luxury rail component, which suppliers say is increasingly popular. “We’re doing tons of pre- and post-river cruise trips this year,” said Frank Marini, CEO of Railbookers Group, a rail vacation packager that specializes in customizable FIT itineraries. “There are a lot in Switzerland — that’s a big piece of where we’re seeing these pre- and post-river cruise trips travelers are taking.” Most river cruises that travel to Switzerland typically begin or end in Basel, located on the Rhine, and transfer by coach or rail to begin a rail journey. Uniworld’s initial itinerary, with its 14-day Milan, Venice & the Swiss Alps and 12-day Venice & the Swiss Alps departures, starts or ends its Golden Eagle train experience in Zurich. The 13-day version of the company’s newest Cruise & Rail itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Budapest, followed by four nights on the Golden Eagle train and then a return to Budapest to embark on a seven-day river cruise on the Danube through Austria and before ending in Passau, Germany. The 12-day Enchanting Danube & Castles of Transylvania travels in the opposite direction and does not include an overnight stay in Budapest.

VIETNAM BUSINESS NEWS SEPTEMBER 24 – VietNamNet https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/vietnam-business-news-september-24-vietnamnet/ Transportation charges continue falling The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has proposed cutting some transportation fees by 50% in a draft circular detailing the collection rates of fees and charges in the transportation sector. The proposed collection rates which apply to the tonnage fees and maritime safety assurance charge, charge for entering or leaving seaports for inland maritime activities, will be 80% of the current rates as provided in Circular 261/2016/TT-BTC. Charges for the use of railway infrastructure are proposed to enjoy a 50% reduction, based on the revenue of railway business operations. For the charge for entering or leaving seaports for inland maritime activities and waterway reporting fees, the MOF proposed a new collection rate at 50% of the current rates. The new rate shall be effective as of the date of issuance of the circular till the end of December 31, 2022. As of January 1, 2023, the collection rates of the above fees and charges shall be applied in compliance with Circular 261/2016/TT-BTC and Circular 295/2016/TT-BTC. In the last eight months, the MOF has proposed reducing 35 types of fees and charges. Some 37 fees and charges have been cut until the end of June 2022 and others will continue to be reduced to support residents and enterprises in easing hardships after the pandemic, totaling up to VND900 billion. Though the continuous reduction of fees and charges has affected the State budget, the MOF will manage to roll out fiscal supporting packages from now until the end of 2022 to help socio-economic development recover under the guidance of the Government. Industrial real estate likely to pick up in remaining months The industrial real estate sector will likely continue to pick up in the remaining months of the year thanks to the ongoing global supply chain disruption and diversification, and the trade deals that Vietnam has signed, experts said. Energy price uncertainty due to geopolitical issues and concerns on economic growth, China’s persistence in pursuing a zero COVID-19 policy coupled with a global trade slowdown have been fueling the disruption and diversification, they added. In Vietnam, industrial real estate leasing has seen a hike in demand and rental prices, especially for logistics and warehousing. According to CBRE Vietnam, a commercial real estate services and investment firm, in the third quarter, its industrial leasing enquiries are improving in both quantity and sizes. Land acquisition enjoyed 10% year-on-year growth so far this year and 7% growth for ready-built factories/warehouses. The average size required by tenants of all CBRE’s enquiries was 9.4 ha in the first half of 2022 compared to 9.2 ha last year for land and 6,700 sq.m in the first half compared with 6,100 sq.m in 2021 for ready-built factories/warehouses. Vietnam continues to be an appealing destination for industrial real estate investors, according to global real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield. It attributed this to the country’s stable growth rate, an export-oriented economy, a rise in free trade agreements, a young labour force, investment incentives and strategic location. With favourable government incentives, competitive labour costs, a stable political environment, a positive economic outlook and free trade agreements, the Southeast Asian country has become popular for foreign investors moving out of China. To seize this opportunity, the north-eastern province of Quang Ninh has emerged as a vibrant industrial property market as the province is transforming its rural tourism-based economy and industrialising to attract foreign investment. Survey overlap potential irks wind power developers Due to several legal pitfalls, conflicts may occur among wind power investors, both onshore and off, as they take part in surveying activities for their potential projects. The northern province of Lang Son attracted both foreign and local investors showing interest in building wind power projects. Most said Lang Son would be the most suitable area in the northern provinces, especially in districts like Loc Binh, Dinh Lap, Van Lang, and Binh Gia. GE proposed Lang Son People’s Committee to allow the survey of two wind power projects with a total capacity of up to 418MW and approval to build two wind measuring towers in Chi Lang district for the 165MW Chi Lang project, as stated in a local authorities’ document in May. According to the document, duplicate surveys could cause legal consequences among investors. “As far as we know, other provinces in the country do not allow duplicate research between projects,” the document noted. The document came as TRE JSC intended to carry out a wind measurement survey for which GE was already surveying. Lang Son wants to become a hub for wind energy in the northern region. A report by the Institute of Energy on the overall wind power development in Lang Son mentioned that it is necessary to have a clear policy on prioritising land use as there is a conflict between the purposes of resource exploitation and other activities such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism. However, the report did not discuss the conflict between investors. Lang Son plans to launch 27 wind power projects during 2030 with a total capacity of 3.57GW. Some highlighted ones are the Dinh Lap 1 wind power plant with a capacity of 100MW, the Dinh Lap 4 wind facility with a capacity of 126MW, and the Dinh Lap 2C plant with a capacity of 350MW. After 2030, eight of these projects would then be tendered with a total capacity of about 1.12GW, including some notable plants such as T&T OCG Loc Binh with a capacity of 200MW and Loc Binh 2 with a capacity of 150MW. It is not only the onshore wind segment that faces planning and survey issues. The National Steering Committee for Electricity Development has admitted that wind, solar, and gas power sources face great difficulties despite past advances, as planning has not been effectively managed. The investment licencing period is prolonged and, to date, there is no marine spatial plan for offshore wind power. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the demand for wind measurement, geological, and topographic surveys at sea among organisations and individuals is high. And Tran Quoc Dien, deputy general director of Power Engineering Consulting JSC 3, said at a recent wind conference that renewable energy development is hotter than ever. He suggested that to avoid conflicts, local authorities should assign investors to survey within a certain time. “After that time, if investors do not follow their commitments, other investors would be welcome,” Dien noted. To attract capital in Vietnam’s offshore wind power, it is necessary to develop a strict and transparent legal framework to provide clearer guidance to assist investors, Dien added. “Along with that, it is necessary to develop a domestic supply chain to support the sector, strengthen the grid reinforcement, and finish the Power Development Plan VIII.” Biomass boost to fuel power evolution Although the Vietnamese government has introduced policies to promote the development of biomass power, results so far remain modest, leaving insiders to ponder what is hindering the development of this type of energy. An MoU on cooperation in research and development of biomass power generation and fuel production in Vietnam was signed last week between Japan Electric Development Co., Ltd. and Vietnam Forestry Corporation. It mainly attracts the interest of foreign energy developers, especially from Japan. Cooperating with the largest state-owned forestry company in Vietnam which manages about 43,000 hectares of forest, the Japanese company aims to expand its biomass electricity business in Vietnam. At the same time, it participates in the biomass-based fuel supply chain, thereby accumulating knowledge and experience in the sustainable use of this fuel source. In Vietnam, a long-term investment plan is also being implemented by Japan’s Erex Group. The group’s president Honna Hitoshi visited Vietnam in March, working with several stakeholders on the plan to develop around 1,500MW of biomass power by 2035. Nearly 20 projects could be implemented following Erex’s survey over 16 cities and provinces in the country, and the development of biomass plants to generate electricity. According to calculations by the Vietnam Energy Institute, the country’s biomass raw materials are abundant, estimated to reach about 118 million tonnes per year. However, the current exploitation of biomass energy remains very low, accounting for only 0.94 per cent of installed capacity up and down the country. Nguyen Anh Tuan, former director of the Department of Electricity and Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), said that Vietnam has 10 biomass power plants but most of them are only for internal usage, and have not been sold to the national grid. According to Tuan, the development of biomass electricity in Vietnam is difficult for many reasons. The first is the unstable and unsustainable supply of fuel, as the prices of raw materials often change according to the season. The next biggest obstacle would be the large initial investment. “Currently, the state has not planned areas for the development of biomass power projects. Meanwhile, enterprises in Vietnam still lack experience in its development, and there’s a lack in engineers and skilled workers to build and operate biomass power projects,” Tuan explained. Vietnam advocates for diversifying supply sources, focusing on renewable energy, but biomass electricity is still on the sidelines of power development. In 2021, the installed capacity of biomass power plants was still at 325MW, accounting for merely 0.42 per cent of the total capacity while the electricity ou...

