AquaTech AxisGO: The Ultimate Waterproof Housing For Smartphones – GearJunkie https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/aquatech-axisgo-the-ultimate-waterproof-housing-for-smartphones-gearjunkie/ (Photo/Rebecca Parsons) September 23, 2022 | By Rebecca Parsons Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more. I have a nice camera with a decent zoom, but my surf breaks are too far from shore to capture, and a waterproof housing is out of my price range. Divers, paddlers, swimmers, and anglers who want to document your adventures — take note: the AxisGO is a great solution. The quality of phone cameras these days is incredible and after doing some research, I discovered that there are a number of phone housings designed to protect your phone during your aquatic adventures. After scouring the internet and reading about the different options, the AxisGO seemed like the best bet in an accessible price range, so I ordered a case for my iPhone 13. I live in Hawaii and am in the ocean every single day. Although I’ll give any water sport a try, my staples are surfing, standup paddling, snorkeling, and free diving. In short: When I was in the market for a housing, I was looking for something that wasn’t too bulky to swim with during surfing and diving. I also wanted it to have a decent depth rating, so I could free dive with it and take on shallow-water scuba diving adventures. The AxisGO ($179 and up) ticked all my boxes. Here’s how it performed. AquaTech AxisGO Housing Review How to Use a Waterproof Housing Designed specifically for iPhones, the AxisGO 13 works for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13. (AxisGO currently has models for the iPhone XR, 11, 12, and 13, with the 14 coming soon.) To use, you simply insert your phone into the case. (If you have the iPhone 13 Pro, you first snap in the cradle and then insert your phone.) The waterproof housing provides access to all three lenses on the iPhone 13, and the glass lens port is scratch-resistant. The housing features a rear touch membrane, which allows you to have full touch-screen access so you can easily use your favorite apps, take selfies, and instantly send your photos to your contacts. The AxisGO 13 supports the latest features of the new iPhone including Macro, Cinematic Mode, and RAW capture. On the bottom of the housing, there are mounting points to attach the Bluetooth pistol grip and on the front, there are threads to attach the dome, both of which are accessories on offer. When purchasing the AxisGO, you have the option to simply purchase the housing, a kit, or individual accessories. Accessories on offer are the AxisGO Dome, the Bluetooth pistol grip, a dome cover, a cleaning and scratch removal kit, an action mounting kit, a protective case, and a sport leash. The dome enables you to take stunning over/under shots, and the Bluetooth pistol grip allows you to take photos at the click of a button. Testing the Waters With the AxisGO (Photo/Rebecca Parsons) Taking your phone in the water feels very counterintuitive, but with the AxisGO housing, my phone feels well protected. I typically am not a big fan of all the setup it takes to figure out, but the AxisGO was straightforward. There are even videos on the website to guide you through all of the features. I like that you simply put your phone in the case, snap it shut, and you’re ready to go. The snap makes it easy to know when your phone is fully secure. The touch screen doesn’t work as well as if your phone weren’t in the case, but you are able to access everything. And compared to other options out there, it works well. Many lower-price waterproof cases won’t have this touch screen feature. I’m not usually one to purchase add-ons, but the accessories offered by AxisGO definitely enhanced the experience. The Bluetooth pistol grip made it easy to hang onto the housing while swimming and diving, and it was awesome to be able to take photos by simply clicking the button. And the dome allows you to take over/underwater shots, which for me turned out really cool. I also am a fan of the sport leash because the housing is not buoyant, so it’s important to make sure your phone and housing stay in hand. Drawback There are other waterproof housing options out there, ranging from over $350 to $500 that do have better depth rates of 30-40m, but they also come at a higher price. We do wish the AxisGO had a slightly better depth rate. But for now, the 10m depth rate, price, and performance of the housing make it a great option. AxisGO Housing: Conclusion Is the AxisGO Housing for you? With a price tag of $179-219 (less than 200 bucks if you have an iPhone XR, 11, or 12), this housing is hard to beat. That price is definitely lower than a GoPro or Olympus Tough Underwater camera, or other housing options, and is definitely lower than buying a new phone if you take yours out on the water without protection (and drop it). Overall, I’m a big fan of this housing case! It has all the features I want. It offers fun, compatible accessories, and it’s easy to use. In future models, I hope they’ll improve the depth rating so users can take it on deeper dives. I’m excited to take the AxisGO out more frequently and continue to work on my underwater photography skills. Check Price at AquaTechCheck Price at Amazon The Best Dry Bags of 2022 We tested and reviewed the best dry bags of 2022, including the YETI Panga 75 Dry Duffel and top picks from SealLine, NRS, and more. Read more… The Best Standup Paddleboards of 2022 Looking to invest in a standup paddleboard but don’t know where to start? Check out our list for the best paddleboards of 2021. Read more… The Best New Fly Fishing Rods of 2022 Fly rods are constantly changing with each tech advancement or construction innovation. These are our picks for the best fly fishing rods for 2022. Read more…

Want A $1 Million Job In Crypto? How About Chief Metaverse Officer – They Are All The Rage – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/want-a-1-million-job-in-crypto-how-about-chief-metaverse-officer-they-are-all-the-rage-cryptonews/ Image credit: Pixabay Metaverse technology has continued to be the rage among big-name brands that are now dolling out million-dollar paychecks to so-called “chief metaverse officers” to think up their metaverse adoption strategy.  According to a Bloomberg report, brands such as Disney, Proctor and Gamble (P&G), LVMH, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Spanish telecom carrier Telefonica SA, and wedding-registry retailer Crate & Barrel are among giants that have invested in a CMO of recent.  These firms, while each having modified job descriptions for their CMO, are all making the appointment with a view not to be left behind in the adoption of the emerging technology. Hamza Khan, the co-lead of metaverse efforts at management and consulting firm McKinsey & Co., said: “Brands need to get closer to their customers, and the metaverse is a channel to do that. Compared to the early days of e-commerce, this time around brands are a lot more active, a lot earlier.” McKinsey estimates that annual global spending related to the virtual world could reach as much as $5 trillion by 2030. Analysis by Gartner Inc. supports the position that the metaverse is the next big innovation with its forecast that one in four people will spend at least an hour a day in the metaverse within a few years.  Despite the “digital FOMO” trend, companies are still treading cautiously in their metaverse adoption as the sector is yet to prove itself to be a big earner. Bloomberg found that it is presently not uncommon to see newly named chief metaverse officers having additional responsibilities in order not to constrain company resources, although their paychecks still run into millions in some cases.  Companies already rolling out metaverse adoption strategies Companies globally have not stopped at eyeing metaverse technology, some have already initiated moves to establish a significant presence in the virtual world. So far in 2022, the number of metaverse-related trademark filings made by companies has exceeded the total number of such filings made in the whole of 2021 as reported by Fortune.  Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook completed its rebrand to Meta this year and has pivoted its business focus to metaverse technology, albeit to a rocky start. Others like Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonald’s to mention a few have formed partnerships with metaverse-native companies to launch NFT collections or other metaverse-related initiatives.  All these strides the metaverse sector has been making have been despite a broader market price slump that has seen the crypto market capitalization drop below $1 trillion from its all-time high of close to $3 trillion.

Wall St Week Ahead ‘Uncharted’ Sell-Off In U.S. Stocks Has Investors Wondering When The Pain Stops – Reuters.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wall-st-week-ahead-uncharted-sell-off-in-u-s-stocks-has-investors-wondering-when-the-pain-stops-reuters-com/ A specialist trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com NEW YORK, Sept 23 (Reuters) – A week of heavy selling has brought U.S. stocks and bonds to fresh bear market lows, with many investors bracing for more pain ahead. Across Wall Street, banks are scrambling to adjust their forecasts to account for a Federal Reserve that shows no evidence of letting up in its fight against inflation after delivering another market-bruising rate hike this week and signaling more severe monetary policy tightening ahead. Once-reliable technical indicators are falling by the wayside. The S&P dipped below its mid-June low of 3,666 on Friday afternoon, erasing a sharp summer rebound in U.S. stocks – the first time in history the index breached a new low after erasing more than half of its losses. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com A rout in bond markets added to the pressure on stocks — yields on the benchmark 10-year Treasury, which move inversely to prices, recently stood at 3.67%, their highest level since 2010. “These are uncharted waters,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “The market right now is going through a crisis of confidence.” The fresh low will likely prompt another wave of aggressive selling, potentially sending the index as low as 3,200, a level in line with the average historical decline in bear markets that coincide with recessions, Stovall said. While recent data has shown a U.S. economy that is comparatively strong, investors worry the Fed’s tightening will bring on a downturn. read more timeline of the market Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at BofA Global Research, believes high inflation will likely push U.S. Treasury yields as high as 5% over the next five months, exacerbating the selloff in both stocks and bonds. “We say new highs in yields equals new lows in stocks,” he said, estimating that the S&P 500 will fall as low as 3,020, at which point investors should “gorge’ on equities. Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, cut its year-end target for the S&P 500 by 16% to 3,600 points from 4,300 points. “Based on our client discussions, a majority of equity investors have adopted the view that a hard landing scenario is inevitable and their focus is on the timing, magnitude and duration of a potential recession and investment strategies for that outlook,” wrote Goldman analyst David Kostin. read more Investors, meanwhile, are looking for signs of a capitulation point that would indicate a bottom is near. The Cboe Volatility Index, known as Wall Street’s fear gauge, on Friday shot above 30, it’s highest point since late June but below the 37 average level that has marked crescendos of selling in past market declines since 1990. Bond funds recorded outflows of $6.9 billion during the week to Wednesday, while $7.8 billion was removed from equity funds and investors plowed $30.3 billion into cash, BofA said in a research note citing EPFR data. Investor sentiment is the worst it has been since the 2008 global financial crash, the bank said. Kevin Gordon, senior investment research manager at Charles Schwab, believes there is more downside ahead because central banks are tightening monetary policy into a global economy that already appears to be weakening. “It will take us longer to get out of this rut not only because of slowdown around the world but because the Fed and other central banks are hiking into the slowdown,” Gordon said. “It’s a toxic mix for risk assets.” A key signal to watch over the coming weeks will be how steeply estimates of corporate earnings fall, said Jake Jolly, senior investment strategist at BNY Mellon. The S&P 500 is currently trading at around 17 times expected earnings, well above its historical average, which suggests that a recession is not yet been priced into the market, he said. A recession would likely push the S&P 500 to trade between 3,000 and 3,500 in 2023, Jolly said. “The only way we see earnings not contracting is if the economy is able to avoid a recession and right now that does not seem to the odds-on favorite,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be optimistic on equities until the Fed engineers a soft landing.” Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by David Randall; Additional reporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and Nick Zieminski Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Wesco Acquires Global Systems Integrator, VAR Rahi Systems – ChannelE2E https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wesco-acquires-global-systems-integrator-var-rahi-systems-channele2e/ by Joe Panettieri • Sep 23, 2022 Wesco International is acquiring systems integrator and VAR Rahi Systems for $217 million, or roughly 7.5x Rahi’s projected trailing 12 months EBITDA (months adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). This is technology deal number 808 that ChannelE2E has covered so far in 2022. See more than 2,000 technology M&A deals involving MSPs, MSSPs & IT service providers listed here. Wesco Acquires Rai Systems; Expands Communications and Security Solutions Business Unit Rahi Systems, founded in 2012, is based in Fremont, California. The company has 940 employees listed on LinkedIn. The IT solutions provider’s expertise spans data center and IT infrastructure, cloud services, unified communications, managed services and global distribution/logistics. Wesco, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides business-to-business distribution, logistics, and supply chain services. Wesco’s areas of expertise include Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. Company sales were $5.5 billion in Q2 of 2022, up 19% compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Rahi Systems will tuck into Wesco’s Communications and Security Solutions (CSS) strategic business unit. That CSS business unit generated: Net sales of $1.6 billion for the second quarter of 2022 — up 9.6% compared to $1.5 billion for the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted EBITDA of $150.0 million for the second quarter of 2022, up 14.4% compared to $131.1 million for the second quarter of 2021. Global Systems Integrator M&A: Executive Perspectives In a prepared statement about the deal, Wesco CEO John Engel said: “This acquisition strengthens our leading data center solution offerings for our global customers. Rahi’s extensive services portfolio serving the leading global hyperscale data center providers expands the cross-sell opportunities across our company.” Added Bill Geary, executive VP and general manager, Wesco Communications and Security Solutions. “Rahi has a successful history of above-market growth since its inception. With more than 900 employees in 25 countries around the world, this acquisition provides complementary global coverage and enhances our full suite of data center solutions for contractors, integrators and end-user customers.”