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Problem In Both Napa County And California – Napa Valley Register https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/childhood-obesity-a-growing-problem-in-both-napa-county-and-california-napa-valley-register/ As part of its science curriculum, and to encourage healthy eating habits, students at Redwood Middle School are re-planting the school garden. Such efforts can impact childhood obesity, experts report. Jennifer Huffman, Register Shoveling compost, tearing out old vegetable plants and assembling a new garden bed, a group of seventh and eighth graders at Redwood Middle School spend part of their Thursday afternoon working in the campus garden. The students were getting ready to grow new food — and hopefully — healthy food habits. Redwood’s garden, located in a sunny area between two buildings at the school, is one way the Napa Valley Unified School District is exploring different ways to integrate gardens and garden-based nutrition into its curriculum. “When students plant the seed, care for the growing plant, harvest the fruits of their labor, and then see these items on their school lunch menus and at home, we hope they will be more likely to select them,” to eat, said Karen Fleming, an environmental science teacher and garden coordinator at Napa Valley Unified School District. “One of the most important things is getting students connected with the outdoors,” in ways they may not have access to at home, said Redwood Middle School Principal Peter Hartnack. “It’s never going to be something where you can just say ‘this will solve childhood obesity,’ but giving them the tools to have conversations with themselves and their peers and their families,” is part of the solution, he said. “I think growing up with healthy foods is way better than just introducing them,” to kids all of a sudden and expecting them to instantly love vegetables, said Marina Holman, a Redwood Middle School seventh grader. “It’s easier to grow to like them,” a bit at a time. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register.  Even with this school garden program and other wellness initiatives in both the state and county, the fact is that obesity rates for Napa County fifth, seventh and ninth graders continue to rise. According to the most recent California Department of Education data, an average of 38.9% of fifth, seventh and ninth graders in Napa County were overweight or obese in 2019. In 2014, that rate was 34.4%. Neighboring Napa Valley counties reported similar results. A total of 42% of Solano County fifth, seventh and ninth graders are considered obese and 42.4% in Lake County. Sonoma County beat Napa County with an obesity rate of 39.1%. Yet even with more than a third of students affected, Napa County’s youth fared slightly better than the state as a whole. An average of 39.7% of California fifth, seventh and ninth graders were considered overweight or obese in 2019. In 2014, that rate was 38.2%. On the other hand, for younger children in the state, the trend has improved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2018 at total of 15.8% of California kids ages 2 to 4 who were enrolled in Women Infants and Children programs were obese. In 2010, that number was 18.4%. “It certainly is a serious problem in our country that continues to worsen,” said retired Napa pediatrician Victoria Morgese. “And the pandemic made it much worse — I saw it with my own eyes.” Children with obesity are more likely to have type 2 diabetes, risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, muscle and joint problems, and fatty liver disease, said the CDC website. The COVID pandemic definitely didn’t help childhood obesity rates. A study including children ages 2 to 19, from all 50 states, found the rate of body mass index (BMI) increase nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the CDC. This faster increase was most pronounced in children with overweight or obesity and younger school-aged children, the agency reported. “I’m not terribly surprised,” said Karen Relucio, Napa County deputy director of public health. Most kids get much of their physical activity while at school and from food they eat at school, “especially our low-income kids,” she said. When COVID hit and schools went virtual, that all changed. Physical education and sports were unavailable or dramatically reduced. “That definitely had an impact on physical activity,” she noted. Restaurant dining also changed dramatically, she noted. When most restaurants had to shut down or curtail operations, that left “fast food” as less expensive meal options. And those fast food companies could more quickly pivot to take-out service. And if a parent wasn’t working due to the pandemic, that loss of income meant looking for cheaper and easier food sources, leading to more fast food meals. In one step to help combat childhood obesity, the state created a program called Let’s Get Healthy California. The goal is to provide “an ongoing statewide collaborative and systematic approach for assessing and monitoring the health status of California, identifying and prioritizing opportunities for health improvement, and promoting collective action towards comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of California’s toughest health challenges,” said Ron Owens, a spokesman for the California Department of Public Health. As with the rest of the nation, California saw consistent increases in childhood obesity from the early 1970s, noted Owens. Between 2013 and 2017, obesity rates appeared consistent between among fifth, seventh and ninth grade students. However, there are consistent disparities in obesity rates among racial and ethnic groups. Year-over-year, obesity rates among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are the highest in the state, followed by Latino, American Indian and Alaskan Native, and African American youth. In Napa County, as of 2019, obesity rates among Latino youth averaged 46.8%. Obesity rates for Filipino youth averaged 34.6% and white youth averaged 26.8%. Owens explained that the California Department of Public Health provides funding to 60 local health departments in California to implement evidence-based obesity prevention strategies for adults and children as part of CalFresh Healthy Living, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “These strategies include nutrition and physical activity education for people with lower incomes, along with strategies to create policies and environments to make healthy choices available and easily accessible in communities,” he wrote. Some examples include “working with schools to change the cafeteria environment to promote healthy eating or to develop safe routes to schools; working with local planning departments towards new or improved walking and biking trails; and developing school and community gardens,” he wrote. “The best approaches to reduce childhood obesity involve working at multiple levels and among multiple sectors, that is, working not only with individuals and families, but with schools, the food industry, community design, and local and state policy makers to make healthy food and physical activity opportunities available to all Californians,” wrote Owens. Relucio noted that Napa County utilizes a number of programs to help fight childhood obesity. The Women Infants and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides support including booklets of “checks” to eligible recipients for use at WIC-authorized farmers’ markets and farm/roadside stands between May and November of each year. CalFresh Healthy Living supports healthy, active and nourished lifestyles by teaching Californians about good nutrition and how to stretch their food dollars, while also building partnerships in communities to make the healthy choice, the easy choice. It provides a debit card that can be used at major grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and to order groceries online. Napa County’s Health and Human Services, OLE Health and other agencies offer free produce markets on selected days of the month. ParkRx, a multi-sector group representing public land agencies, healthcare providers and community partners, works to encourage residents to utilize parks, trails, and open spaces to reduce chronic disease and address health equity. “We’re seeing more children with chronic medical conditions — such as diabetes — at a younger age,” said Relucio. Those children can then become adult diabetics. Childhood obesity can lead to more people with heart disease or at risk of stroke. In addition to quality of life, such illnesses “massively impact” health care costs, she said. The pandemic “has really done a number on childhood obesity,” said Allison Crisp, pediatric medical director at OLE Health. “Lack of structure, lack of opportunities to get fresh air and proximity to food all lend themselves to the perfect storm of weight gain,” the doctor said. She witnessed it personally. These Napa students are spending part of their school year in the garden. But do they like tomatoes?  “It was disappointing to see the rapid weight gain when kids came back into the office for their checkups and see such a drastic change in their growth charts,” she said. Anecdotally, between 2020 and 2021, Crisp noted weight changes upwards of 20 lbs. for school-aged children and adolescents. Between 2020 and 2021, “I had three or four new type 2 diabetes diagnoses, which is more than I had in my entire five years in OLE.”  Healthy children make healthy adults, said Crisp. And if those adults have increased healthcare costs because of increasing rates of diabetes or hypertension or stroke, “this not only costs our society literal dollars but it costs our workforce (and) an emotional toll,” she said. Two other concerns also worry her. One is that food is only goi...

Clemson Vs. Wake Forest Score: Live Game Updates, College Football Scores, NCAA Top 25 Highlights Today – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/clemson-vs-wake-forest-score-live-game-updates-college-football-scores-ncaa-top-25-highlights-today-cbs-sports/ Season Leaders passing D. Uiagalelei662 YD, 5 TDS, 1 INT D. Uiagalelei662 YD, 5 TDS, 1 INT S. Hartman625 YD, 7 TDS, 2 INTSS. Hartman625 YD, 7 TDS, 2 INTS rushing W. Shipley32 ATT, 249 YD, 6 TDSW. Shipley32 ATT, 249 YD, 6 TDS C. Turner30 ATT, 148 YD, 2 TDSC. Turner30 ATT, 148 YD, 2 TDS receiving B. Collins9 REC, 158 YD, 3 TDSB. Collins9 REC, 158 YD, 3 TDS A. Perry12 REC, 222 YD, 1 TDA. Perry12 REC, 222 YD, 1 TD See New Posts Pinned Clemson strikes first 1Q: Clemson 7, Wake Forest 0 The Tigers defense forced a punt on Wake Forest’s opening possession, then deliver the first score of the game on the ensuing drive. There were two huge swings in the game on the drive, the first being a xx-yard run by Will Shipley to move Clemson into Wake Forest territory and the second being a defensive pass interference call on Wake Forest that kept the drive alive after it appeared the Demon Deacons had a third down stop.  Pinned Pinned Pinned Wake Forest will get the ball first, meaning we’ll get a very early look at how the Demon Deacons’ offensive line is set to hold up against Clemson’s defensive front. Finding more time for Sam Hartman in the backfield is the key to Wake delivering its standard production on offense.  Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Looks like Wake Forest will also be without its top running back  Pinned Both teams dealing with notable injuries  Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Wake Forest will be without top cornerback Caelen Carson because of a leg injury suffered in last week’s win against Liberty. But Clemson has its own issues in the secondary with starting safety Andrew Makuba, starting corner Sheridan Jones and key rotation corner Malcolm Greene all missing from the Tigers’ travel roster. With both teams having attrition in the defensive backfield, we could be in for a high-scoring affair in this key ACC Atlantic battle.  Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned

Shiba Inu’s Metaverse Launch, Cardano’s Promising Upgrade, And Rocketize Presale — Positives In Q4 2022 – Analytics Insight https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/shiba-inus-metaverse-launch-cardanos-promising-upgrade-and-rocketize-presale-positives-in-q4-2022-analytics-insight/ Shiba Inu’s Metaverse Launch, Cardano’s Promising Upgrade, and Rocketize Presale — Positives in Q4 2022  Analytics Insight