Black Friday Deals On Gaming Chairs 2022: What To Expect – Dexerto https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/black-friday-deals-on-gaming-chairs-2022-what-to-expect-dexerto/ Gaming chairs are one of the biggest things in the industry right now, so grabbing one during Black Friday will be a must. Here’s what to expect. No one could have predicted that furniture for gaming enthusiasts would have taken over the industry like it did. These cushioned, racing car-inspired chairs are constantly in, with brands clamoring after getting their own version behind the biggest streamers or even, chess masters, behinds. The thing is, when we talk about the furniture here on Dexerto, we always want to recommend some of the very top, expensive versions. They’re usually the most comfortable, less backbreaking and sometimes, we even want to recommend something a little different. However, gaming chairs can be super expensive, and we don’t really expect anyone to go out and immediately buy a new one. Corsair, Razer and Secretlab all have their chairs up for several hundred dollars, while budget options that are actually decent, are hard to come by. That’s why Black Friday has become the perfect storm of chair purchasing, as we can heartily recommend some of the chairs that would usually be out of reach for a lot of people. Prices come way down around this time of year, especially with the big name brands, as they’ll be ushering in a new lineup of furniture for the next year or wanting to get rid of excess older chairs that they’re no longer willing to promote. So what should you expect from Black Friday and the various chair manufacturers? Well, let’s take a look at the last couple of years of Black Friday deals around the gaming chair phenomenon. Secretlab Black Friday deals Secretlab We’re going to go out on a limb and say the company best known for gaming chairs, will probably be holding another sale for chairs this Black Friday. Secretlab currently have dozens of chairs and other pieces of furniture lining their store, which is consistently on sale throughout the year. Right now, on the UK store, there’s up to £200 off and on the US is seeing up to $250 off. For Black Friday however, in 2021, we saw up to steep discounts on a massive line of chairs. This even included the latest releases and tie-in branded chairs. If you wanted a Batman-themed chair, 2021 was your year to grab one. This year however, we expect things like the K/DA, League of Legends and Fortnite branded ones to get the deeper discounts, while Overwatch 2 releasing could see tie-in deals with the various chairs relating to that coming down in price. Corsair deals on gaming chairs It’s still weird to talk about the company that makes our RAM and power supplies making our upholstery, but we digress. Corsair run sales through the year that see their furniture offerings get heavy discounts. While Corsair seem to be moving into just about every facet of our gaming world, their furniture should see some deep sales from the various third-parties, as well as Corsair themselves come this November. As for other furniture, we’re unsure if the desks and lighting will see as big a discount. Razer chairs deals Razer’s deals usually land around their other hardware, laptops and the like. However, we full expect some sort of deal to crop up over Black Friday for their various chairs. Those looking for something branded, would probably want to keep an eye on the Hello Kitty and Genshin Impact chairs. While these are their special editions, we do expect the regular versions to get much better discounts, less overhead costs and licenses to worry about. Razer are usually pretty good around big sales, so if you’re in the market for a gaming chair, you’d probably want to keep tabs on them just in case. Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart gaming chair discounts this Black Friday We’ve decided to lump these three together, as they all have the same habit of housing similar looking, but different branded chairs, as well as the main three seen above. Amazon is the worst culprit, but we’ll be sure to go through Best Buy and Walmart with a fine toothcomb to ensure that nothing of low quality hits your house at any point. We’re also going to be using them for our budget options, as while they do stock a lot of off-brand versions of gaming chairs, there’s still some, like the X-Rocker, that deserve a spot.

Ron DeSantis-Backed T.K. Waters Stretches Cash Lead In Jacksonville Sheriff Race – Florida Politics https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ron-desantis-backed-t-k-waters-stretches-cash-lead-in-jacksonville-sheriff-race-florida-politics/ Familiar names boosted his political committee recently. Republican candidate T.K. Waters continues to add to his financial advantage ahead of the November Special Election for Jacksonville Sheriff. Familiar establishment donors are key to his latest push. Between Sept. 10 and Sept. 16, Waters’ political committee, A Safer Jacksonville for All, collected $170,500 in donations, with most of that money coming from recognizable names. The US Assure Insurance Company and the Petway family combined to donate $100,000, in $25,000 checks. Tom Petway, Ty Petway and Petway Real Estate all signed off. The Petways’ political symbiosis with Mayor Lenny Curry has been a hallmark of the current age, and all indications are the family’s active political role is continuing. Nicole Padgett, the chief administrative officer for Summitt Contracting, led all donors that week with a $50,000 check. The Padgetts also were key to Curry’s fundraising in his two successful campaigns. Waters, who was endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis months back, has raised more than $1.21 million to his committee this cycle, and retains nearly $725,000 of that sum as cash on hand. Though records with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office only go through Sept. 9, Waters has shown strong hard money fundraising also, bringing in $30,665 during the two weeks before that date. Lawyers and police officers dominated the report. Waters has raised to his campaign account a total of $498,558 through Sept. 9, and has nearly $265,000 of that remaining. Whereas Republican Waters has nearly a million dollars left unencumbered, his Democratic opponent is playing catch up as voting begins. Democrat Lakesha Burton actually raised more hard money than Waters during the two weeks ending Sept. 9, bringing in $31,335 through that date. The European Street Cafe chain was responsible for $4,000 of that through four different subsidiary contributions. Pastor Mark Griffin, former Florida Times-Union editor Frank Denton, and former City Council candidate Nahshon Nicks were among the donors. Yet despite more than keeping pace with Waters’ two-week campaign account fundraising, she is at a cash disadvantage. She has raised $276,740, but has less than $80,000 of that on hand. A similar dynamic is in play in her Make Every Voice Count political committee, as she had to spend heavily ahead of the August election to clear the other three Democrats in the field. She has raised more than $1.08 million, but has spent more than $825,000 of that sum. Her latest filing covers the period ending Sept. 9, so these numbers could be subject to change when new numbers are filed. The November election fills the unexpired term of Sheriff Mike Williams, who resigned amid a residency violation, replaced by appointed temporary fill-in Pat Ivey. That term ends July 1, 2023, meaning that another election for Sheriff begins soon after this one ends. Qualifying for local 2023 races occurs the week of Jan. 9. Post Views: 0

AZ Big Media New Rob Schneider Film ‘Daddy Daughter Trip’ Is A Love Letter To Arizona – AZ Big Media https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/az-big-media-new-rob-schneider-film-daddy-daughter-trip-is-a-love-letter-to-arizona-az-big-media/ Comic actor and “Saturday Night Live” alum Rob Schneider donned three creative hats for his latest film, “Daddy Daughter Trip,” that premieres exclusively at Harkins Theatres on Friday, September 30. As director, star and producer, he also showcased our state in beautiful ways. “Daddy Daughter Trip” was filmed entirely in Arizona. “I love it,” says Schneider. “I had no idea of the different potential cinematic opportunities the state provides and just how beautiful a place it is to raise a family. Forget about making movies. How about making a happy family?” READ ALSO: Read all of Ryan Bordow’s movie reviews here Schneider and his wife Patricia Schneider, who co-wrote “Daddy Daughter Trip,” moved to Arizona during the pandemic when they decided they wanted a better life for their children. “We wanted them to grow up in a place where they could enjoy their childhood in a place that is clean, and we have nice, beautiful opportunities to enjoy snow and trees in Flagstaff. I also think it’s a free state. It really is. I think the liberties here … People don’t take them for granted. I just feel like I can breathe in every possible way.” Schneider had wanted to make this movie eight years ago but the requirement of millions of dollars, hundreds of cast and crew, and faith in making a good film that may turn a profit was a tall order. “There’s a short line of people that will go, ‘I’ll do that!’” says Schneider. “By the time we were thinking of finishing the script my daughter was old enough to play the lead.” His daughter was the natural choice for the film and snagged the lead role. Miranda Scarlett Schneider portrays Meara Buble, whose father, Larry Buble (Rob Schneider) takes his daughter on a spring break vacation. Although there is no budget for a vacation, Larry tries to make the best of it. When the duo meets a couple of famous travel bloggers, the father and daughter’s vacation does an about face, and they have the vacation that provides a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Schneider daughter grew up on the set of reality TV show “Real Rob,” which followed the life of the Schneider family. “Her first words two words that I ever remember her saying were, ‘Action!’ and ‘Cut!’” On set, she would see her dad bounce out of his director chair and say those words all the time. She also had her own small director’s chair and was just following her dad’s lead.  In “Daddy Daughter Trip,” Schneider is most proud of a particular scene where he and his daughter are outside under the stars. The father and daughter have a conversation about all the different ways they love each other. “It’s gorgeous and I’m so proud of her,” says Schneider. “We worked on that every night before she went to bed and just talked about how much we love each other. When it came time to shooting it, then we tease each other.” He says it’s the most beautiful scene in the movie. “The movie is really about hope and clinging to your dreams when you don’t have the means to pay for anything,” explains Schneider. “You have to. It’s about faith. I’m very proud how that all worked out.” The film was shot during the pandemic and Schneider notes that it was a very safe set, and he was happy that everyone was careful, and the film was made without being shut down. Shooting locations in Arizona included Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Park, Bearizona, Butterfly Wonderland, Arizona Boardwalk, Basha’s, Changing Hands Bookstore and Agritopia. “There’s a thank you at the end of the movie to the people of Arizona,” gushes Schneider. “I have never in my career been involved with a movie that had more help and more people willing to assist us in every facet of filmmaking. The outpouring of generosity and generosity of spirit that we’ve gotten from the people of Arizona… I was just floored by it. I’m grateful for the people of Arizona. The movie to me is very meaningful because it’s my ‘Thank You’ to the people of Arizona and a postcard for how beautiful the state is.” Daddy Daughter Trip co-stars include Jackie Sandler and Emmy and BAFTA-winner, John Cleese of “Monty Python” fame, Michael Bublé and Sandler’s eldest daughter, singer Elle King.

Economy News And Stock Market Updates – The New York Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/economy-news-and-stock-market-updates-the-new-york-times/ Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 3,700 3,750 3,800 3,850 Markets around the world slid on Friday as investors continued to fret about inflation, recession and rapidly rising interest rates. The S&P 500 fell more than 2 percent, putting the index on track for a second consecutive weekly decline. It is also now negative for the quarter; if it persists through the end of the month, it would be the first time since 2008 that the index has had three straight quarters of losses. In a research note, analysts at Goldman Sachs sharply lowered their year-end forecast for the S&P 500 to a level that implies a 5 percent fall from current prices, where the analysts expect it to remain through the first half of next year. Inflation is more persistent than expected, the analysts wrote, and that led them to forecast that the Federal Reserve would raise rates higher than previously assumed, which is typically bad for stocks. But “the outlook is unusually murky,” they said. The 10-year Treasury yield, a benchmark for borrowing costs, rose slightly, extending an earlier increase after the Fed announced another supersize rate increase on Wednesday. In Europe, the Stoxx 600 fell by 2.3 percent, a drop that left it in a bear market, defined as a 20 percent decline from a peak. With Friday’s decline, the index is down just over 20 percent from its January high. Markets in Britain were particularly shaken by the details of new government policies on tax cuts and spending. Japan’s Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 closed with losses of about 0.6 percent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell around 1.2 percent. Reflecting worries about economic growth, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil, the U.S. benchmark, was down more than 5 percent, dropping below $80 a barrel for the first time since early January. The dollar, often a haven for investors during times of turmoil, gained 1 percent against a basket of currencies of major U.S. trading partners. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, fell 2 percent to around $18,600, near its lowest level of the year. Europe’s Stoxx 600 index ended the day in bear market territory, a bleak reflection of the state of the European economy. The benchmark index, which includes large companies from 17 European countries, like Britain’s Shell, Switzerland’s Nestlé and Germany’s Volkswagen, fell 2.3 percent on Friday, pushing the index down about 21 percent from its Jan. 5 peak. A fall of more than 20 percent from a high is the common definition of a bear market, a rare and grim signal for stock markets. The S&P 500 slipped into a bear market in June. The European Central Bank, the Bank of England and other central banks across Europe and elsewhere are aggressively raising interest rates to bring down high inflation, which cools economic activity in many countries that are already showing signs of recession. Surveys of corporate purchasing managers published on Friday darkened the mood of European investors. The polls implied another month of contraction in business activity in the eurozone, suggesting that “recession is inevitable,” Katharina Koenz, a senior economist at Oxford Economics, wrote in a report. “The decline was led by manufacturing, as the sector continues to suffer from sky-high energy costs, but the services sector also showed marked weakness.” Britain’s new government announced a sweeping series of tax cuts on Friday, betting it had found the path to economic growth despite high inflation. But the market verdict was swift and negative: The value of British stocks, bonds and the pound sank to new lows against the U.S. dollar, not seen since 1985. The plans will require large increases in government borrowing and have raised expectations that the Bank of England will need to raise interest rates even more aggressively to stop inflation. This will add even more to the cost of these tax cuts and previously announced spending plans to shield households and businesses from the soaring cost of energy. After the announcement by the new chancellor of Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, the FTSE 100, Britain’s benchmark stock index fell more than 2 percent. But the most eye-catching market moves were in British government bonds and the pound. Bond yields, a measure of borrowing costs, shot higher, which will make the interest the government pays on the new debt it issues much more expensive. The yield on benchmark 10-year government bonds climbed to the highest since 2011. And the yield on the five-year bond rose by more than half a percentage point, to 4.15 percent, a huge move in a market where daily changes are typically measured in hundredths of a point. “It’s fair to say that the gilt market hated today’s mini-budget,” Jim Leaviss, a bond investor at M&G Investments, said in emailed comments, referring to the market for British government bonds. “In what has already been a weak period for government bonds thanks to global inflation and central bank rate hikes, the U.K. has stood out as an underperformer,” he added. The pound also fell nearly 2 percent against the euro on Friday and dropped more than 3 percent against the U.S. dollar, to $1.09. The British currency has lost more than 18 percent against the dollar this year, falling to its lowest level since 1985. “Concerns over the U.K.’s fiscal position combined with its recessionary outlook and extremely high level of inflation leave the pound extremely vulnerable,” analysts at Rabobank wrote in a note. Mr. Kwarteng outlined the government’s plan in a statement to a packed Parliament, promising to accelerate economic growth with a combination of tax cuts and deregulation that echoed the 1980s under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. But the emphasis on lower taxes for companies and workers comes as the government prepares to spend £60 billion over the next six months to subsidize energy costs for households and businesses, the first phase of an expansive plan to freeze the cost of gas and electricity for consumers. “The markets react as they will,” Mr. Kwarteng said in the House of Commons on Friday. “But the growth plan will very soon show we are on the right course and we are steering us to a more prosperous future.” Investors had already appeared anxious about Britain’s fiscal state before the details of the new government’s plan were unveiled by Mr. Kwarteng. Britain’s budget and balance of imports and exports make the country dependent on what a previous central bank governor called “the kindness of strangers” to finance economic plans. “Sterling is in danger,” warned analysts at Deutsche Bank, who have been fretting for weeks about investors losing confidence in Britain and being unwilling to finance its current account deficit. “We worry that investor confidence in the U.K.’s external sustainability is being eroded fast. And the only thing that can prevent the pound from weakening is a very aggressive Bank of England hiking cycle.” Image Kwasi Kwarteng, the chancellor of the Exchequer, promised the dawn of a new age of lower taxation.Credit…Jessica Taylor/House Of Commons/Via Reuters Britain’s chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, introduced a long-awaited raft of new policies on Friday, including sweeping deregulation and a series of tax cuts. The plan was meant to hark back to Thatcher-era policies — but it comes at a fraught time for Britain’s public finances, reports the DealBook newsletter. Here are the takeaways: Tax cuts: In a surprise move, Mr. Kwarteng will scrap Britain’s top income tax rate of 45 percent, applied to those who earn more than 150,000 pounds, or about $169,000, a year and cut the basic rate for lower earners. He also said the government would abandon a planned rise in corporate taxes and another on national insurance contributions, and reduce a levy on home purchases. Deregulation: The government will remove a cap on banker bonuses, a move made possible by Brexit that is meant to bolster London’s competitiveness as a global financial center. It will also end a ban on fracking and will streamline construction planning laws. Mr. Kwarteng pitched the moves as a way to supercharge Britain’s economy, with a goal of getting back to 2.5 percent annual growth, a level not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Since being elected as prime minister, Liz Truss has promised a return to the small-government, business-minded ethos of Margaret Thatcher, her political idol and a touchstone for the governing Conservative Party. The strategy is a high-wire fiscal act. Ms. Truss is already planning to subsidize soaring energy costs for consumers and businesses, which will draw on a wave of government borrowing. British government bonds fell sharply after Mr. Kwarteng’s announcement, as did stocks on the FTSE 100 index in London. The pound fell to a 37-year low of $1.10. George Saravelos, Deutsche Bank’s global head of foreign exchange research, warned in a client note this morning that “sterling is in danger” of falling further. Economists and investors have been worried about Britain’s dismal economic prospects, with climbing inflation and rising interest rates. An independent report this week said that the widely telegraphed budget proposals would put British public finances on an “unsustainable path.” There are political risks as well. Polls suggest that Britons favor higher taxes and more government spending on areas like health care and education. And ending caps on banker pay is deeply unpopular. Ms. Truss and Mr. Kwarteng are hoping to get traction on an economic recovery ahead of national elections in 2024. The U.S. benchmark oil price tumbled below $80 a barrel on Friday for the first time since January as traders grew increasingly worried that much of the world was headed into a recession or was already in one. The steady fall in prices from ...

Why Are Women And Young Adults Living Without Health Insurance? – El Paso Inc. https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/why-are-women-and-young-adults-living-without-health-insurance-el-paso-inc/ Nadia Tahir Sep 23, 2022 1 hr ago 0 How are you feeling? A recent study found that women and young adults invest less in health insurance. More than one-third of young adults, ages 25-34 lack an active health insurance policy. What’s more, only about 60% of women period are protected by health insurance. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Wealth of Geeks 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. Sign up for our newsletters We’re always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what’s going on!

2022 NFL Week 3 Picks: Bengals And Texans Pick Up First Wins, Bills Blow Out Dolphins – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/2022-nfl-week-3-picks-bengals-and-texans-pick-up-first-wins-bills-blow-out-dolphins-cbs-sports/ Two weeks into the season we still don’t know anything. Well, I take that back — I know my record against the spread currently isn’t acceptable. We’re going to work on that starting in Week 3, which profiles as a real interesting opportunity for some road teams with short numbers, either as a favorite or as a tiny dog.  There’s also a host of teams who are currently winless, and the heat is going to start getting turned up very quickly for anyone who heads into Week 4 without a single victory to their name.  I think there’s a decent chance one or two of them end up picking up that first win, including both the Bengals and the Texans. Let’s get to the Week 3 picks.  All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook NFL Week 3 Picks Steelers at Browns Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET Stream: Amazon Prime Follow: CBS Sports App Featured Game | Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers No clue how this game ends up going over the total of 38.5. Neither team is exceptionally explosive on offense and both defenses (despite missing key pass rushers) are fairly stout. More importantly, the wind looks like it’s going to be whipping mostly all night, upwards of 22mph for most of the evening. That should mean a lot of runs, very few passes and very few points. I’m not sure how much lower the total can get, but I’d back the Steelers getting points and the under in this spot of offensively challenged AFC North rivals.  The pick: Steelers 13, Browns 10 Props, Best Bets: Under 38.5 Bills at Dolphins Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (One month free trial) Featured Game | Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills TuAnon is flourishing after two weeks and buddy-oh-buddy is there potential for Dolphins fans to come out in full force with a home win against the Bills here. Miami could flagplant their interest in trying to steal the AFC East with a win here and Mike McDaniel’s COY odds would be roughly -150 with a win here. I’m inclined to back Buffalo but think the over will be a more popular play. The DFS ownership in this game will be outrageous after seeing the Bills offense and Miami’s comeback last week. This pick of mine is not fading Tua or Miami, it’s simply a bet on the Bills being by far and away the best team in football and people not catching up to it yet. The pick: Bills 35, Dolphins 17 Props, Best Bets: Pass Bengals at Jets Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (One month free trial)   Featured Game | New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals The Jets and Joe Flacco shocked the world in Week 2 with a once-in-several-decades comeback against the Browns. People are high on the Jets and low on the Browns. Nothing would be more delightful than seeing Cincy go down, if only to watch John Breech sweat on the Pick Six Podcast (our daily NFL show, subscribe rate and review!). But Joe Burrow going down to 0-3 feels like a bit too much given how lucky the Jets have been the last two weeks in terms of keeping things close. The Bengals OL isn’t great, but the Jets pass rush isn’t as dangerous as the Steelers and Cowboys. Weather forecast looks a little sloppy for the New York area, but there’s some sneaky over potential here if either team gets a lead and everyone has to start throwing downfield.  The Pick: Bengals 28, Jets 21 Bets: Bengals -5 Texans at Bears Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (One month free trial)   Featured Game | Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans Super low total (40) and the line steaming towards the Bears. This isn’t an easy one. Some daring people will roll Chicago for survivor pools, but the Texans are too scary for me. They like to *hang around* and make things awkward. The Broncos could have easily lost in Week 2 and the Colts should have lost in Week 1. I have no interest in fading them against a team with a questionable roster, a very questionable offense all while facing a Lovie Smith Revenge Game.  The Pick: Texans 24, Bears 17 Bets: Pass Ravens at Patriots Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)   Featured Game | New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens Totally up in the air based on Lamar Jackson, who “vows” to play apparently. The total here feels suspiciously high to me. Patriots unders have been great and Lamar is hurt? Can’t touch it until we know what Lamar’s status actually is.  The Pick: Ravens 24, Patriots 21 Bets: Nope Chiefs at Colts Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (One month free trial)   Featured Game | Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs The Colts have to be in full-blown desperation mode at this point. A Week 1 tie against the Texans followed by a shutout from the Jaguars? And now the Chiefs are coming to town. Michael Pittman is massive to this game — Indy needs someone to threaten down the field. The Chargers backdoored last weekend, but make no mistake the Chiefs are cooking on offense right now. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are basically involved in a Zoolander-style dance off with Tyreek Hill at this point. Indy is more desperate, but the Chiefs are too damn hot right now.  The Pick: Chiefs 31, Colts 18 Bets: Chiefs -5.5 Lions at Vikings Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)   Featured Game | Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions The Lions over is a bet this season until it doesn’t hit. This team simply refuses to die and thusly ends up in some kind of shootout every week. Imagine Dan Campbell yelling at you on the sideline — you don’t think about the scoreboard, you just feel like you shotgunned four Red Bulls in a row. Then you run on the field and pretend it’s a one-score game.  The Pick: Lions 35, Vikings 31 Bets: OVER, OVER, OVER  Raiders at Titans  Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)  Featured Game | Tennessee Titans vs. Las Vegas Raiders Two very prominent AFC playoff contenders have started off quite slow this season. Which is a worse way to get daggered — Kyler Murray runs 14 billion yards on fourth downs and two-point conversions to snatch a win … or … benching your QB midway through the third quarter of a MNF game because you simply got overpowered? The Raiders are a good team and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won this game or it just turned into a random shootout. But I’m backing the Titans on my “if you played the Bills you’re not as bad as you look” theory here.  The Pick: Titans 31, Raiders 28 Bets: Titans +2, Over 45.5 Saints at Panthers Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)   Featured Game | Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints This game is something else right here. The Panthers feel like a One Pot whose timer went off an hour ago or so. The pressure is there big time on Matt Rhule. That being said, that defense is better than you think and the Saints offense might not be able to manufacture a ton on the road here.  The Pick: Panthers 18, Saints 15 Bets: Nope Eagles at Los WFTs Sunday, 1 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)    Featured Game | Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Hefty spread for a nasty NFC East rivalry. Such is the respect Vegas is giving the Eagles after two impressive performances this season. Jalen Hurts was flashing breakout passing skills last week and has really good vision for running the ball. He avoids contact when he has to, but has a cagey-veteran quality to his moves near the goal line. Carson Wentz has flashed his upside the first two weeks of the season. If Darius Slay trails Terry McLaurin, this could be a monster game for Jahan Dotson (again). This could be a potential shootout, honestly.  The Pick: Eagles 31, WFT 24 Bets: Over Jaguars at Chargers Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (One month free trial)   Featured Game | Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars are the perfect opponent for a Chargers home game. There won’t be aggressive, in-stadium opponent noise. Jacksonville notoriously struggles on the West Coast. Justin Herbert‘s game status is a big concern — there’s a touch too much optimistic smoke coming out of Los Angeles. I wouldn’t want to bet the Chargers without knowing for certain Herbert was going to play this week. It’s looking better for him to go as of Thursday with Herbert practicing but I wouldn’t want to bet this game until I saw Herbert off the injury report or officially active.  The Pick: Jaguars 24, Chargers 21 Falcons at Seahawks Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)   Featured Game | Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons Not the biggest headliner for the afternoon slate, although it’s a massive game for both these teams as far as their respective seasons go. If the Seahawks have legitimate hopes of making the playoffs this is a “must-win game.” The Falcons, meanwhile, want to pick up their first win of the season. I’m going to (perhaps foolishly) hope Seattle comes out a little more aggressive a la Week 1 and finds a way to pick up this win. I can’t foresee a ton of points here.  The Pick: Seahawks 10, Falcons 9 Bets: Nope Packers at Buccaneers Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (click here)   Featured Game | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers course corrected nicely in Week 2, very similarly to last season, something he noted after the game. Tom Brady is going to be missing virtually his entire receiving corps. This total — 42 — is outrageously low for a Rodgers/Brady matchup, but the under is probably a pretty decent look. I lean to the Packers as well, particularly with Akiem Hicks out of the lineup, as they’ll be able to run more effectively than most opponents against the Bucs.  The Pick: Packers 17, Bucs 14 Bets: Pass Rams at Cardinals Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET TV: FOX | St...