The Best Smart TVs Launched In 2022: Bendable TVs, Ultra HD TVs & More – Gadget Flow https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-best-smart-tvs-launched-in-2022-bendable-tvs-ultra-hd-tvs-more-gadget-flow/ In the market for a newer, better TV? Then check out the best smart TVs launched in 2022. They take your movies and shows to a whole new level of awesome. Shopping for a new TV? Maybe you’re curious about the latest TV tech trends. Either way, today’s roundup of the best smart TVs launched in 2022 is a treat. We’re covering the coolest, most immersive, and most aesthetically pleasing models we’ve seen all year. Related: Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit—these smart home gadgets work easily with both In August, LG announced the LG OLED Flex, a TV that—incredibly—bends. The remarkable display boasts 20 levels of curvature, enhancing games, content, and live broadcasts. Then, the sheer size of the TCL 98″ Class XL collection is nothing short of impressive. And with its QLED tech, it delivers stunning images and realistic color. Elevate your games, movies, and shows with these smart TVs. 1. The LG OLED Flex LX3 bendable 42″ TV adjusts to a 900R curvature, taking your gaming and home theater experiences above and beyond. LG OLED Flex LX3 in a gaming setup It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the LG OLED Flex LX3 bendable 42″ TV can adjust from completely flat to a 900R curvature. Moreover, its OLED technology is free of backlight, giving you stunning visuals. This gadget is coming soon, and its price is TBA. 2. The TCL Model R655 6-Series MiniLED TV enhances your home entertainment with Wide Color using QLED technology and 4K Dolby Vision HDR. TCL Model R655 6-Series product video The TCL Model R655 6-Series MiniLED TV uses thousands of pixels to deliver more brightness for incredibly realistic images, which is why it’s one of the best smart TVs launched in 2022. Plus, it’s excellent for gaming, too, with its up to 144 Hz variable refresh rate. Get it for $699.99. See a list of retailers on the official website. 3. The LG C2 evo OLED TV series is ideal for sports fans, movie buffs, and gamers with its gorgeous picture and a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K. LG C2 evo OLED TV in a living room Add a smart TV with actual AI to your home theater when you go for the LG C2 evo OLED TV Series. It produces impressive colors, and its processor adjusts the picture and sound to suit your content. Get it for $1,149.99 on the official website. 4. The Samsung 2022 Neo QLED Series brings the cinema to your living room with up to 8K resolution and a 144 Hz refresh rate. Samsung 2022 Neo QLED Series televisions The Samsung 2022 Neo QLED Series includes 3 impressive TVs—the QN900B, QN800B, and QN95B. Their Neural Quantum Processor 8K is exceptional, delivering realistic, immersive images. All models boast brightness and clarity thanks to the MiniLEDs, which are 1/40th of the standard size. Get one for $1,999.99 on the official website. 5. The TCL 98″ Class XL Collection 4K UHD QLED TV makes a dramatic addition to your movie nights with its 4K picture and QLED technology. TCL 98″ Class XL in a lifestyle scenario Bring the movie theater home when you go for the TCL 98″ Class XL Collection 4K UHD QLED TV. The QLED tech delivers clear and vivid images, while the contrast control zones provide stunning differentiation between light and dark areas. This TV is priced at $8,499.99. See a list of retailers on the official website. 6. The Hisense U6H Quantum ULED 4K Google TV Series gives you sharper images and motion thanks to the 4K ULED and Quantum Dot Color. Hisense U6H Quantum ULED 4K Google TV Series Want to upgrade your movie nights? Check out the Hisense U6H Quantum ULED 4K Google TV Series. It provides over 1 billion colors with Quantum Dot Color, up to 600 nits of peak brightness, local dimming, and all the advantages of the Google TV operating system. It’s one of the best smart TVs launched in 2022. Get one for $399.99. Visit the official website for a list of retailers. 7. The Samsung S95B OLED 4K Smart TV 2022 offers 8.3 million self-lit pixels. It also provides integrated surround sound for a cinematic experience. Samsung S95B OLED 4K Smart TV 2022 on furniture For a realistic picture unlike anything you’ve experienced, get the Samsung S95B OLED 4K Smart TV 2022. It gives you nearly limitless contrast with 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels. You get integrated surround sound by Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound. Get it for $1,799.99 on the official website. 8. The LG G2 2022 OLED TV Series transforms your TV into artwork with its wall-hugging design and Brightness Booster Max feature. LG G2 2022 OLED TV Series displays artwork Gorgeous colors meet innovative design with the LG G2 2022 OLED TV Series. It adds an artistic flair to your living room with a design that leaves practically no gap where you hang it. The Brightness Booster Max feature works with the a9 processor algorithms to produce up to 30% brighter pictures. Get it for $1,899.99 on the official website. 9. The Samsung The Frame TV 2022 looks like artwork in your living room with its Matte Display. It also has an anti-glare and anti-reflection design. Samsung The Frame TV 2022 in a living area Your TV can look like a high-quality print when you choose the Samsung The Frame TV 2022. The Matte Display gives you anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint, and anti-glare features, ensuring your picture is always museum worthy. It even displays artwork when the TV is idle, which is why it’s one of the best smart TVs launched in 2022. Get it for $599.99 on the official website. 10. The Hisense U8 Series Quantum ULED Google TV gives you ultra-realistic images with ULED technologies that boost color, contrast, and brightness. Hisense U8 Series Quantum ULED Google TV in use Enjoy a richer, more realistic picture with the Hisense U8 Series Quantum ULED Google TV. This TV creates over a billion color combinations, bringing your content to life. With Google Assistant built-in, it responds when you tell it to turn off the lights, play a movie, and more. Get it for $699. Visit the official website for a list of retailers. Ready to upgrade your home theater? The best smart TVs launched in 2022 are excellent candidates. Which one would you love to own? Tell us in the comment section! Want more news, reviews, and guides from Gadget Flow? Follow us on Apple News, Google News, Feedly, and Flipboard. If you use Flipboard, you should definitely check out our Curated Stories. We publish 3 new stories every day, so make sure to follow us to stay updated! The Gadget Flow Daily Digest highlights and explores the latest in tech trends to keep you informed. Want it straight to your inbox? Subscribe ➜ Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she’s not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.

Dogecoin Price Up 10% – Which Meme Coin Will Pump Next? – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/dogecoin-price-up-10-which-meme-coin-will-pump-next-cryptonews/ Dogecoin has been on a slightly bullish pump during the past 24 hours. According to CoinGecko, the largest memecoin has gained by 10% within 24 hours to trade at $0.068 at the time of writing. Dogecoin jumps 10% in 24 hours Dogecoin seems to be under significant buying pressure, and the indicators show increased potential for an uptrend. The bullish gains have appeared within the past 24 hours, and if the Dogecoin community can maintain it, then notable gains could be seen in the coming weeks and months.   Dogecoin’s trading volumes during the past 24 hours have been high, which could explain the bullish price movement. The 24-hour trading volumes currently stand at $960 million, with its market cap hitting $8.7 billion, ranking it the tenth-largest cryptocurrency by this metric. Dogecoin has been on a steep decline this year as the bears have erased most of the gains this memecoin has made. DOGE has dropped by 90% from an all-time high created in May last year. In 2021, Dogecoin reacted strongly to Elon Musk’s tweets, but this seems to be no longer the case, as bullish momentum is yet to be created. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows a strong bullish momentum for Dogecoin. As seen above, Dogecoin’s RSI currently stands at 53, showing buyers actively buying the token to take advantage of the ongoing price gains. The other indicator that also shows bullish signs is the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). The MACD line is currently on the signal line, with the earlier movements showing that bears have been losing control. The bullish momentum could be maintained if Doge holds support levels above $0.06. On the other hand, there is also a possibility that declines could be on the way. Dogecoin’s current bullish gains do not show signs of being sustained, with the resistance level of $0.068 being one of the hindrances to a continued uptrend. Therefore, there is a high possibility that DOGE will consolidate and return to trading at $0.059. The 24-hour bullish gains made by Dogecoin follow a mention of the memecoin by the co-founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin. Buterin appeared on a video chat at the Mainnet conference, where he said that he was hopeful that the memecoin network would migrate to a proof-of-stake blockchain. Buterin also added that “I hope that Zcash moves over. I am also very hopeful that Dogecoin is going to evolve over to proof of stake at some point soon.” The Ethereum Merge was considered one of the most successful events in the blockchain sector. The memecoin community is now hopeful that such a transition will trigger more gains, which is the reason behind the momentum to buy Dogecoin. The memecoin continues to grow The memecoin community has grown significantly over the past year. However, the current growth is being fuelled by one of the newest memecoins in the market, Tamadoge. Tamadoge completed one of the most successful presales in crypto history that raised %19 million. The latest news from the Tamadoge team is that the memecoin will debut on the OKX exchange on Tuesday, September 27. The listing could deliver 100X gains, given that OKX is the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange globally by trading volumes.

Financial Inclusion For The ‘unbanked’ Could Ease US Economic Woes – The Hill https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/financial-inclusion-for-the-unbanked-could-ease-us-economic-woes-the-hill/ (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) A “Payday Loans” sign is displayed at a Check’n Go in Niles, Ill., Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Across rural America and in urban centers throughout the country, there is a little-known roadblock to economic growth and personal prosperity that is keeping millions of people from achieving financial independence and building personal prosperity.  Many people are “unbanked” and lack a bank account, while others are “underbanked” and need to use alternative financial services such as money orders, check-cashing services and payday loans rather than traditional loans and credit cards to manage their finances and fund purchases. Both situations block millions of people across the nation from personal financial stability and hurt our overall economic growth.  Despite significant progress in the last decade toward reducing the number of underbanked and unbanked people in the United States, there is a growing bipartisan consensus that now is the time to redouble our efforts toward true financial inclusion. Financial inclusion must go beyond banking to have a tangible impact on the financial lives of people in America. Financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have equitable access to affordable financial products and services to meet their payments, savings, credit and insurance needs.  That is why over 110 companies, trade groups, and consumer groups have joined with the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, calling for establishing a National Financial Inclusion Strategy to deliver better financial outcomes for all people, whatever their zip code. This unprecedented coalition brings together a large number of diverse entities advocating for a national financial inclusion strategy. It represents the comprehensive array of sectors and policies that must be addressed in a cohesive approach.  For too long, the U.S. has taken a fragmented approach to financial inclusion. Federal agencies, financial institutions, community organizations and advocacy groups have led important individual initiatives to address the lack of inclusive financial systems in the United States, but there has been no cohesive, strategic effort to address this very complex problem.   The Biden administration’s executive order making support for racial equity within underserved communities a top priority for federal agencies was a good first step, but the data show that more action is needed.   For example, more than 7 million households across the U.S. remain unbanked and are disproportionately Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native. Nearly 10 percent of rural Americans lived in “banking deserts” compared to 1.7 percent of urban Americans.  It’s not just rural Americans who are left behind. In a 2020 report conducted by McKinsey, data reveals that exclusionary policies and strategies — from limited access to federal mortgage lending to geographic barriers to physical bank branches — have hindered Black economic wellbeing.   In fact, recent research finds Black and Latino households account for over half of interest and fees on payday loans (22 and 29 percent, respectively), despite comprising less than a third of the population. A report from New America found that financial institutions charge Latino consumers $262 more to open a checking account than their white counterparts.   Research from the International Monetary Fund shows a 2-3 percentage point GDP growth difference over the long term between financially inclusive countries and their peers. The United States trails other countries because it lacks a comprehensive financial inclusion strategy, but a Presidential Commission can set joint goals for federal agencies and the private sector to expand financial inclusion policies, develop ongoing means of coordinating action between leading agencies and organizations, and track progress toward building an inclusive financial system in the U.S.   Organizations across the political and philosophical spectrum have realized that our national failure to create a coordinated strategy to promote financial inclusion hurts the individuals impacted and limits our financial growth. A recent analysis of multiple sources by McKinsey & Company estimates that promoting financial inclusion could translate into 4 to 6 percent higher growth in real GDP by 2028. Solving this intractable program requires bold leadership across all sectors to establish a shared vision for how policies, products and business models can create the inclusive financial systems required to generate an equitable and sustainable economy.   This recommendation is the culmination of several years of research and dialogue with the leading voices in the financial services industry and those who have been systematically excluded. It’s time to put all people in America on the path toward better outcomes and create greater financial security for all. Ida Rademacher is vice president of the Aspen Institute and executive director of its Financial Security Program.

LOREN SHAUM: Technology Show Provides Opportunity To Explore – Goshen News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/loren-shaum-technology-show-provides-opportunity-to-explore-goshen-news/ If you like $600 rooms, $22 martinis, $12 beers, $4.59 gas, $7 waters, $19 hamburgers and $72/night parking, well then, welcome to Chicago! International Manufacturing Technology Show This is the largest automation show in the world, and attended it for years. All halls at McCormick Places are stuffed full of machine tools and other technologies including robots. That’s why I’m here. I’m supporting a Kassow robot installed in a customer’s booth. It was brutal standing and greeting 8-hours a day, but when nighttime comes, I’m ready to explore. Fulton Street Market In the late 1800’s this area was a meat packing center. Names like Armour, Swift and Morris dominated until the 1920’s crash when many warehouses were shuttered. Today, a renaissance has occurred. The area is now a hip corporate and entertainment center loaded with coffee houses, micro-breweries, restaurants, and Google, whose building dominates the district. So, here we go! I hopped a cab at the hotel and my Ethiopian driver took us across the river to the market. He has been in the U.S. eight years, speaks very good English and became a citizen. His favorite Ethiopian dish is doro wat. It’s a spicey chicken-potato dish served with hard-boiled eggs. Daniel’s in Ligonier used to serve it, but sadly he’s now closed. He dropped me at the district entrance, and after walking a few blocks, using another restaurant’s bathroom (Lyra’s is very good and packed as I wandered through), I found my quest! Rose Mary Chef Joe Flamm’s focus is on Balkan cuisine, and his menu offers many samplings of this grand Mediterranean fare. It has five sections: vegetables, pasta, risotto, fish and meat. What could be simpler if you understand Slavic. After much consternation I decided to start with borek soparnik. It was a delightful bundle of puff pastry stuffed with Swiss chard, parmigiano and mozzarella. That and a glass of Grasevina Krauthaker (Croatian white wine) made for an excellent start. The wine was so spectacular, I purchased a bottle. Moving on, there are too many choices. Under pastas, the lamb ragu Mafaldine Abruzzi served with caciocavallo looked interesting as did the Skradin risotto. Skradin is a town in Croatia and famous for Skradinski Rizot – a risotto that incorporates veal rump and takes 12 hours to make! Under meats, the cevapi looked intriguing. This is the national dish in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Serbia. Ground lamb skewers are served with lepinja (flat bread), ajvar (roasted red pepper sauce), kajmak (new cheese made from unpasteurized milk) and red onion. Instead, I decided on the Peka-style baby octopus. Served with garlic potatoes and peppers, this dish was spot-on. The octopus was so tender, it literally fell apart. Excellence, indeed! I would go back in a heartbeat. Purple Pig I usually stay on Michigan Avenue, and The Purple Pig is right around the corner. That was my goal for the next night. The pig is the brain-thrust of chef Jimmy Bannos, Jr. Since opening in 2009 is has been highly acclaimed by foodies. The menu includes all things pig. There are too many items to list here but think braised pork tongue, almonds fried in pork fat, pork jowls, pig liver, pig tail terrine, crispy pig ears, etc. On a previous visit I enjoyed the calamari salad. So, I looked for something different, and the bone morrow immediately caught my attention. Sure enough, the two large pieces of bone-halves were stuffed full of buttery morrow. Served with toast points, it was easy to spread, then you top it with some luscious parsley salad. Every bite was exquisite. Then I went on the wild side and chose the squid ink pasta with shrimp and scallops. It was served with an excellent tomato sauce. It too was exceptional! Chicago seems relatively safe downtown, but as I left the pig a parade of fancy cars and trucks displaying Mexico’s flag came roaring by. Not sure what that was all about, but the commotion quickly cleared the sidewalks. Still, Chicago remains a very luscious location. Loren Shaum is an automation engineering consultant, retired pilot, author, home gardener and sometimes chef. He and Gayle reside in Syracuse. He can be contacted at comtec@kcaccess.com.

8 Best RPG VR Games On PC – GameRant https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/8-best-rpg-vr-games-on-pc-gamerant/ RPG games are some of the most exciting and magical games that provide unforgettable gaming time for casual and avid gamers alike. RPGs have all kinds of worlds and stories, which means players can try thrilling and dark RPG VR shooters for Oculus Quest 2 and all other gaming platforms including RPG VR pc games. Thanks to these VR games players can get fully immersed in some of the most imaginative worlds while becoming heroes, monsters, explorers, and anything else they desire. Some of the most complex new VR games are also RPGs, so more experienced gamers can easily find worthy challenges while also enjoying all the perks of new VR games. No matter if a gamer likes to get lost in space, fantasy lands, or futuristic dystopian planets because thanks to these VR classics they’ll be able to do just that in a more immersive and memorable way. 8 Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul is one of the scariest early access VR horror games. This psychological Horror VR game is based on the same myth as the internationally famous Paranormal Activity movies. Players will be fully immersed in a terrifying and violent world in which they’ll have to use a few tools and their wits to stay alive and defeat their supernatural enemies. Gamers will get to explore one of the scariest haunted houses in gaming while trying to uncover a dark mystery. Players will have to find and solve clues while also trying to stay alive and not get too scared by surprise attacks. 7 Buccaneers! Buccaneers! is one of the most fun pirate games One Piece and Pirates of The Caribbean lovers can enjoy in VR. Thanks to this adventure-filled VR RPG game players can become fearless pirates and explore the game’s beautiful and vibrant open world while searching for treasures and defeating enemies. Players will be immersed in a beautiful historical world in which they’ll have to set sail in battleships after choosing to pledge their allegiance to the Buccaneer pirates or one of the great empires and fight for power in the Caribbean Sea. It’s a complex and adventurous game but a casual one which makes it perfect for beginner and more experienced gamers alike. 6 RUINSMAGUS RUINSMAGUS is one of the most cinematic JRPGs set in a magical fantasy land. It’s one of the best RPG VR games not only for anime but also for fantasy lovers who enjoy games with atmospheric worlds and cool magical systems. Players will be able to explore mysterious ruins beneath a beautiful city and learn about magic and dark secrets. As gamers get to know this story-rich world better and uncover the details of the mystery they’ll find out that they’re the only ones who can save the city with the help of their companion named Iris. 5 Legendary Tales Legendary Tales is one of the spookiest and most magical early access dungeon crawler RPG VR games. Thanks to this dark fantasy adventure game players can get lost in and explore an immersive and beautifully dark medieval world. Players will be able to learn about and show off their swordplay skills while exploring the game’s spooky dungeons, collecting loot, and cutting down their enemies one by one. Gamers can go on their dark adventures alone or with their friends to experience this unique RPG VR game and its legendary tales together. 4 Demeo Demeo is a beautiful old-school-style dungeon crawler RPG VR game that’s set in a thrilling fantasy land. Thanks to this magical online tabletop game players can experience VR in a whole new and exciting way. Players will have to join forces with their friends to be able to defeat dark and powerful magical enemies. As players go on their adventures they’ll have to use their strategic skills and become mighty eagle-eyed hunters, mystical sorcerers, or deadly assassins among many other fun characters. They’ll go on epic quests in the beautiful fantasy land of Gilmerra to uncover mysteries and defeat foes. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is one of the most exciting RPGs with great world-building and thanks to the VR edition players can experience this beautiful game in a more immersive way. Players can get lost in a magical fantasy land filled with epic adventures, powerful foes, and beautiful dragons. Gamers will be able to become mighty warriors called Dragonborn and have to go on an unforgettable journey to save Tamriel after the return of the dragons. This iconic RPG multiplayer has a great story, beautiful art style, and an atmospheric world-building in which players can freely explore and defeat their enemies by using their fighting skills as well as their special power called The Voice. 2 Zenith: The Last City Zenith: The Last City is one of the most fun and visually impressive early access RPG VR games for casual and avid gamers alike. This massively multiplayer game transports its players into a magical and futuristic dystopian land. Players get to go on epic adventures while exploring the game’s breathtaking open world as well as crafting and fighting against powerful foes. Gamers will have to make strategic decisions and forge new friendships as well as useful alliances and build powerful guilds. However, players can also just relax and explore until they get the hang of the fights which means it’s one of the best RPG VR games for beginners and casual gamers who want to get started with massively multiplayer games. 1 Half-Life: Alyx Half-Life: Alyx is one of the most popular and highest-rated RPG VR games set in a dangerous but thrilling dystopian world. Players will have to use their shooting and strategic skills to be able to defeat the terrifying Combine alien race. As players get lost in the dangerous but atmospheric world they’ll also be able to step into the shoes of Alyx Vance one of the members of the last resistance group. As gamers explore this violent and story-rich world they can try the best mods in the game and solve imaginative puzzles and fight against the aliens until they’re able to take back control of the planet. More: Tomb Raider Games With The Most Replay Value