UAE Preparing To Launch Its Own Metaverse Space: The Sandbox Reports – The Coin Republic https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/uae-preparing-to-launch-its-own-metaverse-space-the-sandbox-reports-the-coin-republic/ Home » UAE Preparing to Launch Its Own Metaverse Space: The Sandbox Reports Dubai is preparing to launch its self-owned Metaverse.  The Sandbox will be the official partner of Dubai in developing its self-owned Metaverse.   The Sandbox is widely popular globally for its impactable work in improving Web3 and Metaverse sectors. The firm is a subordinate company of Animoca Brand, which is based in Hong Kong; Mathieu Nouzareth heads the firm and is the current chief Executive officer of the company.  The Sandbox informed that the UAE government is planning to adopt Web3.0 technology.  On Wednesday, the Senior Vice-President of The Sandbox’s global partnership, Bertrand Levy, attended a one-day event on Meta vision organized by Khaleej Times. While talking to the media, Levy noted, “We are a global brand with around 350 offices and have seen that luxury brands were among first to make their presence in the Metaverse. The key to success in Web3.0 is all about what experiences you are trying to create. Web3.0 will open opportunities for creators and creativity.” The ‘Dubaiverse’ powered and developed by The Sandbox will be launched with the help of local media outlets with a UAE media group. The Animoca brand Dubai-themed metaverse will reflect the Hong Kong’ Mega City’ of Sandbox, a gaming metaverse and virtual tradition based in the Asian economic hub of Hong Kong.  Dubaiverse will be created by consulting and partnering with local firms and other sectors of UAE, including Real Estate, Film, Music, Acting, Finance, Entertainment, and Gaming.  Bertrand Levy highlighted, “We are busy developing Dubaiverse and closely interacting with some other stakeholders.”  The master plan of Dubai Metaverse is to make Dubai among the top 10 metaverse economies and a global hub for the metaverse community. The Metaverse secured 200 strategic partnerships with The Sandbox, which include launching Warner Music Group as a music-themed virtual world in the Metaverse.    Metaverse is a widely popular industry. It is gaining huge popularity in the current era because of its amazing features, which offer users a different experience compared to traditional reality.      Author Recent Posts Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain. Latest posts by Steve Anderrson (see all) Download our App for getting faster updates at your fingertips. Top Rated Cryptocurrency Exchange

PLAYFIT CHAMP2 Smartwatch Launched At INR 1,799, Comes With A 5-Day Battery Life – Times Now https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/playfit-champ2-smartwatch-launched-at-inr-1799-comes-with-a-5-day-battery-life-times-now/ PLAY has launched its latest smartwatch, PLAYFIT CHAMP2. Designed and manufactured in India by keeping the demands, expectations, and feedback of domestic customers in mind. Consumers can purchase it at just INR 1799 from PLAY’s official website https://theworldofplay.com/ and also available on Amazon. Vikas Jain— Co- founder of PLAY, said, “At PLAY, we always strive to offer our customers technologically superior products at highly competitive prices so they can avail of avant-garde gadgets without burning holes in their pockets. This is a smartwatch that is specially built for you. It understands your requirements and will function as a companion you never knew you needed.” Here’s a brief description of the various features the PLAYFIT CHAMP2 smartwatch: Available in four premium colours: Black, Indigo Blue, Rose Gold and Cool Grey, the PLAYFIT CHAMP 2 smartwatch comes with a wide array of specifications and features tailored to address the needs and requirements of Indian consumers. The device boasts a 1.69″ full-touch advanced toughened glass display. Made with stainless steel and a silicon strap, this smartwatch can up your fashion game effortlessly. PLAYFIT CHAMP2 offers a battery life of up to five days in one single charge. Its battery capacity is 230 mAH and provides a standby time on a single charge for up to 30 days. The watch offers heartrate to blood oxygen monitoring and counting calories, it can detect physical activities such as Walking, Running, Cycling, Skipping, Football, Badminton and Basketball. It functions as a user’s personal monitoring assistant that keeps track of their health and fitness goals constantly, from notifying wearers to drink water on time to a specially designed female health tracker. Furthermore, it also allows users to receive notifications alerts for incoming calls, text messages and emails, making their life easier. The PLAYFIT CHAMP2 is IP68 dust and water-resistant certified, meaning users can take it for swimming or robust Zumba classes without worrying about anything. Just download the PLAYFIT application on your smartphone, sync PLAYFIT CHAMP2 with it and access your health and fitness progress report anytime, anywhere.

Best Crypto Exchanges In The UK Reviewed – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/best-crypto-exchanges-in-the-uk-reviewed-cryptonews/ Disclaimer: The Industry Talk section features insights by crypto industry players and is not a part of the editorial content of Cryptonews.com. Crypto exchanges enable UK investors to buy and sell digital currencies like Bitcoin and BNB.  The best crypto exchanges in this space are regulated and offer competitive trading fees across a wide number of markets.  In this comparison guide, we review the best crypto exchanges in the UK in the market right now.  The 12 Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK for 2022  The overall best crypto exchanges in the UK for 2022 can be found in the list below: eToro – Overall Best Crypto in the UK with Copy Trading Features Crypto.com – Trade 250+Crypto Assets at 0.4% Commission Binance – Low-Fee Exchange Offering 600+Coins Coinbase – Popular Crypto Exchange for Beginners   Bitstamp – Zero Trading Fees and Monthly Volumes of Under $1,000 Huobi – Top Crypto Exchange for Technical Traders  Kraken – Gain Exposure to 185+Crypto Markets   Gemini – Solid Crypto Exchange for Serious Traders   CEX – UK-Based Crypto Exchange Operational Since 2013 Kucoin – Top Altcoin Exchange With More Than 700 Supported Coins Luno – User-Friendly Crypto App that Stores Cryptos Offline in Cold Storage  Gate.io – More Than 1,400 Crypto Assets Supported  Our comprehensive reviews in the sections below will enable traders to make an informed decision to select the best crypto exchange in the UK.  The Top 12 UK Bitcoin Exchanges Reviewed  Many UK crypto trading platforms in the online space still operate without regulatory approval.  Therefore, in choosing the best crypto exchange in the UK, investors should make it a priority to assess the safety of their funds.  Additionally, UK investors should explore which crypto markets the exchange supported and what fees it charges.  Below, we cover these important metrics and more through comprehensive UK crypto exchange reviews.  1. eToro – Overall Best Crypto Exchange UK eToro is a clear winner in terms of the overall best crypto exchange in the UK. This exchange is heavily regulated, so safety is assured. Licensing comes from the FCA, in addition to regulators in the US, Cyprus, and Australia. Over 27 million clients now trust eToro to find the best cryptos to buy in 2022. Those in the market for crypto specifically will find 78 coins hosted on the eToro website. The most traded crypto assets at eToro include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, BNB, and Cardano. Others include Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, Solana, Decentraland, and the Sandbox. The minimum crypto trade on eToro is just $10 for UK investors, or about £8.  Traders will pay a competitive commission of 1% per slide when trading crypto at eToro. This means that users can buy Bitcoin in the UK and pay a crypto fee of 1% plus the market spread. This amounts to just £1 for every £100 worth of crypto bought or sold. Getting money into eToro is cost-effective too, with the exchange charging just 0.5% on GBP deposits in the form of debit/credit cards, e-wallets, or bank account transfers.  The minimum deposit for UK traders is just $10 across all supported payment types. Another option to consider when buying crypto at eToro is to invest in a Smart Portfolio. This offers access to dozens of crypto assets through a single investment and the Smart Portfolio is professionally managed by eToro.  This means that investors in the UK can buy and sell crypto passively, as the Smart Portfolio will be re-weighted and re-balanced regularly. The minimum Smart Portfolio investment at eToro is $500, or about £400. Another option is the eToro Copy Trading feature. Instead of investing in a diversified portfolio, Copy Trading enables users to allocate capital to another trader.  For example, by investing capital into an experienced crypto trader, any buy or sell positions that they entered on eToro will be copied over to the user’s portfolio. The minimum investment per trade when opting for the Copy Trading tool is $200, or about £160. In addition to crypto assets, eToro also supports traditional financial markets.  This includes thousands of stocks and ETFs from the UK and international markets, with the latter including the US, Hong Kong, Canada, France, and more. All stocks and ETFs at eToro are commission-free. It is also possible to trade stocks at eToro via CFDs with leverage of up to 1:5. eToro also offers CFD markets on forex, commodities, and indices.  Other eToro features include a fully-fledged demo account with $100k in paper funds, alongside a user-friendly mobile app. There are also tools to perform analysis, such as technical indicators and pricing charts. To get started with eToro, UK investors can create an account in under five minutes.  Number of coins 78 Minimum deposit $10 (about £8) Debit card fee 0.50% Crypto trading fee 1% Top features FCA regulated, low fees, Copy Trading, diversified Smart Portfolios, user-friendly platform Proprietary wallet Yes Pros Authorized and regulated by the FCA 27+million clients 1% crypto trading fee 0.5% debit/credit card fee 78+other cryptocurrencies to buy Also supports 0% commission stocks and ETFs Copy trading feature  User-friendly web and mobile trading platform Cons  Better suited for those seeking custodial storage  $5 (about £4) withdrawal fee Visit eToro Now Crypto assets are highly volatile investment products. Your capital is at risk.  2. Crypto.com – Trade 250+Crypto Assets at 0.4% Commission Crypto.com is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK for diversification purposes as well as gaining exposure to new cryptos. After opening an account with this provider – which typically takes 5-10 minutes, UK investors will then have access to more than 250 coins. Not only that, but Crypto.com offers competitive trading fees. For example, the highest rate that UK investors will pay to trade is just 0.075% per slide.  This means that buying £100 worth of crypto would attract a commission of just 7.5p. This means that Crypto.com is now cheaper than Binance, which historically was regarded as the best Bitcoin exchange in the UK for low commissions. Moreover, the Crypto.com maker-taker pricing model means that those trading larger volumes will be offered even lower fees.  Lower fees are also possible when staking CRO tokens, which is the native digital currency of the Crypto.com ecosystem. To get money into a newly created Crypto.com account, UK investors can transfer funds from a bank account without paying any deposit fees. Those in a rush might consider using a debit/credit card – which is processed by Crypto.com instantly.  However, this will attract a fee of 2.99% of the transaction amount. Furthermore, do note that GBP deposits can only be made via the Crypto.com app. Once the account is funded, investors can then buy and sell coins via the Crypto.com web trading interface, which comes packed with tools and features.  It is also possible to generate a yield on idle coins through the Crypto.com Earn platform. For example, by depositing crypto on a 3-month term, investors can earn up to 14.5%. Shorter-term investors might opt for a flexible account which, although yielding a lower interest rate, offers instant withdrawals. Crypto.com also offers loans, NFTs, and a DeFi wallet.       Number of coins 250+ Minimum deposit $20 (about £16) Debit card fee 2.99% Crypto trading fee 0.075% Top features Free UK bank transfer deposits, 250+supported coins, crypto interest accounts Proprietary wallet Yes Pros Lowest crypto trading fees in the industry  More than 250 cryptocurrencies supported User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android DeFi services including interest accounts and loans Cons  Debit/credit cards attract a fee of 2.99% Purchases made with GBP are only available on the app Visit Crypto.com Now 3. Binance – Low-Fee Exchange Offering 600+Coins As noted above, Binance was for a long time the cheapest crypto exchange in the UK, with commissions starting at just 0.1% per slide. Although Crypto.com is slightly more competitive, Binance is still hugely competitive. After all, at a commission of 0.10%, this amounts to a fee of just 10p for every £100 worth of crypto traded.  Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, Binance offers a 25% fee reduction for those holding BNB. This is the native coin of the Binance ecosystem. Moreover, depositing funds into a Binance account via a UK bank transfer will attract a fee of just £1. Debit and credit card payments are supported too but this will cost 1.8% in transaction fees.  In addition to offering competitive fees, Binance is perhaps the best crypto exchange in the UK for supported markets. It offers access to more than 600 coins across a wide variety of projects. Moreover, this extends to more than 1,000 tradable markets. There is also a conversion facility that enables traders to swap coins at the click of a button.  However, the more cost-effective way of trading coins is to use the Binance exchange. This will see UK investors trading with other market participants through a highly sophisticated platform that comes packed with analysis tools and features. Binance also offers a decentralized wallet called Trust, which comes in the form of a mobile app.      Number of coins 600+ Minimum deposit £15 when using a debit card Debit card fee 0.018 Crypto trading fee 0.001 Top features 600+coins and 1,000+markets, 0.1% commission, largest exchange for trading volume Proprietary wallet Yes Pros Trading commission of just 0.1% Minimum debit card purchase of £15 Supports more than 600 coins Huge liquidity levels  Cons  Debit/credit cards attract a fee of 1.8% Not regulated by the FCA Faster payments option is often suspended Visit Binance Now 4. Coinbase – Popular Crypto Exchange for Beginners  C...