Back Home Again, Bryant Rolls – Arkansas Online https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/back-home-again-bryant-rolls-arkansas-online/ Bryant’s Chris Gannaway (left) tries to evade Fort Smith Northside’s Larry Arnaud during Friday night’s 7A-Central Conference game at Hornet Stadium in Bryant. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 41-10 to improve to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the 7A-Central. More photos at arkansasonline.com/924bryant (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Stephen B. Thornton) BRYANT — Top-ranked Bryant didn’t have to leave the county for a change Friday night, but as dominant as the Hornets were against Fort Smith Northside, it may not have mattered where they played. Jordan Walker threw three touchdown passes in the first half as Bryant opened up 7A-Central Conference play with a 41-10 victory over the Grizzlies at Hornet Stadium. The win was the 45th in a row against in-state opponents for Bryant (3-0, 1-0), which was hosting a home game for the first time this season after playing away from Saline County in its previous three contests — not to mention traveling to Shreveport to play Denton (Texas) Ryan in a matchup that was subsequently canceled because of the weather. It was also the Hornets’ 22nd consecutive conference victory and eighth in a row over Northside. “It felt good to play at home,” Bryant Coach Buck James said. “It’s good to get in a routine of playing a home game, and I thought we had a really good crowd. Now I don’t think we played great, but I do believe we played hard. “I do think we can play cleaner, but in this conference … shoot, a win is a win.” Walker finished 13-of-17 passing for 170 yards and carried 6 times for 57 yards for Bryant, which belted out to a 35-3 halftime lead before coasting in the second half. Four running backs finished with at least 19 yards rushing while six players recorded at least one catch as the four-time defending Class 7A champions racked up nearly 380 yards of offense. The Hornets scored touchdowns on all five of their first-half possessions, while their defense kept constant pressure on Northside quarterback Pum Savoy. Although the elusive senior did managed to escape some of the heat Bryant threw at him, never once did the Hornets allow him to get comfortable in or outside the pocket. “That’s a very athletic Northside team we just played,” said James, whose Hornets sacked Savoy five times. “I thought we could’ve stayed in the passing lanes a little bit better, and our ends probably got up the field too much. But [Savoy] is a big strong kid. We’d make contact a lot of times, and he ran right through it.” Four players recorded sacks for the Hornets, with Jaylon Russ registered two. Bryant also notched 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which all but nullified what the Grizzlies tried to do on the ground. Savoy was 10 of 20 for 143 yards and ran 22 times for 18 yards for Northside (1-3, 0-1), which has lost its past three games. After forcing the Grizzlies to punt on their first series, Bryant marched 57 yards in nine plays, with James Martin finishing it off with a 3-yard score with 6:14 left in the first quarter. Northside put together its best series of the first half on its next possession. Savoy drove the Grizzlies 68 yards to get a 31-yard field goal from Saul Rodriguez. But from there, it was all Bryant. Walker connected with Jordan Knox for a 9-yard touchdown the next time the Hornets had the ball, and Martin followed with a 2-yard score to put them up 21-3. Things were going so well for Bryant that on its fourth touchdown, Walker rifled a 33-yard pass on fourth down that ricocheted off the hands of wide receiver Donald Miller and right into the arms of Daniel Anderson with 5:33 to go in the second quarter. Not long after that, the same thing happened defensively for the Hornets when a deep pass from Savoy sailed through a Bryant player’s fingers and into the gloves of defensive back Ethan Primus. Nine plays later, Walker hit Mytorian Singleton along the right sidelines for a 17-yard touchdown to give the Hornets their 32-point cushion. “I think Jordan is getting more confident,” James said. “He’s cleaned it up a lot, too. He made some big plays and did a good job when it came to running the football versus throwing it. You know, he had been throwing when he probably should’ve ran it. “But he made really good decisions [Friday], and from my view, he played a really clean game.” Bryant had its scoring streak end early in the second half when Northside forced a punt for the first time. But the Hornets eventually picked up their sixth touchdown when Chris Gannaway sprinted in from 8 yards out with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter. Savoy later gave Northside its first touchdown when he bulldozed his way in for a 12-yard score with 11:20 left. “I’ll take this one,” James said. “I don’t think we tackled very good, and we had too many pre-snap penalties. I bet you we had 10 to 15 penalties on the night, and that kind of stuff is going to get us beat. So we’ve got to fix that.” The Hornets were flagged 13 times for 100 yards, compared to 3 penalties for 25 yards for the Grizzlies.  Gallery: FS Northside at Bryant Football

10 Whistler Vrbo Rentals Near The Ski Slopes – TravelAwaits https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/10-whistler-vrbo-rentals-near-the-ski-slopes-travelawaits/ Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but it often does. Such is the case with Whistler, North America’s largest ski resort is also its best. That’s according to Ski Magazine, whose readers are consistently polled on which resort they think is number one in the world. Whistler has won many times and never fails to reach the top 10. People don’t just love Whistler for its incredible ski area. The town is also known for its fantastic dining options and delightful après scene (Ski Magazine readers also tend to rate Whistler number one in this category). Even those who do not ski will appreciate the incredible beauty of British Columbia’s mountains and the town’s other appealing attractions. Even outside the winter season, Whistler shines as a radiant destination. What’s more, Whistler has some incredible accommodations, a selection of which are described below. Most of the homes on this list are genuine ski-in/ski-out properties, meaning you needn’t walk for more than a couple of minutes (if that) before you’re able to step in and shred. The ultimate convenience! So here they are, 10 incredible Vrbo vacation rentals in Whistler to serve you during your next ski trip. Find the one that’s right for you and yours and discover why Whistler is a world-beating paradise for skiers and their families.  Note that the prices listed cover dates during the spring ski season and actual costs vary substantially throughout the year. Affordable Home 100 Yards From The Lifts Rent Now$273/avg nightly This splendid home demonstrates the principle that luxury and comfort need not break the bank. Walk out the front door of your townhouse, step into your skis, and find yourself at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in under 5 minutes. The master bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom has a bunk bed (a twin mattress atop a double). The living room is small, but has a stone fireplace, flatscreen TV, and a comfortable sofa bed. What’s more, the dining room table comfortably sits six. For added pleasure, serve up something freshly grilled using the outdoor grill located near the covered hot tub. Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Sleeps: 6 Freestanding Home On The Golf Course Rent Now$442/avg nightly Just off the first hole of the Fairmont Golf Course, this large home is a great option for families keen on extra space and privacy. The village and lifts are 20 minutes away on foot, but a shuttle will swiftly carry you and your skis to the base of Blackcomb Mountain. The house was recently renovated and filled with new artwork, mattresses, and appliances. It has a lovely open-plan living area with all the comforts of home. In terms of sleeping space, the property has a master bedroom and two smaller rooms equipped with pairs of twin beds. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Sleeps: 6 Ski-In/Ski-Out Chalet At Whistler Creek Rent Now$530/avg nightly This duplex in Whistler Creek has incredible views, spacious interiors, and stylish furnishings. Best of all, it has ski-in/ski-out access to the creekside gondola. The layout consists of four half levels and floors separated by several steps. This means that inhabitants of each of the three bedrooms will enjoy a high degree of privacy. The master bedroom, with its beautiful ensuite bathroom and spa bath is definitely the highlight, but the other bedrooms are comfortable as well. There are also three separate balconies, each blessed with mountain views. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Sleeps: 8 Stylish Townhouse In Ideal Location Rent Now$818/avg nightly Earn the admiration of your loved ones by inviting them to spend their next ski holiday with you at this wonderful townhouse in Whistler’s Upper Village. The home is a few minutes’ walk from a ski-in/ski-out point. What’s more, it’s serviced by the local shuttle system so getting to and from the village is no sweat. Inside, the property has a homey open-plan living area. The lower portion has a television, a river rock fireplace, and a sofa bed. The hot tub and propane grill are located in a charming outdoor space sheltered by trees. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Sleeps: 8 Blackcomb Mountain Ski-In/Ski-Out Rent Now$825/avg nightly This luxury townhome in the Upper Village has everything you need for a great stay, plus several things that no one needs but everyone wants. First and foremost, it is a genuine ski-in/ski-out perched on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain. The in-floor heating and private balcony in the master bedroom are terrific perks as well. There’s also a hot tub and the great room has vaulted ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. With two queen bedrooms and a room with two bunk beds, the home is perfect for families infected with the ski bug. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Sleeps: 8 The Heights Rent Now$1,017/avg nightly A ski-in/ski-out house in Whistler Creek’s most exclusive neighborhood, The Heights is your key to an unforgettable vacation. Skiers can easily reach the creekside base lifts in a matter of minutes from the front door, and Whistler Creek’s shops and restaurants are just 5 minutes away on foot. The home’s great room lives up to the name, embedded as it is with all the ambiance and decor one expects to find in a ski house. In terms of sleeping space, The Heights has two king rooms, a downstairs room fitted with queen and bunk beds, and a fourth room with a single/double bunk bed and trundle bed. The home has four bathrooms, two of which have bathtubs, so everyone can enjoy an après ski soak even when the hot tub is in use. Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Sleeps: 12 Creekside Ski-In/Ski-Out Chalet Rent Now$1,561/avg nightly A remarkable house rental in a remarkable ski town, a stay at this chalet in Whistler Creek all but guarantees an incredible vacation. A group of 13 friends can spread out across this 3,000-square-foot property; there are comfortable corners for everyone. The great room has suitably high ceilings, splendid Whistler mountain views, and furniture which, like the rough wooden beams, are both functional and stylish. The master bedroom has a beautiful four-poster bed and an elegant ensuite bathroom that anyone would be pleased to call their own. The other four bedrooms offer stiff competition, however. Two also have ensuites while one of the queen rooms shares a washroom with the bunk room. Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Sleeps: 13 Pinnacle Ridge #34 Rent Now$1,756/avg nightly Just four houses will stand between you and the lifts should you stay at this house on Pinnacle Ridge. This means more time on the slopes. Of course, no ski vacation is spent entirely on the mountain. Downtime between ski sessions will hardly feel like a burden amid these luxurious surroundings. The living room has high ceilings, comfortable and stylish furniture, and a beautiful fireplace. The whole place is filled with beautiful wood paneling. There’s also a pool table and the balcony has a suitably private hot tub. Each bedroom is a true stunner, so no one misses out on round-the-clock luxury. Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 6 Sleeps: 12 Northern Lights Rent Now$2,029/avg nightly Another excellent option for a large group planning the ultimate ski trip, this house in Whistler Village will not disappoint. It can be reached on skis and getting to the lifts at the start of your day requires a 10-minute walk. The home has four splendid bedrooms. The cozy downstairs den can become a fifth bedroom thanks to a Murphy bed. The main living room is upstairs and boasts a fireplace, plenty of space, and a large retractable screen for projecting your favorite films. Naturally, the home has a hot tub. It is a large one that fits up to eight people and has sightlines to the television. The walk back to the home involves a steep hill which some guests may struggle with, but the home has a large garage should you drive. Whistler is, in any case, well served by taxis. Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Sleeps: 14 Massive House With Ski Access To Both Gondolas Rent Now$4,839/avg nightly You’ll have no trouble filling this luxurious home with eager skiers — everyone will want to join in the fun at this great location. The most dedicated skiers will revel in the ski-in/ski-out access to both of Whistler’s base gondolas; everyone will appreciate being walking distance to the village for dining and the home’s glamorous furnishings. The vaulted ceilings in the great room seem as high as Rainbow Mountain (which is visible through most windows) and the marble countertops are as beautiful as any bluff or monolith in the Fitzsimmons Range. No one will lose out in this large group vacation rental as every bedroom is a grand affair (there are two kings, four queens, and two kids’ rooms stacked with bunk beds). Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 8 Sleeps: 20 To discover even more things to do in Whistler, check out: 10 Amazing Food And Cocktail Experiences In Whistler, British Columbia 9 Amazing Après Ski Spots In Whistler, British Columbia Whistler: The Best Things To See And Do In Every Season

Sheetz Store In Lewisburg To Temporarily Close For Renovations – NorthcentralPA.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/sheetz-store-in-lewisburg-to-temporarily-close-for-renovations-northcentralpa-com/ Lewisburg, Pa. — The Lewisburg Sheetz store at International Drive will be closing next week for a period of six months for major renovations.  A sign on the door of the store says the closure will begin on Oct. 2. The new building will be expanded to 6,000 square-feet, according to Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for Sheetz. This will include a “restaurant-style experience” with self-service kiosks and additional seating both inside and outside, Ruffner says.  A total of 16 fuel pumps will be at the remodeled location. Ruffner says the store will re-open in March 2023.  The Selinsgrove Sheetz store, which is less than 15 miles away from the Lewisburg location, is set to close for renovations by spring 2023.  Sheetz has been renovating older stores. Several years ago, both Williamsport Sheetz stores were torn down and rebuilt as part of major renovation projects.  Related Reading: Sheetz on Maynard Street slated for major renovation project Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter?  Afternoon Update: What’s happening today? Here’s your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox.   Keep your news local Access to independent, local news is important, do you agree? We work hard to deliver timely, relevant news, for free. 100% of your contribution to NorthcentralPa.com goes directly to helping us cover news and events in the region. Thank you for saying that local news matters!

How To Gain Weight Quickly And Naturally: The Best Tips For Bulking Up – MyChesCo https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/how-to-gain-weight-quickly-and-naturally-the-best-tips-for-bulking-up-mychesco/ Are you looking to put on some muscle mass? Maybe you’ve been struggling to pack on weight, no matter how much you eat. If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Gaining weight can be a difficult task for many people. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to gain weight quickly and naturally. We’ll cover everything from diet and exercise to supplements and motivation. So if you’re ready to start bulking up, keep reading! How to Gain Weight Quickly and Naturally Being underweight can be just as much of a health concern as being overweight. If you’re looking to gain weight quickly and safely, there are a few things you can do to help you reach your goal. With a little effort and dedication, you can achieve your desired weight in no time! The Best Way to Gain Weight Quickly (Without Adding Extra Fat) If you’re looking to gain weight quickly, there are a few things you can do to help you reach your goal. With a little effort and dedication, you can achieve your desired weight in no time! Here are some tips on how to gain weight quickly and naturally: 1. Eat More Calorie-Dense Foods Dr. Mike Israetel is a Professor of Sports Physiology and Nutrition Science and the CEO and Co-founder of Renaissance Periodization. Dr. Israetel has over two decades of experience in the fitness industry, including teaching and working as a consultant on nutrition, and his research has been published in numerous scientific journals. When it comes to gaining weight quickly, Dr. Israetel recommends eating more calorie-dense foods. What foods have high-calorie density? Generally speaking, the more calories a food has per bite, the higher its energy density. These foods are packed with nutrients and calories that will help you bulk up in no time! Some examples of calorie-dense foods include nuts, seeds, avocados, dried fruit, whole milk, and full-fat yogurt. By following Dr. Israetel’s advice, you’ll be on your way to packing on the pounds in no time! 2. Get Plenty of Protein When it comes to packing on muscle mass, protein is king. Your muscles are made up of proteins, so it stands to reason that you need to consume plenty of protein in order to build new muscle tissue. The amount of protein you need will vary depending on your weight and goals, but a general rule of thumb is to consume at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. However, Dr. Israetel suggests as much as 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. This may seem like a lot, but it’s actually not that difficult to reach if you’re eating a varied and balanced diet. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and quinoa. So if you’re looking to bulk up quickly, make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. 3. Lift Weights Regularly In order to gain muscle mass, it’s important that you lift weights regularly. Strength training not only helps you build muscle, but it also helps increase your calorie-burning potential. Aim for at least 3 days of strength training per week. Be sure to focus on all major muscle groups, including your arms, legs, back, and core. Coupled with a well-designed nutrition plan that ensures sufficient protein intake and caloric surplus, a consistent weight-lifting routine will help you pack on lean muscle mass. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day – be patient and trust the process! With dedication and hard work, you’ll achieve the body of your dreams. 4. Drink Lots of Water When it comes to gaining weight, most people focus on the food they’re eating and not on their hydration levels. However, staying hydrated is crucial for gaining weight quickly and safely. When you’re properly hydrated, your body is able to better absorb the nutrients from the food you’re eating. As a result, you’ll be able to more effectively build muscle mass. So how much water should you be drinking? Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day. This may seem like a lot, but it’s essential for achieving your weight gain goals. Plus, once you get into the habit of drinking that much water, you’ll find it’s easy to stay hydrated all day long. 5. Get Plenty of Sleep Sleep is one of the most important, but often overlooked, aspects of health and fitness. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to repair itself and build muscle mass. As a result, you may find it more difficult to gain weight and build muscle. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to give your body the rest it needs to function properly. In addition to gaining weight and building muscle, getting enough sleep is also essential for overall health. Sleep helps to boost immunity, improve brain function, and lower stress levels. So if you’re looking to improve your health and fitness, be sure to get plenty of rest! Get Bigger, Stronger, and Leaner So, there you have it! The best ways to gain weight quickly and naturally. Just remember that gaining weight takes time and dedication, so be patient! Just remember to stay dedicated and give yourself time to reach your goal – Rome wasn’t built in a day! And make sure to follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter, and share this article with your friends – the more people who know about these tips, the better! More For You For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News. Thanks for visiting! Looking for some Chester County pride? We got you covered! Shop our MyChesCo store and show your love for Chester County, Pennsylvania. We got shirts, hats, and more – all with a unique ChesCo flair. Plus, proceeds from each purchase helps support our mission of bringing reliable information and resources to the people of Chester County. This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Michigan State Vs. Minnesota: How To Watch Online, Live Stream Info, Game Time, TV Channel – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/michigan-state-vs-minnesota-how-to-watch-online-live-stream-info-game-time-tv-channel-cbs-sports/ Who’s Playing Minnesota @ Michigan State Current Records: Minnesota 3-0; Michigan State 2-1 What to Know The Minnesota Golden Gophers have enjoyed the comforts of home their last three games, but now they must head out on the road. The Golden Gophers and the Michigan State Spartans will face off in a Big Ten battle at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Minnesota should still be feeling good after a win, while MSU will be looking to regain their footing. Minnesota ran circles around the Colorado Buffaloes last week, and the extra yardage (500 yards vs. 227 yards) paid off. Minnesota steamrolled past Colorado 49-7 at home. The game was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 35 to nothing. RB Mohamed Ibrahim had a dynamite game for the Golden Gophers; he rushed for three TDs and 202 yards on 23 carries. Meanwhile, the Spartans came up short against the Washington Huskies last week, falling 39-28. MSU was down 36-14 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from. Despite the loss, they got a solid performance out of WR Keon Coleman, who caught nine passes for two TDs and 116 yards. Coleman had some trouble finding his footing against the Akron Zips two weeks ago, so this was a step in the right direction. This next matchup is expected to be close, with the Golden Gophers going off at just a 3-point favorite. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (2-0), so they might be worth a quick bet. Minnesota’s victory brought them up to 3-0 while the Spartans’ defeat pulled them down to 2-1. A pair of defensive stats to keep an eye on: Minnesota hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown yet this season. As for MSU, they enter the contest with 12 sacks, good for seventh best in the nation. How To Watch When: Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET Where: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, Michigan TV: Big Ten Network Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Follow: CBS Sports App Ticket Cost: $30.00 Odds The Golden Gophers are a 3-point favorite against the Spartans, according to the latest college football odds. The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Spartans as a 1.5-point favorite. Over/Under: -110 See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now. Series History Michigan State won the only game these two teams have played in the last eight years. Oct 14, 2017 – Michigan State 30 vs. Minnesota 27