Analysis | US Megabanks Are Being Asked The Wrong Questions – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/analysis-us-megabanks-are-being-asked-the-wrong-questions-the-washington-post/ US regulators and some politicians seem to be missing the real story in American banking. Blocking mergers and higher capital charges were the key financial questions fired at the chief executive officers of seven US megabanks by Congressional committees this week — when financial issues got a hearing amid the more nakedly political grilling anyway.  But what’s going to be far more important for the future shape of the banking industry is technology. The biggest banks, with the greatest profits, are already investing vastly more in faster, cheaper, easier-to-use digital apps than smaller banks can afford. Technology is helping big banks gain market share and is more likely to drive consolidation in the years ahead than regional bank mergers.On the Republican side, one concern for the future was that the Federal Reserve’s new vice-chair for supervision, Michael Barr, will hike capital demands as he aligns US rules with global standards. Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO, and Citigroup Inc.’s Jane Fraser — smarting from recent increases in capital requirements — put a marker down ahead of the hearings, saying the growing demands would hurt lending to the US economy. The CEOs repeated the message before the committees. JPMorgan has said it is holding back loan growth while it builds more capital, although the bank hasn’t said what types of loans or quantified the impact.But capital fears are a red herring. The Fed, like European regulators before it, will likely aim to have a neutral effect on large banks’ capital needs after any changes to the rules, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Barr could have a more chilling effect on regional bank mergers, where he’s pledged to protect competition and is considering new guidance on what deals will be allowed. With nearly 5,000 banks, the US financial sector is highly fragmented compared with many other countries. That sounds like a lot of competition, but it isn’t when so many are too small to compete in a world where the fixed costs of regulation and reporting are high, and where technology is racing away from those who can’t afford to spend billions each year. As an example, JPMorgan’s investment budget for technology and growth in consumer and small business banking this year is $7.5 billion. That’s greater than the 2021 revenue of all but nine banks in the S&P 500. Of that investment, $2.8 billion is purely for technology, which is roughly the same as the revenue at three S&P 500 banks: Signature Bank, Comerica Inc, and Zions Bancorp NA.Brian Moynihan, Bank of America Corp’s CEO, told the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday that Truist Financial Corp was a stronger competitor now than either of the banks that merged to form it three years ago had been individually. Like JPMorgan, Bank of America is a big investor in digital technology and both have been winning a disproportionate share of the growth in deposits as a result, according to Mike Mayo, an analyst at Wells Fargo. Both banks have about $1 trillion in consumer deposits, and JPMorgan grew its market share nationally from 8.9% to 10.3% between 2017 and 2021. Its share is greater and has grown by more in the US states it has operated in longest. And Dimon has said there’s no reason why it can’t get to 20% of the US market some day. Both banks also have a high and growing share of customers that join them digitally rather than through a branch.Mayo estimates that the two banks have increased total deposits over the past two years by an amount that is equivalent to the total deposit base of the sixth biggest US bank. The proposed new law to limit regional bank deals “may as well be called the Protect Jamie Dimon Act,” Mayo said. Banking is increasingly a scale game where the biggest players are most able to absorb high fixed costs and generate the best returns. Advantage begets advantage as profits can be plowed back into making services cheaper and continuing to build smarter technology that customers want to use. In areas like trading stocks and bonds, the biggest US banks have already raced ahead of weaker European rivals. The same dynamic is coming to corporate and consumer banking – maybe not to quite the same levels of industry concentration, but you better believe that JPMorgan and Bank of America, for example, are going to be much bigger tomorrow than today. If politicians and regulators want to worry about market power and financial stability, they shouldn’t be blocking mergers or even worrying that much about capital levels – they should be thinking about the power of technology.More from Bloomberg Opinion: Sorry, Bankers, You’ll Never Have an Easy Life: Paul J. Davies Real Stress Hurts Bank Buybacks More Than a Test: Paul J. DaviesApple, JPMorgan Turn to Pay Now Grow Later: Paul J. Davies Want more Bloomberg Opinion? Click here.   This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Paul J. Davies is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering banking and finance. Previously, he was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion ©2022 Bloomberg L.P.

The Growth Plan 2022 – Business Weekly https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-growth-plan-2022-business-weekly/ The Chancellor has today delivered his first fiscal event to Parliament and in around 30 minutes made more tax cuts for both business and individuals than we can recall previously, writes Ivan Woolgrove, Tax Director at Ensors Chartered Accountants. It is said the reason for these changes is to stimulate economic growth. In summary the main points are as follows. Scrapping the planned increase in corporation tax to 25 per cent from April 2023; companies will instead continue to pay tax at the existing 19 per cent rate.There will be some adjustments made to the Super Deduction provisions. Similarly, the increases in the Bank Corporation Tax Surcharge and the rate of Diverted Profits Tax will be cancelled. The Annual Investment Allowance will permanently remain at its existing level of £1,000,000. From April 2023 there will be improvements in both Company Share Option Plan and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme limits. The off-payroll working reforms introduced in 2017 and 2021 will be repealed from 6 April 2023.  Announced yesterday was the reversal from November 2022 of the increase in National Insurance contributions of 1.25 per cent together with the scrapping of the Health & Social care levy. Discussions with 38 Local Authorities, including Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, are being held to establish investment zones benefiting from lower taxes, accelerated development and wider support for growth.  Proposed tax benefits include full stamp duty land tax relief on land for commercial and residential development, zero employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year, 100 per cent first year enhanced capital allowances for plant and machinery and accelerated Enhanced Structures and Buildings Allowances of 20 per cent per year.  From April 2023 the basic rate of income tax is being cut to 19 per cent and the current top rate of income tax of 45 per cent is being abolished, so from April 2023 the highest rate of income tax in the UK will be 40 per cent. To support retail and tourism a VAT free shopping scheme will be introduced for non-UK visitors to Great Britain. From today the threshold above which Stamp Duty Land Tax must be paid will be increased to £250,000 and there will be additional support for first time buyers. For this and other financial information, check out the Ensors website: www.ensors.co.uk

Fortnite To Disrupt Gaming Industry With A New Look, Thanks To NVIDIA Collaboration – EssentiallySports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fortnite-to-disrupt-gaming-industry-with-a-new-look-thanks-to-nvidia-collaboration-essentiallysports/ People have often found game titles getting space on different platforms and different consoles. While this facilitates a community to widely enjoy the experience, it opens channels for further developments. And such a step has been taken by Nvidia and Fortnite authorities. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Epic Games has facilitated touch-control gameplay for avid fans. Particularly, players loving the mobile platform can experience the battle royale world on their screens. However, one criterion is that the device should support Nvidia’s GeForce Now service. And one can play the action-rich game on the go, without any hassle. But here are some steps to remember before immersing yourself in the game. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Fortnite has invaded the beautiful lands of the mobile platform Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game developed by Epic Games. Largely, the game is played by people on PC systems. But the game-changing development will facilitate the players to experience the colorful yet intense gameplay on mobile. This will be possible through cloud streaming and GeForce NOW memberships. And as said by the gaming company, “GeForce NOW can be accessed for free if players choose a free GeForce NOW membership.” To educate more on membership, there exist three modes of it which are Free, Priority, and RTX 3080. The membership will define the price, graphics and performance, game server details, and length of gaming sessions. After creating an account and signing in, players can play Fortnite via cloud streaming on GeForce NOW. Moreover, players can access the feature by using a native GeForce NOW app or a web browser. Luckily, players would lose no in-game progress. Moreover, the progress connected with the respective Epic Games accounts will be transferred accordingly. For detailed knowledge of supportive controllers, one can access the concerned official page. Indeed, Fortnite has voiced, “All devices support the Sony DualShock 4 (PS4) controller, Sony DualSense (PS5) controller, and Microsoft Xbox Wireless controllers” Therefore, players can unleash the new generation of gaming on their mobile phones. Above all, this comes as a crucial development when mobile gaming is in an uproar inside the gaming community. And Fortnite looks to set a style quotient in the party. How are the present and future of the battle royale game looking? Fortnite has recently released its Chapter 3 Season 4. The signature theme of this season seems to be Chrome, explicitly unlike Google Chrome, which was in the rumors at first. Chiefly, Chrome is the feature of this season wherein players can use it to phase through walls and in other words, become immortal. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Source: Epic Games For skin lovers, this season has already become the best. Because the SypherPK ICON bundle has arrived in the item shop. And the players have already availed the Dark Dragon wrap by watching the stream of SypherPK. This season was already becoming a thrilling rollercoaster ride when another development was unearthed. Apparently, the next season will come as a part of the current chapter. Moreover, it will be released on December 5, 2022, giving two days of relaxation between the consecutive seasons. Therefore, the future of Fortnite is seemingly taking the shape of a highly anticipated blockbuster. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad WATCH THIS STORY: Highest Earning Fortnite Players in the World What expectations do you have from the next season? Are there any party killers this season? Feel free to share with us below.

Harvest Happenings — September 2022 – The Cross Timbers Gazette https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/harvest-happenings-september-2022-the-cross-timbers-gazette/ Farming and gardening are the heart of our community. We love having a working commercial farm and an onsite farmer who shares his passion and expertise with homeowners and their children. We recognize that starting a garden can be daunting. We try to help by providing community gardens where our onsite farmer can help homeowners develop their green thumb. If people want to start smaller, we also recommend patio gardening. Patio and porch gardening continues to grow in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. A patio garden is easy to start and manage, and can allow people with little or no yard to enjoy all the benefits of their own garden in a much smaller amount of space. The joy of having fresh produce, herbs, and flowers readily available from plants you grow and care for yourself is a big reason many folks choose patio gardening. After all, adding fresh ingredients to tasty meals is a lot easier if those ingredients are just a few feet away. Another inspiration for many patio gardeners is simply the opportunity to create a relaxing, natural, vibrant space of their own, right outside their doors. Starting your patio garden is probably simpler than you might think. All it takes is a few decisions and some initial investments and research. After that, your new patio garden will be yours to enjoy — with some light maintenance, of course! First, you have to decide where to set up your garden. Any space that’s level and receives plenty of sunlight will work. However, take care to consider the exact area. Pick somewhere with the right amount of sunlight (at least six hours a day is recommended), which may vary depending on your plants. Also, consider your plants’ proximity to a water source, as hot summers mean lots of watering. Second, be creative! Patio gardens are an excellent opportunity to try out your green thumb on a variety of plants. Flowers, herbs, vegetables, and even small trees are all easy to grow on a patio, as long as they’re positioned to take advantage of the right amount of sunlight. Thanks to the warm summers and moderate winters in Texas, a bounty of plants grow well here. Finally, you need to choose your planting containers. Choosing the right containers for your plants affects both the health of your plants themselves and the overall style/“feel” of your garden. Containers can take almost any form: planters, buckets, whiskey barrels, even old suitcases. When choosing each one, it’s important to consider the soil needs of your plants — smaller plants mean smaller root systems, and vice versa. Another consideration is mobility: some plants benefit from being able to move into or out of direct sunlight depending on the time of day. In those cases, wheeled planters or pot dollies are helpful, since you can move them around the patio as you need. Give it a try! You might be surprised how much fun gardening is!

The Best Travel Tech Gadgets For A Cruise Ship Vacation – Royal Caribbean Blog https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-best-travel-tech-gadgets-for-a-cruise-ship-vacation-royal-caribbean-blog/ What tech can you buy for your cruise vacation that will enhance your trip? When I tried out Apple’s AirTags on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise, it opened my eyes to how certain gadgets can make the experience better. Whether it’s peace of mind like tracking luggage or just supplementing the fun you’re having, there are plenty of gadgets and add-ons to assist. Despite my overall geekiness, I’m the first person to be leery of bringing more tech for the sake of tech on a cruise. I try to keep the amount of bulk down, so if something is going to require additional baggage or more effort to bring onboard, it had better make a real difference. Please note that I linked to each item on Amazon which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but I make a small commission if you purchase it. With all of that in mind, here’s my top picks for the best tech travel gadgets you should consider bringing on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Portable charger For years I’ve brought a portable charger with me on a cruise to ensure my phone doesn’t run out of power. Because there’s such a greater need for phones to be used on a cruise, battery drainage seems to occur more quickly than ever before. Even compared to at home, I find myself using my phone more often. Part of the reason is Royal Caribbean’s shift to making its app far more critical than pre-2020. The other aspect is simply enjoying being online while lounging at the pool, or staying in contact with friends and family. With my oldest daughter reaching the age where she has the opportunity for limited “free roaming” during the day, staying in contact with her via text message also takes a hit on my phone’s battery usage. I’ve always been a fan of Anker’s product line for its svelte design, reasonable prices, and durable quality.  The Anker PowerCore 20 External Battery Pack provides enough power to charge an iPhone multiple times before it needs a charge. Noise-cancelling headphones Before I ever got noise-cancelling headphones, I foolishly thought there wasn’t that big of a difference compared to regular headphones. I especially did not think it mattered to have them on a cruise ship. I was very wrong. Not only are noise-cancelling headphones useful outside of an airplane, they make a tremendous difference in being able to enjoy “me time” onboard a ship. I really love putting them on when I’m on the pool deck so I can enjoy the breeze and sun while laying out in a lounger, without all the conversations, music, and noise you’d have to put up with around you. Then of course there’s the benefit these headphones have while travelling to and from your cruise. I just cannot imagine not having them these days. For years, I’ve used and recommended the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones for over-the-ear comfort and unbeatable noise cancellation. I know a lot of other people that prefer the Apple AirPods Pro because they offer noise cancelling without the heft and size. E-reader When my wife told me she needed an e-reader in addition to her iPad, I didn’t understand why until I saw the difference when we were on the pool deck. If you’re a reader, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is the best option to bring on a cruise so that you can read outdoors when the sun is shining overhead. Outlet extender I cannot imagine going on a cruise today without an outlet extender. Even if you cruise solo, the lack of outlets in a cabin is quite annoying. I recently tried the appropriately named “Cruise ship power strip” by Cruise On and was quite happy with how well it worked. Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked It takes up one outlet space and offers 3 new outlets along with 2 USB plugs. A few readers recommended getting an European Travel Plug Adapter instead or as well, since your cabin has those outlets too. AirTags or Bluetooth tracker Another item I’ve converted over to using are AirTags in my luggage. The AirTag is a small, button-shaped tracking device that can be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app. A single AirTag will cost $29 and a 4-pack costs $99. If you have an Android phone, the Tile Pro costs $92.99. While AirTags aren’t GPS trackers that provide precise location information, they work well-enough to have an idea where your luggage happens to be, especially if you’re playing the “is my luggage on the cruise ship yet” game. Just like noise-cancelling headphones, AirTags will benefit you beyond just the cruise.  Peace of mind that comes with being able to have an idea where your luggage is located is worth it.

Center Moriches Retail Property Fetches $4.4M – Long Island Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/center-moriches-retail-property-fetches-4-4m-long-island-business-news/ Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications! 231 Wading River Road Center Moriches / Google Maps image By: David Winzelberg September 23, 2022 A retail property in Center Moriches has traded for $4.4 million.  231 Wading River Road LLC, an entity registered to a Port Jefferson-based real estate investor, purchased the 2,975-square-foot building on 1.5 acres at 231 Wading River Road. The acquisition was part of a 1031 tax exchange.  The Center Moriches property is net-leased to 7-Eleven, which operates a convenience store and gas station on the site.  The sale price equates to a 5 percent cap rate.  Jeff Dahlman of Select Real Equity Advisors represented the buyer, while Mark Walsh of Select Real Equity Advisors represented the seller, Donald Zucker Company, in the sales transaction.  × Enjoy This Free Article We Have 2 More For You All You Need To Do Is Register To Receive Your 2 Additional Free Articles

Life Time Unveils Nearly 148000-Square-Foot Athletic Country Club In Lake Zurich On Friday, Sept. 23; Second Life Time To Open In Chicagoland In 2022 – Longview News-Journal https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/life-time-unveils-nearly-148000-square-foot-athletic-country-club-in-lake-zurich-on-friday-sept-23-second-life-time-to-open-in-chicagoland-in-2022-longview-news-journal/ New Life Time brings every healthy living amenity to community with pickleball, pools, dynamic personal training and more , /PRNewswire/ — On Friday, Sept. 23, Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier Healthy Way of Life brand, officially opens Life Time Lake Zurich, a one-of-a-kind athletic country club in the Village of Lake Zurich, Ill. The opening marks the 13th destination in Chicagoland and second to debut in 2022, following the company’s first downtown Chicago location in the One Chicago development in January. Covering nearly 148,000 square feet across three floors and an resort-like outdoor beach club, Life Time will serve members from nine months to 90+ years with a wide array of healthy living, healthy aging programs and services from children’s programming through active agers. “We have been anticipating this day since our groundbreaking in summer 2019 and couldn’t be more excited to bring our Life Time lifestyle to Lake County,” said Jeff Zwiefel, Life Time president and chief operating officer. “The Village of Lake Zurich represents a vibrant and active community and the perfect fit for our newest athletic country club as part of our mission to help people live healthy, happy lives.” Conveniently located off North Rand Road (400 North Rand Road), Life Time features unparalleled experiences and amenities, including : Ultimate boutique destination with dedicated studios for large group classes including barre, cardio and strength, indoor cycling, Pilates and yoga – more than 100 classes weekly. Hundreds of pieces of best-in-class equipment for cardio, strength and functional training. Dynamic Personal Training and Signature Group Training programming with specially designed spaces for 1:1, large and small group training programs GTX, Alpha and Ultra Fit. ARORA programming designed for active agers with customized classes, social events and seminars. Kids Academy featuring Kids programming with Studio classes, art, music, Spanish immersion, homework help and more (up to 2.5 hours daily). Indoor Aquatic area with a leisure pool and both adult and kids lap pools for lessons and open swim. Outdoor Beach Club with a zero-depth entry leisure pool and waterslide, lap pool, whirlpools, cabana and lounge seating. Indoor pickleball courts for premier pickleball experiences with open play and league play. LifeSpa offering full-service salon and spa services, including hair, nail, esthetician and massage. Full-service, fast casual LifeCafe, offering wholesome, real food with indoor and outdoor dining. LT Recovery featuring a dedicated space for athletic performance and recovery, featuring metabolic assessments, compression, massage and chiropractic services, and Luxury dressing rooms with whirlpool and cold plunge suites, along with saunas, steam rooms and high-end, complimentary toiletry products. Life Time Lake Zurich will be open Monday through Friday from 4:00am to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 5:00am to 10:00pm. More information is available by calling 847-719-9200 or visiting here.  About Life Time®, Inc. Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of nearly 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/life-time-unveils-nearly-148-000-square-foot-athletic-country-club-in-lake-zurich-on-friday-sept-23-second-life-time-to-open-in-chicagoland-in-2022–301632115.html SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

Fantasy Baseball Today: Kyle Bradish Stands Out; Kolten Wong Triple Dong Night Gets Him To 15-15 – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fantasy-baseball-today-kyle-bradish-stands-out-kolten-wong-triple-dong-night-gets-him-to-15-15-cbs-sports/ By submitting my email I agree to receive the “Fantasy Baseball Today Newsletter” and other marketing and promotional emails from CBS Sports, which may include information from our affiliates and/or partners’ offers, products and services. For more information about our data practices consult our Privacy Policy Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error processing your subscription. Happy Friday, everyone! Thursday’s action was all about the youngsters putting together big-time performances led by Kyle Bradish — or as Cole Douglas Claybourn on Twitter referred to him as “Kyle good-ish” — he’ll be here all day ladies and gentlemen. Bradish was fantastic against the Astros on Thursday. He threw 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball and allowed just two hits, no walks and struck out 10 on 100 pitchers. His slider velocity was up as was his curveball velocity in this outing. Bradish made a conscious decision to all but abandon his fastball and the results were excellent.  Bradish has now racked up a 1.65 ERA over his last six starts, and no that is not a typo. He is 21% rostered. We’ll dive into more of the action from Thursday, but first make sure you’re all caught up on everything going over on the site. On the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast from Wednesday, Frank and Scott broke down the value of Aaron Judge moving forward specifically as it pertains to where he might get drafted in 2023 Fantasy drafts. So Scott decided to take that exercise a step further by predicting the first two rounds of your 2023 drafts and picking a spot for where Judge will land. You can find his analysis behind each pick here.  Judge comes off the board at No. 1 overall, per Scott: “He was already thought to be the best power hitter in the game, and the mushier baseballs have driven that point home, creating enough disparity to justify a pick this high. Durability would be the only other concern.” I also thought it was interesting to see how high Julio Rodriguez came off the board for Scott at No. 5 overall — he was truly the steal of the drafts in 2022 — the best value and breakout pick combined and alone: “He’s already producing 98th-percentile max exit velocities at age 21, and he’s clearly shown his willingness to run as the majors’ only 25/25 guy so far. This ranking bakes in continued improvement, but the risk seems fairly low.” Juan Soto still made Scott’s top-10 at No. 8 overall, but something tells me he’ll fall outside of the top 10 next spring. From Scott: “Another exceedingly difficult player to rank, Soto has had a career that would stack up to anyone’s through age 23 and was considered the best hitter in baseball at this time a year ago. There aren’t obvious red flags to explain his struggles.” Wong triple dong Kolten Wong went absolutely nuts on Thursday evening. Wong collected three hits and all three of them were home runs! He has now racked up a Roto-friendly 15 homers and 15 stolen bases this season. Thursday’s pitching standouts Jack Flaherty gets back on track with a quality start vs. the Padres. He threw six innings and allowed just two earned runs with nine strikeouts. His fastball velocity was up as was his slider and curveball velocity. Despite striking out nine, he induced just 10 swinging strikes. Brandon Woodruff dropped six innings of one run ball with three hits allowed and 11 strikeouts against the Reds on Thursday. He now has a 3.18 ERA on the season after turning things around fast. Justin Verlander threw in another quality start with six innings of two-run ball allowing just six hits and zero walks.  Best hitter matchups for next week 1. Mariners TEX3, OAK3, DET4 2. Angels OAK3, TEX3, @OAK3 3. Reds @PIT3, @CHC3, CHC3 4. Guardians TB3, KC6 5. Blue Jays NYY3, BOS3, @BAL3 Worst hitter matchups for next week 1. Rockies @SF3, @LAD6 2. Diamondbacks @HOU2, @SF3, @MIL3 3. Padres LAD3, CHW3, SF3 4. Braves @WAS3, NYM3, @MIA3 5. Rays @CLE3, @HOU3, @BOS3 Fantasy news, injuries and notes For a complete recap of every injury, update and more, make sure you’re locked into the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast where Frank, Scott and Chris dive deep into every player note. For the CliffsNotes version, we’ll recap the biggest news and notes you need to know right here: Julio Rodriguez exited Thursday’s game with that recurring lower-back injury. He’ll undergo an MRI Friday. Jarred Kelenic was recalled Wednesday and could see more playing time if Julio is out. He’s 28% rostered Ronald Acuña was scratched Thursday due to mid-back tightness. Trevor Story was finally placed on the IL with that left heel contusion, retroactive to Sept. 19.  Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the Yankees will go with a closer-by-committee approach. I would imagine that includes Aroldis Chapman, Scott Effross (just activated) and Clay Holmes.  Freddy Peralta could return this weekend against the Reds. He’s been out since Sept. 8 with shoulder fatigue. Santiago Espinal was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain. Brandon Nimmo was removed Wednesday with left quad tightness. The MRI came back clean. David Bednar was activated by the Pirates and could be available in shallow leagues. He’s 66% rostered.  Ryne Nelson was placed on the IL with right scapula inflammation. Andrew Benintendi is not expected to return before the playoffs. He’s on the IL with a broken hamate bone.  Seiya Suzuki is not expected back this weekend as he awaits the birth of his child.  Yandy Diaz has missed three straight with left shoulder soreness but he did receive a cortisone shot recently.  Drew Smyly will likely make his next start Tuesday or Wednesday against the Phillies. He was scratched this week with left shoulder fatigue.  Mike Soroka was placed on the minor-league IL with right elbow soreness and will be shut down for the rest of the season. We have not seen him pitch since August 3, 2020 mostly because of Achilles injuries. Trevor Rogers was officially placed on the IL with a left lat strain. He’ll miss the rest of the season.  Joey Wendle was placed on the IL with left hamstring tendinitis.

Manufacturers Will Collaborate In The Metaverse In 2030 – Verdict https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/manufacturers-will-collaborate-in-the-metaverse-in-2030-verdict/ Credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock. Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics, the metaverse, AI, industrial internet, 3D printing, and more have the capacity to disrupt the entire manufacturing value chain, streamlining it, and increasing collaboration, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. However, manufacturing companies have been traditionally slow to adopt new technologies. The metaverse will overhaul ways of working. Roy Amara, an American researcher and scientist, said “we tend to overestimate technology’s potential in the short term and underestimate it in the long term.” This will be true of investment in the metaverse in manufacturing. GlobalData predicts that the metaverse will be a $600-plus billion opportunity by 2030 and will revolutionize the manufacturing industry. The metaverse is still largely conceptual The hype around the metaverse is largely focused on consumer applications, but enterprises will lead the charge by 2030. Many enterprises in the manufacturing sector are transitioning to the metaverse with investments in technologies like digital twins, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Manufacturing enterprises will realize a range of benefits from the metaverse, including remote collaboration for workplace training, the 3D visualization of factory floors for operational efficiency, and also numerous marketing opportunities. With that said, many of these use cases are only prototypes now. But the maturity of the metaverse and its use cases will disrupt the manufacturing sector by 2030, with companies like retail, automotive, and beverages being some of the first to experience it. Management and monitoring in the metaverse The management and monitoring of factories themselves will become much more data-driven. IoT sensors and the industrial internet will help the infrastructure to collect business and operational data will be used to create insights at every level of operation. Running a factory in the metaverse will enable executives to have visual access to every facility in operation with a full range of business and operational data. Leaders will be able to view their business holistically, allowing for new modes of exploration into operational insights at every level of operation, including employee and machine management. Engineers will also be able to monitor performance, spot issues, and repair problems remotely. Early use cases are emerging AR, VR, and digital twins are key technologies driving the metaverse. Some companies are investing in these technologies to improve manufacturing, but there is no widespread adoption yet. Automakers such as Bentley and BMW are already using NVIDIA’s Omniverse to create digital twins of their vehicle manufacturing facilities. BMW claims this initiative has reduced production planning time substantially. Likewise, Boeing is reportedly working with Microsoft to use the metaverse to design aircraft, improve aircraft engineering, and prevent manufacturing issues. While large enterprises legitimize the metaverse, developing use cases will allow more small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the theme by 2030.

5 Public Rhode Island Libraries Worth ‘Checking Out’ – Rhode Island Monthly https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/5-public-rhode-island-libraries-worth-checking-out-rhode-island-monthly/ Educator Cynde McInnis brought her Whalemobile to Cumberland Public Library in July. Photograph courtesy of the Cumberland Public Library. When’s the last time you visited a public library?  If you’re book lovers like most of us here at Rhode Island Monthly, then your last visit may have been just a few days ago. (If overdue fines were involved, well, no worries — we don’t judge.) But if you’re like most folks, it’s likely been a while. Throughout the digital age libraries have adapted and grown with the times, in many cases serving as de facto community centers instead of just the book-lending institutions of yore. Most branches now offer audio and electronic books, movies via streaming services, museum passes, music and more. Many also have a library of things, where you can check out cool gadgets like video game systems, metal detectors, musical instruments, telescopes and Cricut machines. There are discounted passes that can save you tons of money at local museums and attractions, maker spaces, book clubs and 3-D printers. You can learn a new language, search for a job, browse the internet and print out documents. In short, today’s libraries offer up a smorgasbord of services, with the lucky public ready to sample the tasty literary feast. There are seventy-one public libraries in the Library of Rhode Island system (not including academic, school and special libraries), each with creative offerings. We’ve chosen five we think have a great combination of books, goodies, programs, quiet spaces and outdoor spots to explore.  But nothing’s stopping you from visiting them all. Every branch is listed on the state’s website: olis.ri.gov. Go take a bookish road trip and see what goodies you can discover at your local library. A note: Some library hours and programs change with the seasons; make sure to call or visit a library’s website for the most up-to-date information. NORTH Cumberland Public Library Children check out the Whalemobile at the Cumberland Public Library. Photograph courtesy of the Cumberland Public Library. Tucked away into the leafy enclave of the town’s Monastery property, the Cumberland Public Library is housed in what remains of a Trappist monk monastery first constructed in 1902. Scenic walking trails, Nine Men’s Misery — a stone memorial to nine Colonists killed during King Philip’s War — and a playground round out the bucolic atmosphere. Inside the gothic structure, you’ll find a break from history: The library recently switched from the Dewey Decimal System to a method that mimics the bookstore browsing experience (not everyone’s a fan … but we’re getting used to it, we promise!) and removed dusty reference books a few years back to make room for a cozy snack and puzzle nook. A robust teen center comes to life with video games and craft and manga book club meetings, while downstairs in the colorful children’s section, favorite book series and topics are categorized into bins (think Maurice Sendak and Peppa Pig) and chicks from Saunderstown’s Casey Farm hatch every April in a nesting box.  “We’re a little more like a community center,” says Liz Gotauco, the library’s children’s services coordinator. “We’re really lucky — we have a really big library that the community loves and supports.” HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun. (Oct.-May) 1-4 p.m. LOCATION: 1464 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, 333-2552, cumberlandlibrary.org Photography by Dana Laverty Providence Public Library The main branch of the Providence Public Library, on Empire Street, recently reopened in 2020 after a $26 million renovation of its circa-1900 structure and 1954 addition. The results are spectacular — a mixture of turn-of-the-century architecture and sleek spaces greets book lovers, along with new features like a three-story atrium, tech labs, a teen loft, gleaming exhibition space and a renovated auditorium. Free tours of the new space are held Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; visit provlib.org/calendar to reserve a spot. The library has a robust educational component, holding everything from coding classes for teens, ESL and workforce training for adults, and STEM, music and art classes for the littles. The library also houses a wide-ranging Rhode Island Collection, an online archive of the Providence Journal from 1981-on and several historical photograph collections. You can even rent those pesky things you only need once in a while, like drills, tape measures, bike pumps and even tennis rackets, thanks to a partnership with the Providence Library of Things.   HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. LOCATION: 150 Empire St., Providence, 455-8000, provlib.org Get Carded September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month. Head to your local library or visit oslri.org/application to fill out a digital application. Anyone who lives in or pays property taxes in Rhode Island is eligible to receive a library card. Libraries of Things Some unexpected gadgets and gizmos you can borrow from your local library. Barrington Public Library Hiking poles, tarot cards, GoPro camera, VCR, Nintendo NES system, games, Sega Genesis video game console, metal detector. Coventry Public Library Ghost hunting kit, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga set, fishing poles, pickleball set, bird-watching kit, cake pans (twenty-four!!), ukuleles, wildlife camera. Providence Public Library Drills, tennis rackets, loaf pans, hammers, power strip, seeds, staple gun, wrench. Newport Public Library Board games, card games, backyard archaeology set, ring light, sewing machine, record player, microscope, telescope. Weaver Public Library, East Providence Cornhole set, CD player, Cricut cutting machine, power washer, popcorn machine, cake pans, crochet hooks. SOUTH Coventry Public Library Photo by Dana Laverty This branch is home to perhaps the coolest thing (in our humble opinion) one can check out of an Ocean State library: a ghost-hunting kit complete with an EMF meter, motion sensor, thermometer and geophone to record all the spooky things. (If you haven’t seen it, make sure to watch the “commercial” for the kit on the library’s YouTube channel. You won’t be disappointed.) The library’s Assistant Director Lauren Walker checked it out with a group of teens at an after-hours ghost-hunting event at the library. They broke into two teams, dimmed the lights, turned on the equipment and … the EMF meter lit up every time they moved near the DVDs. The teens were convinced it was a ghost. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of book subscription boxes but not the cost, the library offers a much-cheaper solution with its bookworm boxes. (“We’re trying to get people to stop spending their  money on books,” Walker laughs.) A recent “Beach Reads” box contained easy reads perfect for summer, some treats and a drink koozie. Similarly themed binge boxes hold a few DVDs and treats perfect for binge-watching: Broadway musicals, Farrelly brothers’ movies, Disney flicks and “Downton Abbey” are just a few of the offerings. “We have a lot more than books,” says Library Director Megan Weeden. Once you’re done checking out some binge-worthy fare and the ghost-hunting kit (of course!), relax with a scenic stroll on the Coventry Greenway, which runs just behind the library. HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. LOCATION: 1672 Flat River Rd., Coventry, 822-9100, coventrylibrary.org  West Warwick Public Library Baby chicks from Casey Farm. Photography courtesy of West Warwick Public Library. For the second year in a row, the West Warwick Public Library is a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, a prestigious award given to museums and libraries that show excellence in serving their communities.  “We aim to respond to the community’s needs and wants,” says Library Director Colin McCollough. “We evolve as the community evolves.” During the pandemic, that meant bringing public programs online, which McCollough thought at first would be a loss. But then he saw a serviceman in Central America taking part in one of the library’s virtual gaming events, and children from Oklahoma sitting in on story times, and marveled at how virtual events actually brought far-flung folks together.  The pandemic also helped staffers curate their library of things; after seeing the toll the pandemic took on people’s mental health, they used American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase meditation kits for adults, teens and kids, a sleep sound machine and a yoga set. After seeing members of the community struggle with food insecurity, they set up a care pantry stocked with food and personal care items. The library also publishes anthologies, often from underrepresented voices. Its first volume, Voices of the Lost Year, featured stories written by teens during the pandemic. Another features tales from Indigenous authors, and one scheduled to be published in summer 2022 contains stories from LGBTQ writers.  The library made the news in June 2021, when its plans for a Drag Story Hour came under fire and McCollough refused to cancel it. The event, he said, celebrated the fact that people are different, and that being different shouldn’t be a reason for teasing or bullying.  “Our message is simple,” McCollough wrote at the time. “Libraries are for everyone.” The event was “joyous” and “affirming,” McCollough says. For this year’s Pride Month, the library teamed up with other local organizations for West Warwick Pride, holding even more events and being there, once again, for the community it serves. HOURS:Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. LOCATION: 1043 Main St., West Warwick, 828-3750, wwpl.org Nutmeg the belove...

Singapore’s Largest Bank Expands Bitcoin, Crypto Trading To 100,000 More Clients – Bitcoin Magazine https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/singapores-largest-bank-expands-bitcoin-crypto-trading-to-100000-more-clients-bitcoin-magazine/ DBS Group Holdings expands bitcoin and crypto trading to 100,000 of its wealthiest clients. The bank requires capital requirements and a minimum investment of $500. The expansion follows the central bank of Singapore’s release of a digital asset framework from earlier this month. DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Singapore’s largest bank, expanded its bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading services on its members-only exchange to an additional 100,000 of its wealthiest clients, per a report from Bloomberg. Accredited investors, meaning clients with investable assets of at least $246,000, can now buy, sell and trade bitcoin and some cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the bank requires a minimum investment of $500. Previously, this service was limited to corporate and institutional investors, family offices, clients of DBS Private Bank, and those of DBS Treasures Private Client. The bank reportedly witnessed its digital assets exchange double in transaction volume between April and June. Even more noteworthy, bitcoin transactions alone nearly quadrupled. However, while the bank is increasing its volume size in the greater ecosystem and is expanding its services to a broader range of investors, Singapore as a whole is still deciding on which direction to go concerning retail investors. Earlier this month, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the country’s central bank, released a statement reiterating that retail investors should not invest in the asset class. “The prices of cryptocurrencies fluctuate wildly and investors stand to lose all the monies they have put into cryptocurrencies,” the MAS said. Still, after the aforementioned warning, the MAS released its digital asset framework expanding well into 2025 where the regulator stated it plans to “enable digital currency connectivity” through a plan named Project Orchid. Within the framework, the MAS also plans to explore distributed ledger technology, asset tokenization, and cross-border payments. Thus, while the future of bitcoin and retail investors remains unclear in Singapore, the issue is clearly not being ignored.

READOUT: US Department Of Labor, Cornell University Co-Host ‘Equity In Focus Summit’ In Washington – US Department Of Labor https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/readout-us-department-of-labor-cornell-university-co-host-equity-in-focus-summit-in-washington-us-department-of-labor/ WASHINGTON – At the “Equity in Focus Summit” at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, speakers and panelists discussed the importance of gender and racial equity in policymaking and workforce development. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Co-hosted by the department’s Women’s Bureau and the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, the event featured remarks by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su and the department’s Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler offered pre-recorded remarks. Discussions focused on promising policies and programs in use at the national, regional, state and local levels. Participants included representatives from the private sector, unions, local government, workers and other stakeholders who shared strategies on how to use federal funds to increase job quality and advance equity for women and communities of color.  “Working women deserve good jobs, a prosperous career and the ability to support and care for their families,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “When women are given a chance – including to do work traditionally occupied by men – it is not only good for women, it is good for everyone. Equity and excellence go hand in hand.” The discussion also highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which will emphasize gender and racial equality in job creation in trades and industries. “The historic investments in our nation’s roads, bridges, broadband and clean energy will create high-quality union jobs,” said Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. “We must seize this moment to use these investments to create greater gender and racial equity for all of our nation’s workers.”