Metaform And XP&DLand Unveils Durga Puja On Metaverse Called MetaPujo – The Financial Express https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/metaform-and-xpdland-unveils-durga-puja-on-metaverse-called-metapujo-the-financial-express/ According to Metaform and XP&DLand, MetaPujo will introduce four non-fungible tokens of Durga idols from the most visited pandals of Kolkata Metaform and XP&DLand has announced a MetaPujo, which will foray to bring Durga puja celebrations of Kolkata to the metaverse. Ahiritola Sarbojanin, Deshapriya Park, Ballygunge Cultural and Tala Prattay pandals will be accessible through three-dimensional (3D) twins on the metaverse. According to Metaform and XP&DLand, MetaPujo will introduce four non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of Durga idols from the most visited pandals of Kolkata. The platform has planned centres around 3D recreations of the pandals, where users in ‘Spatial’, a metaverse platform, can enter a shared social space where people from across the world can come together and walk around, interact, and even take photographs. Users are expected to create a meta-realistic avatar of themselves, with the platform accessible to all through simple smart phones, tablets, and wearables. As stated by Sukrit Singh, co-founder, Metaform and XP&DLand, the platform aims to bridge the gap between devotion and technology. “This initiative aims to give Maa Durga an address on Web3.0, where the devout from across the world will be able to enter a three-dimensional recreation of the pandals and take part in darshans from the popular pandals of Kolkata. While doing so, attendees would be able to claim four NFTs of her idols that have been designed especially for the occasion, each correlating to one of the pandals,” he added.  “We aim to democratise the metaverse. You don’t have to be in Kolkata now to celebrate the pujas. Meta pujos are expected to allow people from all over the world to enter pandal meta twins as family and friends – separated by physical distance but united in the meta celebration. Introducing the concept of digital ownership, in addition to presenting these experiences, we intend to drop digital collectables or NFTs, which can be purchased. These digital tokens will then, over time, generate a value given their real-life utility. In the future, the idea is to monetise the collectables and drive community with utility (whether for community, experiences, or collectables) at a later stage with the intent to build a business,” Suveer Bajaj, co-founder, Metaform and XP&Dland, said.  Also Read: Australia’s Optus contacts customers caught in cyber attack Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Huge Reason To Buy The New IPhone 14 – News.com.au https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/huge-reason-to-buy-the-new-iphone-14-news-com-au/ REVIEW When Apple recently announced its new flagship iPhone 14, I was incredibly excited, but at first glance it doesn’t look very different to last year’s iPhone 13. In fact, as far as its design goes, it’s pretty much identical to the previous generation. However, there are many delightful updates to the iPhone’s hardware and software, so let me take you through it. Firstly, there are two size options when it comes to choosing a new iPhone 14. The “regular” 6.1” inch display (with a 3279mAh battery) or the new iPhone 14 Plus with a 6.7” display and larger battery (4323 mAh). In comparison, last year Apple announced a 6.1” iPhone 13 and a 5.42” iPhone 13 mini variant, but it seems this year that Apple has decided to do a 180 and go bigger. Previously, Apple used to only offer this larger screen if you bought a Pro Max iPhone model. So it’s a pretty awesome offer as the Pro Max line is a premium phone, meaning there would usually be a substantial price jump for users shopping around for an iPhone with a bigger screen. Unboxing There’s not a lot to see in the box, except the iPhone 14 in a colour of your choosing. This year the iPhone comes in Blue (baby blue), Purple (pastel), Midnight (black), Starlight (between silver and gold) and Product Red. Besides the regular documents and Apple Sticker, you’ll get a USB-C to Lightning Cable. No charging brick, which is now the norm. iPhone 14 Updated Features • New selfie auto-focus Apple has updated the selfie camera (front facing camera) to offer a better auto focus feature, which means everyone in your group shots should be in focus from now on, even if they’re a little further back from the camera than you. There’s also an updated main camera on the back which performs better in low light. • Cinematic mode You can now record in 4K resolution in Cinematic mode, a feature which was originally only available in HD resolution since it first came to the iPhone on last year’s iPhone 13. This is the video mode that allows you to film a subject with a blurred background, which makes your videos look more like something that would come out of a professional camera. I love this feature and the video quality upgrade is such a nice bonus. • Action mode There’s a new “Action Mode” available to the back facing camera, which makes your videos super stable, as if you’ve put your iPhone on a gimbal. Honestly, the stabilisation is incredibly impressive and if you are walking or running after someone, or filming out of a moving vehicle, it really comes in handy. • Repairability A feature that I haven’t seen many people talk about is the iPhone 14’s new and improved repairability. Apple has completely changed the internal design of the phone so now the back glass is easier to repair, and from my research, so is the front glass. It’s one of the biggest iPhone internal design changes in many, many years and this is such a win for consumers. Though I will say the durability of the iPhone 13, which continues over to the 14, is already paramount. And having dropped my iPhone 13 way too often, and somehow never suffering any cracks or damage, I’d highly recommend the iPhone 14 just for this reason. Battery Life Apple states the new iPhone 14 offers “the longest battery life ever” and so far, it has been able to tackle a day of medium to heavy use, and last late until the evening. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus, with its larger battery, is even more of a delight, getting easily a full day of use and a little battery life left to spare in the morning. Is the iPhone 14 worth it? Even though the iPhone 14 shares the same design as the iPhone 13, there’s a lot of new features packed into the new iPhone 14. If you care about your selfie quality, recording smooth videos and want better battery life, then it’s definitely a phone to consider, especially if you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or earlier. The iPhone 14 starts at $1399 for the baseline 128GB model and the iPhone 14 Plus starts at $1579 for the 128GB model. Elly Awesome is an Aussie tech and lifestyle vlogger | @ellyawesometech | YouTube