DynamicSpot Feature Launched For Android Users- Know More – India TV News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/dynamicspot-feature-launched-for-android-users-know-more-india-tv-news/ Image Source : DYNAMICSPOT DynamicSpot After Apple introduced the Dynamic Island feature on iPhone Pro models, app developer Jawomo launched “DynamicSpot” for Android users, which gives users their version of the new iPhone feature. The app can be used in conjunction with almost any Android app, including messaging, music and timer apps. Users can also customise the app by changing interaction settings and selecting when to show or hide the DynamicSpot popup, reports CNET. “DynamicSpot gives you (a) Dynamic Island mini multitasking feature, making it easier to access recent notifications or phone status changes,” Jawomo was quoted as saying. “Just tap on the little black popup to open the displayed app, long-press the popup to expand it and view more details.” According to the report, users can download the basic DynamicSpot app for free from the Google Play Store. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Island feature on 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max features a design that blends the line between hardware and software, adapting in real-time to show important alerts, notifications and activities. Ongoing background activities like Maps, Music, or a timer remain visible and interactive, and third-party apps in iOS 16 that provide information like sports scores and ride-sharing with Live Activities can take advantage of Dynamic Island. Latest Technology News

Video Games: Bigmode Aims To Bring The Best Games To Indie Gaming – BoLS https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/video-games-bigmode-aims-to-bring-the-best-games-to-indie-gaming-bols/ Youtuber and gamer, Videogamedunkey (aka Jason Gastrow) would like to introduce to Bigmode; his brand-new indie game publishing company. On September 21st Bideogamedunkey announced his latest project, Bigmode. This start-up indie game publisher is built on the ideals of real, fun, original gaming. Bigmode Launching this week, Bigmode is brand new. But its core value and goal is one that I think the most passionate and casual gamers alike can agree on; good games deserve attention. “I’ve been on YouTube for eleven years and one of the core themes of my channel has always been to slam dunk soulless cash grabs into the garbage can and lift up and praise the truly inspired works of art in this medium. For years and years and years I have always sought out the very best indie games out there and have tried to do them justice; putting millions of eyes on the games that actually deserve attention.” – Videogamedunkey Bigmode will be a publisher for small indie game creators who have something truly special to share with the world. And according to their official website, the goal of Bigmode is to support “games being made with substance, quality, creativity, and fun in mind.” “Out number one priority is to publish some of the very best games out there.” – Videogamedunkey Aspiring Game Developers If you think you have what Bigmode is looking for, you can apply on their website. Videogamedunkey promises he wants no creative control over your game. Instead, he wants to be involved in seeing that the best ideas get made into the best games. “I want to help make it happy,” he says. “Bigmode will be all about building up the games and the developers. We put a lot of effort into making the most developer-friendly contracts possible.” Bigmode is also looking for programmers, level designers, artists, and everybody else who wants to get involved with making good indie games. For them, the “Networking” tab on the website is where to go to reach out. About Videogamedunkey Starting his channel in 2010 with a speedrun of Battletoads, Jason Gastrow, also known as Videogamedunkey, has been working with and producing content about video games for more than a decade. His channel includes playthroughs, reviews, and video essays. With 7.2 million subscribers always get a massive number of views per video. He describes his videos as goofy and light-hearted and has been called one of the most influential game critics on YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter! Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox. For more information about Bigmode you can visit their website, YouTube channel, and Twitter. All three are pretty quiet at the moment. But we expect as game developers join and get to work bringing their creations to life there will be much more to see. We look forward to hearing a lot more from Bigmode in the future. Do you have a game you may pitch to Bigmode? Are you familiar with videogamedunkey’s videos and reviews? What is your favorite indie game? Let us know in the comments! Happy Adventuring! She/Her/They/Them | Writer, Cosplayer, Podcaster, Tapletop RPGer, Opossum Enthusiast, Mediocre Ukulele Player, & Coffee Addict. To find Meaghan elsewhere on the internet, check out her LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/habie_cosplays Any emails regarding articles or potential game or accessory spotlights can be sent to [email protected]

Baylor St. Luke’s Challenges Show Why Competition Does Little To Lower The Cost Of Health Care – Houston Chronicle https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/baylor-st-lukes-challenges-show-why-competition-does-little-to-lower-the-cost-of-health-care-houston-chronicle/ Sep. 23, 2022 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 1of4 Dr. Andrea Braun, discuss with her provider team as a patient is jsut moved back into their room during the afternoon rounding at medical intensive care unit Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 2of4 St. Luke’s Health CEO Dr. Doug Lawson poses for a photograph Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 3of4 Liver transplant patient Erik Brimley rings the bell three times as he is discharged by Dr. John Goss, Medical Director of Transplantation at St. Luke’s Health, back, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 4of4 Dr. John Goss, Medical Director of Transplantation at St. Luke’s Health, explains to patient Sandy Mosley about her medication Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center has built a reputation for providing high quality medical care, ranking No. 3 in the state and No. 2 in Houston on U.S. News and World Reports’ list of best hospitals. It also tends to provide that care at lower prices than competitors, according to a hospital cost database. In most industries, that combination — high quality at reasonable prices — would spell success. But not in health care. The most recent public data shows Baylor St. Luke’s is losing money, attracting fewer patients than its bigger, more expensive and, in some cases, lower-ranked rivals. This disconnect between quality, price and profit is another illustration of why the U.S. health care system remains the most expensive in the world, while delivering worse outcomes compared to other industrialized nations, analysts said. Rather than rewarding low-cost, high-quality providers like St. Luke’s, it favors those with the size, clout and market power to wring higher reimbursements out of insurers. St. Luke’s lost about $150 million in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, according to National Academy for State Health Policy, a nonprofit that manages a database of hospital financials from federal data. In contrast, Houston Methodist, one of the most expensive providers in the region, earned an operating profit of about $500 million while serving nearly twice as many patients as St. Luke’s. On HoustonChronicle.com: A new $10.5M UTHealth facility could help Texas’ mental health care shortage. But who will staff it? This underscores a health care system in which the rich get richer and costs keep rising, experts said. Hospitals make a large share of their money from reimbursements paid by commercial insurers and the biggest providers have the negotiating power to squeeze higher payments from insurers, which allows the health systems to grow even bigger. Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine professor, said standardized inpatient and outpatient prices that show St. Luke’s provides high value care at a low-cost. But that hasn’t mattered much for the health system’s finances. “What I’m inferring from those negative profit margins is that they’re receiving lower reimbursement rates, probably from all the insurers,” Ho said, “And I’m guessing it’s because they don’t have the market power.” St. Luke’s, meanwhile, is dealing with the same challenges as other hospital systems, including staff shortages, rising labor costs and higher prices for drugs and other materials. These increases make its reimbursement rates untenable, said Doug Lawson CEO of St. Luke’s Health. “We don’t need to be the highest paid provider in the region,” Lawson said, but St. Luke’s reimbursements need to rise, he added. Baylor St. Luke’s was paid significantly less than the other flagship hospitals for inpatient care from 2018-2020, according to RAND Corp., a think tank that created the hospital cost database from insurance claims from many employers, state databases and participating insurance plans. Baylor St. Luke’s standardized price was $19,947 compared to $36,400 at Memorial Hermann, $36,235 at Houston Methodist and $22,918 at HCA Clear Lake. For standardized outpatient prices, St. Luke’s ranks third of the four hospitals at $275, behind Houston Methodist at $331 and Memorial Hermann at $277, but ahead of Clear Lake at $269. No incentive Ironically, hospitals that charge higher prices tend to attract more patients, said Ge Bai, a professor of health policy and accounting at Johns Hopkins University. Generally, insured patients are insulated from the full costs of care and don’t have incentive to bargain hunt. “In other industries, individual consumers make the choice, it’s a fluid market,” Bai said. “That’s not true for health care. You pretty much have to follow what the insurance plan decides.” Market power in the health care industry can be measured by several metrics. The most common is patient days, which reflect how many people receive care, gross revenue, which shows what hospitals billed to insurance companies, and discharges. In all of these metrics, Houston Methodist’s flagship location in the Texas Medical Center is first among some 70 hospitals in Harris County, followed by Memorial Hermann’s medical center location and then Memorial Hermann’s Southwest location, in Sharpstown. HCA Clear Lake ranks fourth, and St. Luke’s fifth.. St. Luke’s, last year, had about 150,000 patient days compared to Methodist’s 280,000, according to the American Hospital Directory, a national database of hospital finances based on Medicare Cost Report data. “Methodist is really owning the market in terms of brand recognition, advertising and their ability to place excellent advertisements on TV and other places,” James Langabeer, health policy expert with UTHealth Houston. Changes in ownership St. Luke’s was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in 1954, and forged partnerships with Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart Institute in the 1960s. It was launched into fame in 1968 when Denton A. Cooley and his team performed the first successful heart transplant in the United States and later implanted the first artificial heart at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. In 2014, St. Luke’s Health System was acquired by Catholic Health Initiatives, a national faith-based health system. Turmoil followed a few years later. A 2018 investigation from the Houston Chronicle and Propublica found that the heart transplant program had worse-than-expected outcomes and was being investigated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospital had since replaced leadership of its transplant program. Lawson became CEO in the spring of 2018. Early in his tenure, he had to address deficiencies found in the CMS report, such as updating policies regarding informed consent, conducting background checks on tenured employees hired before the checks were mandatory, and creating positions responsible for overseeing food sanitation standards. “I personally spent a lot of time in 2018 and 2019, making sure that we had (what was needed) in place to truly function as a health system,” Lawson said in an interview. “We had a number of regulatory challenges we had to address early on.” In February 2019 Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health merged to create CommonSpirit, the largest Catholic health system, and the second-largest nonprofit hospital chain, in the United States. It operates 140 hospitals and more than 1,500 care sites across 21 states. On HoustonChronicle.com: Kelsey-Seybold launches new plan to have clinics no further than 10 minutes from most Houstonians During all these twist and turns, the hospital system invested in expanding and updating its facilities. The hospital has invested some $1.1 billion to expand the McNair Campus, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center’s second Houston campus. A 1.2 million-square-foot facility, was licensed as a hospital in the spring of 2019. Another project in the expansion, the O’Quinn Medical Tower, is scheduled to be completed next year. The tower will be the new clinical home for the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only three National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Texas. Financial strain In the midst of these plans, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in 2020, putting a strain on hospitals and, leading to staffing shortages that have persisted. Inflation then skyrocketed to the highest levels in 40 years, driving up the cost of drugs, materials and labor. St. Luke’s Health spent 14 percent more on salary and contract labor costs this fiscal year compared to the previous. Salaries for nurses, among the most sought after workers, increased 30 percent and contract labor costs for nursing departments more than doubled. Few, if any hospitals, projected the substantial cost increases from the pandemic and its aftermath. Insurers also neglected to account for these extraordinary costs in their reimbursements. “Our payer agreements did not allow for that escalation in cost,” Lawson said. “So, the cost escalation associated with labor alone has been a significant burden for our health care system.” Every two to three years, private insurance companies negotiate payment rates with hospitals. Privately insured patients makeup 32 percent of the typical hospital’s patients, and private insurers typically pay significantly more than Medicare, according to the American Hospital Association. A mix of payers is needed to subsidize the cost of charity care and Medicare, which generally reimburses hospitals less than the cost of providing care. A ‘long-term player’ After mo...

Find A Great Vacation Home? Beware These Extra Fees – KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/find-a-great-vacation-home-beware-these-extra-fees-kris-6-news-corpus-christi/ Debbie Wright loves searching for vacation cabins in the mountains. But she hates when she clicks, and the price jumps. “The fees were ridiculous,” she said. Wright’s been looking for an inexpensive cabin on her favorite rental site, Vrbo. But she says fees — that don’t show up until the booking page — can add hundreds of dollars to the price of that rental. “It says $158 a night,” she said. “But next thing we know we are looking at $200 a night.” What’s behind the extra fees? Fees are definitely the new norm when it comes to booking any vacation rental. But what exactly is it you’re paying for? We checked for mountain cabins, and found a rental that listed for: $2,700 for the week for the house. But then comes a cleaning fee of $326. And a Vrbo service fee of $428. That brings it to $3,400 for the week, before tax. Sally French, a travel expert for NerdWallet.com, says high cleaning fees especially catch a lot of people off guard. The problem is that they don’t show up on the front page. “It’s not until they actually click into the listing that they’re able to see what the cleaning fee is,” she said. “What’s unfortunate,” she said, “is someone who says their budget’s $100. They might overlook the nice rental that’s $110 with no cleaning fee.” She says make sure you account for fees when setting your vacation budget. Or, she said, look for rentals without a cleaning fee, even if the nightly rate is higher. Also, she says, never book a property with a high cleaning fee if you’re only staying for one or two nights: a hotel may make more sense. Vrbo tells us the company is only responsible for setting the service fee which it says “covers the cost of secure transactions, product development, and customer service.” Other fees, such as the cleaning fee and pet fees, are set by the host. Debbie Wright says she will never fall in love with a rental again, until she sees the price after fees. “It gets frustrating, it gets really really frustrating,” she said. So check the fees before you decide that is the rental home for you, so you don’t waste your money. _____________________ Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”). Like” John Matarese Money on Facebook Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese) For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

AP Top Business News At 6:24 A.m. EDT – WTMJ https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-624-a-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 6:24 a.m. EDT  WTMJ