IRS Can Now Hunt Down America’s Crypto Tax Evaders After Landmark Ruling – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/irs-can-now-hunt-down-americas-crypto-tax-evaders-after-landmark-ruling-cryptonews/ Source: AdobeStock / Vitalii Vodolazskyi The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has received authorization from a U.S. district judge to sniff out individuals who attempt to sidestep taxes on their cryptocurrency transactions. The order comes at a time when digital asset adoption is seeing a surge, and the number of crypto tax evaders is subsequently increasing. A press release from the United States Department of Justice uncovered the development Thursday. Per the release, U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe gave the IRS authorization to issue John Doe summons demanding information related to crypto tax evaders from full-service banking institution M.Y. Safra Bank. The move was announced by IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, United States Attorney Damian Williams, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division of the Department of Justice, David Hubbert. The summons will particularly take sFOX – a crypto-focused prime brokerage platform – into consideration. This is due to sFOX’s partnership with M.Y. Safra Bank that enables customers of the broker to utilize the crypto offerings of M.Y. Safra Bank. The IRS will be looking out for customers who failed to report to the IRS in order to pay the necessary taxes on their crypto transactions. The ramped-up effort at hunting down tax evaders in the crypto scene is due to the concerning rate of crypto tax dearth. According to the press release, the IRS has noticed “significant tax compliance deficiencies relating to cryptocurrencies and other digital assets” in its experience. Speaking on the matter, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams noted that cryptocurrency traders are not exempt from paying taxes in the United States, as is proper.  “The government is committed to using all of the tools at its disposal, including John Doe summonses, to identify taxpayers who have understated their tax liabilities by not reporting cryptocurrency transactions, and to make sure that everyone pays their fair share,” Williams added. Furthermore, IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig highlighted the significance of the court’s authorization to the agency. According to him, the order will help to support their already-established efforts at ensuring that all individuals pay their fair share of taxes. The U.S taxes crypto as investments rather than currencies  In addition, Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Hubbert sought to remind cryptocurrency traders in the U.S. that their gains are taxable. Consequently, it is important for American crypto investors to understand the manner in which their transactions are taxed. The U.S. IRS places taxes on cryptocurrencies as investments, and not necessarily as currencies. Due to this view, long-term holders of cryptocurrencies enjoy lower taxes when they’ve held their assets for up to a year. These rates are typically between 0% and 20%. Notwithstanding, short-term holders who hold their assets for less than a year would be paying somewhere between 10% and 37%. Despite the seemingly high crypto tax rate, the U.S. still doesn’t assume the position of the country with the worst crypto tax rate. That crown goes to Belgium which taxes crypto transactions up to 33% or 50% depending on whether the transactions are speculative or regarded as professional income.

These 7 States Have The Least Air Pollution In The U.S. – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/these-7-states-have-the-least-air-pollution-in-the-u-s-cnbc/ Breathing cleaner air is vital to your long-term health: It’s essential for healthy lungs, improves cognitive function and can even make you happier.  The Natural Resources Defense Council also says cleaner air helps avoid an estimated 370,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year and leads to 189,000 fewer hospital admissions for cardiac and respiratory illnesses, such as heart diseases, asthma or pneumonia.  In short, you can expect numerous benefits from living in an area with clean air. That’s good news for residents of several states, according to a new U.S. News and World Report analysis, which ranked all 50 states according to how polluted they are and the risk that pollution poses to their population’s health.  The ranking is based on 2019 data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which measured the total toxic chemical pollution generated in each state and the risks of long-term, chronic health effects — such as cancer and birth defects — posed to each state’s population per capita. Those measurements accounted for air and water emissions from manufacturing, electric power generation, mining and hazardous waste treatment, according to the U.S. News and World Report. They didn’t account for pollution from transportation, agriculture or small facilities like dry cleaners and auto body shops. Here are the seven least polluted states, according to the ranking: Vermont  New Hampshire South Dakota New Mexico Wyoming  California  Rhode Island  Vermont comes in first as the least polluted state in the nation, a fitting title for “The Green Mountain State” that is known for its pristine natural attractions. That ranking is consistent with other 2022 analyses: The American Lung Association (ALA) says Vermont’s cities are among the cleanest by air quality in the country, and have low levels of the most harmful and widespread types of air pollution. The state’s Burlington-South metro area in particular is one of only two U.S. cities that rank as the cleanest for the worst types of air pollution, which include particle pollution and ozone air pollution. New Hampshire’s status as the second-least polluted state may come as somewhat of a surprise. In 2022, the ALA said the state’s air quality got “mixed grades.” Overall, New Hampshire showed improvement in the ozone air pollution category, but three counties experienced higher long-term particle pollution — which is deadly — compared to the previous year, according to the ALA. Another surprise is California’s high ranking, considering that many of its cities rank among the country’s most polluted, according to the ALA. California may have more stringent emission standards than most states, but factors like wildfires and drought have been found to worsen the state’s air quality.  What’s not surprising is the state ranked as the most polluted in the U.S.: Louisiana. Several pieces of research point to the state’s poor air quality. For instance, a 2020 analysis by the Environmental Integrity Project found that Louisiana is home to four of the top ten “super polluter” chemical plants in the U.S. A 2019 ProPublica investigation also found that the number of plants in Louisiana with high emissions has actually increased since the 1980s, despite the overall number decreasing nationally. Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter Don’t miss: These 7 states have the worst air pollution in the U.S. These are the 10 best U.S. cities for Gen Zers based on affordability, internet speed and more The No. 1 city in the world to travel and work remotely is in the US—and it isn’t New York or LA

Florida Tech Ranks Among Florida’s Top Universities By U.S. News & World Report – WFTV Orlando https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/florida-tech-ranks-among-floridas-top-universities-by-u-s-news-world-report-wftv-orlando/ MELBOURNE, Fla. — Florida Tech receives top honors as one of the elite schools in Florida, according to the 2023 Best Colleges rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The Florida Institute of Technology is a private research university in Melbourne, Florida. The university comprises four academic colleges: Engineering & Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business. STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE The magazine looked at 1,500 institutions that grant bachelor’s degrees, using 17 measures of academic quality, including retention and graduation rates, peer assessment surveys, class sizes, and faculty compensation. The report ranked 443 national universities; for the 13th consecutive year, Florida Tech was part of that list, coming in at No. 202. Read: Here’s when KiteTails ends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom In the Sunshine State, Florida Tech was ranked number two among the nine private universities in the state. Overall, Florida Tech was ranked number eight among all 79 Florida-based colleges and universities ranked by the magazine. Read: Skillet, Zach Williams among ‘Rock the Universe’ headliners at Universal Orlando Resort According to the report, in the Best Value Schools category, Florida Tech was fourth among the 10 ranked Florida schools, ahead of the University of Miami, University of Central Florida and others. Florida Tech was included on multiple unranked lists that highlight several of the university’s key strengths including campus ethnicity diversity, economic diversity, the highest four-year graduation rates, and the highest proportion of classes with fewer than 20 students. Read: Advocates pushing for the creation of “Food Bill of Rights” to help guide policy decisions The full rankings and Florida Tech rankings are now available here. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Czech Gaming Industry Tanks Through Pandemic, Reports Record Growth In 2021 – Expats.cz – Latest News For Prague And The Czech Republic https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/czech-gaming-industry-tanks-through-pandemic-reports-record-growth-in-2021-expats-cz-latest-news-for-prague-and-the-czech-republic/ While other economic sectors struggle through the pandemic years in 2020 and 2021, the Czech Republic’s gaming industry saw record growth last year, according to figures shared by the Association of Czech Game Developers during a press conference at the Game Developers Session in Prague on Friday. Annual turnover for the Czech video game sector was up 33 percent to 7.1 billion crowns in 2021. Profit rose by 14 percent to 2.1 billion crowns. Further growth is expected in 2022, with preliminary data suggesting annual turnover will reach 7.5 billion crowns. The figures greatly exceeded estimates from industry analysts and individual studios, who expected to see growth in line with previous years and at around six billion crowns for 2021. With more people staying at home and potentially playing more games, the pandemic is theorized to have helped the gaming sector worldwide. New trends in 2022 including soaring energy prices may slow that growth, however. “Development deadlines are lengthening, which will have an impact on performance,” says Slavomír Pavlíček from Prague-based Bohemia Interactive, one of the Czech Republic’s largest studios. “Inflation, the rise in energy prices, and the rising cost of human labor are all against us.” Pavlíček references the “crunch” that game studios experienced in order to release games on time. Backlash surrounding the release of Cyberpunk 2077 from Polish studio CD Projekt Red, and other releases, has shown that fans are willing to wait longer to get a more polished game. But longer development time will eat into studio profits. Bohemia Interactive is responsible for the popular ARMA series and its spinoff DayZ, but the studio hasn’t put out a major title since 2019. Competition from other studios is also increasing. There were 135 gaming studios in the Czech Republic last year, up from 14 in 2020. RECOMMENDED ARTICLE “Last year, twice as many game studios were created as in 2020,” says Pavel Barák, chairman of the Association of Czech Game Developers. A total of 2,329 people worked in the gaming industry in the Czech Republic in 2021, about 12 percent higher than the previous year. Due to a lack of local talent, foreigners represent a huge percentage of employees in the Czech gaming sector compared to other industries. In 2021, the employment of foreigners in the Czech gaming industry rose by 5.5 percent; 38.5 percent of the industry is now foreign-born. Employees from Slovakia, Ukraine, Poland, the USA, Canada, and other countries have all been recruited to work in the Czech Republic. RECOMMENDED ARTICLE “The digital game market in the Czech Republic still lacks a large number of developers. Companies could use roughly a thousand new workers here,” says Gabriela Teissing, director of corporate venture builder Creative Dock. “At the same time, domestic demand in this industry grows by at least 25 percent every year. It is also similar in the EU markets. Interest on the part of consumers is growing exponentially, companies do not have enough domestic workers, so they welcome qualified experts from abroad, but there are still not enough of them.” Barák adds that the vast majority of Czech-produced games are made for the global marketplace, bringing greater revenue into the country compared to other sectors. Yet the industry has not received significant support from the state, despite generatign hundreds of millions of crowns in taxes; an estimated 395 million crowns were paid in 2021. “The vast majority of games are sold abroad; the industry itself is strongly pro-export and more than 95% of Czech game production is directed to the world market, which benefits the Czech economy,” says Barák. “At the same time, studios pay considerable taxes to the state.